nightelf37: Okay, I lied. It's "Lesson Zero" up next. I planned on doing "Baby Cakes" 'first', where I would explore the beginnings of Chronicle's…relationship upgrade and reactions of the others on it, but I decided to do it after this one. It's…'required' for one of my BONUS chapters. What I can tell you about it is that it's like BONUS 3, but involves Blue Diary instead of Timerity.

Also, to all my unregistered reviewers, particularly Gry17, please consider creating an account on this site so we can talk more privately. My replies to you are interrupting the rest of the readers. You don't need to have to make a story; you can just collect favorites.

SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM

Lesson Zero

In the dreamscape…

"Chronicle!"

"We missed you!"

"Hey guys! I'm glad the portal mirrors are up and running again!"

Chronicle was having a short reunion with two of his cousins, Blue Pen and Hickory Dickory. The three were just breaking out from a group hug.

"Well, we did have help from some of the draconequui 'recruited' from the Outbreak," said Hickory. This earned the green earth pony a snarl from their unicorn cousin. "Oh, right. Discord 'Prime' was a real pain in the arse, wasn't he?"

"I think that would be putting it mildly," mused Pen as he frowned as well. "Who knew reality warpers can be such serious lechs?"

"Coming from a sex maniac like you?" snarked his brother. "Now that's something."

The green pegasus unfurled his wings. "Well, after I got 'skanked' by that bastard… even I have standards."

"You wanted to kill him, right?" Chronicle asked.

"Not just kill him. I wanted to ████ him, gut him like a Cornish game hen, pull out whatever ████████s he has that I gutted, and then force-feed them down his throat!"

The other two ponies were shocked with what he said. "Wow, that's dirty," said the unicorn before turning to face Hickory. "What about you? How was your Discord?"

"Well, unlike you, I'm not a full-on fighter partly and I didn't bring any artifacts with me. I had to settle for doing a prank war with him while sweet-talking to him on ending his evil ways." The earth pony gave a sigh. "Unfortunately, given what he did to them, my friends weren't as merciful and re-petrified him. I hope that in the event we are to free him again for whatever reason, Pinkie Pie and I can prank together with him."

For some reason, the mention of that pony made Chronicle turn away in wondering. Pen noticed and asked, "Hey, Timmy. Correct me if I'm wrong, but did you find a 'special somepony' in Equestria Prime?"

"No." was the instant reply.

"You're lying. I know romance when I see it. Also, Timerity told me right after I…visited her that you do have one, and that she has one too. And before his world ended up time-frozen from the outbreak, Blue Diary let slip that he has one too."

Hickory got interested as the subject changed. "So who are their special someponies? Mine is Pinkie Pie."

"Well, Blue Diary confessed to me that he has a fancy for Raindrops, although he finds it conflicting with the fact that he's still living in with Ditzy Doo and he pretty much serves as Dinky Doo's 'uncle'."

"Teenage pregnancy."

"And Timerity's already dating Rainbow Blitz. And considering the mirror phenomenon between your worlds—"

"No. Even if that's the case, Timerity and Chronicle are like violet and purple."

"That doesn't make any sense."

"Well, they are the same in many ways, but they have their differences. By principle, Timerity's better in fighting and flexibility, while Chronicle is more forgiving and when it comes to a fight between the two, in terms of determination to protect, he will prevail."

Blue Pen turned to face Chronicle. "So, who is your special somepony?"

This question he refused to answer and forcefully woke himself up, evicting them from the dreamscape. Fortunately for him, it was time to wake up anyway; he had someplace special to go today.

SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM

Sunrise at Ponyville…

It's been a week after the eventful revelation the Keepers of the Elements of Harmony (and Spike and Mystic Shield) discovered concerning their friend Chronicle, not to mention their…"clash", to put it mildly, that led to it. Things have returned to normal, although rumors of the revelation have spread. It is not certain who spread it (assuming one of them did it) or who found out (assuming no one did), but Chronicle was all right with it; it was about time he learned what it means to be in a romantic relationship.

But that could wait another time. Right now, he and Spike had work to do. He already dispatched a couple of magical clones to various places. In fact, the one who was in the library assisting Twilight Sparkle was a clone as well. Where's the real one? We'll find out later.

"Quill," Twilight said.

"Check," Spike answered as the item flew over his head as he held another one and a scroll in hand. THe quill settled down by two others next to a stack of paper.

"Parchment."

"Check."

"Extra ink."

"Check."

"Extra extra ink."

Spike was slightly bemused by now. "Check."

"Rook to F2. Checkmate," snarked Chronicle, being the one who passed the items to Twilight, who now had three inkwells on the table.

"Is that everything on the checklist?" asked their 'boss'.

"Yep," Spike replied.

"Great." She walked over past him. "Now that we've completed the checklist of things we need to create a checklist, we can make my checklist of the things I have to get done by the end of the day. Ready?"

"Ready!"

"Item one. Create checklist of the things I have to accomplish by the end of the day."

The baby dragon's eyes popped and he dropped to the floor with a weary groan.

"I think you're going overboard with this bit of work," commented the blue unicorn. "Do you have a checklist fetish or something?"

"What's a fetish?"

This was answered with a facehoof. "Of all the—just forget about it."

Spike went over and whispered in her hear, probably explaining. Upon hearing what he had to say, she finally answered, "…No, I do not."

"Okay."

C—TS—S—C—TS—S—C—TS—S—C—TS—S

Now Playing: My Little Pony Theme Song

{scene opens to reveal the "Twinkling Balloon" in front of the daytime sky, with Twilight Sparkle, Chronicle, and Spike as its passengers}

Twilight Sparkle: My Little Pony, My Little Pony

{Twilight looks around from the balloon as it descends into the clouds}

Off-distance choir: Ahh ahh ahh ahhh…

{cloud obscures balloon from view, which Rainbow Dash then plows through, breaking it and revealing Ponyville}

Other singers: (My Little Pony)

{Rainbow makes a loop-de-loop as the 'camera' zooms in and enters tunnel vision, and exits it to show the balloon touching down. There is now a locomotive train and its station.}

Twilight Sparkle: I used to wonder what friendship could be

{Twilight jumps off the balloon just before it lands and trots forward while nodding at a passing Mystic Shield; once the balloon does land, Chronicle jumps off immediately after his charge and greets Mystic as well as Spike climbs out.}

Other singers: (My Little Pony)

{Spike gets off of the balloon and runs to catch up with the two unicorns, waving at Mystic as he soon leaves the screen; close of Twilight's face as her face brightens.}

Twilight Sparkle: Until you all shared its magic with me

{As Chronicle catches up, camera turns around to show their friends ahead: (left to right) Pinkie Pie hops in place, Rarity makes a charming pose, Applejack looks ahead with one foreleg crossed over the other, Fluttershy simply looks cute as she looks sidelong at the camera, and Rainbow Dash flies in and stops just above the four}

Rainbow Dash: Big adventure

{In a sky backdrop, she flies in, then zooms off, leaving a rainbow trail, which covers the screen and serves as a screen transition}

Pinkie Pie: Tons of fun

{In a Sugarcube Corner, she blows a yellow balloon, which expands until it fills the whole screen as a transition, then bursts}

Rarity: A beautiful heart

{Inside Carousel Boutique, she flips her hair as she stares right into the camera; a twinkle emerges from her eye and serves as the screen transition}

Applejack: Faithful and strong

{Outside at her farm, she raises her hind legs and bucks a tree, sending down a bunch of apples, which serves as the screen transition}

Fluttershy: Sharing kindness

{Just outside her cottage, she nudges an apple towards a white bunny; a swarm of butterflies fills the screen from below and serve as the screen transition}

Chronicle: It's an easy feat

{Inside his training range, he swings his signature "magic horn blade" from right to left, the streak coming from it serving as the screen transition}

Twilight Sparkle: And magic makes it all complete

{A distance from the library, Twilight teleports in and the camera zooms out more to reveal the rest of the gang; to the right are Applejack, Fluttershy, and Chronicle, to the left are Pinkie Pie and Rarity, above those two is Rainbow Dash, and at the left side of the screen near the edge is Mystic Shield; as the other five mares edge closer to Twilight, Chronicle does too, closing his eyes and giving a wide smile while Mystic just crosses one of his legs with the other.}

Twilight Sparkle: You have…

All: …my little ponies

{Spike pops out in front with a scroll and breathes green fire into it, sending the letter to the far-off city in the mountains; Canterlot}

Twilight Sparkle: Do you know you're all my very best…

All: …friends?

{Cut to a throne room where Princess Celestia sits, two black unicorn guards a ways below her seat; the smoke that was Spike's letter flies over to the Princess, stops in front of her, and returns to its original form; Celestia then opens it with her magic (golden aura) and a smile; the scroll possesses a picture depicting Twilight and company posed together, with Chronicle positioned in front and sitting close to Rarity and Fluttershy, this time closer to the latter.}

{cut to the show's title, which has an added yellow box above reading "Shisno Chronicles", then switches to the text "Made for Television by Lauren Faust", then to the text (in the same format as before) "Fanfic written by nightelf37"; fade to black}

End Song

Pinkie Pie: Wow! Promoted to Opening Titles, huh?

nightelf37: You already said that, Pinkie.

Pinkie: But that was the Japanese version, where "gala" is a foreign concept.

nightelf37: Same deal. Now let's continue with the story.

C—TS—S—C—TS—S—C—TS—S—C—TS—S

Daybreak…

Spike was dragging a very long scroll across a busy street, its end thankfully held up by (the clone) Chronicle (and no one getting in its way) as the two of them eyed it worriedly while walking after Twilight.

"How are we doing, Spike?" she asked as they stopped.

"Let's see. We've already dropped off your cape at the cleaners…" Spike stated. "…returned the blackboard you borrowed from Cheerilee, ordered new parchment and quills from the stationery shop…"

Twilight walked over upon hearing that. "Hmm…seems like we'd just placed an order for those a few days ago."

Spike threw a look over his shoulder at the yards of parchment stretching behind the pair, with Chronicle still on the other end. "Can't imagine why we go through so many of them."

"Sounds like we're ahead of schedule. What's next?"

"Cupcakes!"

The blue stallion gulped at this. Chronicle, snap out of it! Pinkie's not making cupcakes out of ponies! You would know!

C—TS—S—C—TS—S—C—TS—S—C—TS—S

In Sugarcube Corner…

Chronicle opened a box on the store's counter containing a batch of pink-frosted cupcakes. Spike eyed the frosted baked goods with an eager, shuddery moan, but Twilight's eye was a more critical one, with Chronicle being passive.

"Uh—I only ordered twelve," the bookworm said. Mrs. Cake emerged from the kitchen, tray on head…and a distended stomach. I'm gonna have to ask for that 'scene' to be edited out. He didn't know it, but she was pregnant.

"Oh, I know, dear, but I had an extra," replied the baker, taking some boxes back in. "So I thought I'd make it a baker's dozen."

A baker's dozen consists of thirteen items rather than twelve. Bad luck.

Spike let his tongue hang out with another shudder, but Twilight magically yanked him back and stepped up for a closer look. "Oh, that was very thoughtful of you." Mrs. Cake returned to the counter. "It's just, some of the icing from the extra cupcake is getting all over the one next to it. See?"

The older mare leaned over the box…and saw that as far as she knew, all the cupcakes appeared to be evenly iced. She decided to play along regardless. "Oh…sure."

"It's just that I'm planning on sharing these at a picnic later, and I don't want anypony to feel like somepony else is getting more icing." Twilight gave a big grin to Mrs. Cake.

"Oh…no, uh, of course not."

"Like they'd notice or care," said Chronicle, but he was ignored as his charge 'picked up' a small scraper off the work counter and whisked it over Mrs. Cake's shoulder, unnerving her slightly.

"Not to worry. I'll just move some of this one to…" Twilight nudged a dollop of icing away from one and divided it between two others. "…hmm…I think I may have scooped too much…oops, now those two have more. Let's just try this again." Which she proceeded to do with fierce concentration.

Mrs. Cake kept her forced smile, recoiling slightly from the bits of flying icing. Down below, Spike began to lose his patience. Chronicle was trying again to convince Twilight, but to no avail.

"Twilight, nopony will notice or care. Maybe Pinkie will notice, but she certainly won't care. I, for one, won't."

"Hmm…no, that won't do. Let me just…" Spike was hit in the face with some icing, and Chronicle repelled them with a wall barrier; even it can dissipate him. "…hmm, put some here…then…no, that's not right. A little more on this one, and a little bit…ah, wait…" The three around Twilight began to worry as her face gradually rearranged into a slightly crazed expression. "…I'll just…ooh, a little bit here…and here…and…perfect!"

'Perfect' being 'stripped of all icing except a small dab in the center of its top'. Mrs. Cake had been liberally spattered, and she woodenly replied, "Hmm, oh, yes, much better."

Twilight floated the lid on the box. "Okay!" She turned away, levitating the box. "Time to tackle the next item on our—"

"Perhaps we can put it on hold." As it turns out, her balancing the icing had left all of it on Spike. Chronicle was levitating whatever nearly went on him and munched on them. This surprised both her and Mrs. Cake.

"Oops. Looks like we're gonna have to add "give a baby dragon a bath" to our list." Said baby dragon just lashed out his tongue, wrapped it around his body, and yanked it back to set himself spinning in place. The tongue promptly cleaned away every bit of icing and retracted into his mouth, and he gleefully swallowed the sweet stuff as soon as he stopped.

"Aaand it's been taken care of," snarked the stallion as he and Twilight, with Spike on the latter's back exited Sugarcube Corner, the box floating before them.

"Very efficient! And a little bit gross."

Spike's only response was a noncommittal grunt.

"Next time, we're ordering muffins," Chronicle said. "They're much healthier."

C—TS—S—MCC—C—TS—S—MCC—C—TS—S—MCC

Back in the second floor of the library…

"Looks like that's everything," Spike said, checklist in hand, as the three of them entered the room with the box of cupcakes.

"Almost everything," Twilight said as he jumped off her back.

Spike read the end of the list. "Triple-check checklist to make sure we didn't miss anything when we double-checked the checklist." He decided to mark it off. "Uh, check." He then dropped the quill and scroll with a sudden groan, exposing the throbbing, inflamed wrist of his writing hand. "I've been holding that quill so long I've got a claw cramp!"

He and Chronicle went over to her, the former with a bandage on his wrist, as she levitated a cupcake. "Good thing we don't have anything to report to Princess Celestia this week. I don't think I could write another word."

for some reason, this threw a sudden scare into Twilight so that she let the snack drop. "We haven't sent a letter to Princess Celestia this week?"

"Why? Is that bad?" She leaned into his face, making his bandage fall off.

"Bad? Bad? Of course it's bad! I'm supposed to send Princess Celestia a letter every week telling her about a lesson I've learned about friendship! Not every other week, not every ten days—" She jabbed a hoof into his chest. "—every single week!" She then backed away.

"Huh?"

"Oh, I'm sure she can let off a schedule slip," Chronicle said. "No matter how much I look at it, I just don't see her flipping her lid from one uneventful letter."

A panicked moan from his charge indicated that he ws being ignored yet again as she went over to her desk, surrounded by scattered and levitating books. "Where's my calendar, where's my calendar?"

Spike reached in a drawer as they flew past. "Where it always is?"

As soon as he fished it out, it got yanked over to a stand with enough force to carry him along. The calendar landed properly and flipped open, but he would ave crashed into the stand's support and slide down to the floor were it not for Chronicle catching him.

"Would you please be careful around Spike?!" reprimanded the stallion as he set Spike down.

"Sorry. When did we send the last one?"

"Last…Tuesday?" Spike answered Twilight.

"If I recall correctly, that was the day you guys beat the snot out of me," remarked the blue pony.

"And today is…?"

"…Tuesday."

"Do we have any backup letters to send?"

"No. The last one was two weeks ago."

She snapped upright with a cry as she ran up to her bedroom. "Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no!" She went over to her bedroom window, popped up at it, and looked at the sun. "If I don't send her a letter by sundown, I'll be…" As her companions went up the stairs after her, they saw a scenery spontaneously appear behind her. Upon later investigation, from her Surveillance camera's point of view, it looked like the background flared red behind her. "…tardy!"

Spike nonchalantly pushed it away to restore the view of the window, then Chronicle teleported it to his "training range".

"What's that, now?" asked the dragon.

"Tar-dy, Spike. Late!" Twilight flopped onto her bed. "I'll be late! Ooh, how could I have let this happen? I'm usually so organized. She pulled the blanket over herself. "I've never been late with an assignment!"

"Oh, please! You're the most studious student ever!" He threw the blanket and jumped down from the loft. "I'm sure the Princess'll forgive you if you miss one little deadline."

"It's not like there are other students of hers with better records than you, right? I just don't see her expecting you to be a perfectionist. You've shown her many times that you are not so."

"I'm afraid to take that chance, guys. This is the ruler of all of Equestria we're talking about. The pony who holds my fate in her hooves!" She stops for breath at this point, but a sudden thought stopped her from continuing. "What if she doesn't forgive me?"

"Yeah, I don't think she'll—" Spike was cut off when she teleported down to get in his face.

"What if instead she starts thinking I'm not taking my studies on friendship seriously?"

"Why would she—"

Twilight began to pace as Chronicle walked down the stairs. "What if she makes me come back to Canterlot and puts me back in school and makes me prove I've been taking them seriously by giving me a test?!" She stopped and gasped. "What if I don't pass?"

"But why wouldn't you pass—"

"She's my teacher! Do you know what teachers do to students who don't pass?" There was a a brief pause, during which neither boys had no immediate vocal response.

"They have to either retake the test, or repeat the year?" Chronicle guessed.

"They send them back a grade! But she won't just send me back a grade. She'll send me back to… …Magic Kindergarten!"

As she sat on the floor, freaked-out and shivering, she happened to spontaneously summon a window shade…right in front of a Surveillance camera again. And Spike went over and snapped it up, making it disappear. Upon later inspection, Chronicle would see that it showed her mortified, in a classroom, sitting on top of a far-too-small school desk, and being jeered and pointed at by all the other unicorn fillies seated at their own desks.

"Twilight…" Spike nudged her. "Twilight!"

She finally snapped to. "Huh?"

"That is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard!"

"We've ever heard, Spike. I think it's stupid too. Besides, Twilight, you helped saved the world. Not once, but twice," Chronicle reminded his charge. "There's no way she'd be that ungrateful to you." And if she is, I'm gonna talk her down about it, Princess or not. The only thing that can get in the way of that is the government.

"You're not gonna be sent back to Magic Kindergarten."

"You're right. I have no reason to worry." The dragon smiled proudly as she stood up. "Because I'm going to solve a friend's problem and get that letter to Princess Celestia before sundown!"

This elicited a very loud groan from her number-one assistant and her bodyguard as she leaned over to the former.

"So…got any problems, troubles, conundrums, or any other sort of issues, major or minor, that I, as a good friend, could help you solve?" Twilight ended this with a big grin.

He thought hard for a few seconds, grunting with the metal effort. "I got nothing."

She immediately turned to face her bodyguard. "What about you? Any lingering feelings from you-know-what? Or maybe there's some sort of strain between you and—"

"I seriously doubt you know anything about non-family relationships. And for Luna's sake, we haven't even started! Now you scared me off. And no, me sending relationship reports to substitute for you is not a good idea. As for my other issue, that was unfortunately solved last week. And if I do happen to still have a big problem concerning him, I don't need friends to solve it, I need a therapist." Or my mother. Damn, I should talk to her about this.

Twilight's face fell and she backed off with a sigh as she trotted downstairs. "Then it looks like I'm gonna have to find somepony who does have a problem!"

"This won't end well," groaned Spike after she's gone.

"Want to send a letter?" asked Chronicle.

"Nah. Hopefully this will be solved before it comes to that."

"Just like with me?"

"Yeah."

C—S—S—C—S—S—C—S—S—C—S—S

Eyecatch (video-type) - A giant clock ticks as Twilight Sparkle run left to right to left again in panic. Spike and Chronicle watch her as they stand on either side of the clock. The show's logo is seen on the upper left.

C—S—S—C—S—S—C—S—S—C—S—S

"The clock is ticking"…

In Mystic Shield's Self-Defense Academy For Unicorns…

The eponymous teacher wasn't conducting class today. Right now, he was enrolling a couple of new students. He had no idea why it was only now, but decided not to dwell on it. A Chronicle clone stood next to him to survey the new students as well, being co-teacher after all. Greatstone was present too, now 'promoted' to an apprentice who can teach in his (and Chronicle's) stead should he be unavailable for whatever reason in the middle of classes. The same privileges have been given to Tricky Books, Chrono Cards, and Bullseye.

The to-be-students were four foals and two adults. The first foal was Ruby Pinch, who is apparently related to Berry Punch, who in turn is a close friend of Minuette. Her coat was carnation, her mane was thulian pink, and here eyes were green.

The second was Tootsie Flute, who was adopted recently by Bon Bon and Lyra. He had trouble thinking about that. She had a baby blue coat, a lavender mane, and an eye color similar to that of the darker portion of her mane.

Third was Snails, though Snips wasn't here as well. Probably because he wasn't learned enough to use magic. It was the same deal with Sweetie Belle, not that he'd allow her in his class anyway, regardless of Rarity's consent. After that explosive lemons incident, he's rather not be involved with them. At least not her or Scootaloo; Apple Bloom was okay.

The last foal was a filly named Firelock, Firecracker Burst's little sister. She had an orange coat, two-toned red hair, and green eyes. Of all the four, only Snails had his cutie mark.

The first adult was a mare named Berryshine. She shared Berry Punch's colors (and cutie mark), except—other than being a unicorn—her hair was kind of like Rarity's, though not nearly as meticulously maintained. The relation between her and the "resident drunkard", who by the way owns a winery, is still unknown, however.

The other was a sleek black stallion with a buzz-cut white mane, a stuffy white tail, and a rectangular mirror cutie mark. His name is Morpheus, which was a bit of an oddball name by pony standards. His special talent is disguises, and can make himself look like anypony he's seen. However, his voice acting is terrible, and his disguises are only as good as the details he has perceived, so that means he has to take a really good look before he can pull off an effective disguise.

Mystic asked by he confided all that in the first place and he said that a pink pony went over to him and asked if he was going to Mystic Shield's academy. He said he was, and then she told him to "Pinkie Promise" that he would not use his lessons for evil or morally questionable purposes whatsoever. He couldn't find a way to weasel out of it, so he decided to relent just to get her off of his back (literally). The teacher had no idea what to say about this, but decided it was not worth dwelling over.

"All right, ponies," he declared. "Before I can accept you in my class, I need to verify that you are capable of casting magic and have enough power to cast the two basic spells I will be teaching. This goes for the adults as well, as cases of magically-weak unicorns exist. Now…" He 'summoned' a brick from "magicspace" and set in in from of him. "Lift the brick."

And, one by one, that's what they all did. Snails barely passed, his magic starting up reminding Chronicle of revving up a car engine, but his efforts were enough for Mystic to accept him in his class.

"Good. Now that you've all passed the first test, Greatstone here will evaluate your magic power." he gestured to the light brown unicorn, who gave a nod. "And if you do pass, he will conduct an orientation class to evaluate your other traits."

As the six new to-be-students went over to the apprentice, the Chronicle clone asked Mystic a question as they walked over to the far wall opposite the door. "Say, not that I want you to pester her about it, but why doesn't Rarity take our classes again?"

"Well, from what her sister Sweetie Belle told me, she already attends Sensei's classes, who teaches Ponyrate, Griff Thai, Zebrakido, Minofu, and weapon arts. She thinks it's a hassle to start attending my classes as well."

"What's their difference between karate, muay thai, aikido, and kung fu, which I think is taught by the other masters in the Martial Arts Group?"

"Karate is a minotaur martial art, while Ponyrate is an implementation of that art designed by an earth pony seafarer named Ocean Rope. Zebrakido is aikido developed by a zebra whose name I can't remember. Its difference between aikido taught by Ebon Belt is that its movements are much smoother and more refined, although they don't take pegasus wings into account, which pony aikido does. Kung fu is a martial art originating from the Griffon Kingdom east of Equestria, and Minofu is based on that, but doesn't take wings into account since minotaurs don't have them. As for muay thai…" Mystic stopped upon realizing he doesn't know it. "What's muay thai?"

Whoopsie. Maybe it doesn't exist here. "…Never mind. Forget I asked."

Just then, Twilight Sparkle entered the dojo, and the two of them can detect a twinge of panic in her face.

"Mystic Shield!" she cried out as she teleported over to them. "Is there anything I can help you with?"

"…Um, no."

"You look like you're getting some new students. May I—"

"No," Mystic cut her off. "Only I can give you something to do. Nobody eager to do something for me without me telling them first is permitted, whether or not it's to 'win points' with me. My teacher Aegis, who I learned this 'trade' from, told me that accepting them often leads to disaster due to that eagerness."

Twilight's ears drooped. "Oh. Um, any… uh… problems with your students? Conflicts, troubles, conundrums, or any other sort of issues, major or minor, that I, as a good friend, could help you solve?"

Mystic put a hoof to his chin. "Let's see. Other than some of them not performing as well in class, and a few dawdlers while I lecture, nothing you can help with." He raised a hoof to prevent her from speaking more. "And no, the only ponies I can trust my schedule and problems with are Chronicle and my apprentices."

"Why don't you trust me?"

"The main reason why is because our scheduling methods are opposites of one another. You keep a schedule most convenient to yourself and, as much as you may deny it, expect others to follow it. I, on the other hoof, conform my schedule to others for their convenience, but of course I don't try to please everypony, as one of your friendship reports mention."

Right. Rarity's fashion show.

"If you have nothing else to discuss with me related to my classes, I suggest you leave, please."

Twilight hung her head in defeat at this, then teleported away. Chronicle wasn't too happy about this. Oh dear. Something's wrong with her. But what? I think one of my clones will know.

C—TS—S—MS–G–RP—TF—F—B—M

"Take your time"…

Elsewhere, at Sweet Apple Acres, Rainbow Dash, and two Chronicle clones with a reinforced barriers around them were doing demolition work on a barn. All three wore transparent safety goggles. The pegasus started into a flying kick and a savage yell, crashing into a wall and out the opposite one. One of the two 'unicorns' began to barrage the barn with giant magic "shurikens". Normally, these only hurt organics and not damage the environment, but only because Chronicle set his power that way. The other one was cleaving stuff in half with his signature "magic horn blade".

At a nearby ditch, Applejack—with a crash helmet instead of her stetson—took cover. Splinters flew every which way as the trio of "demoponies" continued chopping, bucking, biting, slicing, and blasting their way through every piece of wood they can reach. Further away, one of the chunks whistled through the air and embedded itself in the road just in front of Twilight, bringing her up short in her walk to the farm.

"What in the world?" she gasped as she took in the full scope of the barn demolition and paused for a moment. "Rainbow must be angry with Applejack!" She gave a shrewd smile. "She must hate her guts! Oh, wonderful! And from what I know of Chronicle's opinion of Applejack, he must've finally snapped! This is great!" She then zipped ahead to deal with the "problem", reaching the pegasus first, who was coming in for another pass. "Rainbow Dash! Stop!"

The latter found herself telekinetically grabbed by the tail, just short of crashing through the barn wall again. The rest of her hung free as Twilight trotted up. The two Chronicle clones stopped what they were doing and one of them walked over.

"Listen, Rainbow." She gave a wink. "I know you're upset with Applejack, but don't worry. Whatever it is that has come between you two, I'm sure that I, as a good friend, can help you resolve your problems."

"Uh, Twilight. This isn't what it looks like," said the clone that approached.

She took no notice of him or the thoroughly confused look that Rainbow was sending her way. When she released her hold on the multicolored tail, its owner hung in the air for a second before thudding to the ground. "Uh, what are you talking about?" asked the pegasus as she stood up.

Twilight pua a hoof on Rainbow's shoulder "Oh, Rainbow Dash, you don't have to hide your feelings from me." She turned the mare's face toward hers. "I can tell you two must have had a terrible fight."

The magical clone couldn't hep but stifle a chortle. "Oh, I hope you don't mean it like I think it is." Do you seriously think she has an affair with you? Twilight then faced him.

"And Chronicle, I should've known your disdain for Applejack would've gone this far."

"What?"

C—TS—A—RD—C—TS—A—RD—C—TS—A—RD

"…But hurry"…

Rainbow now lay stretched out on her back on a nearby bench, her goggles removed. Twilight sat alongside on her haunches, her mane tied back in a bun, with a pair of glasses balanced on her nose and a quill and clipboard floating overhead. The overall effect resembled a psychiatrist's office, with Rainbow as the patient on the couch. The clone that was called in was standing nearby, as if in line, while the other was watching discreetly from the barn.

Twilight patted Rainbow's head, taking notes. "Now, why don't you tell me all about your issues with Applejack?"

"I don't have any issues with Applejack," she replied.

"Neither do I," said Chronicle. "Not at the moment, anyway."

"You don't? Then why are you destroying her property?"

"Because she asked us to." He called toward the ditch, "Isn't that right, Applejack?"

The apple harvester peeked up from the ditch with a smile. "Yes, ma'am." She pulled off her helmet. "I wanted to put up a new barn, but this one's gotta come down first." She chuckled before putting it back on. "Now get back to it, RD!"

Rainbow sat up and donned her goggles. "You got it, boss!" As she lifted off, Twilight ditched her glasses and undone her mane.

"I'd take cover if I were you," the farmpony advised the "friendship problem" seeker.

She followed her own advice as the winged wrecking ball rose to an altitude of several hundred feet, directly above the barn. Twilight let off a little cry of shock and leaped into the ditch, landing alongside Applejack and hunkering down just as she has done. The two clones just watched from where they stood, their task finished as they waited to be dissipated. Applejack would no longer be needing their service today.

A shrill whistle of air marked Rainbow's high-speed descent, joined by her own yell just before she smashed squarely into the dilapidated structure. It disappeared in a cataclysmic blast that briefly tinted the sky a lurid red and threw out a rainbow-hued wave similar to that from a Sonic Rainboom, as well as a multicolored mushroom cloud.

The velocity of the detonation as well as the resulting dirt and rubble instantly made the clones vanish and a mass of dirt and rubble fell into the ditch, burying the two mares down it. Applejack was first to emerge and threw a cheerful wave upward before jumping up to ground level. Twilight extricated herself a few seconds later and trudged off with a disappointed sigh. The aftermath of this extreme tear-down work had left her mane slightly disheveled.

C—TS—A—RD—C—TS—A—RD—C—TS—A—RD

"We got hours 'til the sun explodes"…

Twilight was now trotting away from town through a stretch of meadowland. "Oh, I can't believe I wasted all that time. I should've just come here first. Fluttershy always has some fear she's trying to get over. As a good friend, I'll be able to help her." She finally approached the cottage, then peeked around one corner. Her eyes popped in surprise, at what she saw.

In a clearing, the meek yellow pegasus was facing off against a very large, angry, roaring brown bear. Chronicle (the real one) stood off from a distance, curiously not in a battle stance. He didn't even look alert and prepared to protect his friend.

"Why isn't he making a move…" the unicorn mare wondered to herself.

The bear rose to its hind legs, and Fluttershy galloped straight between them. After it peeked through with a puzzled grunt, she rocketed in and landed a flying kick to the back. As it tumbled through the air, she grabbed a hind leg and twisted to throw it flat on the grass. Her next move was to yank the leg toward the head, bending the massive body double and forcing a ground-pounding bellow.

Twilight was horrified at this. "Fluttershy?" Chronicle on the other hoof was making a somewhat mesmerized smile.

The pummeling continued with a stomp on the back and a hard twist that forces the beefy neck around 180 degrees, after which Fluttershy released her hold. As the bear collapsed senseless to the lawn, Twilight's jaw looked ready to fall off its hinge from sheer disbelief. She shook her head clear and paced in place.

"How can this be happening? Of all the days she had to stop being such a scaredy-pony, she had to pick today!" she said as she walked away, her ear twitching briefly. "What am I going to do?"

Chronicle just continued watching as Fluttershy now stood atop the bear's back. She kneaded the broad muscles with her hooves, eliciting a low groan of pleasure from the slackly smiling creature.

"You really should have come to me sooner. You were carrying so much tension in that shoulder," she said to the bear. She got a relaxed little noise from the bear—having given it a rather extreme massage with no malicious intent as Twilight thought.

The blue stallion just gave a dreamy sigh. "I love it when she stands up like this."

C—TS—F—C—TS—F—C—TS—F—C—TS—F

"Tick tock, doc"…

Spike and the Chronicle clone with him were walking down a path in the park, the former with the box of cupcakes in hand. As they did, they heard talking. They picked up the pace and saw their charge standing on a bench, talking to her reflection in a puddle.

"It'll be all over! My time in Ponyville! My advanced studies! No, no. You're a good student. You can do this. Ohh…but what if I can't? You can! You just have to keep it together! Keep it together!"

"Are you talking to…yourself?" Spike asked. He approached her and waved a hand in front of her feverishly determined face.

The sound of laughter snapped her upright, then a bubble of magic seemed to manifest around her head and obscured it as she fell over from the bench and wound up huddled on the ground.

What's going on? Does magic run rampant like this on nervous magically-inclined unicorns? Chronicle thought. The scene in the bubble showed three leering, jeering silhouettes on a scorched plain under a sick red sky pointing at Twilight. Okay, that's creepy.

Spike was the first to do something about it, namely poke his claw at it, bursting the bubble. "SNAP OUT OF IT!" he yelled.

Twilight shook her head clear. "Huh?"

"Are you okay?" Chronicle asked.

Instead of answering, she looked across the meadow. Her two companions followed suit to see three fillies playing jump-rope, enjoying themselves, and laughing innocently.

(Ruby Pinch was one of those three. It's been a few hours since the orientation class in Mystic Shield's Academy and she was allowed to leave. She passed the test by the way, though she would later get a reprimand from Berry Punch. As it turns out, she did it without her consent.)

"Twilight, I'm really worried," Spike said.

"You and me both. My Harmony Link sensed something wrong, but the signs were too vague for me to figure out what it was." Spike didn't turn in confusion as he's been told about the Harmony Link during the time Chronicle had been…obsessive with his training.

Their charge covered her eyes for a moment, then dropped her hooves helplessly. "I mean, this letter thing is really getting to you." Spike nudged her with the cupcake box. "Here. You've been so anxious all day that you completely forgot about the picnic. Why don't you just relax and go hang out with—" He was cut off as she whirled to face him, suddenly crazed.

"The picnic!" Her assistant recoiled, but she levitated the box out of his grip and galloped off with it. "I should go see my friends!"

"I'm glad you've come to your senses."

"I'm getting a feeling she hasn't yet," mused the clone as he turned to face Spike. "Punch me, will you? He'll want to know about this."

"All right." Spike did as requested and the clone disappeared.

C—TS—S—C—TS—S—C—TS—S—C—TS—S

"Tik tok, on the clock"…

Pinkie Pie was hopping cheerfully through the park with a picnic basket in her teeth. Finding a suitable spot, she stopped and set the basket down, then nipped away the cloth tucked into it. Three balloons floated up and away, taking the basket with them due to their strings being tied into its bottom. Pinkie aimed a silly grin and puzzled look at the others gathered; Applejack laying out a picnic blanket, Fluttershy sitting on the grass and staring up after the basket, Chronicle sitting next to her and rubbing his head as his clone's discoveries rushed into his brain, Rainbow wearing sunglasses and applying suntan lotion (?!), Rarity rummaging around in a basket of her own, having dumped out most of the contents.

"Please tell me I did not forget the plates!" the fashionista said before straightening up with a gasp. "I did! I totally forgot them! Of all the worst things that could happen, this is The! Worst! Possible! Thing!" The next thing she did was magically whisk a couch—all the way from Carousel Boutique, no less!—and collapsed sobbing onto it. "Why, why, why?…Uh?" She quieted down, finding herself on the wrong end of five puzzled/annoyed looks. "What? You didn't expect me to lay on the grass, did you?"

"As a matter of fact, I did," Chronicle replied bluntly. This earned him a glare from her. "And then you would complain about the dirt you just landed on."

Rainbow adjusted her shades (whose supports weren't for pony ears, Chronicle realized) and flopped down across the blanket on her back. The cupcake box landed just behind her head a moment later, with a set of violet hooves visible just behind that. Red-violet eyes peeked up from behind the black lenses. Twilight had arrived, her mane scrambled and her grin deranged. For some reason, a donkey's bray was heard.

Six disconcerted picnickers looked back at her, Rainbow getting up. The grin didn't waver even a hair.

Applejack was the first to speak up. "You all right, hon?"

"No!" she replied. "I am not all right." Her pathetic pout got everypony upright with a chorus of concerned responses. "It's just terrible."

Everypony save Chronicle leaned closer, the stallion knowing what the problem was. "Yes?"

"Simply awful."

"Yes?"

"It's the most horrific trouble I've ever been in and I really, really, really need your help!"

"Yes?"

"My letter to Princess Celestia is almost overdue, and I haven't learned anything about friendship!"

As the stallion did a facehoof in response, the other five relaxed with a unison sigh.

"Oh, thank goodness. I thought something really awful had happened," Fluttershy said.

Twilight can manage only a monkey-like screech as the others (sans Chronicle, whose face began to twitch) turned back to their picnic. She teleported over to Pinkie and Rainbow, startling the latter into dropping her sunglasses. "Something awful has happened!" Then to Rarity, who spat out the punch she was drinking as she reclined on her couch again. "If I don't turn in the letter on time, I'll be tardy!" Finally, she teleported to the center of the group, grabbing at Applejack. "Tardy!"

If the group sigh threw her off balance, the round of laughter that followed this outburst really got her boiling over.

"No offense, sugarcube," said Applejack. "But it looks like somepony's gettin' themselves all worked up over nothin'."

Twilight slapped the orange-tan forelegs away. "This is not nothing! This is everything!" She began darting from one friend to another. "I need you guys to help me find somepony with a problem I can fix before sundown! My whole life depends on it!"

By this time, she ended up nose to nose with Pinkie, whose cheerful demeanor hasn't even been scratched by this tirade. "Oh, Twilight, you're such a crack-up!" she giggled. She promptly tumbled onto her back with a hearty laugh.

"Come on now," said the other earth pony as the party thrower got up. "Have a seat and stop sweatin' the small stuff."

Twilight just voiced an exasperated groan and trotted away, letting off a second one for good measure before teleporting out of the area.

Fluttershy turned to face Applejack. "Wow. I've never seen Twilight so upset before."

"Ugh!" groaned Rarity and the others glanced her way. "What a drama queen!"

"Speak for yourself," grumbled Chronicle, who was keeping in pressure like a kettle.

Rarity gave an embarrassed smile and cleared her throat. "Relatively speaking."

The stallion couldn't take this anymore and blew his top. "WHAT KIND OF FRIENDS ARE YOU?!" he shouted, catching their attention. He then summoned his signature paddle, then proceeded to smack everypony in the face with it once each. When it was Fluttershy's turn, he smacked her twice! "I understand that this sort of panicking is probably out of proportion, probably like whatever melodrama Rarity just made, but seriously, you could've done better than just wave her off! Didn't you even wonder what she might do if she lets this obsession continue?!" he emphasized the second-to-last word, alluding to his own…episode.

"Oh…" Rarity then said, "I'm starting to get these…slapping sessions, but I don't get why you hit Fluttershy harder than the rest of us? You usually go easy on her."

He turned to look at the pegasus in question. "Because I expected it least from her. I'm ashamed! Now if you'll excuse me…" He teleported after Twilight, leaving his friends to ponder on what they've done.

C—TS—A—RD—R—F—PP—C—TS—A—RD—R—F—PP

Eyecatch (video-type) - The show's logo is seen on the center of a clock face, which quickly revolves its hands.

C—TS—A—RD—R—F—PP—C—TS—A—RD—R—F—PP

"Tick tock goes the clock"…

After checking her out via Surveillance, it was safe for Chronicle to say that from Twilight Sparkle's unhinged expression, she had gone crazy…just like "all the ponies in this town" as she had said during their first visit to Ponyville.

"Spike!"

"What is it Chronicle?!"

The two of them managed to meet somewhere in the park, the baby dragon just on his way home.

"Quill and scroll, now!"

"Okay!" Spike quickly produced the two items and started to write.

"Princess Celestia,

Your student Twilight Sparkle is undergoing a mental breakdown due to the weekly deadline for friendship reports. There is only so much one can learn before running out of things to send, and I fear for the worst. With no friendship problem to solve, or even morals/life lessons to learn, I'm afraid she might decide to make a friendship problem to solve. Despite telling her that saving the world twice should be enough to let you forgive a few mistakes, she thought otherwise. WTB?! Pardon my language. As soon as you receive this letter, conclude any royal business you are currently in and come to Ponyville A.S.A.P.. The fate of the town may depend on it.

Twilight's number one assistant, Spike, and her stalwart bodyguard, Chronicle."

Once the last of it was written, Spike breathed his fire into the letter and it was soon en route to Canterlot. "Okay. Now what?"

"Head to the library and wait for Celestia. I'll do what I can to stop Twilight before the hospital decides to take her to the psycho ward. The letter's a backup plan in case I fail. I'm not infallible, you know."

"Good luck."

With that, Chronicle produced a lock of hair belonging to his charge. It was by chance that he had it. Unfortunately, the pinpointing spell doesn't do DNA matches, so this lock would eventually be useless. He cast the spell, found who he was looking for, and immediately set off.

C—S—C—S—C—S—C—S—C—S—C—S

"X minutes left in the mission"…

In another section of the park, the Cutie Mark Crusaders were playing a simple game of ball. A few bounces later, it came to rest on the grass and exhibited a marked deviation from normal beach ball behavior, swelling out of all proportion and finally bursting. Twilight now stood among the three unnerved fillies, having teleported into the ball.

"Hi, girls!" she greeted, her face like that of a madpony.

"Oh…hi, Twilight," Apple Bloom greeted in return, unaware of the danger she and the others were in. "How's it go—"

"Great. Just great." Sweat rolled down and her eye twitched as she walked toward them. "You three look like you're doing great too! Looks like three good friends who obviously don't need the help of another good friend." At the end of this, she was face to face with Scootaloo, who had scrunched herself into a scared little huddle on the grass.

Now Twilight straightened up (as the pegasus filly backed off) and levitated a battered old pony-shaped rag doll dressed in polka-dotted shorts, with a yarn mane/tail and button eyes. "This is Smarty Pants." She nuzzled the toy. "She was mine when I was your age." She then floated it to the Crusaders. "And now I want to give her to you!"

The three intended recipients eyed it uneasily. "Uh, she's, uh…great," said Scootaloo.

"Yeah…great." Bloom.

Sweetie Belle squinted one eye at it. "I really like her…mane?"

"She even comes with her own notebook and quill—" Twilight gave the items to her and Scootaloo. "—for when you want to pretend she's doing her homework!" She cocked her head to one side as the fillies put away the accessories.

"That's…um…great." Scootaloo.

"Yeah…great," said Bloom as she gave a fake little chuckle, then both her and the pegasus filly nudged Sweetie, who squinted again.

"I really like her…mane?"

"I just hope the fact that there are three of you and only one of her doesn't become a problem," Twilight said, the glow from her horn shining weirdly on her face. "I'd hate to cause a rift between such good friends." The end of this line came through gritted teeth. Scootaloo twirled a hoof near her temple in the classic "screw loose" gesture for her friends' benefit, now the Smarty Pants doll floated to them. "So, who wants to play with her first?"

All three Crusaders recoiled from it. "Uh…you should play with her first, Sweetie Belle, you know—" Bloom suggested as she galloped off. "—'cause you like her mane so much."

Sweetie was naturally surprised. "No, no, no, no, no, no." She galloped off. "I think Scootaloo should get to play with her first."

"I'd love to, but, um…" Scootaloo turned away, the others only a few feet distant. Sweetie was bulldozing Bloom toward the doll, careful not to poke her. "…you take her, Apple Bloom."

They began trying to push each other toward Smarty Pants. "Applejack says it's important to share."

Twilight was now thinking frantically. apparently, it hadn't gone as planned. "I gotta think of something. Think, think, think, think, think, Twilight, think!" She gasped aloud and slapped her front hooves together. "That's it!" Across the way, the Crusaders were now enthusiastically trying to persuade each other—by sheer brute force—to take one for the team. "Ooh, you're going to like Smarty Pants. And you're going to like her more than anything!"

She leaned her head forward, sending streams of hearts from her horn toward the beat-up thing to disappear into it, and let it hit the ground. The Crusaders stopped their fracas and took notice, their rancor instantly replaced by wondering smiles. As each spoke, her eyes rotated as if they were slot-machine reels, the pupils/irises replaced by hearts.

"I want it!" Scootaloo.

"I need it!" Bloom.

"I really like her mane!" Sweetie.

And then the brawl started all over again—but this time they're grabbing madly at the doll instead of trying to keep away from it.

Twilight straightened up and said, "The Want-It-Need-It spell. Works every time."

TS—AB—S—SB—TS—AB—S—SB—TS—AB—S—SB

"Before the sun sets on her nth birthday"…

"I can't believe she used that spell!" Chronicle swore to himself as he finally located his charge via Surveillance. Extremely dangerous. What was Princess Celestia thinking when she taught her that, assuming she didn't pick it up from a book, or worse her parents! No, I shouldn't be thinking like that.

During his early months as Twilight Sparkle's charge, she had used a pony plushie to distract him once. Considering himself above such cheap tricks, he hadn't so much as turn his head. However, a sound made him turn, and the Want-It-Need-It spell cast on the doll did its work. The results were utterly embarrassing, and she was introduced to his slapping paddle, which told her that he was not one to be messed with, even if she was the Princess's student. And that he will even speak against Celestia if he has to.

Now if he could just remember what spell he could use to render himself invulnerable to sight-related magic apart from blindfolding. He knew he found one such spell during his training stint. And then it came to him. As he continued to move, he cast the spell on himself.

Just as he did that, he saw Big Macintosh bypass him. And in his teeth was the doll Twilight had used on him last time; Smarty Pants. And there were hearts in place of irises. Chronicle stopped in his tracks…right close by to the Mayor, interrupting her plan to relax in a beach chair with a good book. Macintosh and the Crusaders were running in a circle, an angry clamor coming from the latter.

"What's all the commotion about?" wondered the mayor.

It turns out that during the chase, other mares have fallen under Twilight's spell.

"They're fighting over that doll!" said the one he recognized as Dizzy Twister as she and more mares raced in.

"That incredible, amazing doll!" cried out Bon Bon.

Within seconds, (both) Chronicle (and Twilight) were watching dozens of ponies slug it out to get at the doll still in Macintosh's teeth. The unicorn stallion had to stifle a laugh at the scene. If it weren't for the doll, it would look like Macintosh had suddenly became a chick magnet.

The caster of the spell hadn't noticed him and was lunging here and there. "Can't…get a clear shot!"

The other immune pony meanwhile was formulating a safe idea on acquiring the doll. Teleporting it wasn't an option as he hasn't learned to do that from a distance. Destroying it wasn't a good idea either as not only will it hurt his friendship with Twilight, who knows if the resulting pieces would make things worse? Charging his feet, he prepared to do a 'stunt jump'. So far, Macintosh seemed to be holding the prize out of reach, but eventually the mass of assailants began to drag him down. Just before he disappeared under the mob, the Mayor—now also entranced—leaned in, just as Chronicle made his jump.

"Gimme!"

Uh-oh! The unicorn stallion immediately teleported to prevent himself from hurting the mayor. Who knows what terrible images that could produce? Upon emerging on the ground, he saw her run off from the brouhaha. And then a pony—namely Skyla, another of the victims—collided into him, sending the two of them rolling. As he spun, he managed to see that the plethora of mares had been involuntarily sent airborne, some of them sailing over the horizon. As he teleported out of the roll—and managed to emerge on his feet, he also saw one angry red workhorse.

"Nn-nope," said Macintosh as he charged after the Mayor. Chronicle decided to do the same. In seconds, he was finally able to catch up and was now running side-to-side with her.

Who am I kidding? There's no non-scandalous way out of this. "Sorry, ma'am," he apologized before blasting her in the face with a magic shot. This forced the mayor to let go of the doll, which he caught in his aura, then teleported to another area of the park.

His reprieve didn't last long however when he saw ponies go close in from all directions. What the ████?! Again?! Just like with the ticket fiasco. He began dodging and weaving around the "attackers", not teleporting as it would be too risky. And even if he were to teleport into the air, it would just leave the doll vulnerable to pegasi.

Oh wait! I could just put this doll in hammerspace! But will they resort to drastic measures if I do that? He would never know as he was tackled by Cloud Kicker, who quickly got off of him to continue chasing Smarty Pants, which had fallen off of his arcanokinetic grip and went into the Mayor's mouth again. This is much harder than I thought. Chronicle brushed the dust off of himself, then set off again in attempts to stop this madness.

C—TS—T—M—LH—AS—LH—GH—BB—BM—AB—SS—D—DH—MM—M—DT—CK—LB—MM—S—P—D—R—L—BP—S—SB—S

"Mission ends in XX seconds"…

Back at the picnic, Appplejack was snoozing under a tree with a stalk of wheat in her mouth and her hat tilted over her face. The sound of approaching hoofbeats and voices woke her up as Rainbow continued her sunbathing and Pinkie packed up her basket. The picnic blanket lay folded on the grass among the five ponies.

"Y'all hear that?" the farmpony asked. The other four took notice just before the Mayor barreled straight through the area, followed by the entire stampede, Chronicle zooming right behind them. "What in the name of all things oats-and-apples is goin' on here?"

As the Mayor sprinted ahead, Wind Whistler swooped down from above to swipe Smarty Pants. Dizzy Twister promptly moved in and grabbed another part of the doll in her teeth, prompting a vicious tug-of-war that ended with it snapping away from both of them. It landed near Rainbow, whose eyes started to roll over into hearts before she got her head turned away and her eyes covered by Twilight.

"Don't look at it?" she warned.

Rarity came up behind them. "Don't look at what?" Her eyes were covered by Twilight and Rainbow hit the ground.

"My Smarty Pants doll." The six friends were now surrounded by land- and air-based hooficuffs under a late-afternoon sky. The old doll tumbled from one to another as Chronicle darted between them in an attempt to grab Smarty Pants. "I enchanted her and now everypony is fighting over her!"

Fluttershy came up alongside Rarity and asked, "Why would you enchant your doll?" Behind them, Lyra and Bon Bon were in their own 'fight cloud'.

Twilight was now huddled in front of the others. "Well, I had to do something! I had nothing to report to Princess Celestia! I thought if I couldn't find a problem, I'd make a problem! The day is almost over!"

Applejack looked skyward. "Not almost."

At the horizon, the sun slowly descended out of sight and the sky darkened into evening. Twilight let her head slump down onto the grass, hunkering miserably down as if trying to get the earth to swallow her whole, her friends gathered around her.

As he continued to try and get the enchanted doll, Chronicle almost expected a voice to say, You've failed!", followed with a chorus of boos. What he got instead was just as startling, however.

"Twilight Sparkle!" he heard Princess Celestia call out sharply. Those two words threw a full-scale scare into the group of six as rays of white light shone down from above and an approaching aura began to wash out the view. The regent was hovering a few yards overhead and looking plenty sore.

"Whoa, Nelly," said Applejack. She removed her hat just before Celestia flared her horn, throwing off an intense light that washed over the knots of brawling ponies. When it fades, they were seen standing and lying in mid-grapple, their eyes back to normal and with no earthly idea of how they wound up here. Chronicle immediately halted upon seeing that the problem has been taken care of.

Derpy and the Mayor found themselves face to face, the doll landing near them, and all eyed it with considerable surprise and disgust. The Mayor's face went bright red (this would certainly qualify as conduct unbecoming a public official) and she trotted away, stepping on the plaything so that it emitted a small squeak. The other ponies quickly dispersed to leave it alone on the grass.

Only the stallions remained, both of them eying it from a distance. Macintosh gave a furtive look around, and saw Chronicle, who did the motions for a Pinkie Swear, vowing not to tell a soul. The earth pony straightened up with a giddy little neigh as he picked up Smarty Pants in his teeth, reared up, and galloped away. The unicorn could swear he saw hearts float up around him, even though Twilight's spell had been neutralized.

With this episode behind him, he made his way back to his friends as the glow of Celestia's spell faded away and she touched down in front of Twilight. The other five cringed, wondering how bad things are about to get, and Applejack had put her hat back on.

"Meet me in the library," Celestia spoke levelly to Twilight before lifting off.

Twilight slowly got up and spoke softly. "Goodbye, girls. If you care to visit, I'll be in Magic Kindergarten…" She began to trudge away. "…back in Canterlot."

Fluttershy turned to Rarity. "Magic Kindergarten?"

"Canterlot?" Rainbow.

Pinkie popped up. "We're never gonna see Twilight again!" She clap her hooves to her face. "And what of Chronicle?"

Applejack gasped softly, sitting next to her. "What are we gonna do, y'all?"

Rarity went into full drama mode. "Of all the worst things that could happen, this is The! Worst! Possible! Thing!" Four puzzled/vexed onlookers surrounded her. "What? I really mean it this time!"

"It damn sure is," said another voice.

Everypony turned to see Chronicle. Pinkie was the first to speak to him. "Chronicle! If Twilight's headed back to Canterlot, are you too?"

The stallion shook his head. "No. In case I never told you or you forgot, I'm only a freelancer, bodyguarding being my main job. My loyalty isn't to money though—however good the stipend is—but to what is right. Even if I have to do some 'wrong' things so that others don't have to. I can always arrange a new contract to have me stay here and protect the other Keepers of the Elements of Harmony. That means you girls."

He paused to let all of this as well as Twilight's 'farewell' sink in. Once he was sure that was done, he said, "What are we standing here for? What if Princess Celestia actually does what Twilight assumes she's going to do? We're her friends, right?" He then started to run straight for the library…and smiled a bit at seeing the others follow him.

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"Your time's up"…

It took a while, but the group finally reached the library. Applejack, Fluttershy, and Pinkie tumbled in, nearly knocking the front door off its hinges. Rarity and Chronicle trotted in past them, but Rainbow flew over them and was first into the reading room. Twilight seemed to have cleaned herself up.

"Wait!" cried out the pegasus.

Pinkie zipped in. "You can't punish her!"

Applejack ditto. "It wasn't her fault!"

"I'm listening," Celestia replied.

Now Fluttershy sat by her. "Please, Your Highness. We all saw that Twilight was upset."

"But we thought that the thing that she was worrying about wasn't worth worrying about," Rainbow said as Pinkie nuzzled Twilight's neck.

"So when she ran off all worked up, not a single one of us tried to stop her." Applejack. "We're all ashamed that Chronicle was the only one to even try."

"As Twilight's good friends, we should have taken her feelings seriously and been there for her." Rarity.

"That's right, girls. You should've." Chronicle. Ugh. Being the only sane one has its disadvantages, and even I went crazy once.

Celestia cocked an eyebrow quizzically at this string of pleadings.

"Please don't take her away from us just because we were too insensitive to help her." Fluttershy.

And I'll double the smacking if they ever do it again.

The winged unicorn turned this over in her mind for a second, then smiled placidly. "Looks like you all learned a pretty valuable lesson today."

"Mmm-hmm!" agreed everypony, the stallion's sounding disgruntled.

Celestia's shadow fell over her student as she gave a smile. "Very well. I'll forget Twilight's punishment on one condition." She bounded over the entire group toward the door. She then looked back over her shoulder to the sound of enthusiastic responses from the mares. "From this day forth, I would like you all to report to me your findings on the magic of friendship—" She leaned down close to her star pupil. "—when, and only when, you happen to discover them." She backed off, bringing a grateful smile to Twilight's face as the others cheered this decision. The smile soon gave way to puzzlement as the Princess prepared to depart.

"Princess Celestia, wait! How did you know I was in trouble?" Twilight called as she galloped out to her.

"Your friends Spike and Chronicle made me aware that you were letting your fears get the best of you." Said dragon was peeking out the open doorway, then ducked back in. The stallion in question was walking over to them. "I commend them for taking your feelings seriously."

"That's what friends are supposed to be for," he said as the the others stepped up. "Also, Twilight, you should know by now that sweating over small problems just makes bigger problems, given the…welcome parade and Philomena incidents." 'Parasprite' was a forbidden word to mention when both Princess and student are present.

"Now…if you will all excuse me, I must return to Canterlot. I'm expecting some mail." She lifted off and flew a short distance through the night sky before disappearing with a flash. After Twilight watched her exit, she walked back in to the rest of the gang inside the door.

"Y'all heard the Princess," Applejack said. "Spike, take a letter."

He instantly produced a quill and scroll. Before anyone can start though, a violet foreleg landed on his shoulders and Twilight pulled him in for a warm hug. She did the same for her bodyguard, who returned her smile.

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"A last-minute reminder"…

The group was now in the reading room. Spike was at a stand, ready to write, and the others stood/sat/lay around the place. Rarity was seated on a cushion, and Applejack—holding her hat—cleared her throat and started to dictate.

"Dear Princess Celestia: We're writin' to you because today we all learned a little somethin' about friendship."

Fluttershy was next. "We learned that you should take your friends' worries seriously—"

Rainbow. "—even if you don't think that she has anything to worry about—"

Rarity. "—and that you shouldn't let your worries turn a small problem—"

Pinkie. "—into an enormously huge, entire-town-in-total-chaos, Princess-has-to-come-and-save-the-day problem." She punctuated her bit of this report by jumping up, striking a dramatic flying pose while hanging in midair, and thumping back to the floor.

Applejack at this point replaced her hat. "Signed, your loyal subjects." She then backed off.

Spike began to write his own section quickly. "P.S. Obviously Spike did not have to learn a lesson because he is the best, most awesome friend a pony could ask for. Unlike everypony else (save Chronicle), he took things seriously and—"

Twilight walked up to the stand on the end of this to give him a thoroughly disapproving look and head shake, followed by more of the same from the others.

Spike gave a nervous laughing. "Uh…yeah." He drew a large X over the last several lines. "I'll just, um…" He grumpily snorted out a puff of steam as the six mares laughed.

The stallion however decided to speak up. "Here's another lesson. Enjoy the times when you haven't any trouble. Because for one whose life is filled with adventure, an uneventful day is a good day." He turned to face his friends. "I think I understand why Twilight had this breakdown. You see, she was having post-traumatic stress disorder, and I pretty much think we all had/have that after Discord. Given that and the fact that it was these friendship reports that saved her, of course she's going to value order and her lessons afterward!" So far, out of all of us, regrettably including myself, only Rarity hasn't suffered a breakdown. The drama queen thing must be how she copes.

He paused yet again to let this sink in, then gave a smirk as he looked between two friends he would take more seriously than the others. "Twilight, just for the record, Fluttershy didn't snap that bear's neck. She was just doing chiropractic therapy. That was why I didn't go out of my way to defend her."

"Seriously?!" asked his charge as she turned to look at the pegasus in question, who nodded.

Why do I get the feeling that 'stupidity' is lingering? I'll have to be diligent in keeping my own sanity for their sakes. I will not go insane again. For their sake.

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nightelf37: The time-related phrases in place of some of the post-transition phrases are just a joke. Let's see if you can find all the references I made. These won't be appearing in future chapters. "Tick tock, doc." comes from a low-tier film titled "88 Minutes".

For all those who are not liking the pair, this story will also be about building it. as best as I can anyway. See ya on Third!

nightelf37: Here's a flashback chapter, which I personally place during the events of Season 1. It's part of my making this work with the Extra I'm planning on. If Chronicle is acting out-of-character, it's because he's not only wearing a costume, he's also cosplaying. Not to mention so into the event. And if there are inconsistencies, he's just slipping.

Just in case I discontinue this, I'll mention the reason why Mystic Shield doesn't want to have anything to do with Canterlot: it has to do with another unicorn with the same specialty as him. But it's not because of that that he hates him, but because of something mentioned in the chapter "Suited For Success".

Also, Happy New Year, everybrony!

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Luna Eclipsed

Golden Oaks Library…

Spike was pacing the floor in the library's reading room…in a costume resembling himself. Its body hide was purple with lighter-shaded spots, the underbelly was light green, and its head's eyes' sclera were yellow. Spike's lighter purple hand protruded from the end of the arms and his head protruded from the mouth.

With him was Chronicle, who was dressed in something very special. He was sporting a short dress, with a set of boots to match it. The dress was light blue and the skirt was colored like the sky with three layers and ruffles. The boots were baby blue with pearl bracelets on them. He wore star-shaped earrings and a very wavy blue wig with two star-shaped barrettes on its bangs. To top it off, he had contact lenses to make his eyes look blue as well as fake eyelashes to 'accentuate' his costume. (1)

Finally, the dragon stopped and groaned impatiently. "Come on, Twilight. We're gonna be late for the Nightmare Night Festival!"

"Now, now, Spike," Chronicle answered, his voice very girly and "genki" thanks to a voice modulator he ordered from Hub Equestria, which he passed off as a spell. "You know girls, they take plenty of time to prepare for special events." He put a hoof to his chin. "Or maybe that's just girls like Rarity."

Finally, she emerged from the top of the stairs and lifted her head proudly. She had donned a long robe and pointed wizard's hat in three shades of blue, both liberally decorated with stars and moons and hung with jingle bells at hem, brim, and hat peak. The robe's gold/white collar was secured with a gold brooch, and the a long white beard hung nearly to her knees.

"Huh? Are you that one kooky grandpa from Ponyville Retirement Village?" he asked as she came downstairs.

Twilight was annoyed at this. "I'm Starswirl the Bearded!" He just blinked stupidly at her. "Father of the amniomorphic spell?" Still nothing. "Did you even read that book I gave you about obscure unicorn history?"

"Um…" There was a pounding at the front door and he broke out in a sweat. "…that sounds important!"

Off he went, fast enough to set his boss spinning in place so that her cape and beard ended up wrapped tightly around her. Chronicle decided to follow the baby dragon, trotting merrily to "keep in character". Upon reaching the door and opening it, they were greeted by a trio of fillies in costumes of their own.

"Nightmare Night, what a fright!
Give us something sweet to bite!"

One princess, one astronaut, one ladybug, each with a sack hung around her neck—and Granny Smith as a chaperone. Spike eyed them with some relief, having caught a break from Twilight's chewing out about his lack of history savvy, and stepped back in as she came to the door. Her own outfit was back in order, along with her good spirits.

"Hi, everypony!" she greeted "Great costumes. Happy Nightmare Night, Granny Smith."

"I should have been asleep five hours ago!"

Spike came back to the door, carrying a bowl of candy, and Chronicle levitated a piece into each filly's sack. A fourth youngster then bulled through them. It was a brown/white pinto earth pony colt, dressed as a pirate complete with eyepatch and a toy cutlass clamped in his teeth. A tuft of two-tone brown mane protruded from the edge of the red kerchief on his head, and his one visible eye was bright and so deep red as to be nearly black. He tried a few swings of the cutlass, but lost his balance and went down on his face. The three library residents smiled at the display as he got up to his hind legs and saluted, speaks with what Chronicle recognized as a British accent.

"Pipsqueak the pirate at your service! It's my very first Nightmare Night."

"Since you moved here from Trottingham?" asked Twilight.

"No, my very first Nightmare Night ever!"

Pinkie Pie, as a chicken, popped up among the young ponies with a loud squawk. She had even stuck a little beak on the end of her nose and was standing on two legs as the poultry would. "Enough chit-chat! Time is candy!" she demanded as she pecked at the ground.

"Pinkie Pie, aren't you a little old for this?" Chronicle asked.

"Too old for free candy? *squawk* Never!" The puzzled unicorn mare just groaned to herself.

"All right. One piece for the adult chicken," said the stallion crossdresser as he floated a piece into Pinkie's bag.

"Thanks!" She then noticed him. "Hey, Chronicle! Nice costume! Who are you supposed to be? You kinda sound like Skyla."

"Sound Wave, one of the three main members of P3, an idol singer group famed in Equestria's East Coast. (2) …Wow. Didn't think you'd recognize me at first sight." He decided to ignore the comment on his voice.

Before Pinkie could reply, her attention was turned to the bell on the peak of Twilight's hat as she swung it close to her face and showed off her getup. "Do you like it?" she asked.

"Yeah, great costume, Twilight! Oh, you make a fantastic weirdo clown!" she swiftly lunged and pecked at the candy in Spike's bowl (only prevented thanks to a quick barrier spell from Chronicle), then bugged out.

Twilight was naturally irked. "A clown?!" They stepped out, Spike closing the door. "Look at the borders on these robes! These are hoof-stitched!"

"It's a great costume…" Spike said as he walked off with a derisive chuckle. "…Grandpa!" This elicited another snarling from his boss.

"You know, I thought I was gonna be the first outright crossdresser for Nightmare Night," Chronicle giggled.

"Crossdresser?"

"You know, ponies who dress up in clothes appropriate for the opposite gender. At least I'm 'mare-faced' enough to look the part. This'll be a blast!" Assuming Twilight was going to worry about his sanity, he whispered, "I'm just acting in character, don't worry. Also, try not to tell anypony else who I am. Let them figure it out for themselves. Or let me do the revealing." He let off another giggle.

C—TS—S—GS—PP—P—C—TS—S—GS—PP—P

As the three walked down the town square, Chronicle decided to take a look at the scenery and festival-goers. There were snack carts, strings of lights hung with skulls, and black busts of Nightmare Moon hanging from the balconies. Dizzy Twister was a lion, Lemon Hearts a mouse, and Minuette as a dental surgeon. Big Macintosh was pulling a hay wagon loaded with more happy partiers, and has donned a dark top hat and tailcoat, the latter depicting a skull-marked apple over his haunch. On the wagon was Cherry Berry as a bee, Raindrops as a Viking, and Cloud Kicker as a witch.

"Starswirl the Bearded is only the most important conjurer of the pre-classical era," she ranted amidst cheers from the riders. "He created more than two hundred spells. He even has a shelf in the Canterlot Library of Magic named after him!"

They walked through a dance with a four-piece band, where he saw Sea Swirl as a knight with armored shoes and flail tail, Golden Harvest as a devil/vampire mix, Wind Whistler as Equestria's version of Queen Cleopatra, and someone dressed up as a "ninja". Apparently, one of the extended members of the Apple family named Fiddlesticks is dressed up as a scarecrow along with the rest of her band mates. Curiously, she looked like Octavia Melody, a Canterlot musician.

Eventually, Twilight's irritation began to subside. "Maybe I should start up a pony group to teach ponies about history." She gave off a smile. "I bet everypony would love it. Don't you, Spike?"

During her rant, Spike had somehow acquired a a mound of candy nearly as tall as he and was gorging himself. "Mmm-hmm! I love it."

"Maybe you should go for somepony more generic," suggested Chronicle. "Star Swirl is from Obscure Unicorn History, after all. I remember the last Nightmare Night I took part in where my charge, an insufferable genius, decided to dress up as the doppler effect. A freaking concept!" He also saw Mr. and Mrs. Cake dressed up as pony versions of Raggedy Andy and Raggedy Ann, and Lyra Heartstrings as a mummy.

"Seriously?" she asked as they stopped.

"Seriously."

Spike suddenly ran into the crossdressing mare and tumbled to the ground in an avalanche of sweet stuff. "Hey, look, we're here already! Should we get something to eat?" She then took stock of the supine dragon and his overstuffed belly as he lets off a hearty belch.

"Perhaps somepony more well-known to the general public and more aligned to your gender."

"This coming from the crossdresser."

"True. Maybe a certain showmare might spark some ideas."

"I am NOT gonna dress up as Trixie and that's final!"

"All right, all right." Speaking of which, I wonder how she's doing? I sure hope she's faring well.

Just then, Pinkie and Pip zipped up to the three. "Twilight, Twilight, look at our haul!" the mare-filly said as she held her own full sack into view and let out a giddy squeal. "Can you believe it?" Just as at the library front step, she started pecking madly at the goodies to stuff her face.

Chronicle turned to the roof of a nearby, heavily decorated building, to see Rainbow Dash…dressed up as a Shadowbolt. She ran an eye over the scene and ducked out of sight, unaware that somepony had already caught sight of her. And was watching as she moved a black cloud over to them.

"And then, we went to Cheerilee's house and we got a bunch more goodies—didn't we, Pip?" Pinkie continued.

"Sure did!"

"And then we had to stop and wait for Granny Smith and—"

"Watch out!" gasped Chronicle as he conjured a panel barrier—which intercepted the lightning bolt. The crash however prompted her into a terrified squawk and escape. The blast also sent Pip and his friends galloping with a scream and dumped Spike on his back. Rainbow's belly laugh floated down to an annoyed Twilight, who turned to address her.

"Rainbow Dash! That wasn't very nice!"

"Lighten up, old-timer. This is the best night of the year for pranks."

"Look what you did to Spike!" The baby dragon was still laid out by his candy and trying to hack up a piece caught in his throat.

"Aw, it's all in good fun." Rainbow then noticed who she was with. "Hey, who's that you're with? And where's Chronicle?" She saw the other mare pull up her hair, revealing it to be a wig, as well as showing a familiar carrot-top-blond mane. Her wings unfurled as a result.

"Surprised?" asked the blue unicorn teasingly as he put the wig back.

The pegasus quickly recovered by changing the subject and looking elsewhere. "Oh, oh! There's another group over there!" She then bulldozed the cloud away. Throwing a slightly exasperated glance at her unconscious assistant, Twilight levitated him onto her back and walked away. Chronicle inspected him, making sure he wasn't going to die. He would later admonish his charge for her careless behavior since Spike was her responsibility.

In the distance, Rainbow set off her lightning once again, prompting a fresh wave of screams, before moving it once again as she laughed herself stupid.

C—TS—S—RD—PP—P—C—TS—S—RD—PP—P

Later…

The trio reached an apple bobbing game which had Ace, Carrot Top, and Lemon Hearts as the players, and Applejack—dressed as a scarecrow—presiding over the game.

"Happy Nightmare Night, Applejack," Twilight greeted.

"Howdy, Spike!" she greeted in return. "Hey, Twilight! Nice costume."

"Thanks! I'm a dragon."

This got him a dirty look from Twilight. "She means me, Spike."

"With that beard…" The scarecrow toyed with it. "…I reckon you're some sorta country music singer." This guess got Twilight steamed and groaning all over again as Spike laughed.

"Seriously? Country music singer?" said Chronicle. "How the hay did you even come up with that conclusion?"

And that's when Applejack noticed, but not recognized, him. "Who's this new fella, Twi? Old friend from Canterlot, perhaps?"

The stallion crossdresser giggled. "Friend from Canterlot, yes. Old, not exactly." Once again, he raised his wig to reveal his mane, resulting in a startled reaction.

"Whoa, nelly! Does that mean you're in costume too?"

"Well, duh." Chronicle rolled his eyes.

"Well, who're you supposed to be?"

"He's supposed to be Sound Wave, one of the members of the idol singer group P3, who are famed in Equestria's East Coast," Twilight answered.

"I think I heard a bit about 'em from my cousins in Manehatten. The other two core members of th' group were named Jasmine Trinity and Sealight Glisten, the latter bein' the 'leader'." She soon decided to change the subject. "Anyways, while y'all are here, you feel like bobbin' for an apple?"

At the tub, Carrot was ready for another game and this time, she was joined by Derpy Hooves—the former wearing only paper bags on her head and hooves. Before the earth pony could even get her face in the water, her pegasus friend surfaced with the end of a chain in her teeth, having gone for a dive without being noticed. One tug on the chain brought up a drain plug and emptied the tub in seconds, to the dismay of both.

"No thanks. This wig might fall off. Maybe after you refill the tub."

The general attention quickly transferred itself to the stage where the band Fiddlesticks was in was seen earlier. A cheering crowd had gathered on the dance floor, and Mayor Mare stood at a lectern on the stage. She had done herself up as a clown, including a red rubber-ball nose and multicolored wig. She also had an oversize polka-dotted tie at her shirt collar. Her tail was done up in stripes as well.

"Thank you, everypony, and welcome to the Nightmare Night Festival!" she announced. There was more cheering as Twilight, Chronicle, and Spike made their way through the crowd. "Now, all the little ponies who have been out collecting sweets should follow our friend Zecora to hear the legend of…" She paused to make her next words ominous. "…Nightmare Moon!" She let off a mad laugh.

"Her spooky voice might work better if she wasn't dressed like that," Spike commented.

"Eh, I've heard of ponies who are scared of clowns," Chronicle remarked. "But yes, it could've been better. Maybe lose the wig and corrupt the design a bit and she'll be a really scary clown."

Twilight laughed softly and the Mayor gestured off to one side. This patch of the stage was unoccupied, but a blast of sparkling, luminescent green smoke promptly filled it. From this rose the head and shoulders of the resident zebra to the sound of appreciative murmurs from the audience. Zecora's mane was covered by a long white wig filled with spiders, and the neckline of her garment was secured with a gold bat brooch.

"Follow me, and very soon, you'll hear the tale of Nightmare Moon." On these last two words, she threw the folds of a long dark cloak over in front of the audience.

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The onlookers were gathered in front of Zecora in a slightly overgrown clearing (NOT the Everfree Forest). The full moon shone overhead, and behind Zecora stood a statue of the malevolent winged unicorn.

"Listen close, my little dears. I'll tell you where you got your fears." She leaned toward the fillies. "Of Nightmare Night, so dark and scary…" A bit of glowing green dust was produced and blown upward into the air. "…Of Nightmare Moon, who makes you wary."

The smoke formed into a specter of Nightmare that dove toward the group; they cry out at it hit the ground and dissipated. Chronicle had been told beforehoof not to interfere, for the Nightmare Moon she's making isn't real. Pip and the ladybug filly (he remember was named Piña Colada) looked uneasily around themselves, not seeing the two staring eyes in the dust cloud behind them.

"Every year we put on a disguise…" A vicious grin appeared as well. "To save ourselves from her searching eyes." As they screamed and cut out, Zecora emerged from the dust, revealing her to have been the source of the eyes and grin. Pip ran and bumped into the statue's pedestal.

"But Nightmare Moon wants just one thing—" Pip backed away. "To gobble up ponies in one quick swing!"

He bumped into Pinkie, who had buried her entire head in the dirt like an ostrich. The hit scared the daylights out of both and sent them fleeing in opposite directions. Zecora threw some more dust, creating another Nightmare Moon illusion.

"Hungrily she soars the sky…" It swooped down toward three fillies, two of whom are Scootaloo as a werewolf and Sweetie Belle as a vampire. Nightmare's head and forelegs formed, as she peered around, then vanished. "If she sees nopony, she passes by." It went over to Pip and his three buddies for a brief look before floating away. "So if she comes and all is clear," It went up to the sky. "Equestria is safe another year!"

The full-body apparition formed with the moon as a backdrop, then disintegrated into a shower of sparkling dust particles. At the end of the show, Pip tugged at Zecora's cloak.

"Um, Miss Zecora…" He asked as the others gathered closer. Notably, his accent was gone, probably having affecting it earlier. "…if we were cautioned to hide from Nightmare Moon so she won't gobble us up, how come we still need to give her some of our candy?"

"A perfect question, my little friend, for Nightmare Moon you must not offend." She blew more dust over his head and he backed off as it formed into Nightmare's full shape. "Fill up her belly with a treat or two…" The specter tensed. "So she won't return to come eat YOU!"

On the end of this, she leaped at the group with her mouth open to expose every single razor-edged tooth in it. She disintegrated on impact, and Pinkie let off a shrill scream and led a charge over to the statue. Here, Chronicle spotted Apple Bloom dressed as the Bride of Frankenpony, with her mane and tail both done up in the character's white-streaked black bouffant. Dinky was there too, dressed up as a firefighter.

"Everypony, let's dump some candy and get outta here!" she said as she threw down her entire stash.

The wind began to kick up, and a nervous glance overhead revealed that clouds have begun to swirl around the full moon and close in to block out the night sky. Twilight and Zecora both stared speechlessly as a flash of moonlight blazed through the clouds and a black silhouette rode the rays toward ground level.

This consisted of a figure in a spiked, bat-winged chariot pulled by two pegasi on chain reins. A unicorn horn can be seen from the hooded driver's head. The mounts revealed to be gray pegasus stallions with bat wings and reptilian green eyes, wearing blue armor with bat-wing crests on their helmets.

The chariot bore down on the group, all of whom immediately cried out and back away except for Twilight and Chronicle; the mare and Spike eventually ducked and cover as the looming shadow rocketed overhead while the stallion entered a battle stance.

The silhouetted vehicle and pegasi now hovered at low altitude. Chronicle curiously didn't have his "magic horn blade" out but instead had what looked like a special white microphone 'held' close to his lips, as if he was about to respond to this by singing. Wait a second… Bat-wing pegasi? Could this be… His train of thought was interrupted as Pinkie popped up in front of her with a terrified gasp.

"It's Nightmare Moon! RUUUNNN!"

She peeled out as fast as her drumsticks would carry her, as did Spike and all the youngsters—with Zecora and Pip bringing up the rear. Twilight and her bodyguard were the only ones left in the clearing. Lighting crackled around the chariot driver's head, swathed in a dark gray-green hood. Two eyes glowed pure white under the horn and lowered brows, with an unsettling little grin under a mare's nose. The rest of the face still appeared as only a lightless silhouette, and the eyes and mouth faded from view once the lightning died down.

C—TS—S—AB—D—PP—Z—S—SB—P—C—TS—S—AB—D—PP—Z—S—SB—P

Eyecatch (picture-type) - A bust of Nightmare Moon carved into a jack-o-lantern. The show's logo is seen on top of it.

C—TS—S—AB—D—PP—Z—S—SB—P—C—TS—S—AB—D—PP—Z—S—SB—P

At the town square…

Back in Ponyville, the merriment was in full swing, but the stampede of the screaming Pinkie—up on her hind legs, with forelegs tucked in like a chicken's wings—and young ponies drew a round of puzzled gazes, but these soon turned to worry and fear as a broad shadow cast itself over the area. Up in the sky, thick clouds have spread here as well, and the black flying chariot arrived right after them. As the two ponies who haven't panicked from this newcomer's arrival went over, Chronicle with his microphone close to his mouth, the driver leaped nimbly out and down to the street.

The first feature visible under the figure's gray-green cloak was a set of four dark blue-violet forelegs clad in light blue shoes, and the hood was thrown back in time with a crack of lightning.

Once it faded, the crossdressing stallion 'lowered' his microphone upon recognizing the face. It was Princess Luna—Princess Celestia's younger sister, whom they haven't seen since first acquiring the Elements of Harmony. The dark blue, almost black tiara set behind her horn was there, along with the lighter blue shadow on her eyelids, and the edge of her crescent-moon necklace can be seen under the cloak's edge.

However, three things have noticeably changed since that first appearance. One: her coat and mane have darkened noticeably. Two: with the exception of the forelock, her entire mane had become a long, sparkly, translucent mass of hair that waved gently on its own as Celestia's does. Three, the haughty gaze from those blue-green eyes indicated that any traces of fear or uncertainty from before were entirely gone. Four: she also seemed taller, but she was still in fact the same height as before; her confident posture just gave off that illusion, just as one certain hero popular to the Story Crew can conceal his identity by just wearing glasses and acting wimpy.

Everypony hit the deck for a deep bow with two exceptions. Chronicle 'raised' his microphone again in a defensive stance; who knows what this change in appearance could entail? Twilight gaped for a moment, then broke into a smile. "Princess Luna!"

She started forward, but the still-bowing Spike dragged her down and put a finger to her lips. Luna advanced toward the group, her cloak breaking apart into a swarm of bats that flapped away. Her tail had undergone the same change as her mane, and she certainly looked more slender. When she spread her wings, they too were larger than before. Cloud Kicker glanced up just in time to find the royal pony standing over her. The small smile that came over the latter's face only served to scare the bejesus out of her and every other pony in the vicinity.

Now Luna spoke, making one more change instantly obvious: her voice. Imperious, reverberating, and with enough volume to cause wind gusts that would capsize a battleship. Well, maybe not a battleship, though a water tank would certainly be sent rolling if she were to do what she was doing now in front of it.

"CITIZENS OF PONYVILLE! WE HAVE GRACED YOUR TINY VILLAGE WITH OUR PRESENCE, SO THAT YOU MIGHT BEHOLD THE REAL PRINCESS OF THE NIGHT!" She began to walk among them. "A CREATURE OF NIGHTMARES NO LONGER, BUT INSTEAD A PONY WHO DESIRES YOUR LOVE AND ADMIRATION!" The audience slowly backed away save for Twilight and her bodyguard. "TOGETHER WE SHALL CHANGE THIS DREADFUL CELEBRATION INTO A BRIGHT AND GLORIOUS FEAST!"

There came another lightning strike, after which a frightened Pinkie stood up. "Did you hear that, everypony? Nightmare Moon says she's gonna feast on us all!"

What's next was a collective scream and clear out of the place, leaving a couple of prostrate ponies and a very puzzled Princess. Luna now spoke at a volume closer to normal, but with the same general tone. "What? No, children, no! You no longer have reason to fear us! Screams of delight is what your Princess desires, not screams of terror!"

She brought down one front hoof, hard enough to crack the ground, barely missing a Lemon Hearts's nose and prompting a little whimper. Luna's next look was directed behind herself, toward the Mayor. "Madame Mayor—" The night princess stepped toward her. "—thy Princess of the Night hath arrived!"

She thrust a front hoof toward the Mayor, who sobbed in fear and covered her face. Luna did not notice this reaction for a moment, and it sat very badly with her when she did, and a bespectacled white mare in a devil cape, horns, and tail got a hoof pointed at her next. Gasp, cower, cover the face. "What is the matter with you?" She got the same results with the others that remained and it began to annoy her. Not once were the two crossdressers pointed at.

"Very well, then! Be that way!" she finally said a bit petulantly. Twilight lifted her eyes a hair as Luna walked off. "We won't even bother with the traditional royal farewell!"

Chronicle eased up a bit as his charge got up. "I'm gonna go talk to her," she said. Before she can even manage two steps, a yank on her robe and a grunt pointed up Spike's successful effort to stop her.

"You can't talk to her! She's Nightmare Moon," he pleaded. The robe was yanked loose.

"No, she's not. I saw the Elements of Harmony change her back to good." She began to walk off, her bodyguard accompanying her. "But it seems like she's having some trouble adjusting after being gone for a thousand years."

"And don't worry, Spike," assured Chronicle as he 'put away' his microphone. "I fought Nightmare Moon before. I can do it again." I wonder if Celestia has something to do with this?

C—TS—S—PP—PL—C—TS—S—PP—PL—C—TS—S—PP—PL

Back in (NOT) the (Everfree) forest…

The two crossdressing ponies found Luna sitting in front of the Nightmare statue, lost in thought, and stopped short just a few paces away from the shadow cast by the statue.

"Princess Luna?" Twilight started. "Hi. My name is—"

Luna cut her off as she stood up and faced the two. "Starswirl the Bearded. Commendable costume. Thou even got the bells right."

"Thank you! Finally, somepony who gets my costume!"

Luna stared uncertainly at her before turning to face Chronicle, "And thou art dressed as Sound Wave of the P3 singing idol group, correct? Their music is quite remarkable."

"You know of that group?"

"Thy art familiar with their songs." (3)

Twilight then decided to speak again. "Uh…I just came to welcome you to our celebration. My actual name is—"

"Twilight Sparkle," Luna finished. "And thou companion wouldst be the brave Chronicle, who serves as your knight?"

The blue unicorn did his best to stifle a laugh from the 'knight' comment while containing his shock that the princess saw through his costume immediately before she spoke once more. The wind kicked up in time with her voice as she slowly floated free of the ground, summoning a fresh mass of clouds to fill the sky.

"IT WAS THOU WHO UNLEASHED THE POWERS OF HARMONY UPON US AND TOOK AWAY OUR DARK POWERS!"

The two unicorns were blown a few feet backward before the gusts stopped. Chronicle used his magic to keep his wig from flying off.

"And…that was a good thing, right?" asked Twilight.

Luna landed before the two. "But of course. We could not be happier. Is that not clear?"

"Well, you kinda sound like you're yelling at us."

"But this is the traditional royal Canterlot voice. It is tradition to speak using the royal "we" and to use THIS MUCH VOLUME WHEN ADDRESSING OUR SUBJECTS!"

The end of this line left Twilight wearing her beard sideways and her hat askew; Chronicle learned from the previous 'shout' and had conjured a barrier around his head. After getting themselves straightened out, the crossdressing mare put on the politest smile she can manage.

"You know, that might explain why your appearance was met with…mixed results."

"I didn't see you as a threat though, just very…uhh…what was the word?" He couldn't use "hammy" due to their vegetarian diet. "Pretentious. Over-the-top."

"I think if you just changed your approach a bit, you might be met with a warmer reception," his charge continued as she moved close to the ruler and put a hoof on her shoulder, but pulled it back upon getting a very funny look in return.

"CHANGE OUR APPROACH?"

"Lower the volume."

"Oh. We have been locked away for a thousand years. We are…not sure we can."

"Oh come on, your…darker self was able to speak normally when we first confronted her," Chronicle said. "Granted, she was instilling fear, but still."

Luna gave no response to that.

C—TS—PL—C—TS—PL—C—TS—PL—C—TS—PL

Later…

The three went to Fluttershy's cottage, all of whose windows were dark. Twilight and Chronicle led Luna toward the front door.

"Don't worry, Princess," Twilight said. "Fluttershy can give you some great pointers. She's delicate and demure, with the sweetest little voice." She knocked on the door. It remained closed, but Fluttershy's panicked voice came with enough force to nearly burst it off the hinges.

"Go away! No candy here! Visitors not welcome on Nightmare Night!"

Twilight manages an embarrassed little laugh in response to Luna's dirty look. "She's also extremely timid, and is probably trying to keep others away given the holiday's theme," explained Chronicle. "I've been training her in bravery, but progress is very slow."

His charge addressed herself toward the door. "Fluttershy, it's me, Twilight!" She remembered Chronicle's request not to reveal his identity and decided to leave it to him, also as he requested.

The door opened slightly, the house's owner peeking out "It is you!" She then opened it to reveal the others. "Oh, and Sound Wave of the P3, and Nightmare Moon." She then realized what she said, and got out a little gasp as her pupils constricted to terrified points within the big blue-green irises. "Nightmare Moon?!" What followed was a scream, and a slam of the door.

Twilight forced out another laugh. "Wait right here," she told Luna.

"I'm coming with," said Chronicle as the two of them stepped up, let themselves in, and closed the door.

What happened inside would remain unmentioned in detail. Namely, Fluttershy had picked a bad time to apply her lessons and assaulted them. The 'fight' was rather quick and it only stopped when she had knocked off Chronicle's wig. This distracted her enough for Twilight to restrain her, reopen the door, and shove her onto the step.

"Fluttershy…" Twilight said with a grunt as her bodyguard readjusted his wig. "…you remember Princess Luna."

Luna held out out a hoof. "CHARMED!"

Fluttershy zipped back inside, but was stopped her in her tracks by Chronicle before being levitated by Twilight through the doorway and was turned around to face the blue-violet visitor. "Likewise," she replied in a small voice.

"TWILIGHT SPARKLE HAS SPOKEN OF THE SWEETNESS OF THY VOICE! WE ASK THAT THOU TEACHEST US TO SPEAK AS THOU SPEAKEST!"

Fluttershy was now with an even smaller voice as she huddled on the ground. "Okay."

"SHALL OUR LESSONS BEGIN?"

Still softer "Okay."

"SHALL WE MIMIC THY VOICE?"

"Okay."

"HOW IS THIS?"

Fluttershy replied hastily, "Perfect. Lesson over."

She made a break for the cottage, but Twilight was a bit quicker on the draw to kick the door shut. Fluttershy crashes into it face first, plastering herself across the boards with her mane and tail falling limp. The door also happened to slam Chronicle in the face in the process. "Ow!"

"A little quieter, Princess."

"HOW IS…this?" Her voice was still raised a bit.

"Better! Right, Fluttershy?"

The pegasus peeled her head free and moaned woozily before falling off the floor. "Yes." Chronicle teleported back outside, still rubbing hs muzzle.

A bit softer still. "How…about…now?"

"Now you're getting it."

Even softer. "And…how about now?"

"Yes! Well done!"

The former exile had now matched the normal speaking volume of a typical pony. Fluttershy, meanwhile, had made it up off the step and was reaching for the door handle when Luna's telekinesis grabbed hold and whipped her over for a hug.

"AH, THANK THEE, DEAR FLUTTERSHY! OUR NORMAL SPEAKING VOICE SHALL SURELY WIN US THE HEARTS OF THY FELLOW VILLAGERS!"

The scared mare went limp and gets flopped around like a rag doll as a result. "This won't make for a pretty picture."

And then here came Pinkie, leading Pip and the other youngsters toward the cottage, entered the scene. "Fluttershy, you gotta hide us! Nightmare Moon is here and—" She trailed off into a shrill chicken squawk and a gasp, seeing Fluttershy sprawled bonelessly in Luna's front hooves. "She's stolen Fluttershy's voice so she can't scream when she GOBBLES HER UP!" She then bailed out, the others screaming and scattered in short order.

"NAY, CHILDREN, WAIT!" Luna pleaded before catching herself. "I-I mean…nay, children, wait!" She glanced dejectedly back at Twilight.

"Come on, Princess. Time for Plan B."

"And while we do that, I'm gonna try and get an explanation from Pinkie Pie. She was there with us when we confronted you, and she certainly wasn't scared. In fact…" Chronicle dispatched a clone—complete with Sound Wave ensemble, but minus the voice modulator—to go after the Spirit of Laughter. "When Nightmare Moon tried to stop us, she just happened to allow my friends to demonstrate the virtues they ended up representing, furthering her defeat. I have a few theories behind that. One is that Nightmare isn't really an effective 'villain'. Two, you were influencing her decisions from the inside. Three, she was actually hoping to lose after realizing the consequences of her eternal night. For a fighter like me, I have a lot of wild guesses in mind."

C—TS—F—PP—PL—P—C—TS—F—PP—PL—P

[A/N: I was a bit disappointed with Rarity's absence in Luna Eclipsed, so I decided to use the events of this comic strip as a basis.]

"My friend, Rarity, is the best when it comes to styling ponies with amazing garments! This is her boutique, Carousel Boutique!"

The three were now standing at the door in front of said building. This time, Chronicle did the knocking.

"GO AWAY! NO CANDIES HERE, PREPARATION ISN'T FINISHED YET!"

"Miss Rarity, are you available?" he then said, making certain his voice modulator was running perfectly.

There was a pause. "Is that who I think it is?"

"I don't know who you're thinking about."

"I don't believe it! Could you be— are Sealight Glisten or Jasmine Trinity with you? Or somewhere in town?"

"Um, no and no."

"That's strange?" the door to the boutique was opened, revealing Rarity (who was not dressed up). "Whyever would you—" she stopped short upon seeing the three. "Oh. You're just dressed up as Sound Wave. And you sound like her too."

Chronicle raised an eyebrow. "Huh. How are you able to tell?"

"I went on a trip to Baltimare with my family once and watched one of their performances. That's how I know of them. It was quite an interesting event. They were about to be ponynapped right in public, but somepony came and saved them just in time." The crossdressing stallion smiled inwardly; he was that savior, and he had also discovered a secret the P3 had (which he kept to himself out of respect). Rarity then noticed not-Sound Wave's companions. "I see that Twilight and Nightmare Moon are here as well." Then, just as with Fluttershy, she realized what she just said. "Nightmare Moon?!" This was followed with a slam of the door, just like before.

"Allow me," Chronicle offered as he teleported inside the boutique.

What followed was a shriek as Rarity discovered that the Sound Wave cosplayer was actually a stallion and her friend. And then an explanation ensued. One moment later, she opened the door.

"Rarity, this is Princess Luna," Twilight introduced the princess. "I'm sure you remember her and she needs your skills to make her look less intimidating…"

"'Look'? Uh, yeah, is there something wrong?"

"Yes, Rarity. Is something wrong with thou?"

"N-NO…NOTHING IS WRONG!" She then whispered to Chronicle. "I need to talk with you and Twilight in private."

The stallion nodded, motioned for Twilight to come over, and said to Luna, "Please wait here. And don't listen in."

"If that is what thou desires," replied Luna.

Once she was out of the way, Rarity said, "Twilight, I know you are trying to help, but this is the Princess! And dressing up a princess is a huge possibility… If I don't do it properly, it could be The! Worst! Possible! Thing!"

"I'm sure you'll do fine…" Twilight insisted, then addressed Luna. "Princess…"

Luna conceded and entered the boutique. "If thou insist."

"!!! It's okay, Rarity. Don't panic." The fashion designer distracted herself by turning to face Chronicle, "That dress you asked me to make wasn't for your sister?!"

The crossdressing stallion couldn't help but giggle a bit. "Yeah, I lied to you. Sorry." For the record, Timerity was dressed up as a wolverine for Nightmare Night, as in the animal and not one other certain "hero" popular to the Story Crew. The holiday in question doesn't exist in where Blue Diary is in and therefore is not celebrating it.

"You know, I don't question a customer's fashion choice when the money is good and the concept is sound. And I'll have to say I had no idea I was making a 'not-so-good' replica of Sound Wave's outfit until I saw you in it. How I didn't realize that is beyond me."

"I didn't want you asking questions. And now you know of this side of me. I don't mind wearing mare's clothes, but I only do it as a disguise or in Nightmare Night. Now get designing! Luna's costume won't sew itself."

"All right, all right. But… why are you still speaking like that even in front of me?"

"I used a voice modulation spell. It will wear off tomorrow."

C—TS—R—PL—C—TS—R—PL—C—TS—R—PL

Later…

"I'll just add a little more ribbon here and…done. Now you look… um…"

Luna was now dolled up in a completely pink ensemble. It admittedly looked nice.

"Rarity, what happened?" Twilight whispered.

"I panicked."

"How did you even tie a ribbon into an ethereal mane like hers, Rarity?" Chronicle wondered. He also 'received word' that his clone failed to find Pinkie before dissipating.

"Though this is a very marvelous dress, we cannot wear this in public," Luna apologized. "We'll have to take this off."

"I'm sorry, Twilight," said Rarity.

"No, I'm sorry for coming on short notice."

"RARITY! YOU GOT TO HIDE US!" a familiar voice came. Everypony present pivoted their heads to peer at the sight of Pinkie, Pip, and their posse to pop in the place. "Nightmare Moon just gobbled up Fluttershy's voice and—" She let off a gasp. "SHE EVEN ATE A PRINCESS! NOT EVEN ROYALTY IS SAFE! EVERYPONY RUN!"

"?!" As it turns out, they had caught Luna out of her clothes and a piece of cloth in her mouth, as if she had chewed on them. "NEIGH! CHILDREN WAIT! WE HAVE NOT DONE SUCH FOUL THING!" But it was useless; they were already gone. "But don't thou, at least, realize some changes?"

"Damn Pinkie," cursed Chronicle. "Just what does she think she's doing?"

"By the way, Twilight, very nice costume. Are you dressing as the oldest pony in the universe?" Rarity asked.

"It's Star Swirl the Bearded."

[A/N: And this is the in-story reason that Rarity's section was cut from the show; Chronicle was directly involved in the events.]

C—TS—R—PP—PL—P—C—TS—R—PP—PL—P

Later, back at the festivities…

As the crossdressing unicorns and night princess entered the venue, everypony stopped, bowed, and scraped before their advance, lowering Luna's spirits considerably.

"It is of no use, Twilight Sparkle, brave Chronicle," she said. "They have never liked us, and they never shall."

"Now don't be such a pessimist, Luna," replied the blue unicorn. "That's what led you to being Nightmare Moon in the first place."

"My friend Applejack is one of the most likable ponies around," Twilight said. "I'm sure she'll have some ideas."

"Well, what do you know? Looks like there's one pony still standing in the crowd."

Indeed there was. It was a unicorn stallion dressed up as an armored knight from head to hoof, indeed standing but in a defensive stance. What gave away his identity was his red ascot, which he wore outside the armor.

"Mystic Shield, is that you?" asked Twilight.

"Happy Nightmare Night, Twilight," Mystic greeted. "Same to you, Princess Luna." He accentuated this with a respectful bow. "And…is that you, Chronicle? I can't believe you actually went through with that costume."

"Wow, you saw through him that quickly?!"

"He told me he'd be dressing up as Sound Wave beforehoof. I can also see three errors in his costume, aside from the obvious race difference. Sound Wave's a pegasus."

"What are those errors?" asked Chronicle.

"One, her coat is a lighter shade of blue. Two, she uses the stars barrette ONLY during performances, opting for a cross-shaped one offstage. Three, that kind of skirt is supposed to have one less layer. How do I know this? I'm a avid fan of P3 back when I still lived in Baltimare."

"So you know P3?"

"Mm-hmm. You didn't see it because I am still settling down in Ponyville, and also I believe it's just going to get in the way of my teaching."

"I see." Mystic then turned to face Luna, and she could sense no fear from him. "You're wondering why I'm not quivering in fear like everypony else here, right?"

"That would be so, …Mystic Shield."

"Well, back in my youth, just like Chronicle I now realize, I've traveled the world, seen plenty of stuff. One thing I learned is to not fear or be overtly hostile to any unknown unless they themselves are hostile and even then I only attack when they start or when I personally know for certain they're trouble. It also sort of helps that I wasn't there during the Summer Sun Celebration to witness Nightmare Moon's return."

"…Thou have great courage to speak in front of a princess in such a manner."

"I witnessed your entrance earlier. And I was attentive enough to tell that you were…socially awkward. That and I was lucky enough to have a chat with your Night Guards later on. They're certainly more sociable than the Royal Guard."

"Thoust have a problem with thy sister's—"

"No, no, no," the 'armored knight' interrupted, another daring move, even though Luna didn't ask the previous question threateningly. "It's less the guard itself and more like one particular pony in it. I have personal reasons for that."

"I see." Chronicle noticed her slip in 'accent', but decided to say nothing about it.

"Mind if I accompany you, fair princess?"

There was a mild pause as Luna contemplated on it. "If thoust wishes to, Mystic Shield."

"Thank you. I hope my trust in you can help others do the same."

C—TS—MS—PL—C—TS—MS—PL—C—TS—MS—PL

At the (refilled) apple bobbing-tub…

Pip was balancing on the edge, trying to snag a floater, but lost his balance and started to topple in with a yell. In a flash, Applejack was there to grab him by the hindquarters. "Whoa. Careful there, pardner."

Once she sets him on the ground, he galloped off and she started to walk in the opposite direction, only to find herself face to face with Luna after barely one step. The four-legged scarecrow let out a strangled yelp, then dropped into a bow.

"Uh…" Twilight cleared her throat, then bent down. "Applejack? The Princess is looking for a little advice on how to fit in around here."

Applejack uncovered her eyes. "Fit in? Really?" A soft growl from Twilight convinced her to she stand up to face the night ruler with a slightly forced smile. "I mean… *uheh* …that's easy. All you gotta do is have the right attitude." She began to zip around the princess. "Loosen up a bit, be positive, play a few games, have some fun."

"Fun? What is this fun thou speakest of?"

Chronicle smirked before speaking, "Fun is when you…" He feigned fumbling for the words. "Fun is…it's like…it's kinda…sorta like a…What is fun?" I…" He cleared his throat. "Let me spell it for you." He then surprisingly broke into song.

F is for friends who do stuff together
U is for you and me
N is for anywhere and anytime at all…

He suddenly stopped. "And I forget the rest." Twilight and Applejack responded with a facehoof while Luna just raised an eyebrow and Mystic rolled his eyes behind the helmet. "Well actually, I know the last line, but I can't exactly apply it here. I learned the song from some seaponies, don't ask where. They do more than just 'shoo-be-doo', y'know."

"You learned it from seaponies? I learned that it was a draft composition from Sealight," Mystic said. He then scooted over to Luna and added, "The members of P3 compose their own songs."

"I think we're gettin' off track here," Applejack interrupted. "Anyway…" She and Twilight gestured off to one side and Luna and the two stallions followed with their eyes.

There was a bowl filled with oversized toy spiders. Luna walked over to it and asked, "Pray tell…what purpose do these serve?"

Cherry Berry, who was huddled and quivering in her bee costume spoke up from the ground. "Try…to land the sp-p…sp-p-piders on the web!"

"Using magic would be too easy," added Mystic. "And it's not allowed anyway."

A few yards away was a large spiderweb woven between two poles. Luna balanced one of the projectiles on her hoof, aimed carefully, and let fly. It landed short of the web and bounced squeakily to rest. Luna glanced nervously behind herself toward her companions.

"You can do it, Princess!" Applejack cheered.

The blue-green eyes narrowed in fierce concentration, and her next throw stuck squarely at the web's center. "Ha! Your Princess enjoys this…fun!" She turned to the others. "In what other ways may we experience it?"

A knowing look passed between the four.

C—TS—A—MS—PL—C—TS—A—MS—PL—C—TS—A—MS—PL

At another game…

Luna loaded a pumpkin into a catapult's basket. A crowd was watching cautiously, with the Princess's new friends at the front.

"Fire away, Princess!" Twilight called.

The two blue-shod front hooves pushed down on the basket and let it snap up, hurling the gourd high and far to score…a perfect bullseye. "Ha-ha! The fun has been doubled!"

There was a hearty round of cheers from the spectators.

"Why don't you try bobbin' for apples?" Applejack suggested. "We got the best apples in Equestria here, Princess."

"I ask that thou call us…me…Luna, fair Applejack. Hear me, villagers! All of you, call me Luna!"

The group that gathered murmured excitedly at this pronouncement, as Luna's four escorts led her toward the tub.

"Show me to these bobbing apples."

She stopped short, her eyes popping in shock. At the tub, Pip had again balanced on its edge and was about to fall. "Whoa!" This time, he tumbled in.

Luna was on the move before Applejack can even get her mouth closed.

"Hey, gals," Pinkie's voice suddenly came.

"████," swore the crossdressing stallion.

"What's wrong?" asked Mystic.

As the apple wrangler looked over her shoulder, Pinkie and the other candy collectors were seen a short distance across the square.

"Anypony seen Pip? We lost him the last time we had to run—" Pinkie let out a sudden shocked squawk and a yelp at the sight of…Luna having grabbed a fold of Pip's clothing in her teeth and hoisting him out. "Nightmare Moon is gobbling Pipsqueak! EVERYPONY RUUUNNN!" After a scream and bug out, the foals with her did likewise.

Pip did likewise as he pulled free and galloped off. "HEEELLLP! My backside has been gobbled!"

Luna was incensed at this. One other pony shared her feelings. "'Tis a lie! Thy backside is whole and un-gobbled, thou ungrateful whelp!"

A lightning strike threw her grimace and widened eyes into sharp relief. It also threw a good fright into quite a few of the onlookers. As they backed away slowly, she toned herself down again.

"Fair villagers, please do not back away! Let us join together in…fun!"

No dice. Luna looked around, noticed a toy spider from the throwing game, and picked it up in her teeth. This was tossed over to the scared mares, who recoiled when it hit the ground nearby.

"Not enough fun for you? What say you to this?"

A blast from her horn turned the plaything into an actual spider with two pairs of red eyes. the ponies scream and flee as it begins to scuttle away. Her next shot hit the whole bowl of toy spiders and brought them to life, and Cherry fainted as they swarmed over her. Instead of chewing her to pieces, though, they scurried downrange and onto the web to gather at its center.

Luna was fiercely pleased. "Huzzah! How many points do I receive?"

"Since you used magic, you're disqualified," Mystic mumbled. Aside from that, there was not one word from the stunned locals.

Carrot popped up screaming, with a spider on her head, and galloped off at full speed. All the others scattered an instant later.

"Do not run away!" Luna said.

"That won't work, Your Majesty," replied Mystic as he saw Daisy crash into a barrel of apples, upsetting it and knocking herself out.

"As your Princess, we command you!"

One pony collided head on with Sea Swirl. Next a popcorn cart took a hit and the giant wrapped-candy decoration mounted on its canopy fell loose and started rolling through the square, adding to the general panic. Luna cringed as lights and banners came down, then gathered herself before lifting a foreleg and lightning ripped the sky.

"BE STILL!" These two words reverberated in the air far longer than any others she had delivered in her royal Canterlot voice. Everypony save two got scared out of their wits and bowed so low they could be mistaken for throw rugs. The ones who remained standing were Chronicle, who had his microphone out again, and Mystic Shield, who just assumed a defensive stance.

Once the accompanying wind has died down, Twilight took the big gamble and got up first. ""Princess, remember! Watch the screaming!"

Luna rounded on her, eyes glowing white. "NO, TWILIGHT SPARKLE! WE MUST USE THE TRADITIONAL ROYAL CANTERLOT VOICE FOR WHAT WE ARE ABOUT TO SAY!"

The young unicorn's jaw dropped, the 'idol siger' started pounding his head against his microphone, Mystic muttered, "This won't end well", and the royal visitor unfurled her wings to hover a few feet above ground. Clouds swirled in the sky, hiding all the stars.

"SINCE YOU CHOOSE TO FEAR YOUR PRINCESS RATHER THAN LOVE HER, AND DISHONOR HER WITH THIS INSULTING CELEBRATION, WE DECREE THAT NIGHTMARE NIGHT SHALL BE CANCELED FOREVER!"

Another lightning bolt flashes over the dumbstruck crowd and the disbelieving Twilight. Chronicle however was thinking something else. I am so going to kill that toon pony once I find her!

C—TS—A—PP—MS—PL—P—C—TS—A—PP—MS—PL—P

Eyecatch (picture-type) - Two busts of Nightmare Moon at either side of a jack-o-lantern, which has the show's logo carved into it somehow. (4)

C—TS—A—PP—MS—PL—P—C—TS—A—PP—MS—PL—P

Luna's four 'escorts' stood among the festival's wreckage in the town square, three in worry and one in seething fury.

Applejack gave a heavy sigh. "Shoot. We had everything goin' our way. Luna was happy, everypony in town was happy—now look at 'em."

The square was filled with disconsolate ponies of all ages. "But I wanted to be a zombie next year!" the princess filly from much earlier sobbed.

"This is all Pinkie's fault," Chronicle said. "When I find her, I'm gonna tear her a new ass such that she'll have to get her cutie mark again!" He glanced at a shocked Applejack. "Figuratively, of course."

Taking in the scene for a moment, Twilight moved one hoof and found a Nightmare-silhouette decoration on the ground underneath it. This gave her an idea. "It's not over yet."

"What are you gonna do?" asked Mystic.

Twilight just gave a smile. "I'm going to do what I do best…lecture her!"

"Good luck," said Chronicle. "I'm going to find Pinkie Pie. Mystic, I'll need your help."

"All right."

"Thank you. But first… know how to call for a chicken?"

C—TS—A—MS—C—TS—A—MS—C—TS—A—MS—C—TS—A—MS

Unfortunately, Pinkie was nowhere to be found. Which was especially bothersome since it normally be impossible to not find her. Well, they did manage to actually see her, but she's usually gone by the time they start pursuing. The lightning pranks by Rainbow Dash certainly did not help.

"Did you honestly think we can find her?" Mystic asked as they rested in front of his place, which was closed.

"Yeah, I probably didn't think this through," apologized Chronicle. "I'm usually better than this." And I was unable to find anything to use the pinpointing spell on to make it easier.

"Is that you talking, or are you still 'playing' Sound Wave? Don't you think you're going a bit too far with the voice?"

"…I used a voice modulation spell, okay?"

"You guys found Pinkie Pie yet?" a voice came. The two turned to see Twilight, who looked determined. Luna was with her.

"No. It's like finding a needle in a haystack. Especially when that needle is squirming about inside it like a worm."

"I got a plan, but I'll need a couple of candies."

The crossdresser raised an eyebrow. "Is this what I think it's going to be?"

C—TS—PL—MS—C—TS—PL—MS—C—TS—PL—MS—C—TS—PL—MS

Later…

Across the murmuring, crying crowd in the square, Pinkie Pie popped up with a puzzled cluck and looked around. Something grabbed her attention and brought a little squawk; a piece of candy lying on the ground. She zipped over with a happy little cackle, pecked off the wrapper, and gobbled it down. Next, the pink pony with the cross-species identity crisis looked and gave a puzzled squawk to see a trail of sweets had been laid out at the mouth of an alley. Clucking and cackling, she ducked in and ate the first piece. Before she can start on the second, though, Twilight dove in and clapped a hoof over her mouth to cut off the start of her scream.

"I can't believe this actually worked," said an exasperated Mystic as he joined them.

"You do know this is Pinkie Pie we're talking about, right?" Chronicle commented.

"You do know I'm not exactly in the circle that is the Keepers of the Elements of Harmony, right?" the 'knight' retorted.

"Touché. Still, I feel we're like molesters doing this. I mean, luring a child to a dark alley with candy? Well, mare-child, but still."

"No! No shrieking! No squealing or screaming either, okay?" Twilight warned their 'captive'.

Pinkie replied with a muffled. "Okay."

"There's something I want you to see, and I promise that it's safe, but you really, really, really can't shriek. Do you promise not to shriek?"

"Mmm-hmm."

Twilight removed her hoof and backed away, and then Luna revealed herself. Pinkie's first reaction was a string of panicked clucks, but this time she shut herself up with both front hooves over the mouth.

"Pinkie Pie, you remember Princess Luna, right?"

Said princess stepped closer, still a bit wary. "Ah. The ringleader of the frightened children." She relented as she extended a hoof. "Hast thou come to make peace?"

Pinkie thought hard for a second, then smiled and moves forward while reaching toward Luna. As their two hooves were about to touch, a black cloud rolled in over the royal's head and cracked out lightning, turning her into a grimacing, white-eyed silhouette for a split second. This was enough to freak Pinkie out all over again.

"Nightmare Moon!"

She squawked, flapped her forelegs like wings, and was gone in an instant, leaving behind a large blue egg with purple spots.

The ████?! Mystic thought as Chronicle 'picked up' the item and 'stowed' it in hammerspace before directing his head upward like his charge, utterly annoyed and already casting a spell.

"Rainbow!" both of them yelled.

A gale of laughter floated down as the Shadowbolt-costumed pegasus flopped onto her back atop the cloud and thoroughly enjoying the prank she had just brought off. That was before a giant 'shuriken' sliced through the cloud (and phased through her), eliciting a yelp of pain.

"Get lost!" the bodyguard shouted, his voice modulator making him sound like a fidgety girl with a hair-trigger temper and the prankster decided to flee. It goes to show that you do not get on Chronicle's bad side, even if you're a friend of his.

Meanwhile, Pinkie raced toward the mouth of the alley. Twilight teleported over to block her, but got a faceful of feathers instead. The two ponies tumbled a short distance, ending with Pinkie pinned to the turf by one very hacked-off unicorn, followed by one cross 'knight' and one pissed off 'idol singer'.

"She's changed, Pinkie!" Twilight tried to convince her. "She's not evil or scary anymore! And she definitely doesn't want to gobble you up!"

Pinkie's eyes popped before rolling. "Well, duh!"

"Huh?"

"What?!" screamed Chronicle.

"I know that. Sheesh, Twilight, I'm almost as big as her. How's she gonna gobble me up?"

"So why do you keep running away and screaming?"

"Yeah!"

"Sometimes it's just really fun to be scared."

Twilight reacted incredulously at this. "Fun?" With this, she suddenly got another big idea and aimed a big smile into Pinkie's face. "Pinkie Pie, you're a genius!"

"No, I'm not. I'm a chicken." She emphasized this statement with a loud squawk.

As Twilight got off of her, she was about to scoot off again before being 'picked up' by a very irate crossdresser and throttled to a wall. Mystic was shocked at his friend's behavior and was about to make a move to stop him were it not for a harsh glare that came from him. It wasn't as scary as Fluttershy's Stare, but it still unnerved even him and the blue contact lenses somehow strengthened the effect. The glare also 'told' him to leave, so he decided to go with Twilight.

The 'idol singer' then turned back to face the 'chicken'. "Pinkie Pie! Did you not even realize that what you did could've probably made Luna relapse into Nightmare Moon again?!" he scolded. "And another thing!" He 'pulled out' his paddle. "If it weren't for what I think Twilight's plan will be…!" He smacked her in the cheeks for every syllable/word he emphasized. "You! Ruined! Night! mare! Night! For! Every! pony!" For extra 'torture', he began to 'spin' the paddle like a speedy waterwheel and smacked her in the chin repeatedly.

"Oww…" Despite her innate earth pony durability, the paddle hits hurt like a mother dog. "I'm sorry, okay?" she said once the smacking stopped. "I had no idea she wasn't in on the whole scaring everypony thing. It's her holiday, named after her, in honor of her, and is about frightening others. Of course I'd think Luna was trying to scare everyone and I was just playing along!"

Chronicle smacked himself in the face for that. He hadn't truly celebrated Nightmare Night back then, or maybe it was celebrated somewhat differently outside Ponyville. He was mad at her regardless. There was no way she was gonna get away with this 'unscathed'. "You probably have a point. But the fact still stands that you ruined the holiday!" Chronicle's expression changed into a smirk. "There's only one way you can make up for this."

"W-w-what?"

"We both know just what you're capable of. That's you're different from other living beings. And I'm not talking about your energy, perkiness, or speed. You can take out random stuff out of nowhere, right?"

"Uh-huh."

"Well, when I tell you to take out something, whatever it may be, you do so without question. Unless you actually can't. Don't worry. I won't abuse it. Do we have a Pinkie Promise?"

"Pinkie Promise!" Pinkie answered frantically.

"Good! We'll go on the final details tomorrow noon. Lunch."

The 'chicken''s mood shifted instantly. "So it's a—"

"No."

"Aww."

At that moment, Mystic Shield went over to the two. "Chronicle? Twilight needs your assistance in the plan she has."

The crossdresser nodded before glaring at Pinkie. "If this doesn't fix the damage you made Luna cause…" He then made an "I'm watching you" gesture before joining the 'knight'.

C—TS—PP—PL—MS—C—TS—PP—PL—MS—C—TS—PP—PL—MS

Soon, the plan was put into action. And Chronicle agreed with it.

He, Twilight, and Mystic would accompany the procession of ponies who have decided (under the guide of Zecora, the Mayor, and Applejack) to deliver the candy "for the last time" to Nightmare Moon's statue. Luna meanwhile will be waiting there and would enact their next phase once the delivery is complete. As another consequence for her actions, Pinkie Pie was ordered to stay out of the plan.

So far, it was going well. With them to bring up the rear, the foals were offering their candy as tribute. Right after the ladybug-costumed filly was done, Pip walked up and set down the bag he carried in his teeth.

He looks up at the statue and said, "Goodbye, Nightmare Night…" He then dropped his head. "…forever." He began to walk away, but a sudden blast of wind froze him and the other fillies in their tracks and put a fright into the adults save for the two stallions.

"CITIZENS OF PONYVILLE!" Luna's voice came. "YOU WERE WISE TO BRING THIS CANDY TO ME! I AM PLEASED WITH YOUR OFFERING…" Applejack's straw scarecrow hat was blown off from the wind as the statue 'came to life'. "…SO PLEASED THAT I MAY JUST EAT IT INSTEAD OF EATING YOU!" At the end of this, Nightmare hunches down toward the group, baring mouthful of very sharp teeth and her eyes blazing white. What followed was a collective scream and a stampede out of the place.

"This way! We'll deal with her!" Chronicle yelled as he and Mystic ushered the group somewhere safe (which Twilight was no longer in).

"Are you sure, miss?" asked Pip.

"There's no time! Go!"

And soon the matter of innocents was taken care of, leaving the villainous winged unicorn standing alone on the pedestal, seemingly about to confront the two heroes who decided to stay behind.

Which was what they wanted it to look like.

In one quick flash, Nightmare transformed back into Luna, and she spit out a set of fake fangs—used to help enhance the effect of the masquerade. Luna: "I am not certain that did what you meant for it to do, Twilight Sparkle," she said uncertainly as said unicorn walked up behind her while the two stallions walked over.

"Just wait," the crossdressing mare assured with confidence as the princess jumped down.

"For what? For…for them to scream some more?"

Something tugged on the end of her mane. It turns out to be Pipsqueak. "Um, Princess Luna…I know there's not gonna be any more Nightmare Night, but do you suppose maybe you could come back next year… and scare us again anyway?"

She looked off past him and saw the other fillies huddled together at a distance, also according to plan.

"Child, art thou saying that thou…likest me to scare you?"

Another slip in accent. It should be 'thou'.

Pip gave a smile. "It's really fun! Scary, but fun."

Now that sounds naughty.

"It…'tis?"

"Yeah! Nightmare Night is my favorite night of the year."

Luna gave a smile in return. "Well, then! We shall have to bring…NIGHTMARE NIGHT BACK!"

The force of these three words sent the little pinto sliding backward on the grass. "Whoa!" He said as he stood up. "You're my favorite princess ever!" He zipped back over to her and bowed before galloping away. "She said yes, guys!"

"YAAAAY!" cheered the rest of the foals.

"See? They really do like you, Princess!" Twilight said.

"Can it be true?" Luna reared up lightning cracking— "OH, MOST WONDERFUL OF—" Before catching herself. "—I mean, oh, most wonderful of nights."

C—TS—A—MM—PL—MS—P—C—TS—A—MM—PL—MS—P

"Dear Princess Celestia: When you first sent me to Ponyville, I didn't know anything about friendship. I met somepony tonight who was having the same problem—your sister, Princess Luna. She taught me that one of the best things you can do with friendship is to give it to others and help them find it themselves. And I'm happy to report that all of Ponyville has learned that even if somepony seems a little intimidating, even scary, when you offer them your friendship, you'll discover a whole new pony underneath. And even if my Starswirl the Bearded costume didn't go over, this still turned out to be the best Nightmare Night ever."

"P.S. (from Chronicle): I was about to remark on the fact that you…neglected to update your sister on basic modern customs, which was the cause of all the trouble and even led to a temporary cancellation of Nightmare Night until I realized that you probably had reasons for it. I can name three. One, you pulled a prank, and I know you do such things. Two, she insisted doing this on her own like a "typical younger sister" (you should've told her about the friendship report that centered on Applejack). Three, you thought telling her would've just made her 'go through the motions' without learning or bonding with her subjects, which in this case you still should've explained anyway. There is a difference you know. apologies for the rant, but it's what I do."

SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM

(1) Chronicle's Nightmare Night costume is based on a character from one of my favorite animés, Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch, which has an interesting premise; it combines the elements of "magical girl" with "idol singer" and pulls it off quite effectively in my opinion.

(2) P3 is based off of the main characters of the animé I mentioned. Sound Wave is my personal expy of "Aqua Pearl Voice" Hanon Hosho, which is why Pinkie alluded to Chronicle sounding like Skyla; the Japanese VA I "assigned" her is also Hanon's seiyuu.

(3) Pardon any Ye Olde Englishe errors you see. I'm not wholly familiar with the language.

(4) Yeah, my eyecatches aren't as imaginative as in other chapters. Sorry.

nightelf37: I know I got rid of the final scenes from the episode, but I deemed them pointless. See ya on Third!

nightelf37: This chapter takes place sometime after the events of "Lesson Zero". Happy (belated) Hearts and Hooves Day.

SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM

(WCDDtEo) Baby Cakes

Daytime, Ponyville Hospital…

Twilight Sparkle and her friends were chattering excitedly while gathered outside the long window of the maternity ward. Well, one wasn't and was just watching quietly. Rainbow Dash was hovering above the others.

"Can you believe the new baby is finally here?" said Applejack.

There came a soft gasp from Twilight. "Cup Cake and Carrot Cake must be so proud!"

"I wonder if it's a filly or a colt," Rarity mused.

"So that's what a pregnant mare looks like," commented Chronicle, who had been the silent one.

"You mean you didn't know until now?" asked Fluttershy.

"Unfortunately, of all the things I've seen prior to living in Ponyville, a pregnant mare wasn't one of them. I was, like, less than two years old when when my mom gave birth to my youngest brother."

"What about cousins?"

"By the time I was eight, I was being tutored my my parents to become who I am now. Didn't have time to see their births either. As for school, it was fairly normal. After all, have to be able to mingle properly with others."

"Just how big is your family?" wondered the pony with a (known) big family herself.

"Counting the branch families, perhaps as big as yours, Applejack. I don't know, I've yet to meet everybody." He flash-stepped over to her. "Honorary members are counted, and during the last reunion, I saw at least one griffon, one zebra, and even one or two dragons about Spike's age."

"Whoa nelly! Seriously?"

"Yes," sighed the stallion. "But we're not here to talk about my family, we're here to see the new addition—or additions—for theirs." He pointed through the glass window.

At the far end of the window, Pinkie Pie was mashing her face excitedly against the pane as if trying to squeeze herself bodily through it. "I want to see the new baby pony! I want to see! Which one is it?"

Inside the ward, there were lots of bassinets and Mr. Cake was standing over one of them. He bore all the hallmarks of a father-to-be who has put in plenty of time in the waiting room: bow tie loose, unkempt mane, cap askew, and a faceful of beard stubble, which still puzzle Chronicle to this day.

"Meet our son…" Mr. Cake said softly as he pulled the blanket down. "…Pound Cake."

The movement exposed a sleeping, off-white newborn colt dressed in hoofie pajamas, light blue, with a hood that had openings for ears. A tuft of brown mane peeked out from the hood's edge. Newborn Pound yawned, a pair of tiny wings twitching out from his back to mark him as a pegasus.

Everypony on the other side of the window save Chronicle (who just smiled) gave an "Aww".

Mr. Cake turned to his other side at another bassinet. "And our daughter…" Again, he pulled the blanket down. "…Pumpkin Cake."

The occupant was a light yellowish-tan unicorn filly in pink hoofie pajamas. The bit of mane under her hood was orange. She yawned and started sucking peacefully on a front hoof.

Back at the ward side of the window, the mares were confused. Chronicle however was curious.

"Two new foals for me to play with?" said Pinkie before gasping. "That's two, two, two times the fun!" Her friends glanced her way, puzzled. "This is the greatest day ever!" She darted out and was inside the room an instant later, wearing a party hat and with a noisemaker clamped in her teeth.

I'm not even gonna ask.

"We need to celebrate your birthday, babies, 'cause you were just born today! Woo-hoo!" She sucked in a bushel of air, intending to let it go through the noisemaker, but Redheart arrived in a flash.

"Shhh! The babies are trying to sleep," she said. The babies had been mildly disturbed and he was able to tell that Pound's eyes were brown and Pumpkin's were blue.

"But I was just—"

"Shhh!"

Pinkie dropped the noisemaker. "But—"

"Shhh!"

"You better do what she says, Pinkie," Chronicle said from the other side as the party pony glanced in the departing nurse's direction. "You don't want the other babies to wake up and cry, do you?" He was ignored as she slipped between the two newborns and started to sing quietly.

Happy, happy birthday to you and you today

A threatening look from Redheart stopped her cold before she can get another line out. She then let off a deflated little moan before the nurse evicted her back to the hall.

Applejack turned her attention to the twins. "Now how in thunderation is one of them twins a pegasus and the other one a unicorn?"

"Easy," Mr. Cake answered. "My great-great-great-great-grandfather was a unicorn, and Cup Cake's great-aunt's second cousin twice removed was a pegasus. That makes sense, right?"

"Kinda does," Chronicle commented. "My younger brother's a pegasus and my father's an earth pony." When he's not assuming alicorn form, that is. "That naturally makes me, my mother, my older brother, and my twin sister, whom you have met, unicorns."

"Aw, yeah!" Rainbow said as she gave a laugh. "Just you wait." She pointed to her wings. "Once little Pound Cake there gets his wings going…" She zipped back and forth. "…he'll be all over the place!"

"And be careful around Pumpkin Cake," Twilight warned.

"Baby unicorns get strange magic surges that come and go," Rarity added.

Huh, that's news to me.

As Mr. Cake leaned over Pound, Pinkie sprung up with a fully decorated chocolate cake and spoke softly. "Quick! Make a wish and blow out your candles—which is easy, 'cause there are zero candles! You are zero years old, after all!"

Once again, Redheart leaned in. "Shhh!"

The new father reacted to this intrusion with great consternation, and Redheart's shushing caused her to twitch backward slightly and hit herself in the face with the cake. She ended up with an embarrassed smile framed by chocolate icing around her mouth and a beard/mustache of white from the cake's trim.

C—TS—A—RD—R—F—PP—NR—MCC—PCT

A month later, morning, Mystic Shield's Self-Defense Academy for Unicorns…

Chronicle was getting to know the new applicants that had signed up.

Firelock, Firecracker Burst's younger sister. Ruby Pinch, who was related to Berry Punch. Berryshine, who bore the same colors as the "resident drunkard". Tootsie Flute, adopted by Bon Bon or Lyra (living with both, at any rate). Snails was here, though his friend Snips isn't. And then there's Morpheus, whose special talent disturbs him a bit. According to Mystic, he's capable of disguising himself as other ponies, but without detailed knowledge of the target is laughably ineffective at doing it.

"All right, newbies. Apparently, Master Shield has deemed you capable of taking his lessons. Let us begin the basics so you can be up to speed with the others, shall we?"

"Yes, sir!" Snails saluted.

Chronicle raised a hoof in motion to stop and Snails put down his hoof. "No need for formalities with me, Snails. But you shall address this academy's teacher as Master Shield or just Master. Are we clear?" The six new students nodded. "Good."

Just then, Mystic Shield came out of his quarters, and was seen just tying up his ascot around his neck. He exercised his mouth, turned to Chronicle, and said, "I see the new students are here. Let's begin the orientation class."

C—S—MS—RP—TF—F—B—M—C—S—MS—RP—TF—F—B—M

A while later…

"All right, class. Since we have foals present, and I will start with the spell that uses less magic; the shot spell. Now, can you swear not to use it outside classes? In the case of the foals, if I hear you have been using the spell outside classes, I would like to hear your explanation for why. What I will do after depends on the excuse and whether or not you are lying. Are we clear?"

"Yes, Master Shield!" replied the students.

"Let's get started. Everypony, form a line." They did so. "Good." He gestured to the targets propped up behind him. This time, "Firelock, you first."

The young filly flared her horn and magic began to form, although with difficulty. Dinky's magical prowess must be quite…above normal for her age. Eventually, she fired at the target, hitting the edge…and leaving a tiny burn mark.

"Good enough. A tip for all of you: before shooting, make sure to open your eyes. Right now, you aren't good enough yet to do so blindly. Your magic shot doesn't always go straight at wherever you point your horn at." He tapped his own in demonstration. "Not when you're thinking of trying to hit something. Now, it's your turn, Ruby."

The pink filly stepped up, flared her horn, and managed three shots before seemingly sputtering out. Despite that, the target reacted as if it was still being hit, and Ruby was still concentrating.

"All right, stop," Chronicle said. Ruby complied. "Now that's curious. For some reason, the shots disappeared. At least in the visible spectrum."

"Indeed," agreed Mystic. "We'll talk later, Ruby. Snails, your turn."

The sole colt in the class flared up his horn, but the sound from it reminded Chronicle of someone trying to start a car engine and not having much success. And then, he heard 'it' finally starting, after which Snails opened fire…missing the targets completely. He felt ashamed at his poor show of accuracy.

"Don't worry, Snails. That's what this class is for; to help you improve. Tootsie Flute, you're up."

The light-coated filly let off a small salvo before sputtering out. The few shots she managed to let out hit the targets.

"Nice work. now it's time for the adults."

Berryshine and Morpheus performed adequately, but neither of their magic shots had anything special in their appearances. Berryshine's seemed to be more round however.

"Okay. We still have enough time before classes proper with the rest. Let's see you form a barrier. Imagine a wall forming in front of you, or a dome forming around yourself. For the foals, how strong doesn't matter for the moment. We'll be focusing on form."

With this, the two were able to see the colors of their magic. Snails had a yellow aura, Ruby's, Firelock's, and Morpheus's were green, Tootsie's fuchsia, and Berryshine's purple. They all opted for a wall-type.

"Chronicle, if you will." The mare-faced stallion fired at the barriers of Berryshine and Morpheus. Both were shattered quite easily. Mystic just shook his head and sighed. "You two have to focus more. That's the key to maintaining a good barrier. We're taking a break."

A while later, the two teachers were in Mystic's quarters. "Okay, Chronicle. What's the status between you and…" He raised his eyebrows suggestively. "You know…"

The blue unicorn got the message immediately. "We…we haven't started going out yet."

Mystic seemed disappointed. "What? We all know that it's the stallion who should start. And you already did by confessing during that day. If not now, when?"

"I don't know."

"If you were not bragging, you faced plenty of dangerous foes. How's a simple date able to render you nervous?"

"You'd be surprised how many storybook heroes and the like would rather confront a villainous dragon than ask their girlfriends out."

"Actually, before I married, that's what I was. I get what you mean. But let me tell you that if you don't suck it up, it's only gonna get harder." He then smiled. "I heard that Fluttershy's going on a picnic with her bunny Angel."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"I just gave you a chance to go out on a date with her. As teacher of this academy, I order you to take a break. We all know what happens when you overwork yourself."

Chronicle groaned, remembering just what he was implying. "I remember all too well. …All right." He cast a spell and summoned four magical clones. "But I still want to help you out in class."

Knowing there was no way to convince him otherwise on this one, Mystic conceded. "Fine."

"How did you know about the picnic, anyway?"

"I ran into Fluttershy the other day. She told me about the picnic. I'm thinking she wanted me to know so I can tell you. That's just my theory, though."

"All right. I best be going." With that, he made his way out.

"Gotta warn you, I don't know where the picnic will be."

"Don't worry. I have my ways of knowing." Chronicle did not plan on telling Mystic Shield about his Surveillance, or that he now has a camera on him too. Telling the six and Spike was bad enough as it is if Blue Diary's chewing out on him and his sister was any indication. Speaking of which, his world was still in stasis. Worse, even with the portal mirrors back in working order, their father has reported other 'holes' that lead to other time periods opening. He and the rumored 'high creator' of the Equestrias, the Almighty Faust (whom he had once swore on but not by name; he had no idea she was actually real), are at work in finding a way to intercept anything that goes through.

C—S—MS—RP—TF—F—B—M—C—S—MS—RP—TF—F—B—M

In the marketplace…

After pinpointing Fluttershy's whereabouts (she was still at home), Chronicle decided to go buy her a gift. …But he wasn't sure what she would like. Decisions, decisions. Having a girlfriend sure is difficult. I should seriously ask my mom for tips. And hope none of it is embarrassing.

Just then, something caught his eye. Huh? What is that?

At one stall was a jar filled with delicious…jam. Curious, he walked up to it and saw exactly what it was.

"The Heart Warmer Jam. Magical delicacy for all species!" he read the label, then the 'letter' next to it. "There are about 100 kinds of known magic food in Equestria, but none can compare with this one. It is not only extremely nutritious, but also will warm you up from the very bottom of your heart. Signed, Nectar Seeker, Chairpony of the Magic Food Corporation." He then checked the price tag. "Two hundred ninety-nine bits."

In a rare moment of sensitivity, he began to swoon and daydream. "Given how oh-so-good it is (having tasted it only once before), I can understand the high price. Lucky for me, I have enough bits to buy it."

C—C—C—C—C—C—C—C—C—C

Meanwhile, back in the Academy…

Mystic Shield was busy teaching double-casting when a knock came in the door. It promptly opened to reveal Mr. and Mrs. Cake, the latter with a pair of baby carriers on her back, which had the Cake twins in tow.

"Hello, Mr. Carrot Cake, Mrs. Cup Cake," he greeted. "I'm afraid Pumpkin Cake is way too young for me to even think of taking her in as a student as of yet." When he saw the two of them balk in horror, he said, "Just kidding. What can I do for you?"

"Well, Mystic Shield, I heard that you were once a married stallion," Mr. Cake answered. "We were hoping you could babysit the twins for us, given that you probably have had experience."

"You're right on both regards, but as you can see…" He gestured to his entire class, who were all looking at the cakes with varied expressions, some awed at the sight of the babies, and others irked at yet another interruption. One could always count on at least one of these incidents happening every day.

"Oh," gasped Mrs. Cake. "we're sorry to have bothered you."

"What made you decide to ask me? Surely you know how busy I am during these hours. Who have you asked already?"

"You are somepony who's well-acquainted with Pinkie Pie." Said pony was cradling Dinky and had put a diaper on her, calling out to them to pick her. "We needed someone we can trust. Fluttershy's on a picnic with her pet Angel, Twilight Sparkle is busy with her reports, Applejack is busy on the farm, Rainbow Dash is off to see a Wonderbolts air show, and we see Amethyst Star's here."

(Amethyst Star, or Sparkler as she wishes to be called, has taken up foalsitting while staying in Ponyville. She was presently getting Pinkie to let go of her sister and take off the diaper.)

"Have you asked Cheerilee?" Mystic asked.

"She's still conducting classes."

"Derpy? For all her clumsiness, she's a very caring mother."

"We already asked, but her shift isn't over yet," said Mr. Cake. "And we need to get going as soon as possible. We have a catering order to finish."

"I see. Sorry I can't help."

"What about Chronicle? Can't he babysit for us?"

"Sorry, but he's out on that picnic you mentioned. And these magical clones he left behind here are too…fragile to take you up on the task. Besides, he told me that handling the Cutie Mark Crusaders had been very difficult. I personally think the baby twins would be much harder for him."

"I see. I guess we'll have to ask Miss Rarity, then."

"I doubt you'll get her to babysit either. The few times Sweetie Belle was here, she caused a lot of trouble even without the other Crusaders. I pity Rarity for having to tolerate such a trouble magnet. I can't even begin to imagine the mess your babies might make and how much of a toll it would be. And that's not taking into account all the 'loose items' in the dressmaker's place, if you get what I'm saying."

"Oh. …We're sorry to have bothered you." And with that, the Cake parents left the academy, Pinkie bouncing after them. Dinky was already relieved of her diaper and was back with the rest of the class.

"All right, class," Mystic said. "Let's resume double-casting."

MS—MCC—MCC—PCT—MS—MCC—MCC—PCT—MS—MCC—MCC—PCT

At the flower shop…

"Have you made up your mind yet?"

"Not yet. Picking the perfect flower is hard."

Chronicle was deciding just what flower/s to get and Daisy was losing patience. He was here for nearly an hour already.

"You got a marefriend, sir?"

At this question, he visibly tensed. The revelation that happened two weeks before Twilight's last required weekly friendship report had been kept secret. And any who asked what happened that day were told that Chronicle and his friends had a disagreement, things went a bit too far, and a scuffle happened. And that was all they would say about it.

"Would that be the only reason I'd take long to buy a flower?" he snarked.

"If you're buying for a lost loved one to leave at a gravestone, you should be ashamed for not knowing. If it's for your mother or something, same deal. A marefriend however—or coltfriend for all I care—is an understandable case."

"What about for eating?"

"You mentioned 'picking the perfect flower'. Nopony would normally say that if they're going to eat it. They aren't known for being very flavorful on their own, though there are a couple of exceptions. Don't worry, I'm not gonna ask who it is. I do need a basic hint, though."

"Animal empath. Tender heart."

Despite these, Daisy's face turned into a wide and knowing grin. "Oh, I think I know just who the lucky mare is. Luckily for you, I know just the flower." She led him to one flower bed. "Buttercups. They taste great on sandwiches."

"…How much?"

C—C—C—C—C—C—C—C—C—C

Later…

"Thank you for your patronage."

After buying the buttercups and 'packing' them in a bouquet, he also went to the marketplace to buy carrots (as a 'peace offering' to Angel), then to the bookstore to buy a card before deciding that was going too far. Right now, he was just leaving a shop owned by an earth pony (filly) whose name was Racket Lemongrass (who knew she could be such a good haggler?) (1). After ascertaining that nobody was looking, he went to an alley, then took out Surveillance to check on his friends.

Twilight Sparkle and Spike were in the library, the former fixing up her reports and the latter being slaved around. He's gonna smack her later for such abusive treatment.

Applejack was harvesting fast as an army of caterpillars continued to close in on the crop. A race against them.

Rarity is busy finishing some dresses for some tall order. Luckily for her, Sweetie Belle was being foalsat by Skyla along with the rest of the Cutie Mark Crusaders. On an unrelated note, Rarity's parents were such impossibly terrible cooks he was considering obtaining the results of their cooking as useful poisons to utilize. He'd have to find out how long they last before they expire into ordinary spoiled food before getting some though.

Rainbow Dash was watching a Wonderbolts show. Maybe in Solaris Equestria, Timerity is doing the same with Blitz by her side, he thought. Her feelings for him were more prevalent than his for Fluttershy's.

Speaking of Fluttershy, she was at the park with Angel, looking for a place to set up. Oh good. I can still make it.

He then decided to check on Pinkie Pie…and what he saw made him wince; she was assigned as babysitter for the Cake twins, and her first few seconds made him think she should've asked for overtime pay, given their incessant crying. Oh dear.

C—C—C—C—C—C—C—C—C—C

Eyecatch (picture-type) - Chronicle with a back background behind him. Two 'choices' are shown. The show's logo is seen on the upper center.

C—C—C—C—C—C—C—C—C—C

Chronicle was torn between two choices; skip out on the chance of a date with Fluttershy to help with Pinkie Pie in taking care of the Cake twins, or go on the date but have the guilt of not helping a friend in need weigh down on his conscience.

And then he remembered he had a magical clone spell; he could just send a few to assess the situation at Sugarcube Corner and help as needed. Silly me for forgetting. With that, he summoned two clones to go assist in babysitting.

"Now that that's taken care of…" He went on his way to the park.

C—C—C—C—C—C—C—C—C—C

Back in the Self-Defense Academy…

The foals had pulled off the Recoveroll smoothly, although Snails needed a little more work due to his gangly frame. Everypony's performance was passable in the sidestep exercise. Even Written Script was improving. And there was no flirting, thankfully; he hadn't put a rule against that. Right now, they were sparring with one another.

Minuette still has a one-sided with Firecracker Burst, who continues to talk to her casually and cheerfully, seemingly ignorant as they exchanged shots and shielded against them. Amethyst Star was sparring with her little sister, under Mystic's advice. The clones Chronicle left behind were performing well.

Everything was going swimmingly. And this time, for once, there would be no interruptions for the rest of the day.

At least that's what Mystic Shield had hoped would happen. For the Cutie Mark Crusaders had struck once more. They crashed through the roof (again), riding a makeshift rocket that instantly fell apart after landing (unfortunately, on Snails and Written). The trio were wearing lab coats. And the resulting debris it kicked up hit the Chronicle clone and dissipated him.

"I don't think Cutie Mark Crusaders Rocket Scientists was a good idea," said Sweetie Belle to her companions, who were unconscious from the crash, before falling unconscious herself.

And then Skyla flew in through the hole. Apparently, she was supposed to be taking care of them (again). "I'm so sorry, Mystic Shield!" she said. "They're just too rambunctious. But I won't give up! The Wonderbolts never do!" She then realized that statement could either blow her cover as a Wonderbolt, or make her look like a pony who aspires to be one.

The unicorn teacher sighed in exasperation as Skyla went to pick up the three. Why can't life ever be easy? "Let me help you." He then turned to the door to his quarters. "I need another one out here. Take over for the time being."

And another Chronicle clone entered the dojo area. He and the other two remaining had been listening in throughout the session so that they can be up to speed.

"Oh, and somepony see to Snails and Written Script. Who knows what injuries that might've sustained?" With that taken care of, Mystic exited his Academy, accompanying Skyla and with the unconscious Cutie Mark Crusaders in tow.

M—AB—AS—D—S—MS—FB—WS—S—SB—S

The two clones Chronicle had dispatched earlier to see to Pinkie Pie finally approached Sugarcube Corner. Upon entering, they saw that the bakery was empty. And then they heard laughing.

The two went over to the source to see the Cake twins laughing at Pinkie as they sat on their high chairs, who was completely covered in flour.

Huh. A blond mane and tail, a different-colored cutie mark, and pegasus wings and she'll look like Surprise from the Equestria my mother's assigned to, one of the clones thought.

"Uhh, do we even want to know what's going on?" the other clone asked.

"Just taking care of the Cake twins, that's all!" she answered cheerily. Which had nothing to do with a certain schoolteacher who bears the same Element of Harmony as her in another Equestria.

"Do you require any assistance?"

"After all, babies are such a huge responsibility," the first clone added. "I still remember the one time I went babysitting. It was worse than the time when Fluttershy and I foalsat the Crusaders."

"Don't worry, Chronicles," Pinkie told them. "I can be responsible. Why, Responsibility is my middle name! Pinkie Responsibility Pie!"

"I thought it was Diane," joked the second clone.

"Well, yeah. It's actually Diane, but I prefer Responsibility." At this point, the babies finally calmed down and were doing their best to watch this conversation.

"Are you sure? Would sound very unlike you if anybody were to know your middle name was really Responsibility, given who you are."

For some reason, Pinkie immediately took offense to this and narrowed her eyes. "You think I can't be responsible?"

"Never said you couldn't. Otherwise, you wouldn't be cleaning up any of your parties after they're done. And that's not meant to be an insult."

Pinkie had an unimpressed expression, picked up a bag of flour, and then hurled it at one of the clones, dissipating him on impact as it went through. Both Pound and Pumpkin shared perplexed looks before they started laughing.

"Watch it!" gasped the remaining clone as the flour landed on the other side. "Both of us are clones here."

"Whoops!" apologized Pinkie.

Unfortunately for the other clone, Pumpkin decided that this was the perfect time to practice her telekinesis. She 'picked up' the flower vase, then hurled it in a random direction. Unfortunately, this direction was at the clone's face, sending him away.

C—PP—PCT—C—PP—PCT—C—PP—PCT—C—PP—PCT

Meanwhile…

"Roses are red, violets are blue, buttercups are yellow. Here's some for you. …No, no. Too cheesy. Too cliché. Too simple."

Chronicle was currently hiding behind a tree in the park, trying to think of a good pickup line to say to Fluttershy, who was at the top of a nearby mini-hill and already setting up the blanket with Angel's assistance. The memories of the dissipated clones he had dispatched had come to him and it didn't help with his morale.

"Rrrhhh. Why is love so hard?" he complained to himself before smacking himself in the face. "How did it come so easily for my sister?" He then let out a sigh as he slumped in defeat, his back against the tree. "What am I doing. This is hopeless. Why am I able to talk to her so normally at other times but still feel anxious now?"

Suddenly, he felt something tap against his flank. Chronicle turned to see Angel tapping his foot and staring impatiently.

"Oh, Angel. I was just…I don't know what you're thinking of me. Maybe you don't see me as worthy of your mistress, or you're just mistrusting to anybody who's tried to woo her in the past. But I promise you that I won't break her heart without good reason." The rabbit seemed to raise an eyebrow. "I can't vow not to ever break her heart. It's too cliché, and I want to be careful with my words. I lost someone because of that."

The rabbit stood there, continuing to listen.

"Perhaps I'm not ready for this. I thought I was, but I could easily be wrong. I guess it was just the spur of the moment when I confessed to her." He let off another sigh. "What should I do?"

"Um…if it's all right with you, maybe we can just treat it like a picnic together as friends."

He instantly started and realized that Fluttershy was talking to him from the other side of the tree. Chronicle's unsure expression slowly turned into a soft smile. "…Yeah. I think I can do that."

C—F—C—F—C—F—C—F—C—F—C—F

Back in Ponyville…

Skyla and Mystic Shield were walking together through a stretch of the Sweet Apple Acres orchards. Scootaloo was on the former's back and the other two were on the latter's.

Of course, the two had made sure that the three were okay and did not need medical attention. Good thing they ran into Nurse Redheart, who was just taking home a recovered victim of Discord's corruption. According to her, the fillies were fine, just asleep. And they continued to sleep thanks to a slumber spell Mystic Shield taught to him by Rarity after yet another CMC incident he didn't want to recall. He used that so they won't be such a bother for a while.

Up ahead was a treehouse that had clearly seen better days and had no maintenance for quite some time. Broken windows, door hanging ajar, sagging roof and platform railings. A ramp led up from ground level to the door, but this also is on the verge of collapse.

Oh wait. That was a long time ago.

The treehouse ramp looked like it had a paint job and renovation less than a year ago, and the same went for the rest of the place. Well, that was what the Crusaders told Skyla when she asked them about the treehouse the first time she foalsat them.

The two grown-ups walked up the ramp and entered the treehouse. The interior was spic-and-span, and there were various decorations on the walls; pictures with frames, a potted plant on a side table, and a crudely sketched map of Ponyville.

After setting the fillies down on the floor, Mystic and Skyla sat down, a little tired from carrying them.

"Whew!" said the white pegasus. "I didn't expect you to keep up with me given—"

"Because I'm a unicorn?" Mystic finished. "Not all unicorns are such 'squishy spellcasters', you know. I train my students' stamina to specifically avert that. While they still won't be as tough as a pegasus, at least they can keep up and not tire easily when they have to run."

"Wow. You must take your job very seriously."

"Mm-hmm. I probably should be heading back now. Don't know how long those clones will last."

Skyla was curious. "Why?"

"For some reason, at least once a day, something's always guaranteed to interrupt my classes. And they always involve pain on either party. And Chronicle's magical clones can't take a hit."

"I see." Mystic turned to leave, but before he could reach the door, she called out to him, "Wait. There's something else I'd like to ask you."

He turned his head to face her. "What is it?"

"Do you have a reason not to have enlisted in the Canterlot Royal Guard? Judging from the times I've crashed into your classes, you look like you could impress the captain with your skills."

For some reason, Mystic's face immediately went dark with anger. "Is the name of that captain Shining Armor?"

"I'm not sure. I don't go to Canterlot often. What do you have against this Shining Armor, anyway?"

"I wanted my lessons to be available to the average civilian, just as my mentor had long ago. Captain Shining Armor would not let me achieve that dream in Canterlot, and tried to convince me to join the Royal Guard instead."

"I see. But I don't get why you seem to hate him so."

"I don't wanna talk about it. Please. …I have to go."

And with that, Mystic Shield was out the door, returning to his Academy, and leaving a confused Skyla with the sleeping Cutie Mark Crusaders.

MS—S—MS—S—MS—S—MS—S—MS—S—MS—S

At the park…

The not-date was going quite smoothly. The two settled down on the blanket, bringing out the food. In Fluttershy's basket were two loaves of bread already cut into even slices, and a large variety of other pony food, no hay thankfully. Fluttershy had accepted the buttercups with a sweet "thank you" and while Angel was still a bit mistrusting, he accepted the peace offering of carrots.

Angel was about to apply some strawberry jam to a loaf of bread with a blunt knife, but Chronicle motioned for him to pause as he 'took out' the Heart Warmer Jam. This surprised him and Fluttershy and elicited a gasp from the latter.

"I bought it in the marketplace. I think it was the last one in stock." Chronicle opened the jar, 'took' the knife from Angel, and dipped it into the jam. He then spread it onto one half of a piece of bread before folding it.

As he proceeded with the next piece, Fluttershy already had another knife ready, holding it somehow with one hoof, which puzzled the unicorn to no end as she took some jam and made more sandwiches to eat. Memories from the dissipated clones he left in the Academy entered his mind, but practice made sure he didn't wince from the slight pain it always did on him.

Most of the not-date would've gone on just making these and savoring the taste of the expensive jam in them had Chronicle not decided to ask something.

"Hey, Fluttershy."

"Hmm?" She paused in eating another sandwich and Angel seemed to stop to listen as well.

"I've been meaning to ask you something."

"Yes?" As she turned to look at him, she noticed his cheeks turn red, then shake his head vigorously.

"I-I-I-I-I don't mean to say it like that! W-w-w-what I mean to say is that I know that under that gentle-hearted demeanor, you're a strong pony inside. I…" He put down the sandwich he was eating and locked eyes with her. "I want to bring more of that out. Not just for myself, but for your own good as well. And I want to do that, all without removing that gentleness you show every day. It's gonna be a difficult prospect for both of us, and I might have to be harsh on you, which is gonna pain me more than it will you. So I'm asking you right now. Do you want this? It will be wrong for me to force you. For this to work effectively, you have to want to change yourself."

The two stared at each other, wearing different emotions. One was offering something that was difficult to accept, and the other knows it's good for them but is reluctant to take it up. He wants her to accept the offer but wants her to do so voluntarily. She wants to accept the offer, but seemed to be afraid to do so. She turned to look at Angel, who had a paw to his chin as if also deciding. Being her animal companion, he also had a right to decide. And his decision already has been made.

C—F—C—F—C—F—C—F—C—F—C—F

Eyecatch (picture-type) - Horizontal split screen. The top one shows Chronicle asking his question. The bottom has Skyla pondering on something while the Cutie Mark Crusaders lay around her asleep. The show's logo is seen on the center.

C—F—C—F—C—F—C—F—C—F—C—F

Back at the Cutie Mark Crusaders' treehouse…

Skyla stood alone with the sleeping fillies, wondering what Mystic Shield had said. "I wonder what happened between him and that Shining Armor guy. What caused him to not like him so much? Why am I even trying to get involved into this? No, I should respect his problems; if he doesn't want to talk about it, then I have no right to insist."

Any further pondering is interrupted when Applejack entered the treehouse.

"Hey, Skyla," she greeted.

"Hey, uh, Applejack. You done with the harvest?"

"Finally am. And not an apple was lost to the caterpillars."

"Sound like good news."

"It is. How were the Crusaders?"

The pegasus gave a sigh. "The usual. They still have lots of things to try to get their cutie marks and today they tried being rocket scientists, and to be frank I was quite surprised that Apple Bloom can make one in such a short time. That or they managed to get one ordered. I was busy chasing Scootaloo to see your sister in action. They crashed into Mystic Shield's Academy in the middle of class, again. Poor guy. Having to deal with interruptions every single day."

"Yeah."

"Still, I like them. Somepony needs to be able to handle these rambunctious fillies. Even so, I'm unfortunately not available at all times."

"Why not? What else do you do aside from bein' a foalsitter?"

"You first saw me at Cloudsdale, remember? I work part-time in the weather factory." She was obviously not going to tell about her position as an undercover Wonderbolt. "And I sometimes get other foals to foalsit."

"I see. Allow me to relieve you of them. 'Sides, you already worked past the hours you allotted yerself."

"I guess you're right. And I already received my pay from your friend Rarity."

"I hope you'll stay available whenever possible. We tried the other foalsitters in Ponyville, but they all gave up after an hour."

"They're that bad, huh?"

"Yeah. Normally, I wouldn't trust anypony else who ain't my friend in foalsittin' them, but you've proven capable enough."

"But it's too early to call me a friend, right?" Before the farmpony could answer, the undercover Wonderbolt raised a hoof to stop her. "Never mind. You don't have to answer. Bye." And with that, she took off and left the treehouse, leaving a confused Applejack.

A—S—A—S—A—S—A—S—A—S—A—S

At Mystic Shield's Self-Defense Academy for Unicorns…

The teacher returned, and was a bit miffed to see the door to his quarters open, and only one clone of Chronicle's remained. And classes were over, leaving him, the clone, and the First Four. "Darn. Either I was out for longer than I thought, or classes were already coming to an end when I left."

"It was the latter, Master," said Tricky Books.

"Hnnh…all right. You're free to go."

"Yes, Master." And with that, he, Chrono Cards, Bullseye, and Greatstone exited the Academy. The clone remained in case Mystic wanted to talk with him.

"Is there anything you want me to know?" he asked.

"No. You're free to go too," Mystic answered. "I trust classes went well enough?"

"Yes."

"Thank you."

And with that, the clone dismissed itself by slamming into a wall, dissipating on impact. Just then, somepony familiar descended close by. "Mystic," she called.

Immediately, the unicorn's mood darkened. "If this is about Shining Armor—"

"No, no. It's not that at all. I just wanted to say that I appreciated you walking with me today. I was wondering if…we can do it again sometime."

Mystic gave a sigh. "I guess so." He noticed her hopeful smile, which reminded him of an old memory he wished to forget. "But friends is as far as we can go."

Her mood instantly dampened. "Why? Was it something I said? Something about me you don't like?"

"It's not that. I haven't told anypony else, but…I'm divorced."

"Oh! I'm so sorry. It's just that you look so young."

"It was a mistake, but I was happy. Until that day."

Skyla seemed to know what 'that day' meant; something that would've been pegged as a drama scene in stories. She decided she would not poke him further on 'that day'. "I understand. Well, I hope to see you tomorrow. When I'm not foalsitting the Cutie Mark Crusaders."

"All right. See ya." And with that, Skyla took off again. Once she was gone, he closed the doors to his home, then went off to the marketplace to buy his non-Academy-related needs.

C—MS—TB—S—C—MS—TB—S—C—MS—TB—S

The rest of the not-date went pretty well. A small chat about today, the weather, things like that. And as for "the question", Fluttershy said she needed time to think and talk with Angel about it. Chronicle understood her hesitation and was a bit glad to see that the rabbit was a bit more trusting of him, probably from the realization that they share a common goal; help Fluttershy stand up for herself.

Chronicle had then asked if they could have another outing like this some other time, and she said yes.

The two of them have just returned to Ponyville proper and Sugarcube Corner was in their sights when they saw Twilight Sparkle being pushed out its door by Pinkie Pie.

"Well, thanks for stopping by, Twilight. Sorry, I don't have time to visit. I'm very, very busy with my responsibilities here."

"I'm happy to help. It's no trouble—"

Any further words were cut off by the door being slammed into her face—close enough, in fact, to squash her nose a bit.

"Hey, Twilight."

She immediately turned to see the two (three if you count Angel) come over. "Hey, Chronicle! Hey, Fluttershy!"

"I see your report sorting's already done," said the stallion as they approached one another…and then he quickly took out his paddle and smacked his charge with it. "And I know you weren't treating Spike well. I'd report your abuse if it weren't for the fact that both of you are my friends and that you're one of Equestria's heroes. That was why I went great lengths on finding both a defense attorney and a prosecutor to help in finding the truth behind the murder of that blackmailer of an athlete. Rainbow Dash just doesn't have that killer's will like I do, and I just hate it when I see you acting like jerks."

While he was saying that, Twilight had been rubbing her cheek where she had been slapped. "Oww."

"Twilight, what were you doing outside Sugarcube Corner?" Fluttershy asked her.

"I was going to offer assistance in babysitting the Cakes with Pinkie Pie, but for some reason, she suddenly refused."

"Perhaps it's from something you said. You and Pinkie are quite prone to saying condescending things or being insensitive to others. Or maybe that's just Pinkie for the latter." Chronicle then looked around to see if there were any peekers. He then 'pulled out' his Surveillance device as he said, "Let's go to the library."

C—TS—F—C—TS—F—C—TS—F—C—TS—F

In the Books and Branches Library…

The three ponies gathered at the second floor (in case the library is going to have any patrons). Spike was there too, dusting the shelves. Once he made sure that nobody, invisible, shrunken, or otherwise is looking (he can do nothing for the ones who use long-range means), he took out the Surveillance device, tapped on Twilight's icon, and 'rolled back' up to the point where Twilight was just finished knocking on the bakery's door.

"Hi!" she greeted as Pinkie Pie poked her head (which had a diaper on it)out. "I finished up the work I had to do, so I thought I'd stop by and see if you needed any help." She was promptly yanked in. "Whoa!" and the door was slammed closed before Twilight's 'camera' teleported in after its target and into the shop floor, where the four watching could see another diaper on Pinkie's rump, which has slid halfway down to her hooves.

"I'll have to say that your Surveillance cameras' pursuit abilities kind of unnerve me," Twilight remarked.

"Yeah, my organization really outdone themselves here," said Chronicle as he 'paused' the monitor. "They can keep up with their targets regardless of speed. Nothing short of a world-hop without this going too can cut me off."

Spike was confused with the stallion's term. "World-hop?" he asked as he passed by.

"You know, like the time the girls and I ended up in that gender-swapped world. That is what I call a world-hop." He then 'resumed' the 'playback'.

"Oh."

In the scene, Pinkie said as she kicked the diaper off, "Thank you, thank you, thank you for coming! I can't begin to tell you what my day has been like! I mean, these babies just won't listen to reason—and don't even get me started on their taste in stand-up comedy!" For some reason, a rimshot played.

"It's okay, Pinkie. I figured you would need some help," the Twilight in the scene said as she crossed the floor. "That's why I stopped by."

Pinkie instantly took offense. "Excuse me?" she said as her friend levitated some scattered toys, placing them neatly on the floor.

"Babies take a lot of work. And some ponies are just not cut out to handle the responsibility."

Pinkie got into her face. "Is that so?!" Before the well-meaning unicorn knew it, the door was opened again and she being plowed out onto it by one angry earth pony. "Well, thanks for stopping by, Twilight. Sorry, I don't have time to visit. I'm very, very busy with my responsibilities here." She then backed into the building, ready to slam the door.

"I'm happy to help. It's no trouble—" Any further words are cut off by the door being slammed into her face—close enough, in fact, to squash her nose a bit.

And once that scene was finished, Chronicle put away Surveillance. "From what I can see here, you basically said that Pinkie Pie was incapable of handling the Cake twins. It may not have been blunt, but I can pick up the condescending way you said those words. I don't think I need to spell it out for you."

Thanks to all the times he's had to set her straight, the consequences of her actions with Pinkie began to sink in. At least if the ears drooping were any indication. "Oh no. How could I have been—"

Chronicle was quick to stop her. "I won't judge you. You're still learning. And I don't advise going over to apologize. She's gonna be very busy. And it may only make things worse."

"But what if Pinkie needs help?" Fluttershy asked. "What if Pumpkin Cake's magical surges start up? What if Pound Cake starts flying around? I heard that some pegasus babies can sometimes carry full-grown ponies around while flying."

The stallion raised an eyebrow. "That's a disturbing thought. I don't think I want to know Rainbow's parents handled her when she was a baby. In any case, I'll watch over Pinkie Pie and see if she'll need any help. For all we know, she'll probably successfully solve the problem herself and realize just what she needs to do."

"You think she can do it?"

"Ever since we beat Nightmare Moon, I've learned never to underestimate what you girls are capable of, you getting angry the first of many examples. And that's supposed to be a compliment."

"Um, thanks?"

"You're welcome. I'm sorry to have worried you girls with her problem. Leave Pinkie Pie to me."

C—TS—F—C—TS—F—C—TS—F—C—TS—F

Later that night, while Chronicle slept , a clone he summoned 'rolled back' to the point where Pinkie Pie was putting the twins to sleep, then watched from there. He saw them disappear and be found again, saw the twins' abilities go wild, and sympathized as Pinkie finally broke down only to be comforted in return by Pound and Pumpkin. And then it was smooth sailing from there onward; Pound and Pumpkin were much more cooperative. By the time the Cakes were home, all the damage the twins had made has been repaired. Once that was done, he dismissed himself.

C—C—C—C—C—C—C—C—C—C

Daytime…

A few minutes before Chronicle would normally conduct classes with Mystic Shield (today was a break day), he, Twilight, and Spike were greeted by Pinkie Pie as she entered the library.

"Pinkie Pie!" greeted Spike. "What brings you here?"

"Do you remember what Princess Celestia said about all of us getting to report our findings on the magic of friendship when, and only when, we happen to discover them?"

"Yes?" all three answered.

"Well, I have one to send!"

"That's good news!" said Twilight, then turned to her assistant.

"Ready." Spike took out a quill and scroll.

And Pinkie began to dictate. "Dear Princess Celestia: I've always had fun playing with little kids, and I thought babysitting meant just more playtime, right? Wro-ooong! Being a caregiver is way more responsibility than just being a playmate. And today I learned that sometimes, our desire for responsibility can outrun our actual ability to handle it."

Once the dragon was finished writing, he asked, "Done! Should I send it?"

"Duh!"

"All right." He blew his fire and the deed was done.

"So, Pinkie Pie. Was your babysitting successful?" Twilight queried. She was answered with a nod.

"Mm-hmm. I admit it was hard, and I did 'break down' once, but yeah, in the end, everything turned out all right."

"Glad to hear it," said Chronicle. "You think you can handle another day with them? I think Skyla would do a better job."

"It's okay. I got along with the twins now. I'm gonna be their permanent babysitter from this day forth!"

"Heheh. You thought it would be easy as pie… but I think you've learned that babysitting is no piece of cake." This earned him a chuckle from the earth pony.

"Hee-hee. That's pretty funny."

"But in the end, it's all worth it, right?" asked Twilight.

"That's right!"

Chronicle grinned at that. "Glad I didn't have to bust in in your stead when you nearly broke down. Not just for your sake, but for the Cakes too. Wouldn't want them to sorely regret their decision and break any trust between you."

"Yeah. Good thing."

"So…is there anything else?"

"Nope."

Suddenly, a certain white rabbit ran inside the library, a small scroll strapped to his back by a piece of vine. "Angel! What are you doing here?" The coney just responded by standing straight, taking out the letter, and handing it to the blue unicorn, who 'took' it, then 'unrolled' it to read it. "Hmm… Fluttershy wants me to assist her in returning home some animals she's been taking care of."

Pinkie lighted up immediately. "Go. Your marefriend is waiting!"

He didn't bother with the stock phrase "she's not my marefriend" because, to be honest, she is. Instead he smiled, gave an informal salute, hinted at Angel to hop on his back, then set off for another day with his favorite pony.

SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM

(1) Capitalism, ho! Lemongrass is a shout-out to Recettear, where you play as an item shop merchant (seriously). It's better than it sounds.

nightelf37: From what I realize, my fic has started to deviate a bit (but not in a bad way)from what I originally intended. Namely, at first, the only thought processes I was going to write would be Chronicle's. But then I did Mystic Shield's too. Oh well.

Huh. Looks like this chapter pretty much turned from WCDDtEo to its own chapter that happens to coincide with the "episode".

This is my trial run on writing a date scene. If there are any errors I made, it's because I'm just as new to these as OC is. For Futtershy's case…I personally don't think her dates went even beyond the wooing phase or if they did, they weren't worth it for various reasons.

So sorry if this chapter was pretty much filler. See ya on Third!

nightelf37: If I seem to have made an inconsistency with what Chronicle said last chapter, I'll clarify it here; before the…"confession", he was teaching his bravery lessons subtly; just a couple of nudges in the right direction. After the "confession" however, he's going to start with a more direct approach.

Today, I have a special chapter. You can treat it as non-canon since it's a bona fide crossover chapter with another fic of mine (specifically Kingdom Hearts Remake 3: The Heartless Syndicate's Chapter 5: TCO: Friendship 'Researcher'), but it will be referenced in later chapters.

If you like to skip this chapter, that's all right; up next is a small recap for those who wished to skip this one (as well as going into detail on some other things here).

Beware of the following:

Shoddy writing (I wrote this crossover chapter first before the entire Shisno Chronicles: Friendship is Magic series.)

Too many new characters

Overpowered one-shot characters (which only doesn't apply when 'looking at it from the other side' (i.e. they're not considered overpowered in my Kingdom Hearts Remake 3 story))

Too many one-shots (that I hope to bring back later)

SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM

Extra-Special Chapter: Visitors From the Stars

It was quite a boring day today for Record Keeper, though not as boring as staying in Hub Equestria.

Right now, he was cruising the cosmos (but not surfing it like Sun Bro and Moon Dude keep insisting him to do with them) just outside his second son's assigned world; Equestria Prime. Around himself was a magic bubble to keep the effects of the vacuum of space and the heat of the sun from affecting him and maintaining oxygen. If he was in outer space, that is, which he wasn't. He was in a dimension called the Sea of the Skies, which was in a few ways different from outer space. In it were the Lanes Between, a series of "roads" that connect various worlds and can take travelers between them faster than space travel, even at lightspeed.

There was one 'time portal' nearby, and it was situated at one end of these 'lanes'. He was currently setting up the ritual needed to close it. The Almighty Faust was on the other side, supposedly watching for anybody who might travel through.

When the Timer family had first set up their hub world on a deserted and desolated planet, they had encountered Faust, who had been distrusting of them at that time. Record had been forced to explain what the Story Crew really did and after hearing them out, she helped them in terraforming the planet (along with some RWCAs, who are 'reality warpers' themselves) so that they can set up base.

(Record knew from the start that the Story Crew was horrendously overpowered in comparison to lots of their "target worlds" and "client worlds". The higher-ups in the Story Crew and the existence of the Book Troop were the only things preventing them from becoming all-out multiversal conquerors, although that didn't stop a few of their number from defecting or going rogue to do just that. Those were quickly stopped before long however.)

Record kept in touch with a "share sense" spell (he can only use magic in alicorn form), which allows him to see, hear, or smell whatever his spell's target is sensing. Right now, he has it cast on Faust.

"I'm just about doing the finishing touches on the spell," he said mentally. "I want you back in three minutes."

"I understand, Thomas," replied Faust. He picked up her words via "share sense" since she was speaking orally as well.

"Record. Only my family calls me Thomas."

"Right. Sorry."

"Any Interlopers?" Interloper was a Story Crew term for individuals/groups coming from 'target worlds' (an example being the Equestrias the Timer family is in charge of) and entering others. There have been numerous cases, both successfully averted and not, in some of the other Equestrias, but so far none of real significance (that Chronicle has successfully handled) ended up in Prime.

"Nope. None so— Wait. I see something."

"Focus your eyes on it. I want to see it too."

She complied and when Record used the "share sense" to see what Faust was seeing. It seemed to be a space-faring vessel. As it drew closer, he at first thought that it was a YT-1300 "light freighter" from the "target world (cluster)" 'the Galaxy'. As it got even closer however, he saw that it was too smooth to be one, and a bit…blocky.

His mind went on full alert; this was what the Story Crew classified as a GUMI-Type, a vessel specifically built for Sea of the Skies-travel. Pilots/passengers of these vessels are usually SWORD-K wielders, and were the only Interlopers they did not interfere with, though they do keep them under close scrutiny. Less than a year ago, three SWORD-K wielders had stumbled into Equestria Prime. He hadn't been able to do much about it since during that time he had been interrogating his kids on the cross-world incident Twilight Sparkle of Equestria Prime was responsible for.

"Faust. Get back to the portal. Now."

"Okay." Unfortunately for both of them, the GUMI-Type seemed to have detected her and were following her into the portal. "Uh-oh. They seem to have found me," she said as she sped up.

"Cast the full invisibility spell. It will hide you from radar as well as sight."

"Radar. You told me about that once. Detects via means similar to echolocation, but with 'radio waves' instead of sound."

"Just cast it now, please."

"Already am."

Knowing Faust and the vessel were going to emerge from the time portal soon, he moved out of its path and cast the same spell on himself.

From the portal emerged a white alicorn with sky blue eyes, cherry red hair, and a cutie mark depicting an inkwell and tan-colored quill. Faust. While she was indeed invisible, his "share sense" and deduction told him where she was, even in the vacuum of the Sea of the Skies. And then the GUMI-Type followed, slowing down to a stop upon Equestria Prime entering its sights (well, the occupants', anyway).

Record was already acting fast. He immediately cast a spell, alerting his son of the oncoming SWORD-K wielder(s) and his/her/their allies. Once he was finished sending his "message", Faust came up next to him.

"What should we do now?" she asked.

"Wait until they finish their business. SWORD-K wielders don't enter a world without a very good reason. The sealing of the time portal would have to wait until the GUMI-Type has successfully left."

RK—AF—RK—AF—RK—AF—RK—AF—RK—AF—RK—AF

Equestria Prime, Books and Branches Library…

Chronicle was at his training range behind it, practicing his skills against the Discord statue. Mystic Shield has taken another field trip (where, he can't remember) with his class. Chronicle once again didn't join due to his contract, and Twilight Sparkle was too busy studying, although she wasn't doing so at the moment. The only ones who went with him were his First Four, Holly Dash, Pisces, the Gemini twins, and Morpheus. For some reason, Skyla went with him as well.

He wasn't in the mood to see Fluttershy just yet either. His mother had advised him that "items" also needed a bit of alone time every now and then. Suddenly, he received a mental message. He reached into "hammerspace" and took out a coin-shaped object that looked like his cutie mark. He hadn't used this thing since planting the Surveillance cameras on the Keepers of the Elements of Harmony. Once he 'moved' it to his ear, he received another message.

"This is your father speaking. We have detected a GUMI-Type vessel entering the space-bounds of Equestria Prime. Likely touchdown point of occupants is outside the Everfree Forest. You know what to do."

He then returned the device to "hammerspace" and 'took out' Surveillance. The closest of my friends most likely to run into them is Twilight. She's in the Everfree Forest acquiring some special tea from Zecora. Better talk to her.

C—C—C—C—C—C—C—C—C—C—C—C

Everfree Forest…

Twilight Sparkle was walking down the path leading to the exit of the forest when she suddenly heard a disembodied voice.

"Twilight. Twilight. Can you hear me? Keep walking."

She immediately recognized the voice. "Chronicle? Why are you talking to me this way?" she asked in a hushed tone; talking to yourself can lead to others thinking you're crazy, after all. Very rarely does her bodyguard use Surveillance to communicate for this reason.

"Do you remember the 'world-visitors' that came here less than a year ago? You know, those three?"

She spent a few seconds trying to recall. "Oh yeah. I remember. Are they back?"

"No, but there are similar visitors that have now arrived, don't ask how I know."

"What do you want me to do?"

"Act natural, and don't let them know that you know."

"Okay. I think I see them right now."

"So soon?"

She nodded, knowing he saw the gesture. As she got closer (and out of the forest), the sound of her hooves crushing fallen leaves have alerted them to her presence.

The group consisted of five ponies…and two dragons?! They certainly did not look like any she's familiar with.

The first pony was a black earth pony stallion. His mane was brown and very spiny, and his tail was also brown like his mane and was slightly ruffled. On his neck was a silver necklace shaped like a crown, and it mirrored the one in his flank as his cutie mark.

The second pony was a pink unicorn mare. Her mane was cherry red, her tail was straight and properly brushed like Twilight's, and around her body was a small belt holding a small pouch too small to be a saddlebag that seemed to be large enough to hold a notebook. Her cutie mark was a star-shaped trinket made out of seashells that were pale yellow toward the center and pale pink toward the tips and held together by X-shaped stitches. One of these shells had a face drawn into it.

The third pony was a unicorn stallion with a fiery red coat. His mane and tail were also as red as his coat and was very spiny. His cutie mark depicted a spiny wheel similar to what one of Chronicle's 'duel opponents' used.

The fourth pony was a purple pegasus stallion. His black mane was very short and so was his tail. Wrapped around his body was a belt that seemed to hold two mysterious tubes. His cutie mark was a white circle and two mountain range-like shapes near its sides. More abstract than her own cutie mark, she noted.

The fifth pony was a white earth pony stallion. His mane and tail were fairly long for somepony of his gender and was colored cyan. His cutie mark depicted a shield with a yellow outline, a golden crown in the middle, and a four-square checker pattern behind it, violet-blue in the upper left and lower right, and a mix of red-and-maroon stripes in the upper right and lower left corners.

The first dragon was easily recognized by its spiny appearance, with spines on its head, down its back and tail, and on its two wings. It had stout, sturdy legs, and its stomach, neck and face are of a lighter hue than the rest of its bright yellow body. On its arms were two bracers, each seemingly holding six spherical gems. There was also a small bag between the wings. The dragon stood slightly taller than the average pony.

The second dragon was light amber, and seemed to be smooth-skinned instead of scaly. It had large wings (relative to its body), each tipped with a small bony point at the top, huge eyes colored like its skin, and a single fin-like crest on its head. Its tail was long and thick, probably used for balance when on the ground. It was tall enough for its crest to reach a pony's height. On its back was an gold-tinted archer's quiver.

"That's certainly them," Chronicle remarked as his charge quickened her pace. Eventually, she was face-to-face with them and she stopped. "Remember to greet them casually."

"Hi there," she greeted.

"Uh…hi," the black earth pony greeted in return, raising a hoof in greeting.

"Interesting…" Twilight turned to look at the two dragons. "I haven't never seen dragons like you before." Both of them began to sweat profusely in nervousness.

"Say you'll look it up later," her bodyguard advised. "Don't act suspicious."

The dragons sighed in relief when she said that, giving away the fact that they're both males. However, Chronicle could see that one of them seemed to have picked up that something was up. Thankfully, he seemed to have shaken it off as Twilight trotted past them before stopping and turning to face them.

"If you like, you could visit Ponyville. It's just up ahead," Twilight invited.

Before anybody could take another step, a strange noise suddenly resounded in the air. Strange creatures then appeared from out of nowhere, surprising the entire group. Alarms rang in Chronicle's head as he identified the enemy's faces. Enemy code name AN-8178! The Story Crew said they were extinct! Why are they here?

There were three types present; sleek midget bipeds, coneys with floppy ears, and legless ravens.

"Unversed!" the black stallion cried out as they suddenly summoned weapons in flashes of light. In his teeth was what Chronicle recognized as a SWORD-K, its type code-named SK-ULTI2.

The pink mare also had a SWORD-K, this one code-named SK-DEP. She had summoned it in her tail, which while prehensile was unfortunately not prehensile enough to properly hold it.

The red stallion had summoned two spiky wheels similar to the one on his flank. Unlike the other unicorn, he seemed to be 'holding' them via telekinesis, his horn glowing green. The wheels certainly looked much more ornate than Scorchwheel's and more red. Chakrams. Now I remember the name.

The white earth pony had a silver weapon that looked like a gun, except such things did not exist in Equestria. And for some reason, it was floating to the left side of its owner, even though he was not a unicorn.

The purple pegasus's tubes floated out of their holsters just like the white earth pony's and extended blunt metal blades from them.

The spiny dragon 'summoned' a similar gun (colored white) in addition to a shield that seemed to be made of wood, with cherry blossom petals lining its face and pointed like spikes.

The crested dragon pulled out not only an arrow from the quiver, but a yellow compound bow as well. It was apparent that these dragons weren't simply going to use their claws (which this one did not have) or fire breath.

Twilight naturally reacted in surprise at all these and so did Chronicle, but for different reasons. She because of the was some of the weapons appeared (and levitated) for the non-unicorns, and he because if SWORD-K wielders are here, it means there'll be more trouble than just the AN-8178s, or Unversed as the black one seemed to call them.

Concerned for his charge's safety, he said, "Twilight, take evasive action. Let these visitors do the fighting." She nodded in response and complied.

The coney-types started by cartwheeling with their ears, but the black pony quickly struck them down with his weapon. However, in spite of being seemingly familiar with quadrupedal movement, his maneuvering was slightly awkward.

The pink unicorn headed for a cluster of midget-types, and cast a spell, her horn glowing blue. Fireballs then appeared around her and spun around, disintegrating the enemies as she passed them.

While the dragons shot down the raven-types with their weapons and not their fire breaths or claws, the white earth pony was doing the same while evading the coney-types to the best of his ability. It was apparent that he isn't too accustomed with a quadruped body (most SWORD-K wielders and/or their allies rarely are).

The red unicorn seemed to be having fun, moving his chakrams around and cutting down every Unversed in sight. Just then, one of the coney-types managed to get behind him and strike his flank with its ears. He lost concentration and 'dropped' his chakrams. He decided to raise his hind legs and kick the little bugger, destroying it before 'resuming control' over his weapons.

For a while, the purple pegasus seemed to be having it easy with manipulating his sabers. Before long, he decided to change tactics. As he 'returned' one saber and moved the other to his teeth like the black earth pony, he saw a raven-type swoop down on him. He seemed to concentrate on it and the avian Unversed seemed to have been locked in place mid-air before being taken down by his saber. A few coney-types surrounded him and started to spin, shooting lasers from their eyes. Jerry dodged by jumping, then left them below as he used his wings to ascend and take on the raven-types.

The Unversed didn't seem intent on just attacking the fighters though as a mass of midget-types started to close in on Twilight. Before Chronicle could tell her to teleport and escape, she conjured a shield, but this type seemed different. Upon colliding with it, a white flash came and the midget-types were sent flying back. As she dismissed the shield, the spiny dragon turned his attention to the midget-types and shot them down. At the same time though, a pair of raven-types swooped down to attack her. Instead of the barrier, this time she teleported, resulting in the two Unversed crashing into one another.

She reappeared right next to the spiny dragon, startling him a bit. "Whoa," he gasped, but not too loud. She then conjured a fireball and shot it at an oncoming raven-type, destroying it. Before they knew it, all the Unversed were gone, to Chronicle's relief as he watched through Surveillance. He also noted that throughout the battle, not once did the spiny dragon attempt to fly.

As they gathered together, Twilight stared at the visitors and asked, "What were those things?"

"Unversed," said the spiny dragon as his weapons mysteriously disappeared. "Physical manifestations of negative emotions. I don't know how that's possible either. They're a violation of nature."

She then turned to the sole pegasus of the group and the white earth pony. "How were you two able to use telekinesis? Only unicorns can do that."

"It's my weapon that's magical, not me," the earth pony hastily explained as his weapon disappeared back into its hiding place, wherever that was.

"I'm-from-a-secret-cult-of-gifted-non-unicorns-that-harness-their-powers-to-help-others-in-secret," the pegasus quickly said as his eyes shifted left and right and his weapons 'returned' to his belt, sheathing themselves in the process. "And-I'm-still-a-rookie-in-the-keeping-secret-part!"

Twilight raised an eyebrow, doubting his 'excuse', then turned to the black earth pony and pink unicorn, who still wielded their weapons. "Is that a Keyblade you're wielding?" Thanks to the previous off-worlder encounter that Chronicle was absent for (while he and Timerity were reporting to their father about their cross-world incident a few weeks prior to that), they knew what a Keyblade—which the Story Crew classified as a SWORD-K—was.

"How did you—" the stallion was about to say, dropping his jaw…and his "Keyblade" in the process.

The spiny dragon quickly cut in, "It's a sword that looks like a key. Wouldn't take a no-brainer to figure that out and make a name like that."

"Except our Keyblades don't exactly look like keys for the moment," the mare whispered to him as she and the black pony dismissed their weapons.

"…You got a point," the dragon whispered back.

The purple unicorn looked skeptical at all this. Their secret hiding wasn't as good as they thought it would be. "Keep up the charade," Chronicle advised. "You'll be able to ask them soon enough once you get them somewhere private."

All of a sudden, the black one's stomach grumbled. "You guys look hungry," Twilight said. As if to reinforce her words, the stomachs of the rest also grumbled. "What about I take you guys someplace to eat?"

"Uhh…sure," replied the black pony. "Oh, almost forgot to introduce ourselves. I'm Sora."

"And I'm Jerry." The purple pegasus.

"Name's Kairi." The pink unicorn.

"Call me Wizard." The white earth pony.

"I'm Rael." The spiny dragon. Twilight tried not to note how weird the name was on a dragon. Or just weird in general.

"Tychophon." The crested dragon.

"The name's Lea. Got it memorized?" The red unicorn. "What's yours?"

The native pony in the bunch made a short giggle, then said, "Twilight Sparkle."

TS—S—K—L—J—W—R—T—TS—S—K—L—J—W—R—T

Back in the Books and Branches Library…

Chronicle was already on the move. His first course of action was to contact Pinkie Pie, but it turns out she had spotted them a while ago. Through Surveillance, she said she was going to arrange a welcome party for them, as she is wont to do when newcomers arrive. It applied to him, Twilight, and Spike. It applied to Mystic Shield (and Gilda). It applied to Mystic's First Four. She even threw a party for the three off-worlders. These seven would be no exception.

She asked him to try and invite everypony he encountered to help lessen her burden a bit and he said he'd do what he can. He also told her that the visitors are likely to be…unfamiliar with who the Princesses were and that she's to tell their friends about it an keep it secret until Twilight says otherwise.

Speaking of which, he contacted her through Surveillance and discreetly told her to give the visitors a tour while Pinkie prepared the party and invited guests.

He went inside the library, where Spike was fixing up the shelves. "Spike!" he called. "Pinkie Pie's hosting a welcome party. Spread the word."

"Aye aye," the baby dragon wasn't too enthusiastic, but he then seemed to have gotten an idea and immediately ran off.

He's probably going to tell Rarity first, the stallion thought to himself as he summoned some clones and sent them off to various directions while he went for somepony special to his heart. Of course, he'd tell the news to everypony he thought was worth telling.

C—S—C—S—C—S—C—S—C—S—C—S

Three hours later…

After Spike and Chronicle got their marefriends (well, crush in the former's case), they were now in Sugarcube Corner, where Pinkie Pie has arranged the party. Everypony had their positions, and she had even been able to 'enlist' a few ponies from Canterlot. Who exactly she wasn't revealing yet. Since this was a surprise party, the lights were off.

Right now, the two of them were positioned in a horizontal line with their friends beside them in the following order: Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Spike, Chronicle, Rarity, Fluttershy. There was a vacant space between the last two for Twilight to step in during the inevitable introduction.

Soon, Twilight came in with the seven visitors. "Who turned out the lights?" one voice wondered.

"I think I know what's coming up next," mused another.

"SURPRISE!" several voices cried simultaneously as the lights were turned on. Two of the ponies and one of the yellow dragons seemed to have been genuinely surprised, while the other dragon and two other ponies in the group just jumped. The last one, a white earth pony, just rolled his eyes, as if expecting this.

"Sorry if I forgot to mention this, but I have a friend who is well known for throwing the best parties in town," Twilight explained as she walked past us. "And somehow, she always, always, always knows when there's somepony new in town, and likes to throw welcome parties in celebration."

"Was that friend that pink streak that bypassed us all over town earlier?", the spiny dragon asked her.

"Yup!" Pinkie said as she jumped up and down. She then spoke in a very quick pace. "Hi! You must be new in town. I know you are because I've never met you before, and if I never met you before then that means you're new in town, 'cause I know everypony. And by everypony, I mean everypony. So anyways, my name is Pinkamena Diane Pie, but you can call me Pinkie Pie. And oh my gosh, you cannot believe how excited I am to see some new ponies in town…"

The group seemed to tune her out as they looked at the rest of the line. Spike was looking at the other dragons with great interest, and in turn one of them was taking interest at Fluttershy. For some reason, Chronicle felt a pang of jealousy, even though he reminded himself they're leaving soon(er than he).

"And then, I was like 'Oatmeal? Are you crazy?' And then—" Pinkie continued before Rainbow shoved a hoof in her mouth, stopping her.

Twilight seemed to notice the group look at the line and cleared her throat to get their attention. She then walked up to the line so that she was now in between Fluttershy and Rarity.

"Oh, let me introduce you to my friends," she said as she indicated them all, starting with Pinkie. "As you probably just heard, this is Pinkie Pie. She threw this party for you guys." She then indicated the blue pegasus. "This is Rainbow Dash."

"Hey there!" Rainbow greeted as she raised the hoof she used to shush Pinkie.

Twilight indicated the farmpony. "This is Applejack."

"Howdy, y'all!"

The baby dragon. "This is Spike."

"Hi," Spike waved in a friendly manner.

The blue unicorn. "This is Chronicle."

"Hello there." The black pony's irises shrunk in surprise.

"You're a…guy?" he gasped.

Chronicle sighed and rolled his eyes. "Yeah. I get that all the time at first."

"I knew he was a dude from the beginning," muttered the spiny dragon.

"A-anyway…" Twilight continued as she then indicated the fashionista, "This is Rarity."

"It's a pleasure to see new faces in Ponyville." Chronicle glanced at Rarity, then rolled his eyes. For some reason, Pinkie insisted their introductions be 'rehearsed'.

Twilight then indicated the last one in the line. "And this is Fluttershy."

"Hi," she greeted in a soft voice.

Twilight then introduced the visitors to her friends. "Guys, these are Sora, Kairi, Wizard, Lea, Jerry, Rael, and Tychophon."

"Now that the introductions are over with, let's par-tay!" said Pinkie.

C—TS—S—A—RD—R—F—PP—S—K—L—J—W—R—T

Sometime later…

The music played in the party was part classical and part techno (in a slow beat) seemingly mixed quite well.

Rael was at the buffet table, checking out the food. Sora was there too, gorging himself in cake, although he had trouble holding stuff with his mouth. Kairi was helping him out by using telekinesis from her horn, having been taught how by Twilight. As the spiny dragon checked each of the foodstuffs, Applejack came over.

"Now what might be the problem, haystack?" she asked him.

"I don't have a problem, Applejack," Rael said as he took a plate, a fork, and a slice of cake with it. "Really, I don't."

"I thought dragons eat just about anything."

"Not my species," he replied as he cut a slice of cake and ate it, savoring the taste of strawberry and chocolate. "And I'm pickier than most, unfortunately." He then turned his attention away from her as he saw Spike holding a bowlful of gemstones. He was approaching Tychophon, who was eating a slice of apple pie.

"Hey there, Tych," he greeted. "Can I call you Tych?"

"…Fine," the crested dragon relented.

Spike offered a gem. "Here. Try one."

"Thanks." Tychophon absentmindedly took the gem, then bit on it. However, upon sinking his teeth into it, he realized what he was biting into and took it out. "Hey! This is a gem!"

"Yeah. Dragons eat gems, right?"

"Not my kind." Tychophon pocketed it…somewhere. "I can't believe you eat such luxuries."

"Luxuries? They're found in the ground and mountains by the handful. They're so common that ponies use them for dress decorations, and there's enough left for me to snack on. Not that gems are the only things I can eat." Spike had been told by Twilight that Tychophon was probably an off-worlder and therefore would not be familiar with some facts that are taken for granted here. All of her friends were informed, but they were not to reveal it until later.

"Really…"

"Another question… Can you breathe fire, Tych?"

Tychophon raised an eyebrow. "Now what kind of question is that?"

Spike shrugged his shoulders. "Oh, nothing."

"I see. And for the record, I can't."

Spike put his hands to his head in shock. "What?"

"Although I do have some fire-related abilities I can use in combat. Oh, wait. I can breathe fire. Just not as regularly as most dragons."

In another area of the party venue, Wizard was next to the table with the punch bowl, a cup with a straw close to him. "Hey, Pinkie," he addressed the party pony, who stood nearby. "What's that green thing in the punch?"

Pinkie followed where his eyes were looking, and then giggled. "Oh, that?" she replied. "That's just Gummy, my pet baby alligator." Wizard stared for a while at the bowl, where Gummy popped out of the punch to stare at him with his pinkish-purple eyes. After backing off for a bit should it bite him and staring for a few seconds, he returned to his cup and resumed drinking, much to the puzzlement of Pinkie. "You know, most ponies do a spit take or something whenever I say that."

"I've had filthier stuff," he answered. "I can stomach a lot of edible things."

Meanwhile, in the middle of the room, Lea was casting fire magic and was performing quite the spectacle, making himself a sight to see. He managed to catch Fluttershy's attention and he seemed to notice it too. Slowly, he approached her, still performing his pyrotechnics. Fluttershy seemed to notice as she backed away faster than the rest of the other ponies he was approaching.

Chronicle happened to see it too, and a desire to protect her (as well as a pang of jealousy) overrode the logical part of his brain. He rushed to pounce and keep him away from her, and it turns out Rainbow was about to do the same thing, but they thankfully didn't collide with one another as they were moving in the same general direction. They slammed into him and tumbled for a while before the two ended on top of Lea.

"Were you trying anything on Fluttershy?" they both asked at the same time, then turned to each other in slight surprise.

"Whatever do you mean?" asked Lea, seemingly oblivious.

"You know what I mean!" retorted Rainbow.

"No, I do not! I was trying something on that cute unicorn over there."

The two turned to the general location of where Fluttershy had been backing away and Chronicle recognized Minuette.

"Oh. Minuette," he greeted. "Didn't see you there."

"Hey. Is that a cello I hear?" Jerry suddenly said as he stood next to Rarity.

Both the off-worlders and Twilight's circle of friends turned to where he was looking. Chronicle recognized the cellist, and two of her band-mates (a pianist and violinist). Next to them was a turntable with a certain disc jockey.

"Hey!" said Chronicle after getting off of Lea, who was still pinned by Rainbow. He pointed to the disc jockey. "That's DJ-Pon3, the disc jockey at Rarity's first fashion show." He then pointed to the cellist. "And that's Octavia from the Grand Galloping Gala. As well as some other members of her band apparently. How did Pinkie Pie get them together to manage the music for the party?" He then let out an exasperated sigh. "She's such a random earth pony."

C—TS—S—A—RD—R—F—PP—S—K—L—J—W—R—T

After the party, early afternoon…

Twilight Sparkle led the seven visitors to the Books and Branches Library. The rest of her friends followed, but Chronicle didn't as he went to the back of the place to practice. That, and discreetly contact his father.

He went to the training range, then after setting up a barrier similar to what Twilight cast when she and her friends fought him once before. Those inside would still hear him though, so he also cast a new spell he learned; a replay spell. With it, others can hear things he isn't presently saying.

Seeing the Discord statue sparked his fury and he 'picked up' a sledgehammer. However, he was not completely blinded this time, still remembering his first-hoof experience with the Stare. He took out his device and spoke through it while 'hurling' the hammer around using the tether spell. All the while, his replay spell is mimicking him attacking something in a fit of rage, namely the Discord statue.

"Dad. We've made contact with the Interlopers." At the end of each sentence, he 'swung' the hammer at the statue, breaking off parts of it.

To his surprise, a reply came immediately. "Good to hear. Try and get them to finish whatever they need to do here. I received reports of a SWORD-K wielder and his companions in your sister's world. Same goes for Luna Equestria."

He lightened up for some hopeful news. "What? Is the stasis there gone?"

"It's cracking, but time there is still moving very slowly. Too dangerous to re-synchronize the portal mirrors. It'll probably take a week or three before it's safe for us to contact Blue Diary."

"I see. I'm glad I'll be able to see him again soon."

"Me too. Anything else to report, son?"

His expression turned serious as he continued pummeling the statue. "Yes. AN-8178s have been sighted in the general area. Request for the usual procedure for this situation."

"Will do, but not right now. I'm standing by at the time portal the GUMI-Type vessel went through. I was just about to finish the spell to seal it when it came. Can't close it now lest I strand them here, and we don't want that, do we?"

"No. It's best I 'intervene' as little as possible in matters with the SWORD-K wielders."

"Just remember that 'intervening' means something different for Field Operatives. Fighting alongside them does not count, but telling of our origins or anything linking to it does."

"Roger that." Suddenly, he noticed something strange, looked at the statue, and realized that during his conversation, he had smashed it to the point that there was very little of it left and that he had been attacking it too fast for it to restore itself. "That's all, Dad."

"Good luck, son."

And there Chronicle terminated the conversation, then decided to teleport inside the library. But not before getting something to reinforce his 'excuse'.

C—RK—C—RK—C—RK—C—RK—C—RK—C—RK

Erstwhile…

As Chronicle went around the library to his training range, Twilight and her friends led the visitors inside it. They all looked around in awe, one of them noting Owlowiscious, who was sleeping in the rafters above, which was a bit peculiar since her house was a tree.

As they all entered, all of Twilight's friends checked the windows, drew the curtains, then ushered the group of seven to the center.

"Okay. What's up with you girls?" Sora asked nervously.

Twilight finally decided it was time to reveal what she knew. "We know where you're really from," she said with a serious tone and face. "You're from another world, right?" They all reacted in surprise.

"Oh boy," sighed Wizard as he did a facehoof. "Yes. Yes, we are. Did the Keyblade give us away?" Twilight nodded her head.

"We also know of the existence of other worlds, especially something called Kingdom Hearts," said Spike as he got a ladder and was about to go grab a certain book.

"Now where did that come from?" Rael asked. "Although yes, we know it."

"I don't," put in Jerry.

Just then, there was a crash. Everyone turned their heads to the source of the sound, then Twilight and her friends turned back to the visitors.

"What was that?" Lea asked.

"Just Chronicle venting his anger," Twilight simply stated. "Just ignore him. He'll come around soon." She then 'took' a couple of books from various shelves around the library, including one Spike was apparently about to get.

"Oh…okay," Kairi said, then returned to the topic as Spike climbed down the ladder and joined everyone else. There were a few noises outside from Chronicle, but it was ignored.

"How do you know of other worlds, the Keyblade, and Kingdom Hearts in the first place?" Sora wanted to know.

"Some time ago, we met with three Keyblade wielders," explained Applejack.

"They each entered this world at different times," added Rainbow. "And they all happened to know each other."

"Who were these visitors?" Wizard wanted to know.

"I met Terra while he was a brown earth pony at the farm I live in," said Applejack.

"I met Ven as a green pegasus flying among the clouds," said Rainbow.

"And I met Aqua as a blue unicorn practicing elemental magic in town," said Twilight. She then turned to Rael. "I learned that fire spell from her, by the way."

"Wait a second," interrupted Sora. "Terra, Ven, and Aqua?"

"Well, Ven's name's actually Ventus," added Rainbow.

"Could you tell us more?"

And that's what they did. Applejack had first seen Terra headbutting a tree in her farm to try and get some apples. She had then invited him to help buck apples from the trees for Applebuck Season. Rainbow had crashed into Ven while he was enjoying his wings, and he lied that he had an injury that grounded him for three months. Having believed his excuse at that time, she taught him how to fly. Aqua had seen Twilight conjure a mustache for Spike (Sora raised an eyebrow), then practiced some elemental spells, which soon caught Twilight's attention. After getting her attention, as well as a short conversation, Twilight offered to teach Aqua unicorn magic in exchange for elemental combat magic.

During one of those 'lessons', Aqua accidentally teleported herself up in the sky and began to fall. She was saved by Terra, and then Ven crashed into both of them shortly after, resulting in the three being covered in apples and applesauce Terra had been carrying. Once they were cleaned up at the spa, they were led to Sugarcube Corner, where Pinkie Pie threw a party for them, just like she did with us. While the three apparently conversed with one another concerning their time together, Twilight momentarily left, only to return with Fluttershy and Rarity.

During that party, there was an announcement that Princesses Celestia and Luna (the co-rulers of Equestria) were coming to Ponyville. Terra, Ven, and Aqua had huddled together and wondered who she was, but Pinkie overheard them and went ballistic upon hearing that they didn't know who the Princesses were. While it was possible that they wouldn't know of them even if they were natives of Equestria, the fact that the Princess Celestia only said that after that revelation got Twilight and the others suspicious.

After the Princesses left with the three to talk to them privately, Twilight and the rest of her friends decided to search the library for information.

In the present, she and the rest showed the off-worlders the books they had searched. Legends of the stars stated that 'For every star in the sky, there is another world'. List of Other Worlds showed details of plenty of worlds outside of Equestria. They were then showed the book's entry on Kingdom Hearts, then the book The Legendary Keyblade: A Reference Guide, one page of which showed a picture depicting a little black pegasus with a messy mane and tail, and wielding the a basic-looking "Keyblade" in his mouth. The book also showed information regarding The Land of Departure, which was where Terra, Ven, and Aqua, originated.

"Just wondering, Sora," said Twilight. "Were you taught how to use the Keyblade in The Land of Departure?"

"The Land of Departure?" Rael said. "Oh please. Sora here learned how to fight with the Keyblade all by himself. And beat up lots of bad guys while he was at it. Well, he did do some swordfightin' back at his home in Destiny Islands…"

"Wow! So Sora's self-taught?"

"Well, he did have to learn magic from someone else. Kairi, on the other hand, learned swordplay from her conscience." Everypony and Spike raised an eyebrow in confusion. "It's a long story, don't ask me. As for magic, she learned it on the way from our other magic-using friends." Suddenly, Tychophon pulled him a few steps back.

"Okay, Rael. Now what was that about?" he asked.

"What was wha—oh, sorry," Rael turned sheepishly to everypony. "I don't know what's got into me. Now where were we again?"

"We were explaining Terra, Ven, and Aqua's time here in Equestria, dear," explained Rarity.

"Oh right. Where were we again there?"

"At the part where we found a picture of them in human form," said Fluttershy.

"Oh right."

Back in the past, it was from seeing this picture that they realized who Terra, Ven, and Aqua really were. Twilight and the others then quickly hurried to where Celestia and Luna were talking with the three. However, they had to leave so soon, and they turned back into their original forms, summoned their armor, turned their Keyblades into aircraft of some kind, and then left through a portal. The Princesses then told them everything related to the subject.

Just then, Chronicle teleported in a few paces from the door. There was a sledgehammer in his mouth, which he then set down on the side. "Okay," he said. "I'm done venting my anger. What'd I miss?"

"We were just telling our new friends here that we knew they're from another world, dear," Rarity explained. "Well actually, only Twilight knew and she just told the rest of us."

"We then told them about Terra, Ven, and Aqua's visit here in Ponyville," added Spike.

"Which also during the time I was away, wasn't it?" Chronicle asked.

"Yes," answered Applejack.

"It's been…how many months since then?"

"Uhh, I'm gonna have to say…six and a half," Twilight guessed.

For some reason, Sora was surprised at this. "Hold on a second!", he gasped. "It's only been that long since their arrival before ours?"

"Yes. Why?"

"Because it's been thirteen years since all that happened."

"Do you know what happened to Terra, Ven, and Aqua?" Rainbow wanted to know.

"Please tell us, Sora," implored Kairi. "What did you learn while you and Riku were taking the Mark of Mastery Exam from Master Yen Sid?"

"Who's Riku?" asked Spike.

"A friend of ours."

"What about this Master Yen Sid, dear?" inquired Rarity.

"A retired Keyblade Master," Rael answered for Kairi. "And a very powerful magician."

Sora seemed to sigh. "All right," he relented to Kairi's request.

What Sora told everyone was basically this: Terra's body has been hijacked, Ventus is rendered comatose, and Aqua was basically stranded in a different dimension. Twilight and her friends were saddened by this, but their hope was renewed when Sora said that he's on a quest to find them and "save them from their suffering".

"Wow!" said Pinkie as she popped up from behind Sora. "Looks like an adventure!"

"But that still doesn't explain the time inconsistency," said Twilight. "How could six and a half months pass here in Equestria while thirteen years passed outside it?"

"I have a theory behind that," voiced Chronicle. Everypony (and dragon) turned to face him. "Do you still remember Discord?"

Twilight raised an eyebrow and spoke in an incredulous manner. "Do you expect us to forget him after everything he did to all of Equestria? And to us?"

"Of course not. Anyway, you know he can warp reality, right?"

"That's right," agreed Applejack. "Brainwashed me to become a liar, Pinkie into a grump, Rarity into thinking that giant rock was a diamond—"

"I thought we agreed never to speak of that again," Rarity cut in.

"Oops."

"He also turned me into a meanie, had Rainbow Dash betray us—" continued Fluttershy.

"Gave cotton candy clouds that rain chocolate," added Pinkie as she popped up from behind Rael. "Turned the dirt roads into soap," Then behind Lea. "Wrested the Princesses' control over the sun and moon—", and then behind Wizard.

"And all other kinds of mean things just for his own amusement," Twilight finished with a scowl on her face.

"Wait a minute. Control over the sun and moon?" asked Tychophon.

"In this world, ponies are responsible for everything in nature like changing the seasons, caring for the wild animals, and making the plants grow. Princesses Celestia and Luna raise the sun and moon respectively. However, the Everfree Forest, where I met you guys, is the only place where—"

"The plants grow, animals take care of themselves, and the clouds move—all on their own!" cut in Rainbow.

"That place just ain't natural!" added Applejack.

"Ain't natural?" asked Sora. "But isn't that what nature does? Take care of itself?"

Rael elbowed him and said, "Perhaps that's the case for practically every other world we've been to where there's even nature to begin with. In here, t' just as Twilight said; ponies manage nature."

"Okay, okay. I think we're getting off track here," Lea interrupted. "What were we talking about again?"

"Discord," answered Spike.

"Okay. How was he beaten? You don't look like the sort who fight the forces of evil."

"We stopped him using the Elements of Harmony," explained Chronicle. "With the exception of myself and Spike, we embody one element each. Applejack represents Honesty, Fluttershy represents Kindness, Pinkie Pie represents Laughter, Rarity represents Generosity, Rainbow Dash represents Loyalty, and Twilight Sparkle represents Magic. The Magic of Friendship, to be exact."

"Wow," said Kairi in awe. "I wouldn't have believed that you were magical heroines had you not told us."

"Then again, we probably don't look like such either," Wizard said. "Not until we call out our weapons, that is."

"Why'd you mention Discord anyway, Chronicle?" asked Spike.

"You see, my theory is that while he was warping reality in Equestria, he probably also affected its flow of time in respect to the rest of the universe." It was true in a way, if the Great Draconequus Outbreak was any indication; in reality, the time portal his father was currently watching over apparently leads to the future.

"But why would he do that, if he was aware?" Twilight asked.

"I'm thinking he may not have been. And even if he was, it's not like we can ask him after all that hard work in resealing him."

"Reseal? If he's so dangerous, why didn't you destroy him?" Jerry wanted to know.

"He's disharmony incarnate, the imbalance of order and chaos," the blue unicorn explained. "He's much more powerful than both Princesses combined, and those two are plenty strong. And as much as I am tempted to ask you guys to finish him off for good—and believe me, I truly wish it—I don't trust that you can stop him before matters go out of hoof."

"Wait a second," said Tychophon. "Aren't discord and chaos the same thing?"

"We got a 'chaotic'…" Chronicle emphasized his air quote with one hoof. "…pony as a friend, and she represents an Element of Harmony." He indicated Pinkie Pie, who then popped up from behind Sora, saying "That's right!".

"Oh. How is Pinkie able to pop around all over the place? She's almost like a…like a…"

"Curious question, but…" Wizard interrupted. "Is there anything in this library concerning the Guns of Light?"

"I don't think there is, with them being ponies and all," Lea told him. "It's not like they have the hands to use them."

Suddenly, Pinkie's ears flopped, then her eyes fluttered, and then the knees of her forelegs twitched, shaking Sora as she went. Spike jumped in surprise.

"What is it, Spike?" Kairi asked.

"The Pinkie Sense," Twilight explained in an exasperated tone. "I've long since given up on trying to figure out how it works."

"That 'combo' means 'look out for opening doors'," answered the purple dragon.

Chronicle glanced at the door, then immediately ran to the group and away from it—just in time as it opened and Mayor Mare burst in (had he not moved, she would have bumped into him).

"Twilight Sparkle!", she called out. "We have a crisis!"

"What's the problem, Mayor?"

"Ponyville is under attack by blue monsters!"

"What?", gasped everypony (and dragon).

C—TS—S—A—RD—R—F—PP—MM—S—K—L—J—W—R—T

Eyecatch (video-type)

[A/N: Due to the video not being available, please look for (and envision) Digimon Adventure's first eyecatch.]

{Seven cards fly in from the right and pile up on one another, depicting the following in the following order: a basic silver crown shape, a seashell star-shaped trinket, a chakram, a white circle and two mountain range-like shapes near its sides, a red-blue checker pattern shield w/ a gold crown in the middle, a small bag, and a black star behind a white square.}

{The seven cards then shine into white and form together into something else: A picture depicting two rows of five ponies and two dragons. The bottom row depicts (from left to right) Kairi, Sora, and Rael. The top row depicts Jerry, Lea, Wizard, and Tychophon. The show's logo shows up on the bottom right.}

C—TS—S—A—RD—R—F—PP—S—K—L—J—W—R—T

The party of fifteen exited the library and indeed blue monsters—or AN-8178, or Unversed—were on the attack. There were all kinds of them, chasing ponies, wreaking havoc, and general chaos. In the middle of it all were six other ponies, but they looked…sinister. None of the Unversed attacked them, giving Chronicle the implication that they were either controlling them or are allied with whoever was commanding them. All of them were mares.

The first was a black unicorn with yellow eyes, a mane and tail streaked in maroon, grey, and silver, and had what looked like the moon in a lunar eclipse as a cutie mark.

The second was a purple earth pony with a green mane, blue eyes, a baseball cap worn backwards on her head, a black scrunchie close to her…plot, and her cutie mark was an orange mushroom with blue spots.

The third was a crimson red pegasus with a black wavy mane and tail, green-yellow eyes, a slightly larger build than most ponies, and her cutie mark was a trio of knives.

The fourth was a steel blue earth pony with magenta eyes, a cerulean tail, a mane of the same color concealing half of her face, and…lacked a cutie mark.

The fifth was a purple unicorn with green eyes and eye shadow, a black mane and tail, and a single diamond as her cutie mark.

The sixth was a black pegasus with a thick mane that was the color of the rainbow(the colors on her head were the cooler ones), an equally thick tail with the same color scheme (though they were 'vertically lined', started at red close to the root, and ended with purple), and her cutie mark was a rainbow (blue-yellow-red) entering a single black cloud.

Upon noticing the sixth one, Chronicle immediately felt that they were all somehow the antithesis of the E.O.H. (Elements of Harmony) Keepers or something. Just then, they seemed to notice they were being observed and immediately split off in different directions.

Twilight Sparkle turned to the mayor and said, "Get yourself and the other ponies to safety. We'll take care of this."

Just as the mayor left to do just that, Chronicle finally remembered something. I can't believe I've forgotten about it completely! "Wait a minute," he said before running back inside the library. He then teleported to the second floor, then to his bed, and checked under it (yes, for all his precautions, he keeps stuff under the bed). All right! Taking the saddlebag that was there, he teleported back outside with his friends and the off-worlders.

"You're gonna need these," he then said as he levitated six glowing spherical crystals out of the saddlebag. "Ever since our bout with Discord, I've ordered some very special crystals from some sources I shall not confide, although I assure you they're safe and legal. These crystals are for in case we need to battle a threat that's perhaps more severe than Nightmare Moon's but not as much as Discord's." He then turned to the purple dragon. "And these aren't safe to eat, Spike."

"Are you sure about this?" asked Applejack as she was 'passed' a brown crystal, which was placed in her mane.

"These crystals don't need a unicorn's power to be utilized. A bit like with those tickets back then."

"Tickets?" Sora asked, but he was ignored.

"What exactly do these do?" Twilight wanted to know as she was given a white crystal.

"Your crystal amplifies your already powerful magic," said Chronicle. "You do know a couple of combat spells right?"

"Yeah. Aqua taught me enough. But what did you give the others?"

"The other crystals bestow its bearer powers over a certain element, or boosts it if they already have powers over it. I chose the element they will temporarily use based on their personalities for better control." He turned to each of his friends. "Applejack, I give you the power of Earth because you're strong, hardworking, and have a close-to-earth temperament." He then 'gave' a green crystal. "Fluttershy, I give you the power of Wind because of your grace, and sweet and light personality." A blue crystal. "Pinkie, I give you the power of Water because of your unpredictability and fun attitude." A red crystal. "Rarity, I give you the power of Fire for not only is it beautiful, but gives warmth and light, just like you do." A yellow crystal. "Rainbow, I give you the power of Lightning for…I'm sure you know why."

"I believe I do," said the cyan pegasus.

"Now let's roll!"

"Right!" agreed Twilight and Sora at the same time, then looked at each other in puzzlement from their synonymous answer.

Each of them then split into pairs or threes, each with at least one off-worlder. Kairi went with Twilight. Chronicle joined Sora and Applejack, begrudgingly entrusting Fluttershy to the 'care' of Rael and Tychophon. Jerry accompanied Rainbow. Wizard was with Rarity and Spike. And Lea joined Pinkie.

C—TS—S—A—RD—R—F—PP—S—K—L—J—W—R—T

Somewhere in Ponyville…

"What's the plan, Twilight?" Kairi asked.

"I don't know. We've never had to deal with an all-out invasion of Ponyville before. Neither Nightmare Moon nor Discord ever employed minions of any sort."

"Who's Nightmare Moon?"

"Princess Luna's corrupt self, whom we purged with the Elements of Harmony."

"I see. Now that I think about it, the Elements of Harmony make me think of the Princesses of Heart."

"Princesses of Heart?"

"The Princesses of Heart are seven maidens with hearts of pure light, devoid of darkness. This allows us to open the Final Keyhole in Hollow Bastion, which is supposed to hold absolute power over the universe. We are also able to sense darkness and keep it away, although it's only powerful if enough are gathered."

"I heard you mention 'we'. Are you one of those princesses?"

"Yeah."

"Why did you compare the Elements with your status as a Princess of Heart?"

"Well, I noticed that while both are very important in holding the fate of the world/universe, neither can really defend themselves against the forces of evil that threaten what they protect. At least not when these forces employ minions like these."

As they turned the next street, they found Derpy Hooves and Golden Harvest under attack by midget-types and blue floating pot-types. To Kairi and Twilight's surprise, they were handling themselves fairly well, with Derpy using a cloud to let out thunderbolts at the Unversed…some of which also hit too close to Carrot Top for her comfort.

"Derpy Hooves! Golden Harvest!" Twilight called.

Carrot bucked a midget-type before running to the two unicorns. "Twilight!" she called back.

Derpy didn't seem to pay attention as she clumsily jumped an ice attack, then stomped on the cloud again and struck the blue pot-type who launched it with a bolt.

"Derpy!" Twilight called again.

The pegasus gave one last stomp on her cloud, letting out a series of bolts that wiped out the remaining Unversed attacking them. She then turned to the two unicorns. "Hey there, Twilight," Derpy greeted. "Could you and your friend lend a hoof here?"

"Get yourselves and the other ponies to safety!" said Kairi. "We'll take care of this!"

"Oh, all right."

As the two bypassed her and Twilight, Derpy suddenly stopped and turned to the latter, holding to her cloud all the while. "Uhh, Twilight?" she said as Carrot disappeared around the corner. "I'm sorry about dropping that pot, anvil, wagon, and piano down on you."

"Already put it behind me," replied the purple unicorn. "Now go!"

"Gotcha!"

Once Derpy was gone, Kairi summoned her SWORD-K (Keyblade), which floated beside her, having learned more telekinesis from Twilight.

"Hold on," said Kairi. "A pot, anvil, wagon, and a piano were dropped on you?"

"Could we talk about this later?", retorted Twilight.

The midget-types jumped into the ground like shadows and approached the two unicorns. The blue pot-types charged themselves with ice and swooped right for them. Twilight conjured a ball of ice and shot it at the Unversed, which split into shards and knocked them back. As the midget-types 'resurfaced', Kairi 'moved' her Keyblade and had it slash at the little Unversed, slicing them down in one hit.

TS—GH—DH—K—TS—GH—DH—K—TS—GH—DH—K

Meanwhile…

Just at Carousel Boutique, Lyra Heartstrings was defending Bon Bon while they were backed up at a nearby tree, which had one certain cat on its branches. Surrounding the three of them were flying yellow pots and boot-shaped things.

The unicorn's horn glowed gold as she shielded herself and her friend from the boot-types with a barrier and retaliated with a few musical note-shaped blasts of magic. However, she seemed to be faltering as sweat ran down her face. One yellow pot-type noticed that the cat wasn't being shielded and was about to tackle her when a blast of light shot it down. Following was a cluster of fireballs that cruised across the air and right into the boot-types, who unfortunately put up shields.

Arriving at the Carousel Boutique were Wizard, who had his gun—which he called the GunDeLuna—ready, Rarity, who had shot those fireballs thanks to the red crystal Chronicle gave her, and Spike, who rode on the former's back.

"Seriously, Rarity," said Wizard. "Couldn't you have sent those fireballs any faster?"

"Forgive me if I'm not as upfront as my other friends, dear," the unicorn replied. "Sans Fluttershy, of course."

"Guys, could we stop arguing?" asked Spike.

During the short argument, some of the boot-types recovered and shattered Lyra's shield…sending her rearing up and slamming her back to the tree. The unicorn leaned there for a few seconds. Then, just as a boot-type hopped to attack her, it was bucked by Bon Bon. Lyra then blasted the Unversed with more "musical notes". All the while, the cat hissed.

"Heartstrings! Bon Bon!" Rarity called to the two mares, who turned to face her. "Would you please get Opal down and get yourselves to safety?"

"We'll handle this," declared Wizard as he shot down more Unversed that were attacking Spike, who had dismounted and run ahead of them.

Lyra said, "Thanks. Will do." She then 'picked up' Opal and 'set' her close to the ground, but still 'holding' her. She then got back down on all fours. "Can we hide in your store for the time being?"

"Why, of course, darling," replied Rarity as Spike rushed a boot-type and started slashing at them with his claws, which were searing with flames.

"Thanks, Rarity," said Bon Bon as Lyra opened the door. They then both entered the Carousel Boutique, Lyra still 'carrying' Opal.

Just before Bon Bon could close the door, Rarity asked, "Wait a second. Have any of you two dears seen my sister Sweetie Belle?"

"Sorry, but we haven't," said Lyra as she 'set down' Opal on the floor. Once the door was closed, Rarity and Wizard ran to it to bar the Unversed from entry. Spike reeled back to join them after being spazzed by a Yellow Mustard's thunder pounce.

"Let's get this over with," told Wizard. "Then we'll find your sister."

"Right," agreed Spike and Rarity simultaneously.

LH—S—BB—R—W—LH—S—BB—R—W—LH—S—BB—R—W

Elsewhere, outside Ponyville proper…

"Hurry up!"

Rainbow was at the lead, Jerry slightly struggling to keep up. Fluttershy struggled too, but not to Jerry's extent. Tychophon zoomed as best as he could behind them. As for Rael, he apparently wasn't quick to adapt to his wings, and so took out a scooter that hovered instead of having wheels, bringing up the rear as a result. Once, the party ended up speeding right into a boulder. Everyone else swerved around it, but Rael used his wings and propelled himself and the scooter right over the big rock before 'landing' back on the ground.

"Why was there a rock in the middle of the road, anyway?" he wondered out loud.

"Hey Rael," Rainbow said as she turned her head.

"Yeah?"

"The way you ride your scooter and made that jump…you remind me of somepony who looks up to me."

"Oh, I think I know who you're referring to, Rainbow Dash," said Fluttershy.

"Hurry up, Scootaloo!" a young filly's voice came.

Rainbow seemed to react in shock. "This way!" she shouted as she quickly changed direction. They all followed suit. Eventually, they saw the source of the scream, although they were still too far to be of any help. Setting my scooter on autopilot, Rael took a look with a pair of binoculars.

C—TS—S—A—RD—R—F—PP—S—K—L—J—W—R—T

Scootaloo was driving her signature vehicle, which had a wheelbarrow attached to it. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Dinky were riding it, and all but the last one wore helmets. Running alongside them were Cheerilee, Twist, Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon.

Chasing all of them were a dozen mechanical creatures lacking legs. Their bodies were wide, bulky, and sported two small headlights. Their arms each ended in large, conical lance heads. Their heads were black and partially fused with the body, and they had a large turn key sticking out of the top. They came in several color varieties, including blue, yellow, and red, but all of them sported the same red eyes set in an angry expression and the Unversed emblem on the front of their bodies.

"Hey, Scootaloo!" said Diamond. "Give us a lift!"

"No can do, Diamond Tiara!", replied Scootaloo. "This wheelbarrow's only got room for three!"

"We saw you give your two friends and Pinkie Pie a ride. Surely there's room for, like, one more!"

"Now now, fillies," said Cheerilee in a slightly panicked tone. "This isn't the time to argue. Especially when we're being chased by monsters who want to do who knows what on us!"

Immediately, everypony picked up the pace. And not just them; so did the Unversed.

AB—C—T—DT—SS—S—SB—AB—C—T—DT—SS—S—SB

When Rael told the others what he saw, the party of three pegasi and two dragons picked up the pace as well as they tried to close the distance. However, there was a fork in the road where the Unversed and their targets were running down. The ones in the scooter and wheelbarrow went one way, the rest another, and the windup-types both ways, six each. The five reached the fork and stopped there, wondering which way to go or who should go where.

"Okay," Rael said quickly. "Which way and who?"

"I'm helping the Cutie Mark Crusaders!" declared Rainbow. "Jerry, you with me!" Immediately, she zoomed off where the scooter-driven wheelbarrow went off to, Jerry following.

"Looks like we go the other way," said Tychophon as he took off for the other fork, also taking out his bow.

"Hey! Wait up!", Rael yelled as he and Fluttershy immediately followed a second later. As the three yellow ones zoomed down the road, they could see the windup-types up ahead.

"We need to go faster!" said the Shoyru. "If we could only get the wind on our side… Oh, wait… I can do that!"

With that, he seemed to channel the power of wind in him and picked up speed. Seeing this, and remembering what the crystal she was presently carrying in her mane did, Fluttershy decided to try it out. Being a pegasus, she knew the ins and outs concerning flight and so used her crystal's power to reduce the air resistance around them. Rael turned to face her and saw what she was doing and gave an encouraging smile.

Soon enough, they finally caught up with the windup-types, which were still chasing the four ponies. Tychophon took out an arrow, drew it, aimed at one of the Unversed's head, and let it loose. The arrow struck home and it began to spin out of control. As it bumped with its fellow windup-types, Rael extended his left arm and one of the gems in his bracers began to glow. An instant later, it was as if an invisible ceiling dropped on them.

A bit caught up in the battle and enjoying a little from the power she had been bestowed, Fluttershy whipped up a tiny tornado, which blew the Unversed about, disorienting them long enough for Rael to finish them off with his weapon, which he called the DirLuxGun (he didn't name his shield).

She felt a twinge of guilt from that, but then remembered what Princess Celestia had said about the Unversed; they were extensions of an individual named Vanitas, just like how the magical clones Chronicle summons are just extensions of himself. Different methods, same principle, he had said. It was one thing to hear and claim to understand; it was another thing having to apply it. Once the Unversed were taken care of, the four chased ponies stopped. Fluttershy then approached them and checked if they were okay to distract herself.

"Cheerilee, are you all right?" she asked.

"Thank you and your friends for helping us."

Fluttershy then turned to the fillies an addressed them each by name. "Twist?"

"Yes, miss."

"Silver Spoon?"

"Uh-huh."

"Diamond Tiara?"

The pink filly nodded. "I'm okay."

Suddenly, Twist widened her eyes as if remembering something. "Wait! Where's Apple Bloom?", she said.

"If I recall correctly, Rainbow Dash took off to where they went," Tychophon answered. "I'm sure she'll save them."

F—C—T—DT—SS—R—T—F—C—T—DT—SS—R—T

At the other fork…

Jerry and Rainbow managed to catch up to the Unversed that were chasing the Cutie Mark Crusaders. The cyan pegasus explained that (with the exception of the helmet-less one) the fillies are a trio who lacked cutie marks (which define their special talent) and do all sorts of hijinks just to find them. The earth pony with the ribbon was Apple Bloom, Applejack's little sister. The unicorn filly was Sweetie Belle, Rarity's little sister. The scooter rider was Scootaloo, who idolizes Rainbow. As for the helmet-less filly, all she knew was that her name was Dinky.

"I just hope they haven't decided to be the Cutie Mark Crusaders Glidewinder Dodgers," Rainbow added. She only knew the Unversed's names from Jerry, who seemed to know them.

"Cutie Mark Crusaders Glidewinder Dodgers! Yay!" came three voices.

"You just had to say it, didn't you?" snarked Jerry. "But how do they know the Unversed's names anyway?"

The cyan pegasus shrugged. "I dunno. Guesswork?"

"There are wind-up devices in this world?"

"Yeah. Why'd you ask?"

"Nothin'."

Erstwhile, at the other 'side' of the Glidewinders, Dinky was firing magic shots at the Unversed. However, her shots were just as effective as throwing a stone; not very much. Double however, they were all on the head, which seemed to be doing visible damage as the Glidewinders shook each time they were hit on that spot.

"Could you teach me how to do that, Dinky?", asked Sweetie.

"Teach you what?"

"That. The way you shot at their heads with such precision."

"Err…" Dinky tried to think of an answer. "I don't really know. I've always been able to hit things with such skill with whatever I throw." It was actually thanks to Mystic Shield's lessons, but Sweetie didn't know that since she doesn't attend, only coming in during one of many of her and her friends' "Crusades". Dinky would later wonder why she lied, and would find no answer.

"Is that how you got your cutie mark?"

"Hmm…maybe."

"Faster, Scootaloo!" cried out Bloom in a not-distressed manner. "Faster!"

"I'm trying! I'm trying!" cried out the pegasus filly.

Two Glidewinders caught up with them and flanked them. They began to spin their claws and were about to ram themselves into the Crusaders when Scootaloo suddenly slowed down just in time for them to bump into each other and temporarily spin out. However, a third Glidewinder managed to bump into the wheelbarrow from behind, knocking Sweetie off balance. Before she could fall off, Bloom caught her by the tail with her teeth and got her back on the wheelbarrow.

Just then, they saw Rainbow descend from the skies, carrying a black cloud. The cyan pegasus raised her hooves, then brought them down on her cloud, releasing a powerful lightning bolt, more powerful than naturally possible. The bolt scarred the ground, destroyed three Glidewinders, and made the fourth one that was close to the Crusaders spin out before being destroyed by a bolt of blue lightning. Jerry came into view, one hoof forward slightly smoking.

"Nice work with that cloud!" said the purple pegasus as he saw the yellow crystal glow in Rainbow's mane. He then sped past her and the fillies, and prepared to confront the two remaining Glidewinders. The two Unversed turned their heads to see Jerry 'unleash' another lightning bolt that destroyed them.

With the enemy gone, everypony slowed down. As it turned out, the Glidewinder chase took them all the way to Ponyville's Schoolhouse.

The four fillies got off their rides and the Cutie Mark Crusaders checked their flanks…which remained blank.

"Aww…" the three complained.

"Still no cutie mark!" Bloom groaned.

"Are you kids okay?", Jerry asked the fillies.

"Sure are!" answered Scootaloo. "But…what are kids?"

"Uhh…kids are young 'uns like you."

"Here, we call them fillies." Rainbow whispered to Jerry.

"Okay," Jerry whispered back.

"Oh," the Scootaloo said, then changed the subject. "Wonder what we could do next?"

"Maybe we could try hitting targets by throwing stuff, like Dinky," suggested Sweetie.

"Maybe we could try finding out how he got his cutie mark!", suggested Bloom, pointing at Jerry's flank.

"Maybe we could help chase these monsters off of Ponyville!" suggested Scootaloo.

"Or maybe you could go and hide somewhere safe before those monsters decide to eat you!" came a menacing voice.

This voice spooked the Crusaders and they boarded the scooter/wheelbarrow, ready to go. Dinky daintily followed them. As for Rainbow, her eyes shrunk into pinpricks on seeing that the voice was from Jerry.

"Creepy voice," he then said in his normal voice. "Works every time. Let's get these ki—uhh, fillies somewhere safe."

(A/N: Jerry is also a ventriloquist.)

AB—RD—D—S—SB—J—AB—RD—D—S—SB—J

Meanwhile, back in Ponyville…

"The horror! The horror!" three voices were crying out at the same time.

Rose, Daisy, and Lily were surrounded by two types of Unversed; Glidewinders and giant bipeds, the former circling them over and over, staring at them as they turned their heads.

"Pinkie Pie to the rescue, Flower Ponies!" a bubbly voice came.

Out of nowhere, a beach wave came in from the street. On a red surfboard were Pinkie and Lea, the former with a blue crystal glowing in her mane. In the wave were other Unversed that were washed away prior to their entrance. Lea conjured fireballs and shot down more Unversed with them. This wave then washed down the Unversed surrounding the Flower Ponies, sparing the trio of mares while Pinkie was at it.

Just then, coney-type and boot-type Unversed appeared. Pinkie 'dismissed' her wave (and surfboard) as she and Lea landed on either side of the Flower Ponies, protecting them from attack. The Unversed charged, but Pinkie just hopped on each of them as they passed. Once she was past them all, she manifested a whip of water and tripped them up.

Meanwhile, Lea had his chakrams make a protective ring around the Flower Ponies, who were understandably terrified. The pyrokinetic then used his magic to do various fire spells. He was controlling numerous fireballs that made their way to the Unversed, setting them on fire, only for them to then be drenched by water from Pinkie (much to his disappointment), which did them in anyways.

PP—D—R—L—L—PP—D—R—L—L—PP—D—R—L—L

In another part of Ponyville…

"Back! Back, I say!" Doctor Whooves was saying, a strange, cylindrical, metallic contraption (which had the general shape of a pen) on his mouth, which he called a "sonic screwdriver". He shot green beams from it, which paralyzed the giant-type and red pot-type Unversed that were attacking them, the latter with fire attacks. By them meaning himself, Minuette, Sora, Applejack, and Chronicle.

"Remind me again how we got into this mess?" asked Sora as he whacked back a giant-type with his Keyblade.

"Doctor Whooves and Minuette were in trouble. We came and helped. How's that difficult to follow?" Chronicle asked, his "magic horn blade" drawn.

"It's not that it's difficult. It just popped into my head."

Minuette blasted a red pot-type with an ice spell from her horn. A giant-type went in to attack from the side, but it was bucked away by Applejack.

"Let's see if this gem o' yours really works for non-unicorns," the earth pony mare then said to Chronicle.

"It does work!" the blue-coated brown-eyed unicorn insisted as he slashed at a giant-type in front of him. "Trust me!"

Applejack raised her forelegs, her crystal glowing in her mane, then brought them down on the ground. Upon contact, the ground rumbled and earth pillars popped from underneath the Unversed, sending the giant-types to the air and the red pot-types into non-existence. Sora then shot a high-level ice spell at them with his Keyblade and Minuette cast ice spells as well. The attacks destroyed these Unversed.

Suddenly, a new kind of Unversed appeared; near-bipedal balloon-types with valves on their back.

Chronicle did a few slashes at the first opportunity, but all it did was make them glow red and swell. "Aww, horse apples!" he complained once he realized what this meant. Applejack had bucked one of these balloon-types at the front, experiencing similar results. She was then hit by gusts of air from their arms. Some of them then started to bounce around and everypony ran in different directions, although they still stuck in the general area.

Amidst the mayhem, the Doctor managed to find a weak point. He told Minuette about it, who then 'shot' an inflated balloon-type at the back with an ice bolt. The Unversed released air in its body as it seemingly deflated. Sora however already figured that out seconds ago and was expertly taking them down. Chronicle managed to catch on, although Applejack struggled to follow.

In spite of this, a few balloon-types ended up swelling to the point that any attacks on them were now useless, even back attacks. As the Unversed began to roll around, Sora realized what was about to happen.

"Run for it!" he said at about the same time. "They're gonna blow!"

"I got this!" assured Applejack as she stomped on the ground once more. Immediately, pillars of earth popped from underneath the balloon-types and sent them up into the air like a plunger hits a pinball. The Unversed then harmlessly exploded in the sky.

"Nice work there, Applejack!" commended Chronicle. "Although I forgot to mention that you better be conservative in using those crystals. Like unicorn magic, those crystals can take out a lot in you if you use them too much."

"Same thing applies with my magic," said Sora.

"In any case, I think you know what I'm trying to tell you, right?"

C—M—A—DW—S—C—M—A—DW—S—C—M—A—DW—S

Later, in yet another part of Ponyville…

Snips and Snails were on the run.

Chasing both of them were two different kinds of Unversed; one-wheeled wheelbarrow riders with pickaxes for arms, and average height skinny bipeds.

The two colts were chased across alleyway, the Unversed finding them wherever they went. Eventually, they were cornered into a dead end. The Unversed slowed in their run and began to approach slowly. Both colts shook in fright as they awaited their end.

"Snails," said Snips. "If we don't make it…I just wanna say…"

"Ya don't have ta say it, Snips," replied Snails. "We're toast aren't we?"

"Yeah."

"Delicious, buttery toast. I'd love to have some when he get home."

Snips did a facehoof in response. Suddenly, a small purple dragon jumped in between the colts and the Unversed. Following were two white ponies; a stallion with a cyan messy mane, and a mare with a styled violet mane and a unicorn horn.

"Tell me again why we had to enter in this fashion?" asked Wizard.

"Aww, come on!" complained Spike. "I always wanted to do this!" Just then, a skinny-type slashed him with its claws. It didn't hurt him much, but the force of the blow pushed him back.

"Perhaps we should focus on the task at hoof, boys," advised Rarity as she called up a fireball with her crystal.

"My thoughts exactly," said Wizard as he summoned his GunDeLuna.

As the two colts they were protecting backed further away, Spike started by unleashing a breath of fire on the Unversed, sending them reeling back. Rarity then shot her fireball at the skinny-type that hit Spike, destroying it. Wizard followed with a couple of shots from the GunDeLuna. Just then, the Unversed stood in a line and began to charge, only to be thwarted by a line of fire.

"I can't fathom what Chronicle was thinking when he decided that I should have this element," complained Rarity as she maintained the spell. "It's too dangerous and risky if you ask me."

"I think that's exactly the reason you have it. You're the only one who can best utilize it," guessed Wizard as he and Spike repelled the skinny-types that jumped the wall. "From the little time we had so far with you girls, I saw how…not-all-there Pinkie can be, how Rainbow can be reckless, how Fluttershy seems to be too meek for him to even think of giving it to her, and Twilight's already got that amplifier. Not sure about Applejack though."

"Take that!" Spike cried out as he dodged a wheelbarrow-type that plowed through the fire wall and tried to slash at him with its pickaxes, countering with his own claws and fire breath.

S—R—S—S—W—S—R—S—S—W—S—R—S—S—W

In Sugarcube Corner…

Blue pot-type and midget-type Unversed were invading the store. The owners, Mr. and Mrs. Cake, whom no one in Sora's group were able to see at their welcoming party, were in a corner as they came in.

With them were Octavia and Vinyl, the former with her cello bow held on her right front hoof, and the latter with her horn glowing as she repelled the Unversed with a barrier. The two were supposed to leave after the party—Octavia's band-mates already having done so—but they had decided to rest up beforehoof. And unfortunately, that was when the Unversed incidentally attacked.

Just then, the door flew open as Lea jumped into the scene. Following was Pinkie Pie. With a saddlebag holding water balloons.

"Don't worry, Mr. and Mrs. Cake!" said Pinkie. "It's Pinkie Pie to the rescue!"

"And Lea! Got it memorized?" Lea then summoned his chakrams and launched them at the Unversed. They went through many of them, all without setting the whole store on fire. Any remaining Unversed were doused by Pinkie's water balloons, then encased in spheres of them. Lea then 'sliced' them with his chakrams. However, another 'wave' then appeared. They composed of skinny-types and yellow pot-types.

The skinny-types clasped their hands together before rushing…at the Cakes. Some of them managed to breach the DJ's barrier, but were whacked away by Octavia, who swung her bow at them. Each of them then got trapped in water spheres manifested by Pinkie as she then moved the Unversed towards her. However, a few yellow pot-types Lea was handling reached the pink earth pony and tackled her with their electrically-charged bodies. She was sent tumbling across the floor, but somehow ended up landing on her feet again.

"Did they just…don't tell me they just…" she stuttered.

"Oh, I think they just—"

Immediately, her expression changed into something crazy. "You wanna get wild? Let's get wild!" Immediately, Pinkie began to spin round and round, creating a tornado of water around her that began to suck in the Unversed.

"Uh oh," gulped Lea as he proceeded to shoot down the yellow pot-types before they could get to Pinkie. "Doesn't she know that water conducts electricity?" Just then, one of them reached the tornado, but a pink hoof shot out and bucked it right into Lea, who 'cut' it down with one chakram. "Okay. Looks like she knows that, but it's still risky." He turned to the Cakes and the musicians. "You four better go somewhere else safe." The three earth ponies and one unicorn nodded and ran off into the kitchen (and upstairs, hoping the twins were safe, which they were).

(A/N: I have standards regarding fight scenes, and I draw the line on babies fighting—as awesome as it would be writing Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake doing so—unless they're already established in canon as such, like Hana Stoppable from Kim Possible.)

PP—MCC—L—VS—OM—PP—MCC—L—VS—OM—PP—MCC—L—VS—OM

Somewhere in the outskirts of Ponyville…

Sora was following Chronicle and Applejack to Sweet Apple Acres. Ahead, they could see a dogpile of giant-type Unversed, apparently trying to keep whatever they were pinning down from trying to get away. Winona was barking at the pile.

"Who's under that pile?" Sora cried out in distress.

"Let's hurry so we can find out!" answered Chronicle as everypony picked up the pace, especially Applejack. Just then, the giant-types were sent flying in all directions, some even over the afternoon horizon, much to Sora's utter surprise. "Okay. No need for that." It was Big Macintosh.

"Big Macintosh!" Applejack cried out. "You okay?"

"Eeyup," he responded as he shook off some dust from his coat.

"Winona!" The dog perked her ears in response as her owner and her friends arrived. "Mac! Have you seen Apple Bloom?"

"Last saw her with the Cutie Mark Crusaders."

"What about Granny Smith?"

"In the barn."

"I'll see to her safety," Chronicle offered as he launched a 'shuriken' and hit a giant-type on the head that was trying to get up, dissipating it.

"A shuriken," Sora commented to himself as he sliced down some more of the knocked down giant-types.

Just then, as Chronicle made his way to the barn, Winona following for some reason, more of the giant-types that were knocked away got up and began to attack again. Following that, balloon-types and raven-types appeared.

"Hit the ball-like ones in the back!" Sora advised as earth spikes protruded from the ground by Applejack's crystal, striking the balloon-types on their weak spots.

"Easier said than done for me," said Macintosh as he bucked a giant-type right into a tree, and it somehow bounced right into a balloon-type, sending it tumbling so that its valve end was open for him to buck again, destroying it.

"I'll deal with these!" Sora then cast a lightning spell with his Keyblade, summoning small thunderclouds that appeared above the raven-types and struck them down.

C—A—BM—S—C—A—BM—S—C—A—BM—S

In the barn…

It was a good thing Chronicle decided to help Granny Smith, for she was in trouble. Granny was trying to hobble away from the midget-type Unversed surrounding her. Two earth pony stallions were with her, but neither of them seemed capable of defending the old mare or themselves.

"Caramel? Noteworthy?" gasped Chronicle. "What are you two doing here in Sweet Apple Acres?"

"We got chased all the way here by these blue monsters," said Noteworthy as he jumped away from an attacking midget-type.

"Oh won't somepony help me get this blue pest off my back?" the elderly mare yelled in distress as a midget-type got onto her back. Her two companions were too scared to help.

"Got it, Granny!" answered Chronicle as he came in, then shot it down with a 'shuriken'. He shot a few more, taking out all the midget-type (and Winona pouncing on a few as well) with one each as he ran to the elderly mare's assistance.

"Why thank you, lad," said Granny. "Such a brave pony. Unlike these two." She sneered at Noteworthy and Caramel, then turned her attention back to Chronicle. "How're my children? I sure hope they're safe."

"Applejack and Big Macintosh are keeping the big blue 'pests' out with a new friend of ours. Not sure about Apple Bloom, though. Mac said she's with her friends."

"Uhh…could we save the talking for later?" Caramel cut in as he pointed to where Chronicle came in. Upon turning, more midget-types appeared. Chronicle conjured more 'shurikens' and readied his "horn blade", ready to protect the three ponies.

C—GS—BM—C—C—GS—BM—C—C—GS—BM—C

Back at Ponyville…

Jerry and Rainbow Dash were leading the Cutie Mark Crusaders (and Dinky) back to their homes and to safety. Around them, ponies were either running, hiding, or fighting the Unversed. For those who were fighting, pegasi were using clouds to send down lightning bolts (although they weren't as strong as Rainbow's); unicorns were conjuring barriers, firing blasts of light from their horns, and tossing/swinging stuff around like bludgeons; and earth ponies grabbed whatever they could in their mouths and started swinging them at the Unversed or otherwise just bucked them.

As the six ponies crossed a street, they saw two mares and a filly on the run from a herd of blue pony-sized…alicorns?

The three escapees were Amethyst Star, Berry Punch, and Ruby Pinch. Both 'parties' met at the road, with Rainbow quickly naming the three to Jerry as they stopped after passing by the two. She then turned his attention to the blue pursuers before he could as more about them and they saw something odd.

The 'alicorn''s eyes were red, not round like that of a regular pony, and strangely shaped in an angry expression. Their hair was spiny and as blue as their coats, they had yellowish-green markings on their hooves, and their cutie marks were all the same. These marks have been seen in all the blue monsters that have been terrorizing Ponyville. For all intents and purposes, these ponies were actually Unversed.

"I knew there was something wrong with those ponies!" cried out Rainbow.

"You only figured it out just now?" Jerry snarked.

"Yup!" In her anger, she didn't realize that thunderclouds manifested right above these 'false alicorns', her crystal glowing. By the time everypony saw the clouds, the clouds were already delivering lightning bolts on what Jerry decided to name Suicorns (for some reason).

Some Suicorns took flight and raised barriers to block the thunder while others charged, their horns glowing red with magic. Jerry had his sabers ready. As they reached him, he swung his weapons at their legs, paralyzing them on the spot as they stumbled. (Jerry's sabers were coated with a substance that causes burns on contact and temporarily paralyzes the surrounding area to mimic the effect of losing a limb…not that that worked on the Unversed.) These Suicorns weren't done and began to bombard him with fire and ice spells. However, none of them made it to him as a barrier formed.

"Thanks for keeping Dinky safe," said Amethyst. As Rainbow sped at the Suicorns, tackling them down with her super speed and electricity coursing through her body thanks to her crystal, Jerry turned to see the unicorn casting the barrier, her horn glowing violet-red. "Now go kick their flanks!"

Jerry nodded and manifested a moderate amount of energy in front of him. He then shot it at the Suicorns, destroying one and pushing asunder the others nearby. The force of the blast was enough to disturb the flying Suicorns from casting their barrier, not having realized the thunderclouds were no longer bringing down lightning bolts.

They were then tackled by Rainbow, who then followed up by taking a cloud above and unleashing her crystal's element down on them. The ensuing bolts completely eradicated the remaining Unversed. However, more of them immediately appeared out of nowhere, appearing in the same fashion as when emerging from a teleport spell.

"Oh, come on!" Jerry complained as he 'moved' his sabers back to him.

Rainbow returned to his side, then turned to Scootaloo. "Hey, Scoots."

"Yeah?" the pegasus filly perked up upon hearing.

"Get yourselves and these ponies to safety! Things are about to get rough!"

"Anything for you, Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo saluted, then turned to her fellow Crusaders. "Anypony got a suggestion of a safe place?"

"I know of one!" voiced Berry Punch.

"Lead the way for them, ma'am!" said Jerry as he and Rainbow Dash held the line. Berry nodded as she led her daughter, Amethyst, Dinky, and the Crusaders down a detour Jerry had failed to notice earlier. "Now how did I miss that?" he wondered as he quickly turned back to the Suicorns, whose horns were now charged with various elemental magic. He turned to the cyan pegasus. "You think we can still handle these fellows?"

"Sure we can!" Rainbow assured, confidence in her voice, although there was the slightest twinge of uncertainty.

AS—AB—RD—D—BP—S—SB—RP—J—AS—AB—RD—D—BP—S—SB—RP—J

Somewhere outside Ponyville…

After seeing Cheerilee and her three students to safety, Fluttershy led Tychophon and Rael down a road leading to her cottage.

There were houses and shelters for an assortment of small animals, although their usual residents seemed to be absent, replaced with coney-types, raven-types, and midget-type Unversed. There was also another kind of Unversed; they had pots/tops for their lower halves, pink flowers on their heads, and green thorny vines with leaves at the end for arms sprouting from either side of their heads.

"Hmm…why are we being introduced to many kinds of Unversed right here in Equestria?" Rael muttered to himself. "Hold on a second!" he then gasped, catching both of his yellow companions' attention. "Is that…a white bunny fighting them?"

Amongst the Unversed, Angel was wearing a pasta strainer upside down on his head and holding a carrot as if it were a two-handed sword. Being as tall as the midget-types, he was deflecting against their claw attacks with his carrot.

"White bunny?" Fluttershy seemed to react in shock. "Angel!" Immediately, she picked up speed, leaving her two dragon companions in the dust.

"Whoa!", gasped Tychophon. "Didn't think she'd be the speedy one."

"Maybe only when provoked," Rael guessed as they immediately followed. They took out any and all Unversed in the way, although they had minor problems with the top-types, with them spinning and trying to smack them with vines. The area was small, so it was quite crowded. Even though flight was possible, there were also the raven-types to worry about.

Angel was visibly struggling against the Floods attacking him. Fluttershy was trying her best to each him, but wasn't making much progress. Even with her crystal's power to blow the Unversed aside, as well as her companions' assistance, she couldn't get to him, as he was now getting pushed right into some coney-types.

These Unversed began to spin and began shooting lasers. Another of Rael's gems in his bracers glowed, creating a small vortex that pulled the coney-types and other Unversed into it, but it was a second too late as the lasers made it to Angel, hitting him multiple times. The resulting attack made him lose his grip of his carrot and fall over as if beaten.

Time seemed to slow as Fluttershy gasped in shock, and then her "mama bear" instinct kicked in, and it showed in her expression of fury. It was like her eyes could look deep into the soul.

Rael sensed what was coming and started to retreat, taking out other Unversed in the area as a strong wind began to build up around her, beginning to form a small tornado as her crystal glowed bright. Tychophon turned to see what was happening and immediately went over to Rael, conjuring a shield of wind to protect themselves as Unversed, starting with the ones gathered by the vortex spell, were sucked into the tornado that formed around Fluttershy, which then began to move away from the cottage before it could cause any extensive damage to it. After a couple of seconds, the tornado suddenly…ceased to exist.

Fluttershy was in the middle of where it used to be, cuddling Angel (without the pasta strainer helmet) in her forelegs. Around her were various debris, which began to drop to the ground, and the various Unversed, which 'popped' into dark flames one by one. Tychophon and Rael could only stare dumbstruck as she slowly landed on the ground.

"Oh, I'm terribly sorry you had to see that!" she apologized as soon as she regained her composure. "I just don't know what got over me! Angel got hurt, and I…and I…"

"If anybody hurts your friends, they're gonna get it, right?" Tychophon guessed. "And these Unversed certainly got what was coming to them. Especially with that crystal Chronicle gave you. I could see another reason why he chose Wind as your element; one can never know when it'll go crazy."

Suddenly, more Unversed appeared, surrounding the three. The yellow trio gathered together, their backs to each other. "Leave the fighting to us, Fluttershy," Rael advised, half from concern, and half from fear. "You just blow them about when they get close, 'kay?" The pegasus nodded her head as she put the resting Angel on her back.

F—R—T—F—R—T—F—R—T—F—R—T

Elsewhere in the Everfree Forest…

Twilight Sparkle was leading Kairi through the woods, both of them in a hurry. Both made certain not to touch the blue flowers known as the "poison joke". When Kairi asked what it does, Twilight assured her that she doesn't want to know. When Kairi insisted, saying she's been through a lot in her adventures, Twilight conceded and explained. At the end of the explanation, Kairi was at slight giggles, especially with the "Flutterguy" and Chronicle falling for her.

Just then, they heard the sound of fighting. Quickly, they picked up the pace. Eventually, they reached the battle. There were a number of giant-types, top-types, and a few Suicorns surrounding one certain zebra.

"Zecora!", Twilight called, an ice spell on the ready.

The zebra turned her head in response, a knife between her teeth. "Quick! Close the distance!" she said. "I need some assistance!" Zecora then jumped from the arm whips of the top-types. Kairi and Twilight quickly did as she requested, both of them taking down the Unversed with spells, and the former with the Keyblade in her tail.

"Hey, that's rhymes," mused Kairi as she followed up with light-element spells, Twilight doing the same.

"Zecora has a tendency of speaking like that," said Twilight as she hurled a ball of light at a raven-type about to attack said zebra, who bucked a giant-type at the side, then sliced at it with her knife.

"Why are we having a conversation in the middle of a fight?" Kairi aimed her Keyblade at a top-type and shot a thunder spell.

"You must be rubbing in to me." Twilight conjured a thundercloud that then brought down lightning bolts on all the Unversed, only for them to be directed at just the Suicorns.

"I must've gotten it from Sora and Rael." Kairi dodged a Suicorn's charge, striking it with her Keyblade as it passed her.

"I can't believe the nerve of whoever made these kinds of Unversed!" Twilight seemed to be taking down the Suicorns with more prejudice than any of the other Unversed. "Seriously! Alicorns? As far as I'm concerned—"

"If you two are done talking, could you focus on fighting?" Zecora interrupted as she landed her forelegs on a weakened giant-type, then drove her knife into it, destroying the Unversed.

The two unicorns turned to each other with a nervous giggle, then decided to focus on the battle.

TS—Z—K—TS—Z—K—TS—Z—K—TS—Z—K

Meanwhile…

Ponyville wasn't the only place under attack by the Unversed. The far-off unicorn city of Canterlot was also a victim of the invasion. And the populace was being escorted to safety as the royal guards repelled the invaders. While the Princesses were advised that they stay at the palace, they were out with the guards, showing the Unversed just how powerful they really were and why they should not mess with the rulers of Equestria.

"What could the summoners of these things be possibly thinking?" Princess Luna wondered out loud as she manifested storm clouds that made their way into the Unversed, sucked them in, and destroyed them from the inside. "Attacking the city of Canterlot where we the Princesses reside. If this is an invasion force, then clearly the summoners are out of their minds." She then turned to her elder sister. "What do you think, Tia?"

Celestia was busy fending off a number of Unversed, including some Suicorns, which mildly irked her at the sight of them. After blasting them with a beam of light, she then noticed Luna ask her and turned her head. "Now that you mention it…" She turned to one of the pegasus royal guards, and called for his attention. She then told him to report on the current situation.

"We're slowly having the situation under control, your Majesty," he said. "However, these blue monsters have been progressing in strength."

"What's the status of the neighboring villages?"

"I'll take a look!" With that, he took off to the skies, dodging a couple of raven-types along the way. Below, the rest of the royal guard (alongside the Princesses) did their part in removing the Unversed from Canterlot.

One pegasus guard was sent back by a Glidewinder, only to quickly recover and rush at the Unversed, sending it twirling before being struck again by the guard, dissipating into dark flames.

Another pegasus guard flew in a low altitude, utilizing his innate pegasus magic to generate a razor wind in his wings to cut through the pot-type Unversed that were in his way.

One unicorn guard leaped over a balloon-type, hopping off its head, quickly turned around, and shot a bolt of magic from his horn, which hit the Unversed in the back. He was then hit by a giant-type from behind before it was pounced by a pegasus comrade.

A few Suicorns foolishly charged Luna—and paid the price as a storm cloud from her swallowed them up and shocked them to oblivion. A couple of giant-types rushed at her from behind, only for her to jump over them and bring down another storm cloud on them, bringing down on them the same fate the Suicorns suffered.

A couple of skinny-types jumped from a window and were about to land on Celestia when they were held fast in a yellow aura from her. She then flung them down to the ground, where they dissipated on impact.

Just then, the pegasus guard Celestia had called earlier returned. "Cloudsdale's safe for now," he reported. "And so are most of the other towns. However, for some reason, Ponyville seems to be under the same predicament as Canterlot." Celestia seemed to realize something, but the guard noticed only her lack of a reply. "Is there a problem, your highness?"

"I'm fine," Celestia assured. "You carry on in your duty." After straightening in attention, the pegasus guard took off to continue helping purge the Unversed from Canterlot. Oh no. Twilight Sparkle. I hope she's okay. Just then, there was a crash. Both Princesses turned to see a large Unversed joining in the invasion. It was bipedal in shape, although it seemed to be made of three parts; legs, arms, and torso with head.

"I believe our assistance would be of great help there," Luna suggested, shaking Celestia off her thoughts. "The guards don't seem to be faring too well." Sure enough, even with lots of guards attacking, the large Unversed proved difficult for them as it blasted lasers, shot energy balls, threw punches, and loads of other attacks from its three parts. Nodding to her younger sister, Celestia took flight and charged together with Luna as two more of its kind came into their view.

PC—PL—PC—PL—PC—PL—PC—PL—PC—PL—PC—PL

Back at Ponyville…

"Well, that's all of them, I think." Tychophon, Fluttershy, and Rael were on their way back to Ponyville, with Angel left behind at the cottage to rest.

"Whew," the spiny dragon said as he wiped his forehead. "Clearing a town sure is hard work, even if the local populace are capable of defending themselves. Also, in those other worlds with towns I've been to so far, their streets were always empty."

"If I remember correctly from what your Meridell friends have told us, that was just Agrabah, Halloween Town, and Port Royal," Tychophon argued.

"Oh right. Radiant Garden has a considerable defense force. And so does Twilight Town, which only has Nobodies to worry about."

"Nobodies?" asked Fluttershy.

"Another 'species' of bad guys we take on in our travels, although some are more sympathetic than most. And we won't be calling them Noponies in Equestria."

"Now where did that come from?" the crested dragon asked. All of a sudden, our pegasus pony friend seemed to have experienced a mental 'attack', for she placed a hoof on her head and cringed in pain. "Uh oh! What's wrong?"

"I feel…like we need to go somewhere," said the pink-maned pegasus.

"Lead the way."

"Call me crazy, but I have a feeling we're gonna run into those six mares we saw," Rael said.

"Is one of them a black pegasus with a rainbow mane?" guessed Tychophon.

"Yeah. Why?"

"Had the same feeling too."

F—R—T—F—R—T—F—R—T—F—R—T

Back at the Everfree Forest…

The three equines managed to destroy all the Unversed in the area and were inside Zecora's hut for a short break.

"If I may be so polite, who is this stranger by your side?" the zebra asked Twilight.

"This is Kairi. She and her friends are helping us take out these Unversed—as they call them—that have attacked Ponyville."

"Once we find whoever summoned them, Equestria will be safe once more," said Kairi. "I just hope nobody thinks us as the cause."

"Why would you think that?"

"Well, they only came sometime after our arrival." Suddenly, Twilight clutched her head with one hoof as if having got a migraine. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. But I'm getting a feeling that something's leading me somewhere. Somewhere that's—"

"I have a hunch on what that feeling is," interrupted Kairi. "Let's go there."

With that, they thanked Zecora as they made their way out of her hut and the Everfree Forest.

"Good luck!" the zebra called out as they ran.

TS—Z—K—TS—Z—K—TS—Z—K—TS—Z—K

Back in Ponyville proper…

"I hate these Suicorns!", Jerry complained as he and Rainbow took down the last of them they could see for miles.

"Why'd you even call them that?" the pegasus mare asked.

"I dunno. Just a spur of the moment, I guess," Suddenly, Rainbow seemed to experience a headache. "Rainbow Dash! Are you okay?"

"Yeah. But I think I know who caused this! And I'm gonna get 'em for it!" With that, Rainbow took off, leaving a seven-colored streak. Jerry quickly followed as fast as he could.

"Hey! Wait for me!" he futilely called.

RD—J—RD—J—RD—J—RD—J—RD—J—RD—J

Inside Sugarcube Corner…

"I think it's best you don't go doing that again." Sugarcube Corner was a mess, thanks to the water tornado and the Unversed, and Lea was scolding Pinkie Pie about it. "Even in our wildest, we do little damage to our surroundings when we fight. Then again, none of us ever battled in a bakery before."

Suddenly, the pink earth pony's body began to shudder completely. "Uh-oh!" she said, her voice shaking. "There's gonna be a doozy!"

"A doozy?", Lea was confused.

"And I know just the place!" Pinkie then stopped shaking. "Grab on to me and hold on like your life depends on it!"

"Why?"

"Just do it!" All of a sudden, Pinkie appeared right below Lea in such a way that he was now on her back.

"Whoa! How did you—" Before he could speak any further, she was off in a pink streak, and so fast that Lea literally had to hold on for dear life.

PP—L—PP—L—PP—L—PP—L—PP—L—PP—L

In another part of Ponyville…

After taking Snips and Snails to a house that was safe from the Unversed, Wizard, Spike, and Rarity walked down the near empty streets, with only the occasional midget-type Unversed, which Wizard shot down, and the occasional pony interacting with the other kinds of Unversed, which meant either running or taking them down themselves.

"Okay," the white earth pony said. "Just a few more until Ponyville's perfectly safe." Suddenly, he heard a scream, then the sound of fainting. He quickly turned around to see that Rarity had fainted, with Spike cradling her head and calling her name over and over in concern. Seconds later, the unicorn got up, much to the dragon's relief. "What's just happened?", Wizard asked.

"Oh, I just had the most horrible vision!" Rarity explained in a melodramatic manner.

"What? What is it?" Spike wanted to know.

"I feel like we have to go somewhere. And only I seem to know where to go."

"Takes us there," told Wizard. "I think I know what's gonna happen next."

S—R—W—S—R—W—S—R—W—S—R—W

At Sweet Apple Acres…

Sora, Applejack, Big Macintosh, and Chronicle (after seeing to Granny Smith's safety and leaving Winona, Caramel, and Noteworthy with her) managed to wipe out the last of the Unversed in the farm.

"I hope that's all of them," said Sora.

"Eeyup," agreed Macintosh. "That's all of 'em, all right." He then went to check on Granny Smith.

"Thank goodness," Applejack sighed in relief. "For a minute, I thought we'd never be fi—Aaaagh!" Suddenly, she stopped as she put a hoof on her head and cringed as if in pain.

"Is something wrong, Applejack?" asked Chronicle as he then pulled out Surveillance. It was okay to let Sora see it; he won't be sticking around in Equestria for long.

"Yeah. I feel like I'm supposed to go somewhere."

"You're not the only one." The blue unicorn then showed his screen to her and Sora. The screen showed various images of the rest of Sora's party and their friends running (or flying) with a purpose. "Apparently, the other keepers experienced the same thing."

"How do you know?" Sora wanted to know.

"Ever since they began to wield the Elements, I've had magic cameras up watching my friends and recording what they do." Sora widened his eyes at the idea, and Chronicle could tell that he was thinking of plenty of indecent thoughts. He quickly changed his tone. "But I'm not a pervert! It's not like ponies normally wear clothes anyway! Now let's go!"

C—A—BM—S—C—A—BM—S—C—A—BM—S

Elsewhere…

Twilight Sparkle and Kairi were on a road the former knew led to the far-off town of Canterlot. Just then, they saw my group come over and join them.

"Rael! Tychophon!" Kairi called.

"Fluttershy!" Twilight called.

"Kairi!", Rael called back as he slowed to a stop and put away his scooter. "Twilight!"

Seconds later, we heard something come from behind. We stopped and turned to see a rainbow streak headed our way.

"Rainbow Dash!" Fluttershy called.

The streak slowed down to reveal that it was indeed her. Jerry caught up a few seconds later, totally winded, now trotting on the ground.

"Wow!" said Jerry between wheezes. "You…sure…are…fast!"

Then, a pink streak bypassed him, making the purple pegasus spin around. The streak then stopped to reveal Pinkie Pie…with a dizzy Lea on her back, who was doing his best not to vomit.

"Oh, hi there, friends!" said Pinkie as Lea dropped off of her. "Why are we all gathered here?"

Just after the finished her sentence, there was a flash. In an instant, Chronicle, Sora, Wizard, Applejack, Rarity, and Spike were with them, the former having teleported them all.

"My head's spinning from all these sudden arrivals!" I began to complain.

"Apparently, the author couldn't think of a better idea to get us all together in short order!" Pinkie commented.

"Pinkie!" Chronicle immediately scolded. "What did I tell you about the fourth wall?"

Pinkie immediately scowled. "To not break it." She then went back to her usual happy expression.

"What's this about a fourth wall and an author?" asked Sora.

"About time you came," we heard a voice echo.

The fifteen clustered together, their backs to each other, wary that the speaker may come out at any direction. And indeed they came out. One by one, they came into view, seemingly surrounding us. It was the six mares they saw earlier during the Unversed attack in Ponyville.

"Ahh. The keepers of the Elements of Harmony," spoke the black unicorn. "I was hoping it would just be the six of them coming here, and I would've tolerated their dragon friend and stallion-who-looks-like-a-mare-at-first-sight." Chronicle frowned at the insult clearly directed at him. "But I should've known from your new acquaintances that they'd be coming as well."

"Well, if your plans are of taking over this world, of course we're gonna put a stop to you!" Sora replied. "Especially if Unversed, Nobodies, or Heartless are involved." He turned to the world natives, who were confused. "Nobodies and Heartless are other minions employed by the bad guys we deal with in our travels." During this whole conversation, Rael took out a few bottles from his bag and shared them to everyone. They all took it and wordlessly consumed their contents, the off-worlders assuring the world-natives that they were safe to drink.

"Who are you?" Chronicle demanded as he was offered an Elixir. "What business have you with us?"

"Well…we have been selected by the draconequus Discord to wield his spin on the Elements," said the purple unicorn in a manner somewhat classier than Rarity's.

"Let me guess…they're called the Elements of Discord." He drank from the bottle.

"A rather unimaginative guess," snarked the crimson pegasus in a gruff tone. "Although I suspect anypony who knows of the Elements of Harmony would be able to come up with that name."

"Unfortunately, we aren't as tight-knit a bunch as the rest of you," said the black pegasus as she pointed a hoof at Twilight and her friends. "I even plan on leaving after all this."

"Only our common motive in freeing Discord once more is what keeps us together," said the earth pony with the cap. "Although I'll admit we might fall apart any minute now, so we're gonna cut to the chase. I'm Fungus Amongus, representing Deceit." Immediately, Applejack scowled.

"I am Jewel," said the purple unicorn. "Representing Avarice." Rarity made a loud gulp after she took her share of my Elixirs.

"Bluebird," said the steel blue earth pony, although it was difficult to hear. The black unicorn then seemed to cast some magic and the earth pony spoke again. "Bluebird. I represent Despair." Pinkie Pie looked away, as if ashamed or something.

"Warmonger's my name!" said the crimson pegasus with pride. "I represent Malice!" Fluttershy immediately cringed in fright.

"I am Black Rainbow!" cried out the black pegasus. "I represent Betrayal!" Rainbow Dash sneered at her.

"And I'm Midnight Shadow," declared the black unicorn. "And I wield the element of Curse." Twilight Sparkle felt…wrong somehow and frowned. "So, now that we're getting to know each other better…" Midnight's horn then glowed with dark energy and so did the rest of what Chronicle decided to dub the E.O.D. wielders.

"Now didn't I mention that line sometime before?" Lea mused as everyone prepared for battle, rejuvenated thanks to whatever was in the bottles Rael provided.

"…it's time for the 'Divide and Conquer', girls!'"

"Oh yeah!" said Warmonger.

"Ha-ha!" Black.

"Joy." Bluebird.

"Let's do it!" Fungus.

"Okay!" Jewel.

Immediately, the earth underneath them cracked as light erupted from them, which converged right for the fifteen. Since none of them thought they could stop it, they all split up in a state of panic. When Chronicle got up, he saw that the light has extended upwards as far as the eye could see, effectively separating everybody from each other. He then looked around to see that Pinkie and Wizard were with him, and they were confronting Bluebird.

He checked Surveillance and was able to glean the following; Rarity and Jerry were about to fight Jewel. Rael, Tychophon, and Applejack faced off against Fungus. Rainbow Dash and Lea faced Black Rainbow. Sora was up against Warmonger, with only Fluttershy for support (he cursed himself for not being able to accompany her). As for Twilight and Kairi, Spike was now with them as they faced Midnight.

"Now comes part two of the spell." the blue earth pony said as he put away Surveillance and turned his attention back to her. The ground began to glow underneath them and shine brightly. Presumably, the same thing was happening to the rest.

C—TS—S—A—RD—R—F—PP—S—K—L—J—W—R—T—FA—J—B—W—BR—MS

Eyecatch (video-type)

[A/N: Due to the video not being available, please look for (and envision) Digimon Adventure's first eyecatch.]

{Seven cards fly in from the right and pile up on one another, depicting the following in the following order: a moon in a lunar eclipse, an orange mushroom with blue spots, a trio of knives, a blank steel blue space, a single diamond, and a rainbow (blue-yellow-red) entering a single black cloud.}

{The six cards then shine into white and form together into something else: A picture depicting two rows of six ponies. The bottom row depicts (from left to right) Bluebird, Midnight Shadow, and Black Rainbow. The top row depicts Jewel, Fungus Amongus, and Warmonger. The show's logo shows up on the top left.}

C—TS—S—A—RD—R—F—PP—S—K—L—J—W—R—T—FA—J—B—W—BR—MS

"Hey! I remember this place!"

Twilight, Spike, Kairi, and Midnight were now in a place that was familiar to the former two. It was the library in where she lived before moving to Ponyville.

"Bring back memories, Twilight Sparkle?" asked Midnight in a suggestive manner. "Back then, you were very antisocial, with just Spike and Chronicle as your companions, the latter only with you under a contract as your bodyguard."

"Just how do you know all this?" demanded Spike.

"Being the wielders of the Elements of Discord, we are able to read the minds of our opponents. But don't worry. We can only look into your fairly distant past, so no probing for battle strategies for us." Midnight's opponents just frowned, obviously not trusting her as her horn glowed a sinister yellow. "Although, whether you trust me or not is your choice, of course."

TS—S—K—MS—TS—S—K—MS—TS—S—K—MS

"That's because we aren't really at Cloudsdale.", Black Rainbow was saying to her opponents. "This is just an illusion manifested by Midnight Shadow's spell." Rainbow Dash (who had asked Black Rainbow) and Lea confronted the wielder of the Element of Betrayal in what looked like a town square, only there were plenty of clouds in place of the buildings and the ground. Black then looked at Lea. "Now hold on a second. Looks like this fight is gonna be interesting."

"What do you mean by that?" asked Dash.

"Not only am I gonna face the keeper of the Element of Loyalty, I'm also gonna face someone who was a traitorous double-crosser in a previous life. Constantly switching sides for the sake of a friend, even if it's not with his consent, and even he switched out one for another."

Lea said nothing as Dash turned to face him. "Wait! What did she mean by previous life?" The red unicorn refused to answer.

"As a wielder of an Element of Discord, we can look into our opponents' past," answered Black as she prepared to take off in a charge. "But enough of that. Let's get started."

RD—L—BR—RD—L—BR—RD—L—BR—RD—L—BR

"Do you really think you can defeat me?"

Warmonger confronted Sora and Fluttershy in a forest below a large cloud, which the latter remembered as the pegasus city of Cloudsdale.

"That line's clichéd," scoffed Sora. "And I've beaten baddies much tougher than you."

"True, but did you have to face them alone?" Warmonger countered. "You've had friends watching your back during those times, especially that boy with the shield. You can be stupid at times, but never when your enemy tries to fool you? Just how do you do it?"

"You know, I never given it much thought."

Warmonger raised an eyebrow in confusion, then resumed her usual frowning. Next, she immediately rushed at Sora, who brought up his Keyblade to defend. However, she proved much stronger than expected, pouncing Sora, bypassing Fluttershy, and crashing the earth pony into a tree.

F—S—W—F—S—W—F—S—W—F—S—W

"You puzzle me, Jerry," said Jewel as she manifested three crystals, which were currently shooting beams of light as her horn glowed green. "You're a thief, yet you keep little for yourself?"

Jewel, Jerry, and Rarity were in an area in the rocky mountains, which the latter seemed to be familiar with; it was the clearing she used to mine for gems before she was ponynapped by the Diamond Dogs.

"Just what does she mean, dear?" asked Rarity as she manifested a barrier and countered with fireballs, which were deflected with a barrier from Jewel.

"I have a Robin Hood-like lifestyle," explained Jerry as he deflected some of the lasers with his sabers. He had received some serious hits from Jewel's crystals and was on the defensive. "'Steal from the rich, give to the poor' and all that. Although the poor I give to is just the orphanage. Also, I don't really have a desire for power. Such thoughts have strictly been purged from my mind. That means you can't tempt me, Jewel."

"I don't plan on tempting you," said the other unicorn as one of her crystals stopped shooting lasers and started to shoot a beam at the ground, shaking it. Immediately, Jerry took Rarity in his forelegs and carried both of them up, the white unicorn gasping in fright and surprise, as cracks began to form in the ground and release beams of light and ejected crystals.

R—J—J—R—J—J—R—J—J—R—J—J

"Hold on a second," said Wizard. "Why don't you have a cutie mark?"

He, Bluebird, Chronicle, and Pinkie Pie were in what the latter remembered as the Pie Rock Farm in which she spent her early fillyhood in. The sky was also dim and cloudy.

"Yeah. About that," lamented Bluebird. "I never really found out my purpose in life. And I don't think I ever will." Pinkie was about to speak when Bluebird raised a hoof in refusal. "And don't bother trying to cheer me up. That never works."

"Just why are you with the Elements of Discord anyway?" Pinkie asked.

"I represent Despair. I want to release Discord so he can remove cutie marks altogether." There was a trace of anger in Bluebird's voice. "I want them to feel the despair I have felt over the years, mocking me and calling me 'blank flank'."

"Okay," said Wizard. "Now that's the lamest reason I've ever heard."

"Not that Discord would stop there," Chronicle reminded, then turned to Bluebird. "You know, we know some fillies who've had the same dilemma as you. But I have a feeling we'll have to beat you up first before we could convince you."

"So…you think defeat means friendship?" snarked the white earth pony.

"Worked once with the Elements of Harmony. We did in Nightmare Moon with them, although for Discord the best they could do was reseal him."

"You can't hurt me," cut in Bluebird. "I've been hurt too much already."

"Okay. Now I think this pony's off her rocker," Wizard stated as he aimed his GunDeLuna and fired at Bluebird, who didn't even bother dodging. The beams of light hit her, but for some reason, she didn't get hurt. However, Wizard felt a few stings in his body. "Hey. That hurts."

Chronicle then rushed at Bluebird, his "horn blade" ready and aimed at the blue earth pony. Just before reaching her, he teleported so that he was behind her, and then slashed. The move ended with him in front of her…and he stumbled over in pain. "Oww," the unicorn complained. "It's like I just attacked myself."

"Uh oh!" Pinkie gasped. "It's like zero-seven-three of that Foundation that contains all that anomalous stuff!"

"What did I tell you about the fourth wall?"

"Oh, sorry."

All the while, Bluebird just stood there, a slight smirk on her face. "So, what are you gonna do?", she taunted. "Unless I'm defeated, you cannot leave. And anything you do to me just gets back to you."

C—PP—W—B—C—PP—W—B—C—PP—W—B

"Ooh. Looks like I'll also be fighting a liar.", Fungus remarked.

Applejack, Tychophon, and Rael were facing Fungus in what the former remembered as Manehattan, where she spent a portion of her fillyhood in. Fungus was spawning mushrooms, most of them dangerous.

"What the hay is she talkin' about?", Applejack asked the spiny dragon.

"While lying almost comes naturally to me, I'm more on the 'not tell the truth' type."

"You liar," replied Fungus as she picked up a(n explosive) mushroom and hurled it at them, which was shot down by Tychophon. "You lie pretty much all the time."

"I do not!" Rael retorted as Applejack put up a wall of earth (well, concrete) that stopped another mushroom. "You must be talking about another."

"No. I'm pretty sure you are a consummate liar." Fungus continued to pluck and hurl mushrooms, eventually breaking Applejack's wall.

"Now I don't even know what that means." Rael then shot at the projectiles, which exploded in a spectacular manner, but when the smoke cleared, they couldn't see Fungus.

"Yes you do." They turned to see her to our right, riding a big dragon seemingly made out of mushrooms. "You know what it means."

"Now I know that's a lie." The three backed away, readying their means of attack.

"Why are you even arguing with her anyway?" Tychophon asked his companion. "She represents Deceit. Of course she would lie."

"And unlike my corrupted self, I'm sure she'll also sometimes tell the truth, twist it, or tell half of it," Applejack added.

"Oh, so you're an expert on lies now?", teased Fungus as her giant mount reared its head to let out a breath of poisonous fumes. Rael immediately cast a wind shield spell with one of his bracer's gems to keep out the fumes and Tychophon used his inherent wind abilities to strengthen it.

A—R—T—FA—A—R—T—FA—A—R—T—FA

Midnight was casting dark ice-elemental spells at Kairi, Twilight, and Spike, who were countering with fire attacks.

"You don't have what it takes to defeat me," Midnight taunted as she then slammed her hooves on the ground and covered it with a layer of ice.

"You don't know that!" Spike countered as he unleashed a fire breath, melting some of the ice and hitting Midnight, who put up a barrier. "Twilight's the best unicorn there is when it comes to magic!"

"We'll see about that." Midnight then shot a beam of darkness at the dragon, only for it to be countered by a light-element spell from Kairi. Midnight turned to the pink unicorn. "You're not cut out for this, Keyblade wielder. You're nothing compared to your friends."

"That may be the case," Kairi argued as she prepared a spell. "But I'm not gonna let that stop me."

"Well, maybe I should be the one to stop you then." Midnight prepared another spell.

"Not if I can help it!" Twilight countered as she also prepared to cast a spell.

"Don't you think I'm sitting this one out!" added Spike as he prepared to breathe fire again.

Four things happened at once. Midnight unleashed a vortex of dark energy, Twilight fired a beam of luminous energy to counter it, Spike bolstered it with his fire breath, and Kairi…teleported. Three seconds later, as the beams pushed one another, she reappeared behind Midnight to attack her, only for the black unicorn to teleport away, resulting in Twilight's beam hitting Kairi. Midnight then reappeared behind the bearer of her Element's counterpart, only for Spike to turn in time and rush at her. At that same second, Twilight then realized that her beam was not countering Midnight's, stopped casting, and turned around to see Midnight 'toss' Spike right at her, resulting in the two sliding in the ice and bumping into Kairi, who had been pushed a fair distance away from the beam. Midnight then teleported to their location.

"I'll admit, you almost got me there," said the black unicorn. "But you're gonna have to do better."

TS—S—K—MS—TS—S—K—MS—TS—S—K—MS

Lea was getting confused and disoriented from the two rainbow trails around him. One was a horizontal seven-colored streak (Rainbow Dash), and the other was a line of multicolored rings (Black Rainbow). In occasion, Black rushed at him (of course he wouldn't know it until it was too late), but Dash always tackled her out of the way. As it was, Black was stronger than Dash, who in turn was faster than her. Lea could barely do a thing to help, not without doing any accidental friendly fire. Even though the two rainbow-maned pegasi's streaks were clearly different, the colors alone made it hard for him to distinguish comrade from adversary.

Eventually, he decided to just shield himself with his chakrams and fire, even if his element didn't exactly excel in defense. He could only hope that Dash doesn't end up hitting him.

Suddenly, Black rushed at Lea once again, quickly getting through the measly 'ring' he called his defense, getting a slight scratch from one of his chakrams, and pouncing him before he knew what hit him. A second later, Dash got her again, knocking her off of him, and the two began to roll along the 'clouds'.

RD—L—BR—RD—L—BR—RD—L—BR—RD—L—BR

Sora was sent flying to a tree…again as he fought Warmonger. He got up and continued to dodge her relentless attacks and keep Fluttershy away from her. Neither of them noticed that she had been following them the best she could.

Fluttershy wanted to help, but this was out of her league, something more suited to Chronicle. Also, she couldn't find any particularly useful application with the crystal he gave her; her pacifist nature rejected all ideas of 'razor wind'. That and she didn't want to hurt Sora in the process.

But as she saw Warmonger knock Sora's sword out of his mouth, then pushed her forehooves at Sora's neck, her feelings were in a state of turmoil. She had to help, but how? The only way was to fight, but she didn't want to fight. She didn't feel confident enough.

Staring down a dragon and a cockatrice was one thing. That chiropractic session Twilight witnessed (and misinterpreted) was another. But straight up fighting another pony, even if it's to save someone, was a completely different matter.

"You may have defeated foes tougher than I am before, but in this form, in this world, against me, by yourself, you're nothing!" Warmonger said as she continued pushing.

"Once again, that line's clichéd," Sora managed to sputter.

"Still able to sputter jokes on the verge of defeat? Maybe you got a concussion from all those trees I slammed you through. Once I'm through with you, I'm gonna enjoy torturing that bearer of my Element's 'good' counterpart. She looks so helpless, I'm gonna enjoy breaking her. I just love hearing the cries of my pitiful victi—"

That snapped her out of any doubt she had, and generated intense fury at Warmonger. Upon realizing it, Fluttershy saw in her what she could've been had Twilight not 'restored' her and Discord not have fallen, saw in her everything she wished to never be. With speed she wouldn't think possible for her to normally do, she pounced the red pegasus off of Sora, and the two were soon rolling across the ground. Eventually, the smaller of the two ended up on top.

"You big, dumb meanie!" Fluttershy yelled as she punched her savage counterpart in the face over and over. Warmonger then kicked her upwards in the air, then charged after her, only to be swiftly grabbed and hurled back down on the ground. The few karate lessons she had learned under Rainbow's…persuasion, as well as some of the moves she applied during her chiropractic sessions had paid off.

As Warmonger crashed and left a crater in her wake, her opponent then slammed down on her, resulting in further damage. For some reason, her strength had diminished when Fluttershy was in close proximity. Still, she wasn't completely helpless in spite of the loss; she was still fairly strong.

(No one knew it, but the Elements of Discord provided its wielders various powers. However, they are nullified when the bearers of the Elements of Harmony, especially their respective counterparts, is in close proximity.)

She had to get away regardless. After kicking Fluttershy off of her, Warmonger flew upwards to Cloudsdale, only to collide into the city's base like it was a ceiling. She then remembered that this place was an illusion, and that it had 'boundaries'. And then Fluttershy reached her and slammed her into the 'ceiling'. Below, Sora watched in awe, unable to believe what he was seeing.

F—S—W—F—S—W—F—S—W—F—S—W

Jerry continued to fly Rarity across the ravaged field caused by Jewel's magic crystals, which have seemingly gone rampant, the cracks in the earth continuing to spew out crystals.

"I've never seen this level of magic before from a unicorn," Rarity commented. "I think only the Princesses could accomplish this. If not them, then Discord."

"Maybe the crystals Jewel has are making this level of magic possible for her, just like the crystals Chronicle gave you and your friends."

Just then, one crystal from the ground hit him on the back and the two started to fall, heading close for Jewel. The purple unicorn didn't move as the two crashed close to her position, kicking up some dust. Some of the dust hit Jewel, and she looked "a bit" freaked out. Jerry saw this, and had an idea. Getting off of Rarity, who was still slightly dazed, he began to kick up more dust by flapping his wings, directing them right at Jewel, who freaked out more and used a spell to block off the dust. This diminished her focus as the cracks in the earth began to seal up and crystals no longer shot out from the closing cracks.

"Stay back!" she panicked. "You will not mess up my coat!"

"Why?" replied Rarity as she got up and joined Jerry, an angry smirk on her face. "Afraid to get dirty?" She didn't wait for an answer and proceeded to shoot fireballs at Jewel, who cast a barrier. As Jerry continued to kick up dust, his weapons began to move under his mental command as he 'ordered' them to attack. Jewel was now completely on the defensive.

R—J—J—R—J—J—R—J—J—R—J—J

After a couple of 'experimenting', Chronicle and the others have discovered something that gave them the advantage in their battle against Bluebird. For some reason, whenever the blue earth pony was at close proximity to Pinkie Pie, or was encased in water manifested by the pink earth pony, her pain-reflecting powers were nullified.

Bluebird was currently encased in a water bubble by Pinkie, although her head was left open for Wizard and Chronicle to attack with shots and magic shurikens. They both felt bad on having to take down their opponent is such a torturous manner, but it was the only way for them to get out of here.

Just then, as Wizard and Chronicle took a short rest before attacking again, Bluebird let out a long chuckle. Her three opponents paused as the did.

"You…You just managed to make me angry," she said. "Only a few have managed to do that. And none of them have escaped my wrath!" She seemed to well up a lot of emotion inside her, which somehow disturbed the water that held her, then she let out a blood-curdling scream. In an instant, her normally flat hair suddenly became poofed up and spiny. Her entire body also became a shade brighter and her expression changed from gloomy to crazed.

Wizard and Chronicle were completely surprised and scared. While this didn't scare Pinkie somehow, she was more surprised than anypony else and her gasp was much louder than the others.

"Okay! Now this is the second pony I've seen with a expressive mane!" said the only unicorn in the area as Pinkie dropped the water holding Bluebird.

"Who's the first?" Wizard asked, doing his best not to quiver in his hooves.

"Pinkie Pie. Her mane isn't always as poofy as you see right now. When she gets utterly depressed, it goes straight and she becomes dimmer."

"How'd you know about that?" asked Pinkie.

"From Spike," the blue unicorn answered as he turned to her. "After you interrogated him, or so he claims. Also, you did tell me and the Crusaders about how 'Equestria was made'."

"Hey, losers!" Everypony turned back to Bluebird, who was now somehow twice her usual size. "Prepare to enter a world of hurt!" She then rushed at them, plowing them all aside. As she bypassed them, Wizard quickly retaliated with a few shots from his GunDeLuna, but upon impact, he received the pain.

"Darn it!" the white earth pony cried out. "Her powers are in effect again!"

"We'll have to get Pinkie on Bluebird somehow!" said Chronicle as he and the others got up.

"I can do that!" said Pinkie, still ready to help out.

"Not without a plan." The three of them dodged Bluebird again as she charged them. "She ain't gonna let you get on her as simple as that, if you know what I mean."

C—PP—W—B—C—PP—W—B—C—PP—W—B

Applejack, Tychophon, and Rael fled down the streets of 'illusion' Manehattan as Fungus followed on her 'mushroom dragon', wreaking havoc in the (empty) place, although the usual stand was upturned.

"Equestria's technology level sure is strange, huh?" Tychophon remarked as they turned to an alley.

"Is this really the time?", Rael retorted.

Applejack didn't know what they were talking about, and honestly didn't care.

"You can't hide from me!" Fungus said as small ponies out of mushrooms spawned from the ground, ready to attack.

"Hold on!" Applejack said as she then brought her forehooves up, then down on the ground. Immediately, as her two dragon companions shot down some of these monstrosities, the earth underneath them rose and they then hopped off it and onto a rooftop. They confronted Fungus, who was on the head of her 'mushroom dragon'.

"Ah, there you are," she said. "I was so worried about you."

"Sincere or sarcastic?" Rael snarked.

"Don't even bother," Tychophon retorted as Applejack shot spikes of earth from the pillar she used to raise us up. Fungus's dragon let out a breath of fumes and corroded them before they could reach it.

"Earth spikes?" Fungus taunted. "That's the best you can do, right?"

All of a sudden, as the earth pony and the crested dragon continued to fend off Fungus's attacks, Rael seemed to space out for a second. Then, something in his bag glowed. He reached for its interior and took out a pendant with three strange symbols. He then put it on and it looked like he received a surge of power.

Then, perhaps for the first time since his arrival, he used his wings to lift himself off of the ground. He followed this up with a 'shield' out of wind to shield himself and his allies from a fume breath Fungus's dragon made. He then rushed at the purple earth pony. Her dragon reared up its head to bite him, but he let out a screech, which sent its head further back, also knocking off Fungus. As she slid down the dragon's back, and as Applejack and Tychophon started to deal with it, Rael shot at her with his 'DirLuxGun', but kept missing. He then decided to dive right at her.

The stetson-wearing pony seemed to worry a bit. Tychophon seemed to notice and said, "Don't worry about Rael. He's may not be as brave or as upfront a fighter as Sora, but he's fought tougher monsters." He then followed up with an arrow to the mushroom dragon's head, breaking off a few of its parts. Applejack cursed herself for not being too creative with the 'earth' crystal Chronicle gave her as she used it to help defeat Fungus. Earth spikes, earth pillars, and rock throwing were the only things she could think of (that would not cause too much collateral damage) in the heat of all this fighting.

Thankfully, the mushroom construct seemed to be losing integrity as Rael continued to fight its mistress. Eventually, an arrow from the crested dragon followed by one medium-sized rock from Applejack, both aimed for the head, defeated it.

As the dragon quickly crumbled to nothing, Fungus fell and Rael's weapons vanished as he swooped down in an attempt to grab her. However, she called up a mushroom to break her fall, and he decided to recall his weapons and back away. Fungus landed on the mushroom and crashed through it, smashing through it, but it did break her fall. Tychophon descended after them, carrying Applejack in his arms. As the three landed, they all turned to face Fungus, who lazily got up from the ruins of her mushroom, and shook her head.

"I think I know her weakness," Applejack voiced.

"Hmm?" Rael asked without turning.

A—R—T—FA—A—R—T—FA—A—R—T—FA

Midnight cast another spell and knocked Kairi, Twilight, and Spike into the wall. Kairi was the first to get up, but the other two were too tired to do that or even open their eyes.

"You just don't know when to give up, do you?" sneered Midnight—moderately winded—as she prepared to cast a spell to finish them off. Kairi didn't answer as she moved her Keyblade with telekinesis. "Any last words?" Kairi remained silent. "Oh well. Nice knowin' ya." Midnight began to gather dark energy, ready to utterly obliterate her enemy. While some might say it's overkill, she prefers to think of it as being thorough.

As she watched Midnight prepare for her attack, Kairi gulped in slight nervousness. Just then, something shone in her pouch. Still wary of Midnight, she took out whatever it was that was shining. It was a charm similar to the one depicted on her flank as her cutie mark. A feeling of rejuvenation washed over her body.

Midnight seemed to notice it as she then unleashed her dark magic spell on them. However, a split second before the dark energy converged, a shield manifested and repelled the darkness, although she wouldn't know that until after she stopped casting. The moment she did, she saw Kairi with a barrier, and Twilight getting up to cast a curative spell on all of them.

Kairi then dismissed the shield, rushed at Midnight and 'hurled' her Keyblade, which spun and struck the black unicorn. She then recalled her weapon, and knocked Midnight into the air with the her weapon before slamming her down to the ground. Suddenly, multiple black swords manifested from above and converged right at Midnight, who teleported out of harm's way and reemerged behind Kairi. Before the black unicorn could attack her, she was struck by an ice-elemental spell from Twilight.

Kairi took advantage of this, aimed her Keyblade at Midnight, and shot a number of dark orbs. As these struck the black unicorn, Kairi seemed to feel disturbed. Twilight noticed as she covered for her ally, and gestured to her assistant to snap her out of whatever trance she's in.

"Come on, Kairi!" Spike called out. "We almost got her!"

This shook the pink unicorn off her thoughts as she then aimed her Keyblade once more and a searing purple fireball emerged from it. Before it could hit, Midnight 'picked up' some water from the melted ice and brought it out in front of her to shield herself, 'boosting' it with her own dark powers. However, a fire breath from Spike evaporated it and to make things worse for her, Twilight shot a Light-bolstered ice spell. Both dark fireball and shining ice shard struck…each other and exploded, resulting in a cloud of fog that confused Midnight.

"Arrrgh!" the black unicorn cried out as the 'fog' seared at her coat from the light and dark energy that came with the two colliding spells. "Really clever!"

"Not exactly what I was expecting, but…" Twilight remarked as she stood a few paces away from the fog.

"I'll handle this," assured Kairi as she seemed to know what to do. She rushed into the fog, Keyblade in her teeth like Sora and ran at Midnight, who was still confused and unable to move. She struck, then teleported so that Midnight was in front of her again. As she continued to do this multiple times, Twilight and Spike noticed from what little they could see that Kairi wasn't teleporting like unicorns do . Just then, columns of light rose from the ground, dispersing the fog…and attacking Midnight. Kairi was a pace away, her Keyblade stabbed on the ground. She then turned around, 'picked up' her Keyblade, leaped into the air, and brought it down on Midnight. The moment it hit, there was a flash of light that engulfed everything and time seemed to slow.

TS—S—K—MS—TS—S—K—MS—TS—S—K—MS

The two rainbow-maned pegasi continued to roll along the 'ground' until they ended at a wall, where Black was now on top of Dash.

"You're pretty bad-flank, I'll give you that," remarked Black. "Nopony who has ever fought me lasted this long. Say, what about I join you chums and—"

"You're not convincing me, Black Rainbow!" Dash retorted.

"Of course I'm not. We bear contrasting elements. I'm a constant backstabber, tied to my allies only by purpose, while you'll never leave your friends hanging, regardless of the circumstances. I have quite the silver tongue, you know. I can tell anypony anything and they'll believe me. Of course, I'll have to spice up my game to convince your fellow keepers once I'm through with you. Oh wait, they'll be goners to my 'fellow' wielders. Then again, I don't really care if they fai—"

"One shouldn't monologue until they're sure they got all their enemies down or are playing mind games," Lea's voice came.

Black noted the voice, but didn't let go of Dash. "Okay. Now where are you, you chronic backstabber?"

"Like I'm gonna tell you that. How stupid do you think I am?"

In an instant, Lea was there, about to 'swing' a chakram at Black, who quickly moved so that Dash was in his way. However, Lea and his chakram suddenly blinked out of existence as he then appeared at Black's other side, 'swinging' his weapon. She wasn't able to counter in time as the bladed wheel hit, forcing her to let go of Dash. He then followed by shooting a fireball from his horn, then followed with his second wheel, which he summoned during that last move. Before anypony knew it, he was in a frenzy, blinking about whenever Black managed to get an opening for a counterattack. Dash could only watch as her comrade attacked at such marvelous speed.

"You…really…are…the…Flurry…of…Dan…cing…Flames," Black said in between hits, knowing she had already lost. "Can't…believe…you…still…got…your…skills…when…you…were…a…No…pony."

"That's 'Nobody', bitch!" retorted Lea as he did one more slash. At this attack, there was a flash of light that came from Black, which seemingly slowed down time and blinded everypony.

RD—L—BR—RD—L—BR—RD—L—BR—RD—L—BR

Fluttershy continued to pummel Warmonger, who was now counterattacking. By this point, she realized just what she was doing and it was unnerving her, but the adrenaline from the fight—and the knowledge that Warmonger will not stop hurting others, including her and Sora, until she's stopped—kept her from turning meek again; now was not the time.

Warmonger was more experienced in pegasus combat than she was, but Fluttershy refused to let it waver her determination. She just hoped Sora would recover in time to step in; for all her friends saying what's she's capable of, she can't handle this alone. Seeing her coming, she redirected her mid-charge and hurled her downward.

Sora, seemingly having recovered (and his necklace was glowing for some reason), was running as fast as he could to the fight. Just as he the red pegasus crash into the ground—resulting in a small crater—, he hurled his Keyblade at her in sch a manner that it began to spin mid-flight. It was a direct hit and she was awoken. As he recalled his Keyblade, he brought himself up with it, then performed some kind of sliding attack towards Warmonger…who suddenly caught him, then easily hurled him aside.

Just as she did that, Fluttershy swooped down and slammed down on her. Warmonger then tossed her aside (with difficulty) once more, only for Sora to rush in with his Keyblade charged with electricity. She made a close dodge, then bucked him away once again, only for Fluttershy (who blew herself back with her crystal's wind powers) to rush in sooner than she expected. And that was how Warmonger held out; one of them would rush at her, and she'd throw them off, only for the other to come in at her, and she'd repeat the process.

Of course, this didn't last long. After going on at this for a while, due to the rate of one of them headed back at her, Warmonger eventually had to kick both of them off at the same time. Fortunately, she managed to do that. Unfortunately, both of them were next to each other now, and they'd be able to make a plan, and she was already getting tired.

"Wow!" Sora said. "I never thought you'd be this strong."

"Well, I couldn't keep letting my friends get in danger because of me," replied Fluttershy in her usually sweet voice and a worried tone. "And you've been risking your life for me even though we aren't close friends."

"I guess that's just me; I help anybody who's in trouble, even if I don't know them."

"Thanks."

"I got a plan."

As the two made small talk, Warmonger righted herself, ready to charge at the two. She didn't know what they were up to, but she couldn't fool around any longer. She bent down, dragged a hoof across the ground, let out a snort, then charged. At about the same moment, so did her opponents. She charged at Sora, who had his Keyblade turned so that it was pointed forward like a spear. Fluttershy was above him, but Warmonger planned on making a quick dodge at the last second.

She didn't get that chance as Sora suddenly picked up speed, and zipped right past and struck her. As he quickly turned around and struck again within a second, Warmonger knew she was doomed as Fluttershy was already right above her, somehow diminishing her strength. Sora finished his combo for five more slashes, then he quickly followed up by spinning rapidly toward Warmonger. He reached her and she was unable to escape, even when the keeper of the Element of Kindness was no longer close to her as she moved out of the way. In the middle of this frenzy, there was a flash of light that engulfed the entire field and slowed down everypony's sense of time.

F—S—W—F—S—W—F—S—W—F—S—W

Jewel was backed into a corner as Jerry and Rarity continued to attack her. Only a little more and the wielder of the Element of Avarice is going down. Just then…

"Oh, screw it!" she yelled. Then, in one swift motion, she 'hurled' her three crystals at Jerry, all of them knocking him on the head, then lunged at Rarity herself. As the two unicorns began to roll across the stone ground (getting their coats and manes dirty), Jerry slowly recovered from Jewel's attack, only for the three crystals to cast spells, fly about, and attack on their own accord, which quickened his recovery, but were now hurting him bad.

Jerry immediately took to the skies and used his powers to repel the crystals' attacks. He was gonna have to take Jewel down and fast. Unfortunately, at the moment, he'll have to leave that to Rarity as he continued to evade the crystals. Below, he could see them punching one another, rolling, punching again, and rolling again, and so on.

While he did that, he evaded a lightning bolt from one of Jewel's crystals, which struck the ground. He then suddenly had an idea. As he swerved around, dodging attacks, he also direct them the best he could down at Jewel, although he had to make sure she was on top of Rarity and not the other way around. Eventually, he found an opening…

Jewel was on top now, and thoroughly ticked off. Also, she was somehow choking Rarity in spite of the fact she can't strangle with hooves alone.

"You really done it this time!" she shouted. "Nopony messes up my coat and gets away with it!"

"Oh, you are so vain!" Rarity replied as she turned herself and Jewel around so that she was on top of her. "It doesn't have to be the end of the world just because of that, you know!"

Jewel was then on top of her again. "Just how can you be so giving in spite of your high-class demeanor?"

"I don't think you're quite saying it right."

"So what? You're a foal to think—"

Just then, above them, Jerry dodged a lightning bolt. A second before that, Rarity reared up her hind legs and kicked Jewel off of her and into the bolt Jerry dodged. The white unicorn then rolled to the side as Jewel landed on the ground again as her crystals were then 'caught' by Jerry, who then swooped down on her. As Rarity got up, he then 'tossed' them right at Jewel, who was still hadn't recovered from the lightning bolt. The crystals hit her on the head one by one, but when the third hit, there was a flash of blinding light that seemed to slow down time.

R—J—J—R—J—J—R—J—J—R—J—J

The plan was going well. Amidst the chaos, Pinkie had managed to discreetly get inside Bluebird's tail, which thanks to her now doubled size and poofed-out tone had enough space for her to hide in. Chronicle and Wizard were leading the crazed earth pony around, firing beams of light/'shurikens' on occasion and teleporting around whenever she's about to catch up.

"Okay," said Chronicle. "Just a couple more and we're outta here."

"I sure hope so," replied Wizard. All of a sudden however, he spaced out for a split second, and then his cutie mark began to glow.

"Hey, Wizard. Why is your cutie mark glowing?" Chronicle asked.

"Heck if I know, but I'm hoping it's something good." Immediately, he felt something good. He aimed at Bluebird, then 'pulled' the trigger on his GunDeLuna. A periwinkle beam came out of the GunDeLuna and hit Bluebird, who stumbled to the ground and fell. However, she wasn't out of the count yet as she struggled to get up, although it did take some effort. Wizard proceeded to shoot away, seeing that for some reason, the lens of his GunDeLuna were changing colors. And for each of them, they shot different elements, each hitting Bluebird with equal effectiveness.

"Man, this has gotta be the lamest and easiest fight I've ever fought in," complained Chronicle as he teleported himself and Wizard around, evading Bluebird's mad rushes. "I'm pretty sure the others are doing better ones than this." All the while, Pinkie managed not to fall off.

"What was your most epic fight?" Wizard inquired as he continued shooting.

"Against Discord when I was avenging my friends after he corrupted them. Even though I did lose, it was the best I've been in, although I wouldn't fight it again for the thrill of it, but because of how much I loathe him."

"Okay. Now for the finisher!" Wizard aimed his GunDeLuna upward and cried out, "Taiyou!" The clouds began to clear up as if heralding something about to come down from above. Bluebird wasn't about to wait and she rushed at Wizard, but a sphere of water suddenly formed around her head. As she stopped short from the sudden lack of air, Chronicle could see Pinkie pop out from Bluebird's tail and give a wink before popping back in.

Suddenly, a beam of light descended from the sky, headed for the enraged earth pony. In a split second, Chronicle quickly teleported to Pinkie and conjured a barrier around her and himself to protect them from the beam, which hit Bluebird full force. Time seemed to slow down a second after impact as a blinding flash came.

C—PP—W—B—C—PP—W—B—C—PP—W—B

The two dragons and one orange earth pony moved in hard and fast, quickly taking down Fungus's mushroom-spawn and striking Fungus herself. She tried to run, but she seemed to tire quickly. She spawned mushrooms that seemed to bounce her about, but they were taken out before long. As it turned out, Fungus wasn't very athletic.

Eventually, they had her cornered and she was on her last legs, moderately bruised.

"Wait…" she sputtered between deep breaths. "I…"

"I'm not gonna let you trick us," Tychophon quickly interrupted as he nocked another arrow.

"Hold—" Rael suddenly cried out, but it was too late as the crested dragon let his arrow fly. It struck Fungus at the side—and unexpectedly, there was a flash of light that blinded us and time seemed to slow down.

A—R—T—FA—A—R—T—FA—A—R—T—FA

Back on the road leading to Canterlot…

The whole place was empty, save for a giant, very noticeable wall of light that expanded in a wide area and covered a large circle. The sun was about to sink into the horizon as the moon began to rise on the other side of the sky.

Suddenly, this wall of light began to shrink into itself and turned into twenty-one spheres of light (one of them being slightly smaller than the others). Six of them then quickly converged together and the other fifteen circled them. These balls of light then dissipated and released whatever was inside them.

The six E.O.D. wielders fell in a heap together, still able to fight enough for a last stand (and Bluebird back to normal), while the rest emerged in a circle around them.

"Let's finish this!" declared Chronicle. Instantly, he aimed his horn at them and so did Twilight and their horns glowed. The six E.O.D. wielders were then encased in a single bubble of magic. "Everyone attack!"

And that's what we did. Converging at the six were a vortex of wind, two lightning bolts (one yellow and one blue), a torrent of water, a crack in the earth where an earth spike would come out at the end, two streams of fire (one dragonbreath and one magic spell), two beams from the Keyblade, a slim beam from the GunDeLuna, a flaming chakram, and an arrow. For some reason, Rael did not participate in this combination attack.

The attacks collided and pushed at the bubble for a few seconds before exploding and kicking up a load of smoke, which remained for a while. A couple of seconds later, the smoke disappeared, revealing the six E.O.D. wielders sprawled on the ground, defeated and unmoving.

As the off-worlders 'put away' their weapons, Chronicle felt a pang of guilt from the possibility that his friends had to take a life. And not just one, but six. As he turned away, he could see his friends breaking down in tears in varying degrees, from silent sobbing to "ocular gushers" to everything in between. The two yellow dragons had turned away as well in guilt.

Sora went over to Twilight, who let out tears from her closed eyes. "What's wrong?"

"It's just that…that…"

"Not once have we ever consciously taken a life of a living, thinking being, especially a pony," Applejack answered for her.

"And now…we just took six," added Rainbow, who was doing her best not to sob uncontrollably like Pinkie, Rarity, and Fluttershy were.

"But what about—" Sora was about to ask again when he was cut off by Chronicle.

"Sealing a perhaps-immortal draconequus—which is what Discord is—in stone doesn't count as killing in their book, even if it may be a fate worse than death," said the blue unicorn. He glanced at Fluttershy, who was being comforted by Rael. For some reason, it kept bothering him, even though it was a certainty that he was going to leave soon.

He then turned to face Sora again. "Look, I don't know what friends you've made throughout your travels, but these friends of mine are still… innocent, in a sense. Yes, they can kick butt, but the taking of a life…they're not used to that. The only reason why they didn't break down to begin with when it came to taking out Unversed is because we've been told about them and what they really are. Still, I'm grateful you guys came when you did. I don't think I could've defended this town all on my own against the Unversed and those girls." He gestured to the defeated E.O.D. wielders. "Especially since my friend was out on a field trip. Well, there is a martial arts community here, that's why a fair number of the townsponies fought as well."

"Yeah, I was quite surprised about that," said Sora. "Most towns we go to usually have empty streets and therefore there's no need for us to go out of our way to protect them."

"In spite of all that, ponies are a peaceful race. Fighting is not in their nature like in your kind."

"Why not?"

This kid's hopeless. I think I'm just a few years older than him. "How do I put this in terms you can understand… Ponies are herbivores. They never rally developed a hunting instinct. And that's all I have to say about that. Ask the others if you still don't get it." And then he turned away, ending the conversation.

"I hear something!" Kairi suddenly gasped.

Everypony who wasn't busy crying turned to face her, then to where she was facing as they heard the flapping of wings.

Incoming was a carriage pulled by four white pegasus Royal Guards, and in tow were Princesses Celestia and Luna, whom Chronicle identified to the off-worlders. He then informed his friends of their arrival and they gradually recovered enough to bow in respect. As the rest followed suit, Sora just stood dumbfounded, but was quickly 'forced' down.

The chariot landed and the two alicorns got off. As they walked over to us, Chronicle was the first to rise. "Princess Celestia. Princess Luna," he said. "We have—"

"These must be the ones who have summoned the Unversed, am I right?" Luna interrupted as she turned to the defeated E.O.D. wielders.

"I am not absolutely certain, Luna, but they certainly were allied with the summoner, whoever it was. They claim to have been selected by Discord to wield 'his spin on the Elements'. And I personally think that took place after he corrupted my friends back in the maze. Why didn't either of you come when Ponyville was under attack?"

"We…faced similar problems in Canterlot."

"The Unversed attacked Canterlot too?"

"Yes. But for some reason, no other towns were under attack." Meanwhile, Celestia had walked over to Twilight and the two began to talk, the former comforting the latter.

"I seriously think that whoever summoned the Unversed was after the keepers." Luna didn't reply in confusion. "Of the Elements of Harmony, I mean. And I think Canterlot was attacked because the summoner probably knew that Cele—uhh, Princess Celestia would come and save them. After all, none of the keepers are fighters, although Rainbow Dash is the closest to one among them."

"I was thinking just the same thing! Well, save for the last part."

"Wow. Who knew?"

Luna then turned to the fallen E.O.D. wielders, who were then approached by her sister. "I'll have to say, you all seem to have done a good job in bringing them down."

"It was mostly thanks to our new friends." Chronicle indicated Sora and the others as Celestia's horn glow yellow. "Although we did lend a hoof as well." The E.O.D. wielders also glowed faintly in the same color.

"Speaking of which, you haven't introduced them to us yet."

"Well, I was just about to do that." While Celestia walked over to the other E.O.H. keepers, apparently consoling them, the blue unicorn pointed to each of the off-worlders with his right forehoof. "These are Sora, Kairi, Wizard, Lea, Jerry, Rael, and Tychophon. They're from another world."

"Actually, we're from other worlds," Wizard spoke up. "Sora and Kairi are from Destiny Islands, Lea and Jerry are from Radiant Garden, Tych and I are from Neopia, although I'm not completely sure where Rael is from." Said spiny dragon frowned at him as he said that.

I turned back to the E.O.D. wielders, looking with fear. "Hmm…I wonder…are they really…really…"

"You don't have to worry, my little ponies," Celestia finally spoke up to us, her voice soothing to the soul. "And dragons," she added as she glanced at Tychophon and Rael. "They'll live." Chronicle's friends sighed in relief as they stopped crying. They didn't kill them after all. "These poor ponies have been manipulated, but not in the way you and your friends have been, Twilight Sparkle." The purple unicorn raised her head upon hearing her name as the alicorn pointed her horn again to the fallen E.O.D. wielders, 'pulling' some things out of them.

"What is…" Twilight managed to say. The items that were pulled out seemed to be five simple pendants and one black circlet.

"I can sense Discord's magic in these." There was a hint of anger in Celestia's voice.

"And I thought we turned everything he affected back to normal after we resealed him," Chronicle commented as he 'procured' a wooden tray from his saddlebag. "Apparently, there are still some lasting effects other than our lingering hate for him, just like these. I assume these are the actual Elements of Discord." The two princesses nodded in affirmation as the "Elements" were set down on the tray. "So simple-looking compared to the Elements of Harmony. "

"Wait a second," Sora said. "I thought your friends were—"

"I forgot to mention that The Elements of Harmony are actually powerful magical artifacts. My friends are merely its present bearers." He then pondered to himself. "Or are my friends the Elements and the artifacts amplifiers?"

Celestia then turned her head to face Sora. "You must be Sora, right?" Sora was about to ask how she knew his name, then remembered that Chronicle introduced them just a minute earlier. He nodded to the Princess. "I've heard of you through Master Yen Sid."

"You know of Yen Sid?"

Rael picked up a pebble and tossed it at Sora, hitting him. "Show some respect, Sora."

"That's quite alright," Celestia assured him.

"I was talking about how he addressed his master, not his behavior towards you, Princess Celestia," he clarified.

"Sister, don't you have a message to relay to Sora?" Luna said.

"Right." Celestia then turned to Sora. "We should talk someplace more private." She then turned her head to Luna and they both nodded. Their horns then glowed and then there was a flash. The two princesses have teleported themselves and everybody else away.

C—TS—S—A—RD—R—F—PP—PC—PL—S—K—L—J—W—R—T—FA—J—B—W—BR—MS

In a flash of light, everybody reappeared in Canterlot Castle's throne room. Mysteriously, other than the ones who brought them over by chariot, no guards were around, but Luna explained that that was because since she and Celestia had been outside the palace defending Canterlot alongside them. She then ordered the guards to take away the E.O.D. wielders for medical attention and therapy. As for the tray with the "Elements" they had possessed, that was taken too.

Once that was taken care of and the room vacated of the guards (and the chariot), Celestia then spoke up as she faced Sora. "I am supposed to relay this message to you, Riku, or King Mickey should any of you stop by in Equestria."

"What's the message?" inquired Wizard. (When asked on who King Mickey was, he explained that he was a friend.)

Celestia explained that while whatever quest they were currently in was important, the current threat they were facing was just as dangerous. A group called the Heartless Syndicate, which the group had already ran into two members of, planned to conquer all the worlds using the Unversed. The seven non-natives to Equestria nodded in affirmation to all this.

Twilight and her friends were worried since there was nothing they can do to help them and that it was likely up to Sora and his friends (as well as any other allies beyond Equestria) to prevent Equestria (as well as every world out there) from being conquered. It's not like they doubt they can do it; it's just that the knowledge of a threat out there looming over their world can be very detrimental to one's livelihood.

Chronicle wasn't as worried, though he still was; he plans on informing his father about this (and hope that he'd get in touch with Celestia). While the Story Crew will do everything in its power to stop Interlopers, especially hostile ones, protection is still not a hundred percent guarantee without the possible risk of exposure to their target worlds. While they have measures to resolve that, it's still a major hassle.

"Before we go, there's still one more thing we need to do," Kairi stated. "It's why we came here in the first place." She walked over to Twilight. "Well, it looks like we have to go."

"It's okay, Kairi," the purple unicorn answered.

"At the very least, you guys were around for longer than Terra, Ven, and Aqua," said Spike.

"Don't worry,." assured Sora. "I promise they'll be able to visit Equestria again someday."

"And also, it was fun kicking Unversed butt with you guys!" said Rainbow.

"Will we ever see you again?" asked Fluttershy.

"Don't worry. I'm sure we will," Rael replied.

"Please write to us, or send us a postcard," Rarity requested.

"I'm not sure how we can send messages across worlds…"

"And don't go forgettin' that you're always welcome here in Ponyville," Applejack added.

"And while you're at it, see if you can come back for the Grand Galloping Gala, or The Summer Sun Celebration, or Nightmare Night, or my birthday party, or Twilight's birthday, or Applejack's birthday…" Pinkie rambled.

"And if you ever need any help, we are always ready to listen," finished Twilight.

"Thanks," said Kairi.

Just then, something began to shine brightly. And it was coming from Twilight. There were gasps from everybody except the off-worlders (and Celestia, who just raised her eyebrows).

The same thing was happening somewhere in Kairi's pouch. She 'took' out whatever it was and everyone saw that it was a small ring made out of a clear crystal that could easily fit through a unicorn's horn.

Everybody save the two of them then vanished into the darkness, although they could still see what's going on; they just can't see themselves or each other except for Kairi and Twilight.

Then, just as Kairi summoned her Keyblade, below them appeared the mural as if the darkness hiding it was being purged by a spell. Twilight noted that it was like when she used her memory spell to purify her friends of Discord's spell when he had corrupted them.

Kairi looked down to see that Twilight was the mural's 'main character'. A ring of circles in the edge of the mural depicted her cutie mark, and the miscellaneous circles scattered around her showed her friends, Spike, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, and the two Princesses.

Kairi jumped up, where she kept rising at a steady rate. She then turned to the mural, where she stopped moving. Twilight watched her expectantly as she did her thing.

Kairi took out the crystal ring and then 'hurled it at Twilight. As it descended, it spun and increased in size. By the time it reached the Bearer of the Element of Magic, it was big enough for her to pass through the 'hole'…and that's what happened. As the ring landed to the ground, it embedded itself into the mural. A heart shape appeared underneath Twilight, and a keyhole-shape appeared on the spot in front of her.

Kairi 'aimed' her Keyblade at the keyhole and it charged a beam, which was fired. The beam hit the keyhole, then the heart shone, engulfing the two unicorns and the whole mural. When the light faded, they were 'back' with the rest.

"Wh…what just happened, dear?" asked Rarity.

"Well…since you guys already know about the Keyblade, I guess we'll tell you about the Crystal Rings, one of which Kairi just used on Twilight here," Wizard said.

"You see, our current quest involves combating a future threat that's gonna come after the Heartless Syndicate," Rael explained. "We'll need all the Fusils of Shadows, Guns of Light," He presented his own. "…and Keyblades we can get, and the Crystal Rings bestow upon its receiver the power to wield one of them."

"And if I were to guess, most likely it'll be a Keyblade," added Lea.

"A Keyblade?" shouted Pinkie as she suddenly popped out from behind the fire red unicorn. "Now that's cool! When's she gonna get it? Huh? Huh? Huh? Huh?"

"Around a year, at least," answered Wizard. This disappointed Pinkie as she pouted for a second. "But by then, you've probably learned a lot more."

"Don't worry," assured Chronicle. "I'll teach her—and the others—everything I know, starting with self-defense, then combat. Wait. What are Fusils of Shadows?"

"They're like Guns of Light, but with some differences. Unfortunately, we're still don't know much about them."

"Well, is there any way we can help you right now?" Twilight asked us. "Anything at all?"

"Well…" Sora didn't know what to say.

Suddenly, it looked like Rael had an idea. He reached into his bag, and took out a few trinkets that had oblong shapes with icons on them. Attached was a small string too small to wear around the neck and more suited for Spike's hand to hold.

"What about summon charms?" he suggested. "Even though their worlds might not be destroyed, we can still call up for their help with these."

Huh? What do destroyed worlds have to do with summon charms? Chronicle wondered.

"I can help with that," Celestia spoke up.

Rael turned to the Princess. "You can?" She nodded as she then produced something that looked like the charms he took out. However, unlike the ones he held, there was no icon of any sort on it. "Why is it empty?"

"I know of these summon charms you possess; should its holder will it and call their name, whoever the charm calls for will be temporarily teleported to the holder's location to help them out. As for why this charm is empty, it has yet to attune to who it will summon."

"Wait a second, your Majesty," the blue unicorn interrupted. "I think I know where this is going; you're gonna ask one of us to become a summon for Sora and his company?" He was answered with a nod. "Please allow us to discuss things over." And with that, he and his friends huddled and whispered to one another.

"What is it?" Twilight whispered.

"Given what these visitors are, they use their summons to assist them in battle. That means one of us is going to have to fight or at least give aid on their behalf, regardless of who you're up against. It could be a friend he needs to bring to his senses, it could be a really scary foe, or it could be a deity at or even beyond Discord's level for all we know."

"Are you gonna volunteer? Out of all of us, you're the best when it comes to fighting."

"No. Curiously, one of the terms of my contract—well, one of the rules in my organization actually—says that I cannot engage in binding magical contracts, particularly if the giving party is not from Equestria and especially if I still have a bodyguarding contract. Not certain if by that it means just the country or the world."

"Oh."

"So it's any of the seven of us, right?" asked Pinkie.

"No, I already have two in mind. Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle." The former cried out in glee at this.

"Why them?" Rarity wanted to know.

"Yeah," agreed Applejack. "Why them?"

"As capable as you all are in self-defense, they need someone who can be a great help in a fight. Rarity's got some martial arts sure, but one may never know where they'll turn up, and there's very little chance it would be sanitary." There came a groan from said unicorn. "I know Spike is a dragon, but they're much better fire users. Lea's particularly proficient." A grumble came from the only other male who was Equestria-native. "While I don't doubt what Pinkie Pie can do, I fear she'd be too distracted with everything around her before, during, and after the summon and thus would be less helpful for everybody involved."

Pinkie took offense. "Hey!"

"Sorry, Pinkie, but despite your…abilities, I can't see much use of them without lots of creativity. And with summon time likely being short…" He shook his head. "From what I know about summons, they focus on one skill and help out on just that department. And even if they're random, it at least has one general direction. From what I know of you, you're too random, no offense. Not as good a thing in battle as it is in 'normal' life." At this point, Luna decided she had other matters to attend to and teleported out of the room.

Chronicle then turned to face the other earth pony. "And Applejack, while you certainly have exceptional strength, summons aren't normally called in need of extra muscle, physical anyway, no offense. Again. And most foes are probably too strong for a rope lasso anyway."

"And you don't want me to go because I'm… I'm…" Fluttershy began.

"I'm sorry, but a summon for battle must show no reluctance." Chronicle brought his face close to hers. "We all know just what you're capable of, but no second of hesitation from fear can be spared if you are to help them." He gestured to Sora and company. "I'm not saying they (or we) are gonna hold it against you, but you're gonna be denying this chance to somepony else whose will is less likely to waver."

"I understand."

"So…that means either me or Twilight," Rainbow concluded.

"Yes. One with lots of magical potential, and one with unparalleled speed." In this Equestria, that is, the blue unicorn added mentally. "Only one of you can be selected as summon. Question is, which?"

The two selected ponies turned to face each other, and the two underwent a quick deliberation. In the end, it was decided that the pegasus would be more ideal; Twilight was still a bit prone to panic attacks, and that would be detrimental in a battle. Out of all the girls, Rainbow was the closest thing to a fighter. Well, there was Applejack too, but…

Sora and company had remained silent throughout the entire discussion, just standing there, a few of them feeling awkward. Celestia waited patiently with them. Chronicle finally turned to the Princess and said, "All right. After our little debate, it's been decided that our summon 'candidate' is…Rainbow Dash." Her friends stepped aside as the rainbow-maned mare walked forward, clearly satisfied. Just as she was about to bypass Chronicle, he paused her.

"You understand the risks, don't you? You don't know when you might be called," he warned. "For all we know, it might be in a time that's most inconvenient to you or your friends."

"That won't be an issue, Chronicle," said Wizard. "While the magic behind summoning is a very complex process, I can tell you this. There is time travel involved for the summoned. The summoning magic looks for a convenient time where the summoned is not busy doing anything important—including sleep—and calls them up at that time. And then—"

"I think I get what you mean. In that case, you have relieved me of my worries." Chronicle then let his friend continue.

"How did you know about all that?" Rael asked Wizard.

"I lent a hand in making your new summon charms and picked up some stuff."

"Oh."

Rainbow walked over to Celestia and lowered her head as if to ready herself for whatever 'ritual' the Princess would have to perform. Celestia 'lowered' the 'empty' charm so that it was just above the pegasus and her horn began to glow brighter. The charm also began to glow as a seal with a pattern of sorts began to appear on the floor underneath it and what it will eventually summon.

In a few seconds, it was over and the light faded. Celestia then 'handed' the summon charm to Rael. As he received it, everyone who could see it saw that the charm's icon was now Rainbow's cutie mark in front of a cyan backdrop.

"Wow," he said as I looked at it. "Thank you, Princess Celestia."

"You're most welcome," she replied.

"Well, it's time we took our leave," said Jerry. He then turned to Wizard, who nodded and opened a pocket of hyperspace in a manner similar to Chronicle's and took out a one-button device, which dropped onto his back.

Rael picked it up, and then motioned for Sora and the others to gather close. Which they literally did, almost snuggling. The two yellow dragons groaned as the crested one put his hand on Jerry's back and the spiny one put his on Sora's mane.

"Be safe," Fluttershy called out.

"I can't guarantee that, Fluttershy," Rael replied. "After all, we'll be fighting enemies all the time, and most probably be fighting for our lives and those important to us."

"But we'll promise we'll try and stay alive," assured Sora.

"Can we please leave now?" interrupted Lea. "You're making me want to act all sappy."

"All right. All right," Rael said, then turned to the natives. "Well, goodbye."

"Goodbye!", they all chorused. Rael pushed the button and he and the rest of the off-worlders were gone in a flash.

"…Wow." Chronicle gave a breathless sigh. "Today was really… eventful. I still plan on going through what I said earlier. We're lucky to have a town with a community of martial artists AND the addition of Mystic Shield's Self-Defense Academy. Having a weapons dealer also helps a bit."

"You all look tired from what you did today," Celestia then said. A few seconds later, presumably called in via an unknown spell, a few royal guards entered the room. "These guards will escort you to bed."

"You mean, we get to sleep here for the night?!" Pinkie and Rarity squealed.

"Yes."

Both of them cried out in joy.

"Now off to bed, all of you."

"Thank you, Princess," Twilight said before they left, the guards escorting them.

C—TS—S—A—RD—R—F—PP—PC—S—K—L—J—W—R—T

Back in the cosmos above Equestria Prime…

The still-invisible Record Keeper and Faust watched as the GUMI-Type vessel passed through the time portal, then the former completed the spell to close it the second Faust said they were through.

Once that was done, Record gave a sigh of relief as he and she cancelled their invisibility spells. "Whew! Glad that's over with."

"As am I," agreed Faust as they both faced. "What do you plan on doing now?"

"Talk with my son in the dreamscape. But before that, I'll have a word with Princess Celestia Prime."

"Don't you mean Celestia Alpha?"

"Celestia Alpha is from the Equestria my wife is assigned to."

"I see. Why did you designate this world as Prime, anyway?"

"I'm not allowed to divulge that information other than the words 'Heart World'."

"…I see. You sure have a heavy burden on your shoulders here."

"Yeah. It's a tough job, but I also do it for my family, not just the story Crew." He looked around, seeing nothing but the stars, the planet, and Faust, then said, "I best get back if I'm to talk to 'her'."

"All right, Record." And with that, the two alicorns made to return to Hub Equestria.

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nightelf37: You know, it feels weird to type myself in the third person regularly (In the Kingdom Hearts Remake series, the stories are written in first-person in the perspective of my character who shares the same name as me). I 'removed' Mystic Shield because this chapter (in the other fic) is where Chronicle really debuted and therefore I hadn't conceived Mystic as a character yet.

The reason why Record Keeper doesn't know about Celestia's contact with Yen Sid is because it's through the mirror and Celestia had (technically) lied about the number of worlds she's been in touch with. She hadn't counted her contact with Yen Sid as another world and did not wish to complicate matters with Record by telling him. The Story Crew, or at least the Timer family, also cannot detect travel via "dark corridors", hence not getting an alert when the blue monsters attacked.

The Elements of Discord (the characters) belong to TheLovelyChemist in deviantART.

See ya on Third!

Extra-Special Chapter 2: Lost Recap

nightelf37: If you didn't decide to skip the Extra-Special Chapter, wow. This chapter will recap that one and add a few more tidbits on the Elements of Discord.

If you decided to skip the Extra-Special Chapter to get away from my shoddy writing of my first actual My Little Pony fan work, I guess that's good for you. This chapter is a brief summary of that chapter and a few extra parts.

I own only the following: My originally designed OCs, and anything that doesn't happen in the show proper.

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Extra-Special Chapter 2: Lost Recap

While his friends were having a nice morning walk in Canterlot, Chronicle was still asleep, still being a late riser like before. Especially since he slept late due to…yesterday's events.

In the dreamscape, he was attempting to meditate when a certain male alicorn appeared in front of him and addressed him by name.

"Father!" Chronicle gasped.

"Hello, son," Record Keeper replied. "I trust the…incident went well?"

"Yes. Although one of them has a Summon's Contract now. One of the 'visitors' assured me that time travel was involved so it wouldn't call her at a most inconvenient moment."

"I'll be the judge of that. Who's the one with the Contract?"

"Rainbow Dash."

"Okay. I'd like a summary of the incident."

"All right. I was at the training range when you notified me of the arrival of the Interloping SWORD-K wielders and their allies via their GUMI-Type vessel. You told me they were likely to touch down near the Everfree Forest. Twilight Sparkle happened to be close by, so I…notified her."

Record did not admonish him for doing this; Twilight, as well as the rest of her friends, knew of Surveillance. Thankfully, all they knew about it was that it was an prototype device Chronicle used to keep an eye on his charges. The reality was that Surveillance was a standard issue gadget for Story Crew Field Operatives, made for keeping an eye on their targets without actually being near them.

"She met them, and I instructed her not to reveal that she knows, which became important when the AN-8178s appeared. After the little skirmish, she took them to Ponyville. Coincidentally, Pinkie Pie spotted them and started preparing what she does best. Meanwhile, I decided to invite my friends and anypony along the way. Spike was told too, naturally. As we did that, Twilight stalled the newcomers (which I will henceforth call Sora's group, since that's their leader's name) with a tour of Ponyville."

"That sounds risky," commented Record. "What if 'Sora' was a bad guy? That would've been free intel."

"Yeah, you're right. I guess Twilight was still learning more social stuff. Anyway, during the surprise party, we did what was usual for such parties, and we both (parties) introduced ourselves."

Chronicle took out his Surveillance and showed it to Record. While he claimed that nothing short of a "world-hop" can cut off Surveillance's cameras with the main device itself (the monitor), the portal mirrors for some reason do not count. He did have to 'set' new cameras to the Cutie Mark Crusaders after his and his friends' world-hop to Solaris Equestria; all that has been recorded is thankfully 'saved' in the main Surveillance device.

From his son's Surveillance, Record saw that the visiting group consisted of five ponies (two earth, two unicorns, and one pegasus) and two dragons. Sora, the team's 'leader', was a black earth pony. There was only one female in the group, and her name was Kairi, and she was a pink unicorn. Both of them were SWORD-K wielders.

The other earth pony was a white one named Wizard, and possessed a weapon the Story Crew designated as a G-HIKARI). Wizard wielded this thanks to it floating and shooting by his will. The other unicorn was a red one named Lea and used twin chakrams. The sole pegasus of the group was a purple one named Jerry and was what the Story Crew designated as a "4CE-USR-666".

The two dragons didn't look like the kind that were native to Equestria, but from another "target world" called Neopia (which did not have any Field Operatives). They were of different kinds, yet they had generally similar bipedal forms. Also, out of all the visitors, only one of them did not have a certain aura that usually tells the Story Crew that they have transformed to 'fit' the world they visit. That one dragon was named Tychophon. The other, Rael, also wielded a G-HIKARI, and there was something especially particular about him, not that it mattered here.

Record watched the progress of the party, then the part where Twilight and her friends led them to the library where they spilled the fact that they knew that Sora and company were off-worlders. During that time, while they talked about the time the trio of SWORD-K wielders visited Equestria, Chronicle had been communicating with his father discreetly at the training range. Record at that time was standing by for Sora's group's GUMI-Type to cross the time portal he had been about to close before it went through.

"Okay," the alicorn said as he returned his son's Surveillance to him. "Continue at the part where you finished conversing with me there and rejoined your friends."

"All right," Chronicle replied, then continued. "After I talked with you on what I should do, not to mention the good news that we'll be able to reach Blue Diary again soon, I went in, and the subject eventually changed from talking about the SWORD-K wielder trio to Discord for some reason, then to the Elements of Harmony. And then, Mayor Mare came in with the news that blue monsters were attacking the town. We went out, and found—apart from said blue monsters—six mares who apparently bore the Elements of Discord, which I supposed was one of many of his contingency plans."

"Oh yes," Record said. "Celestia told me about them. After I…convinced her to spill."

"Dad, I know you and Mom are happy together, but I don't want to hear you speaking like you just did…something inap—"

"All right, all right. I asked her to tell me after I found out that Prince Solaris isn't the only one she's in contact with aside from me. During the 'incident', you told me she knows the great magus Yen Sid, and I confirmed it. Anyway, here're the profiles of the Elements of Discord." Out of hammerspace came six folders, which the alicorn 'passed' to the unicorn. Chronicle didn't open them yet and decided to continue with his summary.

"As we saw those six mares, they decided to split up. That's when I remembered the elemental crystals I once bought after the first time you talked with Princess Celestia. I got them as a precaution after Discord. Then, we decided to split up to stop the attacking AN-8178s. Along the way, we encountered and defeated plenty of those monsters. Thankfully, my friends weren't as hesitant in getting rid of them after a little talk with them concerning the principles of magical extensions of selves, which the AN-8178s and my magical clones have in common. Of course, Fluttershy still had a few issues, being pacifistic and all.

"And then, after a few hours of fighting, each of the Spirits of Harmony received strange signs that told them to gather somewhere, which was the long path from Ponyville to Canterlot, which by the way had been attacked as well (the city, not the path). We met with the six wielders of the Elements of Discord, and we got into two( or three)-on-ones. They all proved to be quite difficult—"

"Chronicle, read the documents I gave you, now," Record ordered. "It'd be best to do that before you talk any further."

"All right." He then opened the first folder and read its contents.

Midnight Shadow, who wielded the Element of Curse, which was the antithesis of the Element of Magic, was a dropout from Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns after she was caught (successfully) learning dark-elemental magic. That wouldn't have been bad in itself were it not for the fact that she intended to use this for evil intentions. She soon found herself wandering Equestria, doing odd jobs until Discord's release. He gave her the Elements and orders to find the other wielders if he should ever fall. The Elements of Discord had granted them various powers; they granted Midnight further knowledge on dark-elemental spells and combat magic.

Fungus Amongus, who wielded the Element of Deceit, counterpart of the Element of Honesty, once worked in a mushroom harvesting business, but her illegitimate business ethics and penchant for deception soon led to her losing the job. Even before she got hold of her "Element", she already had the ability to spawn mushrooms at will thanks to reading from an unknown "-nomicon" tome; the Element just allowed her to make her "mushroomspawn" move at her command. In further contrast to Applejack, Fungus had the stamina of an average unicorn; therefore, she got tired quite easily in physical terms.

Warmonger had wielded the Element of Malice, the antithesis of Kindness. She had been drafted to join the Canterlot Royal Guard after her cutie mark appeared, but her unchecked and uncontrollable lust for violence resulted in her expulsion and she would've been imprisoned too had she not managed to escape. She spent some time as a thief and in fact had confronted the Spirits of Harmony before; during their trip to peacefully evict Basil the mountain near Ponyville. She was already earth pony-strong, but her Element made her even stronger.

Jewel had the Element of Avarice, opposite to Generosity. Prior to acquiring her Element, she was just a spoiled Canterlot snob whose father was a corrupt corporate executive. Fortunately for Canterlot, it wasn't large enough to be a big enough influence. During Discord's rampage, he found her as a prospective 'candidate' and tempted her black heart with three special magic gems that allowed her to manipulate the earth to her bidding and shoot beams. She was more of a neat freak than Rarity, but she doesn't break down when dirty enough but instead goes on a rampage on the one responsible; surprisingly, she wasn't a physical pushover, although where and how she trained her body is unknown.

Bluebird was the wielder of the Element of Despair, the dark counterpart to Laughter. A lonely blank-flank, she had been shunned and teased her whole life. Unlike Apple Bloom, who had found friends in Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle and together formed the Cutie Mark Crusaders, she was unapproachable and nopony helped her. It didn't help that she was an orphan. The only reason she even stayed alive at all while remaining a lonely pony is because of a "friend" named Black Rainbow, who for some reason found her…interesting. Bluebird's Element gave her a defensive aura that 'reflected' any and all damage inflicted on her. It also granted her the ability to enlarge herself when sufficiently irritated. Even without the Element, her mane is "expressive" just like Pinkie Pie's.

Speaking of Black Rainbow, she bore the Element of Betrayal, the reverse of Loyalty. She was a former Cloudsdalean, and a former "Transporter". After breaking one of its rules ("3. Never open the package.") and taking its contents for herself, she became a world-traveling thief. During that time, she joined a multitude of thieves guilds (and guilds not exclusively for thieves)…and has been thrown out of each of them because of her penchant for betraying her allies to their capture/death/whatever to save her skin or take all the credit/reward for herself. The only one she never betrayed however was a pony named Bluebird, whom she deemed "interesting". Her talent for speed came from her making deliveries…and fleeing her pursuers. Out of all the Elements of Discord, hers did not bestow on her any extra powers/abilities.

Bluebird and Black Rainbow were the only ones who have…a history with each other before Discord's fall and Midnight gathered all the Wielders together. Their relationship was strange and one-sided. Bluebird would be given her "life essentials" by Black, but the blank flank would ignore her. Black was seemingly okay with this though.

Once Chronicle was finished reading, he returned the documents to Record, then continued, "Typically, the Spirits of Harmony faced off against their dark counterparts as we were teleported to various locations. Spike and Kairi joined Twilight, Tychophon and Rael were with Applejack, Wizard and I assisted Pinkie, Lea got involved with the two Rainbows, Jerry was with Rarity, and I had to count on Sora to protect Fluttershy.

"Each battle had been hard. Midnight and Twilight had been engaged in a violent magic duel, and even with Kairi and Spike to assist, the dark-user was almost wiping the floor with them. Both Rainbows were nearly evenly matched, but Dash also had the extra burden of keeping Black off of the 'helpless' Lea. Sora was getting trounced by Warmonger. Wizard and I were trying to find a way to get around Bluebird's 'shield'. Jerry had to keep Rarity safe from Jewel's 'crystal rampage'. And Fungus was toying with Applejack and her allies.

"Soon, the tides thankfully turned to our favor. Fluttershy's anger soon sparked and she began counterattacking in Sora's behalf at Warmonger. Jerry ended up crashing during his flight…and kicked up dust that irritated Jewel enough to break her concentration. Wizard, Pinkie, and I eventually discovered that in some cases, the Bearers of the Elements of Harmony weaken their Discord counterparts, especially if it is its opposite; for example, having the party pony sticking close to Bluebird nullified her 'damage reflector', although we then faced a new problem in the form of her…supersizing. The only definite cases of those though were just this and Warmonger's.

During the fight, Lea found an opening after both Rainbows ended up rolling on the ground and used it to his advantage. Sora, Kairi, Wizard, and Rael seemed to get their second wind and turned the battle further in their favor. Eventually, we managed to win at little cost to ourselves, although it almost seemed we killed them, which was a serious blow to my friends.

"Thankfully, Princesses Celestia and Luna arrived, both to greet the visitors and (seeing them crying) comfort my friends. Once that was done, as well as extracting the Elements of Discord from its wielders (the items in question were five simple pendants and one black circlet), we were all teleported to Canterlot Castle's Throne Room. There, she told the visitors she got a message from Yen Sid. After relaying it, the visitors began their farewell. Just then, something from inside Twilight began to shine, and so did something in Kairi's personal items. It seemed to be a ritual of sorts that would grant her something in the future."

"What is this weapon likely to be?" Record asked.

"According to Rael, Twilight will get what the Story Crew designates as a SWORD-K, a G-HIKARI, or an F-YAMI. And Lea says her getting a SWORD-K is more likely however, not in his own words of course. Twilight then asked if there was any way they could help now, and that's when Rael took out the trinket that led to the Summon's Contract.

"I couldn't make them refuse, not with them eager to try and aid Sora's group in their quest however possible, not without refusing the Princess, who was agreeing with this deal. I've turned her down a few times before on a few things without much trouble, but this…I just felt bad being the only one who didn't want to 'contribute in saving the world'. So, I decided that if one of them was going to be the summon, it would be the one who's most capable of fighting, barring myself because of the Story Crew's rules imposed on a Field Operative like me. I underwent a quick mental analysis on my friends' skills and who would be most useful. In the end…"

"You told me in the beginning. It was Rainbow Dash."

"Yes. Only after that did they go on their way. Celestia offered us to sleep here for the night. But as we did that, I also sent a clone to inquire on the status of the Royal Guard's captain. I also saw that Twilight seemed a bit more worried than usual as we went to bed." Record was about to say something when he was cut off by his son. "Please, don't 'spoil' it for me, Dad. I'm not gonna assume he and Twilight are relatives. I mean, in Luna Equestria, Ditzy Doo and Amethyst Star are only related by proxy, the former having had an affair with a stallion and the latter being his legitimate daughter. Also there, Berry Punch and Cheerilee are siblings. Those are not the case here."

"All right." Record then dismissed the documents. "Just so you know, after their therapy, the wielders of the Elements of Discord will be returned to society. Their memories of what they did will remain, but the higher-ups in the Story Crew feel that this incident is very…disruptive."

"Disruptive?" 'Disruptive' in the Story Crew meant that a world's "story" might turn 'inadequate' because of an off-world source, just like the case with the Shisno siblings in the world "Four Nations" (not all Shisnos had this penchant though, and everybody was aware that the word meant something extremely insulting). 'Disruptive' events like this SWORD-K wielder visit.

"Yes. Disruptive. You know what that means, right?"

Chronicle grumbled at this. "Ugh. It means a mass-memory modification is in order?"

"That's right."

(Apart from 'recording tales', The Story Crew also specialized in memory modification; they were more refined in it that just simple memory wipes though. They preferred 'memory locking', where the subject does remember what has happened, but the 'locks' prevent it from being recalled. A legendary team in the Story Crew was able to refine the technique so that it wouldn't cause mental trauma for those who try to remember and instead are just coerced not to divulge what they know. If multiple subjects have a memory of a blocked event and they all know they all know the event, they will still remember it, but not mention it in the presence of those not in the know.)

The higher-ups of the Story Crew are extremely enigmatic in their decisions, apart from 'the Book Troop must be stopped, but we have to adhere to the rules'. Despite this supposedly feeding plenty of fuel for doubts, Record Keeper and his family did not question them; they knew what they were doing, and they did not necessarily enjoy it, which helped them from abusing it. It would be very difficult for an outsider to understand and it was difficult for its members to provide a satisfactory explanation. That was why they preferred that outsiders do not know of it (although their 'catalyst' is doing their best to explain).

Chronicle gave a deep sigh. "So the…AN-8178 incident is to be forgotten?"

"To a degree, but these Elements of Discord… they're too important a memory to repress without severe consequences. So I've come up with some sort of…compromise." And with that Record began to explain.

Memories concerning the AN-8178s will be replaced with memories of 'mysterious blue monsters'. Sora and company will be remembered not as off-world visitors, but as travelers from a faraway land yet still in Equestria. Their talk about knowing the previous three off-worlder visitors from months ago (as well as memories concerning those three) will also be remembered likewise.

Only the Spirits of Harmony, Spike, and the Princesses (as well as the former wielders of the Elements of Discord) will still know the truth, but their memories of it would be locked; they will subconsciously never bring up the real incident (in a way that might trigger the memories of those who no longer remember) in the presence of those who don't know.

"I guess that's for the best. Is there anything else I need to know?"

"Yes. Your sister and your younger brother have been visited by similar SWORD-K wielders and their allies. They also came in via GUMI-Type vessels, and the residents there have underwent similar circumstances like you. Except for Blue Diary, who did not face any Elements of Discord in the end. Rather, it was just a large AN-8178. We still can't contact him right now however."

"That's too bad."

"Fortunately, we should be able to reach him again in a few weeks."

This disappointed Chronicle. "That long?"

"Yes. One, if we're lucky, but then it will start re-syncing as a result of the time-flux in his Equestria."

"Darn."

"Well, anything more you like to ask or tell me?"

"Nothing. That will be all, Father."

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nightelf37: I do apologize for the shortness of this chapter. This is just for extras and just in case you decided to skip the last chapter. Up next is another special chapter, and then a certain Season 3 episode.

See ya on Third!

nightelf37: I decided not to do "Ponyville Confidential" since it was CMC-centric. And I can't find many scenarios for Chronicle to take part in. Well, there was one where he flipped them like pancakes in retribution for something they did. I'll let you guess.

I own only the following: My originally designed OCs, and anything that doesn't happen in the show proper.

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Special 6: Chronicle's Birthday Party

Last year, Chronicle celebrated his birthday in Hub Equestria with his family. The year before that, it was the same deal. This year however was going to be different, partly because Pinkie Pie had convinced him with much puppy-dog eyes to promise to attend it here. And at the day before his birthday, she made him Pinkie Promise not to use Surveillance for the next twenty-four hours.

Today, it was his birthday, although the party wasn't until later this afternoon. Right now, he was walking with Skyla through the Everfree Forest to the ancient castle of the royal pony sisters. He knew that this was just a means of running interference, but at least it allowed for some more getting-to-know-each-other time.

It was a bit ridiculous however when he was joined by Tasty Snack, Graphite (whom he hasn't seen in a while and was carrying a pair of saddlebags), and Big Macintosh. The sole pegasus in the party was at the lead. They all knew whose birthday it was today; this trip was just to kill some time. And some of them had other personal reasons for coming along.

"So, Skyla. Where exactly are we going?"

"I bet you haven't been there before!" she said excitedly. "Mystic Shield and I, as well as some of his class, bypassed that place during their field trip."

"During which those blue monsters attacked Ponyville?"

"Ugh, don't remind me," groaned Tasty. "My sister had quite a field day in selling armor the day after."

"And I was able to sell quite a bit too in weapons," said Graphite as he faced Chronicle. "You haven't been visiting me lately, by the way."

"Sorry, Graphite."

"Eh, it's okay. Your weapon is your own spell. If only I were one of those who can forge special rings to bestow specific classical elements…"

"You know, I've seen such things in the black market."

"Hold on a second! You go to such…"

"Yes. I'm not above such measures when it comes to getting what I need. Of course, I make certain it won't come back to bite me in the tail when I least expect it." He then turned to face Skyla again. "As I was saying, where exactly are we going?"

"We're headed to an old castle. It's rumored that the two Princesses once lived there."

"Oh, that place? Been there already."

This seemed to surprise her. "Really?!"

"Yeah. Found the Elements of Harmony there."

"!—" She tried to figure out what he meant, then started trying to jog her memory.

As she did that, Chronicle turned to the largest pony in the group. "Hey, Macintosh. Why are you here? Don't you have work to do in the farm?"

"Nnnope. All done."

"I find that hard to believe. As far as I can remember, your family doesn't accept hired help in your farm, even though I see Caramel come over sometimes. But your business with him is none of mine."

There was no reaction whatsoever to that statement. "…Applejack insisted I come with you."

"Why? She should know I'm capable of defending myself and these guys. I am a bodyguard, after all."

"It's not that. She says I need to…"

"Get to know me more?"

"Find out why you don't like her that much."

Chronicle stopped walking just as they reached a clearing—the same one where he and his friends confronted the manticore more than a year ago. "Really. She said that, Macintosh?"

"Eeyup."

"Huh. I figured she'd find out by herself." He took a deep breath, noticing Graphite make small talk with Tasty about her sister. "It's just that among the stupid things my friends sometimes do, she has the record for the worst, no offense to her. Still, I'd follow her lead in a heartbeat when her plan's good, and she's a very reliable pony."

Macintosh just nodded before the party resumed walking. "By the way…"

"Yes, Macintosh?"

"Why do you keep calling me that? Why not Big Mac? Everypony calls me that."

"No. No, no, no, no, no. I am never gonna call you that, okay?"

"Why not?"

"A year ago, I was once hired as a bodyguard for a griffon. At that point, I had such a reputation even non-ponies sought my services."

"What was this griffon like?" cut in Graphite.

"It's rude to just interrupt, but I'll continue anyway. Unfortunately, I am not obliged to confer the details to just whoever I like. Ahem. Every day, this griffon always goes to McDonner's, a fast food chain in the Griffon Kingdom. He never stops talking about and eating burgers called Big Macs every hour on the hour while there. Now, whenever I hear 'Big Mac', it just reminds me how annoying he was. So you can guess why I don't want to call you that, right?"

Macintosh remained silent for a moment before replying, "…Eeyup."

Right after that, Skyla finally realized what Chronicle had been getting to earlier. "D'oh! I'm such a dunce!"

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After crossing the river Steven Magnet lived in (and greeting said river serpent [a sea serpent would be in the sea]), the group reached the bridge that separated the rest of the forest from the castle. One by one, they crossed it, and soon entered the castle, beginning at the 'room' where the Elements of Harmony were first seen for a thousand years. They bypassed that and made their way straight into the castle courtyard. It was marked by banners that depicted the two winged unicorn sisters—blue with moon for Princess Luna on the left, yellow with sun for Celestia on the right.

"So…since you've evidently been here before," the sole pegasus in the group began. "Where would you like to start?"

"To tell the truth, my friends and I haven't been here long," Chronicle confessed. "The only rooms I remember are the first one we entered, and then a room in one of the towers. Twilight Sparkle and I got teleported, the rest probably knew a bit more, but since we were in a race against Nightmare Moon, they weren't exactly sightseeing."

"Should we split up in groups?" suggested Tasty. She was answered with a shake of the head from their de facto leader.

"Nu-uh. From my experience, ruins are rife with booby traps. It would be unwise."

"Okay."

"Could we look for the castle armory?" asked Graphite. "I wanna see what weapons they got and if I can restore them or smelt them down for scrap metal."

"Do you really think there'd be any left after a millennium of rust and rot?" retorted the earth pony mare.

"Maybe. Where do you suggest we go?"

"Who cares?" said Skyla. "We're gonna go exploring either way!"

"Lucky it isn't star spider season today," muttered Tasty. "I'm scared of spiders."

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"I'll have to say that this tapestry still looks great even after a thousand years," commented the sole pegasus.

The group of five stood very close to a battered Luna tapestry hanging on a wall elsewhere in the castle.

"We better not disturb it. Who knows if it might fall apart at the slightest touch?"

"I don't know." The ghost white pony went to the center and tapped the tapestry at the center. "Looks pretty sturdy to me." To her surprise, a decidedly un-tapestry-like creaking noise emanated from it. "Uh oh."

"What's happening?" gasped Graphite.

After a few moments, the entire section of wall suddenly rotated 180 degrees on a vertical pivot through its center, whisking all five ponies around it and to the other side.

Everypony gave a harsh look at the one who had triggered the mechanism. Just how do these things still operate even after such a long time of neglect? Chronicle thought to himself.

"At least we're all still together?" said Skyla sheepishly.

While still frowning, Macintosh replied, "Eeyup."

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A trapdoor opened in the middle of a hallway. Thankfully, nopony fell in since nopony was on it. Well, one did fall in but it was just a magical clone. Chronicle had dispatched one just in case and to find out just what's beneath.

"Good call," commented Macintosh.

Skyla stood a long way ahead of them, looking at her companions at the other side as they then approached her, going around the trapdoor.

"When you've traveled the world and experienced all sorts of things, you're bound to be savvy enough to anticipate much of them," Chronicle said as they caught up with Skyla and continued traveling. "That, and I read a couple of Daring Do books in my free time."

"You read the series?" asked Tasty. "Me too!"

"It's an engaging adventure series. Not all of my reading is on learning spells, you know."

"We never assumed that."

"I know that."

(A/N: Just as Chronicle 'follows' the story the 'main show' is about sans these extras, one of his cousins is assigned to follow Daring Do's 'tales' and is likely her traveling companion who wishes to be written out by the author.) (1)

The five of them reached a doorway to the left. Through it was a long staircase that spiraled its way down the inside wall of a very high tower. The group hadn't realized that they had reached such a high floor during their exploration.

"Down?" asked Skyla.

There was an unanimous agreement. "Grr, an anonymous source tipped me that a rare forging material can be found in this castle," grumbled Graphite as they descended the staircase. Well, Skyla just descended via her own wing-power.

"What kind of material?" asked Tasty. "Plan on having my sister make something for you? If I remember correctly, you only sell weapons. It's my sister who's the forger, and even then she doesn't normally make weapons; just armor and shields."

"I thought it was about time we made a collaboration. Build up stuff for a better self-defense effort. Ever since those blue monsters attacked. I mean, the martial arts community, Mystic Shield's school, and the local police force is good, and I think I also heard a rumor of the Mayor taking after her father, who was also a wrestler before becoming Mayor as well of a different city, but… What I'm trying to say is the town needs to be better prepared for attacks. We can't keep holding out for heroes all the time. We live next to the Everfree Forest, for Celestia's sake."

"But didn't you say that the monsters there rarely ever leave the forest?" asked Chronicle.

"I know, but rarely doesn't mean not at all. After all, with the Ursa Minor incident…"

"Wasn't that because two dimwitted colts had the bright idea of luring it over to Ponyville?" said Skyla.

"I know that. I know we have no need for walls, but if that's the case, then at least its defenders must be prepared enough."

"Could you give us any more details about this collaboration?"

"Well, I'm thinking on talking with the Martial Arts Group first. Blades and bludgeons aren't the only things I have for sale. I got staffs, kali sticks, armored shoes, sorry I can't think up of much."

"I'll tell Mystic Shield about this and see what I can do," offered the mare-faced stallion.

"Thanks, Chronicle."

At that time, they reached the bottom of the staircase and found themselves facing a hallway full of…disembodied pony legs. These legs were pointing upward at an angle, the hooves bent downward, and each had a bracket attached to hold an extinguished torch.

"Okay. This is extremely disturbing," remarked Skyla as they stared into the darkness ahead.

"Eeyup," concurred Macintosh as they cautiously walked down the hall. Graphite cast an illumination spell, flaring his horn to shed some light. Chronicle could've done the spell as well, but only he has a weapon that can be brought up at a moment's notice and has range. Graphite hasn't attended any of Mystic Shield's classes.

"Everypony stay vigilant," warned Chronicle. "One can never know what could be creeping in these halls."

Suddenly, as they walked, something made contact with Tasty's body, making her freeze in fright. "Guys, are any of you touching me?"

"Nnnope."

"Nu-uh."

"I'm way over here."

"Uh-uh."

Tasty looked down to see a hoof stretched across her shoulders. It was a deep shade of blue, and it extended from a hole in the wall. She yelled in fear and surprise, throwing off the interloping limb… which dissipated in sparks and caused Chronicle to twitch for a bit.

"Huh," he said. "Looks like my clone fell into an oubliette and found a hole leading to here."

"How do you know that?" asked Skyla as the earth pony mare hid behind Macintosh.

"Because that was my clone that had touched Tasty Snack. I know 'cause when it dissipated from her panicking, its memories returned to me. Still, it's best we leave this hallway as quickly as possible."

All of a sudden, a melancholy minor melody from a pipe organ began to play. This made everypony's fur stand on end, even Chronicle as he went on high alert.

"Something tells me we're not alone in this castle," said Graphite.

"You think?" snarked Chronicle.

"We'd better find that rare material as soon as possible. I don't think we have a very good reason for staying here any longer than we have to, right?"

"R-right." agreed Skyla. "But let's not hurry. We could get lost, and that would take much more time. There aren't many who would come to help us, given what the Everfree Forest is known for." The reality was that Pinkie Pie and the others still needed a little more time to prepare the party. If they went back now, Even when factoring in the time it would take for them to return to Ponyville, it would be too soon.

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Much later…

The group finally managed to locate the armory, but it was nearly empty. Only a few spears remained, and their shafts had already been eaten by termites. There were two books that miraculously survived the times. That, or their pages have a spell on them that protects them from rotting. I'm gonna have to ask Twilight about this.

The first book was merely a log for the guards that were once stationed here. "Well, look at the bright side," Tasty told a disappointed Graphite. "This is an archaeological find."

The second book however had directions leading to said rare material. And they were close by.

The five ponies soon found themselves at one end of a hallway lined with pony suits of full plate armor. "Graphite, do you have a spell that can detect heat signatures?" asked Chronicle.

"No. I'm a weapons dealer. I have no need for such a spell." Since the hallway was dark, he was illuminating it.

"Okay. Stay close everypony, and stay alert. They probably won't come to life anytime soon, but I'm not taking any chances. And don't stand on where the armor suits stand. We saw those flipping walls, there's no telling those could too." As if on cue, the pipe organ played again and one of the platforms whirled toward the wall. Thankfully, nopony was standing on it. "We'd better hurry and find that rare material, then we get out of here no questions asked. And if we ever find the room with that organ, leave its player to me."

At that moment, the organ player decided to stop testing notes and go for a full song. The platforms holding the armors went wild. Immediately, everypony ran, but remained close.

"Graphite, where's this rare material?" Chronicle asked him. "Tarrying here is becoming more and more of a bad idea, and it's my birthday today! I'm not gonna let Pinkie Pie's efforts go to waste."

"It's over here!" He showed him the book's instructions.

"There? Okay, let's go!"

The group managed to make it back to a better-lit and wider hallway…where they'll have to watch out for trapdoors. As extra precaution, Chronicle conjured barriers on the floor for them to step on. Eventually, they made it back to the courtyard, where for some reason the music was louder.

"Hey, I feel we're getting close to the organ," pointed out Skyla.

"Normally, I'd go for it, but not with you guys," Chronicle argued. "I like you all, but we're not that close. And I'm not confident with us right now. Maybe next time. It's not like it's the end of the world if we don't stop that organ, right?"

"I guess not."

"Then let's find what Graphite's looking for, and then get out of here."

Luckily for the group, the place Graphite's rare material was was accessible from outside the castle. It had been stashed at the bottom of the tower where he and Twilight had confronted Nightmare Moon and where they and their friends activated the Elements of Harmony. They reached the tower and located a door. Graphite opened it, cast an illumination spell, and everypony save Skyla went in, the pegasus opting to keep watch.

A minute later, the music was still playing by the time Graphite and the others got out, each with two ingots of the rare material, which were quickly put in the weapons dealer's saddlebags. Chronicle couldn't figure out its name, only that it was yellow in color yet it wasn't gold.

"Got it! Let's get outta here!"

With that, the party of five hightailed it out of the castle, but their leader decided to summon a couple of magical clones and had them investigate the castle without the knowledge of his companions. The organ music continued to play behind them as they fled. (2)

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The group was finally out of the Everfree Forest and Ponyville was in their sights.

"I failed them," lamented Skyla. "It was supposed to be just a simple exploration of the castle. But it turned into a fetch quest for Graphite."

"Which I didn't intend it to be, but I'm thankful for it regardless," said the weapons dealer.

"It was still an interesting trek, am I right?" Tasty asked Macintosh.

"Eeyup." He the looked up at the sky. "Hmm. Afternoon. Isn't it—"

"Oh right!" said the birthday boy. "Now where is it again?"

"I'll take us there." said Skyla. "My present should already be at the venue."

"I'll catch up," Graphite told them as he left. "Gotta drop these off."

Tasty stayed. "My sister should be there. She has ours."

Macintosh turned to leave. "Sorry. Applejack has our gift. We can't all come unfortunately."

"That's all right," Chronicle told the large stallion. "I'm not much of a materialist."

Less than a minute later, the two mares and one stallion were in front of Mystic Shield's Self-Defense Academy for Unicorns. They opened the doors, and then walked into the darkness ahead. The doors then closed thanks to an enchantment by Mystic Shield… after which the lights were opened.

"SURPRISE!"

Once the lights were on, what he saw put a smile on his face. His friends were here in front of him, not just the Spirits of Harmony (and Spike), but Mystic Shield as well, among the couple dozen ponies that were invited to the party. As promised by Pinkie Pie, the party was P3-themed. The banners were colored in pink, aqua, and green, the three colors of its main members. The balloons were shaped in the form of pearls, seashells, and all sorts of undersea creatures that balloons can be formed into; it was P3's prominent theme. Posters of its members were also present, likely owned by Mystic.

Of course, there was also a table full of food, complete with a birthday cake, which was designed to look like a seaside stage, and it had figurines resembling the three members of P3.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" everypony chorused.

"Wow!" exclaimed Chronicle. "This is a better party than my family ever managed to plan! But…" He noticed something missing. "Where's the music? I was hoping for at least a vinyl record."

"Silly!" said Pinkie. "Why settle for just a record…" She pointed at the door leading to Mystic's quarters, which opened and what came out made Chronicle drop his jaw. "…if you can have the real deal?"

The first pony he saw come out the door was a light blue pegasus, and recognized her to be Sound Wave, whom he had dressed up as during his first Nightmare Night in Ponyville. Her hair was the same shade of blue as Chronicle's own coat, very wavy, and had a cross-shaped barrette on her mane. Her eyes were blue, and her cutie mark depicted a surfing musical note.

The second one was a (fuchsia) pink earth pony, P3's leader Sealight Glisten. Her hair was blonde, though a shade darker than Applejack's, and was short, her mane kept in place by two hair ribbons on either side. Her eyes were also blue, and her cutie mark depicted a lighthouse, which she said represents a beacon of hope.

The third pony was a light green unicorn. Her hair was of a darker shade than her coat, and was kept straight and long (both mane and tail). Her eyes were green like her coat, and her cutie mark was a trio of jasmine flowers. Her attitude didn't imply outright gentleness though. In fact, she seemed like the cold sort, although 'defrosting'. (3)

All three of them winged sea shell necklaces colored in their respective coat colors. (Mystic Shield had missed that particular detail and Chronicle had neglected it in his Nightmare Night costume.)

After being at a loss of words for a while, Chronicle was finally able to speak again as the trio stood at the side of the room, where they came from, which seemed to have been cleared as if a stage was to be set there.

"Pinkie Pie… How…" He knew she was capable of doing impossible things, but this was just ridiculous. Just how would she be able to get these idol singers to come just for one pony's birthday party, while making certain they didn't have anything else scheduled?

"Somehow, without even knowing much of who we are, your friend here delivered a message to us," Sealight explained, her voice implying her as a young mare who insists in seeing the world in a positive light. "Of course, we were a bit skeptical. After all, we aren't exactly hired for birthday parties. But when she told us who it was for, Nicole Seacrest and I immediately accepted."

"Nicole Seacrest is their manager," Mystic told everybody else. "And Sealight's mentor."

"We never got the chance to properly thank you for saving us back then, Chronicle," said Sound. Chronicle's impression of her voice when he had cosplayed as her was spot on; high and perky. "Well, not the others, anyway."

"Wait a second," interrupted Spike. "Who did you save them from?"

"That pony was you?" asked Rarity. This made the others turn to face her. "I was there at that performance they mentioned."

"Huh. To think I was in the same place as a future friend of mine," said Chronicle. "Not counting Canterlot." When Twilight Sparkle was nothing but Princess Celestia's student. "And I never went to Ponyville until that fateful day." He thought it unnecessary to tell the P3 about the Elements of Harmony, and in turn spend some more time explaining "Else Pinkie Pie would've recognized me."

"What exactly happened there?" said party planner asked the trio. "Sounds like an interesting story! We've seen Chronicle do awesome things, but we'd like to hear similar tales from others. Know what other ponies thought of him." Her friends didn't actually agree with this, but were interested regardless.

"I guess we can spare some time for that," said Jasmine. She sounded older and more mature than either of her companions. "Although we can't consider it one of our gifts since he was there."

F—L—A—S—H—B—A—C—K

At the seaside stage, the three main singers were facing the crowd that had gathered to watch them sing. Sealight was on center stage, with Sound and Jasmine at either side. Behind them was their band, the Merpony Melody. Back then, that consisted of lead guitarist Firm Riff, bassist Mild Strum, and drummer Soft Beat.

"Thank you all for waiting, everypony!" Sound greeted. "This is the P3's second Seaside Live Concert!"

The audience gave a long and loud round of applause.

"Quick question," Rainbow Dash interrupted. "What does P3 mean, anyway?"

"It was meant to be Pitchi Perfect Ponies, but we changed it to its current title because we didn't want to get sued," explained Sound in a somewhat annoyed manner.

All of a sudden, a rumbling came from the sea. And then a sea serpent made out of water surfaced. Some of the audience weren't as scared of this as they should, as P3 sometimes hired stage magicians who specialized in water tricks.

(On an unrelated note, Trixie was not among those hired stage magicians, as she preferred fireworks and hogging the spotlight.)

The P3 took a step back as the "sea serpent" approached, and everypony could see four figures from atop its head.

"That's them, all right!" a voice came. A black pegasus mare jumped off and landed on the stage. Her mane and tail were styled in dreadlocks and were colored yellow and brown. Her eyes were red and her cutie mark was two tornadoes. According to criminal records, her name was Dual Twister.

"Three Merpony Duchesses hiding in plain sight," said another voice as the "sea serpent" lowered its head. A purple unicorn got off, her horn glowing violet, and leered at the P3 with pale pink eyes. Her crimson hair was very wavy and very long and her cutie mark depicted a sea serpent. Criminal records named her Aqua Scale.

One of the band members attempted to hightail it when a blast of ice dissuaded her, nearly freezing her solid.

"Uh-uh-uh. We can't have anypony leaving just yet. We have something important to tell you all." A snow white unicorn jumped down from the "sea serpent" and flared her horn, which shone in an ice blue aura. Her hair was blond and straight, and she wore two ice-themed hairbands on either side of her head. Her eyes were periwinkle, and her cutie mark was a swirling snowstorm. Her name was Sleet Heart.

This got the crowd murmuring in spite of the clear danger. The reason why no police had come over an attempt to apprehend the intruders was because their corrupt chief was bribed into keeping his forces away from the concert. As for security, they had been incapacitated minutes prior by them and a fourth member.

This member also jumped out of the "sea serpent". This member was a vermillion earth pony with very light green wavy hair, eyes of the same color, a gray bonnet, and a piano cutie mark. She went by the name Short Pitch. Speaking of pianos, the "sea serpent" appeared to gently spit one out; a grand piano to be exact.

The P3 took another step back and clutched a hoof onto their necklaces. Pitch noticed it as she seated herself at the piano, ready to play, and said, "Now, now, now. We wouldn't want to make a scene, now would we?"

"Just come quietly and there won't be any trouble," said Aqua as her "sea serpent" moved in to grab the P3.

"I'm afraid I can't allow that."

The new intruder's voice confused the criminals but it was soon clear who spoke when somepony teleported right above the serpent's neck. The pony cast a spell and a blade of energy emerged from their horn. They swung it down and beheaded the creature, turning it into simple water again as they landed between the two parties.

"Chronicle!" cried out Sound.

"Seacrest hired him to be a temporary replacement bodyguard after Pocampus, our usual as well as assistant manager, got sick…" Sealight explained.

"For the record, I was already a P3 fan before I entered their service," said Chronicle.

"Who do you think you are, meddler?" sneered Dual.

"Who?" Chronicle entered a battle stance. "I'm their bodyguard, and I'm not sorry to say that the P3 is not going anywhere."

"Oh yeah?" dared Aqua. "You and what army?" From the sea she 'created' another "sea serpent". Dual crouched, ready to ram into him. Sleet charged up for another ice spell. And Pitch prepared to…play the piano?

"Just me. And that's all I'll need." And with that, he charged.

Short Pitch began to play and blobs of water came out from the sea and began to fall onto the stage. As it was, the piano was empowered with water magic. Sleet then froze them into balls of ice before directing them at the pony playing hero.

Chronicle easily cleaved them apart, also smoothly dodging Aqua's "serpent". But then he saw Dual bypass him, and he knew she was headed to the P3.

Speaking of which, it turns out the piano music had another effect; somehow, the three idol singers looked like they were experiencing a mental attack and were clutching their heads, sans Sound who was attempting to pull both Sealight and Jasmine. The same didn't go for the band members though as Dual sped toward the trio. Sound didn't scream, but just continued pulling. Before the black pegasus could reach them, Chronicle teleported right between them with a barrier and stopped her in her tracks.

"Why didn't you just make a magical clone?" Applejack asked, interrupting the story again.

He then fired a couple more shots at the criminals, keeping Aqua and Sleet away. Pitch continued playing even as a few 'shurikens' whizzed over her head or grazed her piano.

"I hadn't learned that spell yet at the time," Chronicle answered.

He flared his horn and summoned a magical clone, which began shooting side-by-side with him, forcing Dual to regroup with the others.

"Oh wait. I had. Just wasn't that very experienced enough with it yet. Hadn't gotten the time to go for complex commands. Back then, it would just do what I do and follow simple instructions."

All the while, the audience was torn between vacating the premises or just staying. Who knew if that mare would turn its "serpent" on them if they did run? It was amazing in itself that not one of them went into a panic, which would've devolved the situation, which would've resulted in casualties. Some of them must've thought it was all part of the act. That or the music from Pitch's piano also had some sort of subliminal effect on them.

"We can't let this punk get the better of us," growled Aqua. "He's just one pony!"

"More like two to me," said Sleet as she decided to freeze the floor.

Chronicle frowned at the sight of the ice, he knew how to fight on it, but he wasn't too confident with his skills at that time, so he and his clone just continued blasting away. His spell arsenal wasn't as expansive back then; all he had was a 'blade', a 'shield', a shot spell, and sometimes sneakiness. Behind him, the P3 were still being 'bombarded' b the music.

Aqua summoned another "sea serpent" but this time it didn't fall apart from the 'shurikens' since she was maintaining it with her magic. "Hmm…looks like I have to get moving." Chronicle then turned to his copy. "Protect the ponies behind us." The clone nodded and he skidded straight for the foe. Ensuring he wouldn't slip, and using his spells to keep the "serpent" from knocking him off course, he made a beeline for Short Pitch, only for a wall of ice to come up in front of him.

He bumped into it and it halted his momentum. As his barrier dissipated from his loss of focus, Dual pounced on him.

"The fight wasn't easy, of course. I was up against four opponents with actual skill, unlike the Dig Dogs. I knew I was in over my head. But I couldn't give up. I had failed one of my charges once and paid for it with her life."

He teleported himself and Dual and they re-emerged up-side down right above Sleet, slamming into her. He managed to jump off, then draw his 'horn blade' mid-air, which he then swung down on the two of them, knocking them both out with the pain. With Sleet out of commission, the water balls raining down on them thanks to Pitch's piano remained just that.

Just then, the "sea serpent" swallowed him and began to ascend as it drowned him. "Let's see you escape this!"

There was a flash from inside the "serpent"'s body and Chronicle appeared right in front of Aqua, drenched and breathing hard, but still okay. His back hooves already glowing, he spun around to buck her in the face, knocking her out cold. "There you go."

"I rarely go hoof melee ever since I used my 'horn blade', which has more range."

Chronicle then turned to Pitch, who had just finished her melody, and had just realized her allies had been defeated. "Want some more?" he dared.

"You…you're gonna pay for this!" Pitch took out an orb of unknown purpose, which would never be known since the bodyguard shot it out of her hoof before she could use it.

"I think not." He then aimed his blade at her neck. "You're under arrest for disrupting a performance, attempted ponynapping, and assault. You technically delivered the first blow. And I know this is not all an act."

And then the crowd was in an uproar.

E—N—D—F—L—A—S—H—B—A—C—K

"In spite of the attack, after the four were successfully detained, we managed to carry on in the concert as if it never happened," Sealight finished the story. "Sound Wave spent a night with him before his contract with us ended."

"Before you ask, she was the one doing the advances, not me," Chronicle then added. "I did not return her obvious affections, especially after learning she has a crush on another of their mentors, a pianist by the name of Cadent Note." Sound blushed a bit as he said that. "My contract and conditions didn't allow me to find love. And don't ask me about what the attackers meant by Merpony Duchesses, I don't know and I don't care. I'm not overtly curious since it seems to be their 'story', and I'm not part of it."

"But now he finally has found love!" said Pinkie as she went over to him, pulling Fluttershy along. "And these two are officially together!"

Unfortunately for Chronicle, word of this had spread from Daisy after he bought flowers from her shop. Now the whole town knew, especially when Gabby Gums, a.k.a. the Cutie Mark Crusaders, released the rumor in the Foal Free Press (he personally preferred Equestria Daily if he ever had to read the news). Said rumor however, was whether or not his special somepony was her or Twilight, the latter based on the fact that he spends all his sleeping time in the same 'house' as her. They were unaware it was just professional and platonic.

And just like Rarity to a humongous gem, Sealight went starry-eyed at this affair. "Really? I'm so glad! Best of luck to you both! And I pray this love is not star-crossed!"

This gave the birthday stallion a pang of guilt he managed to successfully hide. "Well I hope you weren't simply invited so we can reminisce about old times."

"Actually, we also have presents for you," said Jasmine. "Starting with mine. We have a song that has yet to be officially released, and we'd like you to be the first to hear it." She turned to her friends. "Shall we?"

Sound and Sealight nodded and the three of them put a hoof at their necklaces. "We keep our idol dresses in these necklaces, which have a special spell to contain them," the latter explained. "Please stand back." Once the stage area was cleared, the P3 invoked, "Pearl Voice!"

As one, their shell necklaces opened, revealing a pearl of similar color inside, and a bright light emerged from it, engulfing the three ponies. It lasted only a few seconds, and when it faded, they were dressed in their signature idol costumes.

Sound now sported a short dress, with a set of boots to match it. The dress was light blue and the skirt was colored like the sky with two layers and ruffles. The boots were baby blue with pearl bracelets on them. She wore star-shaped earrings, her hair somehow grew longer, and her barrette was now star-shaped as well.

Sealight's outfit consisted of a pink dress with a short skirt, and lacy carnation pink boots, which matched Sound's in form. Her hair was also now in very long pigtails.

And Jasmine was wearing a long halter neck dress with a slit on the side ending at the thigh, long boots with dark green slightly ruffled cuffs to her elbow, and heeled sandals (like the ones in Rainbow's Gala dress), all of them a darker shade of green than her own coat. Just like Sound's, her hair seemed to have increased in length as well.

Everypony was awed at this 'transformation' and voiced their opinions. A few even cheered, being P3 fans just like Mystic. "Thank you, everypony!" announced Jasmine as Pinkie tossed a microphone to her, which she caught with her aura. "Please enjoy the P3 special for today's birthday colt, Chronicle!" Everypony stepped aside to reveal him, even as a party hat was placed on his head by Twilight.

Sealight then turned to a stallion standing by. "Hit it, Tidal Star!"

Tidal Star was a red pegasus with short spiky orange hair and brown eyes. He wore a simple black vest, and his left ear was pierced with a small hoop earring. Hie cutie mark was a surfboard ridden by a five-point star. "You got it, Sealight!" And he nudged the needle onto the turntable, the music started playing. (4)

(Music: www . youtube watch?v=LZsBp8xnnx0)

Now Playing: KODOU (English Fandub) by ChiokuDubs

The P3 bobbed their heads as they waited for the appropriate moment, then as the moment neared, Jasmine began to speak, "Once again, we'd like to thank you all for coming."

"This is our first performance of our latest song, 'Heartbeat'." Sound.

"We dedicate this song for Chronicle, his friends, and the magic of friendship!" Sealight.

As one, all three of them said the catchphrase they always said before singing the first verse. "Pichi Pony Voice Live Start!"

In the distance a dark storm starts to form, and we feel the need to give up
But we open our hearts, look deep inside for power…The power of love

Will we fight until the battle is won, we will not shatter our promise!
Let's bathe in the light that's shining down on our fate! And splash out of the sea

We will become much brighter…[much brighter, much brighter] than the sun
Our voices will get louder [louder, louder, louder!]
It's happening now…It's happening now!

Can you hear my heart beating? It's creating a beautiful melody!
Coming from the ocean blue, our feelings are profound and oh so true!

I take a look at myself in a clear shining mirror,
The power of love will fill my heart and it will start to burst at the seams
And I'll be born again, in this hot perfect harmony!

The entire audience was in an uproar. Although some didn't honestly love the song (without hating it), something in the music just made them feel so happy.

C—TS—S—A—RD—R—F—PP—G—MS—M—TS—SW—SG—JT—TS

After the song…

The phonograph was now playing another vinyl record, which was playing other songs P3 has sang. Currently, Chronicle and Tidal were playing Twister, and they were at each other's limits.

"So, what happened at that performance where you save my marefriend and the rest of the P3?" Tidal asked as he moved his hoof to another circle.

"I'm assuming you weren't there." Another call and he did the same

"If you remember, the concert was at night, and I had to sleep early. There was a surfing competition the day after."

"Not a very loyal coltfriend, are you?"

"I apologized to her as soon as I met her again. Also, even if I was there, what could I have done? Not everypony is as combat-capable as you or your friends."

"How did you know?"

"Sealight mailed me that their next performance is in Canterlot, so I figured I'd stick around for a while here until I hear word of their arrival. Your friend Pinkie Pie found me and hosted a party."

"And for some reason she didn't even invite her friends over."

"I learned my lesson from last time," Pinkie cut in. "Too many parties can really get boring if attended too many times, even if it my parties."

"I see."

"Also, you already lost. I didn't want to interrupt earlier since you were talking with Tidal Star!"

"Oopsie."

C—PP—TS—C—PP—TS—C—PP—TS—C—PP—TS

"And now it's time for the gift-giving!" Pinkie announced.

It was decided that his closest friends were to be the last to give their presents, so Mjölna went up first. Her gift to Chronicle was a helmet made out of a rare metal he identified to be mythril.

Accompanying her was an earth pony the same size as Big Macintosh. His fur was dark red and his hooves were black just like Chronicle. His mane and tail were the color of ash and had no particular style. He had a big chin, wore goggles over his eyes, and his cutie mark was a hammer and anvil.

"Ah, so this is Chronicle," he said as they shook hooves. "It's a pleasure to meet your acquaintance."

"Um, who would you be?"

"Heat Hammer, older brother and mentor of Mjölna." They let go. "I'm also a blacksmith, though I work in Canterlot. You know, you were the first pony to give her a job request of this level. To bring her something so special like a river serpent scale to forge into a shield… I can't thank you enough. Aside from repairing ornamental weapons, there wasn't much smithing for her to do until your request came along. How did you hear of my sister?"

"She was recommended by Graphite, the local weapons dealer."

"Ah, Graphite. I heard the two of them were planning something. Something that concerns the town."

"Yeah. He mentioned it being under-defended and they're likely hoping to better arm the police force, the Martial Arts Community, and maybe even this Academy."

Heat turned to face his sister. "Is this true?" She nodded in response. "I see. Allow me to help you in that endeavor." He turned back to face Chronicle. "Oh, I have a gift for you as well." He took out from his saddlebag a large yellow jewel shaped like a rhombus. "This here is a thunder topaz. One of few elemental-type gems that exist in Equestria. Aside from being absolutely delicious for dragons, if forged into an elemental ring, your magical attacks will attain said element."

"Huh?"

"I heard you're a brilliant fighter, and I figured… well… "

"Oh."

"Unfortunately, while I heard there's a place in Canterlot you can go to for that, I don't remember its location."

"I see. Thanks for the intel anyway."

The two earth pony blacksmiths then left to allow the next one in line to deliver their gift.

Skyla's gift was a pair of standard-issue Wonderbolts goggles. Graphite gave an ornate sword…except the blade was missing, which was all right with him. The Cutie Mark Crusaders shared a single apology letter to him for what they had done to Fluttershy as Gabby Gums (and he had been given an extremely stern word from the Apple family, Rarity and her parents, and Rainbow Dash for his idea of retribution on them). Bon Bon offered a bundle of her best quality candies. Cherry Berry offered a free pass to her Twinkling Balloon Services.

After a couple of other presents, Sealight was next. Her gift was a carpet straight from Saddle Arabia. Princess Celestia had been there a few weeks ago, during the incident with "Trixie the Dictator". (5) However, on opening it, it was revealed that it was a magic one, the sort that can be used for flying as can be seen by a few glowing glyphs on the borders.

"We got it as a gift after we held a performance there," Sealight explained. "However, we found it to be very fickle around anyone who isn't a stallion."

"What about your bodyguard Pocampus?" Chronicle asked her. "You referred to him as a 'he' in casual conversation."

"Pocampus is not a pony."

"Then what is he?"

Sealight put a hoof at the back of her neck and rubbed it. "A diamond dog."

Nearby, Rarity, who had overheard them, spit out the punch she was drinking. She turned to face Sealight and gasped, "Wait, what?!"

"Less than a year ago, Rarity had been ponynapped by one pack of them near these parts," Chronicle explained.

"I'm sorry to hear that. Nicole took in Pocampus a long time ago before I got my cutie mark," Sealight told the two unicorns. "I don't remember much of the details, but she told me he was found was the same day I had been ponynapped by a pack of diamond dogs just like you, Rarity. Apparently, she had called for a search party and there was a…rough struggle. Thankfully, there were no casualties, pony or diamond dog.

"However, in the chaos of the rescue, Pocampus had ended up coming along. We tried to return him, but they refused since he was the runt of the litter. so Nicole decided to take him in."

"I see. Interesting story."

Up next was Sound, who brought in a long white pillow, carrying it in her hooves. "We're quite popular in the island of Neighpon, not just the East Coast," she said. "And Neighpon has these pillows called dakimakura." She flipped it over to reveal that the other side had a teasing image of herself lying on a large bed mattress, as if tempting him to sleep with her. "Sorry about this, but at that time I didn't know you finally found a marefriend. You looked so uninterested in a romantic life."

"I was. Until I found her."

Mystic Shield's was a photo of the two of them that had been taken a month after the cross-world incident to Solaris Equestria. It was during a certain ribbon-cutting ceremony where his Academy was officially acknowledged by the Mayor as a certified 'school' and part of the Martial Arts Group, which is a civilian group dedicated to the defense of Ponyville against unnatural forces. It's also a vigilance committee, and thankfully vigilantism is not frowned upon at all in Ponyville.

There was also a delivery all the way from Canterlot, the gift coming from Moonbow Peek. It was a small crystal ball, instructions on how to use it, and a letter. Apparently, she had a prophecy for him, but he was going to check on that later tonight. He didn't tell his other friends about it, not wanting them to worry if the prophecy was grave.

And then it was finally his friends' turn to give their gifts.

Applejack's gift was a green checked blanket with an apple pattern. "I know you prefer gifts that have some practical use, but this is the best I could come up with."

"It's okay, Applejack. It's still practical. And the blanket I'm currently using is too thin anyway."

Pinkie's present was…not with her, but already at home, situated somewhere i the basement for him to retrieve. "I couldn't exactly bring it out here in the open," she had explained. He would find out later that it was something called a party cannon. An S & M model ("Whoa, these things are mass-produced?") that mainly fired streamers and banners. He figured these could tangle a target up close.

Rainbow gave him something she bought on a whim while at Canterlot after the blue monster attack; a 'magic conserver' that reduces the amount of magic a unicorn uses when casting a spell without losing any of its effectiveness. It was in the form of a leg band out of cloth and having a small black jewel attached to it. "Wow, I can't believe such a thing existed," he said to her. "Thanks."

Rarity presented a fancy navy blue cloak that was enchanted to resist all sorts of weather, be it intense heat, strong downpour, driving snow, or even hailstones. It's effects are maintained by the user's magical reserves, meaning it was best used for unicorns. And with the way Chronicle's magic operates, it was perfect for him.

Twilight's present was a book titled Advanced Combat Spells for the Royal Guard. "Don't ask how I got it, but I feel you could really use this book. You're not just our bodyguard, you're a friend we can count on."

Spike unfortunately didn't hve a gift to give, but the birthday stallion was fine with that; just attending the party at all was enough.

And last but not least was Fluttershy, who was understandably nervous. On her back was a gift box. When he telekinetically opened the box, he saw a woolen scarf. It alternated between pink, two shades of yellow, orange, and blue; both of their hair and coat colors were represented in this scarf. It didn't have that touch of perfection that often came with Rarity's works, yet he could tell that this scarf was hoof-made and not by sewing machine.

Both of them said nothing as he continued to examine the scarf with a curious eye. After a few moments of silence, he asked, "Did you make this?" Fluttershy didn't answer for a while, but before she could, he said, "As my mother always said, as long as you give it with all your heart, it doesn't matter." A scarf is still a practical gift. "Thank you."

He then put his foreleg around her head and pulled her in. He personally thought it was way too early for a kiss, so he just hugged her. The gathered ponies still cheered regardless, and Sealight and Sound squeeing in delight.

C—TS—S—A—RD—R—F—PP—G—MS—M—SW—SG—JT—HH

After the party…

Chronicle was going to bed after that very eventful day, a stack of still-unopened presents still nearby; he was going to open them tomorrow, and Spike would hopefully not peek into them and take them for himself.

Just as he got on it, he took out the crystal ball that was Moonbow Peek's gift to him.

"To Chronicle, From Moonbow Peek," the attached letter had said. "My crystal ball glowed with another prophecy without anybody nearby to read. I don't know why or what's happened, it had also told me where I can find such orbs like this gift to you. After I got one, my crystal ball transferred a bit of its 'power' to it. I could tell that the prophecy regarded you, so I sent it over. If it happens to be your birthday, Happy Birthday, although my present may make you anything but, unfortunately."

Following the instructions, Chronicle activated the small crystal ball and it began to give off a faint glow.

Somebody you haven't seen for a long time will arrive, but with them is somebody known to be a foe, yet at the same time it isn't, Moonbow's voice resounded in his head as the ball showed vague images. This 'foe' will try to turn ponies here to their cause and has a connection to the Elements of Harmony. This 'foe' also perceives the Sun Princess to be a villain.

Thankfully, this matter is quickly cleared up, but a new enemy will rise. It will crave nothing but the oblivion of all. There will be a Mare in the Moon again, and the Sun will also have its own 'prisoner'. When the battle is over, choices will have to be made.

Once the last 'word' was spoken, the crystal ball went dim, becoming nothing more than just that. It left Chronicle confused. "Huh. What could this mean?" he said to himself. "Will I meet Blue Diary again (his world has finally got out of stasis)? Or is it some other relative of mine? And this 'foe'… Nightmare Moon? Discord? Gilda? Rover's pack? Trixie? Some criminal I battled before any of them? What does the future have in store for me?" He continued to ponder it as he went to bed.

SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM

(1) I know about the Season 4 episode Daring Don't. Don't spoil.

(2) Looks like with these events, I'm gonna have to skip the episode "Castle Mane-ia". The reason why is because I decided that Chronicle was way too savvy to fall for the traps in the castle. Which would ruin the episode.

(3) As I've said before in "Luna Eclipsed", P3 is based off of the main characters of the animé Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch. Just as Sound Wave is my personal expy of "Aqua Pearl Voice" Hanon Hosho, Sealight Glisten is my expy for the animé's main character "Pink Pearl Voice" Lucia Nanami, and Jasmine Trinity is based off of the third member "Green Pearl Voice" Rina Toin.

(4) Tidal Star is my expy of Kaito Domoto, Lucia's boyfriend in said animé.

(5) Yes. "Magic Duel" will take place before this one, and in the middle of Season 2. Why? Why not? There doesn't seem to be much contradiction. That, and it's 'required' for one of my BONUS chapters, as I've said in the chapter "Lesson Zero".

nightelf37: Sorry if this chapter isn't good again. It's quite difficult for me doing these things, you know. And I know I keep looking down on myself in times like this. I know I'm not as good a writer as others, even though these have a lot of description. See ya on Third!

nightelf37: And here comes the Season 3 episode! Good thing I did away with the numbers.

Pinkie Pie: You know, I haven't managed to be here for quite a while.

nightelf37: Sorry, Pinkie. Not finding much reason for you to even be here. I hope you understand.

Pinkie: Eh, it's okay.

nightelf37: I own only the following: My originally designed OCs, and anything that doesn't happen in the show proper.

SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM

Magic Duel

Weeks before Chronicle's birthday, in the dreamscape…

Chronicle was busy attacking a dream version of the Discord statue in his training range. In fact, that was what his 'scape was like. Just then, the statue began to get up from its post and dodge his next attack.

That's when he knew something was wrong. Somebody was controlling his dream, and it wasn't him. "Who's there?! Show yourself!" None of his family, not even his father or mother (the latter not having yet visited), had the ability to completely wrest control over his dream.

He wasn't sure on how to respond to this, so he decided to call out again. "I know you're in here!" He then dispelled his environment, leaving only the regular black void. And found some purple mist he knew he wasn't dreaming up. As with any intruder, he responded to it by attacking. The mist evaded his magic shot and Chronicle gave a smirk. This was his dream, so he had control over this domain.

He conjured a dome of light to trap the mist, but then it smashed through like it wasn't even there at all. Getting a bit more irritated, he conjured an orb of flames around the mist, compressed it, and pulled it towards himself. This mist attempted to escape through like last time, but Chronicle followed it with a small tornado, resulting in a fire twister.

With a little more overkill in mind, he unleashed a lightning bolt from his horn at the twister, but then dark tendrils began to creep from below his feet. He escaped this by teleporting elsewhere. Upon emerging however, he found the fire twister heading straight for him.

He teleported again, this time somewhere above the twister and unleashed another lightning bolt but from the sky instead. The twister then immediately dissipated to reveal the lead Shadowbolt that had appeared all the way back from the beginning of his friends' first trip to the Everfree Forest, the one that failed to tempt Rainbow Dash and tested her loyalty.

Could this be…

As the Shadowbolt rushed straight for him, he teleported again and emerged somewhere higher, this time with his Glimmer Wings. He could easily have made pegasus wings for himself in the dreamscape, but he didn't know enough of its ins and outs, so he settled with what he was familiar with.

Using his dream power, he conjured plenty of spheres that would fire loads of energy bolts, even though he knew a good flyer would be able to dodge all of them. And dodge all of them she did, and quite quickly too. Even as both of them began to weave around the blasts, with Chronicle directing the spheres' attacks away from him, the Shadowbolt was just too good.

Chronicle decided to up the game once more. If this was a relative of his performing some sort of test, he wasn't going to fail this one so easily. If it was a sinister infiltrator, he's definitely not failing. In his mind, he willed the Shadowbolt to be larger, and then 'conjured' artillery cannons on the ground. If this infiltrator was actually native, at least the ones he thought of looked like they came straight from a sci-fi story. (He was able to deduce that such existed from a few comics he read and a pony with a robot cutie mark he saw.)

The cannons fired at the Shadowbolt, who flinched at the damage, but managed to recover so quickly and render herself invulnerable. Even as the spheres continued firing, the Shadowbolt then let out a cry and comets rained down from the sky and right for the cannons…which already moved to destroy them and defend themselves and each other.

Chronicle proceeded to unsheath his signature spell and began to spin like a drill. He then poised himself to charge straight for the Shadowbolt, even as he willed for jets (he saw a trio of them as a cutie mark on one pony in Canterlot) to support him. As the spheres pulled away while still firing, the Shadowbolt decided enough was enough and the whole dreamscape shook.

The comets ceased, the spheres and jets that just came exploded into white lights, the same thing went for the cannons, and Chronicle's attack was suddenly halted as his Glimmer Wings vanished. However, he had remained mid-air, in a sense, as the Shadowbolt then dispersed into mist once more. The two began to descend to the 'floor' as the dreamscape resumed its default void form, only with added white mist.

The purple mist then coalesced into a certain alicorn… "Very few lucid dreamers have this amount of control over their dreams, or realize this early that something was amiss."

"Princess Luna! What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be in Canterlot?", Chronicle asked. "From what your sister told me back when she visited during the Running of the Leaves, you're busy catching up with today's technology. And yes, I remember your Nightmare Night visits."

"I am the Princess of the Night," Luna answered as she walked towards him. "Thus it is my duty to come into your dreams. Also, you may address me as Luna here as well."

"Thank you…Luna. But why me? I heard you only come to those having nightmares. I certainly have no nightmares. Nothing I couldn't solve on my own." He didn't comment that she wasn't using the old speech and the ROYAL CANTERLOT VOICE, but he presumed that she's more confident in the dream world.

"Ah yes. The torment of failing to avenge your friends when Discord—"

"I very well know that one, and you weren't there to help me. Or at least I didn't see you. I don't blame you though. You can't be everywhere at once."

"I see. I came here because I sensed something peculiar in your mind."

"And what would that be?" It's probably my family meetings.

"One early morning, immediately after the attack of those blue monsters in Ponyville and Canterlot, while I slept the day, I was doing a cursory scan of everypony's dreams when I stumbled into yours. You were talking to somepony else, and it was an alicorn. A male alicorn."

Uh oh. She found my dad. Wait, can she read my thoughts in the dreamscape?

"My sister had confided to me that she was seeing her male counterpart from some other world through a magic mirror," Luna continued. "But that wasn't him, whom she called Prince Solaris."

Okay, so she was told that. "And…"

"When I enter a dream, I can always tell which is the dreamer and which is part of the dream. But that alicorn was neither. Tell me. Who was he?"

"…I'm afraid I'm not allowed to confide that information to anybody. Not even Princess Celestia can make me." If only because she already knows. "Besides, don't you think it's rude to force a pony to confide their secrets, even if you're a powerful princess?"

"Apologies. It's just that many perceive the unknown as dangerous. I do not know what is going on in your mind, but if whatever is entering your dream is dangerous—"

"I promise it's not dangerous," Chronicle assured. "Pinkie Promise." He proceeded to do the motions. "Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye. It does not bode well for a Pinkie Promise to be broken. Trust me, it won't end well. If you want to know what a—"

"I know what a Pinkie Promise is. I ended up making one with her last Nightmare Night."

"I see. You sure took control of my dream so quickly. But I could tell you could've forced your power over me completely if that outburst that ended our 'fight' was any indication." At any point, either of them could've modified the dreamscape, but they decided to keep it as is.

"The night isn't my only domain. Dreams are as well and I have absolute power over those I enter. Only a fellow alicorn can wrest control from me."

"I wonder if this is another reason the Princess of the Night was feared in the past. For all I know, Nightmare Moon probably cursed them with bad dreams."

Luna shook her head. "Nay. I did not have such an opportunity before Celestia sealed me away."

"Oh."

"Another thing I'd like to know, concerning our 'fight'."

"Yes, Luna?"

"What were all those weapons you conjured to attack me? I am not familiar with their existence in Equestria."

"Well, they're not a reality here, but they are in science fiction stories. Literature has advanced over the last thousand years. There are also night-goers with the advent of nightclubs. But surely there were stargazers even in the past."

"Ponies sleeping in the night was just one factor that led to my becoming Nightmare Moon. There were others as well, but I do not wish to confide them to just anypony."

"I understand." Chronicle traced a circle with his left front hoof. "So it's okay if you confide to a dragon, or a zebra, a griffon, or—"

"You very well know what I meant to say."

"I know. It's just that ever since my first greatest failure as a bodyguard, I've learned I should be exact with my words. I have confided the details to Princess Celestia after I awoke three days since Discord's defeat, so you could ask her."

"I see."

"I took a long drink after that, the only time I allow myself to be inebriated. Because I don't take failures that great very well. And surely you can't spend all night just talking to me, can you? Don't you have some sort of court to attend to?"

"Ah yes. The night court."

This made Chronicle wince, given what the Night Court in Blue Diary's world was like. Thankfully, last he heard, that court was no more, finally ousted by his friends, as well as a criminal they 'hired' named Zizanie. Zizanie herself was turned in after she was discovered to be a "Discordian" and wreaked havoc at the Gala. In the end, he and his friends were knighted by Luna herself in order to give them real political power so they would no longer be mere political puppets ever again. Also, Blue Diary contracted a minor case of Cutie Shift; his mark remained the same, but there were now two crossed swords behind it in an X-formation.

That was what Blue had relayed to him an Timerity right after their disastrous Grand Galloping Galas.

Luna noticed the dreamer's wince and asked, "Something the matter?"

He quickly regained his composure. "Nothing. Nothing you need to be concerned with."

And with that, Luna vanished back to her dreamscape. And then something else happened. An illusion spell dropped, revealing the eldest brother of the core Timer family, which consisted of their father Record Keeper, their mother Ebony Spell, Blue Diary the youngest, himself and Timerity the fraternal twins, and— "Mystic Wand." —him.

"Hello, Chronicle. Your dream showdown with Princess Luna Prime was sure intense, I was sure she'd find me."

"How were you even able to successfully hide from her and me in the first place?"

"Princess Twilight Sparkle taught me the spell. Personally." Wand was assigned to a world where Twilight Sparkle was the ruling Princess. It was still uncertain as to whether or not it was this world's future. "Turns out you don't always need loads of mana to perform high-level spells like these. It's all on the technique and know-how on the inner workings of magic. Blue Diary told me that's how Trixie modifies spells she learns to her needs. Like a sleep-for-chickens spell into a sleep-for-ponies spell. Or make 'call item A' spell to 'call item B'."

Chronicle put a hoof to his face. "Now I remember why we don't interact much. You can get into such a tirade when it comes to magic theory."

"Got it from our mother. We all have."

"Not Blue Diary. Although it's because his friends aren't nearly quite as 'stupid' as mine and Time's."

Wand frowned. "I heard it's not nice to call your friends stupid."

"But they are. And I want them to not be. I like them, but I want them to be smarter and wiser."

"Don't we all?" Wand said as he rolled his eyes.

"By the way, what brings you here, anyway?"

"Well, good news is that I was able to reach our youngest brother in Luna Equestria again via a complex spell. Bad news, it was only for a couple minutes. And he only had time to relay a message."

"What's the message?"

"Something about the talk he had with you about meeting you in the future and both of your worlds' Elements of Harmony. He realized it implied he already undergone the event, but in reality a dream message just told him to say that."

"So it hasn't really happened to him yet, right?"

"Yes. Only time will tell as to when it will happen."

"I see."

"Well, I'm done here. See you some other time." And Wand disappeared, returning to his dreamscape.

C—PL—MW—C—PL—MW—C—PL—MW—C—PL—MW

Daytime, at Fluttershy's cottage…

At the backyard stood the place's owner, her 'coltfriend', his charge, and her assistant. The first of them was hunched down to address several of her animals.

"Don't be scared, little friends. Twilight is wonderful with magic," she said. Flicking her eyes over her shoulder, she wheeled to face the unicorn mare, her sweet demeanor instantly replaced by naked hostility. "Anything happens to them, Twilight, so help me…" Spike immediately came in between them and shoved them apart as she relented.

"Aw, don't worry, Fluttershy," the dragon assured. "Twilight's magic has gotten a lot better since she accidentally crushed me and Applejack with a giant snowball."

"Last Winter Wrap Up," added Chronicle. "And I have improved as well since then, although it's less on magic prowess and more on power limit and combat capability." His charge gave them an embarrassed little grin, blushing as her ears drooped.

"Of course she's good with magic," Fluttershy assured herself. "Twilight's great with magic. I guess I just don't want my little friends to be scared." She started to panic. "Oh, oh, look how scared they are!"

"Looks far from it." Indeed, the animals seemed to be chittering happily.

Twilight stroked her pegasus friend's shoulder "I promise, Fluttershy. Nothing bad will happen to them."

Fluttershy was breathless, speaking through clenched teeth, "I know!"

"That's what I'm here for; to make sure nothing goes wrong," Chronicle told her. "Thanks to many mishaps my charge has done, I've practiced restoration spells, and have succeeded in a smaller-scale version of the failsafe spell." He turned to face Twilight. "Which you had failed to cast successfully."

This earned him a glare from his charge, before she took a couple of steps toward the menagerie and flaring her horn as the focused her mind.

"Stop! Stop!" Fluttershy was crying out as she hunkered down and covered her face, shaking. "They can't take it!"

"It," so far, consisted only of the entire group of critters being enveloped in Twilight's magic, who then aimed a concerned look back at the terrified pegasus and got down to work. One after another, she levitated the animals up several yards and got them moving in a circle, much to their audible delight. As she flicked her horn in a new direction and Fluttershy chewed her hooves—to Chronicle's confusion and concern—and stared pop-eyed, the animals were maneuvered until they were describing a deft figure-eight pattern, or more accurately the symbol for infinity.

"Twilight! That looks amazing!" gasped Spike.

Sweat had started to trickle down Twilight's face as a few sparks fell from her horn. At this point, she wound down, gently lowered the volunteers back to the grass, and wiped her forehead. "Whoo!" The animals gathered around her and cheered in their various ways. "That's all for now, little ones. Maybe we can practice again later, if Fluttershy says it's all right."

The animals hurried over to the self-compacted yellow/pink ball of equine and tried to raise her spirits, even as the only stallion around tried to do the same.

"Your magic has really improved since we came to Ponyville, Twilight," Spike said. "Princess Celestia's gonna love it!"

"Thanks, Spike. I have to be at my best when she arrives with the delegates from Saddle Arabia." The prodigy laughed a bit. "I can't believe she's trusting me with the entertainment!"

All of a sudden, Rainbow Dash rocketed right into her, plowing her away and into a fence. The violet mage had wound up on her back, with the blue flyer standing over her. "Twilight, come quick! It's an emergency!"

"What's wrong?" Chronicle asked in his charge's stead, who blinked uncomprehendingly.

C—TS—S—RD—F—C—TS—S—RD—F—C—TS—S—RD—F

At Ponyville's Town Hall…

A sizable crowd has gathered out front, and Rarity was standing in a clear spot among them. A bolt of red energy lanced in and burst against her, causing a green/yellow/brown-striped peasant-style dress with pink trim to appear on her body. As she looked herself over, her first reaction was a horrified shudder. There were shocked gasps from the crowd.

"You beast!" she addressed the source of the beam. "This shade of brown should only be used for accents!" Applejack galloped up, just in time to catch the fainting Rarity on her back. Pinkie Pie arrived on the scene as well.

"Come on, Applejack. We've gotta get her in a nice soothing pink—stat!" she said as they headed off.

Nearby, Mystic Shield lay on the ground groggily, his horn charred black from his attempt to subdue the intruder.

Twilight and her companions then came in, one of them gasping at Mystic's plight as his students helped him up. "What's going on here?" she asked.

The next voice—female, dramatic, soaked in venom but still oddly familiar—threw a major-league fright into her and her bodyguard.

"Well, well, well." They turned to see that the speaker was a mare in a black cloak. Around her neck was a gray medallion, an upside-down triangle set with a large, red, lozenge-shaped gem. Two red/gray wings stood up from the top corners of the triangle, and a red-eyed, gray unicorn head protruded above the gem. "If it isn't…" She threw up her hood back to reveal her face, the medallion serving as a clasp for the cloak. "…Twilight Sparkle!"

The violet eyes briefly flashed red, prompting surprised murmurs from the crowd and a shocked gasp from Twilight and her bodyguard. "Trixie!"

"Oh, dear Luna," said Chronicle. "I feared this would happen."

"What's she doing here?" asked Spike.

Rainbow flew up from the crowd. "You call that great and powerful?"

There came another red-eye flash, accompanied by an aura in the same color around the medallion, and Trixie let go with a burst that nailed her dead on. It left her right wing perhaps four times bigger than her left. She tried to fly but ended up veering out of control, yelling all the while. Down below, Snips and Snails looked on from within the crowd.

"Cool! She's Rainbow Wobble now!"

"Yeah!" Snails' laugh got cut off by a crazy swoop toward the town square, and only the two colts' last-second dive kept Rainbow from caving their heads in. Once they were back upright, Snips nodded happily and Snails waved. "Good spell, O Great and Powerful Trixie!"

Trixie was evidently not happy with them, not after what they did. "You two!" And she fired another bolt. "Quiet!" The glare and smoke from this spell cleared to reveal that—

"Hey! What happened?" Snips stammered, joined horn to horn with Snails and now upside-down.

"Get off of me!" Snails cried out.

The two unicorns galloped back and forth, tumbling and arguing all the while in a futile attempt to separate themselves.

"Stop picking on my friends, Trixie!" yelled Twilight as her bodyguard drew his magic horn blade.

"I may have tolerated you last time," warned Chronicle. "But with what you're doing now…"

"You and I have some unfinished business," Trixie addressed his charge. "My magic's gotten better since I was here last." She approached Twilight. "And I'm going to prove it. Me and you. A magic duel. Winner stays. Loser leaves Ponyville…" Her eyes flashed red. "…forever!"

"Forget it! I'd never make a deal like that!" She turned pointedly to face away from Trixie.

"Hmph. Your choice." She warmed up her horn, and all of a sudden Spike cried out as he found himself being floated up above the crowd. The cries turned to yells, and the red aura squashed him into a perfect sphere and bounced him on the pavement.

"Trixie, put him down!" Twilight demanded, also raising a leg to prevent Chronicle from rushing in, engaging in battle, and probably make a mistake that could cost him.

A hard bounce sent Spike up; next, a basket materialized at one end of a roof and the dragon ball (Chronicle had to groan from the pun that he realized he made) hit the rim, rolled around, and dropped in. The bottom had been removed from the basket so that he fells through as if this were a basketball goal; Twilight turned back toward Trixie.

"Why are you doing this?" she demanded.

"Why? Because you humiliated me!"

"Hmm…so those bits haven't helped that much, huh?" Chronicle said to the showmare.

"While those bits managed to get me a new wagon, it didn't help for what came next."

She conjured up a wavering flashback to the events from that fateful day; Twilight using her magic to levitate the Ursa Minor after quieting it (with her bodyguard supplying magic). The natural light dimmed a bit as the 'clip' played out in a frame of red magic.

Huh. Looks like I can play off Surveillance like this. If only I could ask her how…

"After you showed me up with that Ursa Minor…" The scene on the screen changed to that of Trixie's portable stage wagon being thoroughly defaced with mocking graffiti and garbage, and other ponies jeering and pointing at her. "…I became a laughingstock!" The Trixie in the screen bugged out in a cloud of smoke, shedding her cape and hat. "Everywhere I went, I was laughed at and ostracized."

Ouch. Word sure spread fast. But what were those ponies doing in those towns? Lyra, Berry Punch, Carrot Top, Bon Bon, Daisy, Cherry Berry… I'll have to ask them later.

The next shot framed one very glum unicorn using a levitated hammer to chip at a rock in a field. As it splits open, a stallion Chronicle recognized to be Pinkie Pie's father, who walked up and pointed impassively past her.

(During the period between the disastrous Grand Galloping Gala and Discord's release, Pinkie Pie took her friends to the rock farm where she grew up in. Introduced her to her parents and two of her sisters, one he almost swore was Octavia in casual look, but he was immediately told otherwise.) (1)

"I even had to take a job on a rock farm just to earn a living!" On the end of this, the Trixie in the scene looked apprehensively behind herself and the 'camera' zoomed out to reveal a tumble of much larger boulders waiting for her. The flashback ended in a poof of red smoke. "A rock farm!"

"Hey!" an incensed Pinkie yelled. "You're lucky a rock farm would take the likes of you!"

What looked like a small arrow winked into being next to her, similar to what Chronicle identified as a computer mouse cursor, and poked itself onto her nose. After a moment's tugging, the arrow yanked her mouth and nose completely off her face; now a small trash can appeared as well. The lid popped off, the arrow deposited the bits within, and the lid went back on, so that the entire operation resembled the act of dragging files away to be deleted on a computer desktop. Cursor and can both vanished, leaving Twilight to stare at her suddenly muted friend and then at Trixie.

Trixie's eyes flared red. "Now I want revenge. And I'll just keep casting spells 'til you agree." She then saw an irate Chronicle headed her way, horn blade drawn, a cry of rage escaping his mouth, and ready to strike her down. One could swear there was a glowing aura about him, but as he prepared to strike, she fired a beam of magic.

The attack was surprisingly fast and strong, it blasted him straight into somepony's house, making cracks in the wall and leaving him dazed for a few seconds.

He could hear the mayhem Trixie was causing and he knew she had to be stopped, but most of all, he had to find a way to get Pinkie Pie's mouth back. He knew she was one with "Toon traits", but who knows how long she would last? A normal pony would be dead in seconds, and if Pinkie did indeed… If that happened, Trixie will have to die.

"Well, what do you say?" he heard Trixie say as he got his head cleared. He got up, and saw more of Trixie's mayhem. Thankfully, it seemed that Pinkie has not asphyxiating (a normal pony should be down on the ground already, dead). But Trixie will have to go down either way.

And he saw Twilight about to say something, and he quickly got up and teleported in front of her, getting between her and Trixie… right before she could accept the challenge.

"Hold on a second!" he said. "Remember what I said last time about continuing our duel another time? What about we do it right now?"

Trixie just gave a haughty laugh. "Do you really think you can beat me?"

"As a matter of fact, I think I have a better chance than anypony else here. Also, I've faced more powerful beings than you even before I came to Ponyville." He wasn't just talking about Discord; he had confronted one or three great magi during his pre-Twilight Sparkle days as a freelancer. "If I had my way, I would fight you to the bitter end, but there would be dire consequences, regardless if I win or not." Namely, 'public relations'.

"What do you propose, then?"

"Combat duel. Anything goes, be it magic or physical, so long as it's not fatal or permanently crippling. First to break a bone or bleed loses. Remember, this is just between the two of us, so no involving the bystanders."

Trixie gave an evil smirk. "And the stakes?"

"Pride's not high enough a stake? Don't tell me you're chicken."

"I'm not. But maybe you are!" Just as she finished the sentence, she fired another magic bolt, which was dodged by its target and the other ponies that would've been in the line of fire.

"Whoa! You were just about to turn me into a chicken, aren't you?!"

"You said anything goes, right?" Trixie reminded him.

"Maybe, but if the next blow you planned to make would've been fatal to a chicken, that would be against the terms. Also, I haven't even said we could start." Just then, a wall of magic appeared around the two dueling unicorns.

Trixie was a it surprised at this and took a look and saw the unicorn she had taken down earlier back on his feet, casting a spell along with four other unicorns. "What is this?"

Chronicle didn't so much as react, seeing his friend and the First Four doing the casting. "Just a little insurance. This is between you and me. Now we begin."

"The terms have been laid down, and everypony here has stood witness," grunted Mystic. "Begin!"

Trixie made the first move by firing a bolt of red energy. Chronicle swiftly evaded that and countered with a "shuriken". Trixie fired another bolt that neutralized it.

He continued to shoot some more, and Trixie responded with a large force field, then let out another magic bolt that went through her barrier. Chronicle cast a barrier of his own, which managed to hold against the attack.

Wow. Trixie's stronger than last time, but either she underwent training through Tartarus—I think that's Equestria's term for the underworld—or… He then noticed the medallion…and recognized it. Oh no… the Alicorn Amulet! One of the most mysterious and powerful of all the known magical charms!

Just then, Chronicle's barrier began to crack. And then it shattered…but he wasn't there. Trixie clearly thought she was able to wipe him out, as evidenced by the gasps of the crowd. "A-ha-ha! Looks like the challenger couldn't take my—"

She was interrupted with a tap to the shoulder. Before she could turn to face whatever did it, she lost her focus on the barrier because she was headbutted by her opponent, who created a barrier around his own head. His horn wasn't sharp enough (like Pokey Pierce's) to make a cut, and too much force could be very crippling and maybe even fatal and he didn't want that.

Chronicle followed this up with a buck to the side, sending Trixie rolling all the way to the barrier. He then charged right at her, ready to make a slash at her with his signature spell, but she teleported away at the last second, re-emerging at the area opposite him. "What?!" he gasped. he didn't expect her to make such a close recovery as he withdrew his 'weapon'.

"Have you forgotten what I said?" taunted Trixie. "Anything you can do, I can do better." She then fired a volley of 'shurikens' that diverged from one another before converging again all on him. He shielded himself against her parody of his attack (and he did not know how to curve his in so many directions), then lashed out with a tether spell attached to his horn and it 'latched' itself into Trixie's.

"It doesn't matter how powerful you are," Chronicle taunted in return. "If your horn is under physical stress, be it pulled, pushed, gripped, or struck, it cannot cast magic. And most unicorns are nothing without their magic."

"Is that so?" Trixie then did the most unexpected thing; she rushed straight at him, then turned around for a buck. But Chronicle was ready for it; erecting a barrier, the attack was successfully blocked, although it was stronger than he anticipated from a unicorn.

"You're gonna have to do better than that." He canceled his tether spell and 'unsheathed' his horn blade, aimed at Trixie's side. He could've aimed for her heart and anticipated that she would dodge but not in time, but he deemed that too risky. She was able to dodge it and unleash a magic bolt that hit the barrier full force.

Unlike the last one, this bolt already started making cracks in the barrier. Damn, how did she get that Amulet? Probably from the money she earned at the rock farm. He shoved off the thought as he teleported away before the barrier shattered. Knowing Trixie would be aware of his previous tactic, he instead emerged to the left of his last location.

He immediately went for another tether spell to snag her horn, but it crackled with energy and the moment the 'tether' latched on, it immediately traveled across it and onto his own horn. The result was an intense pain so all-consuming he nearly forgot where he was. Red-hot knives were piercing every inch of his skin under his coat, his head was filled with pain, it was all he could do not to scream (instead grunting) as he rolled on the ground.

He could hear cries of concern and cries of his name, and one voice in particular reached him. No, I can't let this powered-up Trixie beat me! I promised myself not to fall again! I will not let them down! With all of his willpower, he managed to teleport out of Trixie's spell, and…not outside the large barrier's bounds, but right above his opponent, mid-air.

Trixie hadn't looked up when Chronicle landed on top of her, leaving both of them dazed, the former from the crash and the latter from recovering from the previous spell. She soon chucked him off her back, aimed her horn at him, and fired another magic bolt. Her opponent teleported away and back in front of her.

"No more games," he said before casting a different spell. A decorated 'circle' began to form underneath Trixie, glowing bright blue. She tried to get out, but she couldn't. She then tried blasting at the circle, but it was no good either. "No matter how powerful you are, you cannot escape." He would have to end this soon; he was running a bit low, and while he could've done the power transfer spell, he thought that would've been very unfair even for her.

With her nowhere to go, Chronicle leaped, his signature weapon drawn, ready to deal the wounding blow. Before he reached her however, he received a jolting pain on the side. This caused him to lose focus and drop to the ground in front of Trixie, where he saw that she had created a "horn blade" of her own and—upon turning—that it had made a serious gash at his side. It was bleeding too and it hurt something fierce; not something for the kids to see.

"Halt!" Greatstone called. "Chronicle has sustained an injury. Trixie wins!"

"Hah! Looks like I'm the victor!" Trixie gloated as the barrier was dismissed. She then 'picked' him up and hurled him behind his charge, instantly knocking him to near-unconsciousness.

Immediately, Mystic Shield was on it, "Lemon Hearts!" Said unicorn came over and did her stuff, covering the gash with a "magical bandage".

"Nnnh…" Chronicle groaned as he saw Twilight step forward.

"So, Twilight Sparkle. Shall we?" he heard Trixie say. "I'd say you have a bit of advantage since while you're still quite fresh, I'm a bit winded. Not that that matters much. I can still beat you."

Twilight turned to her bodyguard, who was slowly losing the fight to stay awake as a result from the critical hit and his unceremonious throw. "Don't," he tried to warn her. "Her power… it's not all…" But he couldn't finish as he continued to slip away.

The last words he heard before finally passing out told him his warning failed.

"All right, Trixie," he heard his charge say icily. "Let's duel!"

"Excellent," Trixie had replied.

C—TS—S—A—RD—R—F—PP—S—S—T—MS—G–TB–B–CC

Pinkie: Why did you skip the duel?

nightelf37: Personally, I found it a bit boring. Also, the scene after was quite heart-wrenching for me to type down. With the forced eviction and the sealing of the town. Kinda makes me wonder why the Princesses aren't sometimes a bit more hooves-on on these matters.

nightelf37: But—

nightelf37: As for the 'scenes' in "The Return of Harmony" arc, I skipped some of them too, and yes I did make a somewhat heart-wrenching scene of my own with the way Chronicle's battle-obsession was stopped.

Pinkie: I remember. Fluttershy had to purposely use the Stare, but not before punching him in the stomach to force his eyes open. And then him actually crying, not that I thought he was incapable of doing so. I mean—

nightelf37: I know, I know. Anyway, the case is, there are some scenes I can't write down because I got too much feels for them (that I successfully keep in) or because I don't feel it's overly necessary to know what Chronicle was doing there. Only on rare occasions will I do them; if not, I resort with my own.

Pinkie: Oh.

nightelf37: Now, back to the story proper! I intended to do a dreamscape sequence, but…oh, what the hay, I'll do it!

---

Within Chronicle's mind, Mystic Wand was busy fiddling around at his brother's "memory cathedral" by way of a complex spell he learned while in his world. Unlike the rest of his siblings (indeed, the rest of his -core- family), Wand was more experienced in magical theory and application than in combat. While his siblings were akin to knights in a sense, he was more of a scholar.

The "memory cathedral" is a place developed by a person who practice the technique called the method of loci. One would order their memories into a visual location of some sort—a cathedral, town, house, carrier, even a submarine—so long as it can be pictured easily and is familiar to the person. It can be used to remember or forget, but he wasn't all too familiar with the how of that.

He was about to investigate the memories of his younger brother's arsenal when he was suddenly whisked to the dreamscape. He found Chronicle looking dazed. Not wanting to tell him he had been snooping about, he asked, "Is something the matter?"

"Oh, Wand! Am I glad to see you!" He didn't question why his eldest brother was suddenly here, because he needed his help right now.

"Why Wand? Why not Mystic?"

"Because I already have a friend whom I call Mystic, only his second name is Shield. Anyway, I need your help."

"Are you sure? You know we're not supposed to meddle in each others' world's affairs."

"I know that, but…my friend's muzzle—both mouth and nose—has been removed and I need to find a way to get it back. Luckily for her, she has Toon traits, so she isn't dead yet, but I don't know how long she'll last."

"How was it removed?"

"Clicked-and-dragged into a 'virtual' trash bin by a 'virtual' mouse. Caster of the spell was wearing the Alicorn Amulet."

This shocked the dark blue unicorn. "What?! The Alicorn Amulet?! How did—" He cut himself off. "Wait. Is it from some black market?"

"Yes."

"Oh. It's just that in my world, the Alicorn Amulet is sealed in a high-security vault. It's a forbidden artifact made out of…brr, I don't want to say."

"I think I get what you're saying." Alicorn is also a term to describe a unicorn's horn. "What else is there about the Amulet?"

"Well…"

Wand told Chronicle about the Amulet, about its power, about its history of users that went corrupt with it, the fact that it was not the amulet that made them so but the power it granted, and how to part it from its wearer.

"I see. Thanks, Wand."

"You told me that your friend has Toon traits, right?"

Pinkie Pie. Chronicle nodded. "Right."

"And that she managed to fight an 'iris out'?"

"Yes."

"Ah. I'll see what I can do. I can't enter your world. Not supposed to, anyway. But I can go to its 'black dimension' and fix her if she happens to go there. Try and inform her of that when you get the chance."

"How will you go about it?"

"Well, step one, I'll—"

But before he could say anything, both of them were evicted from the dreamscape, one back to his own, and the other—

C—MW—C—MW—C—MW—C—MW—C—MW—C—MW

—back into the domain of the waking. Chronicle felt pain coursing through his back and all over his body and wondered what his brother was about to say before being forced awake.

"Oww…" he groaned before opening his eyes and realizing just where he was.

He was at a stretch of meadow well outside Ponyville, lying on a patch of dirt. He had apparently been tossed, most likely by Trixie, all the way out of town, and rolled for a while before awaking. He turned to the side to see that the same thing has happened with Twilight; she lost her duel, just as he has lost his.

He also saw a gigantic dome flash into existence above the town and was slowly lowered over it as they got to their feet. By the time it landed, it cut the two of them off from the town as well as their friends, the other Spirits of Harmony, Spike, and Mystic Shield.

Rainbow was trying uselessly to smash through headfirst, and Spike and Mystic pressed one claw/hoof against the barrier. The two forced exiles touched their hooves to their respective spots.

"It's okay, guys," Twilight assured the others. "I'll figure something out. Just take care of each other, and keep an eye on Trixie. There's something strange about her." And then off she went, Spike saying her name as he thumped his forehead against the dome—as solid as any glass or plastic wall.

Meanwhile, Chronicle was saying, "Mystic Shield, I leave this to you and your students while I'm gone."

For some reason, Mystic was feeling at all confident, likely shaken from seeing Chronicle fall and his own failure to oust Trixie earlier. "After seeing what she did, I'm not sure we can."

"I need you, more than ever. Should Trixie try something again, you and your students are the next line of defense. Please," he pleaded.

The ascot-wearing unicorn shook his head. "No promises. I know of no other place where I can set up my academy should I ever cross Trixie and have her ban me. Most everywhere else I tried setting up, they either had very few unicorns if any, or the officials didn't approve. Ponyville's my only way to uphold my mentor's legacy, and I swore to him that I would continue his teachings.

Chronicle gave a sigh. "…Fine. I'll see what I can do out here. Best of luck to you." With that, he took off after his charge, leaving his friends behind, not that he had a choice in the matter; they were trapped here, and it will be up to him, Twilight, or some other wandering hero to save Ponyville. Well, there was still Princess Luna, and despite her night hours she would probably be awake to tend to legal matters in Celestia's absence, but he felt it would be 'cheating' to ask her for help on dealing with some madmare. Maybe as a last resort.

C—TS—S—A—RD—R—F—PP—MS

Eyecatch (picture-type)[/url] - To the right is Twilight Sparkle and Chronicle running off somewhere, their faces in a determined expression. To the left is the closed off Ponyville, where their friends saw them off. The show's logo is seen on the upper right.

C—TS—S—A—RD—R—F—PP—MS

nightelf37: All right! It seems that I had enough in me to write the sealing of the town. Just shut up, okay?

Pinkie: I didn't say anything.

---

Somewhere at the meadow…

While Chronicle paced about behind her, deep in thought, Twilight was standing in a grassy area and casting a spell on a flower in front of her. Her shaking lean forward and moan through gritted teeth told just how much mental effort she was putting into this one; the teeth ground and the sparks flew, and in due time the bloom folded itself up into a bud. She smiled at the result, but a moment later the effect undid itself and she voiced a supremely frustrated groan.

"It's impossible!" she exclaimed. "How could Trixie know such advanced magic? Without Spike, I can't get a message to the Princess in Saddle Arabia."

And it'll take a long time to go all the way to Canterlot to inquire with Princess Luna. Assuming we can even get an audience with her in record time, thought her bodyguard. He didn't voice his opinions though.

"So who else do I know who understands strange and powerful magic?"

"What about Zecora?" Chronicle suggested.

"That's a great idea!"

C—TS—C—TS—C—TS—C—TS—C—TS—C—TS

Later, at Zecora's hut…

After the two explained to the zebra their current predicament, Twilight paced the floor while Zecora sat cross-legged on her haunches at a small table, holding a cup of tea, and with Chronicle standing in front of her.

"Your tale of woe upsets me so," the Everfree resident took a sip. "No wonder you're dour. It's an abuse of power!"

"I don't know what to do, Zecora," said Twilight. "I feel like I've abandoned my friends, but I can't take her on horn-to-horn."

Zecora took another sip before setting down the cup. "If you train with me, so good you'll be. I'll show you the way to make sure she won't stay."

"You'll train me in magic? But she was doing age spells, weather spells, you name it!" An overly emphatic gesture knocked over the cup, spilling the tea. The herbalist looked at her worriedly and held the vessel in one hoof.

"When it comes to magic, it would be tragic—" She waved her other front hoof over it and it was instantly refilled. "—If somepony licked me, especially Trixie."

"You really think I can beat her?"

The zebra nodded. "Mmm-hmm."

This got Twilight so excited that she jumped her forelegs onto the table, spilling the tea again. "Okay. When do we start?" This time, she got a slightly nasty look through narrowed eyes and gave back a placating grin.

"Well, I could use some help too," said Chronicle. "A shame I left the element crystals back home." This earned him a confused look from the zebra. "Twilight had one when those blue monsters attacked Ponyville. And your hut."

"Ah, that memory is quite clear to me," said Zecorra. "She had a companion with her named Kairi. And there is something I would like to ask, how was she when you saw her last?"

"Well, after the attack, she had to leave. She had friends with her, so don't worry. Also, how is this relevant to our situation?"

Zecora had nothing to say to that.

C—TS—Z—C—TS—Z—C—TS—Z—C—TS—Z

Later, elsewhere in the forest…

The two unicorns were standing on the surface of a totally still pool, both using a mild version of Chronicle's walk-on-water spell, floating a couple of large, shapeless blobs of water around themselves. Zecora stood meditating on one hind leg at its edge, the other one stuck straight out in front and her front hooves touching. All of them had their eyes closed.

"Ahhh…no noise, no sound, no din, no fuss must interfere with your focus," Zecora said. "Unlearn what you have learned. Only then can victory be earned."

Twilight seemed to be concentrating too much and groaning as she tried to keep focus while Chronicle was still relatively calm. Eventually, the former popped open her eyes and, having lost her concentration, she had just enough time for one yelp before splashing into the pond along with her three water blobs.

As her head surfaced, Zecora leaned in towards her. "There is much, much that I can teach. But the answer you need may still be out of reach. Chronicle over there, as you can see, in spite of the crisis,remains serene."

Indeed her bodyguard remained undisturbed, although his legs began to buckle a bit, but he remained standing. What followed next was a tickling sensation. While he did his best not to show that he was laughing, his face betrayed the fact that he was resisting.

Twilight surfaced from the pool as her new teacher walked off, stopping when she said, I'm sorry, Zecora. I'm trying my best, but…I can't stop thinking about Trixie. There was something different about her. It's like she's gone from high and mighty to mean and nasty."

"Your thinking needs a re-adjust," Zecora said before walking off again. "Total concentration is a must."

All of a sudden, Chronicle's tail began to twitch before his body was then forced into a series of high-speed dance moves before ending with a wild spin. Naturally, this broke his concentration and he and his blobs of water fell. Zecora stopped one more and turned to look at the lake as he surfaced and spat out some water that made it into his mouth.

"My friends are in trouble," he said. He didn't want to use Surveillance in Zecora's constant presence. "Trixie is tormenting them with menial tasks and punishments as we speak."

"How can you tell, if I may inquire, that your friends' situations are most dire?"

"You see, just like my friend Pinkie Pie can predict certain things with the Pinkie Sense, Chronicle has something like it, but it works differently," Twilight explained. "It's called the Harmony Link."

"I know what the Pinkie Sense is." Her time in Ponyville eventually taught her what it was. "But not, however, of this Harmony Link."

"While Pinkie predicts random things about to happen, Chronicle predicts bad things about to happen to me and my friends. When Pinkie's tail twitches, something's going to fall. If his tail twitches, something bad's happening to Pinkie."

"For each of my friends, a certain body part reacts accordingly depending on who, then I either receive a portion of what they're suffering, or a migraine if their minds are being affected," Chronicle continued. "For Twilight, my horn sparks magic. For Applejack, my legs buckle. For Rainbow, my sides ache at the places where I would have wings if I were a pegasus. For Rarity, my eyes sting. And for Fluttershy, my heart beats out of rhythm." He then turned to face his charge. "Harmony Link? Not the first name I would come up with."

"It was in The Elements of Harmony: A Reference Guide."

"Really? That means I'm not the first." He then shook his head vigorously. "But let's ponder on that later. Right now, we need to practice. Find a way to stop Trixie and talking about things like these isn't helping."

C—TS—Z—C—TS—Z—C—TS—Z—C—TS—Z

Back in Ponyville…

Spike peeked out of a curtain, seeing the banners of Trixie attached to various Ponyville buildings and flapping in a strong wind. The sky had gone a dull, cloudy gray. There was also a statue of the vanquishing sorceress—rearing up on her hind legs, dressed in her old, star-spangled hat and cape with jewel brooch.

He and the rest of Twilight's friends were inside the Books and Branches Library. With them were Mystic Shield, and two of his students: Tricky Books and Morpheus.

Everypony was skimming through the library's books with a speed that would be the envy of any college student cramming for finals. The books had been dumped in piles on the floor, the shelves nearly empty.

Rarity gave a sigh as she magically closed book and threw it aside. "This really doesn't seem to be getting us anywhere."

The book had landed on a pile away from her, from which Pinkie put her head up with a resigned moan and shrug. Just in case, Tricky had cast a spell on her so that breathing wouldn't be needed for her to survive. Food and water is still a problem however, so it was merely a temporary measure.

"I hear you, Pinkie," said Applejack. "I can't find anythin' that describes the kinda magic Trixie's doin'."

Spike groaned. "There must be something. Twilight has every magic book there is!"

"All I can figure out is that the magic isn't really coming from her," said Tricky.

Meanwhile, Fluttershy found a picture of the Amulet in the book she ws currently holding. She pointed to the picture. "Um, I think I may have found something."

Rarity popped up in front of her, hamming it up, "Yes, it's time for us to consider our futures in this new, Trixie-led Ponyville."

Fluttershy shifted position. "Um, this sounds an awful lot like Trixie's magic."

And then came Applejack. "She wants me to grow apples with no peels!" She gave a sigh. "Now how the hay am I supposed to do that?"

Fluttershy moved again. "Um, there's a picture here of that necklace."

The mouthless pink pony stood up with a few irked grunts and gesticulations. None of the others have paid her the slightest bit of attention throughout. Except for Morpheus.

"Um, girls?" he said. "Everybody!" Nopony paid attention to him either.

"It's called the Alicorn Amulet, and whoever wears it is blessed with untold—" Spike yanked the book out of Fluttershy's grip.

"Hey, everypony, look! This book has a picture of Trixie's necklace!" White, pink, blue, orange-tan, purple, and silver-gray heads instantly clustered around for a better look. "It's called the Alicorn Amulet, and whoever wears it is blessed with untold powers!"

The diligent yellow pegasus had found herself at the back of the group alongside the black disguise-capable stallion. "If you read a little further, you'll see—"

Rarity was reading. "Even though it provides great power, it also corrupts the user."

"Yes, but, um, you can't—"

"You can't just take the Alicorn Amulet off her neck." Spike. "It has a magical lock. Trixie's the only pony who can take it off!"

"Maybe we can—"

"We need to get this information to Twilight." Applejack. "She'll know what to do."

"But…h-how—"

"If any of us try to leave, Trixie's magical force field will tell her." Rarity.

"Maybe we should—"

"I've got it!" Rainbow flew up toward the ceiling. "Trying to sneak past the force field would be impossible without help." She then gave a wink. "But I know who's got the goods to get into the woods."

"I-It must be—" Rainbow then swooped down and lifted the other pegasus overhead.

"Fluttershy!"

"What?!" She crashed to the ground and shivered under an open book as Applejack walked over to her.

"What do you say, Fluttershy? Can you handle the mission?"

Fluttershy popped up. "No!" She landed on her haunches, clutching the book. "I'll crack under the pressure!" She hunched down under it again. "I'll snap like a twig!"

The brash blue daredevil came to sweep her off the floor, making her drop the book again. "Perfect! Fluttershy'll sneak out of Ponyville and find Twilight and Chronicle."

"But…but I…I…"

Down she went again like a ton of bricks wrapped in a pink mane and tail. At the center of the room, and four hooves—white, pink, blue, orange-tan—reached into view and piled up. Their owners look hopefully across the room, where Fluttershy huddled miserably with bugging eyes and chattering teeth. Three more hooves—purple, silver-gray, black—relented and did the same.

"As much as they're apparently inconsiderate of your lack of confidence in this mission," Mystic said, "you're really our only chance. Come on."

Fluttershy finally lets off a defeated sigh and hesitantly added hers to the pile of limbs. "Okay."

They broke the pile with assorted declarations of support, confidence, and yielding.

"And I know just the design, for a dangerous-mission outfit!"

Just in case, I'm sending Morpheus to accompany her," Mystic said. "Should she get caught, he'll serve as the distraction.

The black unicorn took offense to this. "Hey!"

"Twilight doesn't know or trust you enough as she does Fluttershy."

"And why not?"

"Because she knows her much more than she knows you."

"…Good point. I'll need some time to perfect my disguise." And with that, he went over to the shaking pegasus and looked her over, but made certain his eyes weren't too leery or lecherous.

S—A—RD—R—F—PP—MS—TB—M

If one were to look at Ponyville from outside, they would see dark clouds confined within the force field Trixie put up around it; outside, the sky was still clear and blue.

Not that Fluttershy and Morpheus could see it from their hiding place. It was a clever plan. Employing three beavers that were stuck inside the barrier, they would hide inside a felled tree trunk with a knothole—both of its sides bitten off to enforce the illusion— and the beavers would take it to the force field. Two of them would then pat at the force field to call for Trixie's attention and one of them would convince her to lift it up for them to pass.

"You there! What are you doing?" Morpheus heard Trixie's voice. The plan was working.

The beaver not beating on the field let go with what was almost certainly a torrent of unprintable language, pointing at the log and the barrier to make its point—they want to move their cargo toward the forests.

From the sound of magic that followed, Trixie seemed to allow them to pass, tipping the whole thing up just enough to let all three beavers carry their lumber out, and let it slam back down.

A few seconds later, they heard Trixie leave. "Okay," Morpheus whispered. "I think the coast is clear."

One beaver then reached into the knothole and yanked Fluttershy out, with another pulling on his tail to help. She was now dressed in goggles and a dark gray hooded shirt and matching shorts with lighter gray accessories: utility belt, sewn-on covers for her ears, shoes on only three hooves. The missing shoe and her generally disheveled, dazed appearance spoke to the very rough journey she had had getting to this point. Shaking some sense into herself, she propped the goggles on her forehead.

Morpheus popped out as well, his appearance identical to hers, but cleaner and with the fourth shoe. He noted that the outfit had his not-really-existent wings covered, not that they'll even open up since it was but a disguise.

"Oh…oh, dear!" Fluttershy said as she backed and turned away. "Rarity's dangerous-mission outfit is ruined! Guess we better go back."

Her retreat was stopped by one frantically chittering beaver in front, then the other two and several birds from behind. One of them chirped in her right ear.

"Oh…okay, okay, you're right. I need to be brave and find Twilight." Another bird chirped in her left ear. "Oh! Y-You've found her?" She then entered a panicky state. "She's in the Everfree Forest?!"

The scuffed-up pegasus galloped back to the log she rode out on, tackling Morpheus in the way, and dove back into its knothole, but the birds dragged her out by the ears, mane, and tail. She found herself being carried backwards toward the untamed wilds.

"Oh, for Celestia's sake, Fluttershy. Don't back away now!" said Morpheus as he followed her. "Twilight needs you! Chronicle needs you! What will he say if he finds out you were assigned to send a message to them only to chicken out at the last second?"

"Oh, this is me being brave!" she ignored him, trying to "run" in midair as the beavers followed. "I want to be brave at home! Locked in my closet, with my teddy bear!"

"Wow those birds must be very strong," commented Morpheus. "There's no way a pegasus could be this light. Or is it just pegasus magic at work?" He shrugged the question away.

F—T—M—F—T—M—F—T—M—F—T—M

At Zecora's hut…

Fluttershy was seated on her haunches at the table inside, out of her covert-operations gear, picking up a cup of tea, and sipping it. She was seated opposite of Zecora, and Chronicle (naturally dried off) sat between them, an expression that was between being cross and being ashamed in his face. The two of them had similar cups as well.

"I'm disappointed in you, Fluttershy. You, who braved the Everfree Forest with us. You, who decided to go in after me to rescue Elizabeak and the Cutie Mark Crusaders after they wandered here. Being such a…" He couldn't finish and just groaned. "Ugh."

Fluttershy felt extremely ashamed. He had a point, and she had no excuse in his eyes. "Sorry. It's just that after seeing what Trixie can do and is willing to do, I… I…"

Chronicle let off another sigh. "Fine. I'll let this by." He then turned to Morpheus, who was now back in his original appearance. "What brings you here?"

"Backup plan and distraction. And I had to push your friend the rest of the way once the birds and beavers started being not enough." The black unicorn shook his head. "Guess that didn't make for a very good scene, huh?"

"It didn't." When Chronicle had saw two Fluttershys coming over, he fired a weak shot at the pusher, as the one he knew would never force another pony around. The shot had struck Morpheus in the horn, forcing him to drop the disguise.

Twilight, also dried off, was currently pacing the room, taking in the intel their friend had offered. "I can't believe I didn't recognize the Alicorn Amulet!"

"And the more she uses it, the more it will corrupt her!" Fluttershy added.

"But is the corruption from the amulet itself, or just the temptation of such power?" asked Chronicle.

"Don't tell me you're thinking of taking that amulet for yourself," gasped Morpheus.

"Yes. Unless the corruption is from the amulet itself, I think I can resist the temptation. I won't use it all the time, of course, and not at all if the corruption is from the amulet itself. Don't worry, I'll have it verified once we have it."

"But how am I supposed to beat that Amulet?" complained Twilight. "My magic's not good enough."

Her bodyguard then gave a sigh. "And neither is mine. This is why I don't do magic duels; battle's more of my forte. I should'nt've held back. But then I could've killed her."

"Twilight Sparkle, much work have you done. You learned all of my lessons—all but one," said Zecora. "If Trixie's tricks have you in a fix, You must nix your magic and use the six."

"Nix your magic, use the six"…"nix your magic, use the six," Twilight repeated to herself. A floodlight then came on behind the purple eyes. ""Use the six," that's it! Zecora, you're a genius!" Zecora allowed herself a contented little smile and nod, and Twilight levitated aquill and scroll over to the table and began to write. "Now we'll need to get you back inside Ponyville, Fluttershy, Morpheus."

Chronicle turned to face Zecora and asked, "Is the 'six' you referred to the six?" Eventually, as the zebra got integrated into the Ponyville community, she learned about the Elements of Harmony and its bearers.

Zecora answered with a nod.

"I see."

C—TS—F—Z—M—C—TS—F—Z—M—C—TS—F—Z—M

Eyecatch (video-type) - On the left side is Zecora's hut. From the right emerges Fluttershy, who was pushed by the similar-looking Morpheus. Chronicle opens the door, and blasts Morpheus, reverting him to his original look and leaving him dazed. As the blue unicorn put a hoof to his mouth in apology, the show's logo appears on the upper left.

C—TS—F—Z—M—C—TS—F—Z—M—C—TS—F—Z—M

It was a few hours before dusk would set in.

"This better not be another false alarm, or the Great and Powerful Trixie will—" This threat died with a gasp as the self-proclaimed dictator of Ponyville saw the two exiles, and the Everfree Forest's resident behind them.

"You!" she seethed as she walked over, her voice muffled by the field. "What's the matter, Twilight Sparkle? Not enjoying your exile?"

"I know about the Alicorn Amulet. I know you cheated," was the reply.

Trixie feigned offense. "Cheated? Moi?"

Twilight gave a shrewd smile, levitating another necklace. "Yeah. And I thought you might want to see what a real magical amulet looks like." This one consisted of a thick gold band set with a roughly circular piece that displayed three spirals curling in from the edges. "Zecora gave it to me. It's from beyond the Everfree Forest—" The prodigal unicorn secured it around her neck. "—and it's way more powerful than your measly little Alicorn Amulet!"

"Ha! Nothing's more powerful than the Alicorn Amulet!" Trixie boasted. "And nopony's more powerful than the Great and Powerful Trixie!" Her eyes flickered red.

"Care to put your amulet where your mouth is? How about another duel?"

"Why should I? I already beat you."

"That's up to you…" Twilight replied teasingly as she walked away. "…but I guess you'll never see the totally awesome magic from beyond the Everfree Forest. Come on, Zecora."

The departing teacher and student gave Trixie a good view of their rumps and hind legs. Chronicle seemed to be at odds with something, then he seemed to relent and leave as well, but not before giving Trixie an "it's not over" glare.

"Wait!" Trixie then said, her eyes broadcasting her desire to do anything more pleasant—say, pulling her own teeth out through her nose—but she teleported herself out of the force field and let it dissipate. An instant later, she has reappeared next to the confident pair and grumpy stallion. "Okay, okay, you're on. A second duel," she finished softly and viciously.

C—TS—T—Z—C—TS—T—Z—C—TS—T—Z

Later, at the town square…

Everypony was gathered. All the pieces were set. Chronicle was furious that Trixie caged the mayor. Trixie, Snips, and Snails stood at one side of the open space facing Twilight, him, Applejack, Rainbow, Rarity, and Spike at the other.

Lightning ripped the air behind the scowling blue unicorn, and Twilight planted her front hooves a bit wider to give herself a good stance. Her face was set in a quiet, squint-eyed grimace, as are those of the friends ranged behind her.

"Remember, Trixie," Chronicle warned. "If I see you crippling anybody for life or ending it, I will end you."

"Oh, please. If our duel last time was any indication, you don't have what it takes."

"I was just going easy. It wouldn't do for me to commit outright murder in front of the whole town."

Trixie decide to ignore that and addressed her opponent. "Let's start with a simple age spell, shall we?"

"Let's."

"Snips! Snails!" As soon as they galloped in to face her, they get hit with a spell that turned them both into newborns and start crying at full tilt. Trixie smirked. "An oldie, but a goodie." She then gave a dismissive chuckle. "Now let's see what your little charm can do."

There came a moment's thought from Twilight. "No problem." She looked to one side. Um, Applejack, Rarity? Could you help me, please?"

"Huh?" Both of them said, one after the other.

As they stepped forward, Trixie rolled her eyes and tossed her head as if to say, Is this really the best you can do?

Twilight adjusted her stance a bit, got her horn going, and faced down the two very uneasy volunteers now standing in front of her near a statue. Trixie floated an emery board up to file the edge of a hoof, clearly unconcerned about anything her opponent might do.

Then came the boom, throwing up a cloud of smoke that dissipated to reveal that both Applejack and Rarity have been turned into fillies and lost their cutie marks. Applejack's hat was the same size as it was, meaning that it is now far too large for her head. It toppled forward, covering her entire face.

Across the way, Trixie kept filing her hoof for a moment, then dropped the board with a bug-eyed, slack-jawed stare. Total disbelief was quickly replaced by a bored sigh and gesture. "Ho-hum. So you can do an age spell. Big deal."

Another shot from the violet horn put them back at their proper age—but she wasn't done yet. The third left Filly Rarity standing on Mare Applejack's back; the fourth, Mare Rarity atop a very old Applejack in the same pose; the fifth, both at their proper ages with all four hooves on the ground. Now Twilight had Trixie's undivided attention.

"That's…that's impossible!"

"That's nothin'!" A quick over-shoulder glance disclosed Rainbow, who cringed a bit at finding herself such an easy target. She then took the next spell and wound up unchanged when the haze cleared—or so she thought until two additional blue wings popped up from the sides of her head. These rose slightly behind her, joined by an identical rainbow-maned noggin; a moment later, she backed up quickly into the air and was facing an exact duplicate of her, the real deal was on the left of Trixie's visual range.

"Yow!" They eyed each other cautiously from various angles and even traded places to make sure their eyes are not fooling them.

Down below, Trixie looked as if her eyes might pop out of her skull. "How did you…?"

"Duplication spell. Ever seen one pony play ten instruments?"

Her next sideways head tilt put Pinkie in the line of fire, who was between Carrot Top, and Lyra and Bon Bon, the unicorn drinking a smoothie and seemingly uncaring for the current crisis. A spell then blasted the pink pony, forcing the others to duck, and the smoke cleared to show her rigged up as a one-mare band similar to he get-up during the parasprite incident. She went into a lively polka number, somehow managing to play the tuba around her midsection despite the minor technical hitch of having no mouth.

Trixie gets a few bits of up-close-and-personal performance, the last of which came from directly overhead and forced her to crouch down in order to avoid eating the instruments. "This…just can't be!"

"Ooh, one more. I can turn a mare into a stallion! And vice-versa! At the same time!"

At this line, Applejack's eyes displayed terrified green points, and her teeth were about to chew through her bottom lip. Chronicle, who had moved over next to them during the polka, just gave a big gulp. Before either could get away, they took the full brunt of that "one more" .

Once the haze evaporated, the mare had become a large and bulky stallion whose blond mane/tail were no longer tied back. The hat, coloration, and cutie mark were intact. She—or rather, he—crossed right legs over left with a noticeable degree of embarrassment. "Ee-yup," 'he' said. (2)

"Not again! Why do I always end up looking like my sister?!" the second voice, a female one, came. It came from a mare—the eyelashes confirmed it—with the same color scheme (and cutie mark), but different mane-style. Her muzzle was also more curved than before.

The follow-up spell reversed the transformation just as quickly and left Applejack quite disoriented. Chronicle however managed to keep his composure. Trixie's jaw hung so low that it might fall out of her head with one good sneeze.

"Well, Trixie, looks like my amulet is more powerful than yours." As Twilight spoke, red aura seized the relic and yanked it off. "Hey! Give it back!" It was floated over to the power-hungry unicorn, who let off a diabolical laugh.

"With this amulet, I shall now rule all of Equestria!" One hard pull undid the Amulet's chain, the red aura of her horn and eyes flickered away—revealing a pink aura—and she floated Twilight's charm on to replace it. "Witness, my subjects! Gaze upon an ever greater and powerful-er Trixie!"

As Chronicle entered a battle stance, lightning then cracked around Trixie and she stood up on her hind legs. One of the two Rainbows darted in and snatched the Amulet away. "Hey!" Be she caught herself, smiling wickedly. "I don't need that old Alicorn Amulet. I have this!"

Aiming her horn toward the clouds, she let go with a burst of her own magic and hit the escaping pegasus square in the belly. She didn't lose her hold on the Amulet, though, and the energy coursing over her form had no effect except to start her laughing wildly.

"Stop it!…That…" Rainbow struggled to say as the spell faded away. "…that tickles!"

"Tickles?" Trixie began to stammer. " supposed to make you writhe in agony!" She tapped her necklace. "This amulet is defective!" She fired another round, which Rainbow ducked easily. "Give mine back!"

"Sorry." She flew down to Zecora, who held a small, open wooden box. She dropped the Amulet in and closed the lid "This is going back into hiding where it belongs." In reality, after much convincing, it would be given to Chronicle for safekeeping and emergencies.

Twilight sidled up to the was-dictator and said, "By the way, Trixie…" She tapped the necklace. "…the amulet around your neck? It's one of Zecora's doorstops." And it chose that moment to fall off the gold band and crack in two when it hit the ground.

Trixie continued to stammer. "But…how did you do those spells? Nopony can do those spells!"

"You're right. Not even me. Zecora taught me so much about magic while I was in exile. She even taught me when not to use it. My magic alone wasn't powerful enough to take on the Alicorn Amulet head-to-head. So I needed to use a different kind of magic. The magic of friendship! I also knew that the only pony who could get the Amulet off your neck was you. "

As it turned out, the letter Twilight wrote was instructions for Fluttershy and Morpheus, who would relay it to not only their friends, but also Big Macintosh, Granny Smith, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, one of Mystic Shield's female students.

The former three were the ones who posed as Male Applejack, Old Applejack, and Young Applejack. Sweetie 'starred' as Young Rarity. As for the female student, who took the role of "Chronicle's sister", that 'volunteer' was Twinkleshine, who said she didn't "want to miss an opportunity to practice full-on make-up". And Fluttershy posed as Rainbow's double.

They pulled this off with copious amounts of paint, hair-styling, eye contacts, wigs, and spare stetsons. Oh, and the statue served as a hiding place for the 'doubles'.

"In short," Chronicle teased. "We used 'stage magic', which is supposed to be your forte, to trick you. You know, I've always been comparing the two of you with my charge excelling in power and you excelling in skill. But it looks like…Twilight's got the skill down pat. 'Anything you can do, she can do better…' ring a bell?"

Trixie was left a bit speechless before she managed to regain her voice. "But…what about the pony with the ten instruments?"

"That's not magic, that was just Pinkie Pie," Twilight answered.

On the end of this, she gestured to the polka-playing party pony, who earned a round of cheers from several onlookers. As the crowd slowly started to advance on Trixie and she backed away uneasily, the impenetrable overcast parted to yield an expanse of cheerful blue and a bright sun above it all.

At around the same time, Snips and Snails returned to normal in a poof of smoke, as the age spell was thankfully only temporary.

C—TS—T—S—A—BM—AB—GS—RD—R—F—PP—T—SB

Later that night…

Fluttershy's bunny Angel floated blissfully under Twilight's control, along with the rest of her animals, going in an infinity pattern overhead. The performing unicorn stood on a stage in the town square, and ponies watched from the packed bleachers set up on three sides, where they ooh'ed and aah'ed in wonder and delight. Two high private boxes had been set up on opposite sides of the street; one held the Mayor, the other Princess Celestia and what looked like two horses, the delegates from Saddle Arabia. The first was a brown, blond-maned stallion and the other a light blue, purple-maned mare, both wearing finely decorated saddles, bridles, and headwear.

Fluttershy shivered in Spike's comforting arms, lifting her face for one quick, terrified glance before ducking away again. Her fears for the animals' safety were entirely unfounded, though; Twilight maneuvered them into a new aerial pattern while fireworks burst around them, eliciting more awed reactions.

Finally, she brought the critters back down, seeming a bit puzzled at this new development. Turns out it was Trixie—back in her usual starry cape and jewel brooch—standing just past the edge of the stage who did the effects. Chronicle stood next to her, watchful. "Trixie?"

The showmare gave Twilight a smile of genuine contrition as her hat floated down onto her head. She had removed the gold band on which Twilight's fake amulet was mounted. "It's the least I could do. I treated you and your friends so horribly when I was wearing that Alicorn Amulet. I just couldn't control myself. You can forgive me, can't you?" She gave her opposite number a one-two punch—a pitiful pout coupled with the big sad soulful eyes—but Twilight remained unconvinced for a long, silent moment.

"Hmmm…" But she finally gave a smile. "…sure."

Trixie sighed in quiet relief. "Oh…good."

"Here." Chronicle levitated a full pouch over to Trixie. "Some more bits to help in getting you back on top."

"Thank you." After accepting the bits, she resumed her old over-the-top manner. "Don't you think the Great and Apologetic Trixie is the most magnificent humble pony you've ever seen?"

Twilight rolled her eyes disgustedly, but let it shift into a little smile and the merest shake of her head. Chronicle did the same. Maybe someday she'll get it. Just as in her last, ignominious flight from Ponyville, Trixie reared up and was lost in a sudden burst of smoke, which cleared to show her galloping away from the camera. Her "grand" exit was marred by a stumble that dumped her on the ground, but she was soon up and moving again.

C—TS—T—C—TS—T—C—TS—T—C—TS—T

In the mist of the "Iris Out" phenomenon, two pink hooves shoved themselves through the tiny aperture from behind and stretched it out so that Pinkie can tumble through. The black ground snapped shut behind her as she entered the 'black dimension', straightened up and pointed out her still-missing facial features, hum-grunting furiously all the while as if to say, "Now how about my mouth, stupid?"

The sound of a spell being cast came, and revealed Twilight—actually Mystic Wand in disguise—walking out to join her through a portal 'she' created. This winked away, and a quick burst of magic restored Pinkie's mouth and nose to their rightful place. She sucks in a huge breath, then let out her words.

"You're not Twilight, are you?" she asked.

This caught Wand off guard, who relented before dropping his disguise. "No, I'm not. I'm a resident of this dimension."

"Are you related to Chronicle?" She then pointed at his cutie mark. "Because you share the same cutie mark! Oh, I also remember the time where we went to this other world where everypony there had their genders switched, except his counterpart wasn't simply that, but his sister!" A thought then came to mind. "Oh, maybe he's part of a family full of ponies with the same cutie mark, and that family's on a mission related to stories and such! And maybe you also have a few griffons, a zebra, a dragon—"

During her rant, Wand was already building up a spell, already wanting to get rid of this gal. "Yeah, yeah, yeah. Good to hea—" He suddenly pointed somewhere. "Hey, is that a place that needs a party?!"

She immediately turned to where he was pointing. "Where?!"

He then hit her with his spell…sending her back to Equestria Prime—and modifying her memories so that all she would remember of this dimension is that she somehow got her mouth back…and that would be about it. "Whew," he said to himself. "Didn't think that would work. Everypony in my world is too smart for the Yoink."

Just then, he received an alert in his mind. Mystic Wand, a stern voice resounded. What were you doing with that pony from Equestria Prime?

Wand gave a sigh. "Sorry, Father. Timmy asked me to restore her mouth after it was taken away. If it weren't for her Toon traits, she would've been long dead."

You should've taken it up with me, you know. Record Keeper was very cross.

"Sorry again. I was spending the time looking for a way to reverse the effects of the Alicorn Amulet."

That thing? The dangerous artifact was known to the Story Crew as well, but its degrees of corruption varied from world to world. In some, it indeed slowly leads its wearers to evil. In others, its promise of power is simply too tempting for lesser ponies to resist for long.

"Yes. I can safely presume that—"

Tell me the rest once you return to Twilight Sparkle Equestria and into your dreamscape. That 'black dimension' can drive you mad the longer you stay there.

"Oh, all right." With that, he teleported himself away.

SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM

(1) I know about Maud Pie, but nothing I wrote contradicted her later appearance, did it?

(2) I was going to do an off-gag where the smoke would fade to reveal Chronicle and Applejack still being them, only to reveal that it looked like everybody else changed genders; that I had switched over to Solaris Equestria. However, I realized that it would be a effective gag on-screen, but not on a narrative standpoint.

nightelf37: I'm not satisfied with the ending I wrote, but it just feels wrong to have anybody other than Pinkie to "fourth-wall", so I had Mystic Wand 'pose' as Twilight to seal the joke. Also, I HATE writing Zecora, it's just difficult for me to place rhymes and I need both a word-rhyming site and a thesaurus site to even do it well. See ya on Third!

nightelf37: And finally, that BONUS Chapter. It's not supposed to be exciting, unless you found the last one such. Just another advertisement of alternate-Equestria stories. It's also part of a mini-arc I call the Story Crew arc, two of which I will be writing in place of two episodes and thus they will have "(NOT)" on them. After that, I'm getting back to 'proper' episodes.

I own only the following: My originally designed OCs, and anything that doesn't happen in the show proper.

SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM

BONUS: CO2E Report

Mid-winter in Equestria Prime…

Chronicle was at Hub Equestria, ready to report to his father about yet another cross-world incident he was involved in. Except he wasn't the one who did the world-crossing like before.

Just as he reached the door leading to the interrogation room where his father was waiting, he saw another pony walk over, headed the same way. The one who world-crossed to Equestria Prime.

This other pony wore a white robe concealing their identity. The front half of the robes featured a hood shaped like an eagle's beak in the center; this was connected to the main part of the robes. The rear portion was layered, with the back of the robes extending farther than the front, parted by their tail. Around the barrel was a red sash, with pouches to hold supplies. (1) The pony also wore a balaclava, which along with the low hood helped conceal their identity.

Chronicle knew this pony. An assassin known as the "Angel of Doom". Back when Luna Equestria's Night Court was full of corrupt nobles and their machinations (finally ended thanks to its world's Elements of Harmony), one thing they feared was the Angel of Doom. Before Corona's release, the Angel of Doom would target a Night Court noble and do what they do best, leaving no trace of their identity and seen only as a shadow in the distance. After Corona's release though, they seemingly disappeared, only popping out every now and then in Canterlot, with their swan song during the Grand Galloping Gala, where the Night Court was finally taught their place.

The Angel of Doom also happened to be his youngest brother.

"Blue Diary, there's no need for that garb," the unicorn said with a frown. "I already know who you are when we 'fought' 'for real' in my world."

The assassin pulled back his hood to reveal spiky blue-and-purple hair, blue eyes, and a mare-face just like his. "I know. It's just that I miss wearing these, now that I no longer need them."

The reason why the Angel of Doom's swan song was at the Grand Galloping Gala was because that was when his identity was accidentally revealed. To be precise, while dealing with a criminal they 'recruited' who decided to do things her own way, his hood and mask got torn off. It was revealed afterward that Blue had been doing the assassinations on the behalf of Princess Luna Equestris.

But that was none of Chronicle's concern. Right now, they have to answer to their father for what happened.

C—BD—C—BD—C—BD—C—BD—C—BD—C—BD

In the interrogation room, Chronicle and Blue sat opposite their father, Lord Record Keeper, who was looking really cross. Like last time with the unicorn twins, he was in his earth pony form.

"Okay, Blue Diary," Record began in a stern tone, also like last time. "Explain to me how you and Trixie Lulamoon ended up in Equestria Prime where your brother is assigned in." He pointedly aimed his eyes at Chronicle on finishing this sentence.

The pegasus gave a deep sigh. "Okay, okay, Dad. It's like this. For starters, I did not take us there. Trixie is to blame. No, she did not intend to teleport to where we ended up. In fact, it was a complete accident."

Talk about déjà vu, Chronicle thought to himself. His sister begun with the same general statements.

"First, she tried using the teleportation spell to go from one end of her room to another. Unfortunately, as she was not good at learning spells from books, she ended up pulling herself—and me as I observed her—at some faraway place. During a storm, she tried to teleport again, only for lightning to strike her and me, hurtling us across space and time. It was summer in my world.

"I'm guessing that's what took you there?"

"Well, looks like lightning can do anything. I didn't know at that time, but I had landed unconscious in the park. There, his world's version of Mystic Shield carried me and took me to his home. From what he told me, he did so because he suspected something about my cutie mark, which as you know finally revealed itself upon my and my friends' knighting after the Gala."

Chronicle took over. "Meanwhile, Lulamoon—which I will call his world's Trixie so as to distinguish from mine—was found by Applejack and taken to her home. Twilight and I were notified by Rainbow Dash about that. It was winter again by the way, and Princess Celestia was coming over for a casual visit—and not covert as Sunny Skies—to join Twilight as they examine the Elements of Harmony. When we first saw Lulamoon, we naturally assumed she was my world's Trixie, but…never mind, that comes later.

"I decided to take some time off and conduct class with Mystic Shield, leaving a clone to supervise my charge. Little did I know that my brother was in Mystic's room just behind."

Blue chose the time to join in on the explanation. "During that, I came to, did a once-over of the place, then decided to check out my Surveillance. I had cams not just on my friends, but also BonBon, Dinky Doo, Pokey Pierce, Silver Script, Octavia Philharmonica, and even Duke Greengrass. None of them worked 'cept for Trixie's. And from what I saw, she was awake and I saw Applejack talking with her. I was curious, given what my world's Applejack was, and even as things went a bit out of hoof, I just watched, curious as to why she was saying those things. Of course, at that time, I still didn't realize we had traversed worlds.

"I'll have to admit that sometimes my Surveillance cameras get fooled by Trixie's illusions, but they get back to her eventually. By the time I saw her escaping, with Applejack ready to hogtie her, I knew I had to act."

F—L—A—S—H—B—A—C—K

"All right, everypony. Nice job. Let's take a break."

And then the door to Mystic Shield's room was slammed open, where a certain white pegasus flew out, headed to the door. He put a hoof to something on his chest, the door opened as if by telekinesis, and he got out. As he did that however, Chronicle was shocked beyond words.

"…Brother?!" he cried out. He then promptly glared at Mystic before going after the pegasus.

The purple unicorn followed shortly after. "Wait! I can explain!" he said.

"You better, Mystic! Whether or not that's who I think it is, you have to tell me why there was a white pegasus in your room."

E—N—D—F—L—A—S—H—B—A—C—K

"We went on a merry chase, both parties," Chronicle said. "From what Applejack and Twilight told me, Lulamoon managed to make her way to the library first and she went under a state of panic upon seeing Celestia. She then managed to escape…with the Elements of Harmony. Mystic and I lost Blue however."

"I was just flying blindly in confusion, and didn't even know I was being chased," Blue continued. "I got the attention of his world's Skyla, who decided to chase me for some reason. I wasn't interested, so I tried to lose her. She was impressed with my skills though and kept on me. It was only thanks to my sharp-angle changing that I managed to get her off my tail."

"As soon as I could, I checked Surveillance, and saw that Lulamoon found Raindrops, but not the one I knew apparently. Turns out that Snails was her brother in Equestria Prime too. And their conversation happened to spur the idea of a 'cloud silo', which Ponyville Prime does not have. My world's Raindrops isn't earth pony-strong like his."

"Again, Trixie did that memory spell, the one with the kiss. Since she used it on the wrong Raindrops, it acted like some sort of brainwash, but Trixie assumed that was due to a mass spell from Corona. They then went off to Lyra's, and I decided to do too, taking in my Angel of Doom persona, which had unfortunately been revealed at the Gala no thanks to Zizanie. Unfortunately, I got into trouble with a burly thug. By the time I managed to incapacitate him, she 'got' Lyra too."

"And I had no idea that Mayor Mare's real name is Ivory Scroll, just like in yours," Chronicle interrupted as he faced his brother for a second. "Anyway, back in the library, Celestia had Twilight and Applejack mobilize the rest of my friends, a shield established around the town. As for me and Mystic, we ended up lost in some part of the town we've never been to before. I was still shocked from seeing a pegasus come out from Mystic Shield's room, so I decided to ask my friend what happened."

F—L—A—S—H—B—A—C—K

"Okay, Mystic Shield. Explain why there was a pegasus in your room. I'm sure you're not doing anything inappropriate, right?"

Mystic was offended. "Come on! You know me better than that!"

"Do I?" The mare-faced unicorn asked rhetorically.

"All right, all right," he confessed. "I found him yesterday while I was taking a brisk early morning walk. He was unconscious, and I saw that his cutie mark was similar to yours—although his had additional swords crossing behind it—so I decided to take him home."

"And not the hospital?"

"I thought you'd know him, and I planned on telling you after the class break."

"I see."

E—N—D—F—L—A—S—H—B—A—C—K

"I then remembered by pinpointing spell, so I took out one of Twilight's broken quills I remembered promising to throw away but forgot."

"By that time—we 'compared notes' in the dreamscape—Trixie's got Carrot (who's currently in the herbal business and part of an amateur dramatics society) and Ditzy and they were making their way to the school to 'restore' Cheerilee," said Blue.

"And my friends managed to deduce that too. Meanwhile, Mystic and I encountered Celestia's barrier and I realized that my pinpointing spell was a bit off and was taking me to the bird where the feather came from, which is odd since it shouldn't do that. I decided to try again, and this time used a different tracking spell I learned.

"At that time, Trixie was just about to 'reassemble' her group, but was confronted by his group. And they got into a fight. I finally made it to the school."

"But so did Mystic and I. Since at that time I didn't know of Blue's other job as an assassin, coupled with his swords' censoring effects, I attacked him once Lulamoon greeted him in relief and ordered him to attack. Out of all my world's versions of Lulamoon's Elements of Harmony, Lyra fared the best, having learned from Mystic's class, which I can attest to. Rarity however, whom she was engaging, while not having taken his classes, had picked up a few lessons from him too. She also happens to be a member of the Martial Arts Group."

"He quickly pinned me down, mainly because of my shock that Mystic Shield was there as a humble Ponyvillian. He was torn and confused, not sure of what he should be doing. I was shocked with disbelief that I was facing my brother in person while not in this Equestria. As Trixie reached Cheerilee however, Celestia arrived."

"I was caught off guard by that, and Blue took the chance to escape my grasp and enter a fighting stance. Apart from myself I think, I've never seen anybody try to stand up against her."

"When Celestia began to talk, I took in every word, judging it on a neutral level. Trixie unfortunately was convinced that this was all a complex take-over spell that altered everypony's memories and personalities. I wanted Trixie to calm down, but before I could do so…"

"Twilight's Element of Magic reacted and Lulamoon accessed its power, much to her and our friends' confusion. She managed to unleash that familiar rainbow, but instead of heading for Celestia as she intended, it went straight for her and the 'friends' she brainwashed and knocked them to their senses. Blue was spared as he did not bear an Element. …Now that I think of it, Lulamoon was doing the same thing Twilight did to my friends while Discord was beating the crap out of me after I tried to kill him first."

"As Celestia then tried to convince Trixie to stop, she turned to me, pleading that I do something. But when I assessed the situation, I just couldn't continue this madness and stood down. Understandably, Trixie felt betrayed."

F—L—A—S—H—B—A—C—K

The pony clad in white robes pulled back his hood and balaclava, revealing his face, and showing his friend that he was truly sorry and was thoroughly torn as to what to do.

Chronicle however, interrupted the moment of silence with a gasp of surprise. "Brother?! Is that you?!"

E—N—D—F—L—A—S—H—B—A—C—K

"Before he could answer, it turns out that my world's Trixie decided that this was the perfect time to return to Ponyville, and as a result got herself arrested. A lot of confusion ensued as the royal guard was about to report it only to see us. At around that time however, while Spike was managing the library, his world's Twilight Sparkle entered, and she quickly neutralized him before collecting knowledge. They chatted for a while about alternate worlds. She was about to leave when…" Chronicle put a hoof to his head. "I can't remember right now."

Record put a hoof to his chin as he took all of this in. "Hmm…now that I think about it, I did sense a world-crossing. Ever since your friend's world-hopping incident, Chronicle, I decided to monitor transitions between your Equestria and those of other members in this family. Some time ago, I sensed something cross Blue Diary's world and entered yours. I wasn't able to pick up much from it though, as Mad God Discord from Equestria Hell attempted to attack home base. Again."

Blue decided to continue the report. "Before that, Trixie began to talk with Princess Celestia about being the Element of Magic and about Corona. We reached his Trixie's wagon, and before we knew it, both of them got into a heated argument."

"It was both awkward and hilarious, more so as Celestia decided to take both of them back to the library," Chronicle continued. "There, Spike told us that Blue's Twilight was there a while ago and left. We entered the library, ready to think of what to do next when the moon came, and it wasn't even sunset yet."

"As it was, my world's Princess Luna arrived, alongside the rest of our friends."

"I remember that scene."

F—L—A—S—H—B—A—C—K

As Trixie ran straight for her princess, Blue Diary sped straight for his world's Element of Honesty; Raindrops, the earth pony-tough pegasus.

"Raindrops!" he gasped with happiness as they touched front hooves.

She, however, didn't seem to be too impressed. "Uhh…"

E—N—D—F—L—A—S—H—B—A—C—K

"It was certainly more awkward when my Celestia was pounced by your Luna in a heartwarming and tearjerking hug."

"Unfortunately, thanks to Chronicle, and for Trixie bringing it up, we had to explain to everypony what he and Timerity explained back when they were in Solaris Equestria, including our dreamwalk-link," grunted Blue. "He even brought up that incident. At that point, I had discarded my robes, and my Surveillance was working again on my friends. Also, Chronicle made me Pinkie Promise to explain it to my friends before returning."

"It's fair that they know. Just as I told Spike about that incident, even though he didn't come with us. I didn't even know that you were doing assassin work until one of your friends brought it up by accident." Chronicle was a bit incredulous at the fact that the youngest of their family was doing work that exclusively involved killing.

The pegasus ignored his older brother. "Anyway, what followed next was my Luna explaining that she had entered this Equestria before and had wandered across the cosmos, traveling between worlds."

Record noted this. The Timer family had only started setting up their hub world in what they would eventually call the Equestria Cluster just a few years ago, almost a decade.

"Her encounter with Celestia apparently opened to her the possibility of another world."

"And that her prison for Nightmare Moon had a flaw that would in time grow larger and thus the prophecy that bound me and Twilight with our friends was made," Chronicle finished. "Maybe sometime after, she also acquired that mirror she uses to make contact with Prince Solaris in our sister's world."

"She and Celestia compared what they did during the times they banished their mad sisters, drink for mine, work for his. As it was, when Trixie and I disappeared, Luna thought we were dead. She went to Ponyville and my friends caught up with her in Sweet Apple Acres during the search. She soon realized where we went, and explained to them what had happened. They were supposed to bring my world's Elements of Harmony, but they didn't go for some reason."

"Lulamoon brought news to them that her world's Twilight Sparkle was here, only to find out that they already got her. My Twilight underwent an existential crisis, which Spike snapped her out of. I'm sort of surprised she didn't fall under this one during our trip to Solaris Equestria."

"It could be because Dusk Shine is easily seen as an alternate self due to the opposite gender and all," Record supplied.

"Oh, right."

"Their arguing got worse however, had we known what would've happened, we would've stopped it early," Blue continued "When that sound came, I knew we were screwed."

"The Element of Magic broke in two and its gem bounced once before shattering into pieces. An explosion of light followed, and then a cacophonous boom that threw all of us to the ground. Purple light in the form of a jagged twisting thing shot from the gem into the sky, and after a moment the pieces followed. They finally landed somewhere deep inside the Everfree Forest."

"As a result, both our princesses were cross and as they made us remain silent. They talked for a while before turning to both our Trixies and Twilights. They had shattered the Element of Magic, and thus probably loosed disasters and monsters held at bay. She sent the four of them to get the gemstone back, and intended to have those only when for some reason she then decided that Chronicle and I accompany her."

Their earth pony father gave a small smirk. "That would be my doing."

This surprised both of his sons. "What?!"

"As this was a cross-world crisis, members of the Story Crew are obligated to do whatever they can to stop it." He achieved this not by 'his' alicorn magic, but by the Story Crew's advanced technology.

There was a moment of silence before Chronicle decided to continue the report. "Well, anyway, a band of six unicorns and one pegasus don't make for good company. I still remember the naming conventions we tried to settle with. In the end, the ones from Luna Equestria went by their second names. It didn't help that Mystic Shield decided to tag along."

"I told them that I was called Blue, and would not respond to Diary. They compromised with calling me by my full pony name. I was glad Chronicle packed some antacids. It was extremely confusing to hear them talk."

"Yeah. I was afraid our eyes would end up as wonky as Derpy's. And when Lulamoon found Trixie's secret stash of bourbon, after Twilight stopped her from drinking it, Blue took it, got Trixie's permission, and downed it all. Lulamoon then asked if I drunk, but I said 'only four times in my life'. I ended up elaborating on the causes, just as I once did to Celestia days after Discord's defeat."

"My Trixie then found another bottle of bourbon, but Twilight kept it from her as she checked out a journal my friend shook out of her hat. Twilight then hit on an inspiration; use a tracking spell."

"Which I happily provided, but the theory was over my head, not to mention works differently, and so they had to do it differently. After all, they were looking for the item, and my spell uses an item to find whoever made contact with it. Their spell involved Lulamoon, and a magic circle. Me and Mystic also managed to learn her 'see magic' spell, and her 'call item' spell, the last of which she technically learned from Lyra in Luna Equestria." The unicorn took a deep breath. "Don't know why I didn't teach her my 'magic horn blade', though."

"She'd be able to figure it out just by watching you. Anyway, Twilight managed to perform the needed spell correctly, and before we knew it, we got our heading."

"I think the magic visibility thing crossed over from your Equestria into mine. Damn, cross-world crises are so confusing. I don't think anypony suffered magic sickness."

"It doesn't exist in my Equestria," Blue told his brother before facing their father again. "My Trixie taught him those two spells Chronicle talked about. And both our Twilights began to argue about Clover the Clever. All of a sudden however, we were all sent flying sideways, screaming when something attacked our wagon. It was a unicorn, or it at least assumed the form of one. Even with the two of us, she managed to knock us down fairly quick. Upon seeing our dual friends, she said something along the lines of 'It's like Christmas morning'."

"What she actually said was 'It's like Hearth's Warming has come early'," Chronicle corrected. "The pony had deep blue fur like me, wild and unkempt purple hair, and solid purple eyes. Her aura went both deep blue and black. And her cutie mark was an amalga…amal…uhh…" He fumbled for the words.

"Amalgamation," Blue finished.

"Right. Her cutie mark was an amalgamation of Twilight's and Trixie's, but much darker. She seemed to be confused as to what to name herself, and when she attacked, her special talent turns out to be anti-magic, which thankfully didn't penetrate our body-and-mind-altering countermeasures I didn't realize I had until Discord 'tested' it a long time back, but it surrounded it so I was only slightly less helpless. I couldn't even teleport out."

"She said she was made as a result of both Twilights and Trixies shattering the Element of Magic. And she was out to kill us. Well, just the four, but she decided to include the rest of us when it was apparent that we wouldn't let her. She bound us all together and planned to crush us with his Trixie's wagon, then destroy Ponyville and all its residents out of pure spite. She enjoyed being evil."

"Before she could do so however, Lulamoon managed to thwart her with smoke balls. Our foe lost concentration and we attempted to teleport, but she recovered quick enough to try and pull us back, this time penetrating our countermeasures as she somehow hurled us behind her mid-transit. Luckily, as we sailed through, Twilight turned out to have figured out how I teleport while redirecting velocity."

"Thinking with portals…" Record nodded." Remind me to give you an Aperture Science course via dreamscape later."

Chronicle didn't know what to say to that. "…Okay. Anyway, just as we slowed down, I teleported us back on the ground. We assessed our situation, and it apparent that we can't fight her. I still didn't know enough of my 'rage mode' to tap into it. We tried to teleport out, but we found ourselves blocked. We then saw a hurricane, or whirlpool, whatever, over us, which tossed us about whenever we try to teleport. At least the flash-step still works."

"Our Trixies and Twilights began regretting what would happen to them, their princesses punishing them, the other Trixie lamenting about being homeless again, and my Twilight lamenting on her status as a fugitive," Blue continued. "My Trixie managed to comfort her somewhat with her encounter with Night Light back at the Gala. And then we decided to move the old-fashioned way; walking."

"Thankfully, Blue has since been improving in the walking department, though he's still a bit prone to tripping. We had to stop soon enough, and even Blue was feeling a bit cold, and so we decided to start a campfire. And then Sparkle created a wood shelter, Twilight providing pillows. As we talked, the discussion went from Trixie eating pine-cones to the issues of meat. We finally got to sleep though."

"Unfortunately, we were abruptly woken by a deep roar, then some loud stomping. When we turned to see what it was, our Twilights dismissing our shelter, we saw that it was—"

"An Ursa Major, with our foe—who had wings now—atop its head. The very same one I once had to flee from once. I still can't remember how Steven Magnet managed to save me from it."

Blue gave his brother a weird look, but decided not to ask him about it. "Naturally, we fled, but then our enemy picked up his Trixie and placed her on the Ursa Major's skull. During our flight, Twilight decided to give my Trixie the Glimmer Wings."

"I gave myself and Mystic them too, but in spite of my large mana pool, I can only cast it at most twice a day for some reason. I also picked up what seemed to be Sparkle's version of what you called your Soul Nuke, dad."

"Are you sure that was what it was like?" asked the earth pony. "I don't think I've done that in years. My heart's been tainted through experience."

"I helped in the distraction as well, firing bolts of magic from my swords, a technique I rarely use," the white-clad (and coated) pegasus interrupted, getting everypony back on track. "Our foe seemed to be some sort of reality warper rather than a spellcaster like most every magic user we know of. Those fireballs she cast were certainly different from Corona's. Trixie managed to blindside the foe, knocking her off of the Ursa. As she got to the other Trixie however, the foe rose once more, revealing her wings, and taking her down, finally deciding on the name Antithesis."

"Both our worlds' Princesses arrived and Antithesis—surprisingly—engaged them. Even I wouldn't have done that unless I had a death wish, and she certainly didn't. I joined in the battle, only to see her neutralize them all, sending them crashing on the forest floor. Regardless, I fought anyway, only to find out that she can completely shatter my horn blade—my primary 'weapon'—so to speak. Two of the Princesses managed to get up and corner her for a while after she knocked me down a bit."

"Meanwhile, his Princess Luna was trying to get both Trixies off the Ursa Major's head. She succeeded in short order as Mystic Shield and I provided a decent distraction for her. Even after getting them, we still had to find the two Twilights. She found this world's one and deposited them on a cloud, telling them to stay there.

"She was about to have us do the same, but while Mystic complied, I wouldn't have any of that crap. I was forced to tell her of my connection to Chronicle and that I was just as capable a fighter as he. Having no time to argue, she relented."

"Seeing there was nothing much I could do concerning Antithesis, I decided to watch for a while. Despite how many voids of magic she attempted to make, both Princesses seemed to fill them just as quickly. Suddenly, Antithesis went to the sky and conjured a powerful void that took even them down. I had to catch them both, and believe me when I say they were pretty damn heavy.

"We were them bombarded with voids, but Celestia managed to nullify them enough for Blue's Luna to dive out and lash out with lightning at Antithesis. However, Antithesis then did something very powerful; seal Luna into the moon, and Celestia into the sun." The unicorn shook his head. "…What happened after that was a complete blur."

"As that happened, my world's Twiight soon returned, with her an Ursa Minor. Upon seeing it, the Ursa Major calmed down and shrunk, but then Antithesis got this world's Luna and banished her to the moon as well. My mind went completely blank save my combat experience and one purpose; destroy Antithesis."

Record nodded sagely. "I see. One fueled by rage, and the other by fury." Each of his children had similar…power surges. Timerity's was (unfortunately) fueled by hatred and its first use was when she decided to kill the reality warper Eris (like her brother wanted to do with Discord). The one Mystic Wand, the eldest, has is fueled by frustration, but unlike the others he never used it in battle.

As he had seen in his children's Surveillance, Timerity's power surge was similar to her twin brother's, except instead of a bright 'burning' aura, it was as if she accepted dark powers. Her eyes, instead of switching colors in their irises and scleroses, turn lurid green and emit a purple haze. Wand's power surge so far has only gone to the bright 'burning' aura phase, and only for a few seconds. As for Blue's, they don't actually come from him but from his swords Justice and Retribution, which are empowered by his fury.

"We engaged her in earnest, our movements synchronized even though we haven't fought as a team before, especially with Chronicle's 'rage mode', which was a bit of news to me," Blue continued, forcing Record to focus again on what he was here for. "She managed to hurtle us a very great distance though, and by the time we got back, my Twilight managed to grab her, and teleport her slamming to the ground at high velocities, knocking her unconscious. I immediately stopped after that, but Chronicle…"

F—L—A—S—H—B—A—C—K

As Sparkle successfully got her native world's self, Mystic Shield, and both Trixies down from the cloud, they heard a slamming noise. Immediately, they headed to the source to see a still-enraged Chronicle—no longer with his Glimmer Wings—pummeling Antithesis's face to the ground. Each punch was powered with magic, enlarged the crated he was making with each impact.

"YOU! BRING! THEM! BACK! YOU! BITCH!" he cried out with each attack.

Blue Diary was trying to pull his brother back, but wasn't having much success. He knew better than to tell him to calm down; Chronicle was far too angry for it to work.

"I didn't want to do this," the pegasus said to himself as he pulled back and put a hoof on his pearl amulet. A blunt point colored in his swords' aura protruded from his hoof, which he drove down onto his brother's neck, striking a nerve. Chronicle instantly fell unconscious, and his hair turned back to normal. "Sorry, brother." He then pulled him off of Antithesis, who hadn't so much as sustained any damage, and hoisted him onto his back, refusing attempts of aid from the others.

E—N—D—F—L—A—S—H—B—A—C—K

"It turns out that Sparkle had, during the distraction, teleported to where the Ursa Minor was imprisoned. It seemed to recognize her—or at least Twilight—and she set it free, leading to what happened earlier. Hope seemed lost with the Princesses imprisoned, and it turns out that Antithesis can't tell our Trixies and Twilights apart. That's why she tried to kill them all simultaneously, or else the Element inside of her might 'default' to any survivor. We needed to hide and rest, and Sparkle suggested something concerning the Ursas."

"By the time I came to, I found myself cuddling with my brother. Very awkward." Chronicle found himself blushing a bit and quickly shook his head from such thoughts. "I was angry when I found out that he had stopped me from having my way with Antithesis—" He saw Record raise an eyebrow. "No, not like that, Father—but before we could argue, we heard Lulamoon and Sparkle talking, soon joined in by Twilight and Mystic. Antithesis was a bane on existence, and lacked both conscience and the will to develop one. She doesn't actually cast spells, but tears spell-shaped holes open. I know, it makes just as much sense as Discord."

"We had to stop her, and soon, or else either Equestria would be destroyed, or you or someone in the Story Crew might come in to deal with a potential future problem. So the plan boiled down taking the fight to her, challenge her on our terms, surprise her for a change, and fill her void with our magic. We were about to leave out his Trixie, but she put in her two bits, contributing her style and misdirection as a showmare. She shortly told us her plan."

"It's…complicated. You'll have to look into our Surveillance records, and then probably look into the other 'cameras' the Story Crew planted all over the Equestrias." The ones the Surveillance devices have aren't the only ones 'watching' the worlds to 'send' to 'client worlds', but these don't follow 'targets' like the Surveillance ones do.

Record nodded. "I see."

C: "Trixie would lure her to a designated site, then we would harass her for a while. Once Antithesis was where we wanted her, we would blast her with our magic."

"Technically, I would blast her with my swords' magic," Blue added.

"It seemed to work, and the two of us still had enough magic remaining. but then Antithesis got up, screaming. Her body convulsed a bright pink, glowing veins began to trace their way along her form, looking almost like cracks. Blue and I attempted to resume, but she then conjured a massive void, which took in our magic."

"Naturally, thinking they were doomed, our friends began saying their last words. At first, nothing seemed to happen. But as Chronicle and I stopped, finally drained, we noticed that the void was being held back. Then, the ground beneath them began to glow a combination of blue and purple, and an amalgamation of Trixie's and Twilight's cutie marks formed, which was brighter than Antithesis's. Speaking of, the magic we poured into her began to react once more, bringing her down and eventually the Element of Magic left her body."

"At that, as the area around us became an expanse of white light, my honorary Element of Harmony made its way out of my hammerspace and put itself between Blue and me as the Element approached our four companions. Mystic Shield was left out and did not see any of this. Antithesis began to fade away and dissolve back into non-existence. Then my Element split into two copies, one for myself and one for my brother. Also, our Lunas were finally freed."

Blue took out a pendant from his assassin robes and showed it as evidence. It was colored blue, and its shape was akin to the Story Crew insignia, which all of them (the ponies, anyway) bore as their cutie mark. Well, as Princess Celestia found out, they were really flank stickers for reasons Record won't reveal.

He then continued with the report. "Despite that, there was still one problem; the Element of Magic still couldn't tell the four apart, Chronicle and me standing a fair distance from them. His Twilight finally figured out that it was giving them a chance to choose for themselves. Two, one from each Equestria would claim it, and the others would give up their claims."

Chronicle took over. "In the end, Sparkle mentioned having constantly run away, and that she was tired of it, and thus gave it up to Lulamoon. As for Trixie, Twilight was willing to give it up to her, but the showmare decided not to, because she wanted it for the wrong reasons, and knows it's wrong. With that, the two rightful bearers made contact, and the Element finally reformed, but not without absorbing all of our magic to do so."

"I was the first to come to, finding myself and the others at a hospital. I woke up faster due to not having all my magic drained since I wasn't a unicorn. I had a talk with Mystic when he got curious about his world's counterpart. Having been outside the magic that destroyed Antithesis, he didn't fall unconscious like we did.

"The rest save Trixie followed the next day. And I upheld the Pinkie Promise I made with Chronicle. We hoped she'd recover soon lest they get stuck in Equestria Prime forever." The white pegasus left out that fact that he at least can go back to Luna Equestria via the Story Crew's portal mirrors. "During our adventure in the Everfree Forest, it turns out that both our friends had gotten a chance to know each other, and some of mine got to know their Prime counterparts. In particular, I found out that Prime's Ditzy—whose birth name is Derpy—had a somewhat similar history, including the scandalous affair, except her parents made Castor, Dinky's birth father, pay him support. Ditzy also met Time Turner—"

"Another awkward moment when I found out that a local version of Time Turner, a watchmaker, and the Doctor both exist, look almost exactly the same (how they keep their hair the only minor difference), that they're all right with it, and are both surrogate fathers to Dinky." His unicorn brother cut in, earning a frown from him. "Speaking of the Doctor, he wasn't around, probably in another time and place in his TARDIS with another of his companions. By now, I found out he's not THE Doctor. There's also the fact that Dinky's been having Twilight as a private tutor. Why she was taken in before Sweetie Belle is beyond me."

"Probably too caught up in all the 'Cutie Mark Crusading'," guessed Blue. "No such 'secret society' exists in Luna Equestria. Another thing, during the time we were in the hospital, his Mystic involved himself too in the friend-talk, wishing to pick up some more spells.

I returned once more in time to see my Trixie awake. She panicked a bit from the IV unit, such things not existing in our Equestria yet, but was calmed down by my Luna. I was shortly followed by the rest of my friends, and we told each other all that had happened."

The unicorn allowed his brother to take a breather after taking one himself before taking over for him. "Soon, they were out of the hospital, and we were waiting for them. All my friends, my world's Trixie and Luna, his world's Twilight, a fair number of Ponyvillians, and the royal guard. As it was, Celestia deliberately remained in the sun to make sure that my Luna doesn't get blamed for doing what she had done as Nightmare Moon and that her return can be showcased as voluntary."

"Luna began to create a magic circle and once it was completed, she cast it and returned Celestia from the sun. Although it turns out that her sister had used magic dye to render her hair 'normal'."

"Just like with her Sunny Skies persona. She quickly reverted it though. Reunions were made, and then the goodbyes had to come. His Luna gave Sparkle a choice; upon using the planeswalking spell to return them back to their world, they would be sent back to the exact point in space they were in when they left. She could either flee, or turn herself in."

"They asked if they could pass messages to each other through us, but we gave no promises. And unfortunately, Luna doesn't have a mirror like Solaris in our sister's world and Celestia do."

"Eventually, the spell was cast and they were ready to go home. However, Twilight had a plan for her alternate counterpart. I can't remember what it was but Blue's Luna seemed to approve. And then they were finally gone."

"What happened next?" Record then inquired.

"I think Celestia and Twilight decided to resume their initial purpose of their meeting; examine the Elements of Harmony." Chronicle paused for a bit. "And I believe that's all for our report."

"Not quite," said Blue. "Once we returned to Luna Equestria, I verified if it was really the one I left and not some other Luna Equestria. We all came home with a lot of improvement. Ditzy's considering dating again, for one, and need I remind you that two of us never went down that road."

"Yeah. You're going out with Raindrops now. How is it with her?"

"Well, I finally truly confessed to her at the end of her… 'uber-happy phase'—"

"Boys, you can talk about your marefriends later," Record admonished them, eliciting a awkward blush from both of them. I think I'll offer a communications mirror to Luna Equestris, just like the one Celestia Prime and Solaris P-δ. There were a couple of other worlds that had a Solaris, some with the title of Prince, others as Lord. "I'll try to appeal with the higher-ups on your case. Again. No promises on what they'll have to do in response though, especially this is the second time this has happened."

"Yes, Father," both of them replied.

"And Blue, please put those robes away. It's silly when you're wearing clothes and we aren't. Much, anyway." Record still wore his gi, pants, sash, pants, and shoes.

C—BD—RK—C—BD—RK—C—BD—RK—C—T—RK

As the two brothers left the interrogation room, they were greeted by their sister…and one of their many cousins.

This cousin of theirs bore same coat color, hair color, general body shape, and black hooves as the youngest of the core Timer family. The difference was that her muzzle was more curved, her mane was smooth and tied up into a neat bun, and her tail was longer.

"Hey, Time!" Chronicle greeted. "Why're you here with her?" He indicated their cousin, whose name was Azure Agenda. She was assigned to Artemis Equestria, where Prince Artemis was the ruler. Basically the gender-swap version of Luna Equestria. "Unless…"

"Well, believe it or not, I ended up in her world, fought the antithesis of the Element of Magic—"

Blue did a facehoof. "By Corona's mane… I think you underwent the same thing I did."

"By Aureole's mane…" gasped Azure. "Our worlds are connected just like—"

"Mine and by twin brother's," Timerity finished. "I'm guessing our report to Dad will be somewhat identical to ours, won't it?"

"There's only one way to find out. And that's to go in and report." She turned to her cousins. "See ya."

And with that, she and Timerity entered the interrogation room, leaving the two brothers.

"…so, where were we?" Chronicle finally asked.

Blue rubbed the back of his head. "I don't wanna talk about it anymore."

Chronicle was disappointed, but decided not to press him. "Fine. It's best we head back."

"Yeah."

C—T—BD—AA—C—T—BD—AA—C—T—BD—AA

After Record dismissed Timerity and Azure Agenda, he pondered to himself on past events as he made his way back to his 'post'.

Just a few months ago, the Field Operatives of Edeathstria Prime and Equestria-64, which was an alternate of Equestria Prime connected with the former. It involved Twilight Soulshard Prime having Twilight Sparkle-64 be taken to her world while she posed as her, reasons being boredom. It turned into a crazy adventure Death Note (the Field Op of Edeathstria Prime, no relation to the dreaded object) and Orphic Tome (of Equestria-64) wished to put behind them and never speak of again.

And then there was still the issue of that portal the SWORD-K wielder and his group. It's been long since closed off to any Interlopers, but something else had been discovered of it when a scouting party was dispatched. It wasn't just a portal across space and time; it also led to a different universe altogether, which was also covered by the Story Crew.

This 'division' however was more…ridiculous in employing their methods. Barriers, direct mind-wiping to keep with the tale… That would be like if Record deliberately clamped down on his twin children's power before they could kill Discord/Eris because the Story Crew says s/he still has a role to play in his/her world. He would never do such a thing, and understood why Timerity and Chronicle did what they did in the first place, although the Story Crew's higher-ups did say Discord Prime and Eris P-δ still had a role to play in their respective worlds.

Also, the alternate division of the Story Crew was ready to wage war with their rivals the Book Troop. And there was something else; the particular feeling he sensed concerning one of the members in the SWORD-K wielder's group, it turns out that the dragon named (-_-) was the Story Crew's catalyst! It was that detail that cemented the fact that the portal led to an alternate universe; their catalyst in this one is still safe and sound in his Earth client world.

Record shook his head of the thought and also thought of the other issues he's been dealing with. First, there were the Xenocelestias from the Equestri-Earth Convert worlds, Equestrias that invaded Earths and being forced to convert all of humanity into ponies (else they die from the former's inherent magic, which is usually never an issue). When they had somehow discovered Hub Equestria and what its inhabitants really are, they (separately) made attempts to convert his world (and eventually all of Hadithi) into theirs. One of their 'normal' Equestrias (Equestria-25) was also unfortunately embroiled into their machinations.

Second, the Solar Empire has also been attempting to invade Hub Equestria. Thankfully, their efforts are not as frequent thanks to their Field Operative Nicolas "Annals", the second son of Selena "Calyndar" (Field Operative assigned to the Lunar Republic), who is his wife's sister-in-law. Annals served as their mole and saboteur, and has yet to be outed.

Third, there's Corona Blaze from the Equestria they named after her, who is responsible for the death of his brother Othello "Reversi". Her world's already a wasteland, and she also somehow found out how to get to Hub Equestria. Since she has no soldiers of any sort, having burned them all, she doesn't get to keep coming in as often as Tyrant Celestia of the Solar Empire.

Fourth, even though the portal mirrors leading to those worlds (sans the Solar Empire) have long since been closed off after their Field Operatives have been Killed In Action, their ruling Princesses were powerful enough to cross dimensions and enter this. It is suspected that the Book Troop, which is just as powerful as the Story Crew, had a hand in this. They hadn't been able to enter Hub Equestria until after the Great Draconequus Outbreak.

Diplomacy has never been his strong suit, only being the leader because of his combat prowess and compassion for his extended family. Despite this, he'll keep doing his best to maintain Hub Equestria.

He finally reached the place he intended to go. In front of him was a throne room, which looked identical to Princess Celestia Prime's, except its prominent colors were the orange-ish of his own coat. On it was his diadem, which he wore to assume his alicorn form. He approached the throne, put on his diadem, and—in a flash of light—assumed his alicorn form. He then seated himself on his 'throne', after which screens came to life around him, showing him the status of everything going on in Hub Equestria.

"Lord Record Keeper." One of his communication mirrors is already activated, and the 'caller' was (Republican) Princess Luna. "There is something I would like to talk with you about."

Lunar Republic. Record gave a sigh. His job is never done. "Very well. What is it you wish to discuss?"

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(1) For the record, I devised Blue Diary's "Angel of Doom" persona before I even knew much of the Assassin's Creed series, the third of which I watched via Chris Smoove's Let's Plays. (Splash!) His outfit might've been inspired by theirs, though.

nightelf37: I apologize if I unintentionally brought up a lot of hype on this chapter. It was never my intent, just selfish (admittedly) world-connecting. With what I made the Story Crew to be, I can't help linking them. I also expanded a little more on the Story Crew, or at least the Timer family's part.

As a matter of fact, there was supposed to be a Report that 'covers' the events of the FIMFiction fic titled "The Night Before Nightmare Night", which I have alluded to, but I decided not to. See ya on Third!

nightelf37: The reason I did not do "Sisterhooves Social" is because it focuses on two of the Cutie Mark Crusaders and their older sisters, who aren't exactly Chronicle's favorites.

I own only the following: My originally designed OCs, and anything that doesn't happen in the show proper. If you want to know what fanfics the incidents cover (if they cover any at all), check its version in FIMFiction.

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Special 5: The Covered-up Cross-World Incidents

In the dreamscape…

Chronicle stood in front of a recording camera.

"Greetings, 'readers'," he said. "My name is Timmy Timer, but in here I'm called Chronicle. So far, thanks to our Catalyst, now with a capital C which we should've done long ago, you've only seen two sides of me. One is my social side, where I can get along with others at least adequately. Another is my combat side, where I'm a serious fighter with varying levels of mercy.

"The other sides I don't show are my dark one, which I already dealt with before even entering Equestria Prime thanks to my father, and this one; my Field Operative side, where I deal with the stuff you're not supposed to see in the show. What are these stuff? You'll see them right now. But first, let me show you my Story Crew gadgets that I should not be using in the presence of my friends. Technically, that would count Surveillance, but that was outed thanks to Pinkie Pie."

Out of his "hammerspace" he revealed a small number of items, the first of which was a small disc shaped like his insignia. He brought that over to himself and in front of the camera.

"This is my communicator. While I can contact my family in the dreamscape, this is for when I have to talk to them while I'm still awake. While mental messages prompt me when to use it, I can't mental message anyone back, hence the communicator."

Chronicle floated the communicator away before bringing something else in view of the camera. It was a device similar in appearance to the communicator, only it was the size of a coaster, which was just s big as a pony's eye.

"This device, the Detainer, is used by Field Operatives like me to detain dangerous off-worlders, mainly Book Troop Field Operatives. But I've yet to face any since my arrival, so for now it remains unused. Well, against them, anyway. It morphs to whatever it needs to be to keep the prisoner from being a threat, like cuffs for a biped, magic nullifier for magic-users, a confined orb for size-shifters, and so on."

He then displayed a similarly-shaped item after moving the previous one out of the camera's view.

"This, the Sender, is for sending the above to Hadithi. It opens a portal that takes them there, where they'll be detained and dealt with, depending on what/who they are. I can also use these for peaceful purposes. Not all off-worlders have evil intents or even mean to be where they end up."

Next was what looked like a magician's wand, black with a white tip (not the ones with a star or anything at the end), between the two was an orange ring.

"This thing, the Off-World Detecting Wand, is for detecting off-worlders, living being or object, but I won't explain how it works mainly because I don't know either, only that it won't 'react' to me, being an off-worlder myself. It also provides the target's identity if they belong to a world the Story Crew covers, we aren't perfect after all. It also tells me in my head where I am if I end up in a different world, but its effectiveness varies. Sometimes it's such a whisper I can't hear it, sometimes it's loud and clear, and sometimes it says nothing at all."

Following was a clear sphere with the Story Crew emblem slowly spinning inside it. The emblem also served as a clock face, whose hands spun with the hour hand going as fast as the minute hand would, which in turn was going as fast as the second hand should, which in turn did not exist here.

"This is a Time Pocket. Time will seemingly stop outside the zone it creates, but in reality it just sends the zone to a previous period in time where there is no interference. Their effects last for 'as long as it needs to' I'm told, be it a couple of minutes, or as long as two hours. Once its effects expire, the inhabitants of the zone will be returned to the same time period as when they 'left'. Of course, that is unless they are teleported out by the Story Crew, which is the reason these things are used; to handle…severe scenarios. And in extreme cases, they can also serve as time-stop bombs. That's right; I have more than one of these, and they 'teleport' back to my hammerspace after expiry and recharge in half a day, not that I use them a lot."

And finally, he took out an item in the shape of a padlock. It was colored rust brown.

"And this is the MemLock. Sometimes I have to tell them the truth so that they'll let me do what I need to do or something. I activate this before telling, and it 'connects' itself to whoever the item's owner wishes to. This will lock those memories away so that they won't bring it up and act as if they never had the memory. Why this instead of outright memory-erasing? The Story Crew finds it too inhumane, and we've all seen how many times it has failed with enough willpower or the right triggers. This works on anybody, even "

He finally put everything away, back into "hammerspace".

"For everything else, I have to count on my own abilities, those that I have learned here, and on other members of the Story Crew after I've informed them. Now, these following events are not in chronological order, and can happen at any point between what you perceive as episodes. This is a totally different side of me, so try not to perceive me as 'OOC'."

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Event G-097246: Evacuating a Program

(Mid-Season 1)

Evening…

Chronicle was at the ground floor of Fluttershy's cottage, and was—with Angel—observing the little thing they had brought home from their…recent adventure. A miracle his father hasn't found out about it.

The…thing floating in front of them was a bluish-white polyhedral shape, appearing somewhat smaller than a human head, constantly shifting even at rest.

Angel's mistress was upstairs, already asleep. So were the rest of the animals, the nocturnal ones not getting themselves involved. The bunny was staring at the unicorn, wary of what he intends to do.

Chronicle had gone here after Twilight Sparkle sent her latest friendship report to Princess Celestia, which pertained to their adventure, which happened all because she experimented with a teleportation spell. They were supposed to end up at Sugarcube Corner, but landed in a world-in-a-world the Story Crew designated as "The Grid-L". Thankfully, even though they acquainted themselves with some of the natives, Twilight was able to get them back to Equestria Prime.

"Angel, can you keep this a secret from Fluttershy?"

The bunny gave a distrusting look. The thing, which was called Bit, answered in Angel's stead, stellating into an orange spiky thing for a moment. "No."

"If you don't remember, she, me, and my friends accidentally teleported to a different world altogether. When we got back, we accidentally took Bit with us."

"Yes," Bit confirmed, temporarily stellating into a blue 3-D rhombus.

"It can't survive here for long, so I'm going to find a way to take it someplace else where it can be safe. Bit is a foreign entity of this world. Who knows how long before the ambient magic in this one starts affecting it? I'm not sure if you can understand what I'm trying to say, Angel, but you cannot tell Fluttershy about this. I have to do this whether she likes it or not, and you won't stop me."

All of a sudden, Bit began to spazz about, turning into its "No" state multiple times.

"Uh oh. I feared this would happen." With that, he took out one of his coaster-sized SC gadgets (the Sender) and levitated it underneath Bit. "Codeword: Ghorofa."

All of a sudden, the coaster began to emit a light underneath Bit. It then engulfed the foreign entity before it faded, revealing that Bit was gone. Angel was flabbergasted at the sight, rubbing his eyes in a attempt to convince himself it wasn't real. He then proceeded to faint.

"…Okay." Oh good. Now all I'll have to deal with is him distrusting me for a while. He then took out his MemLock device from "hammerspace", which had been activated the moment he realized they had ended up in a different world. He then deactivated it, makig sure that his friends won't talk about their experiences in the Grid. Not in detail, at least. He would still have to contact the Story Crew to help fix up a few loose ends.

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Event H-000553: Sending to Sanctuary an Alt-verse Ninja

Three days after the defeat of Nightmare Moon, while Twilight was getting accustomed to her new home and her new friends, Chronicle was fulfilling a request from Pinkie Pie. He was supposed to acquire some kind of mushroom that only grows in the Everfree Forest. He was thankfully given a picture of it since while he has a very good memory when it comes to faces, the same didn't go for flora, fauna (subspecies), or fungi.

All of a sudden, there came a very loud explosion.

The earth shook around his hooves, the explosion only more than a meter in front of him. However, it wasn't just any kind of explosion. It was a big purple puff of smoke and light, expanding out as it dissipated out into the air. Chronicle slowly moved towards ground zero cautiously, taking out his Off-World Detecting Wand and readying to cast a barrier spell.

Strange explosions sometimes heralded foreign entities, he was taught. He also noted the mushroom on the way was the item he was looking for. He could settle that later however. Still, he might forget about it, so he extracted it from the soil it came from and put it away in "hammerspace" before returning his attention to the explosion.

What he saw near the treeline was a sight to behold. There was still some purple smoke lingering around a certain point. The purple fog lifted slowly until… a stallion came into view.

The light yellow colored earth pony stallion with a spiky blond mane. He also wore some rather strange clothing; an orange and black jacket, with some swirly patches on the shoulder areas. A similar swirl served as his cutie mark, but there was a patch of orange imposed on it. And then there was his tail; it was akin to a fox's.

Chronicle could swear he was familiar. Not familiar as in a distant family member, but as in familiar like knowing certain "heroes" popular to the Story Crew. But before he could recall, the unconscious stallion mumbled. It was very weak but that meant one thing; he was alive.

Before Chronicle could even consider bringing him to Ponyville, he had to make certain of who he is. He 'waved' his Wand over to the unconscious stallion…and the wand beeped before saying, "Subject Identified. Name: Naruto Uzumaki." Chronicle tensed. "World: Konoha-17." He then gave a sigh of relief. Oh good. It's not the one from Prime. That would be a serious problem.

He procured the Sender, and placed it under the stallion. As he set it up , he took out his communicator and said, "Timer to Hadithi. We have a Cross Landing. Subject is not from a Prime world and has assumed a form native to Equestria. I'm Sending him over."

Just as he saw the unconscious pony open his eyes, Chronicle said, "Codeword: Ghorofa."

The Sender then began to emit a light underneath the stallion. As it slowly engulfed him, he mumbled, "Nani?"

Chronicle's knowledge in foreign language was rusty, so he didn't quite understand, but guessed "Naruto" was confused. But before he could even think of saying anything, the Sender did its job and the foreign stallion was gone.

Even with this problem dealt with, there was still the possibility that in another Equestria, another Naruto (but not the Prime one) has ended up in anoher Equestria, and the Field Operative there unfortunately didn't get there alone or somebody else arrived before him/her.

He shook his head of the idea. Nope. No use thinking about it.

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Event G-531678: A(nother) Disastrous Teleportation Spell

(Mid-Season 2)

Twilight and her friends were in the Book and Branches Library. The bookworm was explaining to her friends about a mass, long-range teleportation spell she learned about.

"Are you sure this will get us to Canterlot?" asked Rarity.

"I'm sure it will," said Twilight as she put down the book she was reading, which covered how the spell worked.

"I'm still a little nervous about this, Twi," Applejack voiced her doubts.

"Don't worry. I sent a letter to Princess Celestia about this. Should anything go wrong, she'll be on it."

"Sounds like fun!" said Pinkie as she bounced up and down. "Is anyone else excited?"

"Not me," said Chronicle. "Have you forgotten the last time you experimented on a teleportation spell? We ended up in the Equestria my sister was in. And it took us the better part of a week to get back." There were plenty of other experimental teleportation incidents that he 'covered' (and obviously didn't bring up) because they all led to worlds outside any Equestria.

"That's precisely why I already informed Princess Celestia about this. If anything should happen, she'll be there."

"I know that, but—" He was cut off with Twilight's horn glowing as she worked her magic. In a flash of light, the seven ponies were gone.

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When the flash was over, the first thing Chronicle felt was him slamming into the ground. And there was something on his back, so that part hurt more upon landing, nearly knocking him unconscious but thankfully not. However, he also heard splashes.

"Oww!" he exclaimed as he put a hoof to his head…only to feel the soft fingers of a hand (he's seen a minotaur before in his pre-Twilight Sparkle days). "What?!" He immediately got up and on his rump…and felt no tail under it. "Could this be…" He traced his hands on his shoulders and felt the strap of a bag. "Oh."

To avert awkward scenarios during a sudden transit between worlds with different sapient beings, every Field Operative has a little something implanted inside their body that transforms them so they would fit whatever world they end up in. Sometimes, it won't activate to also prevent a Field Op from having to explain to whatever friends they made why they transformed in the event they didn't too.

He has assumed the form of a human, and his "hammerspace pocket" has reverted into its "default" backpack form, hence the pain on his back.

Chronicle took a look at his surroundings and balked at the sight. There were pools everywhere. And bamboo poles were jutting out of many of them. His Off-World Detecting Wand told him his whereabouts. Area: Jusenkyo. World: Furinkan-36.

Oh, ████ me! he thought. If those splashes mean what I think it means, my friends have fallen into one of the pools. Question is, which pool?

He then heard the sound of beings surfacing from a pool close to him. Chronicle turned around to see— No, no, no! I am not a pervert! —six naked girls. His mind shut down for a while.

"Is everypony okay?" one of them said. She then attempted to exit the pool, only to fall down right in front of him. Not noticing him, she got up, then looked shocked upon seeing her hands. Judging from her hair, and the voice, it just had to be Twilight.

And the other girls had to be the rest of their friends. They had been cursed by one of the pools! Their screams knocked him to his senses and his Story Crew side immediately took over. Quickly, he stood up, turned around, took out his Time Pocket and activated it, creating a barrier that sealed off the cursed pools.

Amidst the screams of cries of certain missing wings/horns, confusion, and one case of curious fondling, he then took out his Communicator and said, "Story Command, this is Timmy Timer, Conte E-No. 1943667! I have six cases of Jusenkyo Pool Curses!" He soon heard them calling his name, and more confused questions, but he ignored them. "These six cases are all natives of Equestria Prime! Request for extraction immediately! I'm in World Furinkan-36!"

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What happened next was completely classified in terms of details; the Story Crew's Extractors retrieved Chronicle and Equestria Prime's Bearers of Harmony, the latter put in stasis for a while as the Extractors debated with the Field Op on what to do. Extractors are operatives who are tasked in removing dangerous items and things of great use, as well as off-worlders who for some reason couldn't be pulled out with the Sender, and stray Field Operatives.

In the end, it's decided that their memories of that incident (including Chronicle's SC side) are permanently locked away with a coercion to never bring it up and to behave as if they never had it (memory erasing is against their ethics and is often less effective). A constructed memory would then be implanted in place of the events', telling them that they got transported into some horrible place and that some item Chronicle had found miraculously transported them back to the library.

As Princess Celestia is likely to figure that they've gone missing for a while, a similar memory would be implanted in her mind; she would 'remember' teleporting Twilight and company back home.

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In the Book and Branches Library…

Twilight and her friends were returned in the same general are in which they left. Bad news; Spike was around and he might've gotten "telefragged", good news; no such thing or "splinching" occurred.

"Whoa, what just happened?" Pinkie asked, her memories of the real events sealed away.

"What happened is that Twilight teleported us to an extremely dangerous dimension," Chronicle provided the cover story. "If it weren't for me stumbling upon that ██████, I don't think our minds would've been able to comprehend the horrors there by the time we were whisked back here." He then turned to face his charge, secretly tired of all the teleport mishaps. He wanted this to stop. "And can you Pinkie Swear to me this, Twilight?"

"What?" asked the magical prodigy.

"That you will no longer perform any more experimental teleportation spells without Princess Celestia's or Luna's permission and supervision. Improvements on the one we both have is all right. I can't take it anymore and I don't think the others can either. Please! Do you understand me?"

(A/N: And I'm gonna cut off from here. Sorry!)

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Event B-51410: Serendipitous Location of an Extraterrestrial Device

(After "Lesson Zero")

"Thank you again for coming with me on this venture."

"You're Story Crew. Of course I'm gonna help. But… why do you need me with you again?"

Currently, Chronicle was accompanying a Special Op from the Story Crew from a team called Noisreve. Being Equestria, he took on the form of a pony, an orange auburn-haired unicorn wearing a lab coat that concealed his cutie mark, which was identical to Chronicle's in a sense.

The cover story was that he, posing as a seismologist named Rift Watcher, needed an escort to protect him while observing in the Everfree Forest. He claims to have heard of Chronicle and his reputation as a reliable bodyguard and wanted his help. When Twilight told Rift that Chronicle currently has a contract, the bodyguard (who has a copy of the contract's terms) stated that he can undergo another bodyguarding job so long as his current charges permit it and if he returns within a week.

"Your bodyguarding skills are one of the reasons why I wanted you with me. The other reason is because what I'm looking for is something we can't let slip to the local populace. You see, there's been a risk of…E-Green Breach. Equestria-107 has reached Ev-Layer N-Dùk."

"Oh no." Ev-Layer N-Dùk was, to put it simply, a dimension that can give Nightmare Moon nightmares. Or inspire her with its idea for torture purposes. It was also a place Discord might've made if his bratty and fun-loving traits were replaced with despotic and "standard-less" ones.

"And a couple of other Equestrias have been subject to E-Green Breaches as well. We think it's because of the Great Draconequus Outbreak. A lot of reality warpers doing their thing must've weakened the EverPoints' integrity." EverPoints were rifts between Ev-Layers that are invisible to the naked eye. "There are very few beings that can traverse between those EverPoints called Eversers, and fewer of these who can do so without breaking them and letting loose those from the lower Ev-Layers."

The default EV-Layer for most worlds was Layer N-O-Sens. Below that were the Layers D-Cep, E-Ro, D-Solé, A-Pre-Hen, Con-fú, Cò-Mo, N-Dùk, and finally N-Ver. Each layer was progressively darker than the last, starting from slight to glaring, the Cò-Mo Layer and below having things not even the worst of Equestria's villains, save one in Tartarus that will not be mentioned, can stomach.

"I was sent to close off the EverPoints in this world and as an Everser I can sense where they are," continued Rift. "Unfortunately, jumping on my foes is my only means of defense, and the Everfree's creatures are too varied for that to keep working, so I called for your…services, so to speak."

"I see," replied Equestria Prime's Field Op.

"I might need to access areas only reachable by flight. Some EverPoints are known to be there."

"Got it. Thankfully, I have a spell that can grant you wings."

"Good. Oh, another thing. Noisreve has found out that Equestria Hell already has Layer N-Duc breaking through, although some of Layer N-O-Sens still remains." Equestria Hell (formerly designated Equestria-20) was a world where Discord was truly evil, much more monstrous, and has turned its Bearers of Harmony into his personal enforcers with more dangerous powers. The Field Op there was K.I.A. and the subconscious memory of that event had leaked in Chronicle's head in the form of a dream during his three-day sleep post-battle with Discord Prime.

One hour after Rift's talk of the EverPoints, he sensed one. "EverPoint located." Just then, they heard the sound of an incoming meteorite. Both of them looked up to see it coming right for their general area. "Oh no, this better not hit near the EverPoint!"

Before long, the meteorite made impact, shaking the earth and disturbing the Everfree fauna. The impact also made the two ponies shake as they tried to keep their balance. Once it was over, Chronicle asked, "Is the EverPoint that way?"

Rift closed his eyes, then opened them again. "Well, it's in that general direction, but it's best we check out the meteorite. Interlopers can often arrive via that method." Thankfully, the EverPoint is unaffected.

"All right." The two ponies ran toward the crash site, finding…a strange watch-like device that was primarily black and gray in color, with a grey/black dial in the middle (like a watch face) which had a green hourglass shape.

Both Story Crew members balked at the sight. "Is that…" Rift stuttered.

"Let's see." Chronicle took out his Off-World Detecting Wand, and waved it over the device.

"Object Identified. Designation by Story Crew: O-10T-P." Both unicorns immediately backed away. "World of Origin: Galvan Mk II-176."

The Field Op then took out his Detainer and 'slid' it toward the device, and the Detainer morphed into a covered basket made out of steel. They knew that O-10Ts had a tendency to latch on to the nearest living subject who has the capability to use it. And with what it can do, letting it do so is a bad idea.

Chronicle then took out his Sender and placed it under the basket. "Codeword: Ghorofa." The Sender began to emit a light underneath and engulfed the O-10T-P before it faded, revealing that it was gone. "Okay, that takes care of that. Now let's deal with the EverPoint."

Right after exiting the crater, Rift stopped walking and closed his eyes as if to sense something. Chronicle noticed and asked, "Have you found it?"

Rift nodded. "Yes. I sense a different 'music' mixing with the one here. This is definitely it. And you're standing at the point where it is strongest." Not knowing the full dangers of the EverPoints, Chronicle wisely moved away as Rift took out from hammerspace a staff with a white orb on its end.

Rift pointed the orb-end to the EverPoint, and the orb began to glow. Something else then shone in front of the staff. It looked like there were plenty of lines of light emanating from a single point. It could only be the EverPoint.

"Codeword: Dead Decapod." The orb on the staff then shot a light towards the EverPoint, whose lines began to fold into themselves and converge into its center before shrinking and disappearing. "EverPoint Sealed. On to the next one!" (1)

(A/N: Now I realize that I just spoiled the secret of the game. Dammit. And no, that one villain I didn't mention is not Tirek.) (2)

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"Well, whoever said only one 'cross-over' occurs at a time, huh? This is precisely the reason why these incidents are covered; they don't make for good writing. At all."

(A/N: Although I did read one three-way crossover fic between MLP, Indiana Jones, and Samurai Jack. I think it's titled Crossed Paths.)

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Event C-7680: A Revelation and Rant on a Deity's Visit

(Post-"Missing Rainbows Incident") (3)

(A/N: Okay, the last one isn't an incident he had to cover up, but it's interesting enough for me to write something about it.)

"Whoa. I. Can't. Believe it."

"Can't believe what?"

Chronicle and his pretty-much-marefriend were in the latter's cottage, observing the former's Surveillance device, which had picked up something very interesting; Fluttershy having tea with a certain special individual.

"That you had an encounter with His Son," Chronicle gasped in both disbelief and awe. "And not just some glimpse, but teatime! Don't you know how lucky you are?!"

"Um, I don't understand."

"You see, meeting Him is like…" It was difficult explaining what it was like to meet a deity when their deity is also their 'physical' ruler. "Can't find the words… like meeting with a deity that came long before Luna and Celestia. Darn, it's hard to find a good comparison. You see, there are deities who don't reside in the mortal realm alongside their worshipers. Rather, they reside in a…higher plane of existence."

Fluttershy made a face that conveyed confusion and her mouth moved to ask, but he cut her off. "I don't quite understand how that works either, only that it does. The One you've met for tea is the Son of one of those 'higher-plane' deities. There are many out there who worship Him, but there are very few, if at all, who have had a personal encounter like with you, and you're not even one of His believers, not that that's a bad thing. I mean, there's no way anybody could've known he would meet with somebody whose deity rules over them as their benevolent 'princess'. As far as I know, Celestia's pretty much a queen, only she's using the title 'princess' for some reason, not that I'm gonna ask her why. It's best to respect her wishes and while she doesn't have a hair-trigger temper, it's unwise to let it loose. I mean, I will speak up against her if I have to, unlike most ponies, but I know if I'm going too far. Basically, the only thing keeping me from doing just anything I like is that I can be influenced by public opinion, but I will go ahead with what I do if it's for the greater good. Did you know I wasn't even supposed to stick around in Ponyville as your friend, not that I regret it in the least, but thanks to Princess Celestia I now have a steady place to stay, a stipend—"

His rambling was interrupted when a hoof blocked his mouth. He saw that Fluttershy had silenced him. Frankly, he was impressed that she did so instead of letting him continue on and on. He was also ashamed (and it showed in his shameful blush) that she heard him rambling without it being a tirade.

Just like Mom.

"Oh, sorry. I got carried away. I wonder if that espresso I had delivered this morning was the reason. But if that's so, why only now did I ramble?" He would later find out from his father that one of His supernatural messengers took offense to what Chronicle was saying and subtly influenced his mind. "Where was I?"

"Um, you were telling me how lucky I was to have tea with J—"

"Oh yes, that. …I think I've said what I wanted to say. I just didn't know when to stop. Sorry about that. Must've taken after my mother. She can talk for very long if she wants to."

"It's okay."

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Event I-4839: The Human Baby in the Basket

(Some time after the Co2E Incident)

Chronicle was resting for the night at Fluttershy's cottage. As he thought he wasn't ready to share the bed with her, even if she was willing to do so, he settled for the couch.

Sometime around midnight, he heard something making a strange noise coming from outside. From what his ears could pick up, it sounded like the crying of a…baby. Bleary-eyed, he got up, and made for the door to see just what was left there. His Story Crew side made him a bit more alert; these "baby on the doorstep" scenarios also had the chance of Interlopers involved; that is, the baby is not of this world and has to be dealt with. Nothing drastic or death-involved, of course.

He opened the door to see that a basket filled with blankets had been left behind on the doorstop. All right. "Baby on the doorstep" it is. But what is the baby? If it's a foal, it's off to the orphanage, sadly. I'm not ready to be a father! He took out his Off-World Detecting Wand and scanned the baby. As he simultaneously pushed some of the blankets away, he balked at what he saw, barely paying attention to what his Wand said. "Subject Identified. Name: None available. Species: Homo Sapiens Sapiens. World: DC Earth-5." (4)

Indeed there was a human baby, and it—no, he—was shivering in the cool winter air. "You poor thing. I best take you somewhere safe." Covering the baby, he walked off to town. He intended to go to the Everfree Forest, but the late winter night made it sound like a terrible idea. Besides, what if Fluttershy was awake at that time and saw him going there? She would definitely come over to him for sure and he can't have that.

After ascertaining that nobody was looking his way, just to be absolutely sure, he took out his Time Pocket and activated it, containing himself and the baby in the basket. Next, he took out his Sender, and tenderly placed it under the now-crying baby, which he gently shushed. "This place is not safe for you," he whispered, following up with, "Codeword: Ghorofa."

The coaster began to emit a light underneath the baby. It then engulfed him before it faded, sending the child to Hadithi, and leaving the blankets behind. The Sender's destination varies with whatever it sends, so it was safe for both 'sendee' and Story Crew Recipients.

Now he had to find a good excuse as to why he left and, if he was seen with the basket, what it held. But there was hardly anypony up at this hour, so he couldn't just purchase something. No wonder Princess Luna felt resentful of them sleeping through the night.

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Event H-52560: Thwarting an Impromptu Random Adventure

(Early-Mid-Season 2)

It was supposed to be an 'ordinary' special visit by Princess Luna, as in outside of Nightmare Night and in the day. But Pinkie Pie just had to be 'controlled' by a dangerous entity called an Author. Sometimes, while the story Crew performs its work, in the process of sending ideas to "client worlds"' authors, producers, artists, scriptwriters, fanfic writers, and the like, Authors might spawn with the minds of the last of those, take possession of individuals who know of and can breach the "fourth wall" (like Pinkie Pie), and do stuff they like. Frankly, their attitude was identical to Discord's, but minus the sadism (for most of them).

But let's roll back to how it began. Well, a little forward, perhaps…

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Chronicle and his charge Twilight Sparkle were walking through the streets with Princess Luna, who was wearing a large, dark brown bulky cloak over herself. It served its purpose a bit well as a disguise given that while she was drawing attention, there nopony seemed to recognize her (or if they did, they weren't running away or spreading the word).

"I'm so glad you decided to drop by, Pri— uhh, Luna," Twilight said. "I really don't think you need the cloak, though."

"But we must," the Princess insisted as she took a sharp look around town. 'Tis not Nightmare Night and we do not wish to disturb or frighten our subjects. We believe thy friends will understand us, but we are uncertain of the other ponies."

Suddenly, Pinkie Pie saw them. Gasping, she dashed over to them. "Twilight, there you are! I have something super amazing to show you! Come on!"

Normally, Twilight would dismiss Pinkie and carry on with what she was doing, and Chronicle would probably either go in her stead or summon a magical clone to check it out. However, they had Luna with them, and Twilight wanted to take whatever opportune social activity was being given to her so as to give the Princess a good time. "Come on, Luna. I'm sure Pinkie has something really fun planned."

"If thou sayest so." Luna was naturally hesitant, given the events of the first Nightmare Night after her 'release' from the moon.

"All right, Pinkie. Let's see what you have for us today," Chronicle said. He also made himself mentally prepared on his Story Crew side, a fair number of incidents he had to cover were equally her fault as much as Twilight's with her experimental teleports. However, plenty of circumstances prevented him from making her promise not to do whatever she does that leads to the incidents he has to cover up.

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The two unicorns and one alicorn were led to the edge of Sweet Apple Acres. In the middle of the street was a a gigantic machine. It was essentially a gigantic slot machine, and there were reels with the silhouette of an earth pony, a pegasus, and a unicorn on display. The machine was painted the same shade of blue as Luna's own coat.

Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Applejack were already there, waiting for the others. Rarity was nowhere to be seen, however.

"Hey girls, look who I brought!" Pinkie announced as she bounced into the air, legs flailing with delight as Twilight, Chronicle, and Luna trotted up the street.

"Well would you lookie here, Princess Luna," Applejack approached the Ruler of the Night, unafraid. "How ya been? Uh, your highness."

"You do not fear us?" Luna asked.

Applejack looked down at the ground. "We treated ya pretty dang awful back on Nightmare Night, even nearly got ya ta cancel the whole event."

Rainbow walked towards Applejack to address Luna as well, but didn't make eye contact and instead glanced ashamedly at the farmpony, who shared her expression and guilt. "Yeah, we wanted to apologize. Twilight and Chronicle talked to us about it the next day. Sorry we didn't treat you as fairly."

"That is quite all right," Luna said as she lifted a hoof to silence them. "We understand now that our subjects are still not used to our return, and may not forgive us for a while." Luna put her hoof down. "Nor see us for who we truly are."

Fluttershy, despite also having been told the whole story, still cowered behind Pinkie's machine, whimpering, afraid to approach the cloaked princess. A stern look from her pretty-much-coltfriend however convinced her to at least walk out in the open.

"Hey, Where's Rarity?" Twilight asked. "Is she coming?"

"She said she was finishing up a dress and she'd be right over," Pinkie explained. "Oooh, I can't wait to tell you guys all about this machine!"

"Where did you get this thing anyway?" Chronicle queried, eyeing the machine with curiosity and suspicion, his Story Crew side surfacing all the more. His Off-World Detecting Wand was also sending wild signals in his head.

Pinkie pointed a hoof to the sky. "Draconichero21 gave it to me!"

In an instant, alarms rang in hs mind as he quietly took out the the Memlock and activated it. Also, the Wand spoke to him. "Object Identified. Designation: Super Adventurifier 9001. Proprietor: Alias 'Draconichero21'."

While he was undergoing that, the others looked up and saw nothing, "Pinkie, there's nothing up there but clouds," Twilight said.

"That's because 'he' is from a higher plane of existence," Chronicle muttered, but nopony heard him. Crap. An Author has taken ahold of Pinkie Pie!

"We are confused. What is it we are supposed to be looking at?" Luna asked

"Nothing," the bookworm replied, putting slight pressure on Luna's neck, indicating she could lower her head. "That's just Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie."

"I'm here!" The all-too-familiar fabulous voice of Rarity was heard as she trotted down the road. "What is it I had to come see, Pinkie Pie?" The fashionista then noticed the machine. "And just what is this?"

"Feast your eyes on this, everypony! This is the super fantabulous Super Adventurifier 9001!" Pinkie exclaimed, throwing her hooves out wide as she appeared at the top left side of the tall machine.

"And what does it do, exactly?" Luna asked, finally pulling off her cloak.

"I don't know!" Pinkie said. "But it has the word 'adventure' in it. It must be lots of fun!"

"Well, here's a switch." Rainbow pointed to a lever on the opposite side of the machine. "Let's yank it. Maybe something cool will happen."

"I don't know about this, you guys," Twilight said apprehensively. "We shouldn't tamper with things we do not understand."

"I agree with Twilight," Chronicle concurred. "You could easily get us all killed, or worse send us to an evil mind-breaking dimension!" Like Ev-Layer N-Dùk!

"But there is a good chance it causes 'fun', yes?" Luna inquired.

"Absolutely!" Pinkie exclaimed.

Excited, the Princess declared, "WE SAYEST: GO FOR IT, PINK ONE!"

This was getting worse and worse as far as Chronicle was concerned. "You too, Princess?!"

"Okie-dokie-lokie!" Jumping on top of the machine, Pinkie then waltzed over to its far side and jumped onto the lever before dangling from it by her front hooves and pulling the lever down. Instantly, the reels began to spin. Jack in the box music began to play, but as it did the machine began to bounce and sputter, and produced a multitude of loud noises, scaring Fluttershy as she took cover behind Chronicle.

Suddenly a weird black and white swirl began to emerge from the center of the machine and flow outwards. Weird bursts of lightning began blasting out from the top as it burst off and the machine began to go out of control. The ground began to shake.

"P-i-i-i-i-inkie P-i-i-i-i-ie," Rainbow said, her voice trembling from the tremors. "Wha-a-a-t's going o-o-o-on?"

"I don't know, but isn't this lots of fun?" Pinkie said. Miraculously, her voice was unaffected by the quake.

"We need to shut this off!" Twilight exclaimed as the rumbling turned into simple wobbling that bent and twisted the very fabric of reality like particularly wobbly jelly. Using her horn, Twilight tried to pull the lever again, but the moment she did the bottom of the machine opened and revealed a glowing green portal. The portal began to suck with a forceful gale that even Rainbow Dash would be unable to escape. Twilight tried to deactivate the machine, but that only made the machine pull harder.

Things went from bad to worse when Fluttershy was yanked from the ground by the wind, pulled towards the portal. Her body was long enough that she was able to put her hooves in between the sides of the opened bottom and not get pulled in, but her wings were being tugged on from their tucked in position.

"All right! That's it!" Chronicle cast a teleport spell on Fluttershy and transported her to his position, then tossed a Time Pocket at the portal, which activated before it entered the 'tunnel', seemingly taking the Adventurifier and the portal away (Rainbow and Pinkie had quickly moved away from the 'blast radius'). In reality, the two were just sealed in the Time Pocket until they were deactivated, disarmed, and taken away by Extractors sent inside the Pocket by the Story Crew.

Before anybody else could react, he next tackled Pinkie to the ground, then activated another Time Pocket, sealing themselves inside it. By the time the Time Pocket's effects expire, he would still be on top of her. But in the meantime, Chronicle had this to say.

"Pinkamena Diane Pie!" he began. "What the ████ were you thinking accepting 'gifts' from individuals you don't know?! Didn't you consider the fact that if we get whisked away, we're leaving Equestria undefended against the likes of Discord if he ever somehow escapes again or any other villain who can only be defeated by the Elements of Harmony? What if one of us ends up unable to use the Elements along the way?"

"But didn't you—"

"That 'substitute Bearer' thing I tried was out of desperation. I didn't even think it would've worked and would've been surprised if it did."

"I just wanted an adventure!"

Clearly, the Author has a strong grip. "We don't need to travel across worlds to achieve that. There's enough adventure in Equestria as it is." He then took out his communicator. "Dad, you listening? I got an Author Puppet situation here."

"That's the second time this month," Record Keeper commented. "I'll request for extra defense measures for those things."

"All right." Chronicle then returned his attention to Pinkie. "I already warned you. And you even made a Pinkie Promise!" He knew it wasn't entirely Pinkie's fault, but if she thinks she's guilty (as he can tell from her regretful expression), she's more likely to resist the influence of Authors trying to control her before the Author is dealt with by the Story Crew.

"I… I…"

"I can't promise to clean up after you every time like I did just now. Consider this a warning."

And the Time Pocket soon deactivated.

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"Luckily for me, thanks to the MemLock, the incident is—as usual—contained. However, I heard that my cousin in Equestria-85 failed to curb the Adventurifier like I did and he, his friends, and Princess Luna were turned into humans—Trainers to be exact—as they were transported to 'Pokémon World-21', and Discord-85 has apparently managed to send an image of himself there. Unfortunately, that's not my problem; it's up to my cousin to do that.

"Of course, I'm not the only one handling such incidents. Here're two records on what my family's done."

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Event S-222972: Stopping a Galactical Siege

A huge fleet of space vessels were traveling through outer space, the longer method for reaching different worlds (the other short one being the Sea of the Skies). Composed of frigates, dropships, fighters, and a capital ship, this fleet whose allegiance will not be specified was ready to take over the not-quite-delicate world ahead of them and spread its tyrannical influence.

At least they would be were it not for the single alicorn staring down the fleet's captain at the capital ship's bridge and surrounded by a magic force field. None of the other vessels have attacked, since the force field repelled all weapons, and he was positioned somewhere they can't attack without risking friendly fire.

"You must be joking," said the captain through his vessel's communication system.

Record Keeper had with him a personal communicator that can pick up the fleet's channel and replied, "I'm not. Leave this system be, or suffer the consequences."

"Hah! Our scouts have showed that that planet ahead of us has zero space technology! You can't take on this entire fleet alone!"

Record game a smirk. "Whoever said I was alone?" As if on cue, a copious amount of wormholes appeared, and out of them emerged space vessels of all kinds. Some were of the typical mechanical composition, others were—in a sense—organic, and there were also two…creatures who were mismatched in terms of body parts. All of them already had their weapons charged. "I am Record Keeper, commander of the Conalir Protectorate. This planet is under our jurisdiction. Turn away and you may yet live." But we'll have to lock away your memories of this encounter. "Continue and not one of you will return." We'll induct you into our ranks or start a new life in Hadithi. We'll find a way to put you back home through an evac craft. "It's your choice."

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Event R-25465428: Stupidly Lost Wanderers

Twilight Sparkle Equestria…

Mystic Wand was in the Royal Canterlot Library, perusing through a book that contained lots of complex spells.

"Let's see here. Twin portal spell, nah. Too much chance of a laugh from me. X-ray vision spell. A surefire classic. Disturbance proximity spell. Okay. Casting it now." A short flare of his horn later, and Wand was reading again. "Gravity Shift. Sweet, except with the sun and moon circling the planet, I don't know how that works. Homing magic shot. Now this is interesting. Gotta bookmark that. Eagle Vision. (5) Now that's what I'm talking about. I wonder if—"

Suddenly, his newly-cast "disturbance proximity spell" set off an alarm in his head. He immediately turned around, cast a binding circle spell (he and his twin siblings picked it up from their mother) on it, and he nearly lost focus upon seeing who it was.

Human, yellow clothes with black dots on them, a stubborn look in his face…it could only be… Wand made certain by pulling out his Off-World Detecting Wand, and it beeped, making the individual turn around to face him. The Wand (not Wand) then responded, "Subject Identified. Name: Ryoga Hibiki. World: Furinkan Prime."

Oh ████. Unlike his siblings, Wand was knowledgeable in other languages, and he knew just what this one spoke in. "Hey you. The guy in yellow."

This Ryoga fellow turned to face him curiously. "Hm?"

"You shouldn't be here." As the unicorn said that, he 'sneaked' the Sender right underneath his feet. "Codeword: Ghorofa."

"What?" But the Sender did its job and Ryoga was gone. The Story Crew would return him to Furinkan Prime, and probably won't suppress his memories; he was known for impossibly getting lost anyway, traveling worlds isn't too much of a stretch for him.

"What just happened?" a voice suddenly came.

████! swore Wand as he turned around. He saw a scholar had entered and saw…how much? He had to assume the scholar had seen Ryoga and him sending the lost guy away. He came up with a quick lie. "I was testing a summoning spell. Went wrong, and I rectified my error."

The scholar grunted. "That's a violation of protocol. When testing a summon spell, always use an empty room, and get clearance. I'd report you, but you're one of Princess Twilight Sparkle's ace magi, so I'll let this one by. Promise not to do it again?"

Wand gave a sigh. "All right."

Just then, something very loud zoomed by the window, startling both of them. "Whoa!" gasped the scholar. "What in Twilight's name was that?!"

The ace magus didn't answer, his Wand answering for him in his head. "Subject Identified. Name: Masaki Andoh. Vehicle: Cybuster. World: SRW Earth-Alpha." So as to not arouse suspicion, Wand answered, "No idea." Better report this to the Story Crew.

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Dreamscape…

Chronicle prepared to stop the camera.

"There's plenty more, but either I don't have the clearance or I don't think it would be interesting for the catalyst to know. So, see you maybe next time."

And the video was ended.

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(1) "Dead Decapod" is a reference to a Let's Player named DeceasedCrab, who plays a number of 8-bit games, "widget series", or indie freeware games.

(2) I planned on Rift and Chronicle stumbling into the manticore from the second episode, and then the latter talking about how he's become so friendly after a few more visits by Fluttershy, but I deemed it unnecessary.

(3) The "Missing Rainbows Incident" will be covered next chapter.

(4) DC Earth-5 is a DC Comics alternate Earth without any superheroes. from one comic I read, something called Phantom Stranger sent Earth-1's Batman (and the first Robin) there to stop that world's Joe Chill (murderer of Batman's parents) from killing the Waynes there. The Bruce Wayne there would then be inspired to become Earth-5's Batman. Why did I choose that world? Just a random thought.

(5) Yes, Eagle Vision is a reference to the Assassin's Creed series.

nightelf37: And that's all for now. More will be added at a later time. Like maybe Chronicle stopping Twilight or Spike from using a Death Note. See ya on Third!

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nightelf37: The reason I did not do "The Cutie Pox" is because it focuses on…well… Apple Bloom, and while Chronicle's a bit fond of her, there aren't much scenes there were I could implement him. Of course, as always, I'll reference it if I can.

I own only the following: My originally designed OCs, and anything that doesn't happen in the show proper.

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Special 6: The Missing Rainbows Incident

Lord Record Keeper was at his 'throne room', overlooking the goings-on in Hub Equestria when something happened. Two of his mirrors, which he used for contacting the rulers in other Equestrias, began to waver. It can only mean one thing; somepony is trying to contact him. Usually, it was the other way around.

He 'pulled' them over with his telekinesis (as he was currently in his alicorn form), and when his reflection changed into whoever was wanting to talk to him, he withheld his shock. Normally, the Equestrian rulers who would be in touch with him via mirror would be Princess Philomena, Princess Luna of the Lunar Republic, Princess Molestia, and Sun Bro and Moon Dude. Princess Trollestia would often just warp herself over and pull pranks on his "little ponies". And Princess Pinkie Pie could just pop up whenever.

Right now, he was facing Princess Celestia Prime and Prince Solaris P-δ. With them were his twin children. Chronicle looked distressed, but Timerity seemed like she had been sobbing for a good while, if her eyes and stuffy nose were any indication. And she was still crying.

"What happened?" he asked, concern filling his voice.

"It's about Rainbow Dash, Dad," his son said. "Something…terrible happened."

"Blitzy disappeared!" his only daughter blurted out. "As in he's gone! I can't find him anywhere! My tracking spell yielded nothing! Blank!"

Uh oh. Timerity had spoken a code. While she does have a tracking spell, she was secretly talking about Surveillance. There was only one way Surveillance would stop tracking someone with a Surveillance camera; when they are whisked away to another world and the Surveillance holder did not go with them.

"Please try to find her!" Chronicle was saying. "We're all worried, and I fear for Pinkie Pie."

"Hold on, both of you. Start from the beginning."

"Wait, both?" Solaris asked.

"What are you talking about, Record Keeper?"

That's when the 'ruler' of Hub Equestria realized his mistake. "Oops. Well, it turns out that both of you have experienced the same predicament. Lemme just get you positioned." With another telekinesis spell, he manipulated the two mirrors so that they were now 'facing' each other and he was between then without obstructing either mirror.

"Sister?"

"Brother?"

"Solly!"

"Celly!"

Both rulers of the Day blushed when they realized Record and his children had heard them. Only the father made a reaction though; the children were still distraught from what they've yet to report.

Record quickly defused the situation by getting back on the subject. "Timerity, Chronicle, tell me what happened. Start from the beginning."

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"I don't think this is such a good idea." Timerity was voicing her opinion.

"Relax," assured Dusk Shine. "I made sure to read the entire manual."

"And you made sure you practiced this time?"

"Umm…yes."

The bodyguard could tell from the hesitance that it wasn't the case. "…You're lying."

"It can't be helped now. I already had this sanctioned by the mayor."

"Fine, but if something happens to my Blitzy, I'm gonna give you a scar!"

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"Twilight, I really think you should stop."

In front of Chronicle was a storm, developed by both the pegasus weather team and his charge Twilight Sparkle. To minimize damage, and to ensure that whatever wild magic the Everfree Forest has doesn't interfere, the storm test took place in a far-off meadow (within view of Ponyville). In fact, it was the same field the cow herd stampeded through before being diverted out of town thanks to Applejack.

It's gonna screw up any minute now! He didn't say it out loud, not wanting something to happen. But then he realized that by thinking about it, it was likely to happen anyway.

All of a sudden, there was an errant lightning bolt, followed by a cry.

"Something's wrong with the storm!" said Lightning Bolt, one of the pegasi in the team.

Why oh why did I have to even think it?!

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"Blitz, get out of there now! Dusk is getting ready to dispel the storm!"

"I can handle this! I'll be fine!"

"But I won't, much as I hate to admit! Get your ass over here! Everypony else is already out of range!"

Next to Timerity, Dusk's horn was beginning to flare with magic as he prepared to attempt to dispel the storm. Just at the moment he fired the spell, a lightning bolt came out of the storm and connected with it. The result was a strong blast that pushed both unicorns back…and 'consumed' Rainbow Blitz in the process.

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Chronicle coughed from the dust that had kicked up after he and Twilight were forcibly repelled by the reaction between her spell and the lightning.

"Dammit, I should've made a better effort in stopping you, Twilight." He got up and looked around. The sky was clear, and there was no sign of the storm. "Now where's Rainbow Dash?" After making sure that nopony else was looking, he took out Surveillance, and prepared to check on her camera. What he saw made him balk however.

Twilight noticed and walked over. "What's wrong?" She looked at the device and saw that the 'screen' was blank. "Where is she? Why is it not finding her?"

"That's because she's not here. As in, not in this world!"

"How? Your Surveillance didn't show anything like this when we ended up in you sister's world."

"That's because I was whisked along with you."

"Can you track her down?"

"…No." And there was another problem with Surveillance. It was okay if the Surveillance holder, i.e. Chronicle himself, got transported in another world. As long as the 'camera' is not taken away from the same world the 'device' was in, they will still work even if the 'device holder' goes elseworld. If the 'camera' is taken away from the same world the 'device' is in, and the device fails to "follow" within ten seconds, the 'camera' will teleport back to its target's last location in the world the device is in for the user of the Surveillance to extract (The stuff Surveillance is made of is expensive and difficult to replace).

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Timerity immediately ran towards where Rainbow Blitz was last seen, fearing for the worst. When she reached it, they came true.

On the grass was a round gray orb. A casual eye would think of it as an ordinary strangely-shaped rock, but it was really a disabled Surveillance camera. If a camera was rendered visible, it could only mean one thing; its 'target' had been whisked away from this world and the owner of the Surveillance device has failed to follow within ten seconds.

In other words, Blitz was gone, and there was absolutely nothing she could do about it. Not by herself, that is.

Dusk noticed her shaking, as if trying and failing to be calm. After all, her coltfriend just disappeared to who knows where, and she would likely blame him. "Um, Time?" he asked as he went over.

"Send a letter to Prince Solaris," he heard her say, devoid of emotion.

"What?"

She turned around to face him, tears in her face. It didn't make for a pretty picture. "SEND A LETTER TO HIM NOW!"

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"I plan to send a letter anyway," retorted Twilight has she and Chronicle made for the library. Well, the latter would just be passing by as he was headed somewhere else.

"Well, add the following: Tell Princess Celestia that I'm on my way to Canterlot, to have her guards let me pass, and to contact my father!"

"Wait, contact your father?"

"I found out from her after my three-day sleep that she knew him. All you need to know about my father is that he can help."

"Hold on a second. Your siblings are situated in different Equestrias. What kind of Equestria is your father in?"

"Well, I did say that we hailed from another world."

"Actually, your sister told us that."

"Right. Well, my father comes from that world. He's also in a way our boss. If Rainbow Dash is in some other Equestria, he'll find her, inform my relative there, and fix this."

"You mean everypony in your family is stationed in one of many Equestrias out there?"

"We'll talk about this another time." They had reached the library, and Chronicle could not waste a second.

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"I used every spell short of the Glimmer Wings to come all the way here," Timerity finished, letting out another sniffle. "Dusk's letter came through, and the guards did not stop me, nor did I need to evade them."

Record nodded after hearing his children's recollection, then said, "All right. I'll do what I can. I'll find Rainbow Dash and Rainbow Blitz from your worlds (as other worlds have those ponies with the same names and appearance). It's gonna take some time though." He then addressed Solaris and Celestia. "Our family's rather large, possibly greater in number than either of your worlds' Apple family clans."

"I remember saying as much," commented Chronicle.

"And my work isn't free of obstructive bureaucrats either. It could take more than a week." Even longer if it turns out they're not in the Equestria Cluster at all. And I've a feeling that is very possible. "I'll be in touch once I have word. But until then, there's nothing you can do but wait." Record turned to look at his daughter, who has finally calmed down. "Don't worry, Timerity. I'll find him. By the power vested in me as a member of the Timer family, I will not rest until find the missing Rainbows."

"*sniff* Okay, Dad."

Record then addressed Solaris and Celestia once more. "Thank you for informing me on this. I best start my work immediately. I bid you farewell…" He turned to each of the mirrors. "Princess Celestia, Prince Solaris."

"I wish you good luck in your search, Record Keeper," said Celestia.

"We all hope for your success." Solaris.

And with that, the mirrors rippled back into their previous silvered forms. Record then 'pushed' them back to their places, and returned to his throne to start his 'mission'. As the screens came to life, with a simple thought, he opened up communications with somebody in the Story Crew.

"Message to Hadithi Command."

"Designation?" asked an voice 'edited' to conceal identity.

"Conte E-No. 44926."

"Designation Recognized. Recording Message."

"I have a serious situation here; Codename: 'Porting Crisis. The following are missing from their worlds: Rainbow Dash Prime and Rainbow Blitz P-δ. Worlds last seen: Equestria Prime and Solaris Equestria respectively. No known evidence of Book Troop involvement. Cause of disappearance: Spell gone wrong for both. Caster of spell: Twilight Sparkle Prime and Dusk Shine P-δ. I would like to request that somebody search the other target worlds and even some of the client worlds for them. I will begin searching in the Equestria Cluster. Over and out."

C—PC—T—RK—PS—C—PC—T—RK—PS—C—PC—T—RK—PS

While waiting for a reply from Command, he was of course already searching the other Equestrias and contacting his relatives; siblings, cousins, siblings-in-law, cousins-in-law, nephews, nieces, nephews-in-law, nieces-in-law, cousins once/twice removed, second cousins onward, everything in between, and even honorary members, who are all under his jurisdiction.

Of course, he contacted his wife and his other children first via the dreamscape. Ebony Spell, Blue Diary, and Mystic Wand all yielded negative results. Upon hearing of his crisis, Princesses Philomena, Pinkie Pie, and 'Republican' Luna offered to help in the search, but Record turned them down, saying, "This is my family's problem. I already have my organization dealing with it, and if they hear I got you involved, I'll be in serious trouble."

A couple of hours passed before the reply finally came, which he read on a screen while on his throne.

"Hadithi Command: Request granted. We're sending over some operatives so you can provide them the details of the missing individuals. They will be tasked in searching the other worlds. Do not forget your task in the Equestria Cluster."

Just as he finished reading the message, the doors to his 'throne room' opened, revealing five silhouettes that were decidedly not equine, or anything resembling a resident of any Equestria (aside from the ones with humans/humanoids).

These five approached him, but the ambiance of the room somehow kept their faces in shadow.

"You must be the operatives they sent me."

"That would be so," one of them replied.

Record then opened a screen in front of them, showing images of the missing ponies he tasked himself in searching. "These are the missing individuals I am tasking you in finding. Rainbow Dash Prime and Rainbow Blitz P-δ. Due to the nature of teleporting, there is a very high chance that their assumed forms may not be what you see right here. Their forms could be akin to any of yours, or something else entirely. For all I know, they might've been sent through time as well, and their bodies and minds might've progressed or regressed as a result."

"That would make the search rather difficult," another of the operatives snarked.

"I am well aware of that. That's why I'm also giving you this." He 'passed' five faintly glowing cards to the operatives, which they took. "Those cards will tell you the Soul Signature of Rainbow Dash Prime and Rainbow Blitz P-δ. I trust you have the means to read them?"

"Of course we do."

Soul Signatures, which are exactly what they imply, are tracked by the Story Crew via the cameras they use, not just the Surveillance ones, but cannot be accessed normally to prevent abuse. Every sentient being, including machines and even the so-called 'soulless', have a Soul Signature. Even individuals who "sell their souls" will still retain theirs. No two individuals, not even alternate selves from two different worlds has the same Soul Signature. And no matter what happens to their body, mind, or even what their world regards as a soul, their Soul Signature will remain the same.

"Good. I wish you all luck."

The five operatives saluted him before leaving the throne room, one of them considerate enough to close the door.

(A/N: Who or what the operatives Record Keeper communicated with isn't important, any more than that mailpony who gave Rainbow Dash her invitation to the Wonderbolts Academy, or the train pullers in "Over a Barrel", or the Library guard from "It's About Time". That's why I deliberately didn't give them much detail.)

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Two weeks have passed since his twin children had reported on their missing friends, which he decided he would personally record as the "Missing Rainbows Incident". His search in the Equestria Cluster have been turning up nothing so far. Of course, given that he has more than just that to do (like stopping Interlopers, organizing his 'employees' and recruits, thwarting the Solar Empire and Corona Blaze, refusing more invitations to "cosmos surf" by Sun Bro and Moon Dude, surviving pranks from Princess Pinkie Pie), he hasn't finished covering every Equestria.

"I apologize, sir, but after you told me about your situation, I couldn't help but ask them about it. The Time-Space Administration Bureau there offered to provide some assistance. What should I do?"

"Fine. Allow them, but make sure 'Assault Flower' (the other Field Op) and their boss knows too."

"Thank you, sir. Pact out." And a screen deactivated.

Record was just finishing a conversation with one of his Field Operatives (and one of his fourth cousins-in-law once removed) with the pony alias Bright Pact, who was assigned to Lyrical Equestria (f.k.a. Equestria-15).

The Equestria Cluster is only one of many Clusters the Story Crew is in charge of. But let's start on what a Cluster is. As would be known, the Story Crew visits various worlds and sends down Field Operatives there. However, in many cases, many of these worlds have too much in common and are regarded as Clusters. Since it would be too much of a hassle to send down Opeeratives as simple as that, Hub Worlds are established in the same way the Timer family did. Not all Hub Worlds are established by a single family, though.

These Hub Worlds would then connect to all those common worlds by secret methods, and then portal mirrors would be established between them for the convenience of Story Crew members, though 'common' can sometimes be a stretch for some. Among known Clusters aside from the Equestria one are Magical Britain, Halkagenia, Mann's Land, Middleton, Valley of Peace, Arendelle, and Mid-Childa to name a few. (1) The last of them is much more complicated due to its worlds being itself connected to the Time-Space Administration Bureau (TSAB for short), another cross-world organization, via dimensional space, another method of crossing worlds aside from the Sea of the Skies and outer space.

The problem with 'assigning' worlds to Clusters is that there's no telling if it belongs to just one of them or actually two (or worse, more). Lyrical Equestria was one of those problems. Not only was it an Equestria, it was also connected to a dimensional space a Mid-Childa is also connected to. As in more so than normal, with its Princesses being knowledgeable of them and the TSAB. As a result, it's not only part of the Equestria Cluster, it's part of the Mid-Childa Cluster as well.

The Story Crew, the Book Troop, and the TSAB aren't the only cross-world organizations out there however; the former two are merely the only ones involved in the 'provide fiction for client worlds' deal. It's just that the other groups are sometimes regarded as 'target worlds' by them, and very they rarely get themselves involved in the two's war, especially the TSAB.

…Yeah. Saying the rabbit hole goes pretty deep is a gross understatement.

Just then, a notification came telling that one of the operatives he requested wants to talk with him. Finally. He established communications and a screen showing the operative opened up. "Tell me what you found."

"Yes. Well, I have good news: I finally located Rainbow Dash Prime. She's in a client world and is being taken care of by a resident human. He has managed to keep her a secret from the rest of the world."

Record winced a bit at this. Whenever somebody says there's good news, there's always— "And the bad news?"

"The bad news is that it turns out that Rainbow Dash had regressed to very early fillyhood during transit and has lost pretty much all of her memories."

████! "That really is bad news. Pinpoint to me the world so I can establish a portal mirror."

"What do you plan on doing?"

Record raised an eyebrow. "I not required to tell you, am I?"

"R-right. Sorry. Oh yeah. I also crossed a strange portal to get there, and from what I could deduce, this client world is in the future, sort of. It seems that there is a Time Displacement phenomenon here. A day in here is a year out there."

"How are you—"

"I'm on our end of the portal while I have a drone on the other side."

"I see."

"No. Wait. …I was wrong. The phenomenon here is a Narnian Time Stream."

"Oh great." Narnian Time Streams are a more wonky version of the Time Displacement phenomenon. While the latter sticks to a strict 'conversion system' formula (e.g. year inside, hour outside), the former fluctuates whenever it wants (one moment it's one hour outside-one year inside, and the next it's one day outside-ten years inside).

"Thankfully, it looks like the Stream will stick to 'day here, year there' for the next couple of days on our side, but I think it's best not to tarry before it decide to 'change its mind' again."

"Thanks for the intel." This makes matter so much more complicated.

"So my job is done, then?"

"Not yet. Not until Rainbow Blitz P-δ has also been located. I'll inform the rest of you once one of you has finished doing that, okay?"

"Yes, MCPO Thomas." The communication was then terminated.

Record chuckled to himself. MCPO (Master Chief Petty Officer) was his rank in the Story Crew's Frontline Force (which was its army designed against direct assaults by the Book Troop or other Interlopers who happen upon Hadithi) before all this. He met his future wife Jenny during a mission in a 'target world'. The details as to how they got together is "private", however.

His expression then turned into one of calculation. With the nature of this sort of memory loss, I'll need to have Rainbow Dash Prime's native friends come along to try and trigger any memory that could be left locked deep in her subconscious. And maybe Princess Celestia Prime has a spell that can help. Failing that, I'll have to ask Chronicle to use that special feature in his Surveillance, and that may take some time.

His musings would be interrupted by another of the operatives he requested wanting to talk with him. The good news of that was that Rainbow Blitz P-δ has also been located. The bad news was that his…predicament is identical to Rainbow Dash Prime's; regressed to a very young colt, memories erased, and taken care of by a human in a client world while being kept secret from the rest of it. Thankfully, the portal leading to that world is under the Time Displacement phenomenon.

He would do a facehoof in realizing that. Even outside their worlds, they're still connected. What are the odds? I best get to work. His reply to the operative was to request they would pinpoint the world so he can establish a portal mirror, then a notification to all of them that the search is over.

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Afternoon…

It was fifteen days since the search began. Now that he had everything in place, it was time to do what he hoped not to do. He had to pull plenty of strings (literally, a few times) to get permission for what he was about to do. After hearing via dreamscape that his twin children were made to Pinkie/Berry Promise something, the circumstances behind those Promises unknown as of the moment, he's going to have to bring his children's friends and Prince/ss to Hub Equestria.

Since using the portal mirrors would be a huge problem, as soon as he had word on Rainbow Blitz P-δ's predicament, he had contacted Solaris P-δ and Celestia Prime that he would be sending over special teleporters (that thankfully looked like a magical artifact by an Equestrian standpoint) to take them to the worlds their missing friends are at. They were also given specific instructions on what to do so he would not have to coordinate with them from the throne room. He could just transport them directly, but he was running out of time with regards to the nature of the client worlds their missing friends were at, and hearing that his daughter was on the verge of— no, he did not want to think about that!

Record had a room cleared for the teleportation. Having pulled a lot of strings, he was able to pull this off. The room was empty save for a wide window showing plenty of houses the non-Field Operatives reside in. The room was also given a little refurbishing and space was made for the two teleporters that would be bringing the natives of Equestria Prime and Solaris Equestria here. They looked like large circular platforms with nonsensical runes all over them.

A specialized MemLock was on the ready, as their experiences here cannot influence their decisions in their native worlds. This MemLock would be on all of them (except his children) until they return to their worlds.

Now, he was debating to himself as to what form should he assume. Alicorn form (which he is in right now), or earth pony? Naturally, if he were to ever visit an Equestria (well, one that wasn't a human/anthro world anyway), he would have to assume the latter. Nah, he'll have to assume the former. And if he does happen to have to visit either of their worlds at a later time, he could say he preferred using a disguise when in other Equestrias.

The runes on the teleporters suddenly glowed. It's time. Record prepared the complex spell that would operate the teleporters. The lights in the room flickered as the magic in the 'devices' and Record's diadem did their work, crackling with energy and Record's horn was shooting off sparks. It was a difficult spell, and Record was close to overloading his diadem he might not be able to assume alicorn form ever again, and that could be problematic. He could always explain it off as a strong curse, but that's only a short-term solution.

Before he could ponder on it any longer, the teleporters let off a large beacon of light from their entire area, blinding Record for a bit as he relaxed his spellcasting. Then the light finally faded, revealing his children, their friends, and the two rulers of the Sun.

"Welcome to Hub Equestria," he greeted. "It is called such because it is my group's home world. I am Lord Record Keeper, ruler of this realm."

"It is a privilege to finally meet you personally," said Celestia as she nodded her head.

"Likewise," said Solaris.

Everypony else bowed before being coerced to get up by Record. "No need for such formalities. I trust you have cover stories prepared in case you're asked why you were gone?" The two rulers of the Sun nodded. "Good. I shall take you to where the missing Rainbows are. In the meantime, I'm guessing you'd like to catch up with each other? Your transit to the worlds your missing friends are is still under preparation."

The moment was then interrupted with Pinkie and Berry having a happy dance together as they pronked around each other. More subtle greetings were exchanged between the others. Timerity didn't return her brother's greeting, though.

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In a short while, the group consisting of three alicorns, six unicorns, four earth ponies, and two pegasi walked down an open road. The non-Story Crew ponies took in the sight the world had to offer. It was like Ponyville, but with a few more multistory buildings. There were also a couple of griffons, zebras, buffalo, and the odd diamond dog or dragon.

"We're a diverse community," Record explained before either of the other alicorns could comment on this. "Family members aren't all bound by blood. Honorary members count too, though only when it comes to doing what my children are tasked in doing in your worlds. And there's something else." He switched to a telepathy spell. I'm using telepathy because I can't let your subjects know.

While Record talked with Celestia and Solaris through their minds, Twilight Sparkle noticed Timerity was feeling really glum.

"Um, Dusk?" She then gasped as she then noticed a faint scar across his chest. "What happened to you?"

"Time threatened to give me a scar if anything happened to Rainbow Blitz," he explained. "She went through with her promise. I'm guessing—"

"No," Chronicle cut him off. "I don't go that far. Well, I won't resort to scars, at least." He then changed the subject. "I'm guessing Blitz being missing is why my sister's in such a low mood."

"Um, I think 'low' would be an severe understatement," Butterscotch spoke up.

"Why?" asked Fluttershy.

"Well, after she got back from Canterlot, she spent every night weeping," Dusk explained. "And some nights, she would go to Blitz's cloud house and stay there until morning."

"And when I went over to clean up, the pillows were wet with tears," added Butterscotch.

"We were so worried about her cloud-walking spell expiring, or her forgetting to re-cast it upon waking up, so I inflated an airbag right below the house if she ever—"

"Oh my goodness!" gasped Rarity. "She loves him that much, doesn't she?"

Berry Bubble nodded his head. "Mm-hmm. She would also vent her frustration on the Eris statue, demolishing it into dust with a sledgehammer. She would then do it again, over and over. Not even Magic Armor could convince her to stop."

"Magic Armor?" asked his female counterpart.

"Basically Mystic Shield's 'female self', Pinkie Pie," Chronicle answered.

"Oh."

"It was only after I got a letter for Solaris that she started to calm down," said Dusk. "Or at least she was calm on that day." He didn't know that Record Keeper had visited her via dreamscape and consoled her for a while.

"Whoo-ee," said Applejack, the female one. "Who knew love can drive a pony that far?"

"How did you girls deal with Rainbow Dash going missing?" her male self asked.

"Well, we did had to deal with a severely depressed Pinkie Pie."

"Her hair was flat, she looked darker, and she was really creepy," said Twilight.

"It was only for a few days, though," said Pinkie. "I couldn't let my depression spread. I wanted us to try and be happy while Chronicle's father did everything he could to find her. Somehow. I was confused as to how he could possibly find a pony who isn't even in the same world anymore."

"I've wondered the same thing," said Berry. "Instead of asking Prince Solaris or Prince Artemis for help, her father was her first option. I've wondered why him. What can he do that she wouldn't ask the Princes first? We know now."

"As for Chronicle, he was just grumpy, worried, nothing near what you guys told us his sister did. He was also a bit out of focus, but that's about it. Still, with what Timerity went through after Rainbow Blitz went missing, now I feel like we should all fear the day that Fluttershy goes missing like this for any reason."

Chronicle groaned from the ridiculous conclusion. "I assure you I won't be a sobbing, suicidal wreck, Pinkie Pie. Rather, I'd probably take a more active effort in finding her, and I wouldn't let even my father stop me. He takes great value in our happiness, and that's why he even did the search in the first place." And the fact that the Story Crew can't let these incidents happen. "I'd probably worry everybody else, and I'd probably be hurt too, but I wouldn't give up."

"…You'd do anything for her, would you?" said Elusive.

The mare-faced unicorn shook his head. "No. Not everything. If for any reason she'd turn evil, I wouldn't fight as her sworn knight; I'd fight to get her back because I advocate what's good, first and foremost." Actually, I advocate the Story Crew, but they're always on the good side. "And even if it breaks my heart, I will do what's right. I hope my sister remembers that."

If anypony had anything else to say, it was interrupted by Record saying, "We're here."

The group was now in front of a slate gray building. The double doors were the push-type, and so no telekinesis was required. Still, since he had guests, he 'held' them open for them.

Past the door were two portal mirrors, large enough for even an alicorn to pass through. The room itself was empty of anything else and was painted slate gray like the building. Two nondescript unicorn mares in labcoats and strange goggles stood in attention, unresponsive but alert like Royal Guards.

"Apologies for the drab look, but I had to work fast to bring these in," Record explained. "You have no idea just mow much effort I had to put for this, and unfortunately the terms of my work means I can't tell you." He 'tilted' the mirrors as he went between them so that the mirrors now faced his guests. "Your missing friends are through these mirrors. Walk through them and they'll take you to where they are." He gestured to the left. "Rainbow Dash is over there." Then to the right. "And there is Rainbow Blitz. I had to call for outside help since they were not in any of the Equestrias my family covers. From what my sources tell me, the worlds past these mirrors aren't pony worlds at all. It's best to be discreet. Interact only with your missing friend and whoever's taken them in. If there's anything else you need when you come back, let me know."

"Thank you for all you've done, Record Keeper," said Solaris.

"Don't thank me yet. If for any reason there is still something wrong with them, I'll get it fixed. And if you ever need a quick escape, you can teleport here. Our mirrors are specialized to allow for them." He then sent a mental message to the rulers (as well as their students) on the specifics of doing that.

Solaris, Celestia, and their subjects then walked toward their respective mirrors, but then the proteges turned around and saw that Record's children were not coming with them.

"You're not coming with us?" asked both of them at the same time, then they turned to each other from how awkward that was.

Timerity then finally spoke. "Best I don't. Wouldn't want my anger to get the best of me."

"I think it's best we stay behind in case anything happens," added Chronicle. The real reason however was that the mirrors led to "client worlds", and it's against protocol for Field Operatives to go there. Voluntarily, anyway; accidents won't be counted against them, but it would still be a hassle to fix. "Go on ahead. We'll be waiting."

"Okay," said Twilight as she and Dusk went after the others through the mirrors.

Once they were gone, Record spoke to his children. "Do you now understand why it is advised against to make such close attachments to the natives?"

"Yes, Father," replied his daughter. "But I couldn't refuse the contract Prince Solaris gave me and stick around Ponyville without ponies getting suspicious. There aren't exactly any nearby towns I could stay in that are in reach of it except for Canterlot, and that place is real far."

"Same deal goes for me," Chronicle put in. "And for the record, there is no hamlet named Oaton in our worlds." Oaton is an earth pony hamlet close to Ponyville, at least in Luna Equestria. Their younger brother Blue Diary and his friends had an adventure there.

"I see," replied Record. "There's something else I needed to tell you, something I couldn't tell them." He was also bad at conversing in two separate subjects via telepathy and verbal without accidentally mixing the two. "It's very likely that your friends might have…problems in memory. I don't think it's just from a spell. They've been regressed to early childhood and therefore their memories might've been erased and new ones cultivated. I assume your friends know a memory spell that can fix this, but in case that fails, I'd like you to enact Operation Slate Sentry."

"Operation Slate Sentry?"

"Yes. But as a backup plan only. The access code is 'Am Niece Eeea'." Record addressed the two labcoats. "Ladies, ready the mind scanners."

"Yes, sir!" The two unicorns each took out a white wand with long cords at one end. They attached the other end of these cords to their goggles.

Operation Slate Sentry involves using a secret feature in Surveillance. In it, though inaccessible and unviewable by normal methods, is an archive containing the memories of its subjects. Operation Slate Sentry would involve restoring a subject's memories by taking the ones saved in Surveillance. How exactly this works is classified to the Story Crew, however.

Suddenly, one of the unicorns said, "They're coming back, sir. And they're using a teleportation spell. They're taking a lot of stuff with them."

Timerity and Chronicle stepped away from the mirror's 'line of sight' as the invisible lines of magic began to formulate. A flash came and from it emerged Celestia, Solaris, their subjects, the unconscious missing Rainbows…and plenty of personal memorabilia, among them "Nascar" and "air show" posters, and a shoe box probably containing a lot of personal items.

"Guys!" Chronicle gasped as he approached his friends, then looked at Rainbow Dash with a trace of worry.

"Bitzy!" cried out Timerity as she bowled past them, pounced on his comatose form, and started crying profusely.

"What happened?" Record asked Solaris and Celestia.

The princess was the first to answer. "We encountered a 'man' who had taken her in. However, we also found out that she had no memory of us at all. As it was, while she was gone to us for fifteen days, he had been literally raising her for fifteen years." Record mentally slapped himself for forgetting to tell them about that little issue, but his face betrayed nothing. "He also knows of us, saying we're 'fictional characters from a children's TV show'."

That's part of what we do as the Story Crew, Record's son thought to himself.

"I had Twilight cast the memory spell she once used from the Discord incident," Celestia continued, then paused for a bit, wondering if—"

"I'm familiar with him," said Record. "Had to fight one version of him head-to-head when he somehow found his way here, and then I had to fight an a 'female' mirror of his named Eris." He didn't tell them about the Great Draconequus Outbreak or the fact that many of the Equestrias would've been stormed by them (some even were) were it not for him and the Story Crew.

"I see. Before I could do that however, he wished to talk with her one last time. It was…a tearful moment. Once we did, Twilight cast the spell while I teleported us back. And to make sure nothing happened between that world and ours, I removed any existence of Rainbow Dash ever being there. The only things I permitted him to keep were his memories, and his photo album. He deserved that much at least."

"I see." Record then turned to Solaris, who nearly stammered for a second before speaking.

"Celestia pretty much covered everything I would've said, except Rainbow Blitz's caretaker was a 'woman'."

"It's strange that even when we're not in Equestria, what we do mirrors one another," noted Elusive.

"Unnerves me too." Record then addressed the two labcoats. "Ladies, inspect the two Rainbows."

"Yes, sir." The two of them calmly walked toward the unconscious pegasi, the other ponies stepping away after a gesture from Record. The one who would check on Blitz had to gently nudge Timerity to get her to move, which she reluctantly did. The labcoats waved their 'wands' over the cyan pegasi, which began to emit green lights.

Before anypony could ask, Record said, "Due to the nature of magic, mixing different kinds can lead to…severe biological consequences. That can be bad news for some worlds. In fact, in one world where Equestria somehow ended up in another world, its inherent magic proved to be toxic to the natives of the other world. Thankfully, there was a solution to that, but I'm not inclined to provide the details lest you worry. More than you are already." She's a xenocidal █████.

Just then, one of the labcoats spoke. "Positive readings, sir." The other labcoat said the same thing. As with all Story Crew members, they know how to say things that can mean other things to those not in the know. While others would assume they were talking about the unnatural magic, they were really talking about the status of the Rainbows' memories.

"I see." He turned to face the rulers. "Princess Celestia, Prince Solaris, there's something I'd like to tell you, something I can't do in front of your subjects, not even your students. Could you please come with me? And don't worry, this part of my realm is pretty safe."

Thankfully, there was little fuss and the three alicorns left the building, but not before Record gave a glance at his children. Once they were gone, Chronicle took out his Surveillance and Timerity did the same, no longer feeling as depressed as before.

"I suspect your father wanted Prince Solaris and Princess Celestia out of the way for something," said Dusk.

"You'd be right," replied Timerity, losing more and more of her depression. "As far as we know, neither of them know of Surveillance."

"How do you know that Princess Celestia doesn't know either?" asked Twilight.

"I talk with my brother in the dreamscape, duh."

"And what has Prince Artemis said when he found out?" Berry asked curiously.

And then a smile, however snide, finally came in her face. "You're assuming he has. Well, he hasn't. Not yet, at least."

"Excuse me, but we have a problem," said one of the labcoats, then addressed Twilight and Dusk. "Are you sure you two performed the memory spell properly?"

"Yes, yes I did."

"Why? Is something wrong?"

"Well, judging by the memories I'm seeing here, the memory spell didn't work as effectively as it should, likely due to the teleportation spell used by your Prince and Princess in conjunction," explained the other labcoat. "In fact, I'm seeing no memories of him with anybody else except his 'mom'."

"Similar case here," said the one checking Dash.

"Oh no!" gasped Pinkie.

"Luckily, that can be fixed, and Surveillance is the key."

Timerity and Chronicle took out their Surveillance devices, activated them, then spoke the code word. "Code Word: Am Niece Eeea." The devices' screens began to flash white as the other side of the device 'opened' and revealed a strange protrusion that looked like a rabies collar, except the short end had a rod that shortly extended itself to a certain extent. These rods were then aimed at the friends they just rescued.

(A/N: It had taken the form of a satellite dish, but no such thing exists in Equestria Prime.)

"Surveillance is able to store all the memories of all of whom it tracks," explained the labcoat who had checked on Dash. "To prevent abuse, it's locked with that pass code you just heard, although it will be changed after this. Operation Slate Sentry will re-insert the memories Surveillance has stored into the subject. I won't explain the process since you probably won't understand it. As you obviously saw, this world is more technologically advanced than yours."

"Subject: Rainbow Blitz," a gender-neutral voice came from Timerity's Surveillance device.

"Subject: Rainbow Dash," a similar voice came from Chronicle's.

"Command: Restore Memory," said the labcoat checking on Dash.

"Memories not in database detected," said the Surveillances' voices. "Erase, Keep, or Lock?"

"What does that mean?" asked Rarity.

"Erase means that all the memories related to what they've been through for the past 15 years there will be removed before replacing them with the memories they have of their time with us," Timerity began. "It is the safest option, but it's not a moral choice for us."

"Keep means exactly that, but mixing memories can come back to bite you, especially if thoughts coming from the two different sets could conflict and greatly influence their decisions," Chronicle continued. "Our family is against such a thing happening."

"Lock is our third option. They will still remember their 'fifteen years off-world', but will not bring it up and act as if they never had those memories. And for 'security reasons', all your memories of your time in our world will be similarly locked. It's not the same as forgetting; you'll still remember all of this, it just won't influence what you do back home."

"Including this very conversation?" asked Berry.

"Of course. So, what's your decision?"

The ten ponies not native to Hub Equestria turned to face one another. This was a difficult choice to make, and much more so to even comprehend. But they owed it to Lord Record Keeper in finding their lost friend. And given what they do know about his children that hasn't been 'locked away', they can understand the situation they're in.

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"The right of each sentient species to live in accordance with its normal cultural evolution is considered sacred. No █████ ████ personnel may interfere with the healthy development of alien (foreign) life and culture. Such interference includes the introduction of superior knowledge, strength, or technology to a world whose society is incapable of handling such advantages wisely," Record quoted to Solaris and Celestia. (2) "That's our Alien Non-Interference Clause, though it's not a completely rigid rule.

"That is why we haven't shared all this to every Equestria we cover. They need to be able to 'grow up' on their own. Some civilizations (which I'll call civs for short) that have failed to do so and grew up thanks to a more advanced one, they eventually fell apart when the advanced ones died out and weren't properly taught. Other civs reached their 'Golden Age' this way, but eventually destroyed themselves, and in a few cases also destroyed adjacent civs. There are so many things that can go wrong when you add a veteran in the middle of a game with beginners/intermediates. Not a good analogy, I know, but…"

"I appreciate your explaining why you can't share all this to our worlds," replied Celestia as the three alicorns flew over the town, overlooking the various sectors. It had the same general street-and-building positions as Ponyville, but it had a distinctive 'shortage' of farmland, and the forest nearby was less a place fraught with danger and had more of an 'obstacle course' feeling. And while there were pegasi and griffons in the sky, there were also a few strange contraptions 'driven' by non-pegasi in the air while they traveled.

"But, it's still kind of hard for us to believe your reason for sending your children in our worlds in the first place," added Solaris.

"Well, it wouldn't matter anyway. We've maintained the masquerade for so long that even with the truth told, you wouldn't believe it. Which is to our advantage. And please don't debate with me about the Clause. I am very well aware of its flaws and there is constant debate on what it really means." Record decided to land on top of one of the multistory buildings. The other two followed suit.

"I have a feeling you just led us out so we don't find out how exactly you would 'fix' the unnatural magic that was found in Rainbow Blitz and Rainbow Dash."

The head of the Timer family held back a chuckle. "Well, given all the explanations I provided you after what I wanted to tell you two, I didn't want to stall the entire process with lots of exposition. We wouldn't get much done if we kept explaining." Record let off a deep sigh. "That's one disadvantage of being technologically advanced and being a friendly civ. You two should seriously keep a closer eye on your star pupils; they inadvertently caused half of…certain problems my children had to fix, some of them bad enough I had to call in some favors like this one I did for you for fifteen days."

"And the other half?" Celestia inquired.

"Pinkie Pie and Berry Bubble. Very deceptively dangerous individuals if they set their minds to it. Thankfully, my kids have managed to exploit their penchant for promises to keep them in line."

"I see."

"Well, since you already figured out I was stalling, I think we should head back to where we left them. Thankfully, we're at the roof of that building they're in, so we'll just have to cruise down."

And that's what the three did. Celestia and Solaris marveled at the height of the building, even though it was just four floors. It was planned to become another apartment for the Story Crew recruits that come from the Equestrias the Timer family has covered.

The three touched down in front of the doorway, and then Record opened it. The two labcoats had the two Rainbows on their backs and everybody else was following them and about to leave the building when the door opened.

"The problem has been solved, sir!" reported the one carrying Dash. "However, it'll take a couple of hours, maybe a day at most, for the process to complete. We'll need to keep them here for a while in the event of some unforeseen error."

"Now this is a problem," grumbled Record. "I was hoping I would only take a few hours of your time, but given the circumstances, I wouldn't want Princess Luna and Prince Artemis to take over your daytime duties longer than they have to." He addressed his fellow alicorns. "You two at least need to go back to your worlds. I strongly advise the rest to go back as well and leave Rainbows Blitz and Dash to my children. I promise they'll be fine by the time they're ready."

"Aww!" complained Pinkie. "I was hoping we could stay and see a lot more of this world! Besides, the way back is always open, right? I know that with your policy of secrets we won't even remember—"

"I told you that you will remember," interrupted the labcoat carrying Blitz. "You'll just act like you won't in the presence of those not in the know. There's a clear difference."

"Staying around is not a good idea," Record said. "There are a couple of things here that can happen that you can't know about. Nothing illegal or shady, I assure you, but this place is a battlefield at least twice a week. I could get in serious trouble if any harm comes to you while you're here. I fact, I'm in enough trouble as it is bringing you here at all. If it weren't for the Pinkie and Berry Promises that have been imposed on my kids (and I know Promises had been made), I would've settled with retrieving the two Rainbows myself (in a sense), and then playing the part of the mysterious rescuer who brought them back."

"Why did you do what you did just so your children wouldn't break their promise?" wondered Solaris.

"Because they showed me what happens if a Promise like that is broken. Even I was scared of the consequences. I, who had engaged more than one draconequus in combat at a time (not necessarily all my myself), would not risk a broken promise because I also value them." Though our way of valuing them is by specifying our words so we won't technically break them if we ever seemingly have to.

The non-Hub Equestria natives took this and everything else they learned about their friends with the open-book-in-an-orange-circle cutie marks into consideration; all the secrets they're keeping, all the mind-blowing stuff, that they'll behave as if they won't remember all of this yet actually will, that the organization the Timer family belongs to has thought this through well ahead of time, and that they're (supposedly) the reason behind how most (but not all) fictional stories are made. The last one is known only to Solaris and Celestia.

Record gave another long sigh as he gestured for everybody to follow. Thankfully, they all did. "I'm sorry, but this is goodbye. Don't worry, you'll remember me if we ever meet again. It's time i took you back. I'll bring your friends back once they're…fixed, and you'll know they are once my kids return." He then sent a mental message to Celestia and Solaris that if anybody asks, they are the ones who rescued them.

"Unfortunately, we're staying, so you can be assured that somepony you trust is looking after them," Chronicle put in. "We'll be back, cross our hearts…"

"…hope to fly…" Timerity added, making this one of those Promises.

Her twin brother decided to go with it; the promise was quite simple and easy to go around. The two of them did the final motions. "…stick a cupcake in my eye."

Soft laughs came from their friends at this attempt to cheer them up a bit.

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The three Timers and two labcoats (who still have the two Rainbows on their backs) saw off the natives of Equestria Prime and Solaris Equestria as they returned to their worlds via the teleporters they used to come in. Once they were gone, Timerity turned to face her father and asked, "So what's the cover story they'll remember?"

"What they'll 'remember' is that the Prince/ss themselves cast the spell to take them to that other world, memories of the in-between period 'locked'. Once you return with the two Rainbows, they'll then remember discovering a little flub in the spell that needed the two to stay in Canterlot to recover while the memories were fixed up."

"Whoa," Chronicle let out a soft gasp. "MemLock can do that?"

The brown alicorn shook his head. "Not the ones you have. And it was a headache to work with." Memory mix-ups in the event of any personal meet-ups with Record Keeper again are prevented thanks to the nature of 'locked memories'; they are influenced not to only not have the memories influence their decisions, it also prevents them from being dwelt upon.

"Okay. So, what should we say to them once they wake up? And how are we going to make sure their memories, or the ones we'll be putting in, won't conflict with theirs?"

"First, we'll take them to our house here, let's go." The five ponies left the room with the teleporters and began to walk outside.

"There? How long has it been?" wondered Timerity.

"Three years. Or was it four? After that Draconequus Outbreak, time has gone wonky in a few places. Anyway, the second step is that we'll place them at two separate beds, and you two will be standing by there. Third, once they wake up, you should be the first pony they see, and then you'll cast a sleep spell. I'll be giving you a book of that shortly, if you haven't learned one already. Fourth, you'll be taking them back to your respective worlds via the special teleporters (not the portal mirrors), and follow specific instructions I will give you later."

"Lord Record took an entire day to plan this with Backup Planner Davis," commented the labcoat (still) carrying Blitz. The two of them had enough endurance to carry a pony for an hour or more.

"Davis?" Chronicle addressed his father. "As in your maternal grandpa Davis Thanatos? (3) You didn't tell us he's here!"

"Well, he's stationed in Equestria-83 as Backup Planner. Seriously, he chose that name. And you didn't ask."

"Well, I wasn't under the assumption that our still-alive great-grandfather, or any grandparents (and other cousins twice/once removed) for that matter, would be among the ones under your jurisdiction."

"Not all of them preferred retirement or some sort of desk job, you know."

Timerity let off a laugh. "Wouldn't it be ironic if our friends here woke up right—"

"—now?" finished one of the labcoats. "I can feel him stirring."

"Same for her," said the other.

"Ugh," groaned Record. "Cast the sleep spell and turn them away from anything that can arouse suspicion." The alicorn then cast an invisibility spell on himself.

The two Rainbows were starting to open their eyes, but most of their vision was blocked by their respective Story Crew friend. Timerity also whispered for some reason, "I finally found you."

The labcoats then cast the sleep spell and the pegasi were in dreamland.

"Whoa. I didn't expect the Slate Sentry process to finish this quickly," remarked Chronicle.

"Well, it technically has," said the labcoat carrying Dash. "It's just that recovery normally takes one fifth of a day at least. Then again, we never had to do this on ponies before."

"I'm guessing this renders the 'take them home' part of the plan moot?" asked Timerity.

Record resumed visibility. "Yes. Time for you to return to where they came from. Come on." With that, her and Chronicle's alicorn father turned around to walk back to the special teleporter.

"Here you go," said the labcoat carrying Blitz as she passed him over to Timerity. "Do you know just how tiring it is to carry a pony for this long?"

"I can imagine."

The other labcoat passed Dash to Chronicle, and the two of them left.

SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM

A while later, the there Timers reached the teleporters, Record's horn already glowing as he started them up. His children got on the ones they each entered here from, their friends on their backs.

"Remember the plan?" he asked them.

"Yeah," affirmed the two, taking out sheets of paper that held the plan.

"Good. Stick to it, and improvise if you can't." Record then flared his horn, preparing the magic that will send his kids back to their assigned worlds.

As the runes glowed, Chronicle turned to face his sister and said, "You know, the ones past the Fourth Wall would regard you as emotional, and perhaps a bit stereotypical."

"Maybe. Only for those seeing your side," she retorted.

"…Touché. See you on the dreamscape."

Before they could say any more, the teleporters took them back to Equestria Prime and Solaris Equestria. There, they will enact Record's plan, stick around in Canterlot until the 'false memory' "becomes plausible". They would also reinstall a Surveillance camera, having been 'disconnected' from the impromptu world-hop.

He knew his children were competent enough not to screw this up, so he let out a huge sigh of relief. Finally, the Missing Rainbows Incident has drawn to a close.

Cricking his neck to alleviate the stress, he made his way back to his throne room, which was a long way from the teleporters. He still had a job to do. Oh, he does take breaks, but he's often just seated on his 'throne' overseeing the goings-on in Hub Equestria. While there was the occasional battle he has to take part in, since he's the only one who can take on Imperial Celestia, Corona Blaze, or any other invading alicorns (or draconequui) head-on, fighting the same foes over and over (with 'varieties' few and far between), he was slowly losing his mind from the boredom.

And while the recent events gave him something to do (as well as get to know a bit more about his relatives' assigned worlds), he had been driven more by his children's happiness. Yes, he did favor them over the others, he wasn't perfect. And it caused him to worry, which wasn't helpful at all.

Finally, he made it back to his throne, sat on it with a weary face, and the screens activated. And then one of his mirrors began to waver. Again? Rolling his eyes, he 'moved' the mirror over to himself and rolled his eyes again at what he saw as his reflection turned into whoever was on the other end.

It was two alicorn stallions. They looked like Princes Solaris and Artemis, assuming the latter didn't get much of his powers back and if the former shaved his beard and his hair was still pink (how beards were even possible for ponies Record will never know). They also had a too-casual look about them, although they seemed to have thought something through.

"Sun Bro, Moon Dude, have you come invite me to 'cosmos surf' again?" Record asked wearily.

"Actually, we wanted to apologize for continuously nagging you," replied Sun, the pink-haired alicorn replied. "It finally dawned on us that you weren't just shirkin' us 'cause you're a uptight snob." Record frowned at him for that remark.

"Shhhh-yah," agreed Moon, the blue one. "After you stopped that uncool tyrant █████ version of my bro three weeks ago, we should've realized you were real cool, but you were still actin' like a snob. We wanted you to relax, take a chill tonic." Record did his best not to roll his eyes at the non-mention of chill pill. "But then your wife's cuz Current Headline, who you sent here in our world, thought it was cool for us to know just what it is exactly ya do."

"Keepin' all of us safe like that, makin' sure our tales're known to the worlds beyond, sounds way cool, dude, cooler than just bein' a boring watcher. Your duty is real important. We won't impose you to go 'cosmos surfing' with us anymore."

"Actually…" Record began. "I'd like to try this 'cosmos surfing' of yours." Sun Bro and Moon Dude turned and faced one another disbelief as the brown alicorn cracked a smile. "I realize I'm getting lots of stress from my task, and that is not going to help me in the long run."

"But what about—" began Moon.

"The others can handle things while I'm gone. Just how long will this 'cosmos surfing' take? If anything should happen at Hub Equestria, I'll have to go back ASAP. Will I be able to do that?"

"Of course! We would never force you to leave your home in times of need. You know us better than that, right?"

"Do I? I'm not supposed to tell you this," Although the MemLock takes care of that. "But some Equestrias under my watch have had its share of irresponsible rulers."

"Dude," Sun replied, looking a bit cross. "Just because we don't act serious doesn't mean we aren't serious."

Record mentally slapped himself in the face as he groaned. "I know that, but while appearances can deceive, they don't always. I just wanted to be sure. So, when the earliest time I can go?"

"…What about right now?"

The 'leader' of the Timer family nodded in agreement. "Sounds like a plan."

SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM

(1) "Magical Britain" is a reference to Harry Potter, Halkagenia to The Familiar of Zero, "Mann's Land" to Team Fortress 2, "Middleton" to Kim Possible, "Valley of Peace to Kung Fu Panda, "Arendelle" to Frozen (Let it go!), and "Mid-Childa" to Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha. This is a nod to the tendency of popular Alternate Universe Fics for these (and countless more) works. I merely started with Equestria since this fanfic is an MLP fanfic. It's also a testament to more world-building on the Story Crew.

(2) The quote I used here is pretty much the Starfleet General Order 1 (also known as the Prime Directive) in the Star Trek series, but replace 'Starfleet' with 'Story Crew', which I censored.

(3) If you're a well-versed Disney fan, you obviously can tell that the name Davis Thanatos is simply a 'corruption' of the name David Xanatos, a popular villain from the Gargoyles series (and the "namer" for a couple of tropes in TV Tropes, particularly the Xanatos Gambit.)

nightelf37: Yeah. I realize that this fanfic has also become not just "the FiM series with an OC", but an exposition on "my" Story Crew. And I apologize (again) for how I ended it. Up next is "The Mysterious Mare Do Well", and then "May the Best Pet Win!" will follow.

I once planned on the Mane Six and Colt Six sticking around and perhaps meeting some of the other members of the Timer family, just so you know what other AU stories I'm following or know of, but I couldn't figure out how to do that without undergoing some sort of existential crisis of the Maneverse being… well…

See ya on Third!

nightelf37: I know some (no, most) of you regard this episode as the worst ever, but that's exactly why I'm doing this; I want to complain about the not-brought-up consequences, and that's what Chronicle will do.

I own only the following: My originally designed OCs, and anything that doesn't happen in the show proper.

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The Mysterious Mare Do Well

The dreamscape…

"It's been a while, Blue Diary! So, how are things in your world?"

Chronicle was conversing with his younger brother, whom he had only last seen since what would be called the "Owlman Incident" on Blue's end and the "Batman Incident" on Chronicle's, both of which took place after the former's cross-world incident. Thankfully, neither the Owlman nor the Batman both encountered were Primes. After Owlman-302 somehow exploited the Elements of Harmony belonging to Trixie Lulamoon and company to power up a teleporter to return to his world, he crossed it only to end up on Equestria Prime where Chronicle and his friends were confronting Batman-203. The Story Crew came in after that, administering "Memory Locks" on all who were involved and the Interlopers were returned to their respective worlds.

Right now, they weren't practice-dueling, just standing in front of each other.

"Well, instead of fighting Discord, we went to the island of Tambelon (5), tasked in testing more on just what the Elements of Harmony can do. Also, it was because of…"

"The Demon Ram Grogar?" Chronicle knew of Grogar because their mother had encountered one instance of him in her early days as a Field Op in the world Dream Valley.

"Yeah. He was a tough opponent, although it only got hectic when Corona's forces entered the scene, though it just consisted of a dragon and Zecora (I'm sure she has more that she isn't using, probably those salamanders). He even managed to go toe-to-toe with both her and Luna (and me for a while) and might've won were it not for the Elements of Harmony. But I'm getting ahead of myself there. Anyway, lots of things happened, and we even had to undergo an ad-hoc alliance with the Tyrant Sun herself." Blue did not mention that he also encountered a Book Troop Field Op (their sworn enemy) siding with Corona, who was 'thankfully' KIA by Grogar. "We learned two very important lessons in the end of all that."

"What?"

"One, we need to work hard to even be half as badass as you and your friends. I really got the short end here. You have a mighty magus, a super strong farmer with lariat skills on the side, a lightning bruiser of an athlete, a pony with Toon traits, a stronger-than-she-looks pony with a unique…ocular skill (your marefriend), and a unicorn who knows martial arts and is physically tougher than you.

"I, on the other hoof, have a illusionist more suited to stealth, a pegasus with strength greater than an average earth pony's, a teacher with an interesting past and is no less a skilled fighter, a spellcaster-musician with flexibility on the side, a farmer with extensive knowledge on flora and is fairly strong herself, and a protective mother with an excellent memory of things she sees. And compared to you, with your expanding arsenal of spells, all I have are my swords, my skills in flight, and a little trinket that absorbs magic and helps me duplicate them.

"Cheerilee and I are making an effort to get everypony in shape, but I fear my friend might be taking it a little too far. (5) Anyway, the second thing we learned after Tambelon is about Corona; she's become saner, but much more dangerous than before."

Chronicle could not understand. "What? Can there be anybody more dangerous than a delusional madmare with goddess-like powers?"

Blue kept his voice level. "Personally, I think so. And my answer would be 'A delusional protective mother whose 'child' is all of Equestria'. That is what Corona, the Tyrant Sun, has become."

"Oh, dear Ce—" he cut himself off, not knowing the appropriate word when his brother's version of the Princess of the Sun was a bad guy.

"Yeah. This makes it far more difficult for us to make her, pardon the pun. 'see the light', since she now thinks of us as misguided foals. And you know how stubborn those kinds of mothers can be."

"I can imagine." The white pegasus decided to change the subject. "So, what's happened since we last talked like this?"

Chronicle thought for a moment. "Well, aside from the 'Batman Incident' that coincided with your 'Owlman Incident', and the 'Missing Rainbows Incident', not much, really. Just the occasional lessons, and the confidence boost sessions."

Blue knew what exactly these confidence boost sessions were. "Heh. You're a real softie inside, you know that? As in, more than me or your sis."

The blue unicorn rubbed the back of his head in admission. "Yeah."

"Well, I best be ready to get up soon. Wouldn't want her trumpeting again outside my house. Yes, I now have a house of my own. Maybe I'll show it to you some other time." With a flick of his wings, blue Diary vanished from Chronicle's dreamscape.

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Daybreak, at Mystic Shield's Self-Defense Academy…

The lights had been dimmed in the academy, making for an ominous atmosphere that put the students on edge as Mystic Shield was about to begin the lesson. A magical clone of Chronicle stood by, the real one off on some other business. Something about 'heroism'.

"Now, here's a new spell we'll be learning. Or rather, it's a variation from a basic spell," he began. (He picked up the technique from his co-teacher.) "Tell me, does everypony here know how to perform an illumination spell, make your horn glow?" He was hoping everypony did, but as expected he found some who can't; all the fillies in attendance. Once again, Twilight Sparkle was absent, but his schedule wasn't rigid for everypony anyway. Snails and Written Script were absent too, since they were members of the new Rainbow Dash Fan Club. In spite of similar heroics, Chronicle doesn't have one either. As far as Mystic knew, anyway. Ponet, Lemon Hearts, and Dinky were also absent, but for different reasons. "Okay, somepony teach them it later. For now, those who can't do the spell step back and try to practice by example."

The other fillies moved to the side while the rest began to cast their illumination spells, which simply involves flaring their horns with magic and making it brighter. Mystic made sure they did not make theirs too bright; that was important for what he intended to teach.

"Now, sometimes you're in a situation where you're being followed, or somebody is stalking you, or you find yourself cornered in an alleyway. One method of instant escape is teleportation, but not all of us have the raw power to do that. Another method is the smoke ball, but real effective ones aren't widely available. There's also the distraction, but you'll have to know your 'opponent' for it to work. The method I'll be teaching you is also situational, best used in the dark like now."

"Are you gonna teach us to use the illumination spell to blind others?" asked Firecracker Burst with a trace of excitement.

"…Not how I would say it, but that's exactly what I intend. Making the transition from 'bright enough' to 'way too bright' within a second can be tricky, and making the transition back to 'bright enough' instead of just outright cancelling the spell is trickier still. This application of the spell requires you to be fast, and I just realized that this technique isn't exactly the type you can teach to a class and more suited to private tutoring."

The fillies on the side giggled at this and so did a few mares.

"Nonetheless, it is a useful ability to practice, and I'll show you just how useful it is. Pay attention, everypony, and dim your horns." Mystic's horn began to glow, and then stayed at an optimal brightness for a couple of seconds. Then, when it was least expected, the glow began to flash a brilliant white, disorienting most of the class (though a few managed to avert thir gaze in time), before it faded and his horn was glowing in its previous brightness as before.

Mystic resumed. "As with all the spells I have taught you, you alone are held responsible with what you do with them. Blame cannot be pinned on me for any wrongdoings you do with those spells. I have done my best to make sure I'm not teaching you stuff that can only or most of the time be used for bad things, or anything that can be dangerous to teach a civilian. Need I remind you, I'm teaching you self-defense, not combat."

"Is that why you're not teaching us that spell Master Chronicle often uses?" asked Pokey Pierce.

"Yes. You'll have to ask him. Personally." That meant asking the clone nearby is out of the question. "He has his reasons fo not sharing it though, what with the Magic Sickness getting in the way of performing it like he does. Only a few unicorns possess immunity."

"There's also the fact that you also need to train your body to use the spell efficiently," the clone finally spoke. "And I'm betting there are earth pony martial arts you can learn more easily instead. Besides, it's a spell for offense purposes, its defensive uses are for parrying other weapons at best, and there are other spells that can do that better." Seeing that he was diverting from the subject, he got the class back on track. "Anyway, let's get practicing. Form a line, and we'll test your ability one at a time." He then turned to the other fillies. "As for you, try and practice the illumination spell. It's also useful in other situations."

C—T—M—LH—AS—SS—D—MS–G–TB–B–CC—CT—FB—P—WS—PP—HD—GT—RP—TF—F—B—M

Elsewhere in Ponyville…

"Somepony help! I've been robbed!"

"I'm on it, Parasol!"

While Rainbow Dash was accepting praise from her rescue of a baby filly from a well (turns out), Chronicle was chasing a robber who took Parasol's saddlebag. the culprit was a dirt brown unicorn stallion with messy hair of a darker shade, and an abstract cutie mark that was supposed to depict a swift swiping motion.

The freelance bodyguard wasted no time in casting the tether spell, which formed on his horn. He then 'hurled' it at the thief, snagging him. Next, he pulled back, rendering the 'tether' taut and pulling the thief with it. With the culprit down on the ground, Chronicle followed up with a magic circle (and dispelled his tether spell), then went next to him and 'unsheathed' his signature spell, the magic horn blade, at his neck. "You've nowhere to run!" He then 'moved' the blade closer to dissuade any sudden escape tricks like teleportation.

A police officer arrived shortly and cuffed the criminal, also adding a special ring on his horn for good measure. Chronicle (correctly) assumed it was to prevent a unicorn who has it on from using magic. The officer, who was a bulky earth pony (only an inch shorter than Big Macintosh) with a navy blue coat, a dark gray buzz-cut mane under his police hat, a stubby tail, a bushy mustache, fire red eyes, and a cutie mark depicting a raging bull. The officer, who goes by the name Hot Pursuit, claims it represents his talent on maintaining a chase. (1)

"Second time this week," Pursuit commented as he and Chronicle made their way to the police station, the criminal in tow. Parasol's saddlebag has since been returned. "We thank you again, Chronicle, for your services."

"Just doing what any law-abiding pony would do, sir," the unicorn replied.

Pursuit let out a short chuckle as they reached the entrance. "We sure could use somepony like you in the force. Too bad you're under a contract from the Princess herself."

"Eh, I wouldn't accept it anyway even if I wasn't. There's something about working freelance that's appealing to me. I can do what I want how I want it. To be a police officer would mean being a servant of the law, as far as I'm concerned. Rules to uphold, protocols to follow, and it's easy to use the rules to escape justice. My brother, who lives far from here, hated that and took it to himself to take out the corrupt politicians in his city from the shadows."

Pursuit wasn't an idiot and managed to get what Chronicle was saying. "He became an assassin?"

"Yes."

"He hasn't been caught yet?"

"Well…"

"Guys, could you please take me inside already?" interrupted the thief still in Pursuit's clutches in a snarky manner. "If I'm gonna do my time, I'd rather it start now."

C—P—?—HP—C—P—?—HP—C—P—?—HP—C—P—?—HP

Some time later…

Chronicle was somewhere at a part of town he thought needed a serious visit from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (assuming such an Administration even exists in Equestria) when he heard a blood-curdling scream. Coming his way was a baby carriage that rocketed over the top of a steep ridge and was barreling along a footpath that paralleled an uncomfortably high cliff. He could hear the carriage's occupant bawling in terror, surprising a few other ponies in the town proper…and bringing Rainbow out of the cloud in which she had been resting.

As the pegasus sped to avert the befalling disaster, Chronicle had already snagged the carriage with his tether spell, but was then dragged along when he underestimated its speed. He already had his hooves dug into the ground, but at the rate they were going, he and the carriage would fall off the cliff edge waiting at the end.

A kick of speed put Rainbow close enough to clamp her teeth around the carriage's push-bar, 'pushing' the 'tether' to the side in the process. She then dug in her rear hooves, slowing the rig so that it stopped with inches to spare before the cliff. As she backed it up a bit, Chronicle dismissing his spell as he stood a ways behind, a crowd below—which included the rest of their friends—broke into cheers.

What the? Were they waiting for us? "Whoa. What's with the crowd?" he remarked out loud. While he was actually no stranger to ponies cheering him for heroic deeds, he preferred to let those deeds speak for themselves.

As for his fellow 'hero', she gave the crowd a big smile and took a bow. After a few seconds of basking though, she gasped in shock and looked into the carriage. "Oh, no! There's something wrong with the baby!"

There came a collective gasp from the group. Chronicle however was worried. Oh no! It must be the trauma from the high speed!

As she continued, she smiled and lifted the diaper-clad newborn into full view. "She's not cheering for everypony's favorite hero, Rainbow Dash!"

There were more cheers as she carried the filly back to its mother. Cameras clicked and flashes popped during the hand-off from three photographers as they snapped away from just below the top of the ridge. The baby was tossed back to the mother, who caught the diaper in her teeth and walked off with a slightly dirty look as Rainbow posed for the cameras.

The rest of their friends then came over, bewilderment settling in on their faces; Scootaloo got in closer, admiration written all over hers.

"There just aren't enough words in the dictionary to describe Rainbow Dash's awesomeness!" said the pegasus filly as her idol struck a few poses. Chronicle had his share of the cameras as well, but while he didn't hog in the glory, he didn't shy away either, standing just like a dignified citizen.

Twilight leaned over to Applejack and said, "I can think of a few new words."

"And I bet 'modest' is not one of 'em," replied the farmpony. "Not for Dash, anyways."

On the end of this, the heroic pegasus rose clear of the crowd and blew a few kisses before zipping up a bit higher. Cheers rose after her as she traced out a lightning bolt with cloud contrails and cruised past.

"No, but she is kinda awesome," decided Twilight as his charge gently shoved off any more photographs and teleported away.

C—TS—A—RD—R—F—PP—C—TS—A—RD—R—F—PP

Later, elsewhere…

Three elderly ponies were gathered at a balcony, two conversing mares and a stallion. Just as a second stallion emerged onto the balcony, a cracking noise from below stopped him short.

"Wha—?"

It turns out that the entire platform was splitting across its width just behind him. Confused mumblings turned into cries of panic as the whole thing shook and worried onlookers gathered below. The timbers gave way partially, leaving the four ponies listing at a precarious angle.

"Never fear…" called out a certain pegasus. "…your friendly neighborhood Rainbow Dash is here!" And she was on the move.

A certain unicorn didn't bother with entry phrases and was already on the move. The beams broke apart completely and the balcony plunged away, but both a barrier and a pegasus slowed it down enough for it to land gently in the street. There was jubilation from the spectators that were suddenly there. Cheers were doled out on the two.

"We'd be lost without you!…You're our hero, Rainbow Dash!"

"Chronicle is the greatest!"

The latter made a mental note to inquire on the integrity of the balcony, while the former lifted off while the group broke into chanting both of their names, then cupped a hoof to her ear. "I can't hear you!"

This prompted them to add a decibel or twelve. Meanwhile, she did a few celebratory moves in midair, enjoying every second of the adulation. The mare-faced stallion however already broke away from the crowd, wanting to ensure that this disaster won't happen again. He happened to approach the rest of his friends, who were talking with one another.

"Call me silly, but I think this whole hero thing might be going to Rainbow Dash's head," Twilight said.

"You may be right…silly," agreed Pinkie.

The violet unicorn grimaced at her friend's ability to miss the glaringly obvious. She then noticed her bodyguard come over and said, "I hope this won't go to your head either."

"Eh, I've done my share of hero work in the past," assured Chronicle. "And I've seen my share of glory hogs like her. Don't worry, I won't let it get into my head."

C—TS—A—RD—R—F—PP—C—TS—A—RD—R—F—PP

Sugarcube Corner…

Twilight, Applejack, and Pinkie were all slightly bemused at the sight of a large gathering of enthusiastic fans. Rainbow strutted into view, her favorite black sunglasses propped on her forehead, and Spike—dressed in a trench coat and fedora, with a press card sticking out of its band—taking notes. Chronicle was with his friends, using an invisibility spell he picked up from Luna Equestria's Trixie Lulamoon during the Antithesis Incident. He was hiding from any fangirls and fanboys he might have. He was also gently siphoning magic off of Twilight (with her permission) to maintain his spell without using too much of his own, which he might need in a crisis.

"And then, I zoomed into the well," Rainbow narrated one of her first heroics (that did not pertain to the Elements of Harmony or the Wonderbolts). "I knew it would be dark and dangerous, but I didn't let that stop me. Danger's my middle name! Rainbow Danger Dash!" She then lowered the shades.

Wasn't it Miriam? Then again, that's actually kind of embarrassing. I could easily be wrong about the 'Miriam' part.

Spike meanwhile had his pencil flying across his notebook pages as he continued writing.

"Thinking back on it, I acted pretty awesomely heroic that day."

"…that…day," Spike wrote.

"Awesomely heroic that day and awesomely arrogant ever since," Applejack remarked.

The others with her murmured their agreement.

Pinkie was eating a cupcake, but had no time to offer a bite before Rainbow lay a foreleg across the workhorse's shoulder, who found herself yanked up onto her hind legs; Rainbow had taken off her sunglasses.

"Hey, Applejack. How would you like to be immortalized as my friend?"

Applejack got all four hooves down. "Immorta-what?"

Too late.

One of the photos from the baby rescue crashed the party and began taking shots of the pair. As Spike continued his note-taking, a skeptical Twilight leaned down to him. "Are you taking notes?"

"Yep. I've been hoof-picked by Rainbow Dash herself, to write her autobiography!" Across the floor, Applejack decided she's had enough of this and walked off. Rainbow kept posing for the camera as Scootaloo watched.

"Um, autobiographies are supposed to be written by the pony they are about!"

"Maybe for your normal run-of-the-mill ponies," replied Rainbow. But I'm far too busy saving lives to stop and write." She walked up to Spike, patting his head. "That's why I hired Spike as my ghostwriter."

This last word spooked Pinkie away from the cake she had been chomping and brought a shriek. "Spike's a ghost!" And she bailed out, allowing for some brief silence.

Rainbow then began to pace the floor and continued. "Anyway, Spike here writes down everything I say—don't you, Spike?"

"'Don't…you…Spike?' Got it!"

"This way, I can stay focused on performing those acts of bravery that nopony else has the guts to perform." She posed in front of a camera as a filly ran up and hugged her. "Yeah, it takes guts." As she spoke, after each flash, a different filly would zip up to pose with her. "But it also takes brains."

Of which I'm certainly better at. Chronicle thought, still invisible. Their friends were unimpressed with her attitude, but she seemed ignorant.

"And sometimes a big lunch and a nap. Being a hero is surely not for everypony, but I'm up to the challenge."

Twilight and Applejack cut their eyes toward each other for a brief instant, as if either getting the same idea or wordlessly asking each other to throw something at the pegasus with the swelled head.

"Of course, I appreciate Chronicle's aid, as he's certainly an awesome pony as well, but he doesn't have as much time for hero work as I do. As Ponyville's weather manager, I'm able to go to the rescue on a moment's notice. Being a speedy pegasus helps a lot in that regard."

Ouch, she's got a point. Hmm…maybe I should try the hero business. But Mystic's too busy with his academy, so I'll have to ask somepony else to help me. Ooh, I know who to ask.

Suddenly, a filly—Liza Doolots, who was identical to Tootsie Flute in appearance, but had a horseshoe cutie mark whereas Tootsie was a blank-flank—bumped into him, and then cried out, "I found him!"

Some of the Rainbow Dash fans immediately turned to where Chronicle had been hiding and one of them—a unicorn stallion not attending the Academy—cast a spell that cancelled the invisibility spell. The fanclub target wasted no time in teleporting away, and the fanclub instantly left the bakery, (correctly) assuming that he would be somewhere outside.

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Later, in somepony's house…

Two certain ponies faced each other in the living room as they had a drink. Nothing alcoholic, of course, or even tea.

"You want my assistance?"

"Yeah, Skyla. I think Rainbow Dash is being too full of herself. I need to try and bring her back down to earth, if you know what I mean."

"I do. If this continues, the Wonderbolts won't accept her. I certainly can't."

"So will you help me?"

"…Sure. I'm free for the next week. Will we need costumes?"

"My reputation speaks for itself, and as long as you don't perform any difficult Wonderbolt tricks, you won't be suspected as one of them. No. No costumes."

"Okay."

(A/N: I thought of trying to hide it until the 'end', but I figured you'd figure that aside from Moonbow Peek, there's only one friend outside of the EOH circle that Chronicle would be approaching right now.)

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The next day…

A line of Rainbow Dash fans have gathered. At its head, an earth pony filly with a sheet in her teeth walked up to Rainbow, who has a pencil in hers. The document was really to be a grayscale picture of the self-proclaimed hero, who scribbled across it as an autograph before backing away for a bit.

"There you go!"

After the filly tucked it in her saddlebags, she said, "Someday I want to be just like you."

"Aim high, kid, but don't aim for the impossible."

A mare's distant scream surprised the entire group and caused the fans to gasp. There was a punctured hot-air balloon coming down fast, and on it was Cherry Berry, who was wearing a leather aviator's helmet and goggles.

"HEEELLLP! HEEELLLP!" she was screaming.

"Uh, don't you think you should go and help?" Snips asked his idol, who was still signing autographs.

"Yeah, yeah. I've got a good ten seconds to spare. Just a couple more."

"Better hurry, 'cause Chronicle and his new sidekick are on the case."

Indeed, he and Skyla were already moving, the former preparing a teleportation spell…for the balloon to flip its orientation and momentum, and the latter already closing in on the balloon, being closer.

Once she has finished scribbling on the latest photo, Rainbow took off with great speed. In the air, however, she was coasting upward on her back, not with any particular sense of urgency. Only after covering a few hundred yards did she flip over to approach the terrified balloonist, whose balloon basket was already caught by Skyla, who was already struggling to slow its fall. The balloon was still too far for Chronicle to cast. To make matters worse, his fans decided now of all times to swarm him with requests for signed autographs, one of them cancelling his spell.

"Not now!" he tried to wave them off, but these were insistent.

"The tension is unbearable!" Spike, still serving as Rainbow's 'ghostwriter', wrote at top speed "Will Rainbow Dash make it on time? Will the other heroes be enough?"

The passage of a shadow cast by something overhead stopped his No. 2 cold on the page. Its source landed on a rooftop: a pony clad in a purple outfit that covered every square inch of fur, including eyes, mane, and tail. A long, darker purple cape billowed behind the newcomer, which was of the same shade as the hood that covered the head and the ribbon of the broad-brimmed fedora atop this. Wrappings over each hoof had this color as well. The hat itself and the collar of the cape were a match for the bodysuit. Nothing can be seen of the eyes except for two lavender panels that matched the hue of the large M on the brooch securing the cape. When the figure stood upright, enough of the general facial contour became discernible to mark it as a mare.

She leaped from one rooftop to the next, as sure-footed as a mountain goat, and dove across open space to pull Cherry out of the balloon. The moment the earth pony was safe, Skyla bailed. When Rainbow charged in, she got nothing but a faceful of canvas and dropped out of sight. A thud and a scatter of leaves marked her ungraceful touchdown. The remains of the balloon were now tangled in and around a tree. Rainbow lifted one deflated fold and saw the unknown mare shook hooves with the balloonist in front of a cheering crowd before sprinting away.

"Holy turnips! That pony came outta nowhere!" said Skyla.

"I've never seen such bravery in all my life!"

The Mayor then spoke up. "That's right. Ponyville has a new hero." Everypony turned to look at the caped figure, seen in silhouette atop a mountain and backed by the sun before running down the far side. A mysterious mare that has done well by our fair city today. I dub this new masked hero…"The Mysterious Mare Do Well"!" There were cheers from all.

Except from Rainbow, who disgustingly said to herself, "Mare Do Well, huh? Well, that mare would do well to stay out of my way! Ponyville's only got room for one hero, and that hero is me!" She tried to take a step forward, but ended up on her face due to a rigging line snagged around one foreleg. Instead, she propped her head on that leg and sat there sulking.

"Give it a rest, Rainbow," Chronicle said as he successfully escaped his fans and went over to her. "What matters is that the pony is safe. That's what being a hero is about."

"And what do you know about being a hero?" she angrily retorted.

"I know for a fact that you're more concerned with fame than doing the right thing. You're not a hero, you're a glory hound."

"What's that even supposed to mean?!" She waved him off before he could reply. "You know what? Forget it!" She then left him in the dust, leaving him irritated.

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Eyecatch (picture-type) - Three-way split. The top panel shows Mare Do Well. The right panel shows an indignant Rainbow Dash. The left panel shows Chronicle and Skyla. The show's logo is seen on the center.

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The next day…

A six-seater carriage filled with screaming tourist ponies was hurtling down a slope at high speed. Judging from the front end having two snapped-off shafts and a total lack of any pulling team…

"Not again!" swore Chronicle as he and Skyla saw it go down. "I swear I'm gonna file a complaint to the OSHA."

"OSHA?" asked Skyla.

"Occupational Safety and— let's save these ponies first! How do we go about doing this?" They were positioned between the carriage and the impending cliff. And it was headed in their direction.

"You use your tether spell, I'll pull you from the back with the lasso."

"Okay, let's go!"

In a jiffy, Chronicle 'snagged' the carriage, just like last time, and was expectedly pulled along when he attempted to pull taut. Thankfully for him, he 'put' his end of the tether around his barrel, so there was no severe horn trauma. Skyla already had the lasso coiled around his barrel and was attempting to pull the opposite way. The carriage was slowing down, but it wasn't enough.

Then, Rainbow Dash arrived at the scene and flashed in to pull even with the rear end. "Never fear. Your friendly neighborhood Rainbow—"

"Excuse me!" interrupted one of the tourists. "Uh, do you think you could skip your catchphrase and just hurry up and save us?"

On these last five words, the blue speedster rolled her eyes and groaned at having her intro ruined so in such a thoughtless manner. "Fine." She then somersaulted to the front end. "Picky, picky." Seizing the broken shafts, she dug in her rear hooves.

"Rainbow!" Chronicle yelled. "Get these ponies out of here! The three of us can't stop this much longer!"

"I told you I got— Whoa!"

She found that she cannot get enough traction to stop the carriage on the steep downgrade. She trailed off into a panicked yell as it broke loose again and tossed her aside, plowing Skyla aside in the process, and she can do no more than stare while the rig barreled toward the cliff at the end of this road, with Chronicle doing his darnedest to save the ponies. Skyla was already on the move to get back into the action. However, Mare Do Well leaped into view, planted herself to face over the edge, and lifted her rear legs so that she was standing on her front hooves.

The front end of the carriage made contact, plowing her ahead, and sending Chronicle slamming into the back of the carriage, no longer being the force trying to slow it down. Mare Do Well dug in against the ground, keeping her rear legs tensed, and gradually brought everything to a stop and Chronicle slowly pulled himself away. Her front hooves ended up so close to the edge that a few clods of dirt kicked up by them clattered over it. There came cheers from the passengers, one of whom jumped out to kiss the ground.

"Oh, thank you, Mare Do…" He trailed off in surprise as Mare Do Well was already bounding away across the mountaintops.

Rainbow, now upright, watched from the spot where she wiped out quite a way back. "I can't believe it! Mare Do Well is stronger than me? Well, a hero is more than just muscle—" She began to walk away, much to Skyla's worry. "—and she's gonna learn that the hard way."

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A new building was under construction, six floors planned. Heavy equipment was in use and the crew was hard at work. The crane snagged a beam to hoist it up. The operator tried to move one of the levers but found it jammed; when he tried to force it, he was rewarded with sparks and smoke from the overloaded mechanism. Out of control, the arm swung wildly in a circle as Ponyville's three civilian heroes caught sight of the disaster.

One of them bothered with her catchphrase while the other two already made for the to-be-disaster area as the rope holding the beam to the crane's hook began to snap. The one who went and dallied (obviously Rainbow Dash) had to dodge the beam…which smashed into the lowest section of the framework, shaking other pieces loose. Amidst the mayhem, the three civilian heroes got to work, Chronicle working in tandem with Skyla. He hasn't quite mastered yet the art of teleporting others from a distance farther from himself. Besides, all the falling debris made it much more complicated and that much harder to concentrate.

One worker stallion pointed upward. "LOOK!"

Standing on the crane's pulley was the Mysterious Mare Do Well. As she jumped down, the crane operator pumped a hoof and cheered for her.

The masked rescuer nimbly dodged falling junk, balanced on a trio of rolling barrels, and jumped clear to run a slalom across the site. One upstaged pegasus glared daggers at her from above, but another worker was very grateful to be lifted onto the purple back and carried to safety as Rainbow's jaw dropped. The latter's rancor turned to shock when she noticed a pallet loaded with bricks toppling off the highest level of the framework. Seeing Mare Do Well busy, Skyla having just rescued another worker, and Chronicle weathering the debris as he shielded himself and yet another worker (but instead of a dome, he had a panel that tilted to behind himself), the blue pegasus dove in toward a stallion who had found himself in the load's growing shadow and plowed him away, an instant before it crashed to the ground.

While she ran for all she was worth, the sole definite unicorn in the area decided to use another spell picked up from Blue Diary's Trixie; the "magic sight" spell. With this, aside from the obvious, he can at least discern a pony's race. But he would be rendered blind for a day if he looked at an alicorn with this spell on. At least if they used too much power in front of him.

I hope that's not either of the Princesses in undercover.

This thought process only took a single second and once the spell was cast, his eyes took on a blue tint. Unlike the pony he learned this spell from, he saw distinct colors as well as little boxes indicating what magic he is looking at. Glancing at Mare Do Well, as well as glimpsing the onlooking ponies, he saw that the masked savior was an earth pony, judging by the forest green aura. Pegasi emitted a sky blue aura, and unicorns emitted a violet aura. He held up his own hoof and saw that his aura was…yellow. Huh, must be because I'm not born a unicorn. The little box even said "█████-█████ ████████".

"Um, could we please get out of here now?" asked the worker he was with.

This broke him out of his reverie. "Right, got it." Drawing a line between their location and where he wanted to go, he teleported himself and his rescuee out of the pile of debris, and next to where the rest of the other rescued workers were put at a safe patch of grass.

From he saw, there were four workers near Mare Do Well, three near Skyla, and one on the far side, the one rescued by Rainbow Dash. Behind them, the framework of the building proceeded to come down with a deafening roar, a great belch of dust, and a moderate tremor. The stallion Rainbow just rescued moaned weakly and went over in a dead faint.

The blue pegasus flew over to them and said, "Well, Mare Do Well—or should I call you Mare Do Slow? You're gonna have to pick up the pace if you want to compete with me, 'cause I move like lightning!"

"Actually, she saved all of us. We owe her our lives," said one of the worker stallions with the masked heroine.

The cocky blue face went slack with shock as the red-violet eyes constricted to points, and she dropped to the ground alongside the one she saved on her own.

"We all took part in saving everypony," Skyla told her 'scouting target'. "We would never have forgiven ourselves if the one you rescued didn't make it."

"This is not a competition, Rainbow Dash," warned Chronicle. "The sooner you realize that, the better it will be for Ponyville. True heroes don't seek fame, but do what is right because it is so."

With that, Mare Do Well led the rest of the cheering crew in a stampede away from the area, and the one the self-proclaimed hero rescued walked after them to leave a poleaxed Rainbow on the dirt. In due time, the face rearranged itself into a furious growl as soon as Skyla and Chronicle were out of earshot.

"Okay. She's strong, fast, and somehow knows what's gonna happen ahead of time." She stood up and flew off. "I gotta step up my game."

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Chronicle was en route to Ponyville's dam after Skyla voiced her concern with its integrity. He passed by a high, broad waterfall on a nearby cliff. He could see the river ahead was held back by the large dam, but once he was close enough, he could see a fresh crack with water dripping through it. He also saw Rainbow cruise past…and double back with a gasp, having noticed the fracture as well.

"If the dam breaks, the whole town'll be flooded! Looks like Ponyville needs a hero!" said the pegasus as she plunked her hoof over it, beaming the whole time. "Easy-peasy. My game is officially back on. If only somepony were here to pat me on the back."

As she said this, the break grew a bit without her noticing. She then removed her hoof from it to give herself the pat. "Heh. Guess I'll have to do it myself."

Chronicle groaned at this. He was too far from the crack to try and close it via telekinesis. He could use Surveillance and do it a roundabout way by looking through his friend's camera, but he can't risk it being seen by others. Calling for her to put her hoof back seemed a moot point given her attitude.

And then the dam seemed to choose this moment to give out, releasing a torrent that washed her away and turned whatever she was going to say into a series of waterlogged yelps and cries. She ended up floating down the waterway toward the falls and screaming at top volume. "HEEELLLP!"

"Why was there nopony here to patrol the dam?!" Chronicle cursed himself, summoning a clone to do what he can to help his boastful friend while he checked what he could do about the dam…and scold any neglectful watchers.

The clone ran downstream, finding a way to get Rainbow out of the river, only to see that Mare Do Well was already on the case, having placed a log for her to grab, which she bumped into. The pegasus's mouth was open in wordless disbelief after catching it. She got over it quickly, though, and wasn't exactly thankful. "You?! Huh. I suppose you want me to thank—"

A toss of the purple head sent the fedora gliding away. Underneath it was a unicorn's glowing horn, covered by the material of the hood. Rainbow gaped as the shattered pieces of the dam were levitated back toward it and fitted neatly into place. There were two similar gapes from Chronicle and his clone.

What?! Did I read my magic sight spell incorrectly or is Mare Do Well…oh, I think I got it now! It finally dawned on the stallion.

"You gotta be kidding me!" gasped Rainbow as she climbed onto the log.

Mare Do Well is many ponies! Chronicle realized as he saw Mare Do Well vanish from his view, then re-appear on a high perch, floating her hat back on. He cast his magic sight spell and saw that this Mare Do Well was a unicorn, and a powerful one to boot, judging by the bright violet aura. He could also see trace magic that indicated a teleport. And that can mean one of two things. One, Twilight Sparkle is a Mare Do Well, for there is no other mare who can pull off a teleportation spell that easily. Two, it could easily be another mare I don't know who is just as powerful, but has not used it in my presence. I'll need more proof though.

The show of magic had apparently attracted the attention of several ponies, for they now cheered cheer her from the riverbank as then gave an acknowledging wave before darting away.

The soaked polychromatic-maned pegasus, meanwhile, had made it back to the bank and was shaking herself dry. "Let me get this straight. She's strong, she's agile, and she's magic?" Letting go with a loud, frustrated groan, she flopped backward onto the grass. "How do I compete with that?" A second later, an idea began to form under the vivid mane as she stood up. "Wait a minute. I do have a leg up on her. And that leg is…" She took off, leaving a rainbow contrail. "…wings!" She darted here and there for a second, then went straight ahead. "Hah! Take that, Mare Do Well!"

Instead, she was the one who had to take it in the form of a purple blur that flashed past to stop her cold and leave her spinning. When she glared after the interloper, it showed that Mare Do Well had wings, previously covered by the folds of the cape. She soared over the whooping crowd by the dam and was gone before Rainbow can make it back to the site.

"Oh, for the love of Pete."

At around the same time, Skyla finally reached Chronicle's location, which was on top of the dam. "I'm so sorry I couldn't come!" she profusely apologized. "I had to save two cats who got stuck up a tree by a dog. And I did my best not to get too many scratches."

"I don't blame you," assured Chronicle as he deactivated his magic sight spell. "But I discovered something ground-breaking about the Mysterious Mare Do Well."

"I saw it too. Mare Do Well has a horn and wings, meaning she's an alicorn! Could it be that one of our princesses is disguising herself as the vigilante? My bets are on Princess Luna."

"Or, Mare Do Well is actually multiple ponies. I just saw her fix the dam with magic alone. Yet she just dodged about during the construction site incident. If Mare Do Well was one pony, she wouldn't have challenged herself like that."

"But what does this change?"

"Nothing. But why was it only now of all times that the hero-hailing got to Rainbow's head? I mean, she saved the day a couple of times prior and there wasn't such pigheadedness out of her then." Unless residual memories of the time she was missing from Equestria has some involvement…

"I don't know either. As for two of three cases I know, that glory was shared with the rest of her friends and you, not that you're not her friend of course. …I'm hungry for some candy. Let's buy some at Bon Bon's." (2)

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Later…

The civilian hero duo left Bon Bon's Sweet Treats, Skyla having a saddlebag that now held cheese-flavored candies.

"So, any thoughts on who these Mare Do Wells might be?" she asked Chronicle.

"Hmm…" He sorted out the data he had at the moment. "From what I figured out so far, one Mare Do Well had exceptional strength to stop a downhill-speeding tourist carriage, one Mare Do Well possessed some degree of clairvoyance to dodge all those debris with ease if it wasn't just keen eyes, one Mare Do Well is a powerful spellcaster, and one Mare Do Well is a pegasus."

Skyla tried and summed things up as she took a cheese-flavored gumball and slipped it into her mouth. "Hmm, normally I would sat that that super strong Mare Do well would have to be an earth pony, but after seeing that other-world Raindrops and how earth pony-strong she was, I'll have to re-evaluate that.

"As for the clairvoyant Mare Do Well, there is one pony I could think of at the top of my head, but I've seen other ponies who can perceive the future if only a few seconds ahead. For the unicorn Mare Do Well, one pony is also at the top of my head, but it could easily be some other unicorn who just doesn't reveal that she's a powerful magician like Twilight. And the pegasus Mare Do Well could obviously be any pegasus. I hate to say this, but I have a very sneaky suspicion that those four Mare Do Wells are—"

Chronicle knew where this is going, and didn't want to hear it from her. "As you implied earlier, there are plenty of other ponies who can fit the description. But I will ask them just in case." He summoned some magical clones, gave them directives, and once they were out of sight, he diverted to a different subject. "Say, why the heck does Ponyville even need a steep downhill road leading to a sheer cliff, anyway?"

"It's for the pegasi carriages to land on and take off, of course. Just lifting off won't make the magic work for such heavy loads."

"Oh."

Just then, the two ponies saw Mystic Shield headed their direction and both stopped before they could bump into one another.

"Chronicle, Skyla," he greeted the two.

"Mystic Shield," the two greeted in return.

"Nice day, isn't it? No need to undergo heroics for the time being?"

"Fortunately for us," said Chronicle. They then heard Rainbow Dash fly by. The three then decided to have a walk together, en route to "Probably not for her, though. I'm getting worried. I don't know if Mare Do Well really is as heroic as the town sees her as, not that I have doubts of that, but ever since she entered the scene, Rainbow seems to be getting worse with her ego. I fear she might start causing trouble so she can keep 'playing the hero', and I'll have to put a stop to her if that happens before Mare Do Well decides to go and fix it herself."

"You think she might really go that far?" Skyla asked in worry.

"I plan on making sure she doesn't. I can't let my friends fall to this level. Not again. Not after what Discord did."

Mystic was quick to lift his spirits. "Now, now, don't be like that, lest we end up having to face two problems; the hero with an acquired situational narcissism, and the well-intentioned extremist." (3)

"You sound like you quoted those terms from somewhere," said the pegasus as she raised an eyebrow at Mystic.

"Did I?"

"Thanks, Mystic. I needed that." Chronicle. "I was wondering why disasters started happening frequently this month."

"Yeah. That necromancer who claimed himself to be a Discord cultist three days after you finally found Rainbow proved to be a real pain." The ascot-wearing unicorn shuddered a bit. "I learned that I also need to teach my students to be brave, and that wetting myself like a baby is terrible for my reputation."

Skyla made a face. "Ugh! I did not need to hear that!"

"Just where did they get those 'classical' elemental powers, anyway, Chronicle?"

The mare-faced unicorn took a moment to think. "All I can tell you is that they cost a fortune, but it was worth every bit."

"I see. …Anyway, when will you be available again in pony to help me teach?"

"I'm still worried about Rainbow, and I can't risk just having a clone there to help her out. Maybe after she's learned her lesson."

"I think Mare Do Well is attempting to teach her humility," the pegasus guessed.

"If she is, then she isn't doing a very good job at reaching out to her. If only I can just find Mare Do Well and negotiate, but given that she's multiple ponies, I don't know who I can trust."

"Not even your friends?" queried Mystic.

"From what Skyla almost told me before I silenced her, there's a good chance that my friends are involved, especially if teaching humility to Rainbow Dash is the reason. But without sufficient evidence, I can't point hooves at them, and that would make me look bad. Even if I may be correct, it would be wrong to accuse them rightly for incorrect reasons.

"Also, if I tell one Mare Do Well about this outright without knowing it's her, I could risk her telling the other Mare Do Wells to avoid me to maintain the masquerade."

"Why would they do that?" asked Mystic. "Don't they know you can be trusted to keep a secret?"

"Only my friends know that. And there's still the possibility that these Mare Do Wells aren't even Ponyvillians and thus wouldn't know much about me. Building up a reputation isn't exactly my top priority."

Mystic raised an eyebrow. "So you're saying you can only trust stallions because they can't be Mare Do Wells?"

Chronicle scoffed at the idea. "That would be sexist, and while faces like mine—" He gestured to his mare-face. "—are a rarity, no pun intended, those who have them can potentially be a Mare Do Well. And those who aren't can still be confidants/secret-keepers." Another thought came to him as the three stopped walking. They were now at the path leading to Carousel Boutique. "Now that I think about it, how do I know that neither of you are—"

His thought process was cut off as he saw a certain creature that was registered as a threat whose level is potentially equal to Discord's. Nopony else was able to see it though.

His abrupt pause caught the attention of his non-EOH friends. "Is something wrong, Chronicle?" Skyla asked.

He quickly calmed himself, secretly summoned a clone, and had it follow that creature. "Nothing. It's just that I realize I would look paranoid with my suspecting of you two as a Mare Do Well or confidant of hers. But just to ease my mind, could you two Pinkie Promise me?"

"Here we go," groaned Mystic. Neither he nor Skyla knew exactly how severe the consequences of breaking a Pinkie Promise were that Chronicle would treat it as a binding contract. While the former did experience the consequences of breaking one, he had managed to waylay her by citing the exact terms of the promise and pointing out the loophole.

"Do you Pinkie Promise that neither of you know anything at all pertaining to the secret identities of the Mysterious Mare Do Well?"

His two friends turned to face each other, then back to him and said, "We Pinkie Promise that neither of us know anything at all pertaining to the secret identities of the Mysterious Mare Do Well?" The three then did the motions, having made Pinkie Promises before. "Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye."

"And we know what happens if we break a Pinkie Promise, Pinkie Pie!" shouted Mystic. "No need to remind us!"

Pinkie Pie then suddenly popped out from a nearby cloud. "Okie-dokie-lokie!" She then popped back in and when Skyla checked it, there was no evidence of the earth pony ever being there, except for some confetti.

"So, should we start searching?" asked Mystic.

"I don't even know where to start or how," Chronicle replied, then gave a wan smile. "But with you guys by my side, I think I can do it."

C—RD—MS—S—C—RD—MS—S—C—RD—MS—S

Eyecatch (picture-type) - Chronicle with a "deerstalker" hat, Mystic Shield with a bowler hat, and Skyla with her Wonderbolt goggles around her neck. The three are looking at Mare Do Well's dropped brooch, which dissolves and turns into the show's logo.

C—RD—S—MDW—C—RD—S—MDW—C—RD—S—MDW

The Chronicle clone continued to follow the creature his original spotted earlier through the park.

The creature was a small white feline, 61 centimeters long from head to tail. It had four ears; two resembling a cat's, and two akin to long tassel-like appendages that split into three sections at its tip, which faded from white to pink and had three red dots horizontally before the splits. It also bore a pair of floating golden rings. On its back was an egg-shaped red oval. The Story Crew's designation for it was "A-E Incubator", and was regarded as a top level threat. (4)

Before long, the creature realize it was being followed as it turned to face the clone, showing that its face consisted of two beady pink eyes with dark maroon irises and a tiny, sigma-shaped "cat mouth". By that time, Chronicle already had his Story Crew-issued Detainer deployed, which turned into an inescapable bubble that encased the creature.

"You're not making any contracts with anybody here. Incubator," he sneered at it.

How do you know of me? it asked him through telepathy.

"My organization has been tasked in, among many things, finding your kind." While he said this, he took out his Sender and placed it under the Incubator, not wanting to hear any of its ████. "Codeword: Ghorofa." In a few seconds, the Incubator was gone, and he returned his Sender back to hammerspace; he'll have another Detainer soon. "Okay, that takes care of that."

Normally, it would. This made him frown. But we've been learning how to elude the Story Crew's methods of preventing us from completing our mission. Chronicle turned around to see another Incubator. This world is completely saturated with magical energy, and there are quite a lot of inhabitants in this world that show potential to become a Puella Magi. I do not understand why your organization would do anything to stand in our way.

"If memory serves, I distinctly remember a Spiral Energy Generator that should solve your problem back in Hadithi."

True, but after the discovery of multiple universes, we find that this generator of yours can only reverse entropy for only a few of them. Our system is more efficient.

"Actually, our scientists have been discussing the population dynamics behind that, and have deemed your system either inevitably doomed to failure or incredibly fragile and volatile." He knew of this because of a visit from those scientists during his school life prior to his family's 'assignment' to the Equestria Cluster. He didn't remembered all the particular maths behind it, though.

Really. The Incubator was skeptical.

"Yes, really. There are certain worlds where we cannot stop you from doing what you need to do, but this world is not one of them. And now that my organization knows you're trying to target this world for harvesting, they will stand in your way, so I suggest you leave now before you waste energy from respawns."

The Incubator betrayed no emotion, if only because they are incapable of expressing such. I will take what you have said in consideration. It made to leave. But we will continue on our mission to save the universes, and you and the Story Crew cannot stop us. It then inexplicably vanished.

(A/N: Sorry for doing a plot line that was ultimately completely irrelevant to "The Mysterious Mare Do Well", reasons on the notes below.)

C—RD—S—MDW—C—RD—S—MDW—C—RD—S—MDW

Elsewhere at the park…

"Stick to the plan, guys," Chronicle said.

"We got it, we got it," grumbled Mystic.

"No need to remind us," sighed Skyla.

They (and a lot of townsponies, including Applejack and Twilight) were facing a stage that had been set up, liberally festooned with balloons, purple flags, and banners showing Mare Do Well's symbol and likeness. The Mayor, standing at a lectern, tapped a gavel to bring the crowd to order.

"Welcome to Ponyville's first, but surely not last, thank-you parade in honor of our city's greatest hero, the Mysterious Mare Do Well!" she announced.

In time with the name, the disguised savior burst through the banner that served as the stage's backdrop, prompting cheers from the sign- and banner-waving spectators.

"Okay, let's g—"

Chronicle's plan immediately went awry when Rainbow Dash flew up to get in the masked vigilante's face. "The Mysterious Mare Do Well, huh?" There was a round of gasps from the audience. "So what are you hiding? Let's see how mysterious you are without that mask!" She lunges in with a snap of her teeth, intending to rip it off, but Mare Do Well backed out of reach, leaped off the stage, and broke into a gallop as Rainbow chased from the air, Chronicle and his 'team' right behind.

"Dammit!" the mare-faced unicorn swore as they followed. "I should've counted on Rainbow doing something like this." He began to pound himself with his paddle. "That was stupid, stupid, stupid of me!" he 'put it back' shortly after.

The pursuit moved into the back alleys of Ponyville, with Mare Do Well racing ahead and Rainbow taking a side path to cut her off while Chronicle's team continued the straight way. It was no good; the caped pony slipped by in a parallel track before her pursuers correct course. As they did that, Rainbow asked, "What are you three doing?"

"We were about to just go with what you just did back at the stage, but not in a hostile manner," Chronicle replied.

"Whose side are you on, anyway?!"

"We're all on the same side! Get it through your he— whoa, whoa, whoa!"

The four over-corrected and bypassed the street on which Mare Do Well had broken into the open, and quickly reversed to pick up the trail. Two sharp turns took the incognito pony out of their sight—but as Rainbow darted toward the last known location, Mare Do Well apparently circled the building in less than one second.

The properly vexed pegasus started to double back after her, mixing her sprint across the far end of the alley.

"Remember what I said about Mare Do Well," Chronicle told his companions. "Split up!" Mystic and Skyla nodded as they took off to where the last two instances.

As Rainbow started back down the way after her, Mare Do Well passed Chronicle, using wings rather than hooves this time. Rainbow's flight after her was interrupted by a sharp whistle from somewhere behind her, and Mare Do Well again galloped across the far end of the block. "What the hay?"

She flew back down the alley—Chronicle following—and found herself facing a dead end formed by high stone walls. They soon found out that Mare Do Well was standing atop these for a moment before she dove out of view. Rainbow snarled to herself as she continued the chase and Chronicle did the same (minus the snarl) and summoned a couple of magical clones to split up to try and corner the Mare Do Wells.

They followed the purple-clad enigma down a flight of steps that led down from street level and into a tunnel, and emerged in a new alley. Another whistle diverted Rainbow's attention to the end behind her, but Chronicle kept his eyes on their target—and saw her unfurl her wings and fly over the wall. While he teleported after that Mare Do Well, he summoned another clone to stick with Rainbow, who went back the way when she had seen Mare Do Well there after a growl of frustration.

A fresh burst of wing-power puts her back in the chase, but she skidded to a stop and eyed a ladder on the side of a building she had just passed. The clone saw this too and was already ascending it. An instant later, they were up on the rooftop and eying Mare Do Well, who was proceeding cautiously along a street.

"I got you now!" The pegasus then dove, plowing into Mare Do Well from behind, and both tumbled for a while before crashing into a wall. As the clone teleported himself down, Rainbow now had Mare Do Well pinned on her back. "All right, Miss Mysterious! Mystery…" She ducked down and came up with the mask in her teeth, tossing it aside. "…solved!"

Gloating turned to slack-jawed shock in a tick, and Rainbow let off an inarticulate cry of surprise as the unmasked heroine smiled sheepishly, and had lost her hat. The sight of this particular face threw Rainbow into a stuttering fit, and the Chronicle clone into a hissy fit.

"Pinkie?! Huh?!"

"I got another one!" another voice came.

Rainbow looked up to see another Mare Do Well, with Mystic Shield behind her. After a gruff movement of his head, she conceded and pushed her own mask up to expose herself as…

"Twilight?!"

"The charade's over," yet another voice came. "Time for you to confess." If anypony were paying attention, they'd also hear, "I always wanted to say that."

The pegasus turned to see Skyla with a third Mare Do Well emerging from a side path, the latter unmasking herself as well.

"Applejack?!" The two 'extra' Mare Do Wells approached her slowly, ushered by their 'captors'. "There were three of you?"

"Yep," confirmed the unicorn mare. "We all played Mare Do Well at different times."

"I stopped the carriage bus with these babies…" Applejack glanced toward her own rump, or more precisely her rear legs and lifted them one at a time. "…Bucky McGillicuddy and Kicks McGee."

Pinkie got up and said, "I saved the construction workers with my Pinkie Sense." She barely finished the sentence before her tail began to twitch uncontrollably, and she quickly pushed Rainbow aside just in time to avoid a flowerpot that crashed to the ground where they were standing. Both look up to see a contrite Cherry Berry at an upper-story window.

"Sorry!" she called.

"It's all right," replied Pinkie.

Twilight levitated her hat off as she said, "And I used my magic to fix the dam."

Fluttershy skidded in. "Ooh, ooh! And I did the fly-by afterwards."

Rarity arrived as well, a cross (real) Chronicle walking behind her, who had a winged Mare Do Well suit on his back, having removed it from his marefriend. "I made the costumes. Fabulous, if I do say so myself."

The string of revelation prompted Rainbow to pace the alley uncertainly while Chronicle dismissed the clone near him, his temper slowly simmering.

"For all the town's claims of you being a humble hero, you sure tooted your own horns," he grumbled, but was ignored.

"I don't understand." Rainbow then turned to her friends. "Why? Don't you want me to be a hero?"

"Of course we want you to be a hero," Twilight replied.

Applejack gave a wink. "But a real hero doesn't brag."

"Chronicle had been trying to tell you that ever since it gone to your head," Skyla pointed out.

"Uh…I guess I did start to brag a little," Rainbow confessed.

"A LITTLE?!" everypony else cried out. Except Chronicle, who just rolled his eyes. The combined force of their retort threw her back so that she ended up sitting on her haunches.

"Okay, a lot."

Twilight walked over to her. "Celebrating your accomplishments is natural, but…"

Applejack zipped up to Rainbow. "…rubbin' them in everypony's face is not."

"Yeah," agreed Pinkie. "The only thing that should be rubbed in anypony's face is chocolate cake."

She proceeded to lick one front hoof and her face with great enthusiasm, as if they were smeared with this very dessert, and paid no heed to the seven bewildered ponies looking on (Chronicle was still "simmering").

"Unless you're allergic to chocolate," said the white pegasus as Rainbow stood up.

"Nobody's allergic to chocolate, Skyla. That's ridiculous!"

"Well, I am."

Before they could get into an argument, Applejack cut them off. "I think we're gettin' off topic here."

"What we're trying to say is, it's great to be really good at something, but it's important to act with grace and humility," Twilight explained.

"And yet as Chronicle said, you just tooted your own horns by telling your own heroics," snarked Mystic.

And the message does not seem to really sink in until Applejack lay a foreleg warmly across Rainbow's shoulders as she finally got it. Ohhhh! That makes loads more sense!" She flew up and hovered at roof level. "Yeah. You're right. And I guess I should also act with grace and humility when others outshine me, like Mare Do Well."

Twilight winked at her. "Sounds like you've got a letter to write to Princess Celestia."

She and Applejack glanced to one side as Spike made himself heard, having just arrived in the alley. "Already got it covered." He pulled a scroll from inside his trenchcoat and addressed Rainbow. "As your ghostwriter, I've already penned a letter to the Princess."

"That's nice of you, Spike, but I really want to write this letter myself," the lesson-learner said as she landed next to him.

"Aw, come on!" He held the open parchment into view. "I wrote the whole thing already!"

"Okay, let's hear it."

Spike cleared his throat, reading, "Dear Princess Ce—"

"Look out!" Rainbow suddenly pointed urgently. "It's a real ghost!"

Spike and Pinkie each looked in that direction with a cry of fear and bailed out while the others sans a still simmering Chronicle have a good laugh at the joke. A quill and fresh scroll were levitated up to Rainbow, and Twilight aimed an expectant smile upward as the laughter died down. Catching on, the blue pegasus took the quill in her teeth and apparently tipped a wink to her Surveillance camera.

It was at that time that Chronicle's anger finally erupted, also exuding his aura in a burst, just like during the Diamond Dogs incident. "Girls, form a line right now!"

This brought his friends' laughter to an immediate halt. Twilight and the others have seen Chronicle angry before, but not at this level and directed at them. Before they could even begin to do so, in his fit of fury, he had enough power to drag his five EOH friends around, intentionally ignoring Rainbow, and brought them in front of himself, arranged in a line.

"I can see another lesson here," he said in a low voice, creeping them out. "A team does better than a loner. However…" He then took out his paddle and smacked everypony in the face with it twice, except Fluttershy whom he smacked only once. After which he started shouting, "What. The . Were you thinking, girls?! Have you not even considered plain reasoning with Rainbow? Sure, that's what I've been trying and failing to do, but I could've done better with your help. Have you not considered how ruined she might be?! Or what would've happened if she did not take this well?! And worst of all, you left me out in your plans! What's your excuse this time? And why didn't you try and let me in on this at any point?!"

None of them answered, the terrible implications of their deeds dawning on them judging by their expressions of confusion and horror.

Rainbow attempted to calm him down. "Hey, it's all righ—"

But he wasn't having any of it. "Shut up! It doesn't matter that you did take it well, what matters is that their actions apparently didn't take that into consideration! Yes, you took things out of proportion and the town might've eventually turned against you were it not for Mare Do Well's debut, but I won't blame you for that." He let out a grunt. "I'm so ashamed to see that my friends would do something like this, but I like you girls so much I don't want to just give up on you. Keeping the Elements together for Equestria's safety is the second reason for doing this."

Mystic and Skyla were amazed with and terrified by their friend's long tirade. Chronicle really did care for his friends, and was ready to chew them out on any stupid decisions they made. Even if they were (unintentionally inconsiderate) jerks sometimes, instead of straight up leaving them, he guided them to what was logically and socially right, be it gently or forcibly. By this point, his aura was no longer bursting.

Twilight gave a long sigh as she finally said, "You're absolutely correct, Chronicle. I guess we got carried away with being heroes ourselves without being boastful that we lost sight of our original objective; to show Rainbow Dash how a hero should act, which you had been attempting to do. We should've helped you there."

"If we had known how she was seein' all this, we'd have done somethin' about it." Applejack.

"Yeah, like change the plan, or come clean earlier, and we definitely should've told you!" Pinkie.

"Why, I'd buck myself in tha face sooner than pull that sort of dirty trick on a friend!"

"Besides, if humiliating her was part of the plan, I would've pulled Rainbow out of the river by magic instead of using the log so she could do it herself." Twilight again.

"We would never mean to try to make her and you think what you both thought," Fluttershy confessed, on the verge of tears. "We never cut her off or kept her from helping, only when she wouldn't, couldn't, or when there was more than enough trouble to go around."

This made Chronicle 'falter'. Great, now I'm making her cry. And after I throttled the Cutie Mark Crusaders for doing the same. Now that he was sure they wouldn't do this again, he brought up another subject. "All right, all right. I'm calm now. But…there is one other issue I'd like to ask."

"Shoot," said Applejack.

"What about all the fans? What would they think if they find out that Mare Do Well was actually more than one pony? And who will continue the mantle of Mare Do Well, now that she has served her purpose?"

The farmpony and all the others who performed the Mare Do Well masquerade turned to look at one another. apparently, they didn't think things that far.

"What about somepony else continues being the Mare Do Wells?" another voice came. Everypony turned to see somepony reveal herself. It was Mjölna's sister Tasty Snack. She looked embarrassed to be here, but soldiered on. "I mean, I know I don't have the Applejack's strength or Pinkie Pie's clairvoyance, but I'll do what I can."

Skyla was inspired by this. "Hey, being the next Mare Do Well does sound like a nice idea. I want in too."

"We'll need to plan this quick, though," Mystic put in, noticing all too well that his muzzle made him illegible to try and be her, and that Chronicle could take up the mantle if he so chose. "We did kind of just ran after the parade. They're probably still waiting."

This elicited more 'crap!' expressions from most of the ponies.

C—TS—S—A—RD—R—F—PP—MS—TS—S—MDW

(A/N: I was experiencing ending fatigue, so I apologize for the brevity of this segment.)

In the end, everypony decided to reveal the following. Chronicle stood on stage and revealed himself to be a (recent) confidant of Mare Do Well. He then explained (with the help of Twilight and the two 'new' confidants dressing up and 'revealing' themselves) that Mare Do Well is actually a team of do-gooder ponies of different races who share the same costume and sense of justice. He also said he would personally take down any 'impostors' who would put Mare Do Well's name to shame.

What isn't told is that Chronicle would also be taking up the mantle of Mare Do Well, his mare-face allowing him to do so seamlessly. He will 'give up' the mantle later though, after Mystic Shield finds a mare in his class who has what it takes (by using a secret test) and the time to dedicate herself to it.

It would be a couple more months before Sunny Skies (read: Princess Celestia) came for a visit, found out about how Mare Do Well and offered (Twilight and friends, of course) to "arrange" a fake villain attack that would allow the hero to 'heroically disappear' and retire. Princess Luna would then play the role of Mare Do Well in Canterlot for a while, but that's a different story.

Two friendship reports were also sent. One that explained a lesson that took a while to reach the learner. And one explained a lesson that surfaced after a chew-out on how the first one was taught.

This is the second one.

Dear Princess Celestia,

I thought that today I would be teaching a lesson about friendship instead of learning one. Sometimes when your friends' mistakes are serious and have the potential to really hurt them and others, you just can't wait for them to realize it on their own.

But I did end up learning something. I learned that if you're not careful and fail to anticipate your friends' reactions then instead of teaching them a lesson you can really hurt their feelings! And it can be devastating to find out that even though they assumed the best about you, that best was still pretty darn bad.

Still, if the bonds of your friendship are strong, everyone can walk away from the experience changed for the better.

Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle

P.S. Chronicle helped us realize this. In his own special way. We owe it to him.

SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM

(1) I don't plan on making Hot Pursuit a "regular" OC like Mystic, Skyla, or even Moonbow (spoiler, I will feature her in The Last Roundup). I just needed a cop OC.

(2) As tempting as it was to have Chronicle at Sugarcube Corner with Skyla for her favorite cheesecake, I thought that if he was there, he would've gotten very suspicious of them, if not have pieced the whole thing together much sooner.

(3) Yes, I "quoted" directly from TV Tropes.

(4) I watched Puella Magi Madoka Magica last month. I just couldn't resist. I figured that Rainbow Dash's slump would've been a perfect opportunity for you-know-who to try and contract her to become a Puella Magi. It also shows that even during an 'episode', Chronicle's still doing Story Crew duty whenever he can.

(5) More Lunaverse references, specifically its "Season 2".

nightelf37: Finally! "The Mysterious Mare Do Well" is over with! Good riddance! Up next is "May The Best Pet Win", where Chronicle will also acquire a pet of his own. I already have what he's going to get planned, but I wanna hear your suggestions.

Go check out my FiMFiction version of this story and see more links that I can't put here. See ya on Third!

nightelf37: I own only the following: My originally designed OCs, and anything that doesn't happen in the show proper.

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May The Best Pet Win!

Dreamscape…

Chronicle was inside a cloud house. It was quaint, minimalist, with only three rooms; a kitchen, a bedroom, and a living room, which also held the door to the outside, not that he could go there; this was a dream, after all.

It was also Blue Diary's home, or at least a dream version of it. To be fair, he was a bit jealous his brother could afford his own house, although he stated it was thanks to that money from the Royal Emergency Management Ministry that he was able to afford it; given his new 'relationship', he felt sleeping with Ditzy and Dinky would result in complications. While he accepted his relationship long before Chronicle did, Blue wasn't advancing as fast whereas their sister was advancing rather steadily. They both kinda feel it's wrong somehow.

Speaking of which, the white pegasus emerged from the kitchen with a tray on his back, which held two glasses, one with juniper berry juice, and one with gin (which was made with the former). Chronicle levitated the tray, set it down on the low table in the middle of the room, then took the juice; he only drank liquor when he suffered a great personal failure. Even so, it was impossible to get drunk in the dreamscape anyway.

"So, Chronicle," Blue said as he sat down opposite his brother and took the cup of gin. "What brings you here? Don't tell me it's just so you can check out my house."

"Actually, there are two things I wanted to ask. First, I wanted to try out something, and it has something to do with our dreamscapes. My Twilight's been experimenting on dream-visiting spells and I suspect she'll eventually find her way into mine, and then there'll be complications when she finds me while a relative is visiting. Still pretty darn lucky Princess Luna hasn't found out yet."

"Well, mine already has, but thankfully neither Lyra nor Trixie have any spells that are dream-related and Pokey's more on horn-sharpening so I won't worry about him." Blue took a gulp of his gin, and seemed none the worse for wear. Even if this wasn't the dreamscape, the pegasus could hold his liquor quite well. Weird that the youngest can take it while the older can't, right? Well, their eldest brother (casually) downed a keg's worth of hard cider during their last family reunion and was sober all the way back to his assigned world. That could've easily been thanks to a spell he learned, though. "What do you want to try, anyway?"

"…Hnnh…I was hoping that in the event of…umm…I was considering finding a way to uhh…I can't remember. It's at the tip of my tongue."

"Ask me the second thing."

"Okay. The second thing I wanted to ask is…if I were to get a pet, what would be advisable for somepony like me?"

The pegasus frowned at his older brother. "Getting a pet is no joke, Chronicle. It's a huge responsibility. In addition to all the usual needs, you'd need a pet that can fit your style, and I don't think a conventional 'attack dog' is what you're looking for."

The unicorn fumed a bit. "I know that. It's just that I have this nagging feeling of being…left out, since most of my friends have pets."

"I don't think I can understand that feeling. Of all of my friends, only Cheerilee has pets. Even then, it's merely an aquarium with lots of fish. And I didn't get Syrena from Fluttershy L-δ, but from some other pony. Not gonna go on any specifics though, only that I took pity in her, and that I always wanted a swan." Chronicle picked up his glass and proceeded to drink. "Especially when it was black." He promptly did a spit take, spilling juniper berry juice in his brother's face. The pegasus raised a hoof and said, "I know what you're gonna say, and my reply is 'you never asked'."

"…You're right." The older brother rubbed the back of his neck with a hoof as he placed his glass down. "Strange that you're being the mature one here, given that your friends are themselves more mature than mine."

The younger brother took a sip from his gin before setting it down. "Well, I did basically state before that your friends are more battle-suited than mine and that Cheerilee and I had been getting them into shape after the Tambelon incident. Thankfully, that's over with. And guess what, Twilight Sparkle L-δ is here in Ponyville, living in the same treehouse library just like Prime, and near where I happen to have my house placed."

Chronicle didn't comment on Twilight L-δ's condition, finally remembering what Twilight (Prime) had suggested during the aftermath of the Antithesis Incident. He did have something else to ask, though. "Are you sure it's okay to have your house placed there? I don't know much of pegasus homes aside from a few off-hoof snippets from Rainbow Dash (Prime), but—"

"Relax, I'm doing just fine. Things are going swimmingly, or at least as swimmingly as it can get for Ponyville. Despite all the disasters, we've had no cultist encounters."

"Lucky you. A few weeks after Discord's release here, his cultists have risen again. And I thought I got rid of the last of them. Celestia (Prime) herself told me as much."

"Well, it is difficult to destroy a creed. Even if you take out all of its adherents, destroy all of its writings – these are a reprieve at best. Someone, someday, will rediscover it."

Chronicle stifled a chuckle as he finished his drink. "Quoting from the AC-Prime Codex, huh? No wonder you decided to take up their work and some of their garb."

"Ha-ha, very funny." Blue finished his gin, then asked, "Do you remember the first thing you wanted to ask me?"

"Hm? Oh yeah. If I end up having to start seeing my friends in the dreamscape without them being part of my dream, I'd like to try out some stuff with you and any of them. And I don't mean it that way."

The pegasus gave a sigh. "Please stop with the innuendos. I'm younger than you, dammit."

"Sorry."

"As for that, I think it's a nice idea. Your Princess Luna will find this out eventually, so you better come up with an adequate explanation."

"All right, I will. It'd be nice to see you and Rainbow Dash spar."

Blue raised an eyebrow. "Again? I distinctly remember doing that some time between our waking after defeating Antithesis and having to return to Luna Equestria. And I distinctly remember you and Pinkie Pie making bets during the entirety of that. And I distinctly remember winning. And without my swords either."

"Barely."

"And you want us to do it again."

"With additional obstacles that can only come up in the dreamscape."

"…Fair enough. Let's talk another time for the details, okay?"

"Okay."

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Now Playing: My Little Pony Theme Song (Lunaverse Version)

{scene opens to reveal the Friendship Express in front of the twilit sky as it pulls into a town, with Trixie Lulamoon sticking her head out of one of its windows as 'camera' slowly pans right. Blue Diary is looking out another window.}

Trixie Lulamoon: My Little Pony, My Little Pony

{Both of them look bored as steam from the train obscures the screen}

Other singers: Ahh ahh ahh ahhh…

{The train's steam clears, revealing Ponyville as the 'camera' pans faster to the right}

Other singers: (My Little Pony)

{'Camera' zooms in and enters tunnel vision, and exits it to show the train station}

Trixie Lulamoon: Friendship never meant that much to me

{Trixie gets off the train from the right and trots forward to the left of the screen as it then pans left. Blue flies after her, still looking stoic.}

Other singers: (My Little Pony)

{Close up of Trixie's face as she gives a faint smile. Snap to Blue's face as he does the same}

Trixie Lulamoon: But you're all here and now I can see

{Camera turns around to show her friends ahead: (bottom to top, left to right) Carrot Top gives a generous grin, Lyra Heartstrings hops in place once before standing upright and 'summoning' her lyre, Cheerilee gives a cheerful smile, Raindrops giving a general scowl as she hovers upright, and Ditzy Doo making a goofy grin as she stares ahead as best as she could with her crossed-eyes}

Raindrops: Stormy weather

{In a sky backdrop, she hovers beside a dark storm cloud, which she then bucks; the cloud begins to rain and there is a flash from the lightning that obscures the screen and serves as a screen transition}

Carrot Top: Lots to share

{Just in front of her farm, she pulls out a carrot from her garden and tosses it to a large cart she has on the right of the screen; carrots rain from above, and serve as the transition}

Lyra Heartstrings: A musical bond

{Inside BonBon's house, she 'rocks out' on her lyre, her marefriend watching in awe; a wavy version of sheet music come out from the left, serving as the transition}

Ditzy Doo: With love and care

{In the post office, she—in her mailmare uniform—gives Dinky a big hug as they spin around, and letters fly from above as they are scattered and serve as the transition}

Cheerilee: Teaching laughter

{In the schoolhouse, she points a hoof to a blackboard with diagrams; a white sheet flaps and obscures the screen, serving as the transition}

Blue Diary: It's an easy feat

{In the sky, in his Angel of Doom persona, he flourishes his robes; twin horizontal slashes from his swords serve as the transition}

{As the swords pass, it reveals Trixie's house a distance behind, with Trixie herself facing the camera with a smile}

Trixie Lulamoon: And magic makes it all complete

{'camera' zooms out to reveal the rest of the gang; to the right are Cheerilee, Lyra, BonBon, above them is Raindrops with Snails on her back, to the left is Carrot, and above her is Ditzy with Dinky on her back; Blue, without his robes, then descends from above and stops next to Raindrops and Pokey Pierce runs to Trixie's side from behind them before a camera flash obscures the screen}

Trixie Lulamoon: You have…

All: …my little ponies

{screen returns to normal and reveals Pokey putting a photo in a scroll inside Trixie's hat; pan to the far-off Canterlot}

Trixie Lulamoon: How'd I ever make so many true…

All: …friends?

{cut to Princess Luna on her throne when a closed scroll suddenly pops up from above her horn; she catches it, opens it and gives a warm smile; cut to the photo, which shows the group with the following expressions; Ditzy and Dinky with loving smiles, Snails with a goofy simper, Raindrops with a neutral expression, Blue with a wan smile, Cheerilee with a more sincere one, Carrot with a happy grin, Lyra and BonBon beaming together, Pokey with a winning smile, and Trixie with a somewhat-forced smile that still conveyed sincerity in it}

{cut to the show's title, which has an added blue box below reading "Lunaverse version", then switches to the text "Made for Fanfiction by RainbowDoubleDash", then switches to a small photo of Blue with the words "'copyright' of nightelf37", then fade to black}

End Song

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Pinkie Pie: Wait a second! Why did you write the Lunaverse version of our show's opening theme, but plus Blue Diary?

nightelf37: Because I can't place it anywhere else, Pinkie. I'm not a Lunaverse writer, and to implement him with his current role would change everything and go against their rules.

Pinkie: Whose rules?

nightelf37: Both RainbowDoubleDash's and the Story Crew's. I was going to place this in the Mare Do Well chapter, but I forgot and later deemed it unnecessary to add after publishing the chapter.

Pinkie: And why the dreamscape conversation? I don't think the readers even like it if it won't be related to the chapter.

nightelf37: Sorry about that, just saying that things happen even if it's not plot-relevant. Now, time for the real story.

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A few days after that talk…

Rainbow Dash awoke from her morning nap thanks to a strange nightmare. She was atop a tree branch, a pillow placed behind her. It also turned out that Rarity's cat Opalescence was atop the same branch, yowling at something below. That something turned out to be Applejack's dog Winona, who was accompanied by Pinkie Pie's alligator Gummy, and Fluttershy's bunny Angel. Twilight Sparkle's owl Owlowiscious then hovered just above them with a hoot.

The pegasus wiped her forehead and sighed in relief. And then something else happened. Over the hill came a rolling object, and it had gained enough speed to get air time…and it was headed right for her. She caught the object in time, which uncurled itself and she identified it as—

"An armadillo?"

Indeed it was an armadillo, a three-banded armadillo to be exact (Fluttershy had talked a lot about them once). But its exterior was generally a brighter shade of yellow, its legs were a bit longer, and its head was more like that of a nine-banded armadillo. Its eyes were a bit larger too, showing green irises and white scleroses.

"Rock?" a voice familiar to her came. Emerging from the crest of the hill the armadillo came from was Chronicle. He looked at her general position before saying, "Oh, there you are. Nice catch."

Before the pegasus could say more, the rest of their friends crested the hill and were on their way down to meet with their pets, laughing and talking as they went. Owlowiscious perched on Twilight's back, Gummy nipped bits of Pinkie, Winona retrieved a thrown stick and brought it to Applejack, and Fluttershy chased Angel across the grass. Opal climbed down from the tree and jumped onto Rarity's back as Rainbow flew down as well.

As the fluffy cat began to lick herself, Rock, the armadillo, rolled down the trunk and onto Chronicle's awaiting tail. It—no, he—rolled down it, across his back, and up his neck, catching some more air time before the unicorn caught him with a tether spell connected to the tail and was caught there. Both animal and bodyguard smiled.

"Sincerest apologies, Rainbow, if our pets were bothering you," Rarity said to the pegasus. She then proceeded to baby talk hers. "Say you're sorry, Opal." Opal just turned around and hissed. "She's sorry."

"What are you all doing out here?" Rainbow asked.

Applejack ran across, throwing the stick with her tail. "Why, we always round up our critters for a regular ol' pony pet play date in this park." The stick went past the pegasus and the collie chased the object.

"Uh, you do?"

"Same time every week," the farmpony said as she galloped past her.

"I thought you knew," Fluttershy said, Angel now on her back. "You didn't know?" She turned to the others. "She didn't know?" She then scuffed the ground nervously.

"Well, we had initially planned on inviting Rainbow, of course, except—" before Twilight could finish her sentence, Pinkie popped up, with Gummy suctioned to her head.

"We were totally gonna invite you, Rainbow." She zipped by Twilight, scaring Owlowiscious off. "Then Twilight remembered that you don't even have a pet—" She zipped to the fashionista. "—and Rarity remembered that you really like to take naps in the afternoon." And then to the farmpony. "So Applejack figured you wouldn't be missing out on anything anyway. And Fluttershy and I nodded our heads in agreement like this." During the last two sentences, Rainbow was left slightly bemused as Pinkie rushed to Fluttershy and pushes her head up and down in a nodding motion. The yellow pegasus continued to do so during the last sentence, her entire body rocking as well.

"And there's the fact that I had to be 'initiated' in this weekly ritual," Chronicle added. "Not quite a grueling process, but serious enough." He turned to the armadillo. "Isn't that right, Rock?" Rock nodded his head vigorously in staunch affirmation.

"Oh, please don't be mad at us," pleaded Fluttershy.

After a pause, Rainbow smiled after a moment. "Oh, I'm not mad. You all are right. Not much point of a pony pet play date for me if I'm a pony without a pet, right?"

"Exactly!" said Applejack as she tossed the stick off her nose and Winona leaped after it. "So if'n you'll excuse us…"

And so all the pets and owners proceeded to enjoying their day. The farmpony continued to play fetch, the party pony was bouncing her alligator, the animal caretaker watched her lagomorph run back and forth, the fashion designer lured her feline with a toy mouse, the librarian let her owl perch on a raised leg, and her bodyguard attempted to catch his new armadillo, who was rolling in circles around him.

A few seconds later however, their pet-less friend touched down from the tree, having failed to resume her nap. "Hey! Now wait a minute! Just because I don't have a pet now doesn't mean I never want a pet."

"Ooh, I said those very words," Chronicle chuckled as he allowed Rock to roll onto his back and uncurl himself.

His marefriend's eyes then shone with excitement as she turned around to face Rainbow. "Ooh! Oh, really?" She then flew over, with Angel on her tail. "You really want a pet? Really? 'Cause I've got so many wonderful choices at my house!" She dove to grab her fellow pegasus and was shortly in flight, lifting Rainbow's forelegs in her own. "Oh, and I know you'll just love them!" They were just a couple of off the ground and a slightly vexed Rainbow was having her rear hooves getting dragged in the dirt. "And they'll love you! Oh! And you'll be best friends forever and ever!"

As she voiced an ecstatic little moan, Rainbow got her own wings going to provide enough extra lift to get herself clear of the ground. Chronicle followed them, obviously amused with this.

Without much to do, Rainbow asked, "So, Chronicle. When did you decide to adopt Rock?"

"Well, it certainly wasn't easy. I wanted an animal that could help me in you-know-what, but two things got in the way. One, neither a canine nor a bird of prey suited my tastes, and those are common choices for one like me. Two, I had to endure a frightening talk from her…" He did not need to specify who; he sure wasn't talking about his mother, though she can do those too. "…about intending to take my pet into danger."

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"That's why I'm hard-pressed to find a choice! Because I knew when I gave you my reasons for getting a pet you would say that."

"Why would you want to want a pet if you're only going to put them at risk?!"

"Okay! I get it! It's stupid!" He didn't like it that for the first time he and Fluttershy were shouting at each other. "I wasn't thinking that clearly when I asked you. It was an illogical notion, and I'm ashamed I even acted up on it. I'm sorry. I won't ask anymore."

Just then, there was a crash, and then the bottom flap of the front door—which the two ponies were standing by—opened, which was caused by Angel, who had been sent flying for some reason, and landed at the bridge.

That reason was soon revealed when an armadillo rolled out after him. The bunny quickly evaded the living ball as he got up. When the armadillo came back around for another go, Angel got down on fours, turned away from the roller, and made to buck him with his hind paws.

The 'attack' connected, and it sent the armadillo flying into the stream. The animal shortly surfaced, keeping himself buoyant by holding his breath and paddling to shore.

This 'fight' halted the two ponies 'argument' and Chronicle asked, "Fluttershy, since when did you have an armadillo in your care?"

"A small circus troupe visited Ponyville and wanted to let him go, I can't remember why. Pinkie Pie brought them over here and I took him in." She saw the armadillo reach shore, shake the water off, and walked back to dry grass before rolling again, en route to the backyard. An irate Angel made his way back to the cottage. "But he's been proving restless, and he's often rolling a lot, disturbing the other animals. And when you last visited, he was missing and I had Angel look for him. I didn't want anybody else to worry, but now I I don't know what to do anymore."

The unicorn pondered the situation, and something in his mind clicked. He turned to face his marefriend. "Why don't I adopt him?"

She was confused at this offer. "What?"

"Why don't I adopt him? Now that I see him in action, I realize that he's the type of pet I want to have."

"Really?" Fluttershy was still wary. While it would take the burden of taking care of the armadillo off of her, the burden would now go to him, and given his reasons for getting a pet, the animal would be…

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"To further assure her, I even Pinkie Promised to not get my pet hurt to the best of my ability. And we all know the consequences of breaking it, now do we?"

"To my surprise, Rock got along with Chronicle really well. He's always eager to test his rolling skills, to make his shell tougher by training, and that his new master helps him achieve that."

"Wow." Although Rainbow wasn't entirely impressed; she just wanted to get this over with. (1)

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(Link: youtube watch?v=KgvCBlB1w7A)

(A/N: And here comes another TF2 song, this time by 24railwaycuttings. I'm gonna do this at least once per season.)

Now Playing: Find a Gun by 24railwaycuttings

The circumstances behind it was unknown, but the BLU Team decided to have a short play enacted, featuring the Scout looking for a nice weapon, and the Medic being a weapons dealer of sorts.

In the scene, Medic was escorting Scout to his 'humble' store, which was filled with various weapons. The doctor was uncharacteristically happy doing this.

Medic: Now then, Scout, mein freund, I cannot express my delight

For it's abundantly clear that somewhere in here is a weapon to suit you just right

Scout: I can't wait to get started, but first let me set a few rules

It's of utmost importance the weapon I get

Simply has to be awesome and cool

Medic counted the criteria Scout provided. "Awesome, cool. Got it!"

Medic: There are so many wonderful choices, just wait and see

Scout made running motions as he circled Medic, who was making his way to a table with weapons.

Scout: I need to stay fast so those dummies can't keep up with me

Medic picked up Heavy's Warrior's Spirit.

Medic: Jawohl! How 'bout some bear claws? They're big and furry and swift as can be

"Big, an' furry? Have you even met me?" As he said that, Scout numbered up to two, then pointed those fingers at Medic before thumbing to himself.

Medic: Scout, have faith! You see, I will bet you

Somewhere in here is the gun that will get you

After putting down the claws, he then urged the speedster towards something covered in a blue cloth sheet. Scout walked after him. "Come on! The sky's the limit!"

"Sky is good. I'd like it to match me when I jump."

"Really?" The doctor unfurled the cloth to reveal one of Engineer's Level 1 inventions. "'Cause I think this Sentry has your name written all over it." Scout looked real skeptical as Medic rubbed the Sentry's top, even as it beeped in sentience and aimed its turret head at him. "Yes, he does. Ohoho, I think he likes you!"

"Um, pass."

Medic went back to the table.

Medic: I have so many wonderful choices for you to decide

He came back with a futuristic-looking weapon.

Medic: There's a Cow Mangler here to strike in the fear

"Why would I have this, just why?" Scout asked.

"Well, I saw a Soldier soar twenty feet through the air when he used it."

The music stopped again as the two BLUs blinked at each other.

"That's it. I'm outta here." Scout began to walk away, passing a terminal.

Medic immediately stopped him in his tracks as he typed on the terminal, putting down the Cow Mangler.

Medic: Wait! There must be a gun here! Let's see on the computer

Two photos showed on the screen, showing a sniper rifle and a shotgun.

Medic: How 'bout a Machina or Reserve Shooter

"Make it better, and cooler!," Scout demanded.

"Better, cooler. Right." Medic went over to the back of a vehicle and made to unlock the compartment while Scout followed him.

Medic: I've got just the thing in the car, Scout

He opened the compartment to reveal one of Heavy's precious weapons, but not Sasha. It was propped on a raised and lighted platform and set against a backdrop of glittering blue drapery.

Medic: Meet your awesome new gun, Natascha

The music stopped again.

"It's a freaking minigun."

Medic picked it up. "Not just any minigun, it slows down your enemies!" But the weight proved too much and he fell down. "OOF! Ugh... Was ist los?"

Scout was totally unimpressed. "…Yeah. So, like I was saying…"

The stage went to black, then a spotlight flicked on to pick him out and follow his walk across the screen.

Scout: Medic, ol' pal, this just won't cut it, 'cause those dummies shouldn't keep up with me

I need something swifter, something fast, to shoot them down while I defy gravity!

At the last line, fireworks burst from where he stopped as the stage is lit up again. Medic was now next to Scout's left and Natascha was gone.

"I'm guessing you want something to match your speed and agility," Medic figured out.

"Oh yeah, you're real smart, poindexter!" Scout snarked as he turned away from him and folded his arms.

"Schweinehunde…" The doctor swore under his breath. "Ahem…"

Medic threw an arm over the speedster's shoulders and led him to another table, which had two shotguns.

Medic: I have so many wonderful weapons to make you an ace!

Like a Force-of-Nature or a Blaster owned by Baby Face!

Scout started to show hints of a smile. "Better. Any more?"

Medic smiled as he showed three more weapons on the table, leading him leftwards.

Medic: Ja. How 'bout a Pistol, Scattergun, or a Winger?

There's so many wonderful weapons the likes of that

He then picked up two different wooden baseball bats on one hand each, showing off each of them.

Medic: Sandman, or Boston Basher! They are both good thrashers!

He then put them down and picked up a simple aluminum one with a dent on both hands.

Medic: Maybe you want to go simple and just use this bat?

"Now you're talking!" Scout lighted up, then backed off to think, putting a finger to his chin. "But instead of one standout, now that's too many." He took a look at all the suggested weapons, as well as a few others.

Scout: So many choices, and such riches aplenty

"Not a bad thing to have, if you ask me," replied Medic.

Scout: Scattergun would be awesome, but the Blaster I like too

Scout: Is there anything worth more than a stripey hat?

"No," Medic answered, then pulled out another shotgun.

Medic: But I've got a Soda Popper, which might just suit you

Scout: What to do, what to do?

An idea came to him, and he snapped upright as he stared Medic in the face.

Scout: A prize! That's it! There's really just one way

To find out which weapon is best

He picked up the weapons and put them down again one by one, including the Soda Popper that Medic was holding.

Scout: Try 'em out with speed, agility, and guts

That will put each one to the test

Medic zipped up to Scout.

Medic: Don't forget style, that should be considered

Scout: Then we'll know for sure what's best in the litter

Medic: The one who is awesome and cool

Scout: Just like me

Can't settle for less, 'cause I'm the best

Both of them raised the arm not on each other's shoulders as they continued to sing.

Both: So a contest we will see

Scout: Who's the number one, greatest, perfect-est gun

Both: In the world for me

Medic: Let the games

Both: Begin

The two of them ended the scene together. "And may the best gun win!"

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Eyecatch (video-type)

[A/N: Due to the video not being available, please look for (and envision) Digimon Adventure's first eyecatch.]

{Seven cards fly in from the right and pile up on one another, depicting the following in the following order: a trio of butterflies, a trio of apples, a trio of balloons, three rhombus-shaped blue gems, a six-pointed pink star, an orange circle depicting an open book inside, and a red-yellow-blue striped lightning bolt coming from a white cloud.}

{The seven cards then shine into white and form together into something else: A picture depicting six animals and a nondescript silhouette. The top depicts (from left to right) Gummy with balloons tied to his body, the silhouette, and Owlowiscious. The bottom row depicts Winona, Angel, Rock, and Opalescence. The show's logo shows up on the bottom right.}

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Pinkie: Can we please get back to the main story?

nightelf37: Already on it, Pinkie.

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A whistle was heard from where Rainbow's friends stood at the Town Hall. In the presence of the presently petless pegasus, who has donned a baseball cap, were the following animals, who were now standing/hovering to attention: a wasp, a duck, an eagle, a flamingo, a bat, a ladybug, a toucan, a falcon, a monarch butterfly, a goose, an owl, and a hummingbird. These were the ones she selected amongst the many Fluttershy had shown when they reached the cottage.

The lively cheers (one was merely for humor) from the spectators came to an end at another blast from the whistle, after which its user paced down the line.

"This'll be fun. Won't it, Rock?" Chronicle said with a trace of sarcasm. The armadillo nodded and smiled in agreement, failing to catch the sarcasm.

"So, you all think you've got what it takes to be my pet, do you?" Rainbow said before leaning into the flamingo's face. "Well, we'll just see about that." Her lunge had pushed the vivid pink head back hard enough to put several kinks in the long neck. When the bird swallowed hard, the lump followed every new zig-zag bend down to its gullet. "If any of you don't think you can handle it, bow out now before you humiliate yourself in front of your peers." The end of this line took her past the ladybug, which sank to the ground. "This competition isn't for the weak." She then addressed the butterfly. "You'd better be prepared to step up your game!" The butterfly was visibly unnerved as its possible owner leaned into its face.

"You call that flapping?!" the pegasus yelled, then backed off as it flapped harder as she continued. "That's better." She continued to pace. "There's only room on Team Dash for one of you, and my future pet needs to be able to take it to the extreme." She zipped upward without warning and stopped several yards above the animals. "Any questions?"

"I got one," Applejack said to Twilight. "Does she understand what a pet really needs?"

"Yeah, like care and attention." Winona popped up in front of the owl owner. "Love and affection." The dog then licked her face. "Ugh! And breath mints!"

Both ponies turned their attention to the contenders as Rainbow swooped back down. However, there was one new contender to be added. Chronicle saw it during the 'Musical Number' phenomenon that occurred in the cottage.

Fluttershy was talking to the shelled reptile as she pushed him up to her friend. "Now you just pay attention and try your best, and—"

"Seriously, Fluttershy! The turtle?" Rainbow interrupted. "What did you bring that thing here for?"

Fluttershy licked a hankie and polished the shell. "Technically, he's a tortoise, and he's always dreamed of being somepony's pet. He just wants a chance to compete. He won't get in the way. You won't even know he's here."

The blue pegasus's questioning look was met by a molasses-slow blink from the wrinkled face. "No!"

"Oh, just let him try."

She speedster gave a disgusted sigh. "But there's no way he can possibly keep up!" The hard shell got a push that sent him rolling toward Fluttershy. "Look at him!" His center of gravity caused the roll to reverse itself so that he stopped upright before her.

Fluttershy held up the tortoise. "It won't hurt to let him try."

"But—"

She pushed him in her face. "Just let him try." Fluttershy then unleashed a beseeching grin that sent Rainbow into a short paroxysm before she can speak.

The blue pegasus let off a groan. "Fine!" Fluttershy set the tortoise down and Rainbow got in his face. "But don't say I didn't warn you. This isn't a game, you know!"

"Did you sing about the games beginning earlier?" Chronicle called out from where he stood. "I was there, you know."

"Semantic, schemantics," Rainbow brushed him off.

The stallion shook his head, a smile in his face, and said to Rock, "Now this is fun." The armadillo did not even share his master's surface expression and instead was merely confused. Fluttershy in the meantime returned to the pavilion with the others.

The pegasus turned to address the entire group. "All right. Now these games will determine which one of you has the most important qualities I'm looking for in a pet."

"Hypocrite!" Chronicle called out, but without any malice. Rainbow ignored him as she went off to the peak of a nearby hill, sprinting fast enough to leave a trail of multicolored flames and flip the tortoise upside down. Ooh. Burning rubber.

"Speed!" As the pegasus jumped on the hill, Chronicle wondered how she was able to carry her voice all the way to where all the pets were with the same volume without seemingly stressing herself.

Or am I looking into this too much?

She flashed back through the group, this time leaving a rainbow contrail that marked her hairpin turns among them. "Agility!" She then skidded in front of the pets, stood on her hind legs, flexed her muscles. "Guts!" Next, she took off and flew a tight spiral around a cloud to sculpt it into a likeness of herself. "Style!" She returned to ground level and pulled off various poses. "Coolness! Awesomeness!" She then put on a pair of sunglasses, turned her cap backward, stood up, and crossed her forelegs. "And radicalness!"

Twilight walked over from the pavilion. "Aren't those all the same thing?" she asked.

Rainbow peeked over her shades, then through them. "You would think that, Twilight." She then patted her head. "And that's why you would never qualify to be my pet." And off she went, leaving one irked unicorn in her wake.

Back at the pavilion, Chronicle was pounding his forehead with Rock, who had rolled himself up to protect himself. Stop. Thinking. Perverted. Thoughts.

"Fluttershy, aren't ya gonna ask 'im to stop hurtin' his own pet?" asked Applejack.

"And himself?" added Pinkie.

The animal caretaker sighed as she went over to stop her coltfriend from doing any more self-inflicted injuries. And injuring his pet, however minimal it would be.

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The competing pets were at the starting line of an oval running track in the park. Rainbow stood by the inside lane, while the other ponies watched from the outfield on the far side. The coach had ditched her shades and turned her cap around again. The ladybug was also missing, having dropped out.

"Speed! On your marks… Get set…" After a hard squint at them all, she blew her whistle and the flyers were off in a cloud of dust. They rocketed around the track and lapped the tortoise even as he was slowly lifting one leg to take his first step. Each of Rainbow's following comments was aimed at one particular animal as it passed her.

The bat: "Sorta speedy."

The butterfly: "Not speedy."

The duck: "Pretty speedy."

The owl: "Could be more speedy."

The falcon caught up with a shrill cry and blasted ahead, its wake stripping the owl clean before it crossed the finish line and stopped. "Yeah! That's speed!"

There were cheers from the other ponies as the other winged racers came in; the owl's feathers were back on. Only now did the tortoise complete his first step, the foot barely coming down past the edge of the starting line. Rainbow walked over and clicked her tongue disparagingly. "That's just sad."

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At an elevated obstacle course in the park…

The next 'game' was in session, the spectators looking on.

"Agility!"

The butterfly went through a hoop and a set of uprights. "Sorta agile."

The flamingo slipped off a seesaw. "Not agile."

The toucan went through a crazily bent pipe. "Pretty agile."

The tortoise watched forlornly from the ground as the bat went through the uprights. "Could be more agile."

The hard-shelled critter tensed for a jump, but had done no more than stretch up to his tiptoes, the weight shift causing him to topple forward. Rainbow flew slowly past him. "Want to know the opposite of agility? That."

Now the hummingbird got into the game, darting around the contours of an arrow, a crosspiece on which the toucan had perched, and around the interior of the hoop that now held the tangled-up flamingo. Out to the clear air, across to a finish-line banner, and down safely. Meanwhile, the butterfly smacked into the banner and fell down, and the spectators cheered the victory. As always, one was merely for humor.

Rainbow did a loop-the-loop. "Yeah, baby! Now that's what I call agility!" She held up one front hoof for a high hoof, but the little avian just kept hovering. "Don't leave me hanging." It delivered with one wing, only to drop due to not using that wing for lift, then rose sheepishly back to her level. "I'm gonna have to shave a point off your score for that." She produced a clipboard and made a note with a pencil in her teeth as the hummingbird slunk away.

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The next 'game' involved Opal in a pet carrier cage, and a toy mouse.

"Okay! Which of you has the guts to try and get Opal's favorite toy away from her?" Rainbow dared as she set down the toy mouse in front of the opening of the carrier, then lifted the door in front of the 'candidates'.

Two glaring yellow eyes flared in the darkness and were followed by the emergence of one rather hacked-off white cat. As soon as Opal extended one set of claws, every single contender—including the birds of prey, no less—was locked up with fear and total panic. Every one, that is, except the butterfly, which flitted intrepidly across the grass to stop in front of Opal's face. As she brought up one paw to slash it apart, it spreads its wings and swiftly hypnotized her with the patterns of orange and black. The toy mouse was hoisted away and carried back to an impressed Rainbow.

"Ha! Now that takes guts!"

The other ponies smiled at the achievement, but Opal let off a startled yowl once the hypnosis wore off. As it turns out, her carrier was being tipped forward by the tortoise in an attempt to trap her inside. Leaping clear, Opal got on top of the tough shell and tried in vain to claw it apart. The tortoise had pulled his head and legs in, and Rainbow grimaced a bit before turning away.

Chronicle admired the tortoise also had the guts to go in as well; he was merely too slow. Or was that trust in his tough shell?

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Yet another 'game' was set up before the "Style" one; Instinct. Rock, Chronicle's armadillo, will roll around the competitors in a set area, which also has ramps so as to reach those who would naturally take to the sky (i.e. all except the tortoise). He would then try to knock them down, and they would try not to get knocked down.

At least that's what would've happened if Chronicle was confident enough in giving Rock commands. Unfortunately, it was only a few days since he first had the armadillo, and he can't trust him yet to hold back, not to mention the scolding from Fluttershy. So she went straight to "Style".

Pinkie: If you weren't going to do this, why put it in in the first place?

nightelf37: Just trollin'.

Pinkie: That's not how trolling works, Author.

nightelf37: Don't care.

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Some time after the entire event…

Rarity looked through a portfolio containing the pictures of Rainbow Dash with her prospective pets, and the one she finally chose for herself. She was the one who had taken the pictures.

The photo with the bat showed both of them wearing sunglasses and tensed for action.

The photo with the falcon showed it perched on a leather gauntlet laced around one of her forelegs and standing against a mountain backdrop, the other foreleg on a stool.

The photo with the hummingbird had the two doing a little fencing.

The next photo had, with her mane neatly combed for once, Rainbow standing alongside the owl in a classroom, both wearing sweaters and bow ties, and the bird was atop a stack of books.

The photo with the eagle had both of them in a curling match, sweeping the ice ahead of a stone on its way to the scoring area.

The photo with the butterfly had them on a small stage with a curtain backdrop, the pet-owner wearing a scarf and four sandals.

And the photo with the tortoise had him, on a stool, retracted into the shell, which had a red ribbon on top, and her, cringing away.

If one asked her just how did one of them ended up as her pet, she'd likely sock them for asking.

R—R—R—R—R—R—R—R—R—R

Back to the event…

The "coolness" game was underway, which seemed to translate to 'awesome cry'.

A hoot. "Sorta cool."

A quack. "Not cool."

A bat shriek. "Pretty cool."

A toucan's squawk. "Could be cooler."

A buzz from the wasp. "Not what I had in mind."

Silence from the butterfly. "I can't hear you!"

A few hoarse, strangled grunts from the tortoise. Rainbow glared down and made a sound of revulsion.

Then the eagle made its cry. "Now that's a cool sound!"

RD—RD—RD—RD—RD—RD—RD—RD—RD—RD

The "Awesomeness" game…

The bat hung upside down from a tree branch and its ears flicked in various directions as it used its natural sonar. "Sorta awesome."

The toucan flicked out its tongue. "Not awesome."

A squawk from the flamingo as it balanced on one leg. "Could be more awesome."

The owl turned its head 360 degrees. "Yeah! That is awesome!"

The tortoise got her attention and smiled pleadingly before pulling his head in. "Uh, you did that already. That's pretty much all you can do, huh?" The head emerged partway with a look of embarrassment.

RD—RD—RD—RD—RD—RD—RD—RD—RD—RD

The "Radicalness" game…

On a stage, the duck tap-danced into view with a straw hat and cane, but Rainbow was not thrilled.

Next was the eagle, who knit a sweater decorated with Rainbow's likeness. She was still far from impressed at the effort.

Up next was the falcon, wearing a black top hat and standing behind a deck of cards. It brought up the ace of diamonds in its beak, but she flipped over the five of clubs in her teeth—a card trick gone slightly bad.

The wasp hovered by a switched-on flashlight lying on the stage. In the spot of light thrown on the curtain, it produced a series of shadow puppets—duck, rabbit, sailing ship. However, the display only served to put the pegasus judge to sleep.

Suspended upside down, the bat played the first two five-note phrases of a certain familiar jingle on a row of crystal goblets, then cut loose with a high-pitched shriek that shattered every last one of them. "Whoa! That was truly awesome! But I'm afraid this is the radicalness competition, so I'm gonna have to take some points off."

The tortoise's attempt at "radicalness" was an utter embarrassment. In front of him was a series of obstacles starting with (backward from a finish line) a safety net, flaming hoop, loop-the-loop track, guillotine, shark tank, and springboard. The tortoise stood on a platform at the start of this run, tensed for a leap, but only managed to fall off and land upside down without even reaching the springboard. The curtain fell behind him, and Rainbow sighed heavily and approached the stage.

"Listen, turtle."

Fluttershy put her head out from backstage. "Tortoise."

"Whatever!" Her friend backed off. "You've had your fun, but I think you and I both know who made the cut and who didn't." There came another of those maddeningly slow blinks, followed by a sad little croak, and a long pause. "You didn't." She pointed at him. Her next gesture was aimed toward the sky, where the owl, eagle, falcon, and bat winged it as cheers floated up from below.

The spectators watched, Pinkie jumping in place as she cheered, and Rainbow turned back to the capsized tortoise. "I mean, A for effort and everything. You gave it your best shot." She looked uneasily away, lifting him up to peek beneath. "Maybe I've got a gold-star sticker around here somewhere you can have." She set him upright. "But seriously, go home. You're starting to creep me out."

Her reassuring smile gave way to worried confusion as the beady black eyes just stared pleadingly up at her. Finally, she did a very slow turn away from the stage. "So…aaaanyway…" She faced the four flyers, now landed before her. "You're all outstanding competitors. But there can only be one of you who is number one. So the final, tie-breaking contest is going to be…" The last word got held out, after which the turned away to… "Pause for dramatic effect." …then back with a grin. "…a race against…" She zipped up to them. "…me!"

C—TS—A—RD—R—F—PP—C—TS—A—RD—R—F—PP

A while later…

Everybody was now at a narrow, craggy ravine, Rainbow at the interior, and without her cap and whistle. "Through Ghastly Gorge! Dun-dun-dunnnn!" The gorge snaked away toward the horizon, and mist wafted up from far below as an eagle's cry rent the air. she flew over to said eagle, an offered a hankie. "Gesundheit."

The other six ponies, their pets, and Spike watched from one edge. Rainbow plunged past them and landed at the bottom, where the falcon, owl, bat, and tortoise have gathered. The insects and the other birds have since been eliminated from the running towards becoming Rainbow Dash's pet. (2) Somewhere, somebody is playing "Ride of the Valkyries". Chronicle recognized the classic, and wondered just where was it being played.

Rainbow gave a contented sigh as the eagle joined them. "Actually, Ghastly Gorge isn't scary. It's fun. Heh. I've flown through it a million times myself, so, uh…" The five remaining animals looked at the possible future owner nervously. "…obviously I'll be at the front of the pack." Rainbow started to limber up. "But whichever of you make it across the finish line with me will have proven you can keep up with me, and will have earned the honor and glory of getting to be my pet." She moved to the edge of the crag on which they were all standing. "Ready?" The flyers lined up. "Set, go!"

All of them went airborne, leaving the tortoise to creep up to the drop-off and helplessly watch them go, dropping his head. Meanwhile, Rainbow was having a ball, laughing and whooping as she barreled along a straightaway. "Try to keep up!" She sped ahead through a series of hairpin turns and the four pursuers pushed furiously to stay after her. Through a gap between some trees and the wall, into a curve, around an outcropping and another tree, and on to a dark tunnel she went. In here, the wind gusts were so strong that she fought to keep her forward momentum going, but she soon broke through to daylight and stopped to dust off her front hooves. The tunnel run had left her mane and tail noticeably disheveled, was otherwise perfectly fine. A quick wipe put the striped hair back in order.

Rainbow took off once more and gave off a laugh. "Can't catch me!"

As the four racers entered the windy passage, the bat got blown backward and out the entrance as the others muscled through. It came up with an angry little chitter and charged back in. Much further back, the tortoise was sweaty of face and short of breath, but doing his best to move ahead on the course. While that was happening, Twilight and Chronicle were performing a series of mid-range teleports to bring everybody else to the finish line ahead of Rainbow and her competitors, warping from safe point to safe point atop the gorge's edges.

Back in the race, Rainbow whistled a few notes that were coincidentally in time with the music, then zoomed out quickly to frame a dense tangle of thorny vines blocking her path. She stopped to run a calculating eye over the mess, then addressed herself toward the approaching quartet.

"Come on, slowpokes!" she taunted. "You want to win, don't you?"

Off she went, steering with masterful precision through the overgrowth and even doing a quick twirl around one vine just to rub it in. Once she reached the far end, she used the vines to catapult herself around the tangle and then ahead. The eagle charged in only to get quickly bogged down in the thorns. The owl could see no way through the scramble. The falcon struggled to push through a knotted area and got knocked spinning by the passing bat. The combination of sonar and small size allowed this one to navigate a safe course through the vines, and it blew a raspberry once it got clear. In short order, the eagle, owl, and falcon came out flapping, the last dragging a piece of vine with it on one wing.

C—TS—S—A—RD—R—F—PP—C—TS—S—A—RD—R—F—PP

Farther along the gorge, Twilight's and Chronicle's companions were feeling the effects of multiple consecutive teleports. The ponies and baby dragon shook off any woozy feelings, but Opal and Angel were getting green faces, Rock was feeling a bit light-headed and so was Owlowiscious, and Gummy and Winona looked fine on the outside, inside too for the latter.

And then the stallion began to feel something at his sides; it was his Harmony Link in action, and it was telling him that their friend was in potential danger. His pause brought the others to a stop as well.

"What's the matter, Chronicle?" asked Twilight.

"I suspect Rainbow has reached the quarray eel nests," he said. He had been in the gorge before during a Request Board 'mission'. "And they're not happy to see her or the others behind her."

"I hope they all make it through," said Fluttershy.

"I can't say for sure for the others, but if Rainbow's life turns out to be at risk, I'll be the first to know. But surely she's fast enough to escape danger. She simply shouldn't cut it too close. Let's continue teleporting, we're almost at where we should set up the finish line. Leave our friend to me."

And the group proceeded to resume teleporting.

C—TS—S—A—R—F—PP—C—TS—S—A—R—F—PP

Erstwhile…

The blue pegasus took a breather and hovered above the group as they closed in. "Oh, I forgot to tell you! Watch out for the quarray eels! They don't like it when you get too close to their nests—like this!" On the end of this, she gestured toward a narrow defile between two high walls, one of which was pocked by several large craters. As she headed in, the eels in question—huge, red hide, purple underbellies and head fins, light pink spots—lashed out of the holes and do their best to snag an appetizer of pony tartare. No luck, though. She veered around every strike and got herself in the clear. As the four unnerved chasers watched, the eels retreated out of sight as if daring them to venture into the danger zone.

The bat was first to risk it; one eel quickly snapped it up, but it punched its way around inside the mouth and emerged from one nostril. Another eel slammed its jaws down too close for the eagle's comfort, and the bird backed off with its head seemingly having been bitten off. However, the missing cranium quickly popped back up—the eagle pulled it in just in time. The owl was caught in a third eel's jaws and had spread its wings wide to keep them from snapping shut. It eventually pulled loose and remained uneaten. A lashing eel retracted with the falcon caught by a tail feather in those fearsome teeth. After a brief struggle however, the bird of prey yanked itself loose.

Somewhere up ahead, Rainbow was taking her sweet time. "Easy-peasy, one-two-threesy." She flipped onto her back. "Right, you guys?" She then smacked into a rock wall, which stunned her and sent cracks snaking all the way up to the gorge's lip. One large slab slid free and tumbled down as the music reached its climax. The cocky pegasus looked up just in time to get a really good view of the massive stone, then bugged out as it and other rocks plummeted toward her. "AVALANCHE!" Plastering herself into a cranny, she watched the winged racers flash by and started after them. "Hey!"

Whatever words she might have used next instead turned into a yell as another hunk came down right on top of her and thick gray dust clouds boiled up.

RD—RD—RD—RD—RD—RD—RD—RD—RD—RD

At the mouth of the gorge, Rainbow's friends waited for the competitors to reach the finish line. Chronicle decided to backtrack in case anything happened, and was teleporting towards the racers.

He was about to perform another teleport when the Harmony Link began to act up once more, and Chronicle could feel phantom wings beginning to hurt. And then he felt something strong strike him on his back and head, as if it fell on top of him. The 'blow' knocked him to the ground and nearly rendered him unconscious but instead just gave him a pounding headache and temporarily rendered him immobile; a pegasus might be able to shrug it off, but a unicorn had less durability without a barrier, even one as tough as him.

Oh no. Disaster has befallen Rainbow Dash, he thought, helpless for the moment as he lay somewhere in the gorge between the finish line, and the presumed disaster area. Rock, whom he had taken with him, was trying to shake him awake.

C—C—C—C—C—C—C—C—C—C

Eyecatch (picture-type) - On the left side, Rainbow Dash is escaping an avalanche. On the right side, Chronicle has been knocked down by his Harmony Link. The show's logo is seen on the bottom left.

C—C—C—C—C—C—C—C—C—C

It took a while before Chronicle's head was was well enough for him to try and get moving again, but as he attempted to get up, he found himself unable to. Something was keeping him down, and from the 'looks' of it, something was pinning down one of his 'phantom wings', which he attributes to the Harmony Link telling him Rainbow Dash is in danger. He waited for a couple of seconds for the 'effect' to wear off so he can go rescue Rainbow, but after trying to 'pull away', he still found himself pinned.

What?! Why can't I move? Twilight's petrification 'wore off' after a while. Darn, I should've read more on the Harmony Link.

Before he could muse any further on his situation, he saw the eagle, falcon, owl, and bat fly past him. Must be the competitors. Either they just abandoned their future mistress or they're hurrying so they can call my friends. In any case, I have to find a way to get out of here so I can help Rainbow.

He tried 'pulling' himself out again, but it was no good. Dammit, if only I could just destroy whatever rock is keeping her pinned down. Oh wait! My magical clones! Of course! Flaring his horn, he was about to summon a clone when he felt something. Well, more like something leaving him. Curious, he attempted to stand up straight…and found that he can. Whatever was pinning down Rainbow no longer was, and he began to wonder why.

He did not need to wait long. In the distance, he could see the tortoise walking towards (or intending to go past) him. But what made him react was what, or who, was on top of him. It was Rainbow Dash! And there were bandages wrapped around her midsection. His Harmony Link was right; one of her wings had been pinned down, presumably by one of the rocks from the rockslide. He still has difficulty attributing "avalanche" to any 'mass falling' that isn't snow. The tortoise probably managed to get the rock out somehow.

He approached her on the way, then began to walk together, Rock walking with them; there was no need to roll about. Well, they and the tortoise did. No words were exchanged; he knew what happened, she knew he knew, and they didn't want to let the others worry any more than they already probably are.

C—RD—C—RD—C—RD—C—RD—C—RD

Back at the finish line…

The others left waiting let off a round of cheers as they heard the falcon make a shrill cry as it passed the finish line first, followed by the eagle, bat, and owl. As the flyers came in though, the cheering steadily died off and gave way to confused murmurs.

With Rainbow nowhere in sight, Twilight tossed a puzzled glance back up the course. "Hmmm…something's not right here." She levitated a pair of binoculars into view and peered through them, but Fluttershy promptly shoved her aside for a look of her own.

"Where's Rainbow Dash?"

The binocs backed away from her just far enough to make room for Applejack to zip in front and get her eyes to the lenses. "Great galloping galoshes!" From what she saw… "There's been an avalanche in there!"

"Rainbow!" Spike cried out as he ran forward for a bit.

There were reactions of shock and fear from the others as the dragon and farmpony kept a lookout.

Pinkie was the first to break out of the group, jumping happily toward the line and pointing. "Wait! Look!"

Through the binoculars, Fluttershy saw the tortoise stumping slowly out of the dust clouds and a pair of sky-blue legs perched on his shell. A different pair of legs could be seen walking alongside. "It's the turtle!"

"Tortoise!" the others corrected.

"Whatever."

Whoever was presently looking through the binocs tilted them up to see Rainbow's scuffed, smiling face. She was sitting on the shell, with bandages wrapped around her midsection.

"And he's…carrying something on his back!" Twilight noted. It took a moment for her to register just what was on it.

"Oh, it's Rainbow Dash!" Pinkie answered and she jumped excitedly. "It's her! It's Rainbow! And Chronicle's there too!" She didn't need to mention Rock, as it was obvious he would be with him.

There were cheers all around as the three made their way toward the line—very, very slowly. So slowly, in fact, that the group's collective patience started to wear thin.

"Maybe we'd better go meet him halfway." Fluttershy suggested to Twilight.

The owl-owner trotted over, levitating the line's posts and the checkered-flag banner strung between them, and planted the lot inches ahead of Rainbow and the tortoise, Chronicle having decided to stop walking. She got the white line itself in place on the ground just in time for the stumpy feet to touch and move on past, to the sound of a fresh round of cheers.

While the ponies and pets gathered around the late arrivals, Spike walked up and petted the bald green head. "Huh! Way to go, little guy!"

Twilight gave a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness you're not hurt, Rainbow."

"Just my pride." The soon-to-be-no-longer-petless pegasus started to dust herself off.

"I…certainly hope… all of this dreadful dust was worth it." Rarity said before letting out a loud sneeze.

"It sure was if'n it means Rainbow gets to have her own little critter just like the rest of us from now on," Applejack said as she petted Winona.

The tortoise looked up at Rainbow with a questioning little grunt. "Uh…thanks," she said to him as she climbed off and hunched down to his level. "What you did…I owe you one." They tapped a foot and hoof together.

"Rainbow…" Fluttershy said as she gestured ahead. "…your new pet is over here waiting for you."

The falcon stood proudly on the ground, then spread its wings and soared above the tableau with a cry, bringing murmurs of awe and appreciation before it landed on Rainbow's back. Up came a sad little noise and look from the tortoise, instantly throwing the blue pegasus for a loop. "Oh…right…yeah. That."

"Well, what's the matter?" asked Spike.

Pinkie zipped up and propped a foreleg on his head. "You got your perfect pet, right?"

"The best of the best like you wanted, remember?" Fluttershy added as she trotted up alongside Applejack and Winona as Angel jumped on her back. Chronicle joined the two shortly, Rock somehow standing upright on his back. "It can fly and it's not a squirrel! Should we sing about it again?"

"Let's not," her coltfriend told her.

"A falcon sure looks good on you, Rainbow," said Applejack.

Rarity's camera tripod was then planted in front of the two flyers. When she snapped a picture, the flash spooked the tortoise so badly that he yanked his head and legs in, and Rainbow leaned down to pet him, the falcon allowing the two a little space. "Easy, fella. Nothing to be afraid of." She then stood up as the bird of prey hopped on once more on her back. "A falcon sure does look cool. He's absolutely everything I wanted in a pet." She then chewed her lower lip indecisively for a moment before letting off a sigh.

There came a "Yay?" from Fluttershy.

Rainbow then smiled. "But I said, whoever crosses the finish line with me gets to be my pet."

Pinkie zipped up to her. "You did! You did say that!" The earth pony began to jump/zip about, increasing in volume. "She did say that! That was the rule!"

"And the only racer who crossed the finish line with me…was the one who stopped to save me when I needed help." Her last few words deflated the falcon's pride in a hurry as she lifted… "The tortoise!"

The reptile had extended his head and legs and gave her a grateful smile. Meanwhile, the falcon let off a dejected squawk and jumped off Rainbow's back.

"But…" Twilight said. "…what about the…"

Rainbow set the tortoise down in front of the falcon, which extended its wing gravely to congratulate the surprise winner. The tortoise put out a foreleg, the two shake, and the bird of prey walked away with a bowed head. Rainbow patted the shell, and the tortoise grunted softly as he let his smile widen a few notches, just as quickly as he blinks—that is, not very.

"Would you look at that?" commented Applejack. "He even smiles slow." Laughter followed from the ponies and the armadillo, the other pets either busy with other things or just plain not joining.

"Spike, take a letter," Rainbow said. As he whipped out the quill and scroll, she began to relay her message. As she did, Opal began to chase its toy mouse and worry it vigorously.

"Dear Princess Celestia: I used to think that the most important traits to look for in a pet—"

Opal dropped the mouse and eyed it warily before attacking it with her claws.

"—or any best friend—were all physical competitive abilities."

The tortoise walked over to Opal, who was now chewing on the mouse.

"But now I can see how short-sighted and shallow that was."

Seeing him come over, she immediately let the toy go and tried to scratch her way through his shell with little success, even as he pulled his head and legs in.

"Today I learned what the most important quality really is."

The tortoise peeked out, snagged the mouse in his beak, and pulled it in.

"A certain kind of spirit. A stick-to-it-iveness."

Opal noticed with surprise that her mouse was gone, and skulked away.

"A never-give-up, can-do attitude that's the mark of a real winner. And this tortoise has it."

"Tenacity," Twilight supplied.

"Gesundheit." The pegasus then walked toward the tortoise. "You just can't stop that little guy. He's like a…like a…" She tapped its shell. "…tank!" Out popped the wizened green face to smile up at her.

Chronicle showed extreme confusion, not knowing what exactly a tank was in Equestria, the one he was familiar with being an armored war vehicle. Pinkie seemed to see his confusion and quickly explained in hushed tones what "tank" Rainbow was referring to, also showing a picture. He then understood.

"But, Rainbow, you didn't want a pet that couldn't fly because it would keep you grounded and hold you back, remember?" Fluttershy reminded her.

On the end of this, the blue daredevil's face fell severely, with the tortoise similarly unhappy tortoise by her side. She started thinking hard, trying to come up with a compromise. "Hmmm…"

C—TS—S—A—RD—R—F—PP—C—TS—S—A—RD—R—F—PP

The next day, or a few days later, I don't know…

At the park, the Spirits of Harmony and Chronicle crested the hill, their pets accompanying them amongst the happy chatter. Rock rolled down the hill after a running Winona, Opal simply walked, Owlowiscious was in the air, Gummy was hanging on by biting Pinkie's tail, and Angel rode atop Fluttershy's head. For perhaps the first time ever, Rainbow was bringing up the rear.

The new pet-owner stopped briefly, calling behind herself. "Heh. Come on, Tank! We're gonna be late for our very first pony pet play date!" as she flew off, the tortoise crested the hill as well—by air rather than on foot for what must surely be the first time in his life. A helicopter propeller had been strapped to his shell, and he wore a pair of aviator goggles. Tank went after the others, ready to join his new friends.

SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM

(1) I was going to introduce Rock to Chronicle after the song instead of doing a case of "Remember the New Guy", but I changed my mind and set the timing differently. I still managed to properly explain Rock's origin although we still don't know how the others got their pets (read: Angel, Winona, Gummy, Opalescence) in the first place.

(2) Wanna be on top?

See ya on Third!

nightelf37: I really considered doing Sweet and Elite, but I discovered that aside from perhaps another appearance of Moonbow Peek, another chew out from Chronicle, introducing the party cannon, and some other snarks, there's nothing else interesting for him to do. I will see if I can bring up Fancypants and Fleur in another chapter. No promises, though.

So, as I promised someone who commented in FIMFiction, I'll elaborate (as much as I can) on a certain Incident Record Keeper thought to himself during the Timer Family Reunion. So I'm also providing another peek at what Chronicle's father does.

I own only the following: My originally designed OCs, and anything that doesn't happen in the show proper, like the entirety of this chapter.

And this chapter is Rated T because of Deadpool. If you're not old enough to be reading stuff your parents don't want you looking at yet, unless you've watched animé like Naruto or such like I have, either wait for the next chapter or—if it's out already—skip to it. Don't worry. You're not missing out on much. Just names of other members of the Timer family, Record's skills, other Princesses…

Pinkie Pie: Who are you kidding, Author? Of course there are no children reading fan fiction! Especially one as non-popular as yours.

nightelf37: A few scenes are more violent that Chronicle's beat-down, though. Dismemberment, blood being spilled…

Pinkie: Oh.

nightelf37: Better safe than sorry. I'll try and see if I can repeat some information here in other chapters.

SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM

Special 7: The Deadpool Incident

Last year, between summer and autumn in Equestria Prime…

If someone else could've been the "Great Overseer" other than Lord Record Keeper, he would've gladly given it to them. Sadly, the some of the higher-ups in Hadithi said that those who don't desire power are best to wield it; that way, they wouldn't abuse it.

Right now, he was about to have a meeting with some of the Branch Heads. Hub Equestria wasn't one 'metropolis'; there were plenty of towns scattered across the land, each of them with a Branch Head. They serve as the equivalent of mayors/governors of towns; Record can't handle everything by himself. The Branch Heads are called such because not everybody is technically a Timer and would want to be the ones who overlook their children's activities as Field Ops without Record hounding on them.

The capital of Hub Equestria was called Canterhub, which 'belonged' to the Aidem-Timer branch (the maiden name of his wife is Aidem), and took care of any recruits they acquire. It covered not only their children, but also their siblings and their children. Any cousins and beyond however—and some of Record's and Ebony Spell's siblings—were either under the jurisdiction of Branch Heads or Branch Heads themselves.

The geography of Hub Equestria was completely different from that of the client worlds it was connected to though, so Canterhub was not built on a mountain like Canterlot. For one, while the world has its share of mountains, valleys, lakes, rivers, canyons, swamps, deserts, and volcanoes, every town the Story Crew had managed to set up was on relatively flat land and was all in a single landmass, the sea surrounding them. Naval exploration was already underway.

The first pony to appear on the screens was an earth pony who goes by the "alias" Kage. She was head of the Timer-Ellits branch, and her husband had…similar origins as Record himself. Their eldest son, who goes by Kiroku, has been known to express his desire to prove himself superior to Chronicle in combat.

The second pony to appear was a pegasus who goes by Comic Relief, who was the head of the Scimoc-Timer branch. From what he heard, the Equestria one of Comic's children seems to be "crossed over" with the Marvel Earth Cluster; they shared multiple aspects with "Marvel Earth", but was not connected to it like another of their Equestrias, Equestria-15, is connected to the Midchilda Cluster. Another Equestria that is the 'assigned world' of another of Comic's children has the same predicament, but with the DC Earth Cluster.

The third was Current Headline's unicorn wife, Ivory Diction, and representative of the Toliwis-Aidem branch. Current Headline, Ebony Spell's cousin, is the assigned Field Op for Surfer Dude Equestria, where Sun Bro and Moon Dude rule. She serves as the 'foil' to Current; where he is laid-back she is serious, where she is straightforward he his guileful, and where he lays out the "brilliant" plan she makes the steps. All in all, a somewhat compatible couple.

But you readers probably don't care about the family unless they're gonna be important in the story, right? Moving on…

Once the last of the Branch Heads was on-screen, the meeting could begin. Or it would've were it not for an alert that came in his earpiece. Everybody else saw his face turn into attention that was not focused on anything in his sight, and 'listened in'.

"Lord Keeper, we've got bad news, very bad news, and good news," called the operative.

"Give me the bad."

"We've got a Merc with the Mouth 'screened'. He's making his way to Canterhub as we speak."

"The very bad news?"

"I got word from Field Operative Annals that Princess Celestia of the Solar Empire is about to invade. Again."

"Second time this month," mused Kage.

"It gets worse." Several red alarms shone and klaxons rang. "Corona Blaze is about to breach our 'wall' and is coming here as well."

"And the good news?" asked Record.

"Princess Philomena is coming to visit. Perhaps we could ask for her assistance."

"I plan to do more than that." The family head then turned to the Branch Heads. "This meeting is adjourned. For now, we prepare for battle." With that, the screens were deactivated, and Record 'moved' the communications mirror, emitting the frequency to contact the Lunar Republic.

The Lunar Republic and the Solar Empire have been at war with each other long before Hub Equestria was even terraformed. It's also unknown how 'Tyrant Celestia' found out about Hub Equestria as Annals did not tell them (voluntarily or through torture, he hasn't even bee found out), but right after that, 'Republican Luna' made contact with Record Keeper and told him of their feud, and that they'll assist him in keeping the Solar Empire out of Hub Equestria's land. Record was still unable to find time to storm Solar Empire Equestria and stop its tyrant ruler for good; while he wanted to be neutral, constant attacks forced him to take sides. And it's very chaotic in Hadithi, at least in the business part of it, so he can't call for their help directly; other Hub worlds might need it more than he. The system is extremely complicated.

The mirror wavered and showed Calyndar, the Field Op assigned there. Blue-violet pegasus, light blue hair tied in a bun both mane and tail, teal eyes.

"Princess Luna," the pegasus called to one side. "Lord Record's calling."

And then Luna showed up. Republican Luna, just to distinguish from other Princess Lunas. "Is the Solar Empire attacking your world again?" she deadpanned.

"Yeah," the alicorn stallion answered.

"Explains the quiet here. Although we did repel an Alpha Strike from some 'space-farers', called themselves the Komato. Drove them off with their tails between their legs." (1)

Record sighed in relief. The Komato were a warmonger race who travel worlds and destroy them, hunting for another alien race called the Tasen. The former tried to attack Hadithi once, chasing some remnants of the latter. Not one of them returned, though they didn't stop trying. The Book Troop don't like them either. One of the many cross-world organizations that span the multiverse.

"Okay. I'll get the troops mobilized. You just hang tight."

"Will do."

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Elsewhere in Hub Equestria…

Deadpool was whistling to himself as he casually strolled towards Canterhub to do what he was paid to do; assassinate the residing Lord named Thomas Timer.

"No, I'm not! There's no way I'm just gonna stroll there!"

But there are no motorcycles or any other cool vehicles, said one voice in his head. This is a world of ponies! They've got no use for automatic vehicles!

A pity we're possibly a bit out of character, said another voice. This author clearly has no idea how to write us. (2)

Why isn't the author using color for me?! Oh, right. FanFiction dot net does not have that option. And I said "dot" because this site's very fickle with website links.

"Chill, guys," said Deadpool as he found something useful. "Oh, wait. I don't say that, do I?"

Like I said. No idea how to write us.

"Eh, whatever. Let's go!" Deadpool managed to assemble some explosives be brought with him. After setting them against a wood panel he found somewhere, then blew them up, sending himself flying. "Whooo!"

As he flew in the air, en route to Canterhub, he saw portals open, and out of them came pegasi armed to the teeth with weapons and armor. He did not know it, but they were from the Solar Empire.

"Yo!" he greeted. "I'm lookin' for a Thomas Timer! Any of you know 'im? Supposed to be the Lord of this dump."

"Only Lord I know here is Record Keeper," one of them replied as everypony moved away from Deadpool; they didn't trust any non-pony. However, he looked too dangerous to try and kill right now, with his katanas, and his tiny cannons called 'guns'.

"Oh. Guess I should ask him. Or maybe that's his nickname!"

These are ponies we're talking about, whose names are often just nouns, verbs, adjectives, words you can easily find in a dictionary.

That means Record Keeper is Thomas Timer's name here! I wonder what our pony name would be? (I want colors!)

"I don't wanna think about that right now. Maybe later. Oh look! We're about to land!"

Correction, he crashed. Inside a chemical vat. It would take him a while to get out and heal himself completely.

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Princess Philomena, who was also dubbed the "phoenix princess" by Record's non-Field Op relatives, stepped out of the portal mirror. She was a red alicorn, with a pure yellow mane that flowed in a non-existent wind, and her wings had orange tips. She had the same kinds of royal trinkets as most Princesses; shoes, necklace, and crown. Her cutie mark depicted a phoenix rising from the ashes.

And outside she could hear chaos. She immediately exited the room, and found a orange dragonling that reminded her of her student's assistant Peewee. He turned around to see her. "Oh good, you're here, Princess Philomena! Lord Record needs help!"

"So I've noticed," she said. "I'm on it!" Casting a spell, Philomena transfigured herself into a phoenix, and quickly sped her way across the town, which had become a war zone. Solar Imperials on one side (identifiable by their golden armor), Hub Equestria's operatives and recruits on the other, with Lunar Republicans (with dark armor) shortly joining the fray via portals.

It amazed and horrified her what Record's subjects could do. One was loading up an advanced version of a catapult to open fire on Imperial pegasi. A non-unicorn used something to teleport themselves away from the Imperials trying to pull her apart…and have an explosive take their her place. A diamond dog was in a contraption shaped like himself but larger that followed his movements. She could understand why Record didn't want to share all this; her world was not ready. And as insurance, thanks to something in this world, she would never bring any of this up to anybody not in the know.

I hope things don't get any worse, she thought to herself. And then a huge portal opened in the sky. And out of it came an alicorn that was reminiscent of her pet phoenix Celestia if she was thoroughly ticked off perpetually. Philomena let off a mental sigh. Rock's right. I should stop tempting fate.

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Record Keeper was just finished crushing an Imperial's skull against a wall with his bare hoof. He was in earth pony form, which he was much more comfortable with in battle. He loved fighting (it was in his blood), but he did not like senseless killing. Why couldn't that tyrant just leave me alone?

Unlike most ponies, Record Keeper does not use magic to fight, not even the latent earth pony magic in his current form, not that he knew of any spells they had for combat anyway. Instead, he manipulates a natural life force energy that is made up of "vigor, courage, and being in one's true mind"; ki. He could also use ki for telekinesis and flight, an his body is much more resistant to damage than even an alicorn's; the diadem is merely for the sake of appearances, as well as the feeling of being taller, although he prefers to be as small as possible in combat. Using spells is fun in its own way too.

"Where's that blasted false alicorn?!" a voice familiar to him came. "Too bad he's not an all-loving hero who would risk his life to protect ponies! If only I could get to his relatives…"

Record rolled his eyes. It was Corona Blaze, whom Comic Headline nicknamed the Arson Princess…and the mare who killed Record's brother. He called her Blaze for short, so as to differentiate from the Tyrant Sun, also named Corona, in Luna Equestria. And no, he was not going to use that Princess Bride line on her. He sped his way to where he heard the voice, trusting the Republicans and the Story Crew members under his technical jurisdiction to ward off the Imperials.

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Elsewhere, there was pure bloodshed happening, and copious amounts of it was being spilled. Only an extremely skilled or immensely powerful fighter could deliver this much death. It couldn't be Record; his killing blows are often melee and thus wouldn't draw a much blood. It couldn't be Blaze; her carnage would've left charred bodies with any blood opening cauterized. Same goes for Tyrant Celestia, but with less carnage. Republican Luna's were humane like Record's. And Philomena detests killing, but will fight to near-death if necessary.

Come on, Author! We all know who it is! And I still want colors!

"So, tell me everything you know about this Record Keeper guy! I'm kinda hired to kill him!" Deadpool was holding up one of the Solar Empire Army's lieutenants. By one of his katanas in the belly. And his wings have already been cut off.

The lieutenant spilled whatever beans he had. Record Keeper was a powerful alicorn. And because he doesn't have the sun or moon as his domain, his abilities don't have a theme, and thus he can be somewhat unpredictable. The ones they've learned so far pertained to utility and combat, and has no elemental preference. He also has an earth pony form, which he is at his most dangerous, moreso than his alicorn form. As an earth pony, he attacks with his bare hooves, is very fast, and only an alicorn can keep up with him in a fight. He also has extremely high resistance to damage in both forms.

Deadpool thanked the lieutenant by getting rid of him. He lost his head when that happened. Then again, the merc had lost it a long time ago.

Don't go confusing the readers, Author. Not even for the sake of a joke.

Well, he is still practicing writing!

I'll admit his grammar and punctuation are spot on for someone like him, but his creativity…

"Voices, shut up!" Deadpool cried out as he cleaned his blades with his suit. "Seriously, I hope he never has to write me again. Now where can I find Record? Ah well, any random direction will have to do." With that, he dashed off in some random direction. Incidentally, it would lead him to where his target would be.

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At the central square of Canterhub, five alicorns were converging, having sensed each other's power. One is a princess with the likeness (and currently, form) of a phoenix. One is a solar tyrant who advocates the superiority of ponykind. One is a lunar ruler who advocates equality in all races with sapience. One is a madmare who torched her world and all of its inhabitants. One is the essential ruler of this world and not really an alicorn.

And one decidedly non-alicorn was about to join in…

The moment the five converged, right before their magic could clash and result in a giant explosion, Record's forces already had something prepared. Due to one previous clash that resulted in millions worth of damage, it's been decided that in the event of more than one alicorn or being of similar potential threat level about to battle one another, they will be transported to a pocket dimension the Story Crew has created/discovered for this situation; the Battle Matrix.

The portal was activated, and it took them all in. And one certain "third party".

The Battle Matrix has been designed to change form and attributes according to the will of those in the Story Crew, and right now that is Record Keeper. He had the Battle Matrix turn into the Earth's moon, complete with what its astronauts have left behind. Of course, as it's a simulation, they're not really there, and Record set the air to breathable, and their spawn points to 'equal distance from each other'.

The two ancient rivals naturally found each other and were beginning to fight bitterly. The phoenix princess faced the great arsonist, the former reverting to her default alicorn form as she fought fire with fire. Record was about to assist Philomena when he sensed a bullet come his way and jerked his head to dodge it…as well as a flurry of more.

He turned to see a certain red-and-black humanoid holding twin pistols, has twin katanas sheathed at his back, and a daring look through that mask of his. "Ciao!" Deadpool greeted.

There was only one reason Deadpool would try to kill someone like him. "Someone hired you to kill me?" Record guessed.

"Why? Think you can one-up the offer? 'Cause I'd love to fight you, anyway."

Record frowned as he wondered what to do; he obviously doesn't want to die, at least not some mercenary (even one like Deadpool) all because of a contract, but he's not sure if he could/should 'use' the Merc to help him fight off the two solar madmares.

"Sorry, but you'll have to get through two others who might steal your contract. They're out to kill me too." And with that, he took off straight for Corona Blaze. He did not fear burning; even like this he can physically withstand anything she can throw at him, it's mentally handling the eventual stress of prolonged fighting that's the problem.

"Oh no you don't!" said Deadpool as he went after his mark.

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It would be promised later that nobody talk about the Deadpool incident, because what happened after was something nobody wanted to talk about. Prior to the incident, Record was known to always fight head-on, using only himself, his abilities, any devices with him, and allies he can count on in a fight, no matter the enemy's tricks. Not once has he ever demonstrated any sort of guile. In this one, he used an 'enemy' who was after him to deal with another enemy after him; not only was it a guileful act, what he did that time was something the higher-ups in the Story Crew frowned at; intentionally getting those from 'target worlds' involved with one another.

He sped over to Corona Blaze, but Deadpool landed on him…and used him as a stepping stone to get to the arsonist. She tried to roast him, but he just laughed the entire time as he attempted to ride her, somehow pulling at her flaming mane. He 'drove' her right into the feuding sisters, crashing into the elder of the two. Record advised Republican Luna to move back while Deadpool burned himself as he scuffled with their opponents.

"Are you sure he'll be fine?" Philomena asked as she, Republican Luna, and Record watched Deadpool burn. His clothes, his skin, and he's still fighting and quipping without a care in the world. It also almost induced them to vomit.

"Don't worry. We know this Deadpool guy," Record assured. "He has regenerative powers so powerful he cannot die, and he's so completely bonkers it makes Princess Pinkie Pie seem completely mundane. The fact she isn't a killer helps too."

"Should we not assist him?" Republican Luna asked.

"He's kind of after me. Apparently, somebody hired him to kill me. Thankfully, in spite of his nuttiness, he can be negotiated with. We just need to get rid of—"

"Incoming!" Deadpool screamed as he was riding Tyrant Celestia and heading their way.

The two good-aligned Princesses moved out of the way, but Record got himself in position…and clotheslined the tyrant, while also blocking Deadpool's katana with a single hoof. Hooves are tougher than hands, and Record was one tough fighter. "Come on, Record!" the Merc said as he followed up with additional slashes while Republican Luna closed in on her sister. "Arent'cha gonna turn your hair gold or somethin'?"

"Don't need to for the likes of you," Record replied as he deftly deflected the swords by the sides. While his body can withstand blades so that they can't even cut deep, his nerves cry out when they slice at him; he's just very good at ignoring all but the blows that reach building-leveling levels and beyond.

And then a torrent of fire came up from behind Deadpool, consuming him and almost consuming Record as well were it not for his timely evading.

"You insolent—" Corona Blaze began.

She was cut off by a couple of spheres of energy from Record, and it felt like he had just punched her. That was because the spheres were generated from Record's ki; a magic attack would've had a distinct difference in feeling and effectiveness.

This also cancelled the fire spell she was using on Deadpool, allowing him to fall to the floor. Thanks to his healing factor, he was back on his feet in an instant.

"Hey! No stealing my contract!" The Merc then leaped right for Blaze, used a teleporter device on his person to dodge the incoming fireball, and landed on her back. "Do I even ride like this? Who cares?" He took out his katanas and was about to drive them into the madmare's neck when she teleported away, leaving him to fall again.

She emerged right behind Record, who immediately sensed her (from the heat as well as his instincts) and brought his head back to butt her with it, then followed with a left hook, and then a right.

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The rest of the fight went solidly to the side of good after that; Tyrant Celestia managed to locate their point of entry and found a way to teleport out of the Battle Matrix. She would then order her forces to fall back, as even she knew the battle was lost. That left Blaze alone with Record and his allies. And the wild card Deadpool. After completely demolishing her, she decided to teleport back to her world…somehow taking Deadpool with her in the process.

Record was relieved after that and—in spite of her objections—asked the Lunar Republic to return to their world, even as its Princess wanted to assist in the cleanup. Princess Philomena was asked to return too, as she had duties to her Equestria. As for him, he'll give his report to the higher-ups in the Story Crew about the incident, ending it with a request to find out who paid Deadpool and to get it off of him. He also decided to leave out his act of guile, which could get him in trouble, and had everyone involved promise not to mention the whole thing. He didn't make it a Princess Pinkie Promise, though; he will not involve her in anything if he can help it.

It was difficult being Lord Record Keeper. But this was the task he was given, and he was going to perform it to the best of his ability while maintaining peace.

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(1) Yeah, I played the indie game Iji. Fun shooter game. You can choose to limit your kills, go bonkers on everybody, or not take a single life (as you're supposed to reach the leader to talk to them).

(2) Self-deprecation. So fun. I only read a few comics, watched somebody play his video game, and read some Adventure Time fanfics with him in it…

nightelf37: Yup, it's pretty obvious now who I'm basing Record Keeper from. But if you've been reading the Author's Notes from "The Return of Harmony" arc in the FiMFiction version of this story, you can kinda tell I already foreshadowed it when I was talking about the Story Crew.

This chapter is basically me doing more practice writing (like Chronicle's showdown with Discord and later his friends was my practicing writing fight scenes), so apologies if it's not satisfactory. I write for myself, not for my readers. Selfish, I know. See ya on Third!

nightelf37: I own only the following: My originally designed OCs, and anything that doesn't happen in the show proper.

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Secret of My Excess

Dreamscape…

Chronicle looked like he was meditating again, but instead of clearing his mind or reminiscing, he was thinking of possible activities he can do with Fluttershy on a date that does not involve animals. She seriously has to start leaving her comfort zone more often, and not just when in a pinch.

Just then, thanks to previous 'surprise visits' from his relatives (and Princess Luna), he sensed intruders in his dream. Seven of them. In front of him were four ponies, one dragon, and one griffon.

Two of the ponies were pegasi. One was relatively small, with short platinum blond hair, a white coat, black irises in his eyes, a cutie mark depicting a rabbit about to box, and an intimidating expression. The other was a bit stocky though otherwise average, dark green coat, similarly-colored hair, eyes of a lighter shade, an abstract cutie mark describing his 'slow and steady' outlook in life, which was also shown in his face.

The other two ponies were the only females in the group. One was an elegant white unicorn with purple eyeshadow, green eyes, purple hair with lighter shadings, a bow on the base of her tail, a cutie mark depicting a particular gem, and she held her head high. The other was a deep brown earth pony with white freckles and splotches (kinda like Pipsqueak in that regard), ruffled hair of a lighter shade, hazel eyes, a red neckerchief, a cutie mark pertaining to herding, and a happy-go-lucky demeanor.

What he thought was a dragon was actually a kirin; a dragon-pony hybrid, the type of child that would be born if Spike successfully managed to win Rarity's heart and they actually… well, he didn't need to say it. This kirin evidently had an earth pony mother. His coat/scales was light green, his hair were a lighter shade and a little curly, his eyes were purple with slight slits, his cutie mark was so abstract Chronicle couldn't figure out its meaning, and looked both expressionless and quirky.

The griffon looked like an intellectual, of which Chronicle had met very few of in his travels. He had pince-nez glasses on the bridge of his beak, dark brown eyes, fur of a similar shade in his lion half, plumage of a lighter shade in his bird half (which markedly didn't look eagle-like), huge bushy eyebrows, and his talons had the feel of magic-use.

The sight of these six were almost enough for the seventh intruder to attack him from behind. Almost. The blue unicorn leaped in a back-flip… dodging (and seeing) a pony-sized ball of iron roll under him. As he landed, the ball turned around and made to charge him again. Chronicle drew his "horn blade", then flash-sidestepped just as the ball reached him—and he phase-slashed through it. He could slice the ball in half, but if this was one of his relatives, that would be a terrible idea, even if that relative would simply wake up in their dreamscape.

The six vanished as if they were an illusion, and the ball flashed and in its place was an earth pony stallion. His coat was dusty brown, his hair very short and of a darker shade, his eyes choco brown, his hooves and snout colored like that of skin (under a pony's coat), and the trademark Story Crew emblem as his cutie mark.

"Your instincts haven't dulled, cousin," he coughed.

"Actually, they have. I just resharpened them."

"I see." The earth pony got up, and Chronicle finally noticed the pieces of armor he had…and they were seemingly familiar. The visitor noticed. "Oh, in case you don't know, this is my Armadillo Armor. Turns me into a sphere I can manipulate and move around in."

"Let me guess… Those six are your world's Spirits of Harmony."

"Um, yes?"

"Would the Princess of that their world be named Philomena by any chance?"

"Um, yes."

"Is your name Rock?"

"Actually, its's Rokuban, but Rock is the name I go by."

What happened next was unexpected from both of them; Chronicle laughed a laugh that seemed to imply he wanted to groan. "Oh, I can't believe it! I think I can already guess your friends' names! Owlowiscious, Winona, Tank, Opalescence, Angel, and Gummy."

It surprised Rock. "That's…spot-on, although it's actually Aloysius, pronounced allo-wishus. Close enough, though. And what's with that laugh? I'm confused."

The mirth was just passing from the unicorn's face. "It's just that those are the names of my friends' pets. And the name you go by happens to be the name of my pet armadillo!" And then it came back as he started to laugh again.

A drop of sweat went down Rock's head. "Oh. That's a very freaky coincidence."

"I think my twin sister and I said as much."

"Okay. I'm guessing you want to know the pets of my friends?"

"Don't give me the names. I'm sure I can tell."

"All right. Aloysius has an owl with purple plumage, Winona has a very dependable farm dog, Gummy has this hyper baby alligator with pink scales, Opal has a slender-looking white cat, Angel has a sweet and shy bunny, and Tank's just got a very unique flying squirrel."

Chronicle raised an eyebrow at the mention of the flying squirrel, but thought it understandable. He also finally stopped laughing. "And have you got a pet yet?" 'Cause you'll probably get one someday and name it after me. It'll be freaky when that happens.

"No. Anyway…" Rock's face turned serious. "I came to tell you about a big situation. Some of our cousins (second onwards) have made a Contract, became an P-Magum: Type QB-Con and were pulled out."

"Darn it. Should've seen it the moment I saw that A-E Incubator in my world."

"No use worrying about it now."

P-Magum was the Story Crew's designation for what their client worlds call 'magical girl', although the designation qualifies for boys too. P-Magum: Type QB-Con stands for those who made a Contract with an A-E Incubator, who are regarded as top threats. At least when target worlds are involved, anyway.

(Turns out, Chronicle was actually a little outdated on how the Story Crew dealt with A-E Incubators, as 'seen' during his conversation with one (as was that Incubator). They no longer/never really stopped the little ███████ every step of the way. In fact, some divisions of the Story Crew make do with any of their members who are about to/have become P-Magum: Type QB-Cons by a series of rules ad regulations; the A-E Incubators ultimately mean well after all, and the Story Crew always compromise when certain inevitabilities arise.)

Chronicle's mother and sister are magic-users, but they lack some unidentified traits that would make them count as P-Magum. On the other hoof, all bearers of the Elements of Harmony and other parallels of them are regarded as P-Magum as well; P-Magum: Type EOH, so named after the Elements of Harmony.

A few other P-Magum known to them are Type LinkR-C, which Bright Pact of Lyrical Equestria has become as well as its resident Twilight Sparkle(-15), Type Trink-F, who need to transform using special trinkets to fight (which Type QB-Con is a subcategory of), Type IS, which are used by those who just wish to be idol singers (and is another subcategory of Type Trink-F), Type I-Temu, who already have the power within but need a trinket to use it (which Type EOH is a subcategory of), and Type In-8, where they are naturally able to use their magic powers. The difference between a Type In-8 and a standard magic-user is that for the former, either their species or those they're 'living' with has to normally be non-magic users.

Chronicle bonked himself at the side of his head; now was not the time to be thinking of such things.

"The Incubators have been spreading to this cluster, though Record has managed to keep them out of the 'main' worlds, which ours, your siblings, and my siblings thankfully fall under. Mainly, this means extreme measures like 'forced recruitment' of P-Magum: Type QB-Cons, covert termination of their…evolved forms, and Incubator hunting. And let me tell you that the last of them is really difficult as few can even see them unaided."

Rock lowered his head at the mention of 'forced recruitment'; that was something the Story Crew never want to do to increase their number. Their usual methods for that are their standard recruitment procedure, and childbirth between two of its members. 'Forced recruitment' involves arranging the 'departure' of the recruited that ends in an unsolved missing persons case or a "never found the body" accident, all of which still have a chance of somebody getting suspicious, more so than in a standard recruitment. There'll be a lot of therapy, mind alterations, and is a general headache for those who have to clean up after, not to mention the temptation to keep doing it.

"All right. Is there anything I can do about it?" Chronicle finally asked. "Because this burden is not really the type to share with someone who's helpless to it."

"We Field Operatives have been granted a new device for dealing with A-E Incubators. You'll find them in your hammerspace pocket. They will help you in our new additional task; prevent the Incubators from making Puella Magi out of the Spirits of Harmony at all costs." Rock procured a sphere akin to a Surveillance camera, but green. "This is a Proxi-Turret, currently programmed to stealth-kill any nearby Incubators and nothing else. Install it just like you would Surveillance. There is also an item that will install the Radar feature in it. Right now, it's set to find any and all Incubators in a radius that would encompass Ponyville if you were in the center."

"Got it."

"In addition, you can now check Surveillance without taking out the monitor. An item to install that feature is also provided, complete with quick guide. If you have the experience, you can try fiddling with Surveillance to suit your other needs, but if it gets damaged, you'll be held responible. "

"All right, all right. Anything else?"

"Nope. That'll be it." Rock then saluted and urged his cousin to do the same. "Best of luck to us all."

"Likewise."

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-Now Playing: Shining Days (TV Size) by Minami Kuribayashi-

{fade from white to four quick shots in succession; split scene of Twilight Sparkle and Rarity in their respective workplaces with Spike in the middle of the split looking cool, then of Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash flying together (with Skyla peeking behind a cloud), then of Applejack and Pinkie Pie baking dishes baked in pastry-lined pans together, then of Mystic Shield and Chronicle in battle stances together}

{cut to a white background, after which the Elements of Harmony appear; slow pan to the right as silhouettes of its bearers colored in their coats appear in reverse order of their 'realizing'}

{(Twilight's cutie mark) star wipe to a shot of Ponyville, with the show's title in front, which has an added yellow box above reading "Shisno Chronicles"; after a few seconds, the title begins to fade; cut to a short shot of the midday sky}

aozora ippai ni watashitachi no omoi ga

{slow pan to the right to a lone tree in the part as it shows Twilight reading a book underneath it}

chiribame rarete yuku

{cut to an overhead shot of the clearing, which not only has the tree, but the rest of Twilight's friends and their friends doing miscellaneous activities}

unmei no hito ga

{background is of a Ponyville street, a 'box' showing Pinkie Pie is at the left side and Twilight is at the right looking befuddled; pony in 'box' changes to Applejack, and Twilight's expression changes to one of trust}

anata nara ii no ni

{Spike is now in the 'box', and Twilight's expression turns to loving; and then the 'box' has Chronicle, and her expression is now an "I'm counting on you" smile}

genjitsu wa

{cut to Pinkie somehow catching up to a speeding Rainbow with her flying contraption, then to Rarity fitting a dress on Applejack}

umaku yukanai

{cut to Skyla talking with Mystic Shield as they walk down a street, then to Moonbow Peek looking through her crystal ball; then to Fluttershy using the Stare towards the 'camera', cut to a front view of Chronicle reeling back and falling over, then of the two at the edge of the Everfree Forest as she (who has just followed through a punch!) quickly apologizes as he gets up}

hikaru kaze no naka

{slow pan right at Sweet Apple Acres, where Granny Smith is sleeping at a rocking chair with a resting Big Macintosh; fade to inside Zecora's hut, where the zebra is mixing up a (non-glowing!) brew in her cauldron}

yume no hane maioriru yo

{fade to a split scene of the Cakes at work and their twin children sleeping together; fade again to Cheerilee teaching class; a flurry of spinning daisies coming from the left serve as the screen transition}

yuuki dashite mirai e

{at their treehouse, the Cutie Mark Crusaders to a high hoof as they prepare for their next escapade}

sou utsukushiku

{two hooves join together, then the Gemini twins converge as they cast a blinding spell; spell fades to show them and some of Mystic's students, among them Dinky, Pokey Pierce, Lyra Heartstrings, Written Script, Twinkleshine, and Morpheus}

{a rainbow forms in the sky as it shifts from day to night then day again}

ugokida su

{zoom out from Spike's face as it reveals him looking straight ahead on a cliff-side with Rarity and Twilight on either side}

atsui kodou ga

{fade to Rainbow and Applejack in horizontal split-screen as they both perform their jobs (weather managing and applebucking)}

ano hi to onaji

{fade to the afternoon in the Forest's edge as Chronicle shields against a yellow hoof, then gives a smile of pride to Fluttershy as she smiles and blushes}

hayasa wo kizamu yo

{cut to a rose red backdrop as Pinkie dances like a ballerina as "chibi" versions of her appear near the four corners of the screen and do cartoon stuff (wobble legs mid-air, inflate self, zip from one side of the screen to the other and wave at the camera}

massugu na

{cut to a starry background, then zoom out to reveal it as Princess Luna's mane as she stands beside her sister Celestia}

manazashi ga suki

{cut to the following 'snippets'; a glimpse of the Elements of Harmony in their accessory forms, Chronicle summoning magical clones at either side of him, Pinkie firing her party cannon, then Rainbow successfully pulling off her Sonic Rainboom, flash to white}

zutto mite itai

{fade to a zoom out of Twilight, her assistant, and her bodyguard, then cut to the rest of her and Chronicle's friends, then cut and quick-zoom out to reveal some of Ponyville's 'notables' plus the Princesses and the Wonderbolts}

{flash to instant shots of each of the Elements being worn by their Bearers in order of their 'realizing', ending with the honorary Element; then switch to the main characters standing together behind a white backdrop}

End Song

SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM

Pinkie Pie: Author, is this another opening?

nightelf37: Yes. In the style of an animé titled Mai-HiME. I kinda regret not being able to describe your contraption, which has only had one sighting in the show that featured Gilda. In my story, Chronicle was meeting up with Mystic Shield for the first time. I plan to use this same format in my KHR series, so this'll be a time-saver.

Pinkie: Okay…

nightelf37: I planned on doing a pan-down on Ponyville's citizens at the part where I decided to put Mystic's students instead, but that was before I even wrote "Suited For Success", in which I was hoping I could request a commission for someone to draw a Gala suit for Chronicle before I decided to make it a Tuxedo Mask expy, but I already said that at the end notes of that chapter, didn't I?

Pinkie: You did.

nightelf37: And it just felt…unnecessary. Then again, so is this opening. And now I'll proceed with the standard story. After all, you readers aren't after my Story Crew exposition crap, but Chronicle's cover life as self-proclaimed guardian of the Elements… and coltfriend of one of them.

SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM

A few days later…

It was difficult juggling his 'normal life' with his Field Operative duties, and so Chronicle was glad nothing of interest happened during the interim. His worry unfortunately did distract him in his thoughts, and it resulted in a few complications between him and Fluttershy. He went a bit too far in one of his bravery sessions with her and got a full-on Stare for it. Both of them regretted it and he put their sessions on hold as a result for a few days.

At present, he was just waking up from bed. Letting out a yawn, he walked over to Twilight's vanity and began brushing his mane. Once he was done with that, he went to the bathroom to wash his face, lifting the water with telekinesis. He then took a bath, brushed his teeth, the usual morning stuff. He also noticed Spike take out a red gem from a stash somewhere as he got his coffee, giggling as he went down the stairs.

It still boggled Chronicle a bit that every single house in Equestria was bigger on the inside, just like Doctor Whooves's—sorry, Time Turner's—oh wait, it's actually Doctor Whooves's—TARDIS. Twilight explained to him that a tesseract spell is involved in the construction of houses. She also said they're actually quite easy to perform, but he doesn't plan on learning it.

And then he heard a crash of sorts downstairs. He immediately went down, and saw that every single book was down on the floor of the reading room, all in a mess. There were unlit candles in the area and the curtains were closed. His charge Twilight Sparkle popped out of one of the piles, one book impaled on her horn. Luckily, it wasn't anything that couldn't be replaced at the book shop.

She was obviously doing her bi-weekly re-shelving day. Usually, during this day, either Spike is preoccupied with something else (be it an errand or trying to advance on Rarity) or is being forced to behave by Chronicle, who knows not to disturb her. This wasn't one of those times.

The bodyguard was now standing next to said dragon, and he got a good look at what he was holding. The red gem was heart-shaped. And judging by its other distinct features he couldn't name, it was an elemental-type gem, few of which existed in Equestria. Chronicle had one such gem as well; a thunder topaz, which he had forged (not personally, of course, but with the services of a smith) into an elemental Thunder ring when he was in Canterlot with Rarity during the week before Twilight's birthday.

"Spike, what are you laughing at?" his charge demanded.

"This little beauty is my birthday present to myself!" Spike said as he looked at his reflection in one of the gem's facets. "It's a fire ruby!" He then held out a tuning fork. "I've been aging it for months, and it's almost ripe!"

A tap of the fork against the gem caused both to sound off at exactly the same frequency and he giggled at the result. When he started downstairs, one foot slipped on an open tome and he dropped all the way down, losing both items. Up came the end of his tail to balance the fire ruby upside-down on its point. Once he uncovered his eyes and found disaster averted, he looked happily around the mess.

"Hey! You took my advice!" He stood up and chuckled. "Just use the whole floor as one big shelf."

As Twilight looked daggers across the room and snarled threateningly at her self-satisfied assistant, Chronicle said, "Bad idea, especially for a public library, let's not forget that little detail." He went down the stairs and proceeded with fixing up the books into piles to make it easier for her to re-shelf. He didn't know which shelves they belonged to, and Twilight still hadn't worked on using a card catalog system. Just what will it take to convince her?

A few seconds later, as he noticed Spike busy himself polish his fire ruby, he then heard a familiar voice. "Helloooo?" It was Rarity, and she opened the front door far enough to fit her head in. "Anypony home? Twilight?" Her eyes then popped and she sucked in a sharp gasp while throwing the door fully open, looking at Spike.

"Is that a fire ruby?" She rushed over and leaned in close enough to be reflected in its surface, and gave a delighted sigh. "That must be at least twenty carats! No inclusions…pristine facets…"

"And totally delicious!" Spike finished.

Meanwhile, Twilight was floating books around, some from the piled Chronicle made. She had since removed the one from her horn and had given it to her bodyguard for his practice range; it was already broken beyond repair. "Uh, if you guys don't mind?" she said in mild annoyance.

"Oh! Uh…of course." Rarity walked across the room. Uh, I just came by to see if you had any books on historical fashion." As she said that, Spike ran a claw over the gem's surface and licked it to gauge the taste. And then she realized what Spike had said and was very puzzled. "Did you say "delicious"?"

"Sure did! Next week's my birthday—" The baby dragon began to walk off. "—and this is my birthday dinner."

Twilight walked over, floating books and sending one to Rarity. "Start with this one."

It was promptly opened. "Thanks, Twilight."

The violet unicorn returned to bringing up other tomes and filing them away. Chronicle on the other hoof was done with making neat piles out of the book and took out his elemental Thunder ring, which is meant to be worn on his horn.

"I've got a feeling ruffled taffeta capes are going to make a huge comeback this season—" She was now flipping pages and reading the book intently. "—and I want to be ahead of the game." She lost a bit of steam on the end of this, having glanced enviously back to find Spike cradling his prize ruby. As she clamped her teeth onto her foreleg to hold herself in check, she looked behind her to see an open box that sat next to the birthday-next-week dragon. This box was filled with padding that had a cutout to hold the ruby, and he nestled it in place. "I hope it's as tasty as it is beautiful, Spike," she said. "I have never seen anything quite so stunning before."

Poise and grace won against covetousness, but disappointment started to creep over her face as he lifted the ruby back out and eyed it. "Gosh. You really like it, huh?" he said.

"Like it? It's…magnificent!"

The lovestruck baby dragon looked at her as she lowered her eyelids and gave a gentle smile. After a bit of eyelash-batting on her part, reality reasserted itself in the library and he sighed heavily, eyeing his pride and joy. "Then you should have it." He pulled up one of her front hooves gently toward himself and set the ruby on it. "This beautiful gem was meant to be with you."

The white unicorn lifted it wonderingly, then floated it up with shining eyes. "I don't know what to say!" Spike cringed a bit as she circled around him. "This is so thoughtful. Oh, my little Spikey-wikey!" She leaned in to plant a kiss on his left cheek, leaving a prominent lipstick print and snapping him upright. He toppled backward to the floor as if he were a two-by-four, hearts floating up from the spot where he fell.

Meanwhile, Twilight kept inspecting books, while Chronicle wondered what kind of lipstick Rarity was wearing, since he saw none. And since it left a smudge, it couldn't be high quality, and he can't imagine Rarity settling for anything less whenever possible.

Said unicorn hopped across with ruby as she said, "Thank you so much!"

Twilight and her bodyguard had witnessed the scene and she commended, "Wow, Spike! That's one of the kindest, most generous things you've ever done. I've never seen Rarity so happy."

Spike wasn't listening as he dreamily touched his face. "I will never wash this cheek again."

"I hope you don't really mean that," said Chronicle as the dragon went limp with a blissful little chuckle.

C—TS—S—R—C—TS—S—R—C—TS—S—R

Next week…

It was Spike's birthday today, and the ground floor was decorated accordingly. The unicorn head bust on the center table had a party hat set on the horn, and a cake, among many goodies, rested next to it. Naturally, the shelves behind the table have since been fixed and filled with books.

Twilight was levitating a table across the confetti/streamer-strewn floor to the wall. A full punchbowl and several cups were brought down onto this. She gave the bowl's ladle a tweak to place it just so, then looked across the room to look at more streamers strung up over the bookshelves. Chronicle was currently on his way back from…somewhere, bringing his present for Spike.

"Just about finished, Spike?" she asked. Said birthday dragon was on the bookshelf ladder's top rung and tacking up more decorations. "Everypony will be here soon."

"There! Perfect!" By then, they were finished; plenty of balloons, streamers, and side tables loaded with sweet stuff. "Everything looks perfect!" Spike began to climb down.

"Not quite everything," his 'boss' corrected as he reached the bottom. As she neared him, she levitated and passed him—

"A washcloth? I don't get it." She just gave him a hard, cocked-eyebrow glare and leaned her face down into his. He dropped the cloth and backed off a few steps. "Aw, no way, Twilight! I said I wasn't gonna wash the cheek that Rarity kissed, and I meant it!" He turned his head defiantly away, showing his other cheek. It did still bear the print from Rarity's kiss, but a considerable amount of grunge had since accumulated.

Twilight responded with a determined smile, floating the cloth up and pawing the floor. He flicked one unsettled eye her way and broke into a run. "It's over, Spike! I'm cleaning that cheek!" she said as she sent the cloth ahead. She followed up with a teleport spell on Spike, bringing her to him. However, his still running (and yelling crazily) prevented her from wiping his cheek. To minimize obstructions, she banished all the tables for the time being.

"It's mine! Stop it!"

"Never!"

"Twilight…!"

The next teleport brought her a genuine surprise. Instead of Spike as usual, the one who emerged was Pinkie Pie, who had a party horn in her mouth, which she blew loudly before zipping away to stop near where Spike reappeared. "Happy birthday!" she said as she threw confetti and streamers. As soon as she backed off, Twilight seized the opportunity and plied the washcloth on Spike's cheek, scrubbing the crud off in a heartbeat. "Party time! Woo-hoo! Woo-hoo!"

By then, everybody else was now inside the library. Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Chronicle. All but Rainbow held wrapped presents in their teeth by the ribbons, while the last carried a dumbbell tied with a bow.

"Are those…for me?" Spike asked.

"Duh," said the only stallion as he rolled his eyes.

Applejack walked by, tossing her gift into his arms. "You bet they are, birthday boy."

Fluttershy also walked by, setting hers on top. "Happy birthday, Spike."

Rarity's present was next on the stack, followed by one from Pinkie, the one from Chronicle, and finally Rainbow's dumbbell. This last item was the one that overloaded his arms and sent him to the floor. Spike then regarded the now-slightly-crushed boxes with some confusion. Applejack and Fluttershy traded an equally puzzled shrug as Pinkie looked on, Chronicle waited expectantly, and Rainbow descended to the quartet.

"Don't you know you get presents on your birthday?" asked the Spirit of Loyalty as her 'temporary substitute' (as Chronicle amusingly saw through Surveillance) stood up.

"Well, actually, this is my first birthday in Ponyville." He then added a bit grumpily, "I usually just get one present—from Twilight—a book. At least Chronicle gave me a haul of gems."

Right on cue, down the stairs she came, floating a beribboned manuscript. Surprised at his words, she hid it behind herself and backed off with a blush and a sheepish grin. Literally, in this case, as a sheep's bleat was heard as she did so. Chronicle would later find out that one of the sheep in Applejack's farm made her way to his training range and was eating some of his hay bales there.

At this time, Rarity put on a gold necklace set with the fire ruby he gave her, which was now positioned as a right-side-up heart. "Speaking of presents…" She levitated a bright pink cape out from behind herself. It had a ruffled collar in dark magenta, with lighter accents and a silver clasp. "…this is from my new line of taffeta capes. I'm gonna make one for each of you." Everypony voiced their appreciation for the garment in response to that. "I've been inspired by the generosity of my little Spikey-wikey, who gave me this beautiful fire ruby—one of the kindest acts I've ever experienced."

Spike went a bit limp on his feet and let a goofy, tongue-hanging smile steal across his face. Rarity nuzzled his cheek with a blissful little sigh, and then everypony had party hats placed on their heads by Pinkie as the birthday celebration began.

C—TS—S—A—RD—R—F—PP—C—TS—S—A—RD—R—F—PP

Later…

The reading room floor was now littered with presents, discarded boxes, and scraps of wrapping paper as Spike poked his head through the bottom of one box and pulled out a green checked blanket with an apple pattern; the same gift Chronicle received from Applejack during his birthday.

"Applejack, I can't thank you enough for this great blanket." Said pony was eating an apple as he jumped up to hug her. "I really needed a new one."

"Come on, Spike. You already thanked me fifteen times." She pushed him off gently. "I'm startin' to get a little embarrassed."

"I know I keep thanking you guys, but I'm just so grateful. I wish this party could last forever."

During this sentence, Pinkie was jumping on a balloon and she popped it, a party favor in her mouth. "Duh!" she said as the party favor fell off. She then knocked Twilight and Applejack aside on her way to him. "The party can't last forever 'cause you have to go to Sugarcube Corner, 'cause the Cakes said they have a special surprise for you, 'cause it's your birthday!" At the end of this, she had leaned a bit too far over the pile of gifts and ended up on the floor.

"No way!" Spike bolted for the open door.

"I said the party couldn't last forever, but it doesn't need to end right now!"

Paying no mind at all, he ran off then shut the door behind himself.

Why do I get the feeling something's gonna happen? Chronicle mused, then recalled a fortune Moonbow Peek read to him on his way back to Ponyville with his present for Spike.

F—L—A—S—H—B—A—C—K

"One of your friends' acts of generosity will lead to fueling their own greed," she had said as they sat inside her fortunetelling tent. "And it will reach a gargantuan level before it is finally quelled by one act of defiance."

"That fortune's obscure and a little confusing," he had commented after hearing it.

"The perils of being a fortuneteller."

"You didn't even specify a gender."

"That'll be fifteen bits."

E—N—D—F—L—A—S—H—B—A—C—K

I wonder if Spike is who she meant? But if the fortune's right, I can't stop it early. But what can I do?

"Hey, Chronicle! No sad faces!" He then realized that Pinkie was now in front of him and immediately shrugged off his pondering.

"Sorry, Pinkie. It's just that…I visited a fortuneteller friend of mine before Spike's birthday."

"Aw, come on! You really believe in those phonies?"

"She never gave reason to doubt, and even turns away those who just want to hear something good when she has none for them. Also, you are kind of a fortune teller with that Pinkie Sense of yours."

"I don't get it, but… point taken."

"Besides, she already predicted two great things correctly. Like the Thousandth Summer Sun Celebration, and even Discord's release. It was only when I reflected back on them did I realize she really was on the level."

"Really? Let us see!"

"Oh, all right."

Pinkie turned to the others. "Come on, girls! Chronicle has something to show us!"

He wasn't going for that, but decided it wasn't a bad thing. "…okay." (1)

C—TS—S—A—RD—R—F—PP—C—TS—S—A—RD—R—F—PP

After he finished showing via Surveillance the fortunes Moonbow read to him…

"I don't believe it. There was another prophecy?" gasped Twilight.

"I know, right? I didn't give it that much thought either." Chronicle then quoted Moonbow's fortune. "…she must accept the one thing she has been constantly shoving away."

"She was talking about me making friends."

"Mm-hmm."

"And to think she managed to predict Discord's release, too, huh?"

"Yup. Down to my vendetta."

"Come to think of it, I did see her before," commented Rarity. "You introduced me to her, right?"

"Right."

"When was that?" asked Fluttershy.

"The week before Twilight's birthday. When Rarity and I went to Canterlot. For different reasons, of course."

"Now that I remember, her name was Moonbow Peek," said Rarity. "And judging from her cloak, I think she's—"

The stallion immediately cut her off by planting a hoof in her mouth. "—actually a bona fide seer and not some charlatan like so many fortunetellers." He knows Rarity's critical eye might easily tell somepony's race, no matter their garb. And he doesn't want anyone to know that Moonbow's not a unicorn at all, which most fortunetellers are. Well, there was the earth pony Pinkie Pie, but she has an excuse; she's Pinkie Pie.

"Is there somethin' you're not tellin' us about this Moonbow?" suspected Rainbow.

"Why, yes. I respect her secret, and I won't betray it by telling others about it or letting others who figured it out on their own tell about it."

"It's okay," said Pinkie. "We all understand the importance of a secret." She then pointedly stared at the others. "Right, girls?" Everypony nodded their heads vigorously.

Rarity then approached Chronicle, leaned her head towards him, and whispered, "So, is Moonbow a pegasus or an earth pony?"

"I'll let Moonbow reveal that when she wants to, but only then."

"But why does she hide who she is?"

"Haven't asked her. Never thought it important to know." Actually, he knew why, but he promised not to tell.

C—TS—A—RD—R—F—PP—C—TS—A—RD—R—F—PP

nightelf37: I think I want to skip ahead to the next day.

Pinkie: Why?

nightelf37: Got no good filler to fit in the story. Sorry.

Pinkie: Yeah. I think you put in too much in the dreamscape segment. Are all of your chapters from this point on gonna start with one?

nightelf37: I can't say for sure. And I don't want to guarantee it either.

SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM

The next day…

At the crow of the rooster, Twilight shifted position a bit to get away from the brightening sunbeams before finally deciding to get up from bed, stretching as she did so. "Wow. What a rough night's sleep, Spike." She leaned over the hoofboard, laughing a bit. "I had the weirdest drea—" Her eyes bugged out as she looked at where Spike's bed was located, which was currently between her own and Chronicle's, having usually been set next to the latter.

Understandably, she was needled at this as she began to levitate the items away. "I can't believe you! Where'd you get all this—" She cut herself off with a sharp gasp, letting everything crash back down as she looked at the baby dragon's basket. The problem was that the dragon was no longer a baby; Spike had grown to perhaps twice his length, his arms and legs much longer than before and hanging over the sides. He was wearing a white hat with a red feather, and he sat up with a hissing yawn to look Twilight straight in the eye.

"What happened?" he asked as he rubbed his head as her face rearranged itself into a genuinely horrified grimace. She would shortly wake Chronicle, who normally woke an hour or three after sunrise. He was still a bit of a late riser.

TS—S—TS—S—TS—S—TS—S—TS—S—TS—S

Eyecatch (picture-type) - Spike's hoard on the left, and Twilight Sparkle in bed on the right. The show's logo is seen on the bottom right.

TS—S—TS—S—TS—S—TS—S—TS—S—TS—S

The gangly Spike was now standing up and regarding himself with justifiable trepidation, now down from the loft.

"What's happening to me, Twilight?" he asked as she read frantically at the other side of the room, while he started trying to pull the now-too-small fedora off his head. As for Chronicle, he just stood away from his bed and looked at Spike, wondering to himself what he could do in this situation.

"I don't know! Think back to last night. Did something happen?"

After pulling off the hat, he inspected himself, flexed the fingers of one hand, then let his mind roam free as he looked around the room in a daze, his tongue lolled out. Twilight managed to notice and went to his face.

"Spike? What did you do after I saw you?"

The dragon immediately clapped his head. "Well, I went to talk to…" He trailed off as he looked at a large globe sitting across the room and moved dreamily toward this.

"Spike!" She yanked it away after seeing him toy with it instead of listening, making him fall over.

"Huh?"

"You went to talk to who?"

Spike got up. "Oh, um…I don't remember. Hey, can I have that globe? You're not using it, right?" Without asking, he reached up and grabbed it.

"Huh?"

He then forwent the stairs in favor of climbing up over the loft's edge, the globe held by its support in his tail, and added it to his stash. He then took a book from the shelves. "What about this book?"

Twilight teleported up atop the globe and levitated the book toward the ceiling while he kept his grip on it. "Spike, I'm worried about you. You're usually not so…grabby." The book was yanked free, but he pulled it down again.

"My arms aren't usually this long, either." His voice deepened considerably on the second half of this sentence, prompting him to clap both hands over his mouth. Two purple eyes send a very hard glare down toward him, while two brown eyes sent a look of concern and worry. "What's happening to me?"

As Twilight rubbed her chin, thinking hard, her bodyguard was thinking, Could this be…

C—TS—S—C—TS—S—C—TS—S—C—TS—S

Option 1…

The three went to Ponyville's pediatrician, which was run by a pony named Doc Top. At present, they were inside the examination room, which had a butterfly wallpaper. There was also a bowl of lollipops for the foals.

Spike sat on the elevated table, Twilight on her haunches by its end, and Chronicle standing next to his charge. The dragon reached for the candy, only to get his hand slapped away before Doc Top arrived. Khaki earth pony stallion, fluffy orange hair, green eyes, a cutie mark depicting a white doctor's bag and stethoscope, dressed in a white coat, a reflector around his forehead, a stethoscope around his neck, and small round glasses.

"Well, now, what seems to be the problem?" Doc Top asked as Spike reached toward a jar of tongue depressors.

"This is Spike," Twilight answered as she slapped her assistant's hand. "And something's wrong with him." Another slap. "He used to be half this size, and he keeps trying to take things that aren't…" Yet another slap. "…his!"

"All right, then, let's just have a look-see, shall we?" Doc Top approached Spike and started with baby talk. "Wi'l guy not feewing too good?" He then flexed Spike's arm. "Who's the brave wi'l boy, huh?" Spike then tried to bite his nose. "Who's the brave one?" He then tapped a knee as if testing the growing dragon's reflexes, and got a flaming green belch in the face that left him singed and slightly miffed.

"So? What do you think, Doctor?" Twilight asked.

"Well, I think I know what the problem is. He's a dragon!" Chronicle resisted the urge to do a facehoof.

"That's not the problem. He's always been a dragon!"

"Oh, well, that would explain it." The doctor said as he cleaned himself up at the sink. "Listen, I don't know anything about dragons." On the end of this, the one in question grabbed a handful of lollipops. "I know about baby ponies. Maybe you should try a vet."

Spike seized more sugary treats as Twilight's face fell and she groaned. "Okay. Thank you, Doctor."

C—TS—S—DT—C—TS—S—DT—C—TS—S—DT

Option 2…

Spike was now at the veterinarian's clinic, run by a pony named Mane Goodall, who was a light yellow-brown earth pony mare with two-tone light blue hair tied back, dark green eyes, a cutie mark showing dog and cat heads and a white bird, and a white lab coat with a thermometer in the pocket. She spoke in a clipped, no-nonsense manner.

"Hmph. Well, I'm flummoxed," she said. "You bring me a dog, I've got it diagnosed in seconds. A snake, even faster. But, to be honest, I've never seen a real live dragon before."

Spike was now standing on the table on all fours, then proceeded to angrily snorts black smoke out of his nose.

The vet patted his head as she baby-talked to him. "Who's a good boy? Who's a good boy?" He smiled and drools as she then picked up a jar of dog biscuits. "Sit."

He did so on his hindquarters, panting and begging like Winona might if she were here, and she tossed him a biscuit. Instead of eating it, he eyed it craftily and dropped it into the bowl of lollipops from the doctor's office—having taken the whole thing, much to the vet's confusion.

"Thanks anyway," Twilight said as she walked out. "Come on, Spike."

As the dragon followed, Chronicle then spoke to the vet. "Dr. Goodall, I have a curious question."

"What is it?"

"My friend Fluttershy's very good with animals, but I don't understand how she isn't a vet like you. I was wondering if you'd know, 'cause I can't coax out the answer."

"Ah." Mane smiled. "From what she's told me, she lacks ambition for that, although she does do part-time work here from time to time as an assistant vet. Besides, on top of a stipend from her parents (or so she tells me, at least) she also charges for her animal care services. Payment is arranged between her and the client."

"Really? I can imagine…unscrupulous figures attempting to skimp out of paying or threaten her to discount or even render the service free."

"I don't know about that. You'll have to ask her yourself."

"All right."

C—TS—S—MG—C—TS—S—MG—C—TS—S—MG

Option 3…

The three were now at Zecora's hut, with the herbalist poking and prodding at Spike's head from various angles. She then swung a gold pocket watch before his eyes, which he eyed hungrily and tried to snatch, but it bounced away on its chain and he only got a handful of air. Followig that, she got one hand in her teeth and flopped its arm around as the two unicorns observed, one anxiously and one cautiously. In response, Spike's other arm flipped up and smacked Twilight across the face.

"Ooh, he is starting to mature. Of this fact I am quite sure," was Zecora's evaluation as Spike scratched himself.

"Mature? So he's just growing up?" Twilight asked as her assistant picked up a pot. "But that doesn't explain why he keeps grabbing things." She levitated the pot away from him as Zecora approached her steaming caldron.

"A dragon's heart is prone to greed, a steady diet to make growth speed." The zebra began to add powder as the two unicorns walked up to her. "Then, the resulting bigger size only makes their hunger rise." The contents proceeded to glow. If this trait should go unchecked, if Spike continues to collect, more growth will certainly occur. He is going to turn into a monster!"

At the the liquid surface, they had seen a glowing green silhouette of baby Spike. It had then grew a notch, collected several items into itself, and became a fearsome apparition before bursting into phosphorescent wisps.

Twilight let out a gasp, then said, "You mean, the more things a dragon collects, the bigger and greedier he gets? But how do we stop him before he's completely out of control?"

As she and Zecora conversed, Chronicle saw Spike looting every item in the hut faster than a kleptomaniac adventurer. He even took the caldron they were standing over without them noticing and he decided to take it upon himself to stop Spike.

As he saw the dragon take more stuff, he decided to intercept him by teleporting outside.

"If his monstrous ways you wish to impede, you must prevent him from practicing greed," he heard the herbalist say.

And then the door opened to reveal a speeding dragon, who bowled over the stallion, sending him flying to a tree branch, but Chronicle was already back to pursuing, jumping on another branch before descending on the forest floor in a roll. Catching sight of Spike, he cast the tether spell and hurled the free end onto the growing dragon.

It latched on, but Spike's momentum and unrelenting run dragged the unicorn right behind him. Chronicle attempted to cast a binding circle right below, but the dragon was already out of its range before its effect could set in. And when he tried casting it in anticipation of Spike's path, the dragon just swerved out of the way. He even tried casting it on himself, but while Spike's strength was able to pull him out of the circle, it 'snapped' the tether spell, and his end snapped right into his head while the other simply dissipated.

"Oww…" he groaned as he rubbed his head. "How does that even work?"

"Come on! I need your help!" he heard his charge call out.

"I got it, I got it."

C—TS—S—Z—C—TS—S—Z—C—TS—S—Z

In Ponyville…

As the two unicorns galloped back and forth across a street, they were brought up short by a familiar young voice not far off.

"Get away from her, you brute!" it came from Apple Bloom. As it turns out, she and the rest of the Cutie Mark Crusaders were engaged in a vicious tug-of-war with Spike over Scootaloo's wheels. And it was a minor testament to the earth pony's inherent racial strength that they weren't being dragged already.

"Spike want!" Also turns out that his voice has dropped a few more notes.

Scootaloo was insistent in keeping her ride. "You're not getting my scooter!"

Spike grunted before repeating, "Spike want!"

Chronicle entered a battle stance, but a hoof on his shoulder pleaded him not to carry on with what he was planning to do. Even so, Twilight seemed frantic as she looked around for an alternative solution. She quickly found one in the form of a broom propped against a wall.

"Hey, Spike!" she called as she floated the broom over to him and made it do a few un-broom-like acrobatics. "Check out this amazing broom!" It distracted him from the Crusaders so that they can bail out, scooter and all.

"SPIKE WANT!" A new growth spurt hit right about now, increasing his size by perhaps half, and he hissed and dropped to all fours in order to chase the broom.

Immediately, the two unicorns zipped down a side street, and into the library, opening the front door in the process as they galloped in, broom in tow, which 'stopped' for a while. "Come on, big boy. Look at this incredible broom."

She then zipped it ahead, and he lunged partway in after it but came up empty-handed, getting stuck in the doorway for good measure. However, a bit of straining popped him loose so that he tumbled across the reading room.

"SPIKE WANT!" he cried out as he chased the broom. The run took him into an adjoining room (which Chronicle had miraculously never noticed until now), whose door she slammed shut behind him and braced with her back, assisted by her bodyguard. The force of Spike's impacts against it that nearly threw them loose was so strong even the Surveillance cameras on them shook.

"Fight all you want. I am not letting you out!"

"I seriously don't think this is gonna work!"

"I won't let you hurt him, Chronicle!"

"Do you really think I could at this point, even if I tried?"

"Yes!"

"You seriously underestimate a dragon's durability and—" He immediately stopped upon realizing that the door stopped doing the cha-cha, to Twilight's very great surprise. He however knew something was up.

His charge 'opened' the door and walked in…on Spike having swept clean the shelves and all the books and furniture gathered into one giant pile, with him draped over the top of it all.

Twilight let off a groan— "Spike…" —as she levitated the pile away as he was unceremoniously dumped on his back in the process. "…I just re-shelved this room!" She brought the lot back out into the main reading room and kicked the door shut again. However, the two barely had time to catch their breath before a new, louder, longer crash shook the entire building. "What now?" she let off a weary moan.

Chronicle opened the door this time…and saw that Spike smashed through the wall. And not only that, as he went over to the hole, he also saw that his training range had been ransacked of everything that wasn't a fence. He now knew that he had to step up his game.

"Twilight, I'm getting Mystic Shield," he said as he turned to face her. "You get the rest of our friends. Spike has to be stopped." The look on his face also conveyed that he'll go all-out short of any crippling wounds. Before she could get anything out in reply, he jumped out of the hole to fetch his friend.

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At Mystic Shield's Self-Defense Academy For Unicorns…

Mystic was thankful he didn't have many students in today. Some large dragon (though nowhere near Basil's size) came in out of the blue, plowed through everypony, shrugged off shots, plowed through or climbed around barriers, entered his living quarters, and stole all his things (but thankfully not his mentor Aegis's last possessions, that was kept very well hidden), and left (also taking the tatami mat right under his students' feet).

What's more, the dragon's colors were worryingly eerie. Could that be Spike? But why is he like that?

And it proved to be an embarrassing scenario when Chronicle entered the dojo and took witness of the mess. "Mystic! I need your help!"

"Does it have something to do with a dragon?" Mystic asked as he got up and rubbed his head. He also noticed Chronicle react in restrained surprise. "I'm in, but let's call in Nurse Redheart on the way."

"I'll do it," offered one of them.

"All right, then. I'm counting on you." With that the two co-teachers took off. The ascot-wearing one then said, "Something happened to Spike, didn't it?"

"Yeah. Something about a dragon's greed-induced growth. I worry he might get too big by the time we reach him."

"So we're not going to contact Sensei?"

"I seriously don't think the Martial Arts Group can do much against a dragon, given that so little is known about them."

"True." Mystic then saw Chronicle summon a magical clone, which went off somewhere else. "Where's he going?"

"Calling another friend." I don't know what the Wonderbolts can do, given they failed to save Rarity that one time and needed saving themselves from Rainbow Dash, but I'll have Skyla try and contact them if possible.

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The two were en route to Fluttershy's cottage when a larger Spike bowled over the two as he went past, a chicken coop in his claws filled with his new hoard, apples among them, which meant he likely stole from Applejack's orchards. But that wasn't what worried Chronicle; what worried him was that Spike had come from the cottage. Thankfully, Spike didn't seem to have hurt her, or else the Harmony Link would've told him immediately.

The two approached the cottage, but as they ran around to the backyard, they ran into Twilight, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash. After a few quick greetings, they entered the backyard and stopped near the large tree that was reserved for the birds and squirrels when they weren't being treated inside the house. The girls said they came here after hearing Fluttershy scream. The boys just happened to be headed here (and forgot to mention that they encountered Spike on the way). Both of them proceeded to call out for their friend, who was nowhere to be seen.

And then they heard her. "I'm up here!" She was on top of one of the branches of the tree, terrified and hanging on for dear life along with a few squirrels.

"What happened?" Rainbow asked.

"I was helping my squirrel friends with a dance step, and all of a sudden, a giant rampaging dragon stormed through!" came the stammered answer.

"That was Spike!" Twilight explained.

"Spike? But why would Spike steal my chicken coop?" Indeed, nothing is left within the fence of the chicken yard but a few fowl and the coop's entrance ramp and board floor, the latter studded with nails that had secured the rest of the structure. "He just pulled it out of the ground and filled it with a bunch of apples and stuff!"

Then came a different scream.

"That sounded like Pinkie Pie!" Rainbow deduced.

"Really?" Mystic argued. "Sounds more like Rarity to me."

"In any case, one of our friends is in trouble!" finished Applejack before it could become an argument.

"Come on, girls!" Twilight ordered.

"Hey!" Mystic was a little offended when they forget there are males in the group. Again. Understandable with Chronicle given his mare-face, but with Mystic there's no real excuse. But they were already on the move.

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Sugarcube Corner…

"Back! Get back!"

At an unoccupied bit of Sugarcube Corner, a boiling-mad Pinkie stood on a loaded display rack, a cake on each front hoof. She hurled them at Spike, who was near the stairs. He dodged her throws, holding on to the missing coop he was using as a container for the rest of his loot, and snatched one cake out of the air. This one went in the coop as Twilight's party came in and Pinkie unleashed another salvo.

"Pinkie Pie, stop giving him cake!" reprimanded the 'leader'.

"I'm not giving him cake! I'm assaulting him with cake!"

"Same thing!" Chronicle told the earth pony, who let fly with two more and reached down to reload, but one set of jumbo purple claws darted in and grabbed up all the ammo, resulting in her going over the edge and hit the floor face first before gets up alongside the others.

"How dare you take the cake!"

A roar was Spike's reply, and he started to grow once more, breaking loose the entire upper section of the roof and one side wall in the process. He then left, his tail wrapped around the upended coop and tearing out part of what remained of the roof.

'Fortunately' for the Cakes, they were at the hospital where Pumpkin Cake and Pound Cake were being treated for sore tummies. As For Gummy, he was at Fluttershy's cottage, standing and doing nothing.

"He's completely out of control!" Twilight said as she galloped off, followed by her bodyguard, the two pegasi, and Mystic. "Who knows where he'll go next!"

Skyla, I hope you managed to get their help, Chronicle thought to himself as Applejack grabbed Pinkie's tail in her teeth and began to drag the limp, shell-shocked baker away. He then accessed Surveillance (without taking it out) and checked on Rarity. Thankfully for him, the 'screen' only 'occupies' a quarter of his ocular vision, allowing him to still see normally. Kinda like a "holographic screen" except only he can see it.

Rarity was in her upper-story workroom/living quarters in Carousel Boutique. She had put on the pink/magenta cape she showed off during Spike's party and was looking herself over in the mirror while humming happily. "Hmm…perhaps some more ruffle," she mused to herself. She also happened to be wearing her fire-ruby necklace, which was underneath the clasp holding the cape on.

One huge green eye with a slitted pupil suddenly looked in through the window this way, then that, then fixes on her. Upon turning away from the mirror, she let her face turn into a slack-muscled caricature of itself, and cut loose with a high-intensity scream of unmixed terror as Spike reached in through the window, his palm incidentally—

He lost concentration as the Harmony Link kicked in. His eyes began to burn, and while it didn't hurt so much to make him scream, the grunt he failed to keep in caught his friends' attention.

"What is it?" Mystic asked.

"Is it the Harmony Link?" Twilight. She was answered with a nod. "It's Rarity, isn't it?"

"How can you tell?" Rainbow queried.

"Well, she's the only one who isn't with us, and the Harmony Link doesn't activate if its targets (that is, us) are near him and he knows it."

And then what sounded like an air raid siren rang throughout the town. "Looks like the town is on high alert." It was swiftly cut off as the group saw Spike, who was now bigger than ever… and Rarity was wrapped around his tail.

"…Well, ████," said the mare-faced stallion as they took in the problem they had to solve.

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Eyecatch (picture-type) - The show's logo is seen in the center. However, its color scheme is now akin to Spike's; green and dark purple.

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Pinkie: What.

nightelf37: Sorry! I'm running out of ideas for eyecatches!

Pinkie: Then why not do away with them altogether?

nightelf37: Because some of the future chapters have eyecatches I want to put in.

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A few seconds ago…

A pair of red loudspeakers mounted on a yellow/black-striped pole sounded off, alerting Ponyville of danger. Until it was yanked out of the ground by Spike, who has grown yet again since taking out Sugarcube Corner. Pandemonium raged up and down the block. Minuette and Cherry Berry ran into each other and barely got clear before one colossal foot slammed down where they were standing. Rarity was wrapped in his tail (and screaming and pounding her front hooves against the scaly purple coils), and the coop was shifted to one hand. His roar was now a bellowing screech that gave no hint of the sweet little guy he used to be, and the babyish contours of his head and face were gone.

The now giant dragon picked up a cart, realized that it won't fit in the coop, then gat an idea and ran off. The town's water tower was swiftly yanked off its base in his mouth, the contents gushing down as a tidal wave that sent ponies galloping for cover. As Spike dropped his previous haul into the emptied shell, Rarity's voice is heard and he lifted her into view.

"Put me down, you brute!" she screamed. His deep-set eyes stared against her indignant ones and he uncorked a deafening roar that left her entire mane blown straight back from her head. "How rude."

And then her two pegasi friends flew past, ready to confront Spike.

"Don't worry, Rarity! We'll save you!" Fluttershy said as she and Rainbow approached each of Spike's ears.

"Put her down right now!" Rainbow demanded, and the situation quickly became a 'good cop, bad cop' routine.

"I-If you wouldn't mind, that is."

"I mean it, dragon boy!"

"Uh, we'll be ever so grateful if you'd be so kind as to possibly consider—"

"Drop her, scaly!"

"Scaly" just backed up a bit and lashed his tail at them. Rarity was not happy, but her mane was back to normal. "Hey!…Now I'm not some…sort of common…flyswatter!" she complained during swings.

The next one took her so close to the two pegasi that they got tangled up in her cape, which ripped loose and plunged them screaming into the stream running near Ponyville. The torn pink fabric floated to the surface, followed by a pair of sodden and very puzzled heads.

"Girls!…My cape!" Rarity put hooves to mouth as Spike cranked off another bellow, after which the "cavalry" arrived.

Looks like Skyla's call was a success, Chronicle thought as he, Mystic, and members of the Martial Arts Group were working on evacuating the villagers to safety.

Rainbow looked up with a smile. "Look! The Wonderbolts!"

One by one, three elite flyers peeled off and swoop toward the large-scale wreckage Spike had caused, flying straight up the length of his neck and past his head. Another close pass sent him into full "protect" mode. He growled after the trio, then shifted his attention to a not-too-distant mountain.

A small part of Chronicle wanted to join in on the action, and the logical part found itself agreeing. "I'm stopping Spike!" he declared, then began to take off.

"Don't hurt him, Chronicle!" Twilight pleaded.

"At this point, I couldn't even if I went all-out!" He then teleported so she wouldn't be able to continue arguing.

He emerged in front of the dragon, then let loose with the Small Burn Trail spell (which he would normally use for writing on the ground or the air), aiming at Spike. He knew all too well that dragons were impervious to heat, but he wanted the dragon's attention.

He got it, and he already had magical clones deployed to attempt to rescue Rarity. Spike put down his hoard and swiped at the unicorn, but a flash-step made it a miss. The dragon then let loose a…roar that caught Chronicle off guard even as he set up his barrier. While it can block attacks, a point-blank loud roar is still very deafening.

While the barrier prevented Chronicle from being blown back, the intense sound rendered his senses extremely out of whack. And left him vulnerable to Spike's next move. Which was to pick him up, then send him rolling right underneath him as the dragon picked up his hoard. As for the unicorn, he found himself rolling back to Ponyville, stopping short of the stream.

He wanted to get back up, but the experience of a close-range roar was something even he couldn't endure. (2)

Now that the pesky blue unicorn was out of the way, Spike held the water tower with his mouth as he used all his claws to scale the mountain, the screaming, terror-stricken Rarity still in his tail.

The Wonderbolts, who were circling above the area for a way to rescue the hostage when Chronicle was trying to stop the dragon, did another pass, one of them zooming past so close that Spike got the tips of his head spines shaved off by a razor wing 'spell', which was an skill pegasi can learn. A quick pat apprised him of the extreme trim and annoyed him all over again. He climbed further up and reached a cave, where he swiftly dumped his ill-gotten goodies just before the three flyers swooped past his head again.

Flipping onto his back, he plastered himself over the cave and narrowed his eyes with sudden animal cunning. Up went the three pegasi, silhouetting themselves against the sun and then going into a screaming dive. Spike just held his position. When they are almost on top of him, he lifted the water tower and held it with the open end toward them. All three clanged neatly into the vessel, and he jammed it into the rock face, open end first. A nasty grin toward the imprisoned heroes was followed by a triumphant bellow.

"Oh, be quiet!" Rarity told him as he lifts her up. "You've got nothing to be proud of!" Bored, he mimicked her scolding with his hand. "You steal everypony's things, terrorize the town, and use me as a weapon against my own friends—which, as horrible as it is, I can almost understand because you're a dragon and all." She then indicated her cape. "But this!" She ripped the ruined garment off, fully exposing her necklace, and levitated the scraps in front of herself. "This is a crime against fashion!"

The dragon hoisted her up to the level of his eyes, which widened in time with his surprised grunt. His jaw then hung slightly open at the sight of such riches, the riches being the necklace.

Rarity took notice and covered it with her hooves. "Oh, no. You are not getting this gemstone!" There came a puzzled grunt. "This was given to me by my dear friend Spikey-wikey—the kindest, sweetest, most generous dragon ever. And it is too precious to me to give to a greedy old beast like you!"

On the end of this, the narrowed green eyes, registered surprise at these last words, and then began to waver. He then spaced out for ten full seconds before his face became saturated with regret. He shook his head clear and put a hand to his left cheek.

"Oh, what now?" Rarity said as the dragon started to tremble. "I suppose you'll be eating me or something."

One full-body spasm caused him to release his grip on her, and a split-second later he shrunk back to his original size. The laws of physics chose this moment to "take five", leaving both suspended in midair as Rarity shortly noticed the reversed metamorphosis.

"Spike? You're the rampaging dragon?" Gravity then "returned to its post" and both dropped screaming.

At the bridge over the stream, Pinkie peering through a set of binoculars, Twilight and Applejack behind her, with the still-disoriented Chronicle pulled over to their location. The lenses were lowered and Applejack covered her face with her hat.

"Somepony do something!" the pink earth pony cried out as she fell on her back.

Rainbow, already recovered, flew up. "On it!"

Prior to the current incident, she had been doing unspecified test runs for Mystic Shield's First Four, and Tricky Books had given her a potion that would enable her to stretch her forelegs to grab things quickly. And she used that to drag in Fluttershy. (3) They swooped down toward the stream and retrieved the torn section of Rarity's cape, then flew ahead at full speed with opposite ends clamped in their teeth. Fluttershy began to drop back slightly, but caught up with an embarrassed little smile as Rainbow glared over at her.

And as Spike and Rarity continued to fall, the former said, "Rarity, I need to tell you something, just in case we don't make it!" Their two pegasi friends continued their approach. "I've always sort of had a crush—"

A white hoof placed gently over his mouth cut him off, and Rarity gave him a tender smile as her eyes well up with tears. This was her first full acknowledgment of the way he felt about her, and he smiled behind her hoof in reply. Meanwhile, the rescue mission continued at full throttle, and Fluttershy and Rainbow flashed across to pick off the pair with only a few yards to spare. The four descended to the bridge, with Rarity and Spike cradled in the fabric, and were met by the ones on the bridge. Applejack had her hat back in its proper place.

There came a surprised, happy gasp from Fluttershy. "We did it! I can't believe we did it!"

Chronicle head slowly cleared itself of the headache from his ringing ears and he managed to say, "Yes you did." with a smile.

Up on the mountain, the water tower came loose and tumbled downhill, exposing three scared Wonderbolts huddling together. Once it crashed down, they came out of their panic, looked around, and snapped to hovering attention as if their botched takedown attempt was business as usual. They proceeded to vacate the premises as fast as their wings can carry them. As it was, those three were…the least experienced ones in the entire team.

"All in a day's work," said Rainbow.

Rarity glanced down at her necklace and what used to be a fine cape, then over toward the rail, where Spike was sitting on and staring glumly out over the devastation he had inflicted on Ponyville. He held one of his own hands out so that its image was superimposed over one gargantuan footprint. His eyes quivered a bit at the thought that he could have turned his home inside out.

"Spike, I just have to tell you how absolutely proud I am of you," Rarity told him, happy despite the situation.

"Proud of me?"

"Yes. It was you who stopped…well, you…from destroying Ponyville. You are my hero, Spikey-wikey."

Now it was his turn to tear up and smile, and she gave him a kiss on the left cheek as during the birthday party.

Thankfully for Ponyville, Mayor Mare got disaster insurance for every building in town (twice) as part of her initial election campaign. Apparently, insurance companies in Equestria are rather easy to manipulate to the average pony's advantage. So in the end, the damage cost wasn't as bad as it could've been.

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During the town repairing process…

Everypony was at Carousel Boutique, where Rarity has finished the taffeta capes she was making. All of her friends were there, as was two of Chronicles, Mystic and Skyla. She wanted to give to them too as a further example of her generosity and was levitating eight capes in different colors and styles, five around herself and three behind those five.

Presently, she had donned a fresh cape, identical to the one that had been ruined from the earlier incident. This time, the fire ruby was on display as a gold-framed brooch.

Twilight's cape was a blue one with white fur trim, gold cord collar ties, and stars on the back.

Pinkie received a lighter blue cape with fluffy white trim and a pink heart brooch.

Fluttershy's was light blue with white trim, a white bow at the neckline, and a daisy on the lowered hood.

Rainbow's was blue with yellow hem and a red collar secured by a gold star brooch, the hem and collar styled to resemble flames.

Applejack's was red, with a green collar and brown leather shoulder trim, held by a black bolo tie with a red-jeweled gold brooch.

Chronicle got a simple dark blue one with black accents, suited for hiding in dark alleys and easily removable. Just the way he likes it.

Mystic got a light purple cape (shade identical to Twilight's own coat) with accents colored the same way as a Royal Guard's armor.

Skyla's was a blue cape with yellow zigzag line accents, suspiciously akin to a Wonderbolt pattern.

There was also a ninth cape that was packaged for sending as a gift. Chronicle planned to gift it to Moonbow Peek.

Meanwhile, Spike was writing his own friendship report to you-know-who.

"Dear Princess Celestia: Today I learned a great lesson about friendship. Well, you might think that it would feel good to get lots and lots of stuff, but it doesn't feel nearly as good as giving something special to somepony you really care about. But I learned that it truly is better to give than to receive and that kindness and generosity are what lead to true friendship. And that's more valuable than anything in the world."

After he has signed it… "Well…" He noted his lipstick print from Rarity's second kiss—with a little picture frame stuck around it. "…almost anything."

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(1) I was originally going to introduce Moonbow Peek to the rest of the cast in The Last Roundup, but I needed to fill in text while Spike was busy taking gifts all over Ponyville. I wouldn't want to make the chapters too short.

(2) Sorry about how I had Spike quickly 'dispose' of Chronicle, but I felt putting a short fight scene wasn't a good idea. Still, a point-blank roar is sure to be a serious debilitating effect, except perhaps on the deaf.

(3) I felt I needed some kind of hand-wave for some toon physics in effect on ponies who aren't Pinkie Pie, because personally I'd prefer only she do the toon antics. And so I recycled Tricky Books, who I also used for Twilight's toon durability in "Feeling Pinkie Keen".

nightelf37: See ya on Third!

nightelf37:Due to the new rules, the version is not available for the time being.

Just for the sake of 'completion', I'll just mention I'm not doing Hearth's Warming Eve. Because that episode is basically about the history of Equestria. Well, some of it anyway. And the only thing I can find Chronicle doing during the play sequence is to point out the stupidity of the actions of the past characters, like arguing whilst being frozen solid. Also, I'd like to imagine that Pvt. Pansy is actually very badass, and that Fluttershy was doing her part poorly.

Also, this chapter is basically an advertisement of numerous other fanfics in . For those reading the version, I'll do the best I can in the footnotes.

I own only the following: My originally designed OCs, and anything that doesn't happen in the show proper.

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Special 8: Inside Chronicle's Mind

Chronicle was fast asleep after taking part in Twilight Sparkle's second slumber party. Last time, only Applejack and Rarity took part because of a storm. This time, not only were the rest of their friends invited, Spike was there too, as well as Mystic Shield and Skyla, the last as part of a "thank-you" of sorts from two of the Cutie Mark Crusaders' older sisters.

During the end of the party however, Chronicle found himself extremely drained of his stamina and just wanted to go to bed. In truth, it was a combination of a few glasses of punch spiked with sleeping powder, and a subliminal sleep spell. Turns out the party had another purpose; Twilight picked up a dream-walking spell from a book she read, and wanted to try it out. She had remembered her bodyguard saying before bidding farewell to his siblings (two separate occasions) that he'll see them on the dreamscape. She wanted to find out what he does there, but couldn't ask him because then he'd be expecting them and she felt he would be covering his steps accordingly. And so she resorted to this.

He was brought over to a sleeping bag on the second floor, and everypony else (having brought similar bags themselves for the slumber party since there were only two beds) settled down near him. Twilight them prepared the spell to send not only herself, but the others too (after inviting them) into his dream.

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Twilight and company found themselves in the center of a tall stone labyrinth. the sky was a clear day, but a shimmer in the air told them that flying over the walls was not an option available to them, especially after Rainbow Dash tried to.

"Why in the hay would Chronicle be dreamin' of traversin' a labyrinth?" Applejack wondered.

"Yeah," agreed Pinkie Pie. "I was expecting him to be in a coliseum. Or a warzone. Or on a date with—"

She was cut off when they heard a loud continuous rumbling. They didn't know it, but it was the sound of a heavy vehicle moving on treads.

"Wh-wh-what's happening?" wondered Spike.

C—TS—S—A—RD—R—F—PP—MS—S

At another area in the labyrinth, Chronicle was talking with some relatives he was about to face off against before they detected the intruders.

"MemLock ready?"

"Ready, cousin."

"Of course."

"I can't believe they spiked my drink with sleeping powder. I'm gonna have to pay them back."

"Don't worry, cuz. Bericht is serving as the welcoming committee."

"I don't want them to 'die', even if they wake up."

"Don't worry, cuz. He's good enough to deliberately miss."

"Are you sure you wanna do this? I'm okay with you guys leaving and then I'll just revert the dreamscape."

"And deny us some fun? No thanks. Besides, I'd like to see how they do."

"…Fine. But I'm stepping in if things go too far."

"Okay."

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Out of the entrance in front of the intruding ponies was a dark green metallic…thing. It was obviously a vehicle of sorts, but it looked heavily armored, and its top segment was a long cannon capable of turning 360 degrees from its 'base'. On the vehicle's sides were two large thick rings with spinning blades inside them reminiscent of a magic-powered fan.

It was also curiously just twice as tall as an average pony from base to top. The intruders thought it would be much bigger.

"What is that thing?" Skyla asked, mostly to herself as it stopped in front of them.

To their surprise, the thing spoke in a baritone monotone voice. "Subjects Identified: Twilight Sparkle Prime, female unicorn pony. Spike Prime, male dragon. Applejack Prime, female earth pony. Pinkie Pie Prime, female earth pony. Rainbow Dash Prime, female pegasus pony. Rarity Prime, female unicorn pony. Fluttershy Prime, female pegasus pony. Mystic Shield Prime, male unicorn pony. Skyla Prime, female pegasus pony."

"H-h-how do you know our names?" asked Fluttershy.

"And why did you add 'Prime' after them?" inquired Mystic Shield.

The vehicle did not answer and instead said, "Unit's designation (that is, name) is Bericht, male himmel-panzer. Advisory: Intruders must leave premises." It then pointed its turret at their general direction.

"Or what?" Rainbow decided to dare.

"Threat: Or Bericht will be forced to open fire."

"Wait!" Twilight interceded. "We're just here to see Chronicle. Can you take us to him?"

"Answer: Bericht can, but Bericht won't. He is busy right now. Advisory turned Order: Leave."

"This Bericht thing must be a bad guy!" Rainbow incorrectly concluded. "We have to rescue him!" (1)

"Correction: Your interpretation is wrong. Apologies for—"

"And your way of speech sucks!" The blue pegasus charged forward, despite Twilight's and Skyla's protests.

"Sigh." Bericht then shot a flurry of bullets from a hidden turret on the side of his cannon. The bullets missed as Rainbow dodged them all as she then kicked the "himmel-panzer" on the cannon, which made it turn a bit.

"Ha-ha! I've dodged faster shots than that!"

"Banter: Bericht is aware of your bout with Starscream-17, self-identified male Cybertronian. Boast: Bericht's weapons are more advanced than his." Bericht then barreled forward, forcing everypony else to scatter. "Plea: Don't want to have to fight you."

But Rainbow's mind was set. "Guys! I'll handle this! You find Chronicle!"

"Right!" Pinkie agreed. "Come on!" And she started to run in a random direction to one of the other many entrances to the labyrinth.

"Pinkie, come back here!" But it was in vain and she was gone. Immediately, Twilight got the others to follow her lead.

Once they were gone… "Smirk: Exactly as planned." He then spun his turret to get the pegasus off.

"What?!" gasped Rainbow as she righted herself.

"Explanation: We sensed you coming, and have made preparations." Bericht's 'fans' then began to rotate their blades at an incredibly fast rate and to the pegasus's surprise, he managed to fly. "Comment: Bericht can match your speed, Rainbow Dash Prime. But size of area risks collision with walls." And then fire came out of Bericht's rear as he charged right towards her.

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"Is coward-pwning time!"

"Run!"

After failing to find Pinkie, Twilight and the others found themselves on the run from a giant earth pony, under twice as large as Big Macintosh. His coat was a faded red, his eyes were blue, his head was bald, his tail was short and black, and they were too panicked to see what his cutie mark was like. Despite his size, he was fast.

As they turned a corner, they saw him jump at the wall, land all four hooves on it, then jump off so that he was still after them, not losing much of his speed. He was also tough, being able to shrug off shots from Mystic Shield.

Just then, the intruding party found Pinkie Pie flying right above them on a contraption of hers: a jerry-built, pedal-powered helicopter, obviously colored in a combination of pink, cyan, and faded yellow.

Nobody asked how she got it, though; it was Pinkie Pie after all. She seemed to notice and said, "Come on! We're in a dream! Think of whatever you want!"

"That only works in your own dream!" Twilight replied.

"Actually…" To everybody's surprise, Spike was now bigger, but not like his greed-induced state. Here, he was heavily muscled, wore a red cape, armor plating on his arms and belt, black leggings with red boots, and a lance on one hand. "I think your spell makes it work for us too."

"Oh, right!"

As the party reached a

crossroad, the floor below them seemed to shift and turn into chevron patterns that seemed to 'tell' them to go a certain way.

"That may be true, but the same applies for us."

Right above everybody was a blue-violet pegasus with light blue hair tied up in a bun, both mane and tail, teal eyes, and Night Guard armor. And she was about to pounce on Pinkie's flying machine.

The pink pony managed to dodge the first pass, but the second came quicker than anticipated and the "Night Guard" scooped her out of the contraption, and the flying machine started to fall.

Just as it hit a wall and exploded against all logic, the chevrons on the floor began to move, whisking the intruders in different directions…and sending Spike right for the giant earth pony, who had stopped in his tracks. "These hooves, they're made of steel!" he boasted as he made to buck the dragon.

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Twilight and Mystic couldn't do much as the chevrons took them to a tunnel and sent them hurtling inside. The stallion was quick to conjure an orb barrier to shield their fall and they were rolling inside of it. Until a magic bolt zapped it out of existence.

The culprit, who now stood in front of them, was a dark blue unicorn with deep blue eyes, smoothed but mussed-up jet black hair, glasses, and a star-pattern cape. "It's a pleasure to meet the Prime version of my Highness," he said cryptically. "I would like to engage you in a magic duel, no stakes."

"Wh-what?" Everything was happening so quickly, Twilight couldn't catch up. And neither could Mystic.

And it's because of that they didn't see another pony coming from behind, who would be stalling Mystic…

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Applejack and Rarity found themselves headed toward a round clearing in the maze, and after the 'chevrons' threw them into the middle, where they were confronted by a large earth pony stallion (not as much as the one facing Spike, though) with a brown fedora, brown leather jacket, a bullwhip. His coat was similarly colored brown, and his hair was of a darker shade.

"Greetings, ladies. My name is Brown Archive," he said as he tipped his hat to the lying-down mares as they got up. "We don't take kindly to strangers, so if it isn't to much of a bother, I'd like to ask you to leave."

"Can anypony tell us what's goin' on here?" Applejack got straight to the point.

"We were just going to find out what our friend Chronicle dreams of," Rarity explained. "But we never expected…this."

"We're part of his subconscious, and when properly trained can serve as guards against dream-intruders like you," Brown said. Of course, he said that with the intent of lying, but it was really a fact. "As his dream-guards, we're tasked in 'killing' such intruders." This earned him a gasp from said intruders as they entered battle stances, Applejack pulling out her lasso from…thin air thanks to the dreamscape. "But worry not. You'll merely wake up when that happens." Just don't go too deep.

And then something else arrived right behind him. It had the likeness of an earth pony, but it was…mechanical in structure, and colored brass all over, with a "cutie mark" depicting a gear. It wasn't like the wooden dummies from the Iron Pony competition. It was also as large as the giant earth pony that chased them a while earlier.

"I'll handle the big guy," Applejack whispered to Rarity. "You deal with Brown."

"Okay."

"I was counting on that," said Brown as he 'summoned' a bullwhip while the mechanical pony walked up next to him. Applejack attempted to snag a leg, but his bullwhip lashed it away. "But we're not going to do 'divide and conquer' here. We're stronger and more skilled in combat than you are. You'll need to work together to have a ghost of a chance." He then addressed his companion. "Komatsu, show them what I mean."

The mechanical pony, Komatsu, replied in a monotone voice like Bricht, but higher in pitch. "ACKNOWLEDGED." Its body then began to move its parts as something began to unfold from within it.

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Skyla and Fluttershy found themselves pulled another way and right into a bottomless expanse. The former was quick to flap her wings to stay aloft, and she grabbed the latter to give her time to do the same.

Awaiting them were two earth ponies and two pegasi, one male and one female each, the former standing on what seemed to be flying contraptions, akin to Pinkie's own.

One of the earth ponies was a moderate red-coated mare with silver eyes, silver-lens goggles over her forehead, a black-and-maroon mane styled just like Chronicle's, a stub of a tail, dark freckles on her face, and a denim outfit covering her body from the chest to the cutie mark. Her vehicle seemed to be metallic, had a much faster rotor, and bore small cannons on both sides of the seat. It was also colored blood red and brass.

One of the pegasi was a goldenrod mare with soft lilac eyes that belied her attitude, a short bright yellow hair held up with a headband, a distinct lack of a tail. Both of her forelegs seem to have been replaced with prosthetic replacements that look more like a griffon's talons, but somewhat bulkier and colored exactly like her coat. And on the talons were two tiny cannons with triggers for her talons to pull.

(A/N: Okay, they're guns, but the ponies don't know that.)

As for the other two, they were earth pony mare's brothers Hickory Dickory and Blue Pen, whom Chronicle had met personally twice before, once during the Family Reunion and once in the dreamscape, not that the intruders know that. And Hickory was riding a straight-up copy of Pinkie's machine. Their cutie marks however seemed to be obscured by some strange effect.

"All right, who are you?!" demanded Skyla.

"Quick to the chase, are we?" smirked the red one. "My name's Ruby Gear. Griffon-arms there is Topaz Spring, and the two stallions are my younger bros Hickory Dickory and Blue Pen. I'll let you figure out for yourselves who's who."

Topaz aimed her weapons at Skyla and Fluttershy. "I wonder what he sees in you, anyway. He's such a softie."

"Oh, I wonder if he has slept with her yet?" asked Pen, letting off a sleazy grin.

"Well, he ain't telling us," replied Hickory. "Maybe we can ask her."

During this trade in conversation, they didn't see Rainbow (with Bericht coming right behind her) come in and buck Hickory's device in the back, making it spin out. Pen was quick to steady his brother's machine, Topaz immediately fired her weapons (letting out blasts of magic) but her targets had already moved. As for Ruby, she already had her flying machine moving, and it was fast in turning. Her sights were on Rainbow, firing "tracers" on her but naturally missing.

"Very sneaky," the red mare commented. "For someone so headstrong." She then turned to the himmel-panzer as the two opened fire on Rainbow, who quickly evaded their attacks. "Bericht, I built you better than this."

"Retort: Pegasus pony is more agile than himmel-panzer." The two then dodged Rainbow's charge. The intruding pegasus was surprised that the large machine could do so, but then again her previous bout with Bericht didn't leave much room for him to navigate.

"Fine. But how did you end up here anyways?"

"Explanation: Skimmed top of labyrinth. One high hole in walls big enough for both of us to pass through."

"Ah."

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Spike was quick to get on his feet and dodge the oncoming charge from the giant earth pony, who was called Heavy Weapon. (2) Currently, they were still on the 'corridor' where his friends got split up, but the chevrons were not moving anymore.

"You cannot beat me, baby!" the pony taunted as another of his bucks was blocked by Spike's lance.

"Stop! Calling me that!" the dragon, still in his 'knight form', counterattacked with a tail swing. It didn't hurt much, though.

"I call everybody baby!" Heavy bull-rushed toward Spike, tackling him to the end of the 'corridor'. "Not my parents, though. Or grandparents. Or uncles and aunts. Or their grandparents." He was quick to realize Spike already running towards him, his lance gone.

The earth pony was grappled by the neck, but Heavy flipped him up… on his back. And then he jumped backwards so he could land on his back, or more precisely so he can squash Spike under him.

And then the dragon pushed him off as he stood up once more. Heavy quickly turned around and said, "Baby dragon's will is strong to have maintained new form for this long."

"Why are you even doing this?" Spike asked.

"Already told you. I am dream-guard. You are dream-intruder. Dream-guards deal with dream-intruders."

"And why am I a dream-intruder again?"

"Is it not obvious? You are not in your own dream. You are in other baby's dream."

"What if it's Princess Luna entering?"

"…At least we try." Heavy then decided to barrel forward again.

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The Night Guard pony, who was actually one of Chronicle's aunts, Calyndar, wasn't exactly at her wit's end when it came to finding Pinkie, but she was forced to stay sharp with this one. Dealing with a "Toon Traits" entity was always a headache for Story Crew Field Operatives not specialized in the art.

Right now, they found themselves at a garden full of bushes and trees, notably something that wasn't at all devised by any of the Timer family. Darn. Must be Pinkie Prime's Toon Traits. She can already sense that none of the bushes have tunnels underneath them, but that wouldn't stop Pinkie from popping down one and up another.

It was very tempting to use the dreamscape to torch all the bushes, but Calyndar was no arsonist, nor was purging one of her tactics. Leave that to the Solar Empire, not that her eldest son Annals has taken up their way of war too.

"Come on out, Pinkie Pie," Calyndar called out, opting not to add "Prime" to it like Bericht had. No need to let them know more than they already do thanks to Chronicle's siblings and father. "Are you really gonna waste time playing hide-and-seek with me if you can just go find your friend?"

"And have you hunting me down?" argued Pinkie, but it was impossible to tell where.

"Wouldn't that be part of the fun? Chronicle's kinda mad you spiked his drink. And now he has us after you for revenge."

"Does he really hate us that much?"

"No. He figured either you or Twilight would eventually find a way to enter his dreams. Doesn't help that two of his relatives are like both of you."

And then against all logic, as is the norm for Pinkie, the earth pony was on Calyndar's back and has pulled off her flank armor…revealing her matching cutie mark! "Oh! So all you dream-guards are actually his relatives?!"

Calyndar decided not to give a straight answer to that as she then zoomed toward a wall, ready to slam her passenger into it. "Or his mental idea of them."

"So who would you be? You look too old to be a cousin of his, and somehow I don't think you're his mother." With her unnatural dexterity, Pinkie kicked at the wall, forcing the two of them off. "So that means you're an aunt?"

The Night Guard pony didn't answer that question as she decided to spin rapidly, hoping to throw her passenger off, but Pinkie held on with a vicegrip that strangely didn't make her choke.

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While Twilight was engaging the caped bespectacled unicorn, who called himself Mystic Wand in a classic magic duel, Mystic Shield was facing another. It was a tuscan-coated mare with bronze-colored scruffy hair with both mane and tail tied in a long braid, and "earth yellow" eyes. Obscuring her cutie mark was a simple sienna-colored cloak.

Held in her aura was what seemed to be an artist's sketchpad and a writing implement. And it (the former, at least) had to be a magical artifact since she seemed to be able to call up anything with it. Her occasional expressions of confusion and frustration implied it wasn't always working, though.

After destroying a construct of a large crab, which he was able to tell apart from a 'real' one thanks to its translucent beige tone, Mystic saw his opponent 'summon' a pitbull. It rendered him shaking in his legs and he could do nothing but erect a dome barrier around himself while the dog construct pounded its paws at it. Cursed phobia…

Mystic's challenger seemed to notice this… and dismissed the dog construct, much to his confusion… only to then summon a Royal Guard construct. But not just any Royal Guard. It looked like somepony he knew very well. Somepony he presently hated so much. His response was immediate; without shutting down his shield, he opened fire on the construct, destroying it in seconds with a barrage of magic shots. Luckily for the challenger, she wasn't right behind her construct; even now, she was running to the side as she wrote frantically for her next construct.

Meanwhile, Wand countered Twilight's "hurl pie" spell with a "dual portal" spell, calling up one 'portal' to claim the pie and another to send it back to her. She dodged the pie, then followed up by summoning a snowbank on top of her opponent, who set off a surge of blue flames, instantly melting the snow and evaporating the resultant water. The bespectacled unicorn then proceeded to summon a beach ball and quick-threw it. Twilight's answer to this was to summon a door with frame, after which she slammed in front of herself. Since it swung towards the ball, it sent it flying back.

Wand swerved his head to evade the ball, then conjured a small orb of light that absorbed a ball of ice from Twilight, then another that absorbed a series of magic shots also from her. These orbs then fired the projectiles they absorbed back at their caster. Twilight cast a special barrier spell that, instead of absorbed the impact, reflected them back at Wand…who in turn summoned a similar barrier, reflecting them back again. Since this "Reflect" spell isn't a sustaining spell like most other barriers, it had to be cast repeatedly. Thankfully, before long, the trajectory of the spells sent them towards a wall and they stopped casting so they could talk.

"You certainly improved a bit on quick-casting spells," Wand commented. "If your previous magic duels with Trixie is any indication."

"How do you even know about that?"

"As his dream-guards, we're extensions of his consciousness, or in this case his subconscious. Naturally, we'd know what he knows." Well, Wand wasn't 100 percent sure real "dream-guards" were like that, but these intruders didn't need to know.

"Your personality's too distinct for you to be a dream-guard."

I don't like where this is going. "That's because we're based off of his other family members."

"No, that's not it. Princess Luna taught a little about dreams, and neither you nor the pony distracting Mystic Shield fit the description."

Wow, she really is smart, even here. "…" Wand was silent for a few moments before his horn then began to glow again, casting another spell. Before Twilight, the other "dream-guard", and her opponent knew it, a magic circle formed underneath them all, preventing them from moving. "Should've known you'd pick up on the truth real fast. Now let me tell you all of it." What followed next was Wand teleported everypony in the circle…somewhere.

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Rarity rolled backward to the ground as she threw Brown off of her. Brown for his part recovered swiftly and rolled back on his feet, then jumped sideways to roll over Applejack, who had been about to buck him from the side. The field was already filled with small craters that came from whatever Komatsu had fired.

"Komatsu!" Brown yelled. "You ready yet?"

The mechanical earth pony had—after devastating the field with explosive spheres of energy that came out from him and attempted to blast the dream intruders—been dormant for the past couple minutes. However, he also proved so impervious not even jamming diamonds (summoned via dreamscape by Rarity) into its supposed weak points did a thing. Because of that, they decided to double-team Brown.

"RECHARGED," he said, then began to run towards the intruders. Everybody rolled out of the way as he barreled through, but the girls were surprised when his body parts began to move in unnatural angles so that when he raised his entire body on his forelegs, by the time he landed, he was now already facing them.

Brown noted their surprise and said, "Komatsu's a machine. And very well-made. He's only a pony on the outside, but he's as much an individual as any of us."

"OPINION: EXCESSIVE SPEECH NOT REQUIRED," said the mechanical pony. "BANTER DEEMED WASTE OF TIME. PREFERS SKILLS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES."

"Armor mode, Komatsu!"

"UNNECESSARY. INTRUDERS CAN BE DEALT WITH WITHOUT IT."

Brown rolled his eyes, pointing out Komatsu's own will. "But we need to deal with them fast."

"MOVE OUT OF WAY, THEN. YOU ARE BURDEN. ALSO—"

"Right, right." Brown moved behind Komatsu, whose body began to unveil its weapons again.

"I think running would be a good idea," Rarity whispered.

"For once, I agree," Applejack replied and, after quickly finding an escape path that wasn't the way they came, bolted there… just as Komatsu's energy balls sailed straight for where they had been. The mechanical pony had unfolded two long tubes from either side of him and he was turning his body so that the 'cannons' were still aiming at the intruders. However, he did not have automatic aiming capabilities and wasn't smart enough to "lead his targets" and they were shortly out of sight.

"WE MUST FOLLOW THEM."

"You think?" snarked Brown.

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Topaz was in hot pursuit of a fleeing Skyla, Ruby was expertly swerving her aircraft to evade Rainbow's charges, and Pen and Hickory merely circled Fluttershy, both of them all too aware of how dangerous she can really be, and neither wanted to even so much as push her around, settling with just keeping her away from the others under the "pretense" of protecting her from their sister and cousin. Bericht accompanied the two, his imposing barrel right at her fact keeping her from moving.

The goldenrod pegasus was impressed with the undercover Wonderbolt. Already, with use of quick flying skills, while at the cost of some moderate damage, Topaz had been disarmed of her weapons, but her prosthetic talons were more than enough. Skyla didn't seem to show off a lot of moves though, as if she was just limiting herself to the basics.

"I can tell you're holding back," Topaz said as she narrowly evaded a razor wing "spell" from Skyla. "Why? As Chronicle's dream-guards, we know everything he knows." She then caught her opponent's head-on charge by the front hooves with her talons.

"Two words," the undercover Wonderbolt whispered. "Rainbow Dash."

"Oh. Right. But do you really think flying much better than you are right now is enough for her to pick up on it?"

"Well, Chronicle certainly doesn't give her smarts enough credit."

"I'll keep that in mind." Just then, a brown flare ascended into the sky, catching the attention of everypony (and panzer). "Looks like it's time."

"Time for what?"

"An explanation." And all of a sudden, Bericht, Pen, and Hickory started moving toward where the flare came up, Fluttershy 'in tow', and the panzer. "Follow us!"

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At some unknown section of the labyrinth, in a large cobblestone square with a fountain, Chronicle was observing through Surveillance what his friends were going through. Seeing them clash with his relatives was fun while it lasted, but he figured it was high time he stopped this charade. And so he set off his flare spell. Thankfully, the MemLock has been established, ensuring that whatever happens in his dreamscape is isolated.

And as he anticipated, his elder brother teleported in with Twilight, Mystic, and Beige, all still bound by the first's spell. Next, from one of the many pathways leading to this came Heavy Weapon barreling in with Spike (still in his knight form) on his face. This was followed Aunt Calyndar doing an aileron roll, then a barrel roll, with Pinkie Pie riding her. From another pathway, Rarity and Applejack were running, Komatsu and Brown behind them. And from yet another pathway came Bericht, Pen and Hickory on his sides, and Fluttershy sitting on the panzer's turret. Behind them were Rainbow, Skyla, Topaz, and Ruby.

The second everybody was inside, above his friends' asking what's going on the moment they saw him, Wand extended his binding circle and caught everybody else in its bounds, bringing the flyers crashing. In addition to being a skilled spellcaster, he was powerful in magic, too.

And Chronicle decided it was high time he stepped in. "All right, everybody! Stop!" And with everybody pinned, that wasn't hard to do. "Allow me to explain."

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Once everybody was calmed down, they all stood next to the fountain, the dream-intruders at one side (with Spike returning to normal size), the so-called dream-guards on the other (with Ruby's and Hickory's contraptions behind them), and the "dream-owner" in between, serving as mediator.

"All right," Chronicle said as he turned to face his friends. "I don't need to introduce you to them because I talked about you guys with them. As for who they are, they're members of my extended family." He then turned to face them. "Guys, I already 'briefed' you in on what they know." Mystic and Skyla knew all about Chronicle's family and their 'mission' thanks to mingling with Blue Diary and his EOH friends during and after the Antithesis incident before their departure back to where they came from.

Before the dream-intruders could ask, the giant earth pony began. "I am Heavy Weapon, presently bodyguard like baby cousin Chronicle. I come from Equestria where things went like in yours. Except no Discord (yet), and crimes like murder is unthinkable. Not really good for pony like me. But I learn to live with it."

"And do you guys remember the case where Rainbow Dash was accused of the murder of Ace Swift?" Chronicle asked.

"Certainly," replied Twilight. "Somehow, you managed to call in both a defense attorney and a prosecutor to unveil the truth. And it also turns out they were siblings."

"Morning Justice and Gloam Ouster. Crusaders of the Truth. Rescued them both from an assassination job."

"In my world, same case happened, but nopony willing to defend murderer," continued Heavy Weapon. "So Twilight used summon spell to summon greatest defense attorney. She forgot to add 'in Equestria' and ended up bringing in non-pony defense attorney named Phoenix Wright. Further details classified. Case was won, though."

The two light-green coated stallions stepped forward, the earth pony speaking first. "I'm Hickory Dickory."

"And I'm Blue Pen," said the pegasus.

"The Equestrias we're in—"

"Not the same for both of us."

"—are just like yours on the outside, down to you six as the Bearers."

"There's one minor difference however."

"In mine, everypony's a prankster and I'm with Pinkie Pie."

"In mine, everypony's ███-driven and I'm in a twosome with Rarity and Spike, the latter sharing the former with me." Very noticeable blushes came from the two who were mentioned, as well as all the dream-intruders.

The red earth pony, their elder sister, stepped in. "My name is Ruby Gear, cousin of Chronicle from the father's side, and I'm assigned to an Equestria whose technology level is in what we call the "steam punk" stage. Everything run on steam (and magic), where the internal combustion engine never came to be." She nudged her head at her flying machine. "I built that myself."

The mechanical pony affirmed her statement, "CREATOR RUBY GEAR IS PRODIGY IN CONSTRUCTION. ESCPECIALLY THIS UNIT."

"Hold on!" gasped Applejack as she faced Ruby. "You made…him?"

"Uh-huh. Although I did have some help, the design was all me."

Before any more questions regarding Komatsu could be asked, the goldenrod pegasus spoke. "I am Topaz Spring, cousin from the mother's side, a freelancer, and the Equestria I'm in is sort of like Ruby's, but with a significant history change. In there, the Princesses clamped down on technological advancements, and ponykind rebelled. This resulted in them giving in to evil. In the process, Discord was set free, not as the Spirit of Chaos, but reborn as the benevolent Spirit of Change. Both were sealed, and technology advanced."

"What happened to your legs?" asked Applejack.

"These?" she raised one and turned it into a griffon talon. "I lost my legs due to an accident and a friend of mine made these. Anyway, things happened like Nightmare Moon's escape, her ransoming Ponyville's foals in exchange for obedience, me and the six bearers-to-be deciding to brave the Everfree Forest, we find and activate the elements, yadda-yadda-yadda." She emphasized the last one with a miming of a mouth with her prosthetic talon before facing Chronicle. "And should I really tell them who the bearers are?"

"Why not? In case a cross-over incident happens again. Like with me and my siblings."

"Fine. Aside from a griffon friend of mine named Ursula, who made my new forelegs, the bearers are as follows. Big Macintosh, a farmer with a prosthetic leg after a scam gone wrong, Element of Generosity. Dizzy Twister, Element of Loyalty. Rarity, who in my world is a mechanic and repairpony, Element of Honesty."

"Ugh," complained the addressed pony.

"Sorry. Moving on, there's also Thunderlane, helpful weatherpony with a loving young brother, Element of Kindness, which showed me you don't have to keep showing it on the outside to represent it. Lemon Hearts, librarian with a strange array of spells, Element of Laughter. Finally, unlike most 'configurations', the Element of Magic goes to Time Turner, bookish son of a mayor and a brilliant thinker."

"Hold on," said Twilight. "Assuming that everypony is the same race despite the differences in worlds, are you saying the Element of Magic went to an earth pony?"

"Yes. And his reasoning was sound. After all, why would it be the Elements of Harmony if one of them is only compatible with one race? Besides, Magic isn't about power or talent in…magic, but the Magic of Friendship. And another thing, instead of becoming all jewelry like necklaces or diadems, the Elements also took in different forms for some, like a wrench for Rarity, a new leg for Macintosh after his got crushed by Nightmare, and a bow tie for Turner."

Before anypony could ask further, it was Beige's turn. "My name's Beige Scribe, Chronicle's aunt on the mother's side, and the Equestria I'm in is very much like yours, but with one crucial difference; Spike and Twilight's species are swapped." The two mentioned turned to face each other in confusion. "I'm a reporter, working alongside a fellow reporter whose alias is Purple Prose, birth name Spike Flail, and his dragoness assistant Twilight. In that world, Princess Celestia had no prodigious student to send and fulfill the prophecy, and prepared for the inevitable.

"As fate would have it, Spike was dispatched to Ponyville, and I came along. Things happened, and after Nightmare's arrival, her ransom by putting Ponyville's foals to eternal sleep, after he was forced to speak on her behalf, Spike found himself on the receiving end of a mob. With the exception of a couple of companions he managed to befriend, though one just wanted to be the only one to beat him up or something."

"What's with that sketchpad you used?" Mystic (somewhat rudely) interrupted, still remembering the dog construct she made. He was able to figure it out, but he wanted to hear it from her.

"Oh, it's a Scribblenaut Notebook. With it, I can create absolutely anything I want. Unfortunately for me, it can be very fickle sometimes and refuse to follow me, especially if I want something very big or complicated. Sorry about the dog construct. Anyway, just like every case with the Elements of Harmony, we traveled to the Everfree Forest, and on our way to the castle endured trials that happen to help our friends realize their elements. However, unlike your Nightmare Moon, mine (and Topaz's) was seriously attempting to kill us though obviously still underestimating us.

"Unlike most Element Bearers, our group did not follow the usual race dynamic of two ponies per race; that is, two unicorns, two pegasi, and two earth ponies. Here… well, let me explain who his (and my) friends are. I got the loyal Big Macintosh, the honest Thunderlane, Ditzy Doo of laughter, the kind Cheerilee, and the generous Time Turner, who in there is Mayor Mare's aide."

"That's, not counting you, one unicorn, three earth ponies, and two pegasi," deduced Skyla.

"Correct," agreed Bericht. "You already know Bericht's name. Bericht was constructed by Ruby Gear (not alone, of course) before she was sent to her assigned world. Bericht's assigned world has panzers like self in place of ponies. As for all other races, they are 'replaced' by other vehicles of war that do not exist in your world."

It was the turn of the stallion in brown both in coat and apparel. "I'm Brown Archive, Beige's husband. Where I'm assigned, The Thousandth Summer Sun celebration took place not in Ponyville, but in Manehattan, because Daring Do, who is real there, found the Elements (early) and shipped them off to the museum. And that's all I'm gonna say about it. Sorry, Chronicle, but I simply won't do it."

The dreamscape-owner gave an exasperated sigh. "Fine, Uncle."

"And before you get any stupid notions of your world having more significance than all the others, all of the Equestrias we're in have their own alternate versions of themselves," said the Night Guard-clad pegasus. "Like gender-swaps, the other sister princess turning evil instead, kids and grown-ups swapped, pets and owners swapped, one or more Bearers get swapped with other ponies or even non-ponies, a different ruler, one little thing not happening, something else happening instead… the possibilities are endless."

"Like, say, a world full of Pinkie Pies, or where the Summer Sun Celebration takes place in Trottingham or Oaton or the Griffon homeland for all I care, or where the Bearers are all 'magical girls' which in our definition does not simply mean 'girls who use magic'," continued Ruby. "Or where Nightmare Moon won the first bout with Celestia or at the night the Elements are meant to be awakened, or where Discord post-resealing decided to somehow impregnate the Bearers with his chaos magic—"

"WHAT?!" gasped all the dream-intruders.

Topaz 'silenced' them by raising a prosthetic talon. "And let's not get into alternate versions of us, who in turn are covering those possibilities. The rabbit hole goes really, really deep."

"As for me," the 'Night Guard' continued. "My name is Calyndar, another aunt of Chronicle's, and I'm stationed at a special Equestria that has unfortunately got itself involved with Hub Equestria, which is our home base. Unlike all the others, I'm not a tag-along with that world's Elements of Harmony. Instead…" she gestured to her nephew, who had brought them all here in the first place.

"*sigh* Her world is called the Lunar Republic, which advocates equality for all races, and is ruled by a Princess Luna. This Republic has been at war with another world like hers called the Solar Empire, which advocates the superiority of ponykind, and is…" He let out another sigh, dreading saying this in front of Twilight, even when she already knows of the sort thanks to the Antithesis Incident. "Ruled by a Princess Celestia."

"The two worlds have been at each other for decades, even before we came, and when the empire tried to attack, we were forced to take sides. Even so, we try not to get involved. My son is in the Solar Empire as a spy and saboteur, and has yet to be caught."

It may seem strange that the dream intruders aren't asking too many questions, but that's because along with them being anticipated, Mystic Wand had cast a complex spell in the dreamscape that inhibits curiosity from everybody except those already in the dream prior to casting. While the MemLock makes certain they don't remember, this spell keeps them from having to explain when they won't (act like they) remember it anyway.

Speaking of Wand, it was his turn. "As for me, my name is Mystic Wand, and I'm Chronicle's older brother."

"Oh yeah," said Twilight. "I remember something you said earlier. Something about me being the Prime version of your Highness. Does that mean in your…'assigned world', I'm the ruling Princess?"

"You catch on. And before anypony else asks," he glanced at the others. "There are other worlds in our family's jurisdiction that has each of you as rulers, too. As for why some of us addressed you as Prime, that's merely because your world happened to be the first our family has encountered. Since it was the first, it can't be helped that we compare more worlds with yours."

In reality, however, it's actually because Equestria Prime was what's called in the Story Crew (and at least one other Equestria) a Heart World, from which every other Equestria covered (and some that aren't) by the Story Crew diverge from and which anyone still connected to is affected by. These worlds include Ruby Gear's Steampunk Equestria, her brothers' assigned worlds, Solaris Equestria, and Philomena Equestria. Interestingly however, some worlds can "break off" and continue on its own without any connection to the Heart World. These worlds include Luna Equestria, Topaz Spring's Disco-Republic Equestria, Edeathstria Prime, Beige Scribe's Flipside Equestria, and Brown Archive's Manehattan Equestria.

Because of that, Chronicle, who is assigned to this Heart World, should theoretically keep his involvement with its denizens to a bare minimum so as not to mess with the other so-far connected worlds. Of course, his current violations to this rule (for starters, his relationship with Fluttershy) don't seem to have severe repercussions… so far. Being the son of the Great Overseer Lord Record Keeper seems to have its advantages, though he doesn't outright abuse it.

(A/N: I'm not gonna put links again here. Check the previous chapters to find out what these mean.)

"As 'fun' as it was to undergo all this exposition and battle with you, I'm afraid this wasn't even supposed to happen in the first place. Because of that, not only is this goodbye, as a countermeasure, all of your memories of this incident will be 'locked away'. That is, you'll act as if none of this ever happened." Gasps came from Skyla, Mystic, and Spike. Even now, Wand was already working a spell. "Please understand, but your world is not ready for this. 'Fortunately', in the event you encounter a member of this family aside from Chronicle in this manner or by visiting our home world, those memories will be unlocked, until such time you return home, after which it'll be locked again."

"The only reason why we didn't just evict you from the start is because I wanted a little payback for drugging me with a sleeper," Chronicle explained to his friends. "That and some of my relatives wanted to test you out."

"If only you hadn't figured out I wasn't really a dream-guard (those are real, by the way), Twilight, Chronicle would've let us continue screwing with you until you left. Goodbye."

And he cast his spell, setting off a bright flare that blinded everybody. When it faded, all the dream-intruders were gone. And thanks to the MemLock, they will behave as if this never actually happened, remembering only that when they tried to get in, they encountered dream-guards who eventually evicted them back to their own individual dreamscapes and never got to see their friend.

Once that was over with, Ruby turned to face Chronicle. "You should be in big trouble for arranging this."

"Hey, we had this training sim planned long ago. I never expected to get drugged."

"Well, you could've just—"

"I already explained why before Wand evicted them. Don't deny that some of you wanted to mess with them."

"Well, you should've been more assertive to us," the red earth pony mare added. "We would've backed away if you just said so. After all, this is your dreamscape, your jurisdiction, and your friends. Really, you should practice what you preach to your marefriend!"

"Ooh!" said Ruby's brothers teasingly, sensing the tension as the other members of the family surrounded them.

Surprisingly to them, their cousin didn't lash out, instead remaining calm as he let out an exasperated sigh. "You're right. I should've. But I can't take all the blame. Those of you who didn't urge me to let you mess with them went along with this plan."

"I had to keep my brothers in line."

"Sure, you did," teased Topaz. "You were busy with RD Prime, and I with Skyla Prime, while they and Bericht kept Fluttershy Prime from helping."

"And we didn't tease her, knowing how dangerous she can actually be," quipped Hickory. "We've grown during our time in our assigned worlds. I know we're still a bit immature, but give us a little credit here."

Ruby groaned. "Fine. That was what I wanted to do at first, but you got me doing it, and acting contrary would've tipped them off; Dream-guards don't argue with each other." She rubber her head for a bit before turning back to the dreamscape owner. "Let's just not do this again, all right? If you want to scheme something involving them, do it all by yourself."

"I promise." One by one, each of Chronicle's relatives inexplicably vanished, returning to their respective dreamscapes, leaving him alone as the labyrinth slowly disintegrated as well. He let off a sigh. "Why did I let my relatives get involved in my payback? I should've asked them to help me split the area so I could take part in both." Just like Rarity tried to do until the rest of our friends gate-crashed the garden party. "I can't believe my friends' stupidity is starting to rub off on me."

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Useless Extra

Unbeknownst to Chronicle, Beige Scribe and Brown Archive got involved with his brother Blue Diary, Uncle Clockwork, a cousin named David (3) (but from the future; there was time travel) assigned to a world governed by musicians (he didn't know the name), and another cousin assigned to "Hasbro Equestria" (f.k.a. Equestria-12), in an adventure. What happened in that adventure was that they along with one bearer from each of their worlds got whisked togther by a Discord (designation unknown) to a different Equestria whose Field Operative went Missing In Action (to this day). All of them vowed not to tell anybody about it.

nightelf37: If you like to, go and read it (minus these Timers, of course).

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(1) To be honest, I wasn't going to go for this misinterpretation, but I thought it'd be more fun.

(2) Alright, fine. Heavy Weapon is based off of Heavy Weapons Guy from Team Fortress 2. As for why Chronicle does not make any reference of it in Equestria Fortress 2, with the Heavy around and himself being a Heavy and all… let's just say he simply doesn't bring it up.

(3) Why did I name one of them David if they as Field Operatives should have pony names? Because David's form is not that of a pony. But I'll only tell what he is if I ever reach Season 3; his assigned world is Cadance Equestria, the mirror of which I already alluded to.

nightelf37: I'm sorry if the chapter sucked, but I just wanted to get this concept out of the way. Up next is "The Last Roundup", where Moonbow Peek will be properly introduced to the cast. After that will be, for the sake of chronology, the stand-in chapter for "Family Appreciation Day", which will be 'set' before "The Last Roundup" so that…you know…

Due to the fact that links are not available in FF dot Net, here are the following stories I'm advertising via these relatives of Chronicle's.

Heavy Weapon - Turnabout Storm (an MLP/Ace Attorney crossover web video)

Topaz Spring - Flipside by Bed Head in FIMFiction

Brown Archive - The Life in Manehattan series (a shared Alternate Universe by Little Jackie Papercut, just like RainbowDoubleDash's Lunaverse)

David - The Cadanceverse (started by one writer in the aforementioned Lunaverse)

See ya on Third!

nightelf37: I own only the following: My originally designed OCs, and anything that doesn't happen in the show proper.

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The Last Roundup

In the dreamscape…

In front of Chronicle was a pony he loathed to ever see again. A white unicorn with red eyes, short black hair, and a fancy blue suit that covered his cutie mark. He was a member of the Story Crew, but he wasn't of the Timer family. Rather, he was recruited from an Equestria, some months after the first day of Chronicle's assignment in Equestria Prime.

The reason for his hate of this pony, who called himself the Director, is because he managed to do something right under his father's nose without his consent. Namely, what he did was—with the help of other SC members—set up a made-up high-tech domed city named Larousse, and manipulated events so that Princess Celestia would send his friends the Bearers of Harmony to that town to investigate a certain problem there. Naturally, he went with them.

And then they got locked in and the girls were plopped into stasis pods while they 'lived' a (necromancer-driven) zombie apocalypse taking place in the city. And thanks to a request to his father, Chronicle's Surveillance was now able to look inside the shared scenario their minds were experiencing, which helped him serve as their benefactor in a way that if they were the player characters in a game, he would be the player 'controlling' them.

But the Director didn't stop there; by a stroke of bad luck, four other ponies from Ponyville (Derpy Hooves, Lyra Heartstrings, Bon Bon, and Golden Harvest) ended up in Larousse as well and were roped into the same scenario but in a different sector. The Director had posed himself as somebody who wanted to test their friendship and how strong will it stand in a zombie apocalypse, and that's all Chronicle thought he was. (1)

Eventually, Record Keeper (Chronicle's father) was able to find out about the Director's scheme, got the victims out, MemLocked away the entire incident, shut down and "removed" the city, and gave a rather severe punishment to the Director. So what is he doing here? There had also been evidence that the Director had not come up with this plan on his own, and the search for the "man behind the man" was still in progress. Or maybe it was already solved; Chronicle didn't particularly care.

"Chronicle," the Director began. He did not even seem to be repentant of what he did. "I know what I did regarding Larousse is inexcusable, but I won't apologize for it. It was meant to test their bond, their capability to work as a team even in dire situations. And I'll have to say that by the time Lord Record Keeper found me out, I'm satisfied with the results. As for why I'm here, I was told to confess those reasons to you."

The dreamscape owner collected his thoughts. Despite what they went through in that…simulation, their teamwork had proved to help them prevail and strengthened their bonds; feelings festered by those bonds—for some reason—remain even after a MemLock, just as "shadows" of memories can sometimes linger even after a classic mind wipe. "All right. Anything else you'd like to say? 'Cause while I can be forgiving, that doesn't extend to violators of our rules."

The Director closed his eyes in resignation. "I see. I don't know if the rules permit it, but I wish you luck on your relationship. She's a keeper." And with that he vanished back to the waking world, muttering, "Did I say that right?"

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Daytime…

At the town square pavilion, Rainbow Dash was hoisting up a banner depicting a rearing Applejack, pulling one end up, the other end already been tacked to the second-story balcony. The reason why is… well, you'll see. After a rough day (as well as the burdens of living a double life, and Wonderbolts aren't all fancy tricks), Skyla was resting atop a cloud, watching her 'scout target'—and one other pegasus—do her work, but something was amiss.

Hey, isn't that an Everfree cloud? The difference between Everfree clouds and the ones manufactured from Cloudsdale is that the former are made to be via the phenomenon known as the water cycle, and whatever's inside them is…unpredictable. There could be a little too much lightning, too little rain, off-season snow, sleet, or even hailstones. When she discussed this with Chronicle, the unicorn wondered how a 'natural' cloud can even "store" hail in the first place, and the pegasus just shrugged.

Rainbow's companion was tasked in Bolt Bucking; that is, emptying the Everfree cloud of lightning. But her current position wasn't exactly optimal. And that was made apparent when a bolt nearly struck the speedster and shocked her out of her moment of cockiness with her work and singed the tip of her tail as she ducked out of the way.

"Huh? Now careful, Derpy!" Indeed it was Derpy Hooves, who was cheerfully jumping on a gray cloud, producing a fresh strike with every bounce; indeed, she was emptying the cloud of it. She stopped at the approach of the irate blue pegasus. "Don't want to do any more damage than you've already done."

Indeed, the third-story balcony was sagging everywhere, and the roof had a couple of ragged holes punched through it—doubtless by the constant lightning strikes from Derpy. To add insult to injury, the uppermost piece—already hanging by a thread—broke loose and crashed through the largest hole. But really, the pavilion had already been in bad condition before Derpy did her thing. Boy, was she excited to take part for some extra bits, Skyla mused. And all that noise must've hampered her hearing.

"I just don't know what went wrong," Derpy said as she jumped again. At the end of that sentence, she managed to shock herself a good one, charring the gray coat and blond mane nicely.

Rainbow threw her a look while tapping one of the banner's tacks in with a hoof. "Yeah. It's a mystery," she replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm as Derpy, now cleaned up, flew over to the balcony.

"Nice work, Rainbow Dash!" On the end of this, she backed into a support post, which promptly toppled over the balcony rail. With a panicked grimace, Rainbow dove after the timber, got under the low end, heaved upward—and then dropped out of sight with a crash and yell, striking Skyla with a pang of worry.

She's tougher than that. She's tougher than that. She's tougher than that. She's tougher than that, Skyla reminded herself.

Once the dust cleared, the pavilion's porch had a brand-new hole from which the pole's snapped end protruded. Derpy landed next to this and stuck her head inside. "You okay, Rainbow Dash? Anything I can do to help?"

As a plank fell in, Rainbow flew out. "No! Nothing! In the name of Celestia, just sit there and do nothing!"

The cross-eyed flyer plunked her rump onto the porch, whereupon a circle of cracks started to spread in the wood around her. As soon as the spot gave way, she made a desperate grab at Rainbow that only led to both pegasi plummeting into this second hole. "Oops. My bad," her voice echoed from below. Skyla did a facehoof. I wonder how Chronicle's brother is doing with his world's version of her?

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Somewhat later…

A large crowd was now gathered outside the pavilion and chanting Applejack's name. A small stage had been set up here, where the Mayor of Ponyville stood at a lectern atop it.

"Everypony, can I get your attention? Attention, please!" The crowd shortly quieted down. "Yes, we are all here to send Applejack to compete in this year's Equestria Rodeo Competition in Canterlot."

On the end of this, she gestured to one side at Applejack now standing alongside her. Cheers and stomping applause came from the multitude, and the Mayor waited to continue until the noise stopped.

"And I want to thank Applejack in advance, for generously offering up her prize money to fix Town Hall."

Shouldn't Town Hall be condemned instead of having a celebration near it? Chronicle snarked to himself. Incidentally, Skyla had the same thought process.

By this time, Rainbow had climbed up onto the porch, while Derpy hung at the edge of her hole. "Yeah, Applejack!" the gray pegasus then raised her forelegs. "Woo-hoo!" Gravity wasted no time in yanking her out of sight as Rainbow rolled her eyes disgustedly.

There was more cheering and stomping from the crowd. "Speech! Speech!" Pinkie Pie, among the crowd, demanded as she jumped in place.

"Oh, shucks. I'm not much for speeches."

"All right, then, no speech!" With that, she zipped away.

"Buuuuut this here is the nicest sendoff anypony could ask for." Of course, Pinkie Pie wasn't the only one among Applejack's friends to be there. All the others were too, though Spike had to stay behind at the library to manage it. "Y'all have been cheering me on in every rodeo since I was a little little pony." She glanced toward the Mayor. "So it seems only fittin' to use my winnin's to fix up Town Hall. I promise to make Ponyville proud!"

Receiving a third round of adulation, she smiled gratefully and pulled her hat forward over her eyes.

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After the speech, Applejack (toting a pair of saddlebags) and a few others were now gathered at the train station. On the platform with her were all of her friends, her family, and the Mayor.

"I want you to show all them highfalutin' rodeo ponies what a real rodeo pony's like!" Granny said.

"You betcha, Granny Smith."

The Mayor then shoved Granny back. "And bring back all that money!"

"You betcha, Mayor." But before the competitor can make for the train, Pinkie cut her off.

"And have fun, and don't be nervous. Or if you are, use that nervous energy to do even better than you already would! And eat peanuts and popcorn and taffy." On the side, Chronicle could see one of the Academy's students Written Script talking with Golden Harvest, who was about to board as well with Derpy's daughter. "Taffy gives you lots of nervous energy." She proceeded to start chomping away at the sweet stuff, burying her face in the bag. Reactions were mixed, from annoyance to puzzlement to hungry chop-licking by Macintosh.

Twilight turned away from the undignified face-stuffing to address Applejack. "Just do your best, Applejack."

"I'll do better than my best!"

"Before you go, there's something I want to tell you," said Chronicle as he walked over.

"Sure. What is it?"

The two were shortly face to face and he spoke in a whisper. "Don't do anything rash in the event you don't get the money. Personally, I believe you getting many first place ribbons, let alone all of them, is as likely as an eclipse happening without the Princesses planning it. But let that spur you to go further, okay?"

"…Uhh, all right."

"The train to Canterlot is about to leave!" It was a light blue-gray earth pony stallion dressed in a conductor's jacket and cap, with a white shirt and red necktie. He had dark gray hair and a long mustache, spectacles on his nose, and a pocket-watch cutie mark. He stood on the platform, while the engineer is visible through the locomotive window (light brown earth pony stallion, brown eyes and hair, striped engineer's cap, and a red bandana around the neck). "All aboard who's coming aboard!"

"Guess that means me," Applejack said as she stepped to the door.

"See you in a week!" Rainbow called.

"With lots of new blue ribbons!" added Bloom as her big sister entered the train.

"And lots of money!" reminded the mayor.

"Darn tootin'!" With that, steam pours up from below the platform. As the train began to roll, Applejack began to wave and look out from one window. "See y'all in a week, with a big bag full of blue ribbons!"

The well-wishers shouted their last goodbyes while galloping as far as the platform's end, though Chronicle wasn't one of them. Once they've reached the edge, Pinkie added. "And drink sarsaparilla!" There came funny looks from the others. "What? It gives you extra sass."

Twilight turned away with a slightly exasperated sigh.

She won't win that many blue ribbons, if any, Chronicle thought. Ribbons, yes, but not blue. She's a jack-of-all-trades in all things rodeo, but she won't win against those specialists. I should know. I've watched them, and I've watched her practice. Come to think of it, in hindisght, I think I actually saw Applejack in the competition once before. Obviously didn't know her by name back then.

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One week later…

Inside the Sweet Apple Acres barn, Fluttershy and Rainbow were stringing up last week's Applejack banner. Streamers and balloons are present and accounted for as well. And in the guest list, aside from Applejack's friends and immediate family are a couple other relatives who happened to be around, and Bon Bon, who had recently started a business deal with the Apple family, something about apple-flavored candies. All of them were helping set up the area.

"Oh, I hope Applejack is surprised by this surprise party," Fluttershy said.

Rainbow, who was now reeling a streamer from a box as Bloom nipped away one of her own, replied with a little irritation as she flew up to her, "Well, that is the point."

"I know." She caught the free end thrown to her. "But I hope she isn't so surprised she's startled." The two tacked up the ends. "Because while being surprised can be nice—" She dropped to the ground and walked off. "—being startled can be very startling."

Naturally, Pinkie chose this very moment to jump into the timid pegasus's face with a shower of confetti. "SURPRISE!"

Fluttershy fell backward with a gasp. "Oh, Pinkie, you startled me."

The earth pony helped her up before hopping away. "Sorry. I was just practicing my "surprise" for when we surprise Applejack with this super-cool party for becoming Rodeo Champeen of Equestria!" And then her head drops into Fluttershy's face from the ceiling. "SURPRISE!" And the pegasus fell backward again.

"I just at least hope Applejack does return," Chronicle stated. His pet armadillo Rock was with him, tying a balloon on a nail while standing on his master's head. Incidentally, Mystic Shield had scheduled another field trip, taking his class to Baltimare to visit his mentor Aegis's family. "Not that anything wrong has happened to her."

"Quiet, Pinkie!" Twilight whispered, peeking out the doors. "I think Applejack's coming!"

Bloom meanwhile had taken up a position in an empty feed trough. Pinkie dove in next to her. "Don't worry, Twilight. Got my lips all limbered up." This consisted of a series of goofy facial contortions in which she worked her teeth, her jaw, and her lips. Bloom just stared at her, thoroughly confounded.

Above, Fluttershy and Rainbow jumped up to hide in a full hayloft and peeked out over the scene, Chronicle teleporting up to join them, and Rock deciding to roll and jump into the trough. Everypony took whatever cover they can find as the lights went out.

The unicorn stallion decided to check on Surveillance to see if Applejack was indeed coming, but all he could see was static. Darn it. She better be okay.

After a few seconds that felt like a week, a rectangle of light was cast over the floor from the doors creaking open and a hatted shadow advanced into view. The lights immediately went on and all but Pinkie popped up. "SURPRISE!"

The noisemaker in Macintosh's mouth prevented him from shouting with them, so he gave it a hearty blow instead. Pinkie leaped up well after the room had gone dead silent. "Surprise!" A short pause ensued. "Shoot!"

The arrival… was not Applejack, but a telegram delivery stallion. Khaki coat, curly brown hair, medium blue eyes, blue uniform jacket and cap with silver badges, light blue shirt, dark gray necktie, and his cutie mark consisted of a white postage stamp displaying a heart. He had a folded note tucked into his cap's band.

"Wow! This is the best surprise ever! How did you know it was my birthday?" he said.

Talk about a coincidence! thought Chronicle as everypony else's faces fell and the delivery stallion produced a telegram in his hoof. Where is Applejack, anyway?

Twilight grumpily looked out, levitated it from his grip, and yanked both it and herself back inside. As the door slammed shut in his face, Chronicle teleported down to the floor and smacked his charge in the face with his paddle.

"Very insensitive of you," he said as Pinkie cut a slice of cake, put it on a plate, and opened the door again, showing the delivery stallion pawing the ground listlessly. With a smile, the party pony dropped the plate and shut him outside again, the stallion's puzzlement giving way to a smile.

Inside, the rest of the crew gathered around Twilight, including Rock as he climbed on top of her head, who was studying the message intently. "Who's it from, Twilight? What's it say?" Bloom asked.

"It's from Applejack. "Family and friends. Not coming back to Ponyville."" There was shock all around the barn. ""Don't worry, will send money soon."" Twilight turned the telegram around in midair to expose its printed side. "That's all there is."

All the Apples gasped, Rarity standing among them and staring with great concern.

"It's as I feared," Chronicle whispered to himself. "She's done something rash."

"Applejack's… not comin' back?" asked Bloom.

"What do you mean, Applejack's not coming back?" Rainbow was filled with disbelief. "She loves Ponyville."

"And she loves Sweet Apple Acres," added Granny.

"And she loves her family!" Bloom was on the verge of tears, aiming her saddest big-eyed pout.

Rarity let out a melodramatic gasp. "Something just dreadful must have happened to Applejack to make her not return!"

"Maybe she's hurt, or sad or scared!" Fluttershy suggested.

"So what are we waiting for? Let's go find her!" Rainbow declared.

The blue wings shifted straight from idle to "fourth gear" and propel her toward the door.

"Don't worry," Twilight assured as she and her friends made to exit the barn, Rock jumping to his master's head. "We'll search all of Equestria if we have to. We'll bring her back."

"Y'all are the best," cheered Bloom.

"Thank you, girls," said Granny. The M.I.A. workhorse's six friends were now gathered at the open barn doors, and Twilight snapped a salute before they galloped/flew out across the fields. Macintosh fought to keep his composure as Granny stepped up alongside him. The family's collective mood had just nose-dived again. "Our little bushel just lost one Apple."

The big brother just wiped and sniffled at the tears that have now gotten the better of him.

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Eyecatch (video-type) - The six friends running to the left across a field and making for the train station. The show's logo is seen on the upper left.

C—TS—BB—BM—AB—GS—RD—R—F—PP

It was a long ride to Canterlot, and the tension of a missing friend was piling up. Surveillance still wasn't working on Applejack either, so no pinpointing her location from there. Even if it was, if she was in some unfamiliar territory, it wouldn't help much.

The moment the train pulled in, everypony immediately got off, and Rock was now clinging on Chronicle's back. The group shortly reached a stadium, its open gate hung with horseshoe-decorated banners and flying assorted flags, some of which depicted rearing ponies, and the seats within can be seen to be empty. This could only be the venue at which the Equestria Rodeo Competition took place. Everypony stopped for a moment, then scattered at a nod from Twilight, Rock getting off his master and splitting up from him.

Inside, Rarity carried a monochrome photo of Applejack in her teeth and trotted up to a cowboy-hatted stallion talking to a mare in the stands. Both shook their heads at the picture—"nope, haven't seen her"—after which a rodeo-clown stallion in garish face makeup and clothes rolled by on a beach ball. Right behind him was Pinkie, on a ball of her own and with a copy of the photo in teeth. Once she had pulled even, she leaned over to give him a good look; no good here either. The dejected pink pony stopped dead, her ball deflating to slowly lower her back to the ground.

Up in the stands, two mares taking a break from cleanup duty—Carrot Top and Cherry Berry (they both got part-time jobs fo extra money)—got a look at the photo when it was floated over to them by Twilight. They traded a puzzled look, then gave her a shrug that pegged this try as a bust.

Elsewhere, Caramel was pushing a barrel along with his head. Something stopped him in his tracks, revealed to be Rainbow. He aimed a vexed glare at both her and the photo of Applejack in her teeth, then shook his head.

Next, Fluttershy flew up to the stadium roof, with Rock on her head. , where another rodeo-clown stallion was napping with his hat tilted over his face. She has a fifth copy of Applejack's photo in her teeth, but he waved her off without even lifting his hat to get a clear look. The armadillo jumped off, nudged the napper, and then pulled off his hat. The stallion then decided to take a look at the picture, frowned, shook his head, then returned to napping and replacing his hat.

As the cleanup crew got everything squared away, Twilight and company made one last, fruitless effort to pick up any hints on their friend's whereabouts. As for Chronicle, he did his looking around as well outside the stadium, and encountered one old friend of his.

"Hey, we meet again."

"I predicted I'd run into you."

C—TS—GH—RD—R—F—PP—CB—C

The area was soon clean and empty, with Chronicle's friends feeling very glum and off to one side. Rainbow lay flat in the stands, Pinkie slumped over the rail, Fluttershy sat at it, Twilight was slumped face first at a table on the stadium floor, and Rarity stood nearby. Twilight's copy of the photo lay in front of her, Rock resting next to it. Just then, a passing mare took surprised notice of it and smiled in recognition. All five were up and beaming at her in an instant as she pointed off in a new direction; a stretch of parched desert land and rock formations, over which a hawk's lonely cry rings out. Everypony save the informant was genuinely thrown off balance by this new tip. Rock remained asleep.

At this moment, Chronicle came over with his friend. "Girls! I figured out where Applejack is!" He then noticed his friends' expressions as the mare who likely gave them a direction left. "I'm guessing you found a lead, huh?" He was answered by them heading off without a word. He turned to his friend. "Let's go."

C—TS—RD—R—F—PP—MP—C—TS—RD—R—F—PP—MP

Later…

The gang were at the train again, this time headed for wherever their new lead was taking them. There were a few quick introductions to Chronicle's friend Moonbow Peek, whom Rarity had also met before.

"There's no way you can be an actual fortuneteller," argued Twilight. She had put what Chronicle revealed about Moonbow's prophecies behind her back at the day of Spike's birthday (speaking of, he was in charge of the library while Twilight's gone) and dismissed them.

"Despite telling some fortunes I read that came true, you still don't believe, even after you know somepony who does just that?" Moonbow, sitting opposite of Twilight, indicated Pinkie, who was groaning and squirming in her seat. "She pretty much matches the description."

"Pinkie cannot be explained for anything she does, period. She doesn't count."

Moonbow faced Chronicle who at present was seated next to him, who in turn was seated opposite Fluttershy. At the other side of the car were Rarity and Rainbow. "Seriously?"

"Her actions defy logic," he explained. "We've since given up on understanding her. Not just predicting things, but reaching far-off places in an instant, leaving holes shaped like her down to the hair, even carry a room's worth of party material with her." Despite what his cousin Ginger Cloud once said, Chronicle wasn't completely certain that non-unicorns indeed had some form of hammerspace, so he didn't spell that out.

"Really?" The fortuneteller raised an eyebrow.

"I swear it."

"…Fine." Moonbow faced Twilight again. "Well, even if you're unwilling to believe, since you're Chronicle's friends, I'll give you each a snippet of your future, free of charge. Except for Miss Rarity, I already read hers."

"That's nice of you, Moonbow Peek," said Fluttershy.

"I saw you girls in the stained glass, but this is the first time I've met you all face-to-face. Well, except Applejack, though we are headed to her supposed location. I'd be honored to read your fortunes."

"I still say it's a bunch of hooey." Twilight was strangely skeptical.

"Only because I'm not Pinkie Pie? Anyway, I'd like to start with Rainbow Dash. I have to warn you, even I might not understand what I see."

The blue pegasus turned her head upon hearing her name. "All right. Let's get this over with."

Moonbow walked over to the seat opposite the pegasus and Rarity, produced her crystal ball from the folds of her ever-present cloak, and held it in both of her hooves. "Rainbow Dash, I have this to say to you. During one of your demonstrations, an accident will befall you and send you to the hospital for a day. But as you wait to recover, you'll find something else you didn't realize you like." After that, she got off the seat and returned to hers beside Chronicle, rolling her crystal ball along, not noticing Rock rolling along and then substituting himself for the ball.

"That's it?" Rainbow asked in confusion.

Moonbow glanced back. "Not every fortune telling is the length of an essay." She then turned to face Fluttershy as she sat back down and lifted…Rock, and turned him around to face her. "Where's my crystal ball? And who owns this armadillo?"

"I do," Chronicle confessed as he 'took' his pet and placed him between his legs.

"I believe I have it here," Rarity inquired, levitating Moonbow's crystal ball over to its owner.

"Thank you. Anyway…" She turned to look at Fluttershy and held up her crystal ball. "Now it's your turn." The yellow pegasus turned to face her coltfriend, who gave a look of assurance. The fortuneteller looked at Chronicle, her face showing fear of scaring or angering someone, and he 'replied' with a nod of 'go ahead'. "Fluttershy, you will find a way to improve your life. But it will go too far, and turn you into a terror before you finally find a balance in your lesson."

There were gulps from everypony. The very concept of Fluttershy having fear related to what she does instead of what she feels is a foreign one.

Moonbow noticed and added, "I'm sorry about my readings, but I guess that's my specialty; they can be dark, but there's always light at the end of the tunnel. That's one problem with fortune tellers; there are two kinds—true seers and charlatans—and it's hard to tell who's who, with the latter soiling the reputation of the former. Another is that ponies usually want to hear what they want to hear. Charlatans would outright lie, while true seers would be accused for lying when they say dark fortunes. "I do my best to find some middle ground, but even then it's hard."

"I'll be there for her," Chronicle declared.

"I don't doubt that." The fortuneteller then faced Twilight. "Now it's your turn, Twilight Sparkle."

As Moonbow held up her crystal ball, the purple unicorn took the time to analyze the object magically. On the 'surface', it certainly had magical properties in it, so that puts a little doubt in Moonbow being a mere charlatan. And then when she took a closer look, she could see that it emitted blurry (to her, at least) images of what was to come. In the process, she accidentally activated the 'magic sight' spell, learned from Trixie Lulamoon from the world Blue Diary was 'stationed', and saw something strange about Moonbow. If she was reading the spell right, Moonbow was—

"Huh. Strange." The fortuneteller frowned.

That broke Twilight out of her analysis. "What is?"

"Unfortunately, because "time is meddled with" in what I see, I'm in no position to tell you your future this time. Sorry. What I can tell you however is that in your attempts of deviation, you will still believe it's for naught."

"Time is meddled with? Do you mean time travel?"

"I can neither confirm nor deny that. We seers are required to be very, very vague when it comes to events where time is meddled with, as time paradoxes are very dangerous, and can be made by seers with just a stray phrase. Looking into the future is already a risk on its own, since it can e changed just by saying it, and those paradoxes can make it moreso."

Moonbow then left her seat and made her way to the other earth pony in the car, not that they knew that yet as far as she knew; Chronicle had no reason to give her secret away.

"Pinkie Pie. You'll bear witness to a heinous crime. While the case will get solved, it will turn out your friends betrayed your mentors' work."

The party pony, amidst her shaking, listened intently, and once Moonbow was done, she said, "I'll keep that in mind."

"I believe that's all." With that, the fortuneteller returned to her seat. "If you ever manage to defy destiny, that's only because we fortunetellers read it wrong. At least that's what I believe." (2) She then looked out the window. "By Celestia, this is a long ride."

Currently, Rainbow was gazing gloomily out from a window as well. "I hope this lead doesn't turn out to be a dead end," she said. "I don't want to go home empty-hooved after promising we'd find her."

"I don't know how we'll break it to the Apple family," worried Fluttershy.

"I don't know how we'll break it to Ponyville," stated Twilight.

Pinkie now had one rear leg tightly crossed over the other. "I don't know how I'll make it to the next stop!" she stated through gritted teeth.

Before anypony can fully wrap their mind around the problem of Pinkie's overloaded bladder, the train's whistle sounded off to mark their arrival at a station.

Twilight smiled. "This is Dodge Junction, girls." As they reached the station, everypony could see that the station wasn't too different from Appleloosa's. An outhouse stood at one end of the platform. "Applejack is supposed to have come here after the Rodeo ended." As soon as the car's steps were lowered, the group disembarked. "Let's fan out and try to find her."

In Pinkie's case, "let's make a beeline for the toilet" would be a better description as a moaning pink blur flashed past the others.

"Pickles!" She began to knock frantically at the outhouse door. "Hurry, hurry, hurry, hurry, hurry!" She knocked again as she heard a flush. "Hurry it up in there!"

The door was flung open, knocking her silly for a moment, and Applejack emerged.

"Some ponies. Sheesh," she said as her pink friend paid no mind whatsoever, ducking inside and slamming the door… And then throwing it open again with a huge smile.

"Applejack!" She proceeded to alert the others as she hopped around, having apparently relieved herself so quickly. "I found her, I found her, I found her, I found her, I found her!"

The others hurried around the corner after her and stopped at her enthusiastic pointing. Sure enough, on the other side of the tracks was Applejack, walking across the main street in the Wild West-style settlement of Dodge Junction. Their lost friend certainly looked surprised, moreso as Chronicle quickly flash-stepped towards her, as if worried she might scramble at any moment, which would be a futile effort since Rainbow was there.

"Oh, Applejack, thank heavens!" Rarity said as she and Twilight trotted towards her. Rock rolling with them before stopping at the farmpony's feet.

The farmpony turned away from them only to find both pegasi—and their new acquaintance— on her other side.

"We're so glad you're safe!" Fluttershy added.

"I found her, I found her, I found her, I found her!" Pinkie continued as she bounced before suddenly stopping in mid-air. There, she clamped one hind leg over the other as she did on the train, having suddenly remembered her urgent need to tap a kidney. "Be right back." She then zipped away and slammed the outhouse door. Seems that she hadn't relieved herself, after all.

As the rest of the group walked past the now-occupied outhouse, it was becoming aparent that Applejack's wasn't enthusiastic at being tracked down.

"Uh…hey, everypony. What's up?" she asked.

"'What's up?' 'What's up?'!" Chronicle parroted, his indignation showing. "You don't come back after a week as promised and all you can say to us is 'What's up?'!"

"Why didn't you come back to Ponyville?" Rainbow added.

"Yes," agreed Rarity. "Why are you here?" There was the sound of a toilet flush.

"Are you okay?" queried Fluttershy.

Pinkie poked her head out, having finished her business. "Do you have any snacks?"

"Tell us what happened, Applejack!" Twilight pleaded with urgency.

The blonde's reluctant silence was shortly broken by a cheerful older mare's voice with a Western twang. "Applejack?"

At a nearby building standing at the door was a cream-colored earth pony whose two-tone deep red hair was carefully curled and piled high about her head and rump. The mane was held by a yellow band decorated with cherries, her cutie mark showed two of this fruit, and a pink scarf was knotted around her neck. Her eyes were light green with pink eyeshadow, and a small beauty mark can be seen at the outer corner of one.

"Are these some of your Ponyville friends?" she asked as Twilight and Rarity walked over to her.

"Yes, ma'am," replied the bookworm.

"Not me, though," pointed out Moonbow.

"And you are?" asked the fashionista.

"Why, I'm Cherry Jubilee, boss of Cherry-O Ranch," the newcomer introduced herself as she stepped down the street. "Hasn't Applejack told you?" The passed the two unicorn mares and stopped by Applejack. "I saw her compete at the Equestria Rodeo. Never saw anypony win so many ribbons in all my life."

"Aw, shucks, Miss Jubilee. You don't have to go into all that," said the Ponyvillian farmer.

Miss Jubilee (he's not calling her Cherry; that's reserved for Cherry Berry back at Ponyville) lifted Applejack's chin. "Aw, she's so modest. Anyway, I can always use a pony with quick hooves and a strong back." As she spoke, the rest of the group, including Moonbow gathered around her.

Chronicle also raised en eyebrow, thinking, Wow, she sounds and looks like a brothel boss. Sure hope she isn't.

"So when I heard Applejack was looking for a change of scenery, I snapped her up quick as I could and brought her to Dodge Junction," continued Jubilee. On the end of this, Applejack's friends traded a round of worried/suspicious glances as Jubilee then walked away, not noticing the blonde's face was running with nervous sweat. "Well, I'll let you catch up with your friends. See you back at the ranch!"

Once she was gone, Rainbow immediately zipped in to hover in Applejack's face. "Change of scenery? What's that supposed to mean?"

"It's no big deal, guys," she replied testily as she walked past. "I thought cherries would be a nice change from apples, so I took the job and came here. That's it. End of story."

"That's it? Well, that's a terrible story!" Pinkie commented.

"Sorry, but that's all there is to tell. Thanks for checkin' on me, but y'all can go home now." She began to walked off. "Tell my family hi and that I'm doin' A-OK."

Rainbow flew over, looking really sore. "Excuse me, AJ—" She then landed and starts to back Applejack up. "—but we didn't travel all over Equestria searching for you to come home without you!"

"And seriously, they were worried sick!" added Chronicle as he teleported next to the pegasus. "They thought something terrible must've happened to you! For all they knew, you could've been ponynapped or otherwise coerced to go elsewhere against your will!" He then brought his face to hers and whispered, "And my Harmony Link can't notify me of that."

Applejack responded by walking past them again. "Well, I didn't ask you to come lookin' for me! There is nothin' to tell, and I am not goin' back to Ponyville!" And with that, she galloped off.

"Is that how Applejack is normally?" Moonbow asked. "I didn't think of her as the uncaring type. She didn't even acknowledge me."

"I'm afraid not, dear," Rarity disagreed.

Clever, Chronicle thought. She knows she can't lie to save her life, so she just keeps mum.

"I don't care what she says," said Twilight. "Applejack's not telling us something.

"Twilight's right," agreed Rainbow. "We gotta get her to spill the beans."

"What?! She had beans?!" Pinkie gasped before sighing angrily. "I told her I was snacky!"

The 'newcomer' of the group adopted a look of confusion. Just how does Chronicle take her antics in stride? "So what's your plan?" she addressed Twilight.

"Hmm…"

C—TS—A—RD—R—F—PP—MP—CJ—C—TS—A—RD—R—F—PP—MP—CJ

Later…

Applejack and Cherry Jubilee were inside a large room decorated with cherries on the walls that contained the following: a conveyor belt with one end butted up against a hatch in the far wall, two large bins alongside this, one marked with red cherries and the other yellow, and a pony-sized version of a hamster exercise wheel, which the two mares crossed to. Applejack was wearing an apron, a pair of saddlebags on her back, and a white hairnet over her mane in place of her hat.

"You ready to put your back into it, Applejack?" asked the Cherry-o-Ranch boss.

"Sure am, Miss Jubilee," replied the Ponyvillian as she jumped into the wheel.

"Terrific! Come on in, girls! And boy!"

And in came Twilight and the others, Moonbow included, all suited up as well. The fortuneteller still had her cloak, refusing to take it off even if it was against the dress code; she was quite adamant she keep it on her. Pets weren't allowed, so Rock was moved somewhere else in the main ranch building to wait. Of course he was properly fed in the meantime.

Applejack's surprise soon gave way to annoyance. "What are you all doin' here?"

"What else does it look like?" snarked Chronicle.

"We're your cherry sorters," his charge gave the straight answer as they all lined up parallel to the conveyor, on the opposite side from the two bins. "Shall we get started?"

"Fine."

Miss Jubilee chuckled as she indicated the bins as she stood at the free end of the conveyer. "Red cherries go in one bin, and yellow cherries go in the other. Simple as cherry pie. Uh, just one teensy thing to remember…have fun!" With that, she trotted out of the room.

"What are you five up to?" Applejack then interrogated once the boss was gone.

"Well, uh…you made working on a cherry orchard sound so delightful," Rarity replied.

The farmpony was obviously not buying it. "Uh-huh." She then pointed at the green-coated mare. "And what about her?"

"I assure you I am not affiliated with these mares," Moonbow stated. That was partially correct; she's only connected to them via Chronicle.

"Whatever. Well, just remember—no talkin' about Ponyville!"

"Fine!" Rainbow angrily conceded as she thumped the conveyor. "Why don't you quit talking and get walking?"

Needled by this jab, Applejack turned her head bitterly forward and began to walk inside the wheel. As it turned and gained speed, the pulleys attached to both it and the conveyor started rotating and the belt itself came to life. From the hatch came a steady stream of cherries, which the seven new workers pushed off into the appropriate bins as they passed. As per the ranch's regulations, magic was not permitted.

Moonbow was closest to the hatch, and was pushing the red cherries early, and Chronicle's friends were mildly amazed at how she's able to take into account the belt's velocity and the force and angle of her push to create the perfect trajectory. She also seemed to also take into account the other workers by pushing yellow cherries to those closest to them and only when they're not preoccupied with pushing one.

This work went on for perhaps ten wordless seconds before Rainbow sneaked a peek in the stoic ranch hoof's direction. Next, she glanced the other way and gave a furtive nod to Twilight, who smiled sneakily and tipped her a wink.

"So, AJ, how was Canterlot?" Twilight asked, trying to sound casual. Applejack's eyes popped as she glared back toward the unicorn. "Not talking about Ponyville, talking about Canterlot. Totally different town."

"Canterlot was fine."

"Was the Rodeo fun?"

"Yes." Applejack's eyes bugged out a bit again as she saw that Twilight has left her post and was now standing by the wheel.

"Did you meet some nice ponies there?"

"Some."

Rainbow shortly flew over. "Really? Did you see Wild Bull Hickok? Oh! What about Calamity Mane?"

"Yes, I saw 'em both."

The blue pegasus grinned and nodded, hoping for an inside scoop, but got only a dirty look in return. She threw it right back at Applejack as Rarity stepped over to the three.

"And how did you meet Miss Jubilee?" she inquired.

"Um…well…Miss Jubilee had a cherry stand at the Rodeo." Applejack began to speed up to a trot. "Real good treats."

The conveyor accelerated as well, bringing the cherries out at a considerably faster pace. Fluttershy, Moonbow, Pinkie, and Chronicle, the only four sorters still on duty, had to work to keep up. Moonbow seemed to be taking most of the burden, looking a little intense. It was getting a little harder, and the stallion decided a little violation wouldn't hurt in the name of production and conjured little panels to redirect the cherries.

"Um, excuse me?" the timid pegasus tried to bring Applejack's attention, but the stubborn pony paid no mind.

"Cherry winks, cherry cheesecake, cherry tarts. We struck up a conversation, being orchard folk and all."

"So you told her about Sweet Apple Acres?" asked Twilight.

"Yes."

"Did you tell her why you weren't going back?" Rainbow.

"No, 'cause it was none of her business!"

She sped up again, leaving the four workers still on duty to scramble even faster at the belt. As he was positioned at the far end, Chronicle decided to levitate the cherries the others missed back to the start. He couldn't sort them out himself, not having that fine-tuning in telekinesis that Rarity had.

"Oh…can you please slow down?" Fluttershy pleaded on deaf ears.

"Rrr…" Moonbow growled; even though her talent for foresight could tell her what to do to keep this under control, her body was struggling to keep up with her mind and the cherries' speed.

"Is it because I made it rain on you that one time?" Rainbow continued to ask Applejack, who was now galloping.

"No!"

And now the cherries were coming so fast that Fluttershy gave up using her hooves and put them to the sides of her head. "Help!"

Pinkie frantically gathered up as many as she can hold in her forelegs and dumped them into an indentation in Fluttershy's hairnet. The latter aimed a pair of extremely worried blue-green eyes up at the impromptu fruit basket. Getting desperate, Chronicle attempted to filter the cherries by trying (and succeeding in) that "selective property phasing" Mystic Shield was proficient in, attempting to block the red cherries while letting the yellow ones through for himself to sort by hoof; not even Mystic can make two different barriers with two different "settings".

As Applejack kept racing along, Pinkie made another desperate grab at the unsorted fruit. Within moments, she had filled her saddlebags and set a pile on her own head, but these moves bought her precious little time. As for Moonbow, she looked like she was about to burst in anger.

"Is it because you were insulted when I gave you that book on organized orchards?" Twilight asked the pony at the wheel.

"No!" The gallop sped up, with the result of bringing fresh cherries out by the bushel. They were now piled high in the bins and on the floor, and Pinkie raced to the end of the belt and put her limbered-up lips to work catching them. In a lot less than ten seconds flat, her mouth was stuffed so full that she faced a real danger of asphyxiation. Chronicle has since decided it was a lost cause, but Moonbow was still attempting to salvage the situation.

"Is it because I threatened to smack you with the pan if you overworked again?!" Chronicle joined in. "Because I'm sorely tempted to do so right here right now!" He actually figured out the real reason, but he thought that might lead to a very heated argument right now.

"NO!"

"Is it because you were insulted when I insulted your hair?" added Rarity.

"No, no, no! I'm not tellin' you why, so just—"

"STOP!" Fluttershy cut her off, and the workhorse did, dropping her haunches to act as the brake. A squeal of wood on hide, a few sparks and some smoke, and inertia did that voodoo that it does so well. The cherries' forward momentum carried them straight off the belt and across the room—with Applejack finding herself directly in the line of fire (which was strange since the wheel wasn't positioned opposite of the conveyer belt to begin with), smashing against her and the wheel, and leaving both of them splattered with the ruined fruit.

At around the same time Fluttershy shouted, Moonbow had reached her limit, grabbed her hairnet, and pulled it off by her two hooves, standing upright temporarily in the process, while letting out a scream of rage, tossing the net across the conveyer belt.

A loud gasp from the other mare, save Pinkie, whose mouth was still way too full for her own good. Chronicle was taking deep breaths, too tired and frustrated to lash out thanks to the sped-up cherry sorting. Applejack got her eyes open, glared at them, and walked out.

"Why? Why can't I keep it under control?" Moonbow was taking deep breaths as well as she spoke those words between sobs. "I saw it coming. Why couldn't I stop it? It was within my grasp. I should've been able to. Why was I fated to fail?"

"Um, Moonbow?" Chronicle called.

That's when she noticed that not only was her hairnet gone, her cloak was now revealing one side, exposing not only her cutie mark (which was a crystal ball on a stand with three diagonal stripes colored orange, green, and purple on the ball), but her distinct wing-less side. In short, her secret was exposed.

Before she could begin to cover her head, the other mares in the room were now looking at her. She just stared back at them for a couple of seconds before saying, "Uh oh." (3)

C—TS—A—RD—R—F—PP—MP—CJ—C—TS—A—RD—R—F—PP—MP—CJ

As the group ditched their work clothes, Moonbow having put on her cloak again and hiding her head with its hood. Everypony had mops and were cleaning up the mess Applejack inadvertently made. Pinkie (who has since disposed of her mouthful) and Rarity were scrubbing the conveyor with cloths, Fluttershy and Moonbow were at the wheel, Rainbow was working up high, and Twilight and her bodyguard were doing the floor.

"Why were you hiding who you are, Moonbow Peek?" Rarity asked.

The revealed earth pony gave a long sigh before answering, "I hide the fact that I'm an earth pony because fortunetellers aren't normally of that race. In fact, I found out that I'm the only true seer who is an earth pony, at least in Canterlot. I feared I wouldn't be credible if others knew, so I concealed my body with a cloak to keep them guessing. Chronicle found out about me after rescuing me from Discord cultists a few years ago, and I made him swear to secrecy. Please promise me you'll do so as well."

Twilight and her friends talked about it for a moment, then all unanimously agreed, and Pinkie made them Pinkie Promise.

"Thank you. As for my outburst, seeing the future isn't always a good thing, and I can sense what's gonna happen in the next few seconds of the present when I concentrate. The reason it's not good is because when I see what's ahead, if I have the power to prevent a disaster, I always try to do so. As your argument with Applejack went on, I foresaw what was going to happen, predict the disaster that would come if it continued (not that it takes a seer to do that), and I tried everything I could to prevent it from coming to pass.

"Failing that just makes me feel so helpless, and I hate feeling helpless. There has to be a reason why I have this talent, and that's why when I'm not reading fortunes, I do everything I can to make a difference with what I foresee. I'll have to remember to train my body so it can keep up with my mind. Speed and agility is what I need."

"Perhaps I can help," offered Rarity. "Thanks to my new connections in Canterlot, I know a lot of ponies. That includes the owner of one prestigious gym there. I'm sure she can help you."

Moonbow was surprised at this offer. "You'd really do that for me? I mean, as far as this circle of friends goes, I'm only connected to you by Chronicle."

"You can trust her, Moonbow," said stallion stated as he used his "rain-drinking" spell to extract the fluids, but did not send them to his mouth. Instead, they went into a large bucket. "Generosity is her thing. Just don't abuse it."

"I won't. I get a stipend from my parents, anyway." This elicited mild surprise from the others as she addressed the offer-er. "Thank you, Rarity."

"My pleasure," the white unicorn replied.

After that, a pained ten seconds of silence ensued before Twilight tackled the other issue as she cleaned up another patch of cherry mush.

"Well, girls…" she began dejectedly. "…we seem to be striking out."

"That's 'cause we're playing too nice!" responded Rainbow.

"Yes," Rarity agreed. "Desperate times do call for desperate measures." The blue pegasus descended next to her.

"It's time to call in the big guns!"

"The big guns?" parroted Moonbow. The two just nudged their heads at Pinkie, who happily used her tongue instead of a rag to pick up a bit of cherry slop, looking unaware and blissful. Moonbow followed their gaze, but she still wasn't following.

C—TS—RD—R—F—PP—MP—C—TS—RD—R—F—PP—MP

Eyecatch (picture-type) - Two-way split-screen. On the right is the stubborn Applejack. On the left is another split-screen, the top showing Derpy speaking as she bounces on a cloud, and the bottom shows a forlorn Moonbow Peek with her hood off. The show's logo is seen on the lower left.

C—TS—RD—R—F—PP—MP—C—TS—RD—R—F—PP—MP

Everypony was now in position around the the Cherry-O Ranch's orchards, hiding out of Applejack's sight, who was now bucking the trees to fill a pair of baskets sitting nearby. Obviously, she was out of her sorting-room gear and had put her hat back on. After a few hits, she brought down enough fruit to fill the baskets, and that was the cue for Pinkie to zip over.

"Hey, Applejack. Need some help?" she offered.

Naturally, the farmpony was suspicious. "You promise not to ask me any questions?"

"I promise."

The orange-tan earth pony turned away, the pink one followed, and both turned their efforts to harvesting. Applejack bucked as before, while Pinkie shook a tree to fill her own basket. After a few tense seconds, Pinkie spoke up, cheerful as always.

"Have you ever had a cherry-changa?" A pause followed. "Ooh! Sorry. That was a question."

"That kind of question is fine, Pinkie. No, I-I never had a cherry-changa." Pinkie promptly got in her face.

"Well, no wonder, because I made it up myself." As she spoke, she was slowly backing Applejack up. Just as planned. "A cherry-changa is mashed-up cherries in a tortilla that's deep-fried. Cherry-changa! Great name, huh?" Applejack reached another tree and tried to block out the chatter… "Oh, but maybe I should call it a chimi-cherry. Ooh, that's good too." But Pinkie popped up behind her, forcing her to walk off. "Which do you think sounds better? Cherry-changa or chimi-cherry? Or what if I combine them? Chimi-cherry-changa!" After a gasp, she followed Applejack. "What sounds the funniest?"

The fed-up cherry picker just snagged a full basket in her teeth and headed off as Pinkie hopped after her.

"I like funny words. One of my favorite funny words is kumquat. I didn't make that one up. I would work in a kumquat orchard just so I could say "kumquat" all day! Kumquat, kumquat, kumquat!" A short pause. And pickle barrel!" Pinkie soon caught up again. "Isn't that just the funnest thing to say? Pickle barrel, pickle barrel, pickle barrel!" After dropping from sight, she thrust a hoof toward the strained orange-tan face, having somehow appeared in front. "Say it with me! "Pickle barrel, kumquat, pickle barrel, kumquat, pickle barrel, kumquat, chimi-cherry-changa—"

As Pinkie rambled on, Applejack's eyes began to constrict and dart around as she promptly blew her cool. She had since dropped her basket, and the stream of funny words continued under the following. "NOOOOOO!" She began to huddle down. "Make it stop! Make it stop!"

Rainbow darted in and clapped a hoof over Pinkie's mouth, but this only muffled the babbling instead of shutting her up. The pegasus had stuffed corks into her own ears for self-protection, though nopony else had done the same. "The only way to make it stop is for you to spill the beans!"

"Never!" Rainbow promptly uncovered Pinkie's mouth.

"Speaking of beans, did you ever realize how many words rhyme with beans?" Applejack started to back up toward a nearby tree and Rainbow held Pinkie out toward her. "Lean, mean, spleen, unclean, keen, tureen…" And the continued to rhyme as Applejack confessed.

"All right! All right! I'll tell everypony what's goin' on!" At that, everypony else came out of their hiding spots and closed in. "Just please stop talkin'!" Only now did the motor-mouthed pony can it. Applejack squatted on her haunches by the tree. "But can it wait 'til tomorrow at breakfast? I'm plumb tuckered out."

Rainbow had since removed the corks from her ears. "Tomorrow, huh? I don't know."

"Do you Pinkie Promise?" the blabbermouth asked. This demand was accompanied by the Pinkie Swear pantomime—"cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye".

Applejack mulled it over, then sighed heavily. "I will tell you the whole truth at breakfast." She mimed Pinkie's routine. "Pinkie Promise."

The hoof to her own eye put the others at ease, but Moonbow wasn't as assured, and neither was Chronicle, the former because she doesn't know the significance of the Pinkie Promise, and the latter because he knows of a way one can not meet with them without breaking the promise. And he strongly suspected that Applejack would resort to that.

"One thing, Twilight," he then said, "When we get home, Spike's likely going to be worried, since we've been gone for almost two days without much explanation. Console him, comfort him, explain to him. All right?"

C—TS—A—RD—R—F—PP—MP—C—TS—A—RD—R—F—PP—MP

Sunrise, the next morning…

Amidst the rooster's crowing (which isn't always at the sunrise; they just wake up too darn early), Twilight led her six fellow travelers down the hall leading to Applejack's quarters. Rock was returned and on his master's back.

"Question: Why didn't you reason with Applejack much earlier?" Moonbow asked Twilight.

"Well, the last time I tried to reason with her when she was dead set on something, it took realizing that working herself nearly to death only got half the apple orchard harvested for her to finally admit she needed help. Reasoning with her then would've been a waste of time because extremely stubborn when she's set on something."

"I see."

"In any case, I'm glad we're finally gonna get some answers from Applejack," she said.

Rainbow, still unconvinced, brought up the rear. "Yeah…maybe."

"Don't worry, Rainbow," assured Pinkie. "She's gotta fess up after making a Pinkie Promise."

"Actually, I know of one way she can worm her way out of that without breaking it," Moonbow suggested.

"What would that be? Hold on." They stopped at a closed door and Twilight knocked before opening. Pinkie was the first to put her head in past the frame. "Good morning, Applejack! You ready for break—" Her face goes slack with surprise, as have the others behind her save Moonbow, who did a facehoof.

They were looking into a bedroom with a neatly made bed, nightstand, closet, drawn windowshade, pictures on walls—and no Applejack in sight. "Applejack is in deep ████," Chronicle said, breaking the silence.

"She welshed on it," agreed Moonbow.

As for Pinkie, who had voiced a huge gasp as her pupils shrank to points, shock gave way to lip-chewing, eyebrow-lowering rancor, then a paroxysm that sent sweat pouring down her reddening face and bulging cheeks. Her mental steam whistle worked its way toward supersonic frequencies for several unbearable seconds. Finally, she straightened up with eyes burning and steam gushing from both ears.

"Nopony breaks a Pinkie Promise!" A vivid pink blur marked her top-speed departure, leaving the others to scramble after her as best they can.

"This is why I, for all my abilities, fear breaking a Pinkie Promise!" Chronicle remarked, also summoning a magical clone to inform Cherry Jubilee of the situation. "If she's lucky, Applejack will only get away with a scolding. But if not…" He shuddered at the thought, instilling fear to the others; if he was afraid of something (that's not pertaining to his phobias), there's often a very good reason to. "If you ever really break a Pinkie Promise, with Pinkie's skills, it's impossible to run from, hide from, or stop her wrath."

C—TS—RD—R—F—PP—MP—C—TS—RD—R—F—PP—MP

At the Dodge Junction train station, an uneasy Applejack waited on the platform along with a few other travelers. She trotted in place, saddlebags slung up, as if ready to break into a sprint at any moment—and the next voice instantly made her wish she had.

"AAAPPLLLEJAAACK!" The turned to see the approaching septet and in her mind, she saw Pinkie's eyes burn yellow. The 'weird reverberating' voice was heard by everypony else, though. "YOU PINKIE-PROMIISED!"

The fugitive had enough time for one strangled yelp before galloping off the platform.

"Applejack, come back here!"

The culprit was making her way to an idle stagecoach in dront of a building with a four-stallion team standing in front of a building.

"Giddy up, fellas!" she said as she jumped in. "I gotta get the heck outta Dodge!"

The stallions started off with a rear and neigh, just ahead of the pursuers.

"She's gonna get away!" Pinkie gasped as the girls stopped. But Chronicle didn't as he used a spell to increase his running speed, his tether spell on Rock and 'throwing' him to grab on to the back of the coach, and pulled out his river-serpent scale shield from under him via his hammerspace as he jumped. The result was that he was now 'skiing' on the dirt, thanks to the tether spell acting like a rope as it coiled around a place to grab on thanks to physics making Rock go around it to tie it up. Once the tether spell was secure, he held on for dear life.

Okay. I'm now at the coach. But how do I get up there? She'd probably buck me off, and tight-quarters combat is not my thing.

"Follow that stagecoach!" He then heard Pinkie's voice.

Risking a look back, he saw that the rest of his friends were pulling a cart of their own, both unicorns and earth ponies are sitting in it while the two pegasi pull.

On the coach, Applejack risked a quick glance behind herself. She had a decent lead on her pursuers, but they were beginning to close the gap.

"Oh, we have you now!"

But suddenly, he heard them brake. He didn't know why, but he didn't care right now. He just hoped they'd catch up soon. Right now, he decided to summon a magical clone up on the coach to talk with Applejack.

The runaway pony was certainly surprised to see him seemingly teleport where she is. "Applejack!" he yelled. "I've never taken you to be a coward! Why are you running?!"

She only answered by bucking him…and hitting a barrier.

"Applejack!" Another buck. "It's the Rodeo, isn't it?!" Another one, and this started to make cracks. "You didn't get enough money, did you?!" Even as the clone tried to patch the damage, yet another buck cracked it some more. "Surely you managed to win even one, did you?!" The next one shattered the barrier, and she knew it wasn't the real him; he can hold on for much longer. "Say something!" Before he can erect a sturdy barrier, the earth pony smashed through his measly defense and dissipated him.

This pain the clone experienced got transmitted to Chronicle, and it hurt him so that he lost focus on his tether spell and was falling behind, leaving his armadillo at the mercy of the coach. Thankfully for him, his friends were catching up, and with a few smooth moves and Twilight catching him by telekinesis, he (and his shield) was on the cart with them, even though there was little room left.

Turns out the chase has long since moved out of town and into the desert. A while later, after a speed-enhanacing spell was cast on Fluttershy's legs (Rainbow was only holding back for her), the cart eventually pulled even, where he retrieved Rock via levitation. ("I'll be sure to do better," he apologized to his pet) And then they started ramming the side, nearly shaking Applejack out of the driver's seat.

"Whoa! What the hay?" she looked off to her left, and saw her pursuers.

"Pull over!" Rainbow ordered as the cart banged into the coach.

"Hey! Cut that out!" Another hit, and she lost her balance. "Whooaa!" She climbed back up to the driver's seat and addresses her team. "I'll pay you double to outrun them!" And they sped up.

"We'll pay you triple to slow down!" Twilight countered, and they did so as the cart moved ahead.

"I'll pay you quadruple to leave them in the dust!"

"Slow down right now or I'll bust a wheel and you could crash!" Chronicle then threatened. This elicited a gasp from his friends, and he added with a whisper. "I won't actually do that."

"He's bluffin'!" their target suddenly said. "Hurry!"

And they wasted no time in literally doing so, leaving the seven chasers choking and coughing in the murk. Once the view cleared after a few seconds, Rarity was the first to speak. "That was rude!"

"That's it! She just guaranteed herself a pan-slapping!" Chronicle said.

"What?" Moonbow was confused.

He ignored her and addressed Twilight, "Why didn't you teleport?"

"We're going too fast," was the explanation. "I could get somepony hurt. Me, Applejack, the driving team…"

"Get them! GET THEM!" Pinkie was yelling.

"Come on, Fluttershy!" Rainbow urged and both both of them shifted up a couple of gears and quickly cut into the coach's lead. Applejack got a nasty surprise when she looked back to find them closing in.

Applejack began to snap the reins. "Hyah! Come on, y'all! Go! Go!"

Even this was not enough to keep her ahead of the cart, and once it has pulled up, Pinkie hurled herself across the gap. Applejack soon found a pair of furious blue eyes boring into her own at point-blank range. "Applejack, you broke your Pinkie Promise! Apologize!"

"Pinkie, I did not break my promise!"

"Wha…?"

"Oh dear," said Moonbow.

"If y'all reckon back, I told you that I would tell you everything at breakfast! But I didn't come to breakfast! I couldn't come to that breakfast! Not if it meant tellin' y'all what happened!"

"I knew it. She found a loophole."

"Well, I…I…"

"I'm sorry, Pinkie, but I can't tell y'all the truth." The unicorn mares looked crestfallen, while the stallion seemed to feel as if his suspicions were confirmed. "I just can't!"

"Well, I heard a "sorry" in there, so that'll have to do for now. I'll get a real apology later." Almost immediately, she jumped backward off the coach. "Rarity, catch me!"

"What?! Pinkie!" And she screamed as the impact dumped both of them and Chronicle somehow over the side and left Twilight, Rock, and Moonbow as the only passengers. (4) Notably, the remaining earth pony saw a frying pan on the floor. The unicorn stallion had intended to smack Applejack as soon as he got the chance, but that obviously failed.

"Rainbow! Go back!" the remaining unicorn said.

"No time! They knew what they were getting into!"

We better come back for them later! thought Moonbow as she picked up the pan.

As the vehicle zoomed away toward the horizon, the three jettisoned ponies sat up—badly scuffed, manes askew and full of cactus burrs. Pinkie grinned at Rarity, who coughs up another burr and shot her an icy glare that would freeze her solid if it were at all possible to do so. Chronicle on the other hoof swore, "████" as he immediately cleaned himself up as best as he could. "Come on, girls. Let's head back to town. It's up to them now. We need to have faith in them."

Meanwhile, Applejack's coach raced over the parched earth, turning it into a drab khaki blur. Not far ahead of her was a railroad crossing whose barriers swung down to block the way as the warning lights and bells started up. The sight threw Applejack for a loop; a speeding train was coming, right on schedule. She smiled wickedly at the opportunity. "Yes!" She pulled her hat down a bit lower. "Hyah!"

A snap of the reins sent her straining team toward the crossing at a truly ludicrous speed. As the train thundered ahead, the two lead stallions tossed a puzzled glance back at her focused, almost crazed countenance. Fluttershy and Rainbow galloped flat out, but cannot catch Applejack before her coach smashed through the barriers. The train rolled by a fraction of a second later.

The coach finally slowed to a stop as Applejack jumps down. "Yee-haa!"

The four stallions have reached their physical limits, but her attention was focused entirely on the passing train. "Lady, you're trouble!" they said before galloping off, taking the coach with them… and dropping an extra passenger. As it turns out, Chronicle had summoned another clone in addition to the first and ordered him to hold on until it stopped.

"Hah! Try and catch me now!" Applejack dared through the train. It was answered by the cart's winged steeds taking the whole thing airborne. "Oh, nuts." She can only stare open-mouthed as it soared over her head and landed neatly close by. After which she then noticed the other clone ("Surprise," he said) and started to run.

Back at the cart, Fluttershy heaved for breath as Twilight, Moonbow, and Rainbow looked daggers at their absent friend (though that wasn't the case for the fortuneteller), who glared right back as she galloped away.

Rainbow, having had quite enough of this high-speed chase, pulled out of the harness. "Not so fast!" she said as she flew after Applejack, who also had the Chronicle clone chasing him. The pegasus reached her first and laid a flying tackle on the escapee that plowed her to the ground… and ejected all the ribbons and medals that were in the saddlebags.

A disconcerted Applejack lay flat on her belly, with Rainbow standing over her, and the Chronicle clone standing by. A long silence ensued before she began to confess, her voice trembling. "Fine!" She then covered her eyes. "Now you know."

Twilight, Moonbow (with frying pan in mouth), Rock, and Fluttershy, approached the pair, the last of them now out of the harness as well.

"Know what?" Twilight asked as their friend looked up and stood.

"Well, just look!"

Twilight eyed the spread and gave a smile. "I am! You won an amazing number of ribbons, just like Miss Jubilee said!"

The runaway pony hung a red-ribboned medal in her hoof. "Don't you get it? There's every color of ribbon down there. Every color…but…" She slumped onto her haunches, dropping the medal. "Blue."

Twilight and Fluttershy started to understand the reason for Applejack's distraught tone as Rock picked up one of the ribbons and looked at it.

"I came in fourth, third, even second. But I didn't win one first prize—and I certainly didn't win any prize money."

"What?!" gasped Chronicle. "There was no runner-up prize money in any of the events you places in?! Surely they should have!"

"The Rodeo is a winner-takes-all competition," Moonbow explained. "I should know. I was a spectator there."

"But the telegram said you were gonna send money," Rainbow said to Applejack as she stood up.

"That's why I came here." She began to walk off. "I wanted to earn some money. After that big old sendoff Ponyville gave me, I just didn't have the nerve to come home empty-hooved." And she hung her head. "I couldn't come home a failure."

"And you thought abandoning your family with little explanation was a better alternative," Chronicle snarked angrily. This just made her lower her head some more.

As for Twilight, she and Fluttershy smiled. "Applejack, you're not a failure."

"And we're your friends," Rainbow added with a wink. "We don't care if you came in fiftieth place. You're still number one in our books."

"So…you're not upset or disappointed?" asked Applejack.

The mares save Moonbow shook their heads. "Mmm-mmm!"

"I'm only upset you chose to do this rash thing," Chronicle meanwhile said. "I already figured you wouldn't win many, if any, first place ranks. You're good at many things rodeo, but a specialist will always be the best at their fields by virtue of dedicating all their time to them. But I didn't explain that to you because that'd be adding pressure you could do without, which would've resulted in zero blue medals. Which it did."

Applejack zipped to Twilight. "But what about the Mayor? I don't think I can face her and tell her I didn't get that money to fix the broken roof."

"Applejack!" Fluttershy reproofed her gently. "We can always find a way to fix that hole in the roof, but if you don't come back, we'll never be able to fix the hole in our hearts."

Applejack finally smiled and shared a nuzzle with her friends, Moonbow standing off to the side, shedding some tears as she put down the pan.

Rainbow was hovering a few feet overhead—and crying softly to boot, which she shook herself out of angrily. "Darn it! Now you got me acting all sappy!"

"We can always get the revenue in other ways, like a new tax levy or a bond issue," Chronicle explained as they pulled away, the blonde aiming a warm smile toward her friends. "But you, Applejack, are irreplaceable. As a Bearer of Harmony, as a dependable Ponyvillian, and as a valuable friend, for all the faults I see in you. One of my uncles once told me that lies told in silence are the cruelest. Because of that…" Turning to Moonbow, he 'picked up the pan she dropped and brought it over to Applejack. "I need to make good on my threat."

CLANG!

C—TS—A—RD—R—F—PP—MP—C—TS—A—RD—R—F—PP—MP

During the train trip home, Moonbow Peek properly introduced herself to Applejack, was convinced by Twilight and friends to confide to the farmpony of her race, then read her fortune.

"An oncoming threat to your farm is due to come in a season," she had read. "Your defeat is imminent, but victory will be absolute."

"Wha? What the hay is that supposed to mean?" Applejack had asked. "Can't ya make it clearer?"

"Sorry, but vagueness is a requirement in fortune telling. There is a light at the end of this dark tunnel coming soon. In short, you and your family'll survive the ordeal. Don't worry too much about it."

Upon arrival at Ponyville, she could see—as she waved cheerfully—it was crammed with Apple family members, Winona, Bon Bon, the mayor, and even her "rival" Carrot Top.

Once the train pulled in and the doors opened, as soon as she stepped onto the platform, Winona happily knocked her flat, to the amusement of Chronicle, Twilight, and Fluttershy on the train. Moonbow stayed inside, as the train was headed to her home Canterlot next.

Along the platform; Macintosh tried and failed to hold back his tears of joy as the other ponies smiled in welcome. And then Macintosh, Granny, and Bloom dog-piled on Applejack as the rest of the group watched happily, including a hovering Rainbow. After a good while of this hug…

"Hold on a second!" Chronicle then finally said, ruining the moment. "We forgot our other friends who fell off the cart!"

There were looks of shocked realization from the friends who had taken part, and confusion from the ones who didn't.

C—TS—A—RD—F—MP—C—TS—A—RD—F—MP

Back at the desert railroad well outside Dodge Junction, a hoofcar rolled on the tracks, with Pinkie and Rarity working opposite ends of the handle to keep it moving. Attached to it was a flat car with the real Chronicle keeping lookout as well as aiding in the pushing with his magic. Since none of the others apparently thought to come back for them, they were making their way home the only way they can, short of walking.

"I mean, which do you think, Rarity?" Pinkie continued the ramble that went on in rhythm with handle motions. "Chimi-cherry or cherry-changa? Chimi-cherry? Cherry-changa? Chimi-cherry? Cherry-changa? Chimi-cherry? Cherry-changa? Chimi-cherry? Cherry-changa?"

"When I get back, you're gonna get it, Rainbow Dash!" The unicorn mare merely said in exasperation to herself over the earth pony's incessant repetitions.

"Give her a little benefit of the doubt," Chronicle replied. "After the ordeal with Discord, damn that guy, as fast as she is, Rainbow has learned that she can't help out two, let alone multiple, conflicting parties all at once. And so she chose Applejack over us, trusting we'd be able to get back on our own. And we are."

This seemed to soften her mood. "I guess so…"

"But if somepony hadn't wasted time to clean herself up while on the way back to town, we could've caught the train back, and you could've chewed her out right now."

And then it hardened again, but for different reasons."I get it! Let's… just… drive…"

"All right." He let off a sigh as Rarity began her own sotto-voice grumblings. "I certainly hope we make it back soon. And I will smack them for not looking for us after they got Applejack, which I'm sure they did."

C—R—PP—C—R—PP—C—R—PP—C—R—PP

"Dear Princess Celestia,

It's a tad easier to be proud when you come in first than it is when you finish further back. But there's no reason to hide when you don't do as well as you'd hoped. You can't run away from your problems. Better to run to your friends and family."

SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM

(1) Just trying to connect one of my stories with this. Namely, the one I titled "Friendship is Survival", a one-shot MLP crossover of Left 4 Dead. Not every dreamscape scenario has to have a significant meeting.

(2) For a moment, I considered mentioning a Guild of Seers, or at least a mentor for Moonbow just like Mystic Shield had Aegis, but I thought it'd be too farfetched a concept even for MLP:FiM. The Guild, at least.

(3) Originally, during planning, Moonbow Peek was going to reveal her secret in the train car en route to Dodge Junction, but after writing her in previous chapters, I found out that she'd have no reason to do so. And then when the cherry sorting scene came into play, I realized that every pony has a breaking point, and Moonbow was no exception. With her seeing the future, this was a prime spot. I thought that up as I wrote this chapter, by the way.

(4) I was going to change what happened and have the two ponies who fell off be retrieved later, and then explain that the events in the end were instead "recorded" from another Equestria. But I figured what I put in instead would be a little funnier.

nightelf37: During the writing of this chapter, I was about to put this line in:

"All I can say however is that because of what will happen, something will escape, and in █ years time, you will confront it. But by then, you'll have the power you need."

Which would be predicting the season 4 finale, but I figured that would be giving Moonbow Peek too much power. I plan on trying to limit what she sees to one show season at a time. I would also 'predict' the season 2 finale, but I figure I could just add in Moonbow in another chapter.

See ya on Third!

nightelf37: I own only the following: My originally designed OCs, and anything that doesn't happen in the show proper.

SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM

The Last Roundup

In the dreamscape…

In front of Chronicle was a pony he loathed to ever see again. A white unicorn with red eyes, short black hair, and a fancy blue suit that covered his cutie mark. He was a member of the Story Crew, but he wasn't of the Timer family. Rather, he was recruited from an Equestria, some months after the first day of Chronicle's assignment in Equestria Prime.

The reason for his hate of this pony, who called himself the Director, is because he managed to do something right under his father's nose without his consent. Namely, what he did was—with the help of other SC members—set up a made-up high-tech domed city named Larousse, and manipulated events so that Princess Celestia would send his friends the Bearers of Harmony to that town to investigate a certain problem there. Naturally, he went with them.

And then they got locked in and the girls were plopped into stasis pods while they 'lived' a (necromancer-driven) zombie apocalypse taking place in the city. And thanks to a request to his father, Chronicle's Surveillance was now able to look inside the shared scenario their minds were experiencing, which helped him serve as their benefactor in a way that if they were the player characters in a game, he would be the player 'controlling' them.

But the Director didn't stop there; by a stroke of bad luck, four other ponies from Ponyville (Derpy Hooves, Lyra Heartstrings, Bon Bon, and Golden Harvest) ended up in Larousse as well and were roped into the same scenario but in a different sector. The Director had posed himself as somebody who wanted to test their friendship and how strong will it stand in a zombie apocalypse, and that's all Chronicle thought he was. (1)

Eventually, Record Keeper (Chronicle's father) was able to find out about the Director's scheme, got the victims out, MemLocked away the entire incident, shut down and "removed" the city, and gave a rather severe punishment to the Director. So what is he doing here? There had also been evidence that the Director had not come up with this plan on his own, and the search for the "man behind the man" was still in progress. Or maybe it was already solved; Chronicle didn't particularly care.

"Chronicle," the Director began. He did not even seem to be repentant of what he did. "I know what I did regarding Larousse is inexcusable, but I won't apologize for it. It was meant to test their bond, their capability to work as a team even in dire situations. And I'll have to say that by the time Lord Record Keeper found me out, I'm satisfied with the results. As for why I'm here, I was told to confess those reasons to you."

The dreamscape owner collected his thoughts. Despite what they went through in that…simulation, their teamwork had proved to help them prevail and strengthened their bonds; feelings festered by those bonds—for some reason—remain even after a MemLock, just as "shadows" of memories can sometimes linger even after a classic mind wipe. "All right. Anything else you'd like to say? 'Cause while I can be forgiving, that doesn't extend to violators of our rules."

The Director closed his eyes in resignation. "I see. I don't know if the rules permit it, but I wish you luck on your relationship. She's a keeper." And with that he vanished back to the waking world, muttering, "Did I say that right?"

SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM

Daytime…

At the town square pavilion, Rainbow Dash was hoisting up a banner depicting a rearing Applejack, pulling one end up, the other end already been tacked to the second-story balcony. The reason why is… well, you'll see. After a rough day (as well as the burdens of living a double life, and Wonderbolts aren't all fancy tricks), Skyla was resting atop a cloud, watching her 'scout target'—and one other pegasus—do her work, but something was amiss.

Hey, isn't that an Everfree cloud? The difference between Everfree clouds and the ones manufactured from Cloudsdale is that the former are made to be via the phenomenon known as the water cycle, and whatever's inside them is…unpredictable. There could be a little too much lightning, too little rain, off-season snow, sleet, or even hailstones. When she discussed this with Chronicle, the unicorn wondered how a 'natural' cloud can even "store" hail in the first place, and the pegasus just shrugged.

Rainbow's companion was tasked in Bolt Bucking; that is, emptying the Everfree cloud of lightning. But her current position wasn't exactly optimal. And that was made apparent when a bolt nearly struck the speedster and shocked her out of her moment of cockiness with her work and singed the tip of her tail as she ducked out of the way.

"Huh? Now careful, Derpy!" Indeed it was Derpy Hooves, who was cheerfully jumping on a gray cloud, producing a fresh strike with every bounce; indeed, she was emptying the cloud of it. She stopped at the approach of the irate blue pegasus. "Don't want to do any more damage than you've already done."

Indeed, the third-story balcony was sagging everywhere, and the roof had a couple of ragged holes punched through it—doubtless by the constant lightning strikes from Derpy. To add insult to injury, the uppermost piece—already hanging by a thread—broke loose and crashed through the largest hole. But really, the pavilion had already been in bad condition before Derpy did her thing. Boy, was she excited to take part for some extra bits, Skyla mused. And all that noise must've hampered her hearing.

"I just don't know what went wrong," Derpy said as she jumped again. At the end of that sentence, she managed to shock herself a good one, charring the gray coat and blond mane nicely.

Rainbow threw her a look while tapping one of the banner's tacks in with a hoof. "Yeah. It's a mystery," she replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm as Derpy, now cleaned up, flew over to the balcony.

"Nice work, Rainbow Dash!" On the end of this, she backed into a support post, which promptly toppled over the balcony rail. With a panicked grimace, Rainbow dove after the timber, got under the low end, heaved upward—and then dropped out of sight with a crash and yell, striking Skyla with a pang of worry.

She's tougher than that. She's tougher than that. She's tougher than that. She's tougher than that, Skyla reminded herself.

Once the dust cleared, the pavilion's porch had a brand-new hole from which the pole's snapped end protruded. Derpy landed next to this and stuck her head inside. "You okay, Rainbow Dash? Anything I can do to help?"

As a plank fell in, Rainbow flew out. "No! Nothing! In the name of Celestia, just sit there and do nothing!"

The cross-eyed flyer plunked her rump onto the porch, whereupon a circle of cracks started to spread in the wood around her. As soon as the spot gave way, she made a desperate grab at Rainbow that only led to both pegasi plummeting into this second hole. "Oops. My bad," her voice echoed from below. Skyla did a facehoof. I wonder how Chronicle's brother is doing with his world's version of her?

RD—DH—S—RD—DH—S—RD—DH—S—RD—DH—S—RD—DH—S

Somewhat later…

A large crowd was now gathered outside the pavilion and chanting Applejack's name. A small stage had been set up here, where the Mayor of Ponyville stood at a lectern atop it.

"Everypony, can I get your attention? Attention, please!" The crowd shortly quieted down. "Yes, we are all here to send Applejack to compete in this year's Equestria Rodeo Competition in Canterlot."

On the end of this, she gestured to one side at Applejack now standing alongside her. Cheers and stomping applause came from the multitude, and the Mayor waited to continue until the noise stopped.

"And I want to thank Applejack in advance, for generously offering up her prize money to fix Town Hall."

Shouldn't Town Hall be condemned instead of having a celebration near it? Chronicle snarked to himself. Incidentally, Skyla had the same thought process.

By this time, Rainbow had climbed up onto the porch, while Derpy hung at the edge of her hole. "Yeah, Applejack!" the gray pegasus then raised her forelegs. "Woo-hoo!" Gravity wasted no time in yanking her out of sight as Rainbow rolled her eyes disgustedly.

There was more cheering and stomping from the crowd. "Speech! Speech!" Pinkie Pie, among the crowd, demanded as she jumped in place.

"Oh, shucks. I'm not much for speeches."

"All right, then, no speech!" With that, she zipped away.

"Buuuuut this here is the nicest sendoff anypony could ask for." Of course, Pinkie Pie wasn't the only one among Applejack's friends to be there. All the others were too, though Spike had to stay behind at the library to manage it. "Y'all have been cheering me on in every rodeo since I was a little little pony." She glanced toward the Mayor. "So it seems only fittin' to use my winnin's to fix up Town Hall. I promise to make Ponyville proud!"

Receiving a third round of adulation, she smiled gratefully and pulled her hat forward over her eyes.

C—TS—A—RD—R—F—PP—DH—MM—S

After the speech, Applejack (toting a pair of saddlebags) and a few others were now gathered at the train station. On the platform with her were all of her friends, her family, and the Mayor.

"I want you to show all them highfalutin' rodeo ponies what a real rodeo pony's like!" Granny said.

"You betcha, Granny Smith."

The Mayor then shoved Granny back. "And bring back all that money!"

"You betcha, Mayor." But before the competitor can make for the train, Pinkie cut her off.

"And have fun, and don't be nervous. Or if you are, use that nervous energy to do even better than you already would! And eat peanuts and popcorn and taffy." On the side, Chronicle could see one of the Academy's students Written Script talking with Golden Harvest, who was about to board as well with Derpy's daughter. "Taffy gives you lots of nervous energy." She proceeded to start chomping away at the sweet stuff, burying her face in the bag. Reactions were mixed, from annoyance to puzzlement to hungry chop-licking by Macintosh.

Twilight turned away from the undignified face-stuffing to address Applejack. "Just do your best, Applejack."

"I'll do better than my best!"

"Before you go, there's something I want to tell you," said Chronicle as he walked over.

"Sure. What is it?"

The two were shortly face to face and he spoke in a whisper. "Don't do anything rash in the event you don't get the money. Personally, I believe you getting many first place ribbons, let alone all of them, is as likely as an eclipse happening without the Princesses planning it. But let that spur you to go further, okay?"

"…Uhh, all right."

"The train to Canterlot is about to leave!" It was a light blue-gray earth pony stallion dressed in a conductor's jacket and cap, with a white shirt and red necktie. He had dark gray hair and a long mustache, spectacles on his nose, and a pocket-watch cutie mark. He stood on the platform, while the engineer is visible through the locomotive window (light brown earth pony stallion, brown eyes and hair, striped engineer's cap, and a red bandana around the neck). "All aboard who's coming aboard!"

"Guess that means me," Applejack said as she stepped to the door.

"See you in a week!" Rainbow called.

"With lots of new blue ribbons!" added Bloom as her big sister entered the train.

"And lots of money!" reminded the mayor.

"Darn tootin'!" With that, steam pours up from below the platform. As the train began to roll, Applejack began to wave and look out from one window. "See y'all in a week, with a big bag full of blue ribbons!"

The well-wishers shouted their last goodbyes while galloping as far as the platform's end, though Chronicle wasn't one of them. Once they've reached the edge, Pinkie added. "And drink sarsaparilla!" There came funny looks from the others. "What? It gives you extra sass."

Twilight turned away with a slightly exasperated sigh.

She won't win that many blue ribbons, if any, Chronicle thought. Ribbons, yes, but not blue. She's a jack-of-all-trades in all things rodeo, but she won't win against those specialists. I should know. I've watched them, and I've watched her practice. Come to think of it, in hindisght, I think I actually saw Applejack in the competition once before. Obviously didn't know her by name back then.

C—TS—GH—BB—A—BM—AB—GS—RD—R—F—PP—MM—WS

One week later…

Inside the Sweet Apple Acres barn, Fluttershy and Rainbow were stringing up last week's Applejack banner. Streamers and balloons are present and accounted for as well. And in the guest list, aside from Applejack's friends and immediate family are a couple other relatives who happened to be around, and Bon Bon, who had recently started a business deal with the Apple family, something about apple-flavored candies. All of them were helping set up the area.

"Oh, I hope Applejack is surprised by this surprise party," Fluttershy said.

Rainbow, who was now reeling a streamer from a box as Bloom nipped away one of her own, replied with a little irritation as she flew up to her, "Well, that is the point."

"I know." She caught the free end thrown to her. "But I hope she isn't so surprised she's startled." The two tacked up the ends. "Because while being surprised can be nice—" She dropped to the ground and walked off. "—being startled can be very startling."

Naturally, Pinkie chose this very moment to jump into the timid pegasus's face with a shower of confetti. "SURPRISE!"

Fluttershy fell backward with a gasp. "Oh, Pinkie, you startled me."

The earth pony helped her up before hopping away. "Sorry. I was just practicing my "surprise" for when we surprise Applejack with this super-cool party for becoming Rodeo Champeen of Equestria!" And then her head drops into Fluttershy's face from the ceiling. "SURPRISE!" And the pegasus fell backward again.

"I just at least hope Applejack does return," Chronicle stated. His pet armadillo Rock was with him, tying a balloon on a nail while standing on his master's head. Incidentally, Mystic Shield had scheduled another field trip, taking his class to Baltimare to visit his mentor Aegis's family. "Not that anything wrong has happened to her."

"Quiet, Pinkie!" Twilight whispered, peeking out the doors. "I think Applejack's coming!"

Bloom meanwhile had taken up a position in an empty feed trough. Pinkie dove in next to her. "Don't worry, Twilight. Got my lips all limbered up." This consisted of a series of goofy facial contortions in which she worked her teeth, her jaw, and her lips. Bloom just stared at her, thoroughly confounded.

Above, Fluttershy and Rainbow jumped up to hide in a full hayloft and peeked out over the scene, Chronicle teleporting up to join them, and Rock deciding to roll and jump into the trough. Everypony took whatever cover they can find as the lights went out.

The unicorn stallion decided to check on Surveillance to see if Applejack was indeed coming, but all he could see was static. Darn it. She better be okay.

After a few seconds that felt like a week, a rectangle of light was cast over the floor from the doors creaking open and a hatted shadow advanced into view. The lights immediately went on and all but Pinkie popped up. "SURPRISE!"

The noisemaker in Macintosh's mouth prevented him from shouting with them, so he gave it a hearty blow instead. Pinkie leaped up well after the room had gone dead silent. "Surprise!" A short pause ensued. "Shoot!"

The arrival… was not Applejack, but a telegram delivery stallion. Khaki coat, curly brown hair, medium blue eyes, blue uniform jacket and cap with silver badges, light blue shirt, dark gray necktie, and his cutie mark consisted of a white postage stamp displaying a heart. He had a folded note tucked into his cap's band.

"Wow! This is the best surprise ever! How did you know it was my birthday?" he said.

Talk about a coincidence! thought Chronicle as everypony else's faces fell and the delivery stallion produced a telegram in his hoof. Where is Applejack, anyway?

Twilight grumpily looked out, levitated it from his grip, and yanked both it and herself back inside. As the door slammed shut in his face, Chronicle teleported down to the floor and smacked his charge in the face with his paddle.

"Very insensitive of you," he said as Pinkie cut a slice of cake, put it on a plate, and opened the door again, showing the delivery stallion pawing the ground listlessly. With a smile, the party pony dropped the plate and shut him outside again, the stallion's puzzlement giving way to a smile.

Inside, the rest of the crew gathered around Twilight, including Rock as he climbed on top of her head, who was studying the message intently. "Who's it from, Twilight? What's it say?" Bloom asked.

"It's from Applejack. "Family and friends. Not coming back to Ponyville."" There was shock all around the barn. ""Don't worry, will send money soon."" Twilight turned the telegram around in midair to expose its printed side. "That's all there is."

All the Apples gasped, Rarity standing among them and staring with great concern.

"It's as I feared," Chronicle whispered to himself. "She's done something rash."

"Applejack's… not comin' back?" asked Bloom.

"What do you mean, Applejack's not coming back?" Rainbow was filled with disbelief. "She loves Ponyville."

"And she loves Sweet Apple Acres," added Granny.

"And she loves her family!" Bloom was on the verge of tears, aiming her saddest big-eyed pout.

Rarity let out a melodramatic gasp. "Something just dreadful must have happened to Applejack to make her not return!"

"Maybe she's hurt, or sad or scared!" Fluttershy suggested.

"So what are we waiting for? Let's go find her!" Rainbow declared.

The blue wings shifted straight from idle to "fourth gear" and propel her toward the door.

"Don't worry," Twilight assured as she and her friends made to exit the barn, Rock jumping to his master's head. "We'll search all of Equestria if we have to. We'll bring her back."

"Y'all are the best," cheered Bloom.

"Thank you, girls," said Granny. The M.I.A. workhorse's six friends were now gathered at the open barn doors, and Twilight snapped a salute before they galloped/flew out across the fields. Macintosh fought to keep his composure as Granny stepped up alongside him. The family's collective mood had just nose-dived again. "Our little bushel just lost one Apple."

The big brother just wiped and sniffled at the tears that have now gotten the better of him.

C—TS—BB—BM—AB—GS—RD—R—F—PP

Eyecatch (video-type) - The six friends running to the left across a field and making for the train station. The show's logo is seen on the upper left.

C—TS—BB—BM—AB—GS—RD—R—F—PP

It was a long ride to Canterlot, and the tension of a missing friend was piling up. Surveillance still wasn't working on Applejack either, so no pinpointing her location from there. Even if it was, if she was in some unfamiliar territory, it wouldn't help much.

The moment the train pulled in, everypony immediately got off, and Rock was now clinging on Chronicle's back. The group shortly reached a stadium, its open gate hung with horseshoe-decorated banners and flying assorted flags, some of which depicted rearing ponies, and the seats within can be seen to be empty. This could only be the venue at which the Equestria Rodeo Competition took place. Everypony stopped for a moment, then scattered at a nod from Twilight, Rock getting off his master and splitting up from him.

Inside, Rarity carried a monochrome photo of Applejack in her teeth and trotted up to a cowboy-hatted stallion talking to a mare in the stands. Both shook their heads at the picture—"nope, haven't seen her"—after which a rodeo-clown stallion in garish face makeup and clothes rolled by on a beach ball. Right behind him was Pinkie, on a ball of her own and with a copy of the photo in teeth. Once she had pulled even, she leaned over to give him a good look; no good here either. The dejected pink pony stopped dead, her ball deflating to slowly lower her back to the ground.

Up in the stands, two mares taking a break from cleanup duty—Carrot Top and Cherry Berry (they both got part-time jobs fo extra money)—got a look at the photo when it was floated over to them by Twilight. They traded a puzzled look, then gave her a shrug that pegged this try as a bust.

Elsewhere, Caramel was pushing a barrel along with his head. Something stopped him in his tracks, revealed to be Rainbow. He aimed a vexed glare at both her and the photo of Applejack in her teeth, then shook his head.

Next, Fluttershy flew up to the stadium roof, with Rock on her head. , where another rodeo-clown stallion was napping with his hat tilted over his face. She has a fifth copy of Applejack's photo in her teeth, but he waved her off without even lifting his hat to get a clear look. The armadillo jumped off, nudged the napper, and then pulled off his hat. The stallion then decided to take a look at the picture, frowned, shook his head, then returned to napping and replacing his hat.

As the cleanup crew got everything squared away, Twilight and company made one last, fruitless effort to pick up any hints on their friend's whereabouts. As for Chronicle, he did his looking around as well outside the stadium, and encountered one old friend of his.

"Hey, we meet again."

"I predicted I'd run into you."

C—TS—GH—RD—R—F—PP—CB—C

The area was soon clean and empty, with Chronicle's friends feeling very glum and off to one side. Rainbow lay flat in the stands, Pinkie slumped over the rail, Fluttershy sat at it, Twilight was slumped face first at a table on the stadium floor, and Rarity stood nearby. Twilight's copy of the photo lay in front of her, Rock resting next to it. Just then, a passing mare took surprised notice of it and smiled in recognition. All five were up and beaming at her in an instant as she pointed off in a new direction; a stretch of parched desert land and rock formations, over which a hawk's lonely cry rings out. Everypony save the informant was genuinely thrown off balance by this new tip. Rock remained asleep.

At this moment, Chronicle came over with his friend. "Girls! I figured out where Applejack is!" He then noticed his friends' expressions as the mare who likely gave them a direction left. "I'm guessing you found a lead, huh?" He was answered by them heading off without a word. He turned to his friend. "Let's go."

C—TS—RD—R—F—PP—MP—C—TS—RD—R—F—PP—MP

Later…

The gang were at the train again, this time headed for wherever their new lead was taking them. There were a few quick introductions to Chronicle's friend Moonbow Peek, whom Rarity had also met before.

"There's no way you can be an actual fortuneteller," argued Twilight. She had put what Chronicle revealed about Moonbow's prophecies behind her back at the day of Spike's birthday (speaking of, he was in charge of the library while Twilight's gone) and dismissed them.

"Despite telling some fortunes I read that came true, you still don't believe, even after you know somepony who does just that?" Moonbow, sitting opposite of Twilight, indicated Pinkie, who was groaning and squirming in her seat. "She pretty much matches the description."

"Pinkie cannot be explained for anything she does, period. She doesn't count."

Moonbow faced Chronicle who at present was seated next to him, who in turn was seated opposite Fluttershy. At the other side of the car were Rarity and Rainbow. "Seriously?"

"Her actions defy logic," he explained. "We've since given up on understanding her. Not just predicting things, but reaching far-off places in an instant, leaving holes shaped like her down to the hair, even carry a room's worth of party material with her." Despite what his cousin Ginger Cloud once said, Chronicle wasn't completely certain that non-unicorns indeed had some form of hammerspace, so he didn't spell that out.

"Really?" The fortuneteller raised an eyebrow.

"I swear it."

"…Fine." Moonbow faced Twilight again. "Well, even if you're unwilling to believe, since you're Chronicle's friends, I'll give you each a snippet of your future, free of charge. Except for Miss Rarity, I already read hers."

"That's nice of you, Moonbow Peek," said Fluttershy.

"I saw you girls in the stained glass, but this is the first time I've met you all face-to-face. Well, except Applejack, though we are headed to her supposed location. I'd be honored to read your fortunes."

"I still say it's a bunch of hooey." Twilight was strangely skeptical.

"Only because I'm not Pinkie Pie? Anyway, I'd like to start with Rainbow Dash. I have to warn you, even I might not understand what I see."

The blue pegasus turned her head upon hearing her name. "All right. Let's get this over with."

Moonbow walked over to the seat opposite the pegasus and Rarity, produced her crystal ball from the folds of her ever-present cloak, and held it in both of her hooves. "Rainbow Dash, I have this to say to you. During one of your demonstrations, an accident will befall you and send you to the hospital for a day. But as you wait to recover, you'll find something else you didn't realize you like." After that, she got off the seat and returned to hers beside Chronicle, rolling her crystal ball along, not noticing Rock rolling along and then substituting himself for the ball.

"That's it?" Rainbow asked in confusion.

Moonbow glanced back. "Not every fortune telling is the length of an essay." She then turned to face Fluttershy as she sat back down and lifted…Rock, and turned him around to face her. "Where's my crystal ball? And who owns this armadillo?"

"I do," Chronicle confessed as he 'took' his pet and placed him between his legs.

"I believe I have it here," Rarity inquired, levitating Moonbow's crystal ball over to its owner.

"Thank you. Anyway…" She turned to look at Fluttershy and held up her crystal ball. "Now it's your turn." The yellow pegasus turned to face her coltfriend, who gave a look of assurance. The fortuneteller looked at Chronicle, her face showing fear of scaring or angering someone, and he 'replied' with a nod of 'go ahead'. "Fluttershy, you will find a way to improve your life. But it will go too far, and turn you into a terror before you finally find a balance in your lesson."

There were gulps from everypony. The very concept of Fluttershy having fear related to what she does instead of what she feels is a foreign one.

Moonbow noticed and added, "I'm sorry about my readings, but I guess that's my specialty; they can be dark, but there's always light at the end of the tunnel. That's one problem with fortune tellers; there are two kinds—true seers and charlatans—and it's hard to tell who's who, with the latter soiling the reputation of the former. Another is that ponies usually want to hear what they want to hear. Charlatans would outright lie, while true seers would be accused for lying when they say dark fortunes. "I do my best to find some middle ground, but even then it's hard."

"I'll be there for her," Chronicle declared.

"I don't doubt that." The fortuneteller then faced Twilight. "Now it's your turn, Twilight Sparkle."

As Moonbow held up her crystal ball, the purple unicorn took the time to analyze the object magically. On the 'surface', it certainly had magical properties in it, so that puts a little doubt in Moonbow being a mere charlatan. And then when she took a closer look, she could see that it emitted blurry (to her, at least) images of what was to come. In the process, she accidentally activated the 'magic sight' spell, learned from Trixie Lulamoon from the world Blue Diary was 'stationed', and saw something strange about Moonbow. If she was reading the spell right, Moonbow was—

"Huh. Strange." The fortuneteller frowned.

That broke Twilight out of her analysis. "What is?"

"Unfortunately, because "time is meddled with" in what I see, I'm in no position to tell you your future this time. Sorry. What I can tell you however is that in your attempts of deviation, you will still believe it's for naught."

"Time is meddled with? Do you mean time travel?"

"I can neither confirm nor deny that. We seers are required to be very, very vague when it comes to events where time is meddled with, as time paradoxes are very dangerous, and can be made by seers with just a stray phrase. Looking into the future is already a risk on its own, since it can e changed just by saying it, and those paradoxes can make it moreso."

Moonbow then left her seat and made her way to the other earth pony in the car, not that they knew that yet as far as she knew; Chronicle had no reason to give her secret away.

"Pinkie Pie. You'll bear witness to a heinous crime. While the case will get solved, it will turn out your friends betrayed your mentors' work."

The party pony, amidst her shaking, listened intently, and once Moonbow was done, she said, "I'll keep that in mind."

"I believe that's all." With that, the fortuneteller returned to her seat. "If you ever manage to defy destiny, that's only because we fortunetellers read it wrong. At least that's what I believe." (2) She then looked out the window. "By Celestia, this is a long ride."

Currently, Rainbow was gazing gloomily out from a window as well. "I hope this lead doesn't turn out to be a dead end," she said. "I don't want to go home empty-hooved after promising we'd find her."

"I don't know how we'll break it to the Apple family," worried Fluttershy.

"I don't know how we'll break it to Ponyville," stated Twilight.

Pinkie now had one rear leg tightly crossed over the other. "I don't know how I'll make it to the next stop!" she stated through gritted teeth.

Before anypony can fully wrap their mind around the problem of Pinkie's overloaded bladder, the train's whistle sounded off to mark their arrival at a station.

Twilight smiled. "This is Dodge Junction, girls." As they reached the station, everypony could see that the station wasn't too different from Appleloosa's. An outhouse stood at one end of the platform. "Applejack is supposed to have come here after the Rodeo ended." As soon as the car's steps were lowered, the group disembarked. "Let's fan out and try to find her."

In Pinkie's case, "let's make a beeline for the toilet" would be a better description as a moaning pink blur flashed past the others.

"Pickles!" She began to knock frantically at the outhouse door. "Hurry, hurry, hurry, hurry, hurry!" She knocked again as she heard a flush. "Hurry it up in there!"

The door was flung open, knocking her silly for a moment, and Applejack emerged.

"Some ponies. Sheesh," she said as her pink friend paid no mind whatsoever, ducking inside and slamming the door… And then throwing it open again with a huge smile.

"Applejack!" She proceeded to alert the others as she hopped around, having apparently relieved herself so quickly. "I found her, I found her, I found her, I found her, I found her!"

The others hurried around the corner after her and stopped at her enthusiastic pointing. Sure enough, on the other side of the tracks was Applejack, walking across the main street in the Wild West-style settlement of Dodge Junction. Their lost friend certainly looked surprised, moreso as Chronicle quickly flash-stepped towards her, as if worried she might scramble at any moment, which would be a futile effort since Rainbow was there.

"Oh, Applejack, thank heavens!" Rarity said as she and Twilight trotted towards her. Rock rolling with them before stopping at the farmpony's feet.

The farmpony turned away from them only to find both pegasi—and their new acquaintance— on her other side.

"We're so glad you're safe!" Fluttershy added.

"I found her, I found her, I found her, I found her!" Pinkie continued as she bounced before suddenly stopping in mid-air. There, she clamped one hind leg over the other as she did on the train, having suddenly remembered her urgent need to tap a kidney. "Be right back." She then zipped away and slammed the outhouse door. Seems that she hadn't relieved herself, after all.

As the rest of the group walked past the now-occupied outhouse, it was becoming aparent that Applejack's wasn't enthusiastic at being tracked down.

"Uh…hey, everypony. What's up?" she asked.

"'What's up?' 'What's up?'!" Chronicle parroted, his indignation showing. "You don't come back after a week as promised and all you can say to us is 'What's up?'!"

"Why didn't you come back to Ponyville?" Rainbow added.

"Yes," agreed Rarity. "Why are you here?" There was the sound of a toilet flush.

"Are you okay?" queried Fluttershy.

Pinkie poked her head out, having finished her business. "Do you have any snacks?"

"Tell us what happened, Applejack!" Twilight pleaded with urgency.

The blonde's reluctant silence was shortly broken by a cheerful older mare's voice with a Western twang. "Applejack?"

At a nearby building standing at the door was a cream-colored earth pony whose two-tone deep red hair was carefully curled and piled high about her head and rump. The mane was held by a yellow band decorated with cherries, her cutie mark showed two of this fruit, and a pink scarf was knotted around her neck. Her eyes were light green with pink eyeshadow, and a small beauty mark can be seen at the outer corner of one.

"Are these some of your Ponyville friends?" she asked as Twilight and Rarity walked over to her.

"Yes, ma'am," replied the bookworm.

"Not me, though," pointed out Moonbow.

"And you are?" asked the fashionista.

"Why, I'm Cherry Jubilee, boss of Cherry-O Ranch," the newcomer introduced herself as she stepped down the street. "Hasn't Applejack told you?" The passed the two unicorn mares and stopped by Applejack. "I saw her compete at the Equestria Rodeo. Never saw anypony win so many ribbons in all my life."

"Aw, shucks, Miss Jubilee. You don't have to go into all that," said the Ponyvillian farmer.

Miss Jubilee (he's not calling her Cherry; that's reserved for Cherry Berry back at Ponyville) lifted Applejack's chin. "Aw, she's so modest. Anyway, I can always use a pony with quick hooves and a strong back." As she spoke, the rest of the group, including Moonbow gathered around her.

Chronicle also raised en eyebrow, thinking, Wow, she sounds and looks like a brothel boss. Sure hope she isn't.

"So when I heard Applejack was looking for a change of scenery, I snapped her up quick as I could and brought her to Dodge Junction," continued Jubilee. On the end of this, Applejack's friends traded a round of worried/suspicious glances as Jubilee then walked away, not noticing the blonde's face was running with nervous sweat. "Well, I'll let you catch up with your friends. See you back at the ranch!"

Once she was gone, Rainbow immediately zipped in to hover in Applejack's face. "Change of scenery? What's that supposed to mean?"

"It's no big deal, guys," she replied testily as she walked past. "I thought cherries would be a nice change from apples, so I took the job and came here. That's it. End of story."

"That's it? Well, that's a terrible story!" Pinkie commented.

"Sorry, but that's all there is to tell. Thanks for checkin' on me, but y'all can go home now." She began to walked off. "Tell my family hi and that I'm doin' A-OK."

Rainbow flew over, looking really sore. "Excuse me, AJ—" She then landed and starts to back Applejack up. "—but we didn't travel all over Equestria searching for you to come home without you!"

"And seriously, they were worried sick!" added Chronicle as he teleported next to the pegasus. "They thought something terrible must've happened to you! For all they knew, you could've been ponynapped or otherwise coerced to go elsewhere against your will!" He then brought his face to hers and whispered, "And my Harmony Link can't notify me of that."

Applejack responded by walking past them again. "Well, I didn't ask you to come lookin' for me! There is nothin' to tell, and I am not goin' back to Ponyville!" And with that, she galloped off.

"Is that how Applejack is normally?" Moonbow asked. "I didn't think of her as the uncaring type. She didn't even acknowledge me."

"I'm afraid not, dear," Rarity disagreed.

Clever, Chronicle thought. She knows she can't lie to save her life, so she just keeps mum.

"I don't care what she says," said Twilight. "Applejack's not telling us something.

"Twilight's right," agreed Rainbow. "We gotta get her to spill the beans."

"What?! She had beans?!" Pinkie gasped before sighing angrily. "I told her I was snacky!"

The 'newcomer' of the group adopted a look of confusion. Just how does Chronicle take her antics in stride? "So what's your plan?" she addressed Twilight.

"Hmm…"

C—TS—A—RD—R—F—PP—MP—CJ—C—TS—A—RD—R—F—PP—MP—CJ

Later…

Applejack and Cherry Jubilee were inside a large room decorated with cherries on the walls that contained the following: a conveyor belt with one end butted up against a hatch in the far wall, two large bins alongside this, one marked with red cherries and the other yellow, and a pony-sized version of a hamster exercise wheel, which the two mares crossed to. Applejack was wearing an apron, a pair of saddlebags on her back, and a white hairnet over her mane in place of her hat.

"You ready to put your back into it, Applejack?" asked the Cherry-o-Ranch boss.

"Sure am, Miss Jubilee," replied the Ponyvillian as she jumped into the wheel.

"Terrific! Come on in, girls! And boy!"

And in came Twilight and the others, Moonbow included, all suited up as well. The fortuneteller still had her cloak, refusing to take it off even if it was against the dress code; she was quite adamant she keep it on her. Pets weren't allowed, so Rock was moved somewhere else in the main ranch building to wait. Of course he was properly fed in the meantime.

Applejack's surprise soon gave way to annoyance. "What are you all doin' here?"

"What else does it look like?" snarked Chronicle.

"We're your cherry sorters," his charge gave the straight answer as they all lined up parallel to the conveyor, on the opposite side from the two bins. "Shall we get started?"

"Fine."

Miss Jubilee chuckled as she indicated the bins as she stood at the free end of the conveyer. "Red cherries go in one bin, and yellow cherries go in the other. Simple as cherry pie. Uh, just one teensy thing to remember…have fun!" With that, she trotted out of the room.

"What are you five up to?" Applejack then interrogated once the boss was gone.

"Well, uh…you made working on a cherry orchard sound so delightful," Rarity replied.

The farmpony was obviously not buying it. "Uh-huh." She then pointed at the green-coated mare. "And what about her?"

"I assure you I am not affiliated with these mares," Moonbow stated. That was partially correct; she's only connected to them via Chronicle.

"Whatever. Well, just remember—no talkin' about Ponyville!"

"Fine!" Rainbow angrily conceded as she thumped the conveyor. "Why don't you quit talking and get walking?"

Needled by this jab, Applejack turned her head bitterly forward and began to walk inside the wheel. As it turned and gained speed, the pulleys attached to both it and the conveyor started rotating and the belt itself came to life. From the hatch came a steady stream of cherries, which the seven new workers pushed off into the appropriate bins as they passed. As per the ranch's regulations, magic was not permitted.

Moonbow was closest to the hatch, and was pushing the red cherries early, and Chronicle's friends were mildly amazed at how she's able to take into account the belt's velocity and the force and angle of her push to create the perfect trajectory. She also seemed to also take into account the other workers by pushing yellow cherries to those closest to them and only when they're not preoccupied with pushing one.

This work went on for perhaps ten wordless seconds before Rainbow sneaked a peek in the stoic ranch hoof's direction. Next, she glanced the other way and gave a furtive nod to Twilight, who smiled sneakily and tipped her a wink.

"So, AJ, how was Canterlot?" Twilight asked, trying to sound casual. Applejack's eyes popped as she glared back toward the unicorn. "Not talking about Ponyville, talking about Canterlot. Totally different town."

"Canterlot was fine."

"Was the Rodeo fun?"

"Yes." Applejack's eyes bugged out a bit again as she saw that Twilight has left her post and was now standing by the wheel.

"Did you meet some nice ponies there?"

"Some."

Rainbow shortly flew over. "Really? Did you see Wild Bull Hickok? Oh! What about Calamity Mane?"

"Yes, I saw 'em both."

The blue pegasus grinned and nodded, hoping for an inside scoop, but got only a dirty look in return. She threw it right back at Applejack as Rarity stepped over to the three.

"And how did you meet Miss Jubilee?" she inquired.

"Um…well…Miss Jubilee had a cherry stand at the Rodeo." Applejack began to speed up to a trot. "Real good treats."

The conveyor accelerated as well, bringing the cherries out at a considerably faster pace. Fluttershy, Moonbow, Pinkie, and Chronicle, the only four sorters still on duty, had to work to keep up. Moonbow seemed to be taking most of the burden, looking a little intense. It was getting a little harder, and the stallion decided a little violation wouldn't hurt in the name of production and conjured little panels to redirect the cherries.

"Um, excuse me?" the timid pegasus tried to bring Applejack's attention, but the stubborn pony paid no mind.

"Cherry winks, cherry cheesecake, cherry tarts. We struck up a conversation, being orchard folk and all."

"So you told her about Sweet Apple Acres?" asked Twilight.

"Yes."

"Did you tell her why you weren't going back?" Rainbow.

"No, 'cause it was none of her business!"

She sped up again, leaving the four workers still on duty to scramble even faster at the belt. As he was positioned at the far end, Chronicle decided to levitate the cherries the others missed back to the start. He couldn't sort them out himself, not having that fine-tuning in telekinesis that Rarity had.

"Oh…can you please slow down?" Fluttershy pleaded on deaf ears.

"Rrr…" Moonbow growled; even though her talent for foresight could tell her what to do to keep this under control, her body was struggling to keep up with her mind and the cherries' speed.

"Is it because I made it rain on you that one time?" Rainbow continued to ask Applejack, who was now galloping.

"No!"

And now the cherries were coming so fast that Fluttershy gave up using her hooves and put them to the sides of her head. "Help!"

Pinkie frantically gathered up as many as she can hold in her forelegs and dumped them into an indentation in Fluttershy's hairnet. The latter aimed a pair of extremely worried blue-green eyes up at the impromptu fruit basket. Getting desperate, Chronicle attempted to filter the cherries by trying (and succeeding in) that "selective property phasing" Mystic Shield was proficient in, attempting to block the red cherries while letting the yellow ones through for himself to sort by hoof; not even Mystic can make two different barriers with two different "settings".

As Applejack kept racing along, Pinkie made another desperate grab at the unsorted fruit. Within moments, she had filled her saddlebags and set a pile on her own head, but these moves bought her precious little time. As for Moonbow, she looked like she was about to burst in anger.

"Is it because you were insulted when I gave you that book on organized orchards?" Twilight asked the pony at the wheel.

"No!" The gallop sped up, with the result of bringing fresh cherries out by the bushel. They were now piled high in the bins and on the floor, and Pinkie raced to the end of the belt and put her limbered-up lips to work catching them. In a lot less than ten seconds flat, her mouth was stuffed so full that she faced a real danger of asphyxiation. Chronicle has since decided it was a lost cause, but Moonbow was still attempting to salvage the situation.

"Is it because I threatened to smack you with the pan if you overworked again?!" Chronicle joined in. "Because I'm sorely tempted to do so right here right now!" He actually figured out the real reason, but he thought that might lead to a very heated argument right now.

"NO!"

"Is it because you were insulted when I insulted your hair?" added Rarity.

"No, no, no! I'm not tellin' you why, so just—"

"STOP!" Fluttershy cut her off, and the workhorse did, dropping her haunches to act as the brake. A squeal of wood on hide, a few sparks and some smoke, and inertia did that voodoo that it does so well. The cherries' forward momentum carried them straight off the belt and across the room—with Applejack finding herself directly in the line of fire (which was strange since the wheel wasn't positioned opposite of the conveyer belt to begin with), smashing against her and the wheel, and leaving both of them splattered with the ruined fruit.

At around the same time Fluttershy shouted, Moonbow had reached her limit, grabbed her hairnet, and pulled it off by her two hooves, standing upright temporarily in the process, while letting out a scream of rage, tossing the net across the conveyer belt.

A loud gasp from the other mare, save Pinkie, whose mouth was still way too full for her own good. Chronicle was taking deep breaths, too tired and frustrated to lash out thanks to the sped-up cherry sorting. Applejack got her eyes open, glared at them, and walked out.

"Why? Why can't I keep it under control?" Moonbow was taking deep breaths as well as she spoke those words between sobs. "I saw it coming. Why couldn't I stop it? It was within my grasp. I should've been able to. Why was I fated to fail?"

"Um, Moonbow?" Chronicle called.

That's when she noticed that not only was her hairnet gone, her cloak was now revealing one side, exposing not only her cutie mark (which was a crystal ball on a stand with three diagonal stripes colored orange, green, and purple on the ball), but her distinct wing-less side. In short, her secret was exposed.

Before she could begin to cover her head, the other mares in the room were now looking at her. She just stared back at them for a couple of seconds before saying, "Uh oh." (3)

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As the group ditched their work clothes, Moonbow having put on her cloak again and hiding her head with its hood. Everypony had mops and were cleaning up the mess Applejack inadvertently made. Pinkie (who has since disposed of her mouthful) and Rarity were scrubbing the conveyor with cloths, Fluttershy and Moonbow were at the wheel, Rainbow was working up high, and Twilight and her bodyguard were doing the floor.

"Why were you hiding who you are, Moonbow Peek?" Rarity asked.

The revealed earth pony gave a long sigh before answering, "I hide the fact that I'm an earth pony because fortunetellers aren't normally of that race. In fact, I found out that I'm the only true seer who is an earth pony, at least in Canterlot. I feared I wouldn't be credible if others knew, so I concealed my body with a cloak to keep them guessing. Chronicle found out about me after rescuing me from Discord cultists a few years ago, and I made him swear to secrecy. Please promise me you'll do so as well."

Twilight and her friends talked about it for a moment, then all unanimously agreed, and Pinkie made them Pinkie Promise.

"Thank you. As for my outburst, seeing the future isn't always a good thing, and I can sense what's gonna happen in the next few seconds of the present when I concentrate. The reason it's not good is because when I see what's ahead, if I have the power to prevent a disaster, I always try to do so. As your argument with Applejack went on, I foresaw what was going to happen, predict the disaster that would come if it continued (not that it takes a seer to do that), and I tried everything I could to prevent it from coming to pass.

"Failing that just makes me feel so helpless, and I hate feeling helpless. There has to be a reason why I have this talent, and that's why when I'm not reading fortunes, I do everything I can to make a difference with what I foresee. I'll have to remember to train my body so it can keep up with my mind. Speed and agility is what I need."

"Perhaps I can help," offered Rarity. "Thanks to my new connections in Canterlot, I know a lot of ponies. That includes the owner of one prestigious gym there. I'm sure she can help you."

Moonbow was surprised at this offer. "You'd really do that for me? I mean, as far as this circle of friends goes, I'm only connected to you by Chronicle."

"You can trust her, Moonbow," said stallion stated as he used his "rain-drinking" spell to extract the fluids, but did not send them to his mouth. Instead, they went into a large bucket. "Generosity is her thing. Just don't abuse it."

"I won't. I get a stipend from my parents, anyway." This elicited mild surprise from the others as she addressed the offer-er. "Thank you, Rarity."

"My pleasure," the white unicorn replied.

After that, a pained ten seconds of silence ensued before Twilight tackled the other issue as she cleaned up another patch of cherry mush.

"Well, girls…" she began dejectedly. "…we seem to be striking out."

"That's 'cause we're playing too nice!" responded Rainbow.

"Yes," Rarity agreed. "Desperate times do call for desperate measures." The blue pegasus descended next to her.

"It's time to call in the big guns!"

"The big guns?" parroted Moonbow. The two just nudged their heads at Pinkie, who happily used her tongue instead of a rag to pick up a bit of cherry slop, looking unaware and blissful. Moonbow followed their gaze, but she still wasn't following.

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Eyecatch (picture-type) - Two-way split-screen. On the right is the stubborn Applejack. On the left is another split-screen, the top showing Derpy speaking as she bounces on a cloud, and the bottom shows a forlorn Moonbow Peek with her hood off. The show's logo is seen on the lower left.

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Everypony was now in position around the the Cherry-O Ranch's orchards, hiding out of Applejack's sight, who was now bucking the trees to fill a pair of baskets sitting nearby. Obviously, she was out of her sorting-room gear and had put her hat back on. After a few hits, she brought down enough fruit to fill the baskets, and that was the cue for Pinkie to zip over.

"Hey, Applejack. Need some help?" she offered.

Naturally, the farmpony was suspicious. "You promise not to ask me any questions?"

"I promise."

The orange-tan earth pony turned away, the pink one followed, and both turned their efforts to harvesting. Applejack bucked as before, while Pinkie shook a tree to fill her own basket. After a few tense seconds, Pinkie spoke up, cheerful as always.

"Have you ever had a cherry-changa?" A pause followed. "Ooh! Sorry. That was a question."

"That kind of question is fine, Pinkie. No, I-I never had a cherry-changa." Pinkie promptly got in her face.

"Well, no wonder, because I made it up myself." As she spoke, she was slowly backing Applejack up. Just as planned. "A cherry-changa is mashed-up cherries in a tortilla that's deep-fried. Cherry-changa! Great name, huh?" Applejack reached another tree and tried to block out the chatter… "Oh, but maybe I should call it a chimi-cherry. Ooh, that's good too." But Pinkie popped up behind her, forcing her to walk off. "Which do you think sounds better? Cherry-changa or chimi-cherry? Or what if I combine them? Chimi-cherry-changa!" After a gasp, she followed Applejack. "What sounds the funniest?"

The fed-up cherry picker just snagged a full basket in her teeth and headed off as Pinkie hopped after her.

"I like funny words. One of my favorite funny words is kumquat. I didn't make that one up. I would work in a kumquat orchard just so I could say "kumquat" all day! Kumquat, kumquat, kumquat!" A short pause. And pickle barrel!" Pinkie soon caught up again. "Isn't that just the funnest thing to say? Pickle barrel, pickle barrel, pickle barrel!" After dropping from sight, she thrust a hoof toward the strained orange-tan face, having somehow appeared in front. "Say it with me! "Pickle barrel, kumquat, pickle barrel, kumquat, pickle barrel, kumquat, chimi-cherry-changa—"

As Pinkie rambled on, Applejack's eyes began to constrict and dart around as she promptly blew her cool. She had since dropped her basket, and the stream of funny words continued under the following. "NOOOOOO!" She began to huddle down. "Make it stop! Make it stop!"

Rainbow darted in and clapped a hoof over Pinkie's mouth, but this only muffled the babbling instead of shutting her up. The pegasus had stuffed corks into her own ears for self-protection, though nopony else had done the same. "The only way to make it stop is for you to spill the beans!"

"Never!" Rainbow promptly uncovered Pinkie's mouth.

"Speaking of beans, did you ever realize how many words rhyme with beans?" Applejack started to back up toward a nearby tree and Rainbow held Pinkie out toward her. "Lean, mean, spleen, unclean, keen, tureen…" And the continued to rhyme as Applejack confessed.

"All right! All right! I'll tell everypony what's goin' on!" At that, everypony else came out of their hiding spots and closed in. "Just please stop talkin'!" Only now did the motor-mouthed pony can it. Applejack squatted on her haunches by the tree. "But can it wait 'til tomorrow at breakfast? I'm plumb tuckered out."

Rainbow had since removed the corks from her ears. "Tomorrow, huh? I don't know."

"Do you Pinkie Promise?" the blabbermouth asked. This demand was accompanied by the Pinkie Swear pantomime—"cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye".

Applejack mulled it over, then sighed heavily. "I will tell you the whole truth at breakfast." She mimed Pinkie's routine. "Pinkie Promise."

The hoof to her own eye put the others at ease, but Moonbow wasn't as assured, and neither was Chronicle, the former because she doesn't know the significance of the Pinkie Promise, and the latter because he knows of a way one can not meet with them without breaking the promise. And he strongly suspected that Applejack would resort to that.

"One thing, Twilight," he then said, "When we get home, Spike's likely going to be worried, since we've been gone for almost two days without much explanation. Console him, comfort him, explain to him. All right?"

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Sunrise, the next morning…

Amidst the rooster's crowing (which isn't always at the sunrise; they just wake up too darn early), Twilight led her six fellow travelers down the hall leading to Applejack's quarters. Rock was returned and on his master's back.

"Question: Why didn't you reason with Applejack much earlier?" Moonbow asked Twilight.

"Well, the last time I tried to reason with her when she was dead set on something, it took realizing that working herself nearly to death only got half the apple orchard harvested for her to finally admit she needed help. Reasoning with her then would've been a waste of time because extremely stubborn when she's set on something."

"I see."

"In any case, I'm glad we're finally gonna get some answers from Applejack," she said.

Rainbow, still unconvinced, brought up the rear. "Yeah…maybe."

"Don't worry, Rainbow," assured Pinkie. "She's gotta fess up after making a Pinkie Promise."

"Actually, I know of one way she can worm her way out of that without breaking it," Moonbow suggested.

"What would that be? Hold on." They stopped at a closed door and Twilight knocked before opening. Pinkie was the first to put her head in past the frame. "Good morning, Applejack! You ready for break—" Her face goes slack with surprise, as have the others behind her save Moonbow, who did a facehoof.

They were looking into a bedroom with a neatly made bed, nightstand, closet, drawn windowshade, pictures on walls—and no Applejack in sight. "Applejack is in deep ████," Chronicle said, breaking the silence.

"She welshed on it," agreed Moonbow.

As for Pinkie, who had voiced a huge gasp as her pupils shrank to points, shock gave way to lip-chewing, eyebrow-lowering rancor, then a paroxysm that sent sweat pouring down her reddening face and bulging cheeks. Her mental steam whistle worked its way toward supersonic frequencies for several unbearable seconds. Finally, she straightened up with eyes burning and steam gushing from both ears.

"Nopony breaks a Pinkie Promise!" A vivid pink blur marked her top-speed departure, leaving the others to scramble after her as best they can.

"This is why I, for all my abilities, fear breaking a Pinkie Promise!" Chronicle remarked, also summoning a magical clone to inform Cherry Jubilee of the situation. "If she's lucky, Applejack will only get away with a scolding. But if not…" He shuddered at the thought, instilling fear to the others; if he was afraid of something (that's not pertaining to his phobias), there's often a very good reason to. "If you ever really break a Pinkie Promise, with Pinkie's skills, it's impossible to run from, hide from, or stop her wrath."

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At the Dodge Junction train station, an uneasy Applejack waited on the platform along with a few other travelers. She trotted in place, saddlebags slung up, as if ready to break into a sprint at any moment—and the next voice instantly made her wish she had.

"AAAPPLLLEJAAACK!" The turned to see the approaching septet and in her mind, she saw Pinkie's eyes burn yellow. The 'weird reverberating' voice was heard by everypony else, though. "YOU PINKIE-PROMIISED!"

The fugitive had enough time for one strangled yelp before galloping off the platform.

"Applejack, come back here!"

The culprit was making her way to an idle stagecoach in dront of a building with a four-stallion team standing in front of a building.

"Giddy up, fellas!" she said as she jumped in. "I gotta get the heck outta Dodge!"

The stallions started off with a rear and neigh, just ahead of the pursuers.

"She's gonna get away!" Pinkie gasped as the girls stopped. But Chronicle didn't as he used a spell to increase his running speed, his tether spell on Rock and 'throwing' him to grab on to the back of the coach, and pulled out his river-serpent scale shield from under him via his hammerspace as he jumped. The result was that he was now 'skiing' on the dirt, thanks to the tether spell acting like a rope as it coiled around a place to grab on thanks to physics making Rock go around it to tie it up. Once the tether spell was secure, he held on for dear life.

Okay. I'm now at the coach. But how do I get up there? She'd probably buck me off, and tight-quarters combat is not my thing.

"Follow that stagecoach!" He then heard Pinkie's voice.

Risking a look back, he saw that the rest of his friends were pulling a cart of their own, both unicorns and earth ponies are sitting in it while the two pegasi pull.

On the coach, Applejack risked a quick glance behind herself. She had a decent lead on her pursuers, but they were beginning to close the gap.

"Oh, we have you now!"

But suddenly, he heard them brake. He didn't know why, but he didn't care right now. He just hoped they'd catch up soon. Right now, he decided to summon a magical clone up on the coach to talk with Applejack.

The runaway pony was certainly surprised to see him seemingly teleport where she is. "Applejack!" he yelled. "I've never taken you to be a coward! Why are you running?!"

She only answered by bucking him…and hitting a barrier.

"Applejack!" Another buck. "It's the Rodeo, isn't it?!" Another one, and this started to make cracks. "You didn't get enough money, did you?!" Even as the clone tried to patch the damage, yet another buck cracked it some more. "Surely you managed to win even one, did you?!" The next one shattered the barrier, and she knew it wasn't the real him; he can hold on for much longer. "Say something!" Before he can erect a sturdy barrier, the earth pony smashed through his measly defense and dissipated him.

This pain the clone experienced got transmitted to Chronicle, and it hurt him so that he lost focus on his tether spell and was falling behind, leaving his armadillo at the mercy of the coach. Thankfully for him, his friends were catching up, and with a few smooth moves and Twilight catching him by telekinesis, he (and his shield) was on the cart with them, even though there was little room left.

Turns out the chase has long since moved out of town and into the desert. A while later, after a speed-enhanacing spell was cast on Fluttershy's legs (Rainbow was only holding back for her), the cart eventually pulled even, where he retrieved Rock via levitation. ("I'll be sure to do better," he apologized to his pet) And then they started ramming the side, nearly shaking Applejack out of the driver's seat.

"Whoa! What the hay?" she looked off to her left, and saw her pursuers.

"Pull over!" Rainbow ordered as the cart banged into the coach.

"Hey! Cut that out!" Another hit, and she lost her balance. "Whooaa!" She climbed back up to the driver's seat and addresses her team. "I'll pay you double to outrun them!" And they sped up.

"We'll pay you triple to slow down!" Twilight countered, and they did so as the cart moved ahead.

"I'll pay you quadruple to leave them in the dust!"

"Slow down right now or I'll bust a wheel and you could crash!" Chronicle then threatened. This elicited a gasp from his friends, and he added with a whisper. "I won't actually do that."

"He's bluffin'!" their target suddenly said. "Hurry!"

And they wasted no time in literally doing so, leaving the seven chasers choking and coughing in the murk. Once the view cleared after a few seconds, Rarity was the first to speak. "That was rude!"

"That's it! She just guaranteed herself a pan-slapping!" Chronicle said.

"What?" Moonbow was confused.

He ignored her and addressed Twilight, "Why didn't you teleport?"

"We're going too fast," was the explanation. "I could get somepony hurt. Me, Applejack, the driving team…"

"Get them! GET THEM!" Pinkie was yelling.

"Come on, Fluttershy!" Rainbow urged and both both of them shifted up a couple of gears and quickly cut into the coach's lead. Applejack got a nasty surprise when she looked back to find them closing in.

Applejack began to snap the reins. "Hyah! Come on, y'all! Go! Go!"

Even this was not enough to keep her ahead of the cart, and once it has pulled up, Pinkie hurled herself across the gap. Applejack soon found a pair of furious blue eyes boring into her own at point-blank range. "Applejack, you broke your Pinkie Promise! Apologize!"

"Pinkie, I did not break my promise!"

"Wha…?"

"Oh dear," said Moonbow.

"If y'all reckon back, I told you that I would tell you everything at breakfast! But I didn't come to breakfast! I couldn't come to that breakfast! Not if it meant tellin' y'all what happened!"

"I knew it. She found a loophole."

"Well, I…I…"

"I'm sorry, Pinkie, but I can't tell y'all the truth." The unicorn mares looked crestfallen, while the stallion seemed to feel as if his suspicions were confirmed. "I just can't!"

"Well, I heard a "sorry" in there, so that'll have to do for now. I'll get a real apology later." Almost immediately, she jumped backward off the coach. "Rarity, catch me!"

"What?! Pinkie!" And she screamed as the impact dumped both of them and Chronicle somehow over the side and left Twilight, Rock, and Moonbow as the only passengers. (4) Notably, the remaining earth pony saw a frying pan on the floor. The unicorn stallion had intended to smack Applejack as soon as he got the chance, but that obviously failed.

"Rainbow! Go back!" the remaining unicorn said.

"No time! They knew what they were getting into!"

We better come back for them later! thought Moonbow as she picked up the pan.

As the vehicle zoomed away toward the horizon, the three jettisoned ponies sat up—badly scuffed, manes askew and full of cactus burrs. Pinkie grinned at Rarity, who coughs up another burr and shot her an icy glare that would freeze her solid if it were at all possible to do so. Chronicle on the other hoof swore, "████" as he immediately cleaned himself up as best as he could. "Come on, girls. Let's head back to town. It's up to them now. We need to have faith in them."

Meanwhile, Applejack's coach raced over the parched earth, turning it into a drab khaki blur. Not far ahead of her was a railroad crossing whose barriers swung down to block the way as the warning lights and bells started up. The sight threw Applejack for a loop; a speeding train was coming, right on schedule. She smiled wickedly at the opportunity. "Yes!" She pulled her hat down a bit lower. "Hyah!"

A snap of the reins sent her straining team toward the crossing at a truly ludicrous speed. As the train thundered ahead, the two lead stallions tossed a puzzled glance back at her focused, almost crazed countenance. Fluttershy and Rainbow galloped flat out, but cannot catch Applejack before her coach smashed through the barriers. The train rolled by a fraction of a second later.

The coach finally slowed to a stop as Applejack jumps down. "Yee-haa!"

The four stallions have reached their physical limits, but her attention was focused entirely on the passing train. "Lady, you're trouble!" they said before galloping off, taking the coach with them… and dropping an extra passenger. As it turns out, Chronicle had summoned another clone in addition to the first and ordered him to hold on until it stopped.

"Hah! Try and catch me now!" Applejack dared through the train. It was answered by the cart's winged steeds taking the whole thing airborne. "Oh, nuts." She can only stare open-mouthed as it soared over her head and landed neatly close by. After which she then noticed the other clone ("Surprise," he said) and started to run.

Back at the cart, Fluttershy heaved for breath as Twilight, Moonbow, and Rainbow looked daggers at their absent friend (though that wasn't the case for the fortuneteller), who glared right back as she galloped away.

Rainbow, having had quite enough of this high-speed chase, pulled out of the harness. "Not so fast!" she said as she flew after Applejack, who also had the Chronicle clone chasing him. The pegasus reached her first and laid a flying tackle on the escapee that plowed her to the ground… and ejected all the ribbons and medals that were in the saddlebags.

A disconcerted Applejack lay flat on her belly, with Rainbow standing over her, and the Chronicle clone standing by. A long silence ensued before she began to confess, her voice trembling. "Fine!" She then covered her eyes. "Now you know."

Twilight, Moonbow (with frying pan in mouth), Rock, and Fluttershy, approached the pair, the last of them now out of the harness as well.

"Know what?" Twilight asked as their friend looked up and stood.

"Well, just look!"

Twilight eyed the spread and gave a smile. "I am! You won an amazing number of ribbons, just like Miss Jubilee said!"

The runaway pony hung a red-ribboned medal in her hoof. "Don't you get it? There's every color of ribbon down there. Every color…but…" She slumped onto her haunches, dropping the medal. "Blue."

Twilight and Fluttershy started to understand the reason for Applejack's distraught tone as Rock picked up one of the ribbons and looked at it.

"I came in fourth, third, even second. But I didn't win one first prize—and I certainly didn't win any prize money."

"What?!" gasped Chronicle. "There was no runner-up prize money in any of the events you places in?! Surely they should have!"

"The Rodeo is a winner-takes-all competition," Moonbow explained. "I should know. I was a spectator there."

"But the telegram said you were gonna send money," Rainbow said to Applejack as she stood up.

"That's why I came here." She began to walk off. "I wanted to earn some money. After that big old sendoff Ponyville gave me, I just didn't have the nerve to come home empty-hooved." And she hung her head. "I couldn't come home a failure."

"And you thought abandoning your family with little explanation was a better alternative," Chronicle snarked angrily. This just made her lower her head some more.

As for Twilight, she and Fluttershy smiled. "Applejack, you're not a failure."

"And we're your friends," Rainbow added with a wink. "We don't care if you came in fiftieth place. You're still number one in our books."

"So…you're not upset or disappointed?" asked Applejack.

The mares save Moonbow shook their heads. "Mmm-mmm!"

"I'm only upset you chose to do this rash thing," Chronicle meanwhile said. "I already figured you wouldn't win many, if any, first place ranks. You're good at many things rodeo, but a specialist will always be the best at their fields by virtue of dedicating all their time to them. But I didn't explain that to you because that'd be adding pressure you could do without, which would've resulted in zero blue medals. Which it did."

Applejack zipped to Twilight. "But what about the Mayor? I don't think I can face her and tell her I didn't get that money to fix the broken roof."

"Applejack!" Fluttershy reproofed her gently. "We can always find a way to fix that hole in the roof, but if you don't come back, we'll never be able to fix the hole in our hearts."

Applejack finally smiled and shared a nuzzle with her friends, Moonbow standing off to the side, shedding some tears as she put down the pan.

Rainbow was hovering a few feet overhead—and crying softly to boot, which she shook herself out of angrily. "Darn it! Now you got me acting all sappy!"

"We can always get the revenue in other ways, like a new tax levy or a bond issue," Chronicle explained as they pulled away, the blonde aiming a warm smile toward her friends. "But you, Applejack, are irreplaceable. As a Bearer of Harmony, as a dependable Ponyvillian, and as a valuable friend, for all the faults I see in you. One of my uncles once told me that lies told in silence are the cruelest. Because of that…" Turning to Moonbow, he 'picked up the pan she dropped and brought it over to Applejack. "I need to make good on my threat."

CLANG!

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During the train trip home, Moonbow Peek properly introduced herself to Applejack, was convinced by Twilight and friends to confide to the farmpony of her race, then read her fortune.

"An oncoming threat to your farm is due to come in a season," she had read. "Your defeat is imminent, but victory will be absolute."

"Wha? What the hay is that supposed to mean?" Applejack had asked. "Can't ya make it clearer?"

"Sorry, but vagueness is a requirement in fortune telling. There is a light at the end of this dark tunnel coming soon. In short, you and your family'll survive the ordeal. Don't worry too much about it."

Upon arrival at Ponyville, she could see—as she waved cheerfully—it was crammed with Apple family members, Winona, Bon Bon, the mayor, and even her "rival" Carrot Top.

Once the train pulled in and the doors opened, as soon as she stepped onto the platform, Winona happily knocked her flat, to the amusement of Chronicle, Twilight, and Fluttershy on the train. Moonbow stayed inside, as the train was headed to her home Canterlot next.

Along the platform; Macintosh tried and failed to hold back his tears of joy as the other ponies smiled in welcome. And then Macintosh, Granny, and Bloom dog-piled on Applejack as the rest of the group watched happily, including a hovering Rainbow. After a good while of this hug…

"Hold on a second!" Chronicle then finally said, ruining the moment. "We forgot our other friends who fell off the cart!"

There were looks of shocked realization from the friends who had taken part, and confusion from the ones who didn't.

C—TS—A—RD—F—MP—C—TS—A—RD—F—MP

Back at the desert railroad well outside Dodge Junction, a hoofcar rolled on the tracks, with Pinkie and Rarity working opposite ends of the handle to keep it moving. Attached to it was a flat car with the real Chronicle keeping lookout as well as aiding in the pushing with his magic. Since none of the others apparently thought to come back for them, they were making their way home the only way they can, short of walking.

"I mean, which do you think, Rarity?" Pinkie continued the ramble that went on in rhythm with handle motions. "Chimi-cherry or cherry-changa? Chimi-cherry? Cherry-changa? Chimi-cherry? Cherry-changa? Chimi-cherry? Cherry-changa? Chimi-cherry? Cherry-changa?"

"When I get back, you're gonna get it, Rainbow Dash!" The unicorn mare merely said in exasperation to herself over the earth pony's incessant repetitions.

"Give her a little benefit of the doubt," Chronicle replied. "After the ordeal with Discord, damn that guy, as fast as she is, Rainbow has learned that she can't help out two, let alone multiple, conflicting parties all at once. And so she chose Applejack over us, trusting we'd be able to get back on our own. And we are."

This seemed to soften her mood. "I guess so…"

"But if somepony hadn't wasted time to clean herself up while on the way back to town, we could've caught the train back, and you could've chewed her out right now."

And then it hardened again, but for different reasons."I get it! Let's… just… drive…"

"All right." He let off a sigh as Rarity began her own sotto-voice grumblings. "I certainly hope we make it back soon. And I will smack them for not looking for us after they got Applejack, which I'm sure they did."

C—R—PP—C—R—PP—C—R—PP—C—R—PP

"Dear Princess Celestia,

It's a tad easier to be proud when you come in first than it is when you finish further back. But there's no reason to hide when you don't do as well as you'd hoped. You can't run away from your problems. Better to run to your friends and family."

SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM

(1) Just trying to connect one of my stories with this. Namely, the one I titled "Friendship is Survival", a one-shot MLP crossover of Left 4 Dead. Not every dreamscape scenario has to have a significant meeting.

(2) For a moment, I considered mentioning a Guild of Seers, or at least a mentor for Moonbow just like Mystic Shield had Aegis, but I thought it'd be too farfetched a concept even for MLP:FiM. The Guild, at least.

(3) Originally, during planning, Moonbow Peek was going to reveal her secret in the train car en route to Dodge Junction, but after writing her in previous chapters, I found out that she'd have no reason to do so. And then when the cherry sorting scene came into play, I realized that every pony has a breaking point, and Moonbow was no exception. With her seeing the future, this was a prime spot. I thought that up as I wrote this chapter, by the way.

(4) I was going to change what happened and have the two ponies who fell off be retrieved later, and then explain that the events in the end were instead "recorded" from another Equestria. But I figured what I put in instead would be a little funnier.

nightelf37: During the writing of this chapter, I was about to put this line in:

"All I can say however is that because of what will happen, something will escape, and in █ years time, you will confront it. But by then, you'll have the power you need."

Which would be predicting the season 4 finale, but I figured that would be giving Moonbow Peek too much power. I plan on trying to limit what she sees to one show season at a time. I would also 'predict' the season 2 finale, but I figure I could just add in Moonbow in another chapter.

See ya on Third!

nightelf37: I own only the following: My originally designed OCs, and anything that doesn't happen in the show proper.

SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM

The Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000

Chronicle at present was having a strange dream. At first, it seemed that he was recalling the talk he and Blue Diary had with their father after the Antithesis Incident. Except there was more. Either something weird is going on, or he's actually remembering things.

F—L—A—S—H—B—A—C—K

Chronicle. "…With that, the two rightful bearers made contact, and the Element finally reformed, but not without absorbing all of our magic to do so."

Blue Diary. "I was the first to come to, finding myself and the others at a hospital. I woke up faster due to not having all my magic drained since I wasn't a unicorn. I had a talk with Mystic when he got curious about his world's counterpart. Having been outside the magic that destroyed Antithesis, he didn't fall unconscious like we did.

"My brother followed a few hours later, and the rest save Trixie a few days after. And I upheld the Pinkie Promise I made with Chronicle. We hoped she'd recover soon lest they get stuck in Equestria Prime forever." The white pegasus left out that fact that he at least can go back to Luna Equestria via the Story Crew's portal mirrors. "During our adventure in the Everfree Forest, it turns out that both our friends had gotten a chance to know each other, and some of mine got to know their Prime counterparts. In particular, I found out that Prime's Ditzy—whose birth name is Derpy—had a somewhat similar history, including the scandalous affair, except her parents made Castor, Dinky's birth father, pay him support. Ditzy also met Time Turner—"

"Another awkward moment when I found out that a local version of Time Turner, a watchmaker, and the Doctor both exist, look almost exactly the same (how they keep their hair the only minor difference), that they're all right with it, and are both surrogate fathers to Dinky." His unicorn brother cut in, earning a frown from him. "Speaking of the Doctor, he wasn't around, probably in another time and place in his TARDIS with another of his companions. By now, I found out he's not THE Doctor. There's also the fact that Dinky's been having Twilight as a private tutor. Why she was taken in before Sweetie Belle is beyond me."

"Probably too caught up in all the 'Cutie Mark Crusading'," guessed Blue. "No such 'secret society' exists in Luna Equestria. Another thing, during the time we were in the hospital, his Mystic involved himself too in the friend-talk, wishing to pick up some more spells.

"And here's another tale, one that was in the end important for our return, Father. While waiting for Trixie to wake up,my world's Carrot Top and Chronicle's met for a while. When I looked checked through Surveillance, I heard the other confess that she wasn't really that good a farmer, that it was left by her grandmother, and was…quicker to give up."

"Whoa. I didn't know about that," commented the blue unicorn. "Then again, I never gave her reason to. I heard from her that her father being in debt was why the farm was sold to Applejack."

"Who according to your Carrot had run a great risk, due to not really having the money for expansion."

"I guess I really don't get along with Applejack as much as I do with the rest," Chronicle reflected. "But I have little reason to go to the farm often."

"Well, we live to fight and strive to get stronger. Farms tend not to have much use in that. Hnnh. Maybe another me ended up in your Equestria while I ended up in one with a very slightly different you."

"False," interceded Record Keeper, their father. "Both of your Surveillance cams covering the event were checked. Both were consistent in what they recorded." And Hub Equestria's Surveillance confirmed that your cameras 'saw' each other. The Story Crew Great Grandmaster assured us that the AUTemporal Insurance in each and every one of our tech rules out the possibility of seeing a 'perfectly' identical alternate match.

"Possible Book Troop sabotage?"

"…Maybe. But let's hear more before we come to that conlusion."

"Okay." And Blue continued his tale, facing his brother. "The next day, Carrot went to the flower shop and talked with your world's counterpart, getting tips on potions-making and that the one in yours is becoming part of an apothecaries guild. They even helped in finding a way to revive our Twilights and Trixies."

"Yeah. The doctors called my early awakening due to my magic returning quickly an anomaly, but I peg it on the fact that my magic really operates differently from theirs."

"You were at absolute zero mana," explained Record.

"Absolute zero?" Chronicle parroted.

"Even if you find yourself drained from casting too many spells or using too much magic, you always have at least a silver remaining, which allows your body to recharge, as it draws a little magic to do that, though not at the rate of recharge of course. As for absolute zero mana, it's exactly that, and your body needs a lot of time to restart your mana recharge, in the meantime absorbing ambient magic—a poor man's substitute—to do that. That's what your mother told me, at least."

Blue waited a while before continuing. "The quest to locate the berry they needed took them to the Everfree Forest, and let me tell you that my Carrot's meeting of Zecora wasn't…really pleasant."

"I can imagine," replied Chronicle. "Though Discord's the only one I have a true grudge at. And your rhyming was a little strained. And he's just as terrible in your world, right?"

"According to the stories, yes. And I didn't even mean to rhyme. Before even their meet-up with Zecora, my world's Carrot got startled by yours, whose eyes were glowing thanks to a cat's eyes elixir, one ingredient of it being cat's tears."

"Cat's eyes elixir? So that explains Zecora's glowing eyes when I first saw her."

"The tonic is incredibly bitter, so you better prep your tongue, and your eyes will sting for a while. Anyway, due to her past in my world, Carrot was understandably suspicious of Zecora, mainly because they look too similar. Your Celestia is vastly different enough from Corona, as would Luna be to your Nightmare Moon. Along the way, they had a run-in with your Steven Magnet—have yet to see mine—after they used his body as a stepping-stone bridge. A very interesting encounter, if I do say so myself. After fixing his problem with a bit of hair conditioning, they were on their way again.

The blue unicorn chuckled at remembering his own group' run-in with Steven, and of Rarity's sacrifice. "Again, he is aided by the Element of Generosity."

The white pegasus seemed to get the joke, too. "Eheheheh. By the way, we also ran into the area where your Pinkie Pie discovered her Element of Laughter."

Now that got the bodyguard confused. "Huh? Me and my company passed that before running into the river serpent."

"Well, you weren't headed for the old castle. And you did nearly fall down a cliffside. Maybe your path's different from theirs."

"True."

"Let me tell you that the nightmares they faced were truly severe. Maybe that explains why even your Rainbow Dash was afraid. Lucky for us we got nerves of steel."

"As long as fiery beings aren't involved in my case."

"They used special necklaces that dispel fear, but are powered by the heart. Even so, they faltered for a bit, including Zecora, but naturally they made it through. At where the plant grew, they had a run-in with a huge Crushing Boar…" The assassin paused as he faced his brother, hoping he'd know something.

He didn't. "Never encountered it."

Shrugging, Blue continued, "It was a harrowing task. After collecting the berries, for some reason, it became a game of catch between them and the Boar, kinda like how school bullies do it, and I saw your world's Carrot was…not really fit."

This confused Chronicle again. "Not fit? That's strange. She made fourth place in last year's Running of the Leaves. I'll have to ask her about that, say that Zecora told me, after asking the zebra herself. Then again, she probably paced herself like Twilight did."

"Luckily, Carrot managed to concoct an adhesive that pinned it down long enough for them to get away. For a while. She had to help yours out and had Zecora go ahead. And they solved the problem when your Carrot located truffles and distracted the boar with it. Once they were back in Ponyville, they burnt the midnight oil making the potion. Which was a complete success. Our Carrot Tops talked with each other some more, yours even considering selling the rights to the potions she makes to help buy back the farm."

"That's good to hear."

"I returned once more to the hospital in time to see my Trixie awake. She panicked a bit from the IV unit, such things not existing in our Equestria yet, but was calmed down by my Luna. I was shortly followed by the rest of my friends, and we told each other all that had happened.

"Before our inevitable return to our world, Carrot decided to visit your world's counterpart's farm one last time, and saw your Applejack clearing the snow. She offered your spirit of Honesty some tips in maintaining it, and your Carrot did feel it would be safer with her."

"That's what she said," Chronicle quipped. "No, seriously. Well, maybe just implied as much."

"Your Carrot also supplies arthritis cream for Granny Smith."

"Huh, that explains her better… mobility these days." The unicorn allowed his brother to take a breather after taking one himself before taking over for him and facing their father. "Soon, they were out of the hospital, and we were waiting for them. All my friends, my world's Trixie and Luna, his world's Twilight, a fair number of Ponyvillians, including Blue's friends' counterparts, and the royal guard. As it was, Celestia deliberately remained in the sun to make sure that my Luna doesn't get blamed for doing what she had done as Nightmare Moon and that her return can be showcased as voluntary."

"Luna began to create a magic circle and once it was completed, she cast it and returned Celestia from the sun. Although it turns out that her sister had used magic dye to render her hair 'normal'."

"Just like with her Sunny Skies persona. She quickly reverted it though. Reunions were made, and then the goodbyes had to come."

"His Carrot gave mine a parting gift of recipes and alchemy tips. And Trixie got confused a little bit between the two before your Written Script resolved the issue."

"And his Luna gave Sparkle a choice; upon using the planeswalking spell to return them back to their world, they would be sent back to the exact point in space they were in when they left. She could either flee, or turn herself in."

"They asked if they could pass messages to each other through us, but we gave no promises. And unfortunately, Luna doesn't have a mirror like Solaris in our sister's world and Celestia do."

"Eventually, the spell was cast and they were ready to go home. However, Twilight had a plan for her alternate counterpart. I can't remember what it was but Blue's Luna seemed to approve. And then…"

E—N—D—F—L—A—S—H—B—A—C—K

Chronicle was sleeping in a tent with Twilight Sparkle and Spike. Outside their tent was a line of more tents stretching all the way across Ponyville. And they were all lined up at Sweet Apple Acres, at the head of a cider stand, where tubs of apples and stacked barrels were on hand, and one barrel had been set up on the counter and hooked to a tap. The first tent in line had three shades of pink and decorated with balloons, both on its fabric and tethered to the frame. Obviously belonging to Pinkie Pie, who had suggested them (and a couple other ponies) to camp in line so they they don't miss out on the cider before the Apple Family runs out for the day.

It reminded him of big-name conventions in Earth "client worlds", particularly the "waiting nightmare" that is Comic Con ever since the Story Crew decided to 'send down' ideas of the events that have transpired in the 'target world'… well, he can't remember the name, but in "client worlds" the story they got acquired the title of Twilight, a story about vampires that sparkle. In hindsight, that made his current charge's name a little funny.

Despite not wanting any cider ("I only get myself drunk when I've severely failed in my duty as a bodyguard, never at any other time."), Chronicle was forced to come along to help guard their position in the line. That, and his friends seem to want him to take a swig of it, which he was adamant to not do. Rarity was also in line right beind them. Rainbow Dash allegedly misses out every single season. Fluttershy has no real interest in cider. Skyla and Mystic Shield were also in line farther back.

When did my life get to this point?

C—TS—S—PP—C—TS—S—PP—C—TS—S—PP

Come morning…

The four local Apple family members were on duty at the stand: Applejack setting up a megaphone on a stand in front, Granny Smith (wearing a green eyeshade visor) and Apple Bloom behind the counter, Big Macintosh at the barrel stockpile.

At where he, Twilight, Spike, and Rarity waited in line as it slowly moved forward, Chronicle could only wait for them to reach the stand where they can get their cider and leave. Of course, he wasn't going to drink it, but given that it often runs out, maybe he cold strike a deal using it.

"Isn't this exciting, Spike?" Twilight said as she looked back to face the dragonling. "Opening day of cider season!"

"Yeah!" he agreed. "That means it's only thirty more days 'til sapphire season!

The three unicorns near him rolled their eyes at this as he let his tongue hang out.

"Attention, everypony!" arrived Applejack's amplified articlation. "Cider season is now officially open!"

This set off excited murmurs among the ponies, while Granny nodded to Bloom and glanced toward the open, empty cash box on the counter. Pinkie, first in line, hauled up two full bag in her teeth and emptied a shower of coins into the box, prompting Bloom to pump the tap handle and fill a waiting mug. This was plucked away and guzzled down to leave froth on Pinkie's lips and a blissful expression on her face, which shifted gears into a huge eager smile.

A moment later, she is toting all the brimming, bubbly mugs that her forelegs can manage. Chronicle witnessed this and growled.

"Whatever is the matter?" Rarity asked him.

"You see that? This is another reason I don't like Applejack that much. She's such a terrible business pony. With a few extra hooves, her family could supply the entire town in under an hour. And yet, year after year, they refused to so much as hire a couple of salesponies—and you know she can easily access them via you—to run the stand while they put on a constant output. And with this demand for cider, they could easily raise their prices and get rich.

"And worst of all? Judging by the inevitable amount of dissatisfied customers once they're out, she doesn't even consider issuing rain checks, rationing it, and even allowing Pinkie Pie to hoard a lot. Although, the last is probably a roundabout way to spite Rainbow Dash after she abandoned her, you, and me."

"Actually, Pinkie does this every season," the white unicorn corrected him on the last part.

"If it's for Sugarcube Corner, I wouldn't be surprised if it or whatever product they make with the cider sells for more. Now if you'll excuse me…" By that time, it was his turn to order some cider. He purchased only one tankard, cross and surprised it was only two bits for such a high-demand product ("I'd pay more for this."). Once he got his drink, he stepped aside for Rarity (and everypony else behind her).

As he found a place to stand by, he took the time to examine the drink. He was aware of the difference between soft cider and hard cider; only the latter was alcoholic. It looked like soft cider, but if the foam from the drinkers told him anything, it was hard, thus it was alcoholic. And he doesn't drink alcohol outside of very specific circumstances, and that was not because he can't hold his liquor.

"Aren't you gonna drink that?" Twilight asked as she took a sip from her cider.

Chronicle turned his head and looked at a certain somepony deep in the line. "I'm gonna save it for a friend."

C—TS—S—A—BM—AB—GS—R—PP

As the hours ticked by, customer after customer purchased their draught/draft of likely alcoholic apple juice. At certain points, Bloom, still at the tap, saw that it chose the moment to dispense only a few drops and a burp of gas. A grab by Macintosh removed the emptied barrel, a nudge from his rear hooves toppled a fresh one from the pile onto his back, and he quickly hooked up the new supply. But Chronicle knew that wouldn't last the entire line. One by one, the reserve barrels began to dwindle. And then it was the final barrel.

Fluttershy finally made it to the counter. She and Rainbow both paid, and a foamy mug was dispensed for the patient yellow pegasus, who moved off to make room for her friend. The red-violet eyes grew as the tongue lolled greedily out—and then the tap ran dry—and the blue face cycled from anticipation to teary-eyed disappointment to teeth-grinding rage. She did, however, keep herself under enough control to let off only a subdued growl as Applejack walked up.

"Uh…sorry, everypony," the farmpony declared. "That's it for today."

There were "Awww…"s from all the others in line as Rainbow flew over to her.

"Surprise, surprise," she said with lots of snark. "You ran out again!"

"Yeah, you always run out!" complained Caramel.

"For the record, I don't mind—" and Fluttershy was interrupted by the cider-deprived speedster.

"Why can't you make enough cider for all of us—or at least for me?"

The workhorse found herself without a ready answer as a throng of annoyed, grumbling would-be customers started to hem her in as she jumped onto the counter. "Hold on, everypony." And they all fell silent. "We've done our best to improve supply this year."

"You always say that!" replied Caramel.

"And it's always true. But Apple family cider is made with love and integrity, and only the highest quality apples in Equestria. Sorry, but that recipe takes time." At that, the dissatisfied complainers—with Applejack's friends holding their tongues—all dispersed fromthe counter. "If y'all just be patient, we'll have plenty more tomorrow."

Rainbow turned to leave, but found the ever-cheerful Pinkie standing directly behind her. "She's right, you know. You can't rush perfection, and this year's batch was perfection!"

Fluttershy was now standing behind her. "Uh, Pinkie Pie?"

Pinkie zipped to Rainbow and dropped a foreleg over her shoulders. "I'll never forget the cider I just drank," she said dreamily as she draped herself bodily over Rainbow. "It was a moment in time that will never exist again."

She voiced an ecstatic little moan, having paid no heed to Fluttershy's warning or the steadily building fury on Rainbow's face, its owner launching into a rising growl, the sort that would get any self-respecting dog shot on suspicion of having rabies.

This was dispelled when Chronicle came over with his tankard of cider. "Hey, Rainbow. You can have mine." I'll have to smack Pinkie later And without hesitation he levitated his tankard over to her face.

Without being the slightest suspicious, she grabbed the tankard and quaffed the entire thing down. Once she was through with the cider, her face with foam, she cried out in appreciation, "Thank you so much!" Rainbow then got up on her hind legs, ejecting Pinkie from her back, and grabbed Chronicle's head in her forelegs. "I… am in your debt!"

Before he could do anything about it, their lips locked in a full kiss (1), one with eyes closed and full of bliss and the other with eyes wide in shock. The second they parted, Chronicle immediately punched Rainbow in the face, sending her sprawling to the ground.

"Hey! What's with you?! There's no way a pony could get wasted this quickly on one tankard! Now I'm more afraid to drink it! And on top of that, you stole my first kiss!"

This got their friends covering their mouths in shock. First kisses, not counting those between family members (relative incest aside), is usually a big deal when it comes to romance, and it should always be reserved toward their first love (whether that becomes their true love or not is irrelevant). It's no longer a surprise that he and Fluttershy have started seeing each other, so it would be a little betraying that he thought he kissed another mare before that.

"Um, actually," Fluttershy butted in softly. "I did kiss you before. During one of our…sessions…"

Now it was Chronicle's turn to be shocked, and his mind started to think dirty thoughts. Dammit, get your head out of the gutter!

Her voice lowered to a whisper. "I accidentally punched you so hard you were immediately knocked out. Though I think bumping your head on that rock also had something to do with it. I took you home instead of the hospital, because I thought it would be awkward for me to bring you there."

"I think I understand why." For him to be knocked out by something so trivial and to be brought to the hospital or even just the library by a usually timid pony like Fluttershy would spring up a lot of questions and scandals. It was already bad enough that Gabby Gums thought there was a love triangle with him in the middle.

"And while you were resting, I was…tempted to find out what it was like to kiss somepony you really, really, really like. I took the chance, and then you woke up a few seconds after."

Like Snow White! I can't believe it! And he started blushing profusely at the thought, and she did too.

Thankfully, before any more dirt can be dug up on this awkward matter, it was interrupted by the honking of a horn. Everybody turned to look toward it and saw a vehicle chugging along the road toward the few remaining ponies in the area. It had wooden wagon wheels mounted in old-style automobile wheel wells, coiled wires, vacuum tubes, and chuffing smokestacks at the rear end of the contraption.

"What in Equestria is that?" Applejack wondered as everypony moved toward it.

Up front on the vehicle, two headlights were mounted on the front fenders, between which a speaker's platform was mounted. A lectern stood at the front edge of this, and the front edge of a red couch poked into view from the area behind the fenders. Two pairs of cream-colored pony hind legs were extended into view, suggesting that their owners were reclining on the couch.

Macintosh and Bloom stared dumbfounded as the shadow of this thing cast itself over them and the stand, and Granny gaped from her position at a nearby fence. The cowcatcher-style front grille knocked over one post as it chuffed to a stop. The body of the vehicle was red, the fenders and running boards black, and the front wheels were much larger than the rear ones. Overall, the vehicle design was similar to that of a gigantic, open-topped antique roadster automobile, with machinery stacked up where the rear seats would go and various controls and pipes built into the side. Red/white striped hems hung down from the side edges of the front platform.

A jaunty vaudeville melody began to play, a lively 4 in time with machine noises, and in F major. I'm no music genius, so why do I understand it? Musical Number Phenomenon?

A happier-than-ever Rainbow inserted herself among the confused onlookers as the two riders jumped down just in front of the camera to look them over. From this angle, it could be seen that they are both green-eyed unicorn stallions, with carefully styled red/white-striped manes, and one of them had a red mustache. They wore straw boater hats with blue bands, blue-and-white striped vests over white shirts with sleeves rolled up, dark gray bow ties, and had tails that matched their manes. The clean-shaven one had a cutie mark that showed a single apple slice, while the mark of the mustachioed one consisted of a red apple with one slice cut out. It was quite obvious they were twin brothers.

Clean-shaven brother: Well, looky what we got here, brother of mine, it's the same in every town

He jumped over to the crowd and closed one mare's—namely Berry Punch's—mouth.

Clean-shaven brother: Ponies with thirsty throats, dry tongues, and not a drop of cider to be found

He shortly backed up to his twin.

Clean-shaven brother: Maybe they're not aware that there's really no need for this teary despair
Mustachioed brother: That the key that they need to solve this sad cider shortage, you and I will share

There came general excited talk among a knot of ponies as the twins both made their way through the crowd, waving their hats.

Brothers: Well, you got opportunity in this very community
Clean-shaven brother: He's Flim
Mustachioed brother: He's Flam
Brothers: We're the world-famous Flim Flam Brothers
Traveling salesponies nonpareil

"Nonpa—what?" Pinkie failed to parrot, and then Flam (or was it Flim? The song was confusing), the clean-shaven brother, zipped over to her.

Nonpareil is Prench/French for "without equal". Wow, they must've been at or met somepony at Neigh Orleans. Trixie Lulamoon's hometown in Luna Equestria. They also mean those round sprinkles on some cakes, but Pinkie probably only knows them as just sprinkles.

Flim: Nonpareil, and that's exactly the reason why, you see

Several others gathered around him; Apple Bloom, Berry Punch, Golden Harvest, Minuette, Sea Swirl, and one pegasus mare Chronicle couldn't identify. And come to think of it, he had seen these Flim Flam Brothers a couple times before, but them being world famous seemed to be a bit of a stretch.

Flim: Nopony else in this whole place will give you such a chance to be where you need to be

After a kiss on Bloom's head, and he jumped up to the platform.

Flim: And that's a new world with tons of cider, fresh-squeezed and ready for drinking

Above, Flam (or…well, the other pony), sat on a nozzle and hose he has bent with his magic as he slid down its length.

Flam: More cider than you could drink in all your days of thinking

"I doubt that!" Rainbow replied.

The nozzle then straightened out as the brothers dropped to ground level and did another soft-shoe bit.

Flim Flam Brothers: So take this opportunity

And the crowd joined in.

Flim Flam Brothers and Crowd: In this very community
Flam: He's Flim
Flim: He's Flam
Flim, Flam: We're the world-famous Flim Flam Brothers
Traveling salesponies nonpareil
Flim: I suppose by now you're wondering 'bout our peculiar mode of transport
Flam: I say, our mode of locomotion

Flim then jumped to the lectern.

Flim: And I suppose by now you're wondering, where is this promised cider?
Flam: Any horse can make a claim and anypony can do the same
Flim: But my brother and I have something most unique and superb
Unseen at any time in this great new world
Flim Flam Brothers: And that's opportunity

The song then went into D major, modulating back to F major as the brothers started to work the crowd again.

Flim: Yes, folks, it's the one and only, the biggest and the best
Flam: The unbelievable
Flim: Unimpeachable
Flam: Indispensable
Flim: I-can't-believable
Flim Flam Brothers: Flim Flam Brothers' Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000

The mustachioed brother then zipped over to Rarity. "What do you say, sister?"

The white unicorn swooned and came within an ace of hitting the ground, stopped only by Spike's straining to hold her up. Twilight and Chronicle looked uneasily toward the enthralled spectators.

Crowd: Oh, we got opportunity in this very community
Please, Flim, please, Flam, help us out of this jam
With your Flim Flam Brothers' Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000

With this synchronized singing and mention of such a long term after just hearing it once, it's confirmed without a doubt that the Musical Number Phenomenon was in effect.

Now Flim stepped up to the counter and bowed gallantly to Applejack, while the rest of the family watched from behind. "Young filly, I would be ever so honored if you might see fit to let my brother and I borrow some of your delicious, and might I add, spellbindingly fragrant apples for our little demonstration here?"

"Uh, sure, I guess." With that, he darted away.

Crowd: Opportunity in our community
Flam: Ready, Flim
Flim: Ready, Flam
Flim Flam Brothers: Let's bing-bang-zam

Two beams of unicorn magic lanced from their horns, and their spells kicked the machinery into gear.

"And show these thirsty ponies a world of delectable cider!" Flim added as the music changed to a D flat major and the overhead nozzle that Flam slid down extended on its hose, and the crowd begins to chant "Cider, cider, cider, cider" in rhythm with the music. Rainbow hovered among them, tongue hanging out. She must really want some more. In short order, the nozzle positioned itself directly above one loaded apple tree and vacuumed all the fruit from its branches.

"Watch closely, my friends!" said Flim as the load was sucked into a drum, which span up to high speed.

"The fun begins!" sand Flam as his brother stood among the machinery.

"Now here's where the magic happens." A glass reservoir started to fill. "Right here in this heaving, roiling cider press, the coiling guts of the very machine…" Twilight, Rarity, and Spike have now joined the chant, but Chronicle (and Mystic at the back, Skyla was chanting as well) kept a calm posture and critical eye. "—those apples plucked fresh are right now as we speak, being turned into grade-A, top-notch, five-star, blow-your-horseshoes-off, one-of-a-kind cider! "

Flam: Feel free to take a sneak peek

And several did so. suddenly, the song shifted to stoptime E Major as an irked Granny Smith cut in, the crowd stopping in their chant.

Granny: Now wait, you fellers, hold it, you went and oversold it

She got into Flam's face.

Granny: I guarantee what you have there won't compare

Then she turned toward the crowd…

Granny: For the very most important ingredient can't be added or done expedient

…who started to nod in agreement.

Granny: And that's quality, friends, Apple Acres quality and care

Now Flim turned his attention to her, having climbed down from atop the rig and normal rhythm resumed, D major, to G major and back.

"Well, Granny, I'm glad you brought that up, my dearest, I am glad you brought that up," he said. "You see that we are very picky when it comes to cider, if you'll kindly try a cup."

As he produced a full mug on the end of this and then darted away, she took a sip and found that it sits very well with her. Something then cranked up from the machine's general direction.

Flam: Yes, sir, yes, ma'am

Seen through the side window are a pair of conveyor belts. Good apples are passed with a bell, and bad ones are buzzed out and dumped off.

Flam: This great machine lets just the very best
So what do you say, then, Apples?
Care to step into the modern world
And put the Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000 to the test?

As the crowd started its "cider" chant again, Flim said, "What do you think, folks? Do you see what the Apples can't? I see it clear as day! I know she does! So does he! Come on, Ponyville, you know what I'm talking about!"

The music changed to a G flat major. Once the crowd stopped, the brothers did their soft-shoe bit again while Rainbow did high-altitude back flips overhead while the song's pitch changed to G flat major.

Flim Flam Brothers: We're saying you've got
Flim Flam Brothers and Crowd: Opportunity in this very community
He's Flim, he's Flam, we're the world-famous Flim Flam Brothers
Traveling salesponies nonpareil
Flim Flam Brothers: Yeah!

And with that, the song ended.

"You got a deal!" Bloom was quick to "jump the gun". And there were agreeable murmurs from the crowd. And somewhere in it, the sound of a smack could be heard as well as a cry of pain from Pinkie, but it was mostly ignored in favor of the current situation.

Granny was just as quick to quell the notion with an angry stomp. "Not so fast!" The four Apples then gathered in a huddle. "No way, nohow that machine matches up with the care we put in our cider!"

"But if it really does work, we could make everypony in town happy."

"I just don't know, y'all." Applejack was unsure as unbeknownst to the four earth ponies, the Flim Flam brothers confidently slipped into the huddle without alerting them. "We've always made cider the same way."

Macintosh agreed as curtly as ever. "Ee-yup." And then he finally noticed the unicorn twins in the huddle, as did the others. "Huh?"

"We'll sweeten the deal," offered Flim. "You supply the apples…"

"…we supply the Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000," continued Flam.

"Then we split those sweet, sweet profits…" Both.

"…seventy-five…" Flim.

"…twenty-five." Flam.

"Deal!" Bloom was quick again to "jump the gun", but Applejack's hoof clapped over her mouth.

"Hold on." The huddle was then broken. "Who gets the seventy-five?"

Flim leaned over to her. "Why, us, naturally."

Flam flared his horn briefly. "And we'll throw in the magic to power the machine for free!"

Applejack stepped away from the brothers for a quick talk with the family. "Cider sales keep our business afloat through the winter. We'd lose Sweet Apple Acres if we agree to this."

"So, what'll it be?" the twins asked.

Macintosh gave the Apple Family verdict. "No deal."

"Hmph. Very well," said Flim. "If you refuse our generous offer to be partners, then we'll just have to be competitors."

"You wouldn't dare!" said Applejack.

"Oh, no?"

His nod across the way was Flam's cue to address the crowd from the 6000's platform. "Don't you worry, everypony!" the other twin addressed the crowd. "There'll be plenty of cider for all of you!" There were excited reactions from the crows.

"Once we drive Sweet Apple Acres out of business," Flim then added to the Apples, eliciting a quadraphonic gasp from them.

"What?!" gasped Bloom.

C—TS—S—A—BM—AB—GS—RD—R—F—PP—FFB

Eyecatch (picture-type) - On the left side is the Flim Flam brothers and their Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000. On the right side is the Apple family and their farm. The show's logo is seen on the upper center.

C—TS—S—A—BM—AB—GS—RD—R—F—PP—FFB

The next morning…

It was another day of buying cider, with a very new and very long line of expectant cider buyers stretching over the hills toward Ponyville, just as before. The fence post knocked down by the Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000 has been repaired. Pinkie was first up, dropping a few coins into the cash box and receiving a mug. Just like yesterday, as the customers kept coming, Chronicle—who was this time standing with his charge, her assistant, and the contender against the Flim Flam brothers—stood nearby, and could see that the cider would run out again long before they reached the end of the line.

"Still worried about Flim and Flam?" Twilight asked her friend as Macintosh brought in a new barrel.

"Granny Smith says they were just blowing hot air," said Spike.

"I'm not so sure," argued the farmpony. "They sounded mighty serious when they threatened to run us outta business."

"They could've negotiated further and come up with a deal that could've satisfied both parties," Chronicle put in his two bits. "And your family should've at least tried to haggle with the brothers. There is no need for all this competition. And you should consider consulting Rarity on business advice, Applejack. She does run deals with various enterprises in Canterlot. And before you shut me down, farms are just as much a business as any other job, and farmers as a whole supply the entire population. A pretty darn important job if you ask me. Being a huge clan can have its merits."

"How d'ya know so much about business?"

"I only know enough to see that this could've easily been avoided. I've served enough charges in the past to get an idea on how business in general operates. And given how old we are, we should know this."

"That's it!" Apple Bloom cried out, indicating the dripping tap. "Last cup!"

The queued-up locals groaned loudly, and Rainbow rose into view from the top of the farthest hill. "OH, FOR PETE'S SAKE!"

"Come on back tomorrow, everypony!"

There came general disgruntlement from the denied customers. Rainbow has clapped a foreleg over her eyes in disgust, but lowered it at the sound of the 6000 cranking up. Applejack fell out from her position, looking up wide-eyed as the thing's shadow advanced over her, and Granny nailed in the new fence post just in time for the front grille to knock it over again. She threw a venomous glare up at the 6000 as Flim disembarked and sidled up to Applejack.

"What seems to be the problem here?" Flim asked as Flam slipped in on her other side.

"Oh my, oh my! Out of cider again?"

At the 6000's rear end, there was a shelf loaded with barrels and an attached chute. Flim reclined against one rear fender as a barrel was lowered into position.

"What have we here?" said Flim as it rolled down the chute and was flipped upward, landing near the front wheels. "Who'd like a cup?"

Twilight, Applejack, and Spike were promptly swept up in a stampede of clamoring ponies, with dust boiling up while Chronicle—seeing it come a mile away—already got out of the way. In less than five seconds, Flim and Flam stood before them, each with one foreleg propped on the barrel.

Flam levitated a mug. "Don't worry, everypony!" Applejack gasped in surprise and ducked down somewhere. "We've got the Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000 to make more in an instant!"

On the end of this, the mug was floated to Rainbow, who slipped a hoof through its handle and prepared to slake her thirst. Before she could get a mouthful, though, Applejack came up with a rope in her teeth and lassoed the barrel away, to the salesponies' great surprise. It knocked the mug from Rainbow's grip as she yanked it back and planted it in front of herself, plunking both forelegs on top.

"You can't sell that cider!" The airborne tankard hit the dirt, its contents spilling out and soaking in as Rainbow frantically leaned down over the mess. With no more liquid handy, she scooped up the saturated earth and shoveled it into her mouth. "That's made from Apple family apples!"

Rainbow stood up, her face dirty. "Is this some kind of cruel joke?"

"How can you tell the apples are from yours?" Chronicle asked the farmer after teleporting over. He wasn't answered.

"Don't worry, everypony!" Flim meanwhile advertized. "There are plenty of apples in Equestria. We'll find some others and make more cider than all of Ponyville can drink!"

The crowd gasped as Bloom jumped out in front of them. "We'll make more cider than you could ever imagine!"

Flam reacted with alarm, but the nearest onlookers gasped in her direction. The defiant filly was suddenly yanked away by the tail by Macintosh and was now dangling upside down before Applejack and Granny.

"Now it ain't about the speed, young'un, it's about quality," said Granny.

The crowd "Awww…"ed in disappointment.

Rainbow hovered over them, her face now clean. "Who cares how good the cider is if I never get to drink any?"

Flim came up to her and pinched her cheeks between his forelegs. "Aw, look at these poor dissatisfied ponies."

"Ponyville is Sweet Apple cider country!" Bloom cried out as Macintosh dropped her.

"Our cider speaks for itself!" added Applejack.

"Let's put it to the test," challenged Flim as he lounged on the 6000's couch.

"Anywhere, anytime!" Bloom then smirked over her shoulder as murmurs floated from the crowd.

Granny leaned in toward her. "Uh, that's enough now."

"With our machine, we can make enough cider in one hour to satisfy this entire town!" Flam advertised.

The filly then pushed her grandmother back. "We'll do it in forty-five minutes!"

As the crowd continued to register its surprise, Chronicle thought, Don't tell me this is what they intended to do the whole time!

Meanwhile, Flim relaxed on the couch with his boater tipped forward over his eyes. "Easy, Apple Bloom, easy," Granny tried to calm her down.

"What's the matter, Granny Smith? Chicken?" the clean-shaven brother taunted.

That last word hit a nerve under the white mane as Chronicle groaned at the increasing unnecessary conflict that could've been solved with both parties satisfied. It looks like however that the brothers were after a "quick buck" and had as much business sense as the Apple family.

"What did you call me, sonny?" Granny said icily to Flim.

"If you're so confident in your cider, then what's the problem?"

She leaned into his face with renewed ire. "Tomorrow mornin', right here!"

Flam floated an apple toward himself. "But I'm afraid we haven't any…" He then spit on it before polishing on the vest. "…apples."

"You can use our south field! It'll be worth it to teach y'all a thing or two 'bout cider-making!"

Flim sat up from the couch. "Excellent! We have a bet. Whoever produces the most barrels in one hour wins the exclusive right to sell cider in Ponyville."

Sweat beaded on Applejack's brow as her eyes popped wide open and the green irises shrank almost to points, but the brothers just aimed a pair of cocky grins straight ahead.

"She's gonna fall for the bait," Chronicle whispered to himself. "She's too riled up."

One cream-colored hoof and one wrinkled green one shortly shook to seal the agreement. "And after we beat you, I don't never want to see you bambahoozlers around here again!"

And she doesn't even consult her children on the matter. She's putting the family's livelihood in jeopardy.

As Granny stalked off, Twilight and Applejack traded an uneasy look, as did Macintosh and Bloom, while the onlookers talked amongst themselves. From the 6000's platform, the brothers regarded the scene.

"Until…tomorrow," Flam said as he and Flim bowed and tipped their hats. With that, the rig chugged away down the road, leaving Applejack staring nervously after them.

She turned to Twilight, who responded, "Don't worry, Applejack. I know you'll win tomorrow."

"We'd better, 'cause if we don't…" The farmpony walked past her. "…we're gonna lose our farm."

The throng slowly disperses to leave the four kinfolk standing despondently around the cider stand.

"Wait, what?" This left Chronicle confused as he walked over. "How are you gonna lose the farm if they get the exclusive rights to sell cider? I'm sure I didn't hear anything regarding rights to this property during the entire exchange. They'll need to buy the apples from you after the competition should they win."

"Cider sales is what keeps us afloat through winter. We lose the cider business, we essentially go bankrupt and we'll end up losing the farm anyway."

"But while you might lose the rights to sell cider, you instead just have to sell apples to the Flim Flam brothers, and you get to name the price."

"Maybe. But your doubts about our business sense seem t' hold water. Now that I look at 'em, I dunno whatever the deals those Flim Flam brothers will make with us in the future—"

"I get what you mean. You can't tell if their next deal will be favorable at all for you." Chronicle then raised a hoof and rested it on Applejack's back. "Don't worry. We got your back."

"Thanks. Another thing. The reason I came to what I concluded is because we're still our cider sales here is our only way to recover, 'specially after the parasprites eatin' the farm infrastructure, my failed attempt at makin' profits from the Gala, the buildin' of another new side-barn, and Spike stealin' our crops when he was all big."

"…Oh. Never really realized the toll that must've put. Sorry."

"S'all right."

C—TS—A—AB—GS—RD—FFB—C—TS—A—AB—GS—RD—FFB

The next day…

Rows of ponies have gathered at the fence on either side of the Apple Family cider stand to observe the goings-on. Beyond it was a dirt path leading through a meadow bordered by groves of apple trees, with the Apples and the brothers set up on opposite sides. Mayor Mare stood on the path in the distance, between the two groups and with an hourglass. Spike was near her, as was Doctor Whooves (his look-alike, Time Turner, was in the audience), who had put on a white shirt collar and green necktie for the occasion.

Macintosh was wearing a pair of goggles propped on his forehead, as he trotted in place to limber up his hooves. Granny was at a couple of empty apple tubs, having donned a pair of eyeglasses on a jeweled chain and was sniffing deeply at an apple she was holding. Elsewhere, Applejack had set up a heavy bag and is taking a few practice bucks, with Bloom hanging on to provide extra weight. Twilight and Chronicle walked over to these two.

"Applejack, are you sure this is such a good idea?" Twilight asked.

"Me and the family are…" Applejack said between bucks. "…a hundred percent confident…in our cider-makin' capabilities."

"And besides, nopony calls Granny a chicken!" Bloom added before the next buck sent her flying.

As Twilight turned the situation over a few dozen times in her head, Chronicle took the time to voice his opinion. "Whether or not it's a good idea, there's no turning back. I just feel like you've been warned about this somehow."

The farmpony reflected on this, trying to recall a certain earth pony who had joined the group for a while and told her that warning. But before the name could come to mind, the Mayor's voice cut in. "Attention, everypony!"

"Well, good luck," Twilight finally said before waking off, her bodyguard saluting the competing family before following as a badly disoriented Bloom staggered back to her big sister.

"Thanks, guys," Applejack replied as Bloom collapsed. "We'll need it."

"The teams have one hour to produce as much cider as they can, after which the barrels will be counted and the winner will be named the sole cider provider for all of Ponyville," announced the Mayor. On the end of this, Flim and Flam were on the 6000's couch, the former holding a tankard, and they smirked at each other. Murmurs came from the crowd. "Are both teams ready?"

Macintosh socked his goggles into place, Granny glared toward the adversaries with a snort, Bloom blew her mane back from her face, and Applejack stood resolutely at the fore. "Ready!"

Flam raised a foreleg as they replied leisurely, "Ready."

"Then let's…" The Doctor inverted the hourglass. As soon as the sand started to run— "GO!"

All but Granny raced toward their base of operations, while she shambled after them at her usual arthritic pace. The two brothers didn't stir from their couch. Flam just yawned in a bored manner as both fired up their horns. Extending over the treetops, the nozzle stopped at one particular tree and sucked up its apples. At ground level, Applejack relied on hind-leg power to bring down a load for Bloom to catch in a tub on her head. The filly then brought the fruit over to Granny for inspection and whisked an empty tub away.

The high end of a chute extended behind the old green mare, who sniffed one apple at a time, throwing aside the bad ones and tossing the good ones into the chute. "Ugh! Bad 'un… good 'un…" The good apples rolled toward a large, rotating stone wheel… "bad 'un…" …dropping off the end near the wheel and was crushed to pulp.

The stone wheel was being run by a treadmill on its other side, with Macintosh racing along to power the press. As soon as each good apple dropped in, the whirling mass pulverized it to generate a steady stream of cider that flowed from a tap into a waiting barrel. The moment the vessel was full, Macintosh stepped off, slapped on a lid, banged the full one aside with an empty one, then got back on the treadmill.

"Great job, y'all!" Applejack called as she bucked a tree. We've already filled an entire barrel!"

Her little sister zipped in with a tub to catch them on the end of this, then zipped to Granny to set it down. "I'll bet you those guys don't even have—" The sentence trailed off as she Granny, and Macintosh voiced a wide-eyed triplicate gasp at the 6000's draining reservoirs. "What?"

At the rear end of the vehicle, a full barrel was swiftly ejected onto the chute and flipped away to land neatly atop five other barrels. The brothers waved mockingly at the family. Applejack swallowed hard, doubting the possibility of victory for her family.

C—TS—S—A—BM—AB—GS—MM—DH—FFB

Eyecatch (picture-type) - On the left side is the Flim Flam brothers and their Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000 in operation. On the right side is the Apple family doing their best to pump out the cider. The show's logo is seen on the upper center and just before the eyecatch ends, colored silhouettes of other ponies flash in on the Apple family side.

C—TS—S—A—BM—AB—GS—MM—DH—FFB

The Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000's nozzle continued to suck apples off the trees, its quality control system filtered the apples, and its rear chute continued chucking off full barrels. The machine's smooth and fast operating was doing a toll on Apple Bloom's psyche, leaving her shell-shocked and making her forget to catch the falling apples in the tub on her head.

"Come on, Apple Bloom, focus!" her sister brought her back to her senses. "We gotta forget those guys if we're gonna have a chance of winnin'!"

Bloom shook her head clear. "Sorry, sis!" She then rushed to Granny with a full tub. "Better keep up, Granny! We're fallin' behind!"

The Apple matriarch now stood among a backlog of loads as Bloom grabbed an empty tub in her teeth and sprinted back, leaving the sweating Granny to wipe her tired eyes. "Good 'un…" Macintosh—incredible as it might seem—was flagging badly on the treadmill hooked to the cider press. "…ugh! Bad 'un…"

"Rest when it's over, Big Macintosh!" Applejack spurred him on. "Ride! Ride!"

Summoning up his second or third or seventeenth wind, he put on a burst of speed so that cider positively gushed from the tap.

At the fence, Applejack's six friends continued to watch. "This is just dreadful!" commented Rarity as Macintosh sealed the filling barrel and brought in a new one. "Even at top speed, the Apples are only making one barrel to the twins' three!"

Indeed, at the 6000 and its reclining operators, the fresh loads of product were joining an uncomfortably tall stack. Twilight chewed the production problem over in her mind for a second, then advanced grimly toward Spike and the Mayor.

"Um, Ms. Mayor!" she said as the others joined her. "Are honorary family members allowed to help in the competition?"

"Well, I'm not sure." The Mayor then addressed the brothers, whose machine was still going great guns. "Flim? Flam? Would you object to honorary family members helping?"

"Are you kidding?" Flim replied smugly as he drank from a mug.

"We don't care if the whole kingdom of Canterlot helps!" added Flam. "It's a lost cause."

"Hmm…" Chronicle was tempted to do just that as he pulled out a sleek black ocarina from hammerspace. It was a magical one, given to him by Princess Luna last Nightmare Night, after an impressive duel against her, in the same way he dueled Sunny Skies, a.k.a. Princess Celestia. One tune and she'll be here. But she trusted him not to use it so trivially or when a problem can be solved without her, so he put it back, but didn't remove the smirk from his face.

"Oh, my. I guess it's okay." The Mayor then turned to the Apples. "Applejack, what do you think?"

Applejack delivered a furious buck to the nearest tree and stood upright, her perspiring face lined with fatigue. "I think I'd love to have the rest of my family helpin' out."

Twilight let out a smile, and the rest whooped, "All right!" Behind them, Lyra Heartstrings jumped in time with them in cheer.

The decision threw only the briefest of scares into the cider hucksters, but the next declaration would throw them a bit more off.

"If it matters, we'd like to assist as well."

From the crowd emerged Golden Harvest, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and another Chronicle, who winked before vanishing, having turned out to be a magic clone. All three girls held resolute stares at the brothers. It was the mare who had spoken. (2)

"We Cutie Mark Crusaders gotta stick together!" added the pegasus filly.

"That's right!" agreed the young unicorn.

"Go on right ahead," humored Flam. The Mayor nodded in approval as the three fell in line with the other five backup troops and stood to attention as Twilight paced sternly down their line.

"Okay, everypony," said the Spirit of Magic. "We're not gonna let those smooth talkers take our friend's farm."

"Yeah!" everypony agreed.

"My father entrusted his and my farm to the Apples," Carrot added. "No way I'm gonna let those twins just take it."

Twilight then moved to each in turn. "Fluttershy, help Applejack with the trees."

"Got it!"

"I'm helping with the bucking," the orange-headed mare said.

Twilight took no time to argue and hoped Carrot would deliver, proceeding to the next pony. "Pinkie Pie, you're on apple-catching detail. You too, Scootaloo!"

The party pony gave a salute. "Yes, sir, ma'am, sir!" The pegasus filly did the same without a word and Twilight acknowledged that as a volunteer.

"Rarity, you've got a discerning eye. Help Granny Smith at the quality control station."

"Of course!" The fashionista turned to her younger sister. "Sweetie Belle, go on and help your friends in bringing the apples. I trust you're not as clumsy anymore, right?"

"Don't worry about me, sis! No way I'll let them down!"

Twilight smiled at the strengthened trust, then turned to the next. "Rainbow Dash, do you think you can help Big Macintosh press?"

"In my sleep!"

"Chronicle—"

Before Twilight could delegate him on a task, he was ahead of her, "I'll assist in the apple collecting."

"Okay." She then addressed all of them. "All right, everypony. Let's save Sweet Apple Acres!"

"All right!" And they all got to action stations.

C—TS—GH—A—BM—AB—GS—RD—R—F—PP—MM—S—SB—FFB

Just before everypony got to work, Chronicle decided to plant a marker for a relay point, where they would meet with Sweetie Belle and pass their full tub of apples to her so they can quickly get back to collecting, only bypassing it when she's in the process of delivering a tub over to the quality control station where her sister and Granny Smith are. He could trust she can bring the tubs safely, but catching them is a different matter. Besides, it would save on a little stamina for everypony.

Applejack galloped toward a tree to buck it. As the apples fell loose, Fluttershy flew past and disappeared among the boughs of a neighboring tree. A quick shake dislodged all the fruit, and she zoomed to another one for a repeat performance. Carrot Top was bucking just like her apple rival, but needed to do two bucks to get them all down. Ever since her encounter with the other Carrot Top (who was the Element of Generosity in that world), she had started exercising a bit more.

Running past her, Pinkie galloped up with an empty tub on her head. "Over there, Apple Bloom!" she said as she pointed right ahead. "Don't miss them!"

Bloom slid up to catch some in her own tub before pointing back. "Right behind you, Pinkie Pie!"

The pink earth pony did a high backflip, the tub making a perfect touchdown on her cranium so that a few apples landed neatly within. Scootaloo rushed past them with a full tub to the relay point. Chronicle quickly caught up with her, levitating two near himself, and using an enhance speed spell on his legs. While he could use magic clones to further speed up the entire process, he didn't do so for the same reasons Twilight didn't just harvest every single tree in sight with her magic; this was a contest of philosophies, Flim Flam Brothers way vs. Apple family way, and adding too much of their magic in the effort would be unfair to both parties as well as defeat the purpose of the entire contest.

The two reached the relay point, where Sweetie just returned from delivering a full tub, bringing an empty tub to pass to the apple-catchers. The unicorn stallion just quickly ran past the point, saying, "All yours, Scootaloo!" The pegasus filly nodded and traded her full tub to her fellow Crusader for the empty one before returning to the orchard.

At the quality control station, Granny was now sorting at high speed. "Good 'un…bad 'un…bad 'un…good 'un…"

Rarity was nearby, standing behind her own clutch of loaded tubs, levitating the apples and filtering through them with her eye for detail and 'tossing' them appropriately. "Lovely…horrid…horrid…lovely…"

Rainbow, meanwhile, was galloping on the treadmill alongside Macintosh. A knowing smile passed between the two while cider poured into the barrel. Once it was full, Twilight telekinetically sealed it, whisked it away, and brought in a new one. While doing this, she took notes with a levitated quill and scroll.

"Based on these figures, we're making five barrels for every three of theirs!" The crowd cheered at Twilight's analysis.

"Keep it up, everypony!" ushered Applejack. "We're back in this!"

"They still have a huge lead, though," said Chronicle as he stopped at the relay point to grab a full tub from Pinkie, then running back to the quality control station with it. "I'm not sure we can catch up in time."

The leading Apple's pronouncement put enough of a scare into Flim to propel his mouthful of cider into Flam's face. They either hadn't heard Chronicle's doubts or it passed right over their minds.

Flim grabbed Flam's shoulders. "Come on, brother! We've gotta pick up the pace!"

"Right! Uh, double the power!"

Twin beams from their horns kicked the 6000 into overdrive, sending sparks up through the vacuum tubes and flinging the vacuum nozzle toward the trees. It sucked up a fresh load of apples handily enough, but the power boost caused it to pull in entire trees as well. Oh no! Fluttershy's gonna have a fit! Think of all the nests and burrows in there! Rotten apples, leaves, twigs, mulch—all were swiftly rejected at the inspection station as a panicked Flim watched. "We gotta try something else!"

"I've got it, brother of mine!"

Standing next to a set of start/stop buttons beneath a green check mark—the power switch for this module, Flam turned it—the quality control—off. Every piece of junk to hit the conveyors got passed along and winds up in the reservoirs.

"Well done, Flam!" His brother said as nasty-looking barrels were flung off the rear chute. "We're at top productivity!" They then traded a knee/hoof high five as the crowd cheered.

Over at the Apples' cider press, Rainbow was so distracted by the news that she hovers off the treadmill, and Macintosh got dragged under with a yell.

"Come on, Rainbow Dash! Keep grinding!" Twilight called out to her.

"We don't have time for quality control if we want to win this thing!" The speedster flew off, leaving a rainbow contrail and forcing Granny to cry out and duck among her apple tubs.

"Get back, you!" said the family matriarch. "One bad apple spoils the bunch!"

"Applejack, help me!"

"There's no point in winnin' if we cheat!"

"We'll just have to work harder. Come on, everypony!" Twilight boosted everypony's morale.

With renewed fire, Rainbow decided to get back in the game. "All right, then! Double time!"

The Flim Flam brothers might win this competition, but they're not gonna win the town's favor. …Oh wait! So that's what Moonbow Peek's fortune for Applejack meant!

C—TS—GH—A—BM—AB—GS—RD—R—F—PP—MM—S—SB—FFB

Spike watched worriedly at the rapidly emptying hourglass.

The 6000 kept sucking up trees to fill the mechanism with slop, while Applejack and Carrot bucked for all they were worth and Fluttershy did her aerial agitation.

Bloom, Scootaloo, Chronicle, and Pinkie hurried across the grove/Sweetie's relay point with full tubs, giving the Rarity/Granny sorting operation no shortage of raw material.

Stallion and daredevil kept the press whirling at insane RPMs.

Spike covered his eyes as the sand kept draining.

Flim and Flam took it easy on their couch.

Levitating a few more barrels onto the Apples' stack, Twilight threw a split-second glance to Applejack, who returned a fierce one of her own.

All the while, while everypony else began to slowly panic, Chronicle's expression was one of certainty, as if the battle's already won.

The baby dragon uncovered one eye as the last few grains slipped through the neck of the hourglass.

"Time's up!" the Mayor finally declared.

All the workers in the Apple family team stopped. An exhausted moan from all thirteen throats was followed by all of those bodies hitting the deck and gasping for breath. The crowd erupted into wild cheering as the Mayor started counting the barrels to herself.

"I'm proud of you, Applejack," Twilight said as she lay next to her friend.

"Thanks."

"Integrity like that…will always be…rewarded."

"That it will," agreed Chronicle, who lay on his belly next to them, huffing and puffing only a bit less than the others. "Even if it…doesn't look like it."

The two mares looked at him in confusion before then looking at the production runs… the brothers' stack was nearly twice as tall and broad as the Apples'!

"Flim and Flam win!" announced the Mayor.

"What?" the crowd gasped softly.

Bloom walked up by her now-erect sister. "W…w…"

"We…lost?" she finished as Flim and Flam crossed to them.

"Aw, too bad, Apples," Flim said with mocking consolation.

"Guess you'll just have to find a new line of work that doesn't match your names quite so perfectly," added Flam as everypony was all upright.

"Now should we tear down all these tacky old buildings and put up new ones, brother?"

"I don't see why not, brother. After all…" He magically dropped a cord into view. "…this isn't Sweet Apple Acres anymore. How about…" He then pulled it. At the cider stand, a rolled banner winked into being in front of the Apples' sign and opened to block it out. The new one depicted silhouettes of the two brothers' heads—light blue for Flim, pink for Flam—using their magic on a mug of cider between them. "…Flim Flam Fields!"

Rainbow furiously rose off the ground. "I oughta press you into jerk cider!" But she was stopped short by a yank from the vicinity of her tail by Applejack, who had snagged a mouthful of it to halt her just outside striking distance of the brothers. The farmhoof let go a moment later.

"No, Rainbow Dash. A deal's a deal." Flim and Flam began to laugh like clichéd villains. "Congratulations to y'all. The cider business in Ponyville…" She dropped her head. "…is yours." She then turned to the family and led them away. "Come on, Apples. Let's go pack up our things."

"Hold on a second!" Chronicle decided to step in. "The deal was for the rights to sell cider, not the ownership of the farm!"

"I guess you weren't here earlier, when we decided to up the ante with the Apples," Flam told him.

"It's true," confessed Granny as she stopped. "A few hours before the competition, they came to me to discuss the new terms. They got me riled up like last time, and before I knew it, I had put the farm at stake."

"And you did not consult this with your children?!" gasped the Ponyvillian unicorn. The aged earth pony just turned away in shame. "And does the Mayor know of this?"

"Yes," the (not-actually-)gray-haired mare replied as she revealed a scroll of paper. "During the competition, Flim showed me proof of their new agreement." Chronicle just frowned at this as the smirking pair turned to the knot of thunderstruck observers nearby.

"Fear not, everypony!" Flim announced. "There's more than enough cider to go around!" That gloating laugh started up again as Applejack and her kin plodded slowly off. She stopped to address the crowd.

"Go ahead, everypony." But none of them moved. "Go on, y'all." She then turned away, tears in her eyes. "It's okay."

She then walked past Twilight, a waterfall-crying Pinkie, and a consoling Rainbow. she also passed Golden Harvest, who just gave a look of mixed sorrow and scorn; the look of seeing a rival lose to someone other than them. Sweetie Belle was also crying uncontrollably, and Scootaloo was doing her best to hold back the tears as they gave a farewell hug to their fellow Cutie Mark Crusader. Strangely, Chronicle still looked optimistic, as if there was still a chance yet for the Apple family to win, even after the final verdict had been delivered.

Meanwhile, Flim and Flam have set up shop at the cider stand. The barrels were stacked up behind them, and full mugs of a decidedly strange brew were ready for sampling.

"Drink up, Ponyville!" Flam announced. Three were picked up by Cherry Berry, Bon Bon, and Comet Tail. "Down the hatch!"

They chugged the stuff uncertainly, and the two salesponies smiled confidently across the counter. That certainty disappeared in the very short time that it took for the muck to be spat directly into their faces as the drinkers choked and gagged.

"I can't get this taste off my tongue!" Cherry.

"Mine's got rocks in it!" Bon Bon.

"I wouldn't pay one bit for this dreck!" Comet.

And with that, Chronicle's smirk grew wider. So they didn't pick the good ones from the bottom of their stack. Such noobs.

Flam was flabbergasted. "You wouldn't pay even one cent?"

"No!" The crowd was united in their disapproval.

A quick, whispered conference between the brothers ensued. "How about two cups for one cent?"

"NO!"

Another one. "Two bits for the barrel?" they pleaded.

"NO!" And the real final verdict was delivered.

Flam laughed nervously. "It looks like we've encountered a slight…" He and Flim doffed their hats. "…problem here in Ponyville." Both did a soft-shoe bit.

"Nopony wants our product." His hat went back on. "Next town?" As did Flam's.

"Next town." They then raced off, rolling back up their banner and banishing it.

"Let's go, Flim!" The two then boarded the 6000.

"Let's go, Flam!"

And with that, the magical cider-making contraption chugged off along the road, back the way it came. A second after that, one of Ponyville's officers seemed to have realized something and immediately went after them.

"Get back here, you're under arrest!" yelled Hot Pursuit. As it was, the brothers crimes were the following: not paying the Apple Family for the apples they used and the trees they destroyed with their machine, and property damage. They could have been arrested. Unfortunately for Pursuit, they had a spell for thwarting pursuers and used it on him to stall him long enough for him to give up on the chase for now and return to Ponyville. He'll be setting up wanted posters, though.

The Ponyvillians surprisingly didn't decide to form a mob to go after them, only caring for the moment that the Apple family won't be leaving after all. "They're gone!" gasped Applejack as Twilight and Chronicle walked over.

"That means Sweet Apple Acres is still in business!" said the unicorn mare.

Already, the crowd was forming a line. "Plus, we can have high-quality Apple family cider!" commented Caramel.

"Because of this silly competition, we've made enough of our cider for the whole town!" Bloom added. The crowd then cheered the good tidings as her fellow Cutie Mark Crusaders pounced on her for a group hug, and the other three Apple family members traded a round of grateful smiles. Carrot Top in particular gave her rival a smile of relief.

And deciding that cider was cider in the end, regardless of who made it, even if he wasn't planning to drink any, Chronicle called in Mystic Shield and Skyla, the former in turn called in his students, the latter in turn rallied some of the pegasi, and they disposed of the bad cider barrels of the Flim Flam brothers to get to the good cider barrels below. (3)

C—TS—S—GH—A—BM—AB—GS—RD—R—F—PP—MM—S—SB—FFB

Dear Princess Celestia,

"I wanted to share my thoughts with you. … "I didn't learn anythin'! I was right all along! If you take your time to do things the right way, your work'll speak for itself. Sure, I could tell you I learned somethin' about how my friends are always there to help me, and I can count on them no matter what. But truth is, I knew that already too.

P.S. Applejack may not have actually learned anything and instead just reaffirmed a lesson already learned, but if there's anypony who should be sending this letter, it's Ponyville. They were at first ungrateful towards the Apple family for not having enough cider for everyone but finally realized the value of quality over quantity in the end. Also, I believe the Apples should learn that it's best to have both quality and quantity over favoring just one of the two when it comes to sales.

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"How were you looking so sure of our victory, even after we lost?" Applejack later asked Chronicle as they and their friends stood together around a table (the kind seen in bars without chairs) with their tankards of cider. He still wasn't planning on drinking his, however.

"It's just like Moonbow Peek said; 'An oncoming threat to your farm is due to come in a season. Your defeat is imminent, but victory will be absolute.' It has been a season since she related that fortune to you, and the threat came in the form of the Flim Flam brothers. And you lost the competition, but you still won in the end."

"I still think it's just a very freaky coincidence." Twilight was still skeptical. "Her wording was vague enough to mean just about anything."

"That's the point of non-charlatan fortune tellers, so that you can't change the future just by hearing it. And there are still a few more fortunes of hers that have yet to come to pass. We'll see by then. And 'mean just about anything'? Come now, just how many scenarios can there be where you lose, but yet you win?"

"Hmm… not many come to mind."

"Maybe the threat could've been some sort of huge monster, or bandits!" Pinkie suggested. "And we would get our butts kicked trying to beat 'em before Princess Celestia comes out of nowhere to save the day!"

"A monster I'd believe, but bandits? You know I've been able to handle any ransom situation I concern myself with."

"Yeah," agreed Rainbow. "During that last attack from those Discord cultists, when one of them had a knife on Fluttershy, you went nuts and took down the whole lot of them, and she didn't even get hurt!" She then noticed the pony she mentioned wince. "Sorry."

"It's okay."

"I won't let any harm you can't handle come to you whenever I can," Chronicle assured his marefriend, then turned to face the farmpony. "Another thing, Applejack. The Flim Flam brothers never had a chance of getting your farm. Even if they had won the competition fairly, or if the town didn't hate them by them giving the good batch and thus earning their favor, Princess Celestia wouldn't have let this stand. Keeping the Elements of Harmony together is too important for Equestria's (and possibly the entire planet's) security to allow you to leave us. Also, I don't think she'd allow a pair of con ponies to keep that land after personally bestowing it to your family, who are Ponyville's founders. Yes, it sounds a but unfair, but sometimes those sort of things have to be done."

"Wow," commented Twilight. "I guess you do have a point there."

"Still, it's best not to hold out on her. There are many problems we can deal with on our own, whether it's by diplomacy, competition, charisma, intimidation, guile, or combat. We should call in help only when we need it, and we shouldn't turn away those who offer assistance if we can trust them. Good thing the Flim Flam brothers decided on the contest instead of just selling their cider on the spot right next. Then again, they needed the farm's apples, and and the Apple family could've simply denied them, though the town might not have liked that, and things would've been very different. Anyway…" The sole stallion then raised his tankard. "A toast to another victory for the Elements of Harmony!"

"Yeah!" They clunked their mugs together, and the girls promptly chugged theirs. at the same time, Pinkie used her other hoof to tip Chronicle's tankard up so that he ended up drinking as well. The deliciousness of the pressed apple juice was too delicious for him to clamp up and have it splatter all over his face. He just hoped there won't be any buzzing in his head; that was the first sign of the drink being alcoholic.

All seven of them then put their mugs down to savor the taste of the cider, the stallion amongst them waiting for the buzz of intoxication to make itself known. The mares meanwhile just laughed for a while before noticing their friend remain silent for a full minute. Before anypony could speak up, he went first.

"Applejack, why does your cider foam if it's not at all alcoholic? I thought only hard cider foams. Unless it's different around here."

"I'll admit I've never checked out any cider other than ours, so I wouldn't be able to tell. Sorry."

"Eh, it's worth a shot. You do plan on warning the entire Apple family of these Flim Flam brothers, right?"

"Of course I do! What kinda Apple would I be if I weren't to tell the family 'bout those goons? In fact, first thing tomorrow, Granny and I'll be takin' the train to warn the nearest Apple family farm."

"Good. You will take up my offer, right?" They'll need it to compensate for their lost apple trees.

The farmpony gave a sigh, as if reluctantly accepting. "…Fine. I will consult Rarity on business advice."

The addressed pony beamed at the news. "Oh my! That's wonderful! I've been meaning to do so for quite some time now, but due to the fact that you can be stubborn sometimes, I didn't want you to feel like I was imposing."

Chronicle tuned the eventual discussion out as he went to the cider stall for another mug of soft cider. He would later find out that the apple family also sold hard cider on certain days, and while he'll hang out with his friends if they're there, he won't be drinking that cider.

SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM—SCFIM

(1) You cannot believe how much I wanted to do this kiss. This is an allusion to that before Season 2, Dashie was my favorite pony.

(2) I just felt like more help was needed, so I had Chronicle bring in Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle (why would they not help their fellow Cutie Mark Crusader for such an important endeavor?), as well as Carrot Top for reasons explained in earlier chapters, as well as earlier in this chapter.

(3) Just as Spike is sometimes relegated to very minor roles in an episode, regrettably, so can Mystic Shield and Skyla in some chapters, like this one.

nightelf37: One thing I wanted to add—but couldn't for various—was the reveal that the Flim Flam brothers were why Carrot Top's father was in debt; I just couldn't fit it in. See ya on Third!