All this stuff about development, and flaws, and things you call 'build character and make someone more interesting'...

to me... they don't build character, they build stupidity and make someone pathetic/embarrassing!

The morning sun slowly rose over the small hamlet of Ponyville, shining its faint rays of light upon the bedroom of the Carousel Boutique. With a slight yawn, Rarity began to wake up as the sun shined it's light upon her eyelids. As she looked to the window, she resisted the urge to use her telekinesis to roll down the shade and go back to snuggling into the muscular arm of her fiance. Instead, she rolled on his arm and snuggled into his body, enjoying the comforting warmth of his body.

A sigh of contentment escaped her lips as she watched her Spike breathe in and out, looking so content before her. Running her finger along his pecs and down his stomach. She entertained a thought of giving Spike a little special wake up call, but instead chose to lean up and kiss him on the cheek. Then she let out a grunt while rolling out of the bed.

She gave out a few grunts and moans as she stretched while getting out of the bed. Her pregnant belly sticking out and helping to add to her stress. As she walked to look at herself in the mirror, she smiled warmly while rubbing her belly, "I am going to have so many stretch marks because of you. And you know what," she giggled while caressing her stomach, "You'll be worth every minute."

Shaking her head with a sigh, she walked into the bathroom and turned on the shower. A groan of pleasure shot through her as the warm water hit her body, running down in rivulets along her curves. Taking out a bar of soap, she began to rub the bar down into a lather along her arms and slender legs. While the water ran along her body, she began to think to herself, "It is the middle of December, which means in two months I will get to see my little bundle," as she guided her hand along her stomach she said, "And there isn't a moment I don't regret keeping you. Because when you are born, I will smother you with love. Would you like that?"

Almost as if the little baby could hear her, it kicked in response.

A soft giggle escaped her lips, "I thought you would like that."

"Rarity, there's someone at the door," said Glarity from the outside. "He wants to see you."

""In a minute," Rarity said, taking a step out of the shower. Carefully, she began to towel herself off while a thought began to enter her head "Did I turn her off last night or did... she turn herself on." Choosing to put the thought into the back of her head, she slowly stepped out of the shower.

Walking by her dresser, she pulled a maternal shirt with the words 'Precious Gem Cultivating' printed on the front. This matched up with a little blue dress that went along with the shirt and gave her a welcoming presence. As she walked down the stairs, she watched as Glarity tended to her cat. There was a warm smile as she watched her golem at work.

Once she arrived at the front door, she opened it, "Hello sir. We are not open right now but-" when she got a good look at the figure as he pulled back his hood, she gasped and whispered, "Mysterious."

The black unicorn figure nodded calmly as he held up his hand, his white beard full enough to hide his lips as he said, "Parley, I am not here to fight you, or to start a war. I am only here to talk with you."

"I see," Rarity looked over to her shoulder and nodded to Glarity, telling the her to put down the bow and arrow, her own magic fading. "Well, come in, Sir."

"Just like that?" asked Mysterious as he stepped in, "I could betray you, and kill you while your back is turned."

"You have never killed one person in your life, admit it. You have actually saved lives, including my friends," Rarity said, turning around and walking to the dining room, "Besides, you seem trustworthy."

"How can you tell?" he asked.

"Intuition, my dear," Rarity said with a wink.

The two sat down across the table, letting the teapot boil and steam. Once the tea was prepared, she poured tea for the two of them. Mysterious picked up the teacup and slowly sipped the tea, "Mmmm, the things you miss when you are stuck in the alternate world."

"Conquest does not feed you?" Rarity asked.

Mysterious shook his head, "Oh, he feeds us well. His taste in tea, on the other hand, is not."

"I see," Rarity said, taking another sip, "What brings you here?"

"What makes a heart?" asked Mysterious calmly.

"My, what an interesting question," she said, looking back at Glarity as she began to clean up the work room, "I think that a heart is a combination of our emotions and memories. It is something that grows over time as we fill our lives with friendship, compassion, and love. The more we share these emotions with others, the bigger our heart grows."

"And do you believe that one can be born without a heart?" Mysterious asked.

Rarity calmly shook her head, "If this is about you and your friends, then definitely not. You show so many emotions that to say you have no heart is folly. Why would you laugh when you win, get excited about your plans, care about those foes of yours to win? To truly be without a heart, you would have to be like that being who took out Luminoth. So you were either born with one or you grew one over time."

"I think... I was born with one," Mysterious said.

"What?" Rarity asked.

"I met Brain yesterday," Mysterious said.

"Brain!" Rarity exclaimed, almost spilling her tea, "But he hasn't been seen since the war began."

"It seems that he had gotten mad over his treatment at Grand Ruler's hands and moved to a place called El," Mysterious said. "I went there myself when I went on a sabbatical."

---

I went to El, because I wanted to go on a sabbatical. Seeing so many of the tortures and horrors of the pocket dimension becomes wearying after a while. When I had arrived, it was there that I met a friendly face...

Mysterious sighed as he tugged his hood over his head. The images of the various equines moving about, the various conversations, had begun to make him wish to see his friends once more. With each plodding step, he had begun to feel out of place among the quadrupeds that were milling about, even more so since he was alone. Looking at a few equines in dark purple robes and furry brown mohawks, he began to think to himself, "How is it that these creatures have been able to stay away from the influence of Starfleet for so long?"

"Penny for your thoughts?" asked a dark green winged unicorn with a white mane surrounding a bald spot, "Or is this a plot to conquer the planet, Mysterious?"

The being turned around and narrowed his eyes at the speaking stallion, smirking a little as he recognized him, "Brain, I am surprised to see you on this world. Have you fallen out of love with the Starfleet?"

"Precisely," Brain chuckled, using his favorite verbal tick. "I have gone disheartened with my highness, with how he used my technologies and ideas for his own domination of others. Worse yet, when I figured out some new strategies, he told me to not worry about it. So, I came here to El! Part of the bastion of planets that are not aligned with the worlds under Starfleet's control."

Mysterious nodded, "And this is where you decided to reside for the rest of the war."

"This place is magnificent!" Brain said with a smile, "The technology here is truly advanced as opposed to the world of Starfleet, the various races respect each other, and there is no forced changing of the ponies into these horrible designs."

"I have to admit, the atmosphere here is far more to my liking," Mysterious admitted, putting a finger to his chin. Looking off into the distance, he could see a golden and white tower in the distance, "I assume you have been to the library?"

"Indeed I have," Brain said, walking to a fence that surrounded a small fountain, "In the seven months that I have lived here, my range of knowledge in the universe has increased substantially. Did you know that our space bridges are quite inefficient or that the long rumoured 'little air in space' is a complete fallacy? It's all quiet fascinating."

Mysterious laid his black forearms on the railing, looking at Brain. Whether he knew it or not, a smile crossed his face as he began to talk, "I thought as much. It's just another lie to add to the pile."

"Much like you being heartless creations?" asked Brain. He put a finger to his chin, "You know, I had always thought about that. It just feels weird to tell us that a being is made without a heart, and then a few minutes later I find myself facing down a stallion who is taking pride in fighting us."

"Are you saying that we grew a heart?" Mysterious asked.

"No," Brain shook his head. "I am saying that you have always had one. That you have been lied to by both Titan and Grand Ruler."

"Why though, that is the question," Mysterious asked.

"Well, for Titan, it's simple, to make you a better fighter. Perhaps you have a connection that he needed to disconnect for a while to make it so you can fight at your best," Brain said. "And for Grand Ruler, telling us that you have no heart is a good way to hold us back."

"Interesting theory," Mysterious said.

"Not a theory, tell me, what color do you bleed?" Brain asked, throwing a knife to Mysterious.

"Bleed?" Mysterious asked, putting the knife to his hand.

---

"Assuming that Grand Ruler is correct and me and my friends were created, what color do you think the blood was?" he asked.

Rarity looked to Glarity and nodded, "Green blood, like golems do."

"Mine was as red as yours," Mysterious said.

---

Mysterious looked at the red liquid as it trailed down his palm, staring in disbelief, "Interesting."

"Interesting?" asked Brain. "You have just had your life revealed to be a lie and you can only answer that this is interesting?"

Mysterious nodded, "If we were just creations of mud and clay and corpses, beings lacking hearts. Then what did that make you?"

"Preciously my thoughts," said Brain. "Why were we different from you three? Why is it that you were deemed less than equine even if our origins are the same?"

"Unless we were lied to," Mysterious said. "More and more, the threads of lies are becoming unraveled."

"Yeah," Brain sighed. "You know, it's interesting. Talking to you, I am reminded of my older brother."

"You have a brother?" asked Mysterious.

"Yeah, he was awesome," chuckled Brain. "He could pull off calculations like you wouldn't believe. He was smarter than anyone and-" when his hand brushed against Mysterious, the black stallion stepped back and his eyes went white.

He found himself standing in front of a young boy, holding up a spaceship. The little winged unicorn colt let out a giggled as he held the model, "I made it myself."

---

Rarity sipped her tea slowly, listening to his story, "You saw, yourself, with a little colt as he showed you his spaceship."

"Yes, and the odd thing is, I felt like I knew the colt from somewhere. As if we had a bond," Mysterious sighed and looked into his cup, "The same thing happened with Rep-Stallion and Inquirious, and Dementia with Starla."

"Starla," Rarity gasped, "But, what on earth is she doing there!"

"You," Mysterious looked up, his eyebrow arched, "You...did not know?"

"No, I did not," Rarity shook her head, placing her cup of tea down on the table, "How long has she been captured?"

"A few days before the war started," Mysterious said. "I thought Lightning would've told you something."

"No, he did not. All he said that she was home on a paradise planet because he was fearful for her life," Rarity said, shaking her head. "I do not know why he would lie to us about this."

"His pride," Mysterious said calmly. "That will get him into trouble. Though, he probably feels ashamed at his failure to rescue her or to prevent..."

Rarity looked up and asked, "To prevent what?"

"Her rape," Mysterious said calmly, looking away. "My dear master has been raping that poor girl since the day he caught her her, plus a number of horrifying tortures. I shan't tell them in polite company."

"Oh, that poor thing," Rarity whispered.

"I am surprised that you are showing empathy for her," Mysterious said. "I was always under the impression that you disliked her, or even hated her."

Rarity nodded and sighed, "While it is true that she and I have had our disagreements in the past, I would never wish that type of punishment upon anyone. I would rather us make amends and become friends."

Mysterious nodded, smiling a little in spite of himself. Taking a look up, he noticed a crystalline bow laying in the corner of the kitchen, "That... is an interesting bow. Where did you get it?"

"El," Rarity said.

"Why did you go to El?" Mysterious asked.

"For Belle," Rarity said, looking out the window at the giant tree where her friend lived.

---

It was the previous day, a week before Hearth's Warming could begin. Inside of the library, Pinkie Pie was her usual blaze of activity while Belle began to dress her room up in festive colors. With each bounce, Pinkie Pie's energy seemed to be bursting, "Oh, this is going to be great! You are going to have your first Hearth's Warming here. Or the first one you remember, or at least-"

"I get it, Pinkie," Belle said with a sigh as she looked at some of her decorations. A warm smiled came to her lips as she looked at the green and whites that decorated her home in streamers and little cutouts of trees and snowflakes, " I love this time of year too. All of these ponies getting together and loving their lives. Becoming warm by the fires of love and friendship." she then looked out her window to see a small unicornicopian family hiding in their homes, almost afraid. "Well, not all of us."

Eager to change the subject, Pinkie Pie bounced down from her perch and landed in front of Belle, "You forgot the best part" she said in a sing-song voice.

Belle looked at her weirdly, "What is that?"

With a big grin, she pressed her finger into the middle of her chest, "Why you! You bring something brand new to the party!"

"I do?" Belle asked, smiling softly.

Pinkie Pie nodded, "Yep, just you being here helps to brighten up the town. Ever since you came here, it feels like I found a missing piece of my heart. You helped me to smile again and you... help to make the others realize what is important. I don't think I could ever thank you enough."

"No," Belle said with a shake of her head, "I should be thanking you. You opened up your heart to me when we first met. You let me into your home and treated me like I was your long lost friend."

Her blue eyes gazed back at Belle's grey ones, and Pinkie smiled, entwining her fingers with Belle's, "That's because it feels like it. You are a very good friend, Belle." She then hugged her friend closely.

"I'm glad to be here," Belle said, and then broke the embrace. Walking over to a bookcase, she said, "Oh, I found a book that I think Artie cou-"

Pinkie turned towards the sound of her friend's voice, "Could what?" as she asked, she looked on in shock when she saw her friend lying on the floor out cold. "Oh my gosh, no. Belle!" Pinkie shouted, running to her friend's side. "Belle, please speak to me. BELLE!"

Applejack stepped in, seeing Pinkie Pie over her friend's body. Letting out a gasp, she ran over to Belle and put a finger to her throat. Then she put her ear to Belle's mouth, "She's still breathing and pulse feels fine. What happened?"

"We were just talking to each other when suddenly she just fainted," Pinkie said, looking up worried, panic seeming to seep in. Her breath came in short pants as she said, "I... don't know what happened to her."

"Happened to-" Dash paused and flew over to Belle, "Oh my gosh, what happened?"

"She fainted, and we can't wake her up," Applejack said. Before she could ask why Dash had come, she heard Rarity's voice.

"Dash, have you found Spike's old blanket yet? I was hoping to-" Rarity gasped and waddled to her friend's side, "Oh, this is bad. Rainbow, where is Fluttershy?"

"I don't know," Dash said. "She's been in her little cottage for the past few days. She keeps saying that there is a really bad disease in there and I shouldn't go in."

Rarity shook her head, "This is not good. Let's get into bed for now."

Applejack and Rainbow Dash nodded, picking Belle up gently and taking her into the bedchambers. As they did, Pinkie Pie began to look around the room, searching each and every book. Occasionally, she would pull out a book and look behind it as if searching for a hidden button. Running around the library section of the house, caught Rarity's attention, "Pinkie Pie, what on earth are you doing?"

"A journal," Pinkie said, 'She has a journal to say what's she been doing!"

"How can you be so sure?" Applejack asked.

"Because I helped her make it!" Pinkie exclaimed. "I put in some pictures for her. Where," she gasped when she pulled out a plain grey journal that had Belle's cutie mark on it, "Here we go!"

"She said opening it up to the inside cover. In the inside cover, was Belle done in Ink. Around her were the other five, all hugging her close. Underneath it was a caption that read, "My friends, may we stay forever together."

"Hi journal! My name is Belle Amie and I am going to write in you. Ok, that sounds little weird, I mean you are just a book, but I think I should treat books like my friends," Rarity read aloud. "Rarity said that I should start writing down my day and maybe see if I can find my memories this way. Maybe I should start from the beginning.

"My first memory was waking up alone outside of Ponyville and feeling very scared. Something told me that to be safe, I should head to that big house that looks like food. Well, I did and that was when I met Pinkie PIe. My first friend. She is a little energetic, but she helped me find my other friends."

Each name followed a photo she took, "P.S. I took a photo of them to make sure I don't forget. Applejack, strong and dependable. Rarity, lady like but is a great fighter, Fluttershy, soft, but tough, and Rainbow Dash, daring and brave. I am so glad to have met them.:

"Let me see," Rainbow Dash said, taking from Pinkie and began to look over the pages, "Look at this."

"Applejack came by today. We had a little talk over some cider when she told me about her feelings of leadership. She confided in me about her fears of being a leader and how she wasn't feeling like she could handle it. I...just couldn't tell her that I have been feeling a little weak lately. I... ooooh, talk later Journal."

"That was a few days before I saw her, she fainted then too," whispered Fluttershy as she walked into the library. With a slow sigh she said, "I'm sorry I didn't say anything, she asked me not to."

"It's ok," Applejack said.

Rainbow Dash looked up and open her mouth to ask, but Fluttershy hid behind her hair as she said, "I was just sleeping. I am sorry if I worried you."

"Ok," Dash said suspiciously as she read the next entry.

"Fluttershy talked to me today, she saw me fainting. I told her that she didn't really need to worry, because I'm fine. Really, they don't need to know of my problems when they have their own worries to take care of."

"Stop," whispered Pinkie, shuddering as she held her head, tears beginning to brim at her eyes.

"Today, I felt like part of the group. We all shared a blood pact that made us all honorary sisters. I can't wait to see more of...sorry, I got woozy again.

"Please stop," Whimpered Pinkie as she shuddered.

"I have been getting flashes sometimes. Of another me, only purple instead of grey. She is working on something and gets woozy. It matches every time I get another flash. And today, it got really bad. I walked by a figure in a cloak and I almost fainted in the marketplace."

Pinkie began to shake her head, "Stop, please stop."

"Dear journal, I-"

"Please for the love of Celestia STOP!" Pinkie screamed.

Rainbow Dash looked up at Pinkie's yell and sighed as she closed the book, "Sorry Pinks."

"This can't be happening, this just can't be happening," Pinkie whimpered. "Not like this, not after everything we've been through! Not after everything, we have to save her, we just have to."

"We can and we will," Applejack said. "We ain't about to let anyone of us die. We'll do all we can."

"Thank you," said Belle smiling warmly, walking back down. "I, am so sorry that I did not tell you this sooner. It's just that, with everything that had been going on: The war, Starfleet, Grand Ruler's manipulations, I just couldn't burden you with my problems."

Applejack sighed softly, and walked over to Belle to place her hand onto her friend's shoulder. Staring her emerald eyes into Belle with compassion she said, "You shouldn't have to worry about putting any extra burden on us. That's what we're here for, to help you carry your pain and to make your day better."

Belle chuckled a little and smiled up, "Does this mean you still trust me?"

"Hmm, Ah don't know," Applejack said, "Dash, what do ya think?"

"It'll take a long time for you to gain my trust back," Rainbow Dash said with a cocky smirk. Then she rolled her eyes in thought for a moment and said, "Ok, time's up. Trust is earned again."

This brought out a round of chuckles from the group, and a laugh from Pinkie Pie. After relaxing for a moment, Belle was the first to speak, "I can only guess that these blackouts I have been having might have something to do with my lost memories."

"Which can only mean that we can truly find out the cause of her problems by looking through her mind," Rarity said.

"I could tell you of a place that could help with that," said a pink pegasus from the doorway.

The girls turned to face the newcomer, they were left with a confused stare in their eyes, except for Pinkie Pie. For her part, Pinkie Pie looked curiously at the new pony, before she stepped back and gasped, "Cerise Wonder?!"

"My word," Rarity said, looking at Cerise. Her designer instinct took over as she looked her over and then gasped, "You are! You are Cerise, but what brings you here and what on earth happened to your horn?"

"I tore my horn off," Cerise said. "It was to help answer my questions about the truth of my past."

"So, your memories are being messed with too?" Applejack asked.

Cerise nodded and walked to the bookshelves, looking at the various spines. Upon finding the book, she began, "There is a planet that we in the Starfleet echelon are to stay away from, the planet El. It's home to the elks and various other races that are opposed to Starfleet and it's rule. Such as the Crystalites."

"The crystalites? Didn't Lightning say he fought them before and that they were evil?" Applejack asked.

Cerise Wonder looked to Applejack and remarked, "Don't tell me you actually believed that whole story about those people. That their whole race was evil because they concerned themselves with only beauty? Or that when he went into the portal to the human world, that Starfleet had to save an innocent race of defenseless people?"

"Right now, Ah couldn't trust anything that he says anymore," Applejack said.

"Indeed, it almost feels that the more this war carries on, the more the veil is lifted," Rarity said. "How can this planet aid us?"

" The Elk there are masters of psychic powers and mental energy. Their research into the mind is beyond compare," said Cerisel

"So... how do we get there?" Rainbow Dash asked. "If Grand Twit up there says that it's not allowed, you can bet he won't have any space bridges leading there."

"I wouldn't want to use space bridges anyway. I refuse to trust any science that says that there is breathable space!" Rarity said dismissively.

Belle smiled, "I might know how to get there.."

---

"It seems," Rarity said with a smile, "That Twilight had found Brain's ship from a long time ago. We never knew why he abandoned it or why no one ever thought about using it until now."

"From what I heard of the fight with Sombra, it would've made flying there a lot easier," Mysterious commented.

Rarity nodded, "Indeed it would have. Of course, Belle had been working on it for some time. We christened it the Sparkle and took off for El. Once there..."

---

Pinkie Pie let out a gasp of wonder as the ship began to float down into the towering city's spaceport. Against a red sunlit sky golden towers of metal touched the air and shone brilliantly. All through the port, various races of ungulates and other more alien species. Her blue eyes watched in excitement as she began to take note of which races to meet and talk to. Applejack walked up behind her and looked out the window, "Hard to believe that there is so many races out there, not wanting to side with Grand Ruler at all."

"Do you think Conquest knows about them?" Fluttershy whispered.

Belle nodded, "He probably does, but he's probably taking out one of the bigger powers before doing anything else. It does make me think, why is United Equestria-"

"Attention ship," said a large feminine elk, wearing ambassadorial blue robes, "you will state your business and reasons for coming here or else have your ship taken in and impounded."

Applejack turned, but Rarity's delicate hand stopped her, "Allow me darling. This requires a delicate touch."

"Fine," Applejack said, sitting in the seat next to Dash's pilot seat.

"Greetings," Rarity said, stepping out of the ship and onto the walkway in front of the elk. Calmly, she bowed before the elk, "I am Rarity Belle, representative of Equestria. I am traveling with my party: Abbigail Jacqueline, Pinkamena Pie, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy Firewing, and Belle Amie. We are traveling here because we need help for a dear friend."

The elk looked over the large narrow ship, its two purple nacelles shining off the side, her brown fur bristling as she noticed the Starfleet insignia peaking over the symbol of the sun princess. As her blue eyes began to examine the ship, she said, "Your ship is Unicornicopian made, but I did not think that Unicornicopians had any desire to venture into warp technology. I expected them to stay with the outdated Space Bridges."

"This ship was the first of it's kind madame," Rarity said, curtsying, "But, it's as I said. We are here for aid for our dear friend, not as agents of Grand Ruler."

The Elk touched a hoof to Rarity's chin, and began to look into her eyes. For a brief moment, the elk's eye's glowed a faint blue. Nodding she stepped back and said, "Welcome to El. I am President Avarok. My apologies for the questionnaire, but you have to understand, there are many a refugee from Starfleet here and many more come to get away from their tyranny."

"I understand," Rarity said.

Belle got off the ship next, "Thank you for letting us stay. I am the one that needs help. Might I ask what you were doing?"

"Psychic reading," Avarok said. "We Elk have the ability to read surface thought of those we meet. Kind of like an earth pony's connection to the earth around her. Though, higher trained Elk have been known to do more. I will take you personally to our psy labs and they will look you over."

Turning to look at the rest of the group, she said, "The rest of you, please enjoy the capital. There might be something for each of-" a pink blur passed by as she talked, "You."

Dash watched on in amazement as her pink friend ran out of the ship, "Should we keep an eye on her?"

"Nah, Let her run," Applejack said with a warm smile. "This is probably the most Pinkie she has been in a while."

"Yeah, I guess," Rainbow Dash said. Turning to look back in the ship, she saw Fluttershy sitting in the back seat, sighing. Frowning a little, Dash walked up to her, "Hey Fluttershy, come on. There is a whole new world for us to see and cool stuff to try."

Fluttershy timidly hid behind her mane and whispered lowly, "N-no, I think I'll stay here and watch the ship."

"Oh, come on Shy," Dash said, walking up to her, "There might be some cool animals for you to see."

"No, I couldn't," Fluttershy said, turning her head away.

A frown came to Dash's lips as she asked, "Fluttershy, what's up? You've been mopey, sad, and a little...distant. What's going on?"

"Nothing," Fluttershy said, looking at Rainbow Dash with saddened eyes. She then turned her head away, "I just don't want to go out there into a strange world with strange creatures I never met. Is that so wrong?"

"Yeah, it is! You need to get out there," Dash said, shaking her head when she caught herself. Sighing, she said, "Come on, you love talking to new animals and stuff like that."

"The last time i talked to strange animals, I wrecked the whole Gala," Fluttershy said, and then turned away.

Dash reached out for her, and was ready to pull her out of her chair. When she saw the look in her friend's eyes, her hand retracted and she frowned, "Fine, if you really don't want to go."

Outside of the ship, Rainbow Dash growled to herself slightly, "What is up with her? I know she's shy but not when there is a chance to see some animals. That isn't her at all!"

As she walked she began to think about the past with her and Fluttershy.

Twilight Sparkle shook her head as she rested on the train ride home, "You know Dash, you shouldn't have picked Fluttershy for that joust. Why not go with Applejack?"

Dash shrugged, "Fluttershy looked more like she needed to go than Applejack."

"But Applejack would've dropped what she was doing to help you, you know that," Twilight said.

Dash sighed and looked at the sleeping mare by her sigh. Taking a look at Twilight, she added, "Look, I know that Fluttershy is scared and nervous about a lot of things, but I know she is so awesome deep down. All she needs is a chance to be pushed the right way, and that's what I like to try to do. I want the world to see her like I do."

"Even if you can be a little too pushy?" Twilight snarked, an eyebrow raised.

Dash frowned and then chuckled, "Ok, you got me there. I just forget that as awesome Fluttershy can be, she needs to become that at her own pace and not because of some hot head."

Dash sighed as she walked through the port streets, "Maybe I should talk with Rarity, she might be able to tell me what's wrong with Fluttershy."

The spaceport, being so close to the capital, offered a lot for the prismatic pegasus to see. Many ponies hawking their wares and calling out various prices of the food. Dash's eyes looked back and forth from stall to stall in search for her friend, but was still enraptured by all of the sights and sounds that bombarded her eyes. Amidst the calling of the crowds was a singular voice, "Coming through!"

"What?" Dash asked, watching as a blue blur past her by, dropping letters as he ran by. Entranced by the speed, her racer's instinct kicked in and she flew after the blur.

The blue blur smiled when he saw the rainbow contrail began her chase. A feeling of elation at the prospect of a new challenge kicked in and made him run just a little faster. His four legs became nothing more than blurs as he ran ahead, pushing himself just a little more faster. Thinking that he had lost his quarry, he took a look behind him to see Dash keeping up. A small gasp escaped his lips as he smiled.

Rainbow Dash watched as her racing partner began to speed up, shocked at his speed. Smiling, she pushed herself a little more, creating a small sonic boom as she did. As she pushed herself to beyond her normal limits, she could feel and see lightning bolts began to crackle and dance along her body. Feeling her confidence began to rise, she races a little faster, catching up with the blur.

When she neared the blur, she thought she heard him say, "Ok, that's enough playing around. Let's end this race, friend."

"What?" Dash asked, only to be blown back by the back draft of the blur as he sped away. A look of shock came over her for a brief second, and then she smiled, feeling Lightning surge through her, she pushed herself ever harder, running after the blur. Then for a brief second, a vision flashed through her vision. She found herself in a long blue tunnel, surrounded by faint shadows of all shapes and sizes. Some were bipedal like her, some were humans, some were pegasi, some were even hedgehogs, and some were small children. When she blinked her vision cleared and she saw herself running into the blur, tripping over her feet.

"Whoa," The blur, now revealed himself to be a white antelope with blue legs, said as he looked down at the tripped Rainbow Dash. "I think that's enough of a race for now. You didn't win, but boy did ya give me a run for my money. I almost thought I was gonna name's Max Mercury and you are?"

"Rainbow Dash. W-wh-what was that?" Dash asked. "How did you get so fast? What did you do?"

"What was what?" the Antelope asked.

"When we were running, I saw this weird place where a bunch of people were running by me. It felt awesome, peaceful, like I could run forever," Dash said.

"Oh, that? That was just the speed force kid," Max said with a shrug as he adjusted the strap on his bag.

"The...speed force?" Dash asked, her magenta eyes shooting up in excitement. "It's real? It actually exists?!"

"Yeah. Have you heard of it?" Max asked.

Dash nodded, "Almost any speedster worth their salt back home has heard of it. It's that thing all we speedsters get our powers from, it's like some sort of heaven for us. But, I thought it was some legend."

The antelope laughed and shook his head, "Oh no, it's real. The fastest and greatest of all speedsters are able to reach into it and use its power at will. I can barely tap into it if I need to, but that was only after years of training. You seem to be a natural at it."

"Think I could do it?" Dash asked.

"With time kid," Max said. "So, why were you racing me? Had a message you needed delivered?"

Rainbow Dash shook her head and slapped her face with an open palm, "Darn it, I was going to hunt for my friend Rarity. I need to talk to her."

"Is she that white mare that looks pregnant that I saw shopping around?" asked Max. When he saw Rainbow Dash nod, he said, "I saw her at the Anything and Everything shop. It's down that way, two stores down."

"Thanks!" Rainbow Dash said, smiling as she ran through the streets at top speed. When she found the shop doorway, she paused and peeked in, seeing Rarity looking at the various wares.

Much like a skilled artisan, Rarity began to look over each item in detail. The various nicknacks made her smile in admiration. Then when she turned her purple eyes upward, she saw a curved piece of wood, covered in sparkling diamonds. The string was drawn across the bow shimmered in the sunlight, "A diamond bow?"

The shop's owner, an orange elephant, nodded, "Yep, best bows this side of the Elk Federation. Guaranteed to not break and to fire arrows with wonderful accuracy."

"I see," Rarity said, "How much?"

"30,000 credits," said Quark.

Rarity shook her head, "30,000? Oh no, that wouldn't do. See, my world deals in bits, and I can tell you that a bow like that would be found on the market for only a thousand bits at most."

"Ah, but you see," Quark used his trunk to pull down the bow and lay it on the table, "You see the mastery of the craft in this bow? How each diamond is perfectly set? That is fine craftsmanship and stuff like this don't come cheap. Now, 10,000 seems reasonable don't it?"

"My dear sir," Rarity said, putting her hand to her chest in shock, "I don't think you understand this but my homeworld has gems like these that you can pick up off the ground if you so choose. Why, I bet I could find a way to make a cheap counterfeit just by asking my best friend's sister to work with my gems. This is why I cannot see it going for more than 2000 credits."

Quark laughed at this, "Oh, you are doing a good job at haggling, little missy. Bet you would make a good elephant in your time."

That was when Rarity paused, her eyes began to well up with tears as she turned away, "A-A-An Elephant? You think me to be an elephant? I know that I may appear to be fat, but that is only because of my pregnancy!" That was when she began to cry, her tears streaming down her face. "It's not my fault I am so fat!"

"Oh, wait, I'm sorry," The elephant said, looking around as Rarity continued to cry and whimper. "Look, if it'll make you better, I'll give it to you for 1500."

"Thank you," Rarity said, handing the bits to the elephant with a wink and a smiled as she levitated the bow to her, "You make a hard bargain."

As she left the hut, she saw Rainbow Dash giving her a thumbs up, "Ok, that was nice Rare. Expert acting."

"Oh, pish posh," Rarity said, putting the bow into her bag, "I was just making business. One must know how to handle this in the busy world. Now, why are you here? Looking for something special to bring home?"

"No," Dash said, flying with Rarity as the two walked the streets, "It's Fluttershy."

"What happened?" Rarity gasped, "Rhymey didn't go back on his word and is attacking her?"

"No, if he did," Rainbow dash lightly punched her palm for emphasis, "I would hand him his ass. No, it's just...she's being so distant ever since the fight back in Manehattan. I can't seem to connect to her anymore, and I feel like she's-"

"Pushing you away?" Rarity asked as the two found a bridge to stop by and watch as the noonday sun began to lower into the afternoon.

"Yeah," Dash frowned, running a finger along the railing and shaking her head slowly, "I've always thought that I was the gal Fluttershy could always talk to, could always speak her mind if she was in trouble. I always could do that. And now, I'm... I don't know."

"Scared?" Rarity asked.

"What? No, I'm just worried for her. I mean, what if she is in trouble and I can't help her. What if this is some new threat that I won't be able to stop in time? What if I am just one second too slow, and we lose her?" Dash asked, shaking her head as she looked down at the busy street below.

"That's fear dear," Rarity said. Then she held her friend's hand, "I wonder, if your claustrophobia is a sign of something deeper. Perhaps something that you are really afraid of?"

Dash sighed, "You certainly know how to read a pony don't ya?"

"I am a dressmaker and a soon to be mother, it's part of the job," Rarity giggled a little, letting out a soft grunt when she felt a kick.

Dash could only smile and shake her head at this, "When I was a kid, my grandma had to go into the hospital for something. She had a heart mutter or some egghead thing that I couldn't understand. Before she left, she told me that she would be home soon and we could play together again. But, when she went..." trailing off, Dash let out a sigh.

"She died, didn't she?" Rarity asked somberly.

Dash nodded and let out a shudder, "I never even got to say goodbye. I just felt like, I should've been there for her, done something, been something, or just... I wanted to see her go away. Since then, I have never been able to really say goodbye, because I get worried that's the last time I ever see a pony again. Like, there might be a problem that they can't handle alone and I won't be there to help them."

"Is that why you cherish your speed?" Rarity asked.

Dash sighed, closing her fists and eyes, "When you're the fastest pony, you can be everywhere at once. No matter where somepony goes, you can be by their side in an instant and help them, that way nopony ever has to say goodbye to me again and I won't be alone."

Opening her eyes again, Dash leaned forward on the railing, "I thought Fluttershy knew that I would always be there for her, that she could rely on me when she's in trouble, that she's my-"

"Special somepony?" Rarity asked with a soft giggle, "Don't be surprised, we all see it, Rainbow. But, it's as I said, she can't be forced to say it, this is something she has to say on her own. And, if she is in trouble? I know that the fastest pegasus in Equestria will be there to swoop in like a chromatic knight in armor to protect her from whatever darkness attacks her."

"Overdramatic much?" Drash snarked.

Rarity smiled coyly, "I don't consider it overdramatic, rather than a love of a romantic ideal!"

Rolling her eyes in exasperation, Dash turned her head to look at a nearby park and a familiar shape, " Hey, is that AJ?"

"I wonder what she is doing by that tree?" Rarity said, walking away from Rainbow Dash, "Shall we go see her? I do need the rest after all."

"Are you sure, I mean..."

"Dear, when you gain an extra 20 pounds, a new life in you, and look like this!" Rarity pointed to her belly for emphasis, "Then you can talk about how much rest you need!"

Dash nodded and walked with Rarity to the park and the large tree. As they neared it, they began to hear Applejack's voice, "Hey Twilight, just thought Ah should give ya my monthly report. Kind of weird to say it from an alien planet huh?"

"She gives out a report?" Rarity asked.

Dash smiled warmly, "I kind of do it every other month, makes it feel like she's still here."

"I know, I do it too," Rarity said warmly.

"It's been a wild few weeks: A big fight, Starfleet losing another member, and we just seem to be going through hell down here. There are days when Ah wish you were here, then again...Ah sometimes feel like you still are. That's why Ah want to thank you for Belle. Ah don't know why or how, but when Ah'm with her it feels like you are here again, back with us. Ah guess that was why she is here, to help us with the pain. That's why Ah kind of want to be selfish here and ask ya..."

Pausing, Applejack took off her hat and looked up, "Don't take Belle away from us. We need her, so much. Before she came here, Ah was starting to feel distant from the others but when she's here, Ah feel like a piece of us is back. If we lose her, then Ah don't know what we'll do."

"We'll stay together," Dash said, putting her hand onto her friend's shoulder and smiling, "I don't know why we were starting to separate before, but I don't plan on doing that again. We'll beat Conquest, and then return our Equestria back to the way it was meant to be."

Rarity sat by the tree, stretching her legs, "Do you think it will be that easy?"

"Of course it will!" Pinkie said, hanging upside down from a tree branch, "We just need to stay true to ourselves, keep a hold of that hope that is inside, beat the bad guys, and then we can go back to being normal. Then we can have a bunch more days like this."

Applejack smiled, and crossed her arms, "So, rest Twilight, we've got this." as her eyes gazed at the distance, seeing the sun begin to set, she sighed, "Wished we had more days like this again. Just us relaxing, enjoying our lives and each other."

"Ah, but you know how Starfleet acts," Dash said, frumping up, "We don't have time for this. We have so much military bull to pull off and we can't enjoy our hobbies because of monster attack A and crap."

Rarity smiled warmly, "Maybe if they had learned to deal with days like this, they wouldn't be having problems."

"Feeling kind of down that we've been getting mad at them?" Applejack asked.

"It's odd, but I almost feel as if these losses have been," Rarity said, "giving them some form of Equiniti. As if I can actually see them as ponies now. In a way, I pity them, we have been getting stronger and closer, and they have become more distant."

"Yeah," Dash said, looking down, "Kind of want to help them now. It's weird, before this started, I wanted them dead, now I want to save them."

"Compassion for your tyrants," Avarok said, her calm tone coming from across the field, at her side stood Belle. "The compassion of Equestrians, is quite remarkable."

"Belle!" Pinkie said, jumping from the branch and running to her, hugging her close, "What's wrong? Are you going to be ok? What's happening doc?"

Belle sighed, "Are you sure you want to know?"

"We can't save ya if we don't," Dash said,.

"Avarok discovered that there is something missing from my mind. A black hole where my memories are, as well as my magic. She says it's like I am missing half of my spirit," Belle sighed, "and a pony can't survive with half a soul for too long."

This statement made each of the knights feel a lead weight drop in their stomachs, "How long," Applejack asked first.

"Until April, then I'll fade away," Belle said.

"How do we save her," Dash asked, her eyes narrowing.

"You'll have to find where her memories lie. Once you solve that riddle, then you shall be able to save her life," Avarok said. Then she looked to the five before her, "There is more that I need to say. You have already been figuring out that someone has disturbed your memories."

"Yeah, and we already have a clue to who it is," Applejack said.

"There may be a way to figure out where your missing memories are, and who it was that took away your gifts," Avarok said. "

---

Mysterious put down his empty teacup and looked into Rarity's eyes, "What did she say?"

"The answers, lie in the beginning," Rarity said. Looking back at the bow, her eyes flashed a rainbow shine and she smiled. she turned slowly to look at Mysterious, "We came back soon after. Belle is at the treebrary right now, looking into something for us while the rest of us are trying our best to solve this riddle."

"What of Fluttershy?" asked Mysterious.

---

Fluttershy sighed and looked away. She felt a small tear roll down her cheek as she heard a voice in her head, "That's a good girl. You don't need them, you never did. All you need is me."

"No, I just-"

"Are afraid of admitting the truth to yourself. That you want me back, you need me back," Rhymey's voice echoed. "That you only pushed me away because of them, because they told you to. You want me back, you need me."

Fluttershy shook her head, "No, I don't."

"Then prove it, go to them and tell them all about the little voice in your head. Tell them that you have had dreams of me. Of you and I, in the midst of fornication. Of you and I happy together with children and-"

"You put those images in my head!" Fluttershy said, turning her head away.

"Did I? Or are those your secret dreams, of a missed fantasy of yours. That's what they are going to see when you tell them That your dreams are nothing more than a desire to take me back into your waiting arms. That's all you want isn't it? To have me back. You miss me."

A hand lightly brushed past Fluttershy's mane, "See, you are the key of happiness, the ultimate goal, and you took that away from me. Don't you want me to be happy, miss kindness?"

Fluttershy shook her head and turned away, shuddering quietly.

---

"I don't know," Rarity said, "But I pray that she is all right."

"So, here we are," Mysterious said, getting up from the table, "Two souls with memories that we know have been changed. Lives altered in some strange way and with mysterious hands trying to guide us."

Rarity made to move out of the chair, but was helped by a pair of purple hands, "Thank you Spike." Looking back at Mysterious, she added, "But now, we are going to be taking back that control. Tell me, what are your goals?"

"Starla is planning an escape for the slaves, and the trio will be joining her," Mysterious said, making his way to the door. "Though, I have no idea where we can find refuge on this planet."

Rarity smiled, "There is a group of ponies that are working to overthrow Grand Ruler, the Umbra Circle. Perhaps you can get sanctuary from them?"

"Would they accept? How do you know where they are?" Mysterious asked.

Rarity chuckled as she stood with him, "Oh, I know of a mare who is playing as a mail service for them. We are good friends so she will tell me where to connect me to them, and them to you." pausing, Rarity looked back and used her magic to levitate the bow to her, "Give this to Starla."

"This? This crystal bow? But, I thought you didn't-"

Rarity held up a hand, "As I said, I may not like her. And she may not even like me, but as a lady, I cannot stand by and allow an innocent mare to suffer in pain. This will give her some aide in her mission and will show that there are ponies over here rooting for her."

Mysterious smiled warmly, "Thank you. I will see you when we have succeeded."

"And I look forward to it," Rarity said as she watched Mysterious disappear. As she did, she noticed the forest in the distance away from her home, "Hmmmm...'the answer lies in the beginning.' Spike?"

"Yeah Rarity?" Spike asked.

"Be a dear, and tell Applejack that I am going on a trip, to the beginning," Rarity said, walking away with a light purple winter coat, "And I wish her to join me."

---

In the hospital, Artie sighed as he looked at the staff by his bed. There was a slight frown on his face as he looked down at his hands, wrapped in bandages, and the to the staff as it laid useless. Slowly, he with his toes and began to swipe a pink line across the white canvas, "Um, excuse me," Belle said, opening the door.

"Belle? What brings you here?" Artie asked, putting down the paints.

Belle sat some notes by her side and took a seat, "I am here because I want us to help each other."

"How?"

"Well," Belle picked up a book 'My First Telekinesis', "This is a basic magic book that I found in Twilight's room in the library. It's useless to me, but, I think it could help you."

Artie smiled, "Thanks Belle. So, what's with the notepad?"

"Well, I was hoping that you and I could help each other. I give you some lessons on magic," Belle said, holding up her notebook, "And you give me some information on the whole entire Dark King incident."

"Deal," Artie said, as he began to talk.

---

"Oh my dear lady Rarity, I cannot begin to describe how great it is to talk to you again. I feel like it has been way too long for us to have any kind of meaningful talk!" A loud seaserpent said,

Rarity smiled as she rested on the back of the purple sea serpent, gently cruising along the waves, "Indeed it has been, Mr. Magnet. I feel like I did you a disservice by not checking up on you after I donated my tail for your impeccable mustache."

"Oh, don't worry about it at all sweetie," Stephen said, waving his hand in a rather flamboyant manner.

"Still, I must thank you for agreeing to give me a ride down the river towards the castle of the Two Sisters," Rarity said, smiling and letting her feet drag along the water. "I would've had to hate to walk all that way through the mud and brambles in this."

"Well, if you want my opinion," Stephen said, "A lady in your condition shouldn't be walking in these woods alone anyway! So... when is the little darling due?"

"Hmmm," Rarity sighed, rubbing her belly, "Feburary."

"Oh, I cannot wait to see her. If she is anything like her mother, she will be cute as a button! Oh, you will let me see here won't you?"

"My dearest Stephen, you will be one of the first ponies, oooh, I mean serpents I will call," Rarity said, smiling with a wave of her hand. Looking around the river, she then added, "My word, the Everfree seems awfully quiet."

"Well, it is usually quiet around this time of year. But, ever since those Starfleet hooligans arrived, the atmosphere of this forest has turned from deplorable to outright horrid! It's like they are trying to outright exterminate all of the monsters that are living here! Now, while we may not always get along, I believe that the monsters of the Everfree are an important part of our lives, something to live in balance."

Rarity looked up, curious, "Speaking of which, two years ago, do you remember being evacuated into a portal just before the planet blown up?"

"Honey, I don't remember nothing like that," Stephen said, slithering up onto the ground and through the woods, "All I remember is total black out for 24 hours."

"So you've experienced a day of darkness too?" Rarity asked, "Interesting, it seems that only the ponies who are not Myself and my friends are the only ones who remember a battle with Titan and the destruction of the elements. Everyone else is like you, just experiencing a day of blackness."

"Well honey, I think you better find out the answers soon," Stephen Magnet said, shaking his long mustache, "Because I do not think I can take much more of these ruffians attacking my home. Well, here we are!" Stephen finished in a sing-song voice as he neared the large chasm that separated the two from The Castle of the Two Pony Sisters.

Rarity smiled as she lowered herself off the large tail and straightened out her coat, "Thank you ever so much for the ride. I will call you when I need to see you again, Stephen."

"Oh, I look forward to seeing you again, Lady Rarity!" Stephen said, slithering away.

Rarity waved goodbye to the flamboyant serpent with a smile and then turned to look out at the Castle of the Two Sisters. Holding her coat close around her body as a light and chilly breeze blew around her, she found herself smiling softly. Every so slightly, memories came rushing back into her mind, of six mares walking along a bridge to fight an ancient evil. Of a mare who helped her become a hero. Chuckling lightly, Rarity said to herself, "Ponies often wonder, why did I join our little quest. I partially blame you Twilight, because you seemed so ready to risk it all. But I mostly blame myself. I always was enamoured with tales of brave knights rushing off into danger to save the day, and I guess I got myself caught up in all of it. Most importantly, I could never forgive myself if I didn't give all of myself to help a friend."

Looking at her bulge underneath her coat, she asked, "I wonder if you would be miffed at me, for what Spike and I did? I think you would, but then turn out to be the ever doting grandmother, even do one of your own little abbreviations. BGF? That sounds silly, but very much like you Twilight. In spite of my, condition, I would like to think I have done as much as I can. Even if I can't be there for everypony like I want."

"Talking to yourself, Miss Belle?" Applejack asked, walking through the snow, tipping her hat as she neared Rarity.

Rarity smiled as she tucked her coat in a little, "Just having a talk with an old friend. You got my message it seems."

"Yeah, we all did," Rainbow Dash said, flying in through the trees, landing next to Pinkie Pie as she bounced in to stand with Dash.

"Fluttershy didn't come?" Rarity asked, a small frown on her lips.

Dash sighed, "She said she had to go home and take care of Zephyr. So I couldn't get her to come."

"Why are we here?" Applejack asked, not noticing Pinkie Pie walking to the edge of the chasm, something catching her interest.

"Remember what Avarok said?" Rarity asked, looking at the castle, "She said, the answers lie in the beginning. Well, this is the beginning of our adventures, where we became heroes and where the elements were given to us."

"They weren't given," Applejack said shaking her head, "We earned them, by proving ourselves."

Rainbow Dash looked around, "So, you're saying that if anyone took the elements and hid them, they would be around here?"

"Yes," Rarity said. "But what I can't figure out is-"

"Hey, look at what I found!" Pinkie cheered from a series of steps. "Stairs!"

"My word, how on earth did we miss that coming in!" Rarity asked, shocked.

Dash shrugged, "It was kind of foggy and we had other things on our minds."

"Well, come on then, let's get to it," Applejack said.

"Indeed," Rarity said, only to gasp as Dash picked her up with a grunt, "What? Rainbow Dash, what are you-"

"Can't risk ya slippin, not like this," Dash said, smiling at her as she flew into the sky and lowered herself down with Rarity slowly.

"My, what a gentlemare. You'll make a good husband one day," Rarity said, nudging Rainbow's cheek.

"Haha, funny," Rainbow Dash said sarcastically.

When the group gathered at the bottom of the stairs, they found themselves at the bottom of the large chasm. In the front of them was a large rock wall, jagged rocks lining the surface with nary a foothold or handhold to be seen. The rock wall extended forward and back all along the other side from the group. Rarity felt a small tingle in her horn, beckoning her to walk to a small portion of the wall. Putting a finger to her chin, she asked, "Pinkie, could you tell me what is different about this wall?"

"Sure thing Rare-bear!" Pinkie said, bouncing forward. Then she rubbed the wall for a bit, "Hey, this part was added! It wasn't supposed to be here."

"How can you tell? It all looks the same to me," Applejack asked.

Pinkie looked to Applejack with a smile, "I've been around rocks all of my life! My sister is getting a Rockturate soon, I think I know when a rock has been added or not!"

"So, you're saying that someone put a fake wall here to hide something?" Dash asked, looking at the wall with a curious look.

"Yes," Rarity nodded, and then looked to Applejack, "Applejack, be a dear and use your strength to knock this wall down."

"Sure thing," Applejack said, walking up to the wall, but was stopped by Dash.

Rainbow Dash smirked a little, "Allow me," she said, placing her hands onto the wall and vibrated her hands for a bit, causing the wall to shake. Then she backed up a little and punched Applejack's shoulder, "Weakened it a little."

Applejack rolled her eyes and reared back with a punch. Then she rammed her fist into the wall, causing it to crumble into pieces. As the last of the stones gave way, it was revealed to conceal a little cave with a large empty room. All along the room, little pieces of crystals jutted out along the surface. With a look of amazement on their faces, the group walked through the room. As they neared the end of the cavern, Rainbow Dash was the first to say, "There's nothing here! Why would somepony go through the trouble of sealing up a whole lot of nothing!"

As Rainbow Dash complained, Applejack looked down at the ground closely. Kneeling down, she brushed a little of the dirt away to reveal a large green root, "A root? There was a tree here!"

Pinkie walked to where Applejack was looking at the root, and began to wipe away some of the dust, "Look, another one! And over there, another!"

"Six roots in all," Rarity said, looking at the various roots, "But where is the tree?"

"Well, judging by the way the roots are laid, the tree should still be here," Applejack said, her hand brushing past the tree root, making it shine bright orange, "Did y'all see that?"

"It glowed orange when you touched it," Rarity said.

"The same color as my element," Applejack said.

Pinkie frowned when she touched one of the roots, "Awwww, mine isn't glowing," then her hand brushed past another root, making it shine a light blue, "Oh wait, this one does!"

""Red, Loyalty," Rainbow Dash said, smiling when she touched a root, making it faintly glow red. "I missed ya."

Rarity laid her hand onto the root next to her, "Indigo, Generosity. That leave Fluttershy, and..."

There was a sullen mood as the name they were hesitant to say passed through their minds. Taking a deep breath, Applejack looked to her root and said, "Ah wonder. Everypony! Take a root and touch it."

"Why?" Dash asked.

"Ah want to see what happens if four of these things glow at once," Applejack said, laying her hand onto the root, making it glow bright orange.

Each mare nodded in confirmation, placing a hand onto the root that glowed with their elements. When they did, their eyes became flooded with a pale white light. When they opened their eyes, they found themselves still in the cave, but with a crystal tree standing in front of them. Its trunk was indented with the symbols of the sun and moon, while higher up, the center had a spot for a small gem. Extending out from the center of the tree were five branches, each with a small indentation for a gem to be placed inside. Rainbow Dash looked up and said, "A crystal tree? How long has that been there?"

"I don't know," Rarity said, "Or even what it was-"

"So, this is the Tree of Harmony?" a voice said.

Turning their heads to the figure in shadow, Rarity recognized his shape one sigh the moment she saw the three horns, "Grand Ruler!"

"Got a problem with us being here, Asswipe?" Dash asked, but then gasped when she saw six mares at his side, their equine bodies walking slowly towards them. "No way."

"It's us!" Pinkie gasped as she watched the six of them walk slowly towards the tree, blank stares in their eyes.

Twilight walked closer to the tree, nodding slowly as she used her magic to lift the gem from her tiara and placed it into a slot in the center of the tree. The others followed suit, each one giving their gems to Twilight and letting her put them away, "What are you guys doing?!" shouted Dash. "You're giving up your elements! Me, use your bucking head for once and kick him in the face!"

"She can't hear you, RD," Applejack said, "None of us can. This happened years ago."

"So we're stuck here watching ourselves?" Dash growled, "Damn it!"

"Shaina, where are the stones?" Grand Ruler asked.

Shaina smiled, "Our loyal knight placed them back on board Serpent Tyrant, as per your orders."

"Good, now for the final piece to make sure my empire is secure," Grand Ruler said, walking towards the tree. As he placed his hand on it, he screamed in pain as his horns sputtered and sparked with wild waves of electricity, "ARGH!"

"My liege!" gasped Emerald Shaina as she stepped forward.

Grand Ruler struggled to get up as he get the numbness of the feedback leave his hand, "Damn it! Even with the world unconscious, the elements in their holsters, I am still unable to take a hold of the magic in this place and bend it to my whim!"

"Then how do we control them, sire?" asked Shaina.

A cruel smile came to Grand Ruler's lips as he said, "If we cannot take control of the elements and their bearers. Then we must first, subdue the magic." slowly, he held up his hand, removing a glove to show a bright shining green energy.

Before the four girls could see what it was, the light flashed and blinded them. When they opened their eyes, they found themselves back in the cave, the tree long since vanished, "Why that low down snake!" Applejack growled, punching her palm.

"He's the reason why we lost the elements!" Dash said, punching a wall. "He's the reason why we've been feeling weaker and keep falling for all of his little tricks!"

"But why?" Pinkie asked. "Why take them away?"

Rarity put a finger to her chin, "To control us, most likely. Remember, we didn't see the fight with Titan, only a brief flash of darkness. Something was protecting us from that kind of magic. You take away the protection, you gain an advantage."

"Look, before we decide on what is going on," Applejack said. "Ah suggest we pay Belle a visit."

---

As the events surrounding the mystery of the missing elements and memories continued to escalate, we turn the view towards the pocket dimension of Conquest. Here, deep in the bowels of the slave quarters, Mysterious relayed the information to the young Starla. For a few moments, Starla listened to what Mysterius had to say about events surrounding her capture and her abandonment by Starfleet. She could begin to feel her eyes start to sting with tears as she began to feel a sharp pain in her heart. When she felt Dementia's arm wrap around her shoulders, she let out a sigh and sniffled as she rested on her friend's shoulder, "I should've figured as much. That they abandoned me. This is just like back with Sombra, I get caught and they spend hours debating whether or not to get up to actually save me."

"To be fair, Lightning said that you were on a different world," Inquirious said.

Dementia frowned, "Even still, they should've started to look into his claims when he said something. Just to see if she really was on that planet. If it had been Rep or Myst, I would be the first one to charge into battle hunting for them."

Rep leaned back, nodding, "I think we all would've done that."

"As Starfleet, I am supposed to be ready to die for my duty. To give my life for the good of all," Starla said, squeezing her hands in rage, "but I would like to believe that my 'friends' wouldn't be ready to accept my death. That they would've done something, use a ship, charge headlong into a fight, ANYTHING! To help me, but nope, left me to die. And now...Lightning pulls this, leaving me here because he is afraid to admit that he failed to save me."

"So, what now?" Dementia asked, still holding a comforting arm over Starla.

Wiping a few tears from her eyes, Starla stood up and then looked to the quartet in her room, "Now, we fight. We get the slaves we can out of here, go home, and then take down Conquest. But most importantly," with a smile, Starla said, "Get your memories back."

Dementia stood up and held out her hand, "That's the spirit, my little Starshine. Don't forget, we're here too."

"Yeah, that's nice an all," Rep-stallion said, looking at the group, "But what's the plan? Starla can't kill or beat Conquest. Even if she holds back her emotions, that guy will still reach deep into her head and find out her hatred and feed on that."

"Not to mention, the entire place is filled with enough hate that it's impossible to pull the same trick as Pinkie," Mysterious said.

Starla looked to a mirror shard, and then to her fiends, "I have an idea."

---

Belle pulled out one of the books in the library and turned to look at the four others as they sat at a round table. While she climbed down the latter, she said, "I've been doing research into this tree that you all say you saw in that vision, and I found this." laying the massive tomb down onto the table, she opened it to the page depicting the image of a large tree, "The Tree of Harmony."

"Whoa, huge," Dash said, looking at the branches and the enormity of the tree.

"But, it's like super big. The other tree only fit inside of the cave," Pinkie pointed out.

"There's a reason for that. This is Yggdrasil, the tree of life," Belle said, "From what this book says, Once upon a time, when the first alicorns roamed Equestria, the lights of virtue began to feel the need to spread among the cosmos. So, with Yggdrasil's help, they were turned into seeds and were spread throughout the universe to spread the light of their virtues to hold back against the darkness of chaos and death. These seeds, when they landed, became trees that tied themselves into the inner magic of the world and began to spread their light throughout the planet. There are many trees, those of justice, faith, hope, and...friendship."

"Oh, I get it," Pinkie said, "It's like friendship branches out to touch so many others when you plant it!"

"And the jewels are the seeds-" Applejack began.

"To draw out the power of those who prove themselves worthy by demonstrating the power of their virtue," Belle finished for Applejack. "The jewels and the wielders are connected, as each is meant to foster and grow their bearer into..."

"What?" Dash asked.

Belle shook her head, "That's where the legend ends. It just says "foster the bearer into something grand.' But I think this is enough to tell me why Grand Ruler forced you give up your elements. Whatever magic he's using to mess with all of our memories, the elements were strong enough to block it and protect you. But, by blocking the magic by burying the tree, he was able to weaken you long enough to start the corruption."

"It began sooner," Applejack said. "Rhymey...Ah bet he was like some kind of, Ah don't know,"

"Amplifier," Belle said. "He put the seeds into each one of you when he tricked you all when he made his play for Fluttershy. I wonder if this means that the Valkyrie modes were the next step to make you slaves."

"But, then what about that orb. How did we lose-"

Rainbow Dash laughed as she looked to Applejack, "I think we held onto them for too long. Our spirits infected them and they decided to sacrifice themselves to save all of Equestria."

"My, what an interesting observation," Rarity said, laughing a little.

"Yeah, well, now that we know for sure that Grand piss-ant is responsible, let's go over and kick his-" as Rainbow Dash began to walk to the door, Applejack stopped her by grabbing her tail. "Ow! Why is it always the tail?"

"Hold on there sugarcube, we can't fight him yet," Applejack said, shaking her head.

"What? Why not? We know what he's doing, we have the clues, we can go and kick his scrawny ass!" Dash growled.

Rarity shook her head, "Let's think of this diplomatically, Rainbow Dash. A lot of the Unicornicopians still find us to be useless."

"What, still? How many bucking cities do we have to save before they get a freaking clue!?" Dash yelled.

"Some ponies can be so ingrained into a particular belief that no matter what you tell them, it can be near impossible to change their minds," Rarity said. "We are trying to change the minds of a people who Grand Ruler has had a thousand years worth of time to turn into his little slaves. A few saves and victories won't stop their beliefs."

"Second," Applejack said, walking around the table, "We don't know what magic it is that he's using to mess with out heads. What happens if we go in, challenge him to a fight, and then he uses whatever magic that he has been to turn us into vegetables."

"Granted, it almost feels like the more you guys do, the weaker he becomes," Belle said.

"Wait, belief," Pinkie paused as she began to wink her eyes. Then she gasped as she clapped her hands together, "That's what the power of believing means! Grand Ruler relies on others to believe in him in order to keep his magic powered up. Belief to him is like a battery!"

"You know, I always wondered about that. They kept saying "The power of believing is to believe in yourself and your power." But what's stopping the bad guy from doing the same, I mean, saying we have the power of friendship, I get. We stand united and we are stronger because of it, but a guy can believe in himself so much more than the other. How do you even gauge it," Dash said, shaking her head.

"So our plan has to be, to break a thousand years worth of brainwashing and destroy his magic," Belle said. "We do that, then we can start opening doors."

"Then we can take out Conquest!" Dash said, pumping the air.

"But how do we do it? We would need our own influence on the ponies," Rarity said.

"Simple," Applejack said, smiling at Pinkie Pie. "We show one of them the power of friendship."

"Pinkie Pie style!" Pinkie cheered.

Belle laughed and clapped her hands. Then her mood turned serious as she took out the Wonderbolt badge that Rarity had found, "Oh, Rarity, remember that badge you gave me. The one belonging to Bad Horse? I cleaned it up and well..."

When she threw it to Rarity, she caught it in her magic. As she looked closely at it, she let out a gasp, "R-Rainbow Dash, take a look at this."

"What? It's just a wonderbolt...badge," As Rainbow Dash looked at it, she gasped in shock when she read the name, "This is Soarin's badge!"

---

In the thralls of the dungeons, the screams of the tortured and dying began to permeate the air. Crimes against equinity and horrors unthought of by mere mortals were delivered with hellish glee by some of the soldiers. All of this, was music for Conquest who merrily skipped through the halls with a big toothy grin on his face. His pants and coat long forgotten, he wore a metal thong on his person as he entered the room of Starla shine, "Hey, sexy sexy! How is my favorite pet of the evening?"

"Go away, I don't want to deal with you right now," Starla said, laying on the bed and turning away.

For this plan to work, you need to not show any fear or hate. You've got to get him aggressive.

Conquest chuckled, "What? Is that all you have to say little lady, to me? No barbs about how you know my weakness? Well, let me tell you," with a skip, he made his way to the bed and got on top of it, "They got lucky with that one. When the day comes to fight them, I'll make sure to take out the pink one first. Maybe ko her or something."

"Like I care," Starla said with a frown.

Conquest looked shocked, and then smiled, "Oh, I get it. You think that showing me little to no emotion will make me not want to take you. Nice trick, almost as nice as the last three girls who tried it." with a laugh, he grabbed Starla and turned her onto her back.

Starla shook her head, "Go ahead, do your worst. You've bitten off something that was precious to me, you've cut me, electrocuted me, and you've had me do so many deplorable things. What else can you do?"

"Oh, I can do a lot, sweet cheeks," Conquest said, sliding his hand up her inner thigh, reaching her panties.

"W-what are you going to do?" whimpered Starla.

"Oh, lets see how strong a woman's genitalia is, shall we?" he said, slowly cutting a line.

Panting, Starla looked at Conquest with utter horror. That look then turned into a look of determination as she said, "Let's see how well yours handles pain!" with a grunt, she stabbed the mirror shard into Conquest's neck. As he screamed in a high pitched yell, she stabbed him in the neck again, pushing him off of her.

Remember, he feeds off on hatred. And honey, you are filled with it for him. So, even when you stab him, he will regenerate within a few minutes. So, don't take your rage out on him. Just injure and then run like hell to the mess hall.

Panting, Starla rolled out of the bed and ran to the door. Grabbing it, she slammed the door shut behind her. Placing her hand on the bloody insignia, she activated the anti-magic seal on the door. Smiling, she whispered, "Thank you, Mysterious." Turning around, she began to run, her heart racing with adrenaline and fear. Occasionally, she would look back to see if Conquest used his strength to break down the door. Everytime she looked, she would say a small prayer of thanks to the gods for stopping him.

Making her way to the mess hall, she opened the door to see about fifty slaves of various races all gathered together, "Is this all?" she asked, panting.

Rep-stallion stepped forward and nodded, "These are all of the ones who still have some fight left in them. All of the others are currently too broken to even want to try."

"But, it's only fifty. I just thought," Starla frowned.

Dementia put her hand onto her back, "Hey, we're still getting fifty slaves out of this hellhole. That's fifty less than what he got. You're doing good."

Starla smiled softly, "Thanks Dementia."

"So what now?" asked a stallion. "How do we get out?"

"You follow me and the trio," Starla said, standing forward and dropping her shackles. "We run out there into the courtyard, and one of us breaks down the door. Then, Mysterious will use a portal device stolen from Kudos' lab. Then its back home to Equestria."

"Why should we follow you?" asked an Unicornicopian. "You are just Lightning's bitch. They only gave you that title because of your marriage to the general."

Starla sighed, "I know, I'm not exactly the best leader. That I'm not the hero you are all expecting. I've been raped, bitten, and have had more nightmares than I can imagine in this hell. But, I like to think I've changed. That with these three friends at my side, I've changed and been able to become the hero I could be. Now, are you all just going to stay here and die? Or are you gonna go out there and become free?"

The cheer was deafening.

Smiling, Starla jumped off the table, and made her way to the mess hall door, only to be stopped by Mysterious' arm, "Wait, Rarity wanted me to give you this."

Starla looked at the crystalline bow, and gasped, "She, wanted me to have... but I-She, we hate each other. What is she doing being so, nice?"

"She said, that she may have had bad feeling towards you in the past. She would not be the lady that she is if she holds a grudge against you," Mysterious smiled. "I think this is here way of saying, 'Let's be friends.'"

Starla gave a little laugh as she took the bow, some tears coming to her face. Nodding, she said, "When we get out of here, I am taking back every bad thing I ever said about her!"

"Hey, can we talk about that later? We need to go, like now!" Rep-Stallion said.

Nodding, Starla ran out of the mess hall, followed quickly by the other slaves. After leaving the hall, they ran up some of the stairs until they reached the central room. From there, Starla led the charge out of the doors and right into the front of the headquarters. There, they were met with two giant spotlights shining upon them and several armed soldiers, "What?"

"Oh, Starla, Starla, Starla," Conquest said, walking along the parapet of the fortress, his hands behind his back as his black trench coat billowed in the breeze. Stretching his wings he laughed, "Didn't you think I saw this coming? That I wasn't ready for this? It's a basic heroine scenario, I rape you into submission. After a while, you either mentally break and become my sex doll and let's be frank, NO ONE wants that one, or you become stupid enough to break out. You even snagged my top three generals while you are at it. How wonderful."

Starla looked around, seeing all of the soldiers that had gathered. The blinding searchlights making it hard to see past them, "This isn't one of your stories Conquest!"

Conquest gave out a booming laugh that sounded devilish, "Starla, I have seen moon princesses rise and fall, I have seen monkey kings die screaming their last breath. I have met the Earth's mightest heroes and have been found wanting more from them. Hell, the scenario you are playing out right now, it only worked twice on me. After the third time... it got boring real quick."

"I'm not going to be playing by your script, anymore!" Starla said.

"Oh no?" Conquest asked. "Kudos, tell dear Starla what she's facing."

Kudo sighed, eating a jelly bean before beginning, "Other than the guards, I have three of my new turrets in play. Each one is customized with a tracking bullet that will kill your fellow slaves. It will be a pity to lose test subjects, but that is what cadavers are for."

"Now, let me tell you what's gonna happen," Conquest said, putting his chin on his palm as he stared down at Starla, "You are either gonna charge at us, losing about thirty percent of the slaves you saved, and only to be found stuck in a wasteland where you will die a slow starvation until I come to you and you give me your body for their safety. Or choice B) you surrender."

Starla looked to the trio, each one with their weapons drawn, "What about them?"

"Yes, true, what about them," Dark Conquest sighed, "Seems a shame to kill them and if there is one thing I cannot stand is killing good generals. Bad for PR you understand. Although, I could kill them for insubordination, and have my buddy here bring them back to life."

The figure in the cloak glared with red eyes at the trio and held out his cloven hoof, "I could bring them back. The problem is, I might accidentally ruin their minds."

"Awwww, and we can't have that," Conquest said. Then he chuckled, "Ok, better idea. I keep them working for me, but they;ll have to watch as I torture and rape those three that are close to them. You know, Brain, Inquirious, and, well, I was gonna keep my favorite pet anyway."

"I would rather die!" shouted Dementia, bringing out her sword as Rep-Stallion brought out his scythe. Mysterious glared at the soldiers.

Starla began to look back and forth. From the determined looks of Titan's trio, to the fear in the eyes of the slaves that she was meant to save, she could see a range of emotions. Then her eyes drifted to the crystal bow in her hands, it's sparkle bringing to her images of the mare who had given it to her. Breathing slowly, she began to think of the friendships and strong bonds that she had shared with the others.

Narrowing her eyes in determination, she drew her bow and aimed it at the giant gates before her, "Oh, and what's this? Planning on hitting me with that thing? We know what is gonna happen."

Anything else that Conquest had to say to the young mare was lost in the croq of noises. Starla began to calm herself, concentrating only on her heart and her mind. With slow breaths she began to tap into her inner magic. All the while, she began to think of the friendships that she had made, her bond with Dementia and how she held her for so long. Rep-Stallions way of making her smile, and Mysterious' way of keeping her going. These thoughts, running through her mind, began to change the feel of the magic that she had begun to tap into.

No longer was the magic angry, spiteful, and filled with rage. This new magic was happy, calm, and filled with love. She began to feel a deep magic that had begun to well up deep inside of her, one that she felt was shared between her and the other three that she had begun to call her friends. Narrowing her eyes as she began to open them, she began to charge her bow and arrow with the magic, making it shine brighter than any arrow she had fired before.

With a single breath, she let the arrow fly out. The arrow soared through the air in a blinding light, surging with white energy, "Ok, that's new." Conquest said, as the arrow struck the giant gate, causing an explosion. Once the smoke cleared, Conquest could only look at the hole in the wall with shock. He only had time to erect a magic shield to protect him and his allies as three more arrows destroyed the turrets.

Starla stood there in front of the shocked crowd, barely hearing Dementia's cheer of approval. Staring up at Conquest she smiled, "I'm changing the script."

Looking to the trio, she nodded in the direction of the doors, "Make your way to the exit. Save any stragglers you can!" she shouted running into the middle of the battle field. Leaping up, she flew for a few seconds with her wings, knocking down one of the soldiers, and using him as a slide to ride into the middle of the fight. As she rode him, she begun to spin around, firing multiple arrows at several targets. Once she reached the end of the ride, she kicked the griffon into a small group of three unicorpians.

Looking to the sky at the flying harpies, she fired her shots to send the harpies crashing to the ground. Looking to her left, she let out a gasp when she saw a boar charging at her. Wincing in preparation for the pain, she gasped when she looked up to see Mysterious grabbing the charng boar by the tusks. He smiled as he nodded to the exit.

As Starla left Mysterious to fight on his own, she found herself encountering an earth pony who used his staff to knock her bow into the air. Remembering the lessons of Rep-Stallion on how to fight, she pulled the staff away and thrusted it into the stallion's stomach. Spinning around, she whacked the side of one soldier's skull and then tripped a unicorn before she could use magic. A scream escaped her lips as she was struck from the side by a minotaur, sending her to a boar who grabbed her head and slammed her into the ground. Three stallions began to gather around her to begin to wail upon her fallen body. Three swipes of the air and the stallions all fell to the ground with deep cuts in their bodies.

When she got back up, she smiled warmly at seeing Rep-Stallion, as he spun his scythe dramatically. Smirking, he nodded over his shoulder to the hole in the wall. Starla gave a curt nod and ran away, leaving Rep-Stallion behind. With a smirk, Rep spun his scythe around and placed the blade behind his legs while holding the handle across his back.

Seeing her bow land on the ground not too far away, Starla ran to pick it up. As she neared it, a pegasus came flying in at her with a hard kick. His leg was immediately sliced off by the sword of Dementia. When Starla picked up her bow, she looked to Dementia and smiled at her. The two stepped to place their backs against one another. All around them, the various soldiers began to surround them. Starla looked to her friend, and smirked as the two broke from their back to back stand and began to attack.

From above, Raven spread her bat-wings and watched the fight as the trio was getting the slaves out, "I could kill them. Just one shot you know."

"I know, but then," Conquest chuckled, "You would ruin the fun part of the plan."

"Plan?" Raven asked.

As the slaves began to make their escape, Mysterious pressed a button on a device that activated a portal. Seeing it open, Starla called out, "Everyone, run to the portal, now!" breaking away she began to remain at the back of the group, firing off arrows to take out the soldiers before finally leaping into the portal.

"And, Kudos if you please," Conquest said, smiling at Kudos.

The earth pony nodded as he calmly pressed a button on his console, making the portal briefly change color before Titan's Trio ran through the portal next. When he put the device back into his pocket, Raven asked, "What did you do?"

"Oh, well you see," Conquest said, "there are two parts of any portal spell when you traverse dimensions. Home and the destination. The device that Kudos just used allowed me to teleport the subjects anywhere I want."

"So, you teleported Starla and the slaves to-"

"One of the many dimensions that I have conquered before," Conquest said. "I think that one was a world where a bounty huntress wound up killing a bunch of scouts. Oh, that was a fun one to conquer and take out. Oh, the hate worlds are always the most delish! And now, she will have to deal with the pain of being stuck in a strange land, all the while hating me more and more. Getting me stronger."

"You asshole," Raven muttered. "And I guess the trio are in Equestria."

"Yep," Conquest laughed, "Oh, my middle name is not Asshole, it's Ignatius."

"Dark Ignatius Conquest?" Raven said, soon spelling out the letters. Then when she said them in a row, she said, "You're a DIC!?"

"And a proud one!" Conquest laughed as he walked away. "Now, Kudos, begin to get the healing treatments for these rookies. They will need to be fresh as daisies. And to tell them they played their parts perfectly!"

---

Starla blinked as she looked around for a moment, trying to figure out her location. After a few moments, she looked at the barren and broken city. With a growl, she ground her teeth as she punched the ground hard, "Conquest, you bastard! You planned this, you wanted me to escape didn't you!"

"What do you want to do now, Starla?" asked Inquirious as she stood next to starla, and then looking back to the escaped slaves. "They need guidance."

Starla looked over her shoulder at the group, letting out a sigh as she looked at the lost look in their eyes. With a determined look, she stood up and walked in front of the group, "Ok, listen up. We need food, shelter, and some means of defending ourselves."

"And who made you in charge?!" asked a Unicornicopian.

Another growled, "Yeah, because of you, we are gone from the safety of the slave quarters to this hellhole!"

"She's in charge because she is the most capable! Because it was her plan that saved our hides!" said a red Stallion with a white mane. Turning around, he saluted, "Sargent Fighter, but my friends call me Sarge. Formerly of Celestia's royal guard. I am at your service."

Starla smiled, "Thank you, Sarge. Ok, I want you to take a team and make a perimeter search. I want to know i there is any food around here or any place to farm. Take some of the unicornicopians with you as well."

"Yes ma'am!" said Sarge, then he turned to his orange companion, "Come on Griff, we finally found something you're good at. Food hunting."

"Aw, but that sounds like work!" moaned the orange pony.

A blue pegasus flew next to Starla and asked, "What do we pegasi do?"

"Flyers, I want you to take to the sky and find out if there are anyone who's alive in this dimension. Also, shelter," Starla said.

"Oh, I love home hunting!" the blue pegasus, known as Caboose said as he flew off with a few other pegasi.

"Unicorns, start a fire," Starla said, turning away and walking to a small hill that she walked to a hill.

Inquirious stood next to Starla as the group began to work on their chores, "You did a great job at hiding your fear. It's all right, I am scared too."

"Thanks," Starla said, sighing.

---

Dementia's fist hit the snow again and again, letting out yells of rage, "Damn it! We were so close! I thought we could save them, but that bastard decided to switch us out. I...I..."

Her words of rage quickly changed to sobs as she began to cry. A pair of reptilian arms wrapped around Starla and held her close. Sighing, he said, "I know...I know."

"I thought we did it," Dementia whimpered, "I thought we saved her, that she could be safe now. But he just...I hate him!"

"Me too," Rep said.

Mysterious sighed, "Only one thing to do. We need to find the Umbra Circle, then we need to figure out what our next plan of attack is."

Softly, Dementia nodded and got back to her feet, "We also need to find a way to save the slaves."

"And fix our memories," Rep said, looking forward through the snowy forest ahead.

"No bosses, just us on our own and traveling to where the world takes us," Dementia smiled, "Sounds fun."

---

So the days flowed by, as time always does, and soon it came to be the time for Hearth's Warming Eve. The white snow began to cover the town of Ponyville in a deep blanket, making it hard for anypony to leave their homes. This is why it was odd to see two figures standing outside of the farmhouse of Sweet Apple Acres, "I, don't know about this Artie." Lightning said, Krysta resting comfortably under his hat. "I'm not exactly popular with them you know."

Artie placed his hand on his friend's shoulder, "Don't worry about it. You are my friend remember? And I want you to get along with my other friends. You will be fine."

"Ok, but the moment that they start to look at me cruelly, I'm out of here," grumbled Lightning.

"Hey, if it happens, I'll help you out of the farmhouse myself.," smiled Artie.

Lightning let out a chuckle as the door opened. Before he could say another word, a pair of pink lips pressed against his. Then those same lips went and kissed Artie for a good long while, her hand rubbing his head as she kissed him. When she broke the kiss, Pinkie said, "Happy Hearth's Warming."

"Sorry about that," Applejack said, stepping out as Pinkie disappeared in a pink blur, her mistletoe bouncing on her mane. "Ever since the party started, Pinkie has been making it her goal to kiss everypony in sight. She did it with me, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Glarity ,Fluttershy, Belle, Big Mac, Spike, and the baby."

"Wait, I thought the little one wasn't born yet," Artie said, looking in on the room as the festivities began.

Applejack chuckled, "She kissed Rarity's stomach. Now come on in."

"Thanks," Artie remarked with a smile. Then he turned to look at Lightning, "Oh, and I brought a friend."

Applejack turned to look at Lightning, her face starting as a frown and soon changing into a smile, "Well, don't just stand there in the cold. Come on in and join the party."

Lightning stepped back, turning his head away, "A-Are you sure? I thought you wouldn't like having me here."

Applejack chuckled, "What did Ah just say. Ah told ya to come and party hard."

Before Lightning could respond, Krysta flew out from under his hat and smiled. Fluttering her wings to hover in front of Applejack's face, she began to ask, "Of course we're coming in! Is there anything we need to do?"

"Well, there is a tree topper you could help set up Krysta," Applejack said with a smile and the turned to yell, "Hey Applebloom, pop open another casket of cider for the new guests!"

"Ya got it, big sis," Applebloom said, her feet making loud noises as she ran to the kitchen.

Lightning stepped in, his eyes amazed at the abundance of activity that had littered the small farmhouse. The tree was being set up by the earth ponies while dolls were being made and crafted. Near the fireplace, he could see Rarity snuggling up close to Spike, her head lying on his shoulder and sighing. Turning his head to the side, he could see Belle sitting in the corner, reading a book to the Cake twins. Then, he saw Pinkie Pie grabbing Artie by the forearm and pulling him to the kitchen. Curious, he followed the two into the kitchen and began to overhear them, "So, let's see it."

"See what?" Artie said with a knowing smile as he stepped away from Pinkie.

"Come on, I know Belle has been giving you books on Unicorn magic. So, lets see what you learned," Pinkie said, before bouncing excitedly, "Pleaseohpleaseohpleaseohpleaseohpleaseohpleaseohpleaseohpleaseohpleaseohpleaseohpleaseohpleaseohpleaseohpleaseohpleaseohplease!"

Artie laughed at this and began to breathe slowly. For a few minutes he stood there, letting the magic in his horn began to build until the bone was covered in a soft green light. Then after a few moments, the light faded from the horn and he let out his breath. Then he looked at Pinkie and nodded, "There."

"Is that it?" Pinkie asked clueless. Then she saw Artie point to a dollop of frosting on her nose and she let out a giggle before wiping the frosting off and eating it.

"I'm still only learning though. Right now I can only really pull off magic that a foal would start to learn," Artie frowned, only to smile when he felt Pinkie nudge his arm.

"You'll learn, trust me. Then you'll be able to pull off big tricks and then you can start helping with the bakery again," Pinkie said with a big grin. Then she let out a little giggle before turning to the cupcakes, "We all missed you, you know."

"You did?" Artie asked smiling. "Hey, uh, Pinkie? I was thinking, can we go see my family back on my home world? There is something I had been curious about since I lost my hands."

"What?" Pinkie asked.

Artie looked sullen at Pinkie, letting out a sigh, "The truth."

Lightning decided to back away from the couple at that point, wanting to check out the rest of the party. He laughed when his eyes caught sight of Krysta helping to string up the lights while being guided by Applebloom and Sweetie Belle. Looking around, he saw Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy talking next to a wall. With his curiosity piqued, he made his way over to eavesdrop onto the pegasus couple, "So, what made you come?" Rainbow Dash asked, running her hand through her mane.

Fluttershy looked away, "I wanted to see you guys for a little bit before I went to my parent's for the holidays."

"Yeah, I can't wait for the entire group to hang out. Your parents, mine, your brother, you know...all of us? Together?" Dash asked. When she saw Fluttershy turn away, nodding silently, Dash stepped a little closer and placed a hand onto her friend's shoulder, "Flutters... I can't help you if you don't tell me what's wrong."

"You can't tell her. She'll hate you. It's all your fault I am like this. Just tell her that you are a monster and you are causing me pain. Run home," Rhymey's voice whispered in her head. "Please, I need you, like you need me."

Fluttershy took a small breath and held Rainbow's hand, "Rainbow Dash, can you make me a promise?"

"Sure," Rainbow Dash said with a shrug.

"If I ever get into trouble, and I make a mistake, no matter how horrible it is. Will you come for me?" Fluttershy asked.

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes, "Look who you are talking to, Flutters. I am the best pegasus around. The fastest and quickest. Of course I will come running to you, always. You would have to kill me to stop me."

"T-thank you," Fluttershy said, resting against her friend's chest as she hugged her.

Lightning wanted to ask more, but chose not to. Instead, he turned his eyes to the door where Applejack stood on the porch. In one hand was a cup of cider, in the other, her hat. Walking closer, he could hear some final words being spoken, "And that's the last of the news. Hope you three are doing well up there. This one is for all of y'all." she then poured the contents of the cup onto the ground.

"Not enjoying the party?" Lightning asked.

Applejack turned and chuckled, putting her hat back onto her head, "Oh, Ah'm enjoying it. It's just Ah needed time to give my report to some important ponies in my life."

"Impor-" Lightning began to ask as he stepped out onto the porch. Then when he looked up at the sky, seeing two shooting stars, he quickly began to understand. "Oh, your parents."

"Ah always like talking to them around this time, along with their birthdays and mine," Applejack said.

Lightning laughed a little as he took a seat on the parch, "I remember. I remember. I remember how your friends were ticked off at how I almost made you work on that day."

"Yeah, and Ah was kind of miffed myself. Don't worry though, Ah forgive ya," Applejack said, lightly kicking the ground as she leaned against a pillar.

Lightning looked a little confused at this, "You...do?"

"Well, yeah. Ah mean, can't really blame ya for acting like the twerp you have been for the past few years. It ain't your fault, it was your boss'. When somepony has been forced to believe the horse hockey that you have been forced to believe in, it messes with ya," Applejack said, folding her arms and lowering her head. Then she looked to the moon, "You just needed a chance to be shown a different way, and then decide for yourself which is better."

"Right now," Lightning sighed as he leaned back on the rocking chair, "I kind of prefer the way that leads me to actually having friends and people who care about me." His eyes then caught sight of a shining star. Frowning, he sighed, "Starla. Applejack, there is something I need to say about Starla. She's been-"

"We know," Applejack said. "A little friend of ours told us. She's been captured, tortured and raped by Dark Conquest."

"Yes, and I.. I should've said something. Told you about her or done something, but my pride got in the way," Lightning said, growling as he looked to the ground. " I was too ashamed to admit it, that she had been captured and I could do nothing to save her. My own wife!"

Applejack growled, "Don't worry, we'll save her. Her, all of the slaves, and everypony else Dark Conquest has in his little clutches."

"Yeah," Lightning said. When he looked up at the stars, he said, "You know, Grand Ruler, he would call this a waste of time. That we shouldn't be celebrating like this because we all have had losses and we should be wary of the next monster attack. We are vulnerable like this and one attack will ruin the day!"

Applejack could only sigh, "That is a load of horseapples. Ah lost my parents when Ah was thirteen years old, but you don't see me crying every day or bemoaning my losses. Ah celebrate and party with my friends. The worst thing you could do to honor your family's memory is by wallowing in your loss. It only makes them feel bad that they can't be with ya anymore, it's better to show that you can live and then focus on all of the good memories you have with them."

"And what about that monster thing?" asked Lightning, smiling a little.

"So what? It happens, no point in worrying about something you can't stop. All that does is tire you out and make you weak," Applejack said.

Putting on a hat with three points on it, Lightning added, "But one attack can ruin your day. After all, you cannot say that an entire day was good except for one bad thing, it is either all good or all bad!"

Applejack reached behind her and pulled out an apple from a barrel, "To that I say, let's say you wanted a whole apple, but someone else wants it too. So you cut it in half, and now you have two. Grand Ruler is the type of man who probably thinks that it doesn't matter if you have half an apple, you wanted a whole apple,so it's ruined."

When Applejack saw Lightning nod, she took a bite, "That's selfish though. It doesn't really matter if you have half an apple, you still have something tasty and a friend who is feeling better to boot. Bad days only come when you focus on the bad, not the good."

Lightning could only nod at this. A warm smile came to his lips as he said, "Applejack, I want to thank you and your friends. I mean, for the longest while, I just felt like crap. Like a worthless creature not deserving of pity or friendship. But now, I think I might actually start to feel like I belong."

Applejack smiled as she brought out a guitar. Sighing, she began to pluck a few strings and began to strum a lively beat, "Well, you see... I've always believed that deep down, we all have some worth to ourselves. Even if we don't see it at first, there is something big in all of us."

A single sting in a small guitar, though it's note is not that strong
Can never know how powerful it can become when it's added to the song
And the branches at the very top of the tallest tree
Does it think it's more valuable than the roots that we can never see?

From inside, almost in perfect rhythm, he could Rarity sing, her voice mixing with Sweetie Belle's to offer a mix of a lovely light tune of hope and rytm.

So how can you see what you are truly worth?

Or where your truth lies?

You can never see ith while here old stallion

You must look at your life, look at your life through the sun's eyes.

Happily, Pinkie Pie came bouncing in with a tray of cupcakes on her head. In her hands were a bunch of drinks that she began to hand out to each of the guests. Her eyes caught sight of the two ponies outside, she waved to beckon them inside. Nodding, Applejack and Lightning walked into room while Dash began to sing.

A mountain of bits in the desert is less than small bit of rain
And to one lone pony, a lifelong friend is better than a princess's reign
If a mare has lost everything, has he truly lost all that he is worth?
Or is it the beginning of a new and brighter birth?

Applebloom sat with Scootaloo, handing her a cup as she began to sing along side her. Krysta floated and picked up a drink to watch the festivities with her new friends.

So how do you measure the worth of a mare? In strength, magic, or flight
In how much she wins or falls?
The answer will come, your answer will come to one who tries

To look at their life through the sun's eyes

Pinkie Pie giggled as she clanked her cups to the guest, a smile on her face as she sang out happily with her usual upbeat tone.

And that's why we offer our friendship to you, through it you didn't like
When hope seems gone, friendship can keep it alight
No life can live by being all alone and not given a chance
And though you never know all the steps, you must learn to join the dance
You must learn to join the dance

With that, Pinkie grabbed Artie and pulled him in for a quick dance. Lightning began to laugh and smile as the music began to pick up. And he too began to join in with the song.

So how do you judge what mare is worth?

By what he does or says

You can never see with your eyes on earth

Look through the sun's rays

Look at your life, look at your life

Look at your life through the sun's eyes

As the song ended, Pinkie put away her drink and pulled out a big bag. The smile on her face increased immensely as she said, "Ok, so before we give out the dolls, I have some presents to give! First off is," with a pause, she reached into the bag and pulled out a book with a little bow on it, "Lightning Dawn!"

"What?" Lightning said, looking around. Then he shook his head, "Pinkie, please you did-" before he could say more, he was given the book. Sighing, he removed the bow on it and looked at the title on the cover.

The title was highlighted in sparkling pink glitter that contrasted well against the leather binding. As he read, a curious look came to his face, "My Friendship Memories?" When he opened the book he read.

Friendship Memories

By Pinkie and Artie.

This book is to remember my loyal friends: Artie, Starla, Buddy, Dyno and Myte.

Opening the book, he blinked a few times at the first picture that he saw in the book, "This is..." it was a picture of Starla, sitting by a tree with a telescope in hand. She had a big grin as she held it close to her like a mother would a child. A smile began to creep along his face as he looked at the next page, seeing pictures of Starla dancing, singing, or even eating while making a mess. After a while, he got to a set of photos with Buddy Rose. Lightning began to sniffle as he looked t the photos of his dead friend trimming bushes, taking care of Daphne, and smiling when he was in front of the camera.

The next few pages were dedicated to Artie, and Lightning noticed that most of these were self portraits. They were simple photos of Artie sitting on a bench or him painting by a tree. When he got to Rhymey, he saw only one picture and that was of the unicorpian scowling. Moving on, he saw photos of the twins and of Brain working on a machine. Each photo he came across, made him smile and tear up a little. Both because he began to feel bad about the lost time from those who would be his friends, and the losses he suffered. Then, he looked at the last few pages.

New Friends

Lightning gasped when he looked at the photos. Each one was of the element bearers doing one of their normal routines or in a quiet family setting. Applejack asleep by a tree, Twilight reading a book, Fluttershy with the animals, Rarity hard at work, Rainbow Dash in flight, and Pinkie smiling up a storm. As Lightning looked at the book, he asked softly, "W-when did you make this?"

Artie smiled at Pinkie, "Well, I love art in all of it's forms, and this includes still life. Sometimes I even like to use pictures of models for motions, and I... like to scrapbook."

Pinkie giggled, "Me too! So, when me and Artie decided on what to get you for your Hearth's Warming present, we decided to pull our talents together and make you a book. So you can remember that there were good times with your friends, you just needed to see it."

Lightning shook his head, tears beginning to well up in his eyes. Looking up, he watched as Pinkie began to give out similar scrapbooks to the other guests, and he whispered to himself, "Thank you, for letting me become your friend."

---

Luna smiled as she opened the door to the house, six figures standing behind her. Looking at the room where the Umbra Circle had gathered in front of the tree, the princess called, "Team, I have a surprise for each of you."

"Surprise?" asked Trixie, "What kind of surprise?"

Luna smiled at she looked at the figures as they stepped out into the light, removing their hoods, "Momma?"

Ditzy was the first to let out a gasp when she saw the little filly standing before her. Tears flowed freely down her cheeks as she said, "My little girls!" and then flew over to the two unicorns, hugging them tightly as if she was afraid to lose them.

"Sis? Is that you?"asked Snails, smiling and running into the arms of his big sister. Raindrops had no words as she just hugged him back tightly.

Cheerilee and Lyra looked to the other two figures, smiling warmly as they went to their lovers and held them close, their lips pressing against them in a deep passionate kiss. The sixth figure backed away in the shadows, trying to remain silent.

As the reunion with the families went on, Luna watched from a distance and smiled. Feeling a tap on her shoulder, she turned to look at Spark, "Something amiss Spark?"

"It's just that, is this wise?" asked Spark. "You have allowed their families here into our hideout, and let them know where they are."

"Do not worry, Spark," Luna said, smiling warmly when Carrot Top was hugged by Ditzy and her family, "They are convinced that are all in a dream world right now. When they next awaken, they will only remember this as a happy dream of lost family. They will know nothing of this place or what they had seen, only the happy reminder that they are loved."

Spark nodded and then saw Trixie walked towards the sixth figure. Curious, she walked closer to the two, only to be taken aback by the loud, "And what are you doing here!?" Trixie shouted.

"Luna invited me to this dream, that is all. I figured this would be the best way to check on you and your progress," Checker said, looking around at the house and the group as each began to split off into their own familial groups, "I think this is adequate."

"Oh, don't give me that," Trixie growled, "You hate me! You've always had! Trixie can still remember all of the times that you yelled at her, condemned her making the slightest mistake, or even how you-"

"Helped you," Checker sighed looking away.

"What?" Trixie asked, pausing in her rant, "What do you mean helped Trixie?"

"How do you think you got that nice wagon of yours, for cheap? Or told that family of rock farmers to hire you? That was me! I have been looking out for you," Checker said, looking to Trixie.

Stepping back, Trixie shook her head, "No, no, no, no! You do not do this to Trixie, you do not get to start saying how you've always cared for her, and liked her, and apologize!"

"Why not? It's true. There have been things that I have said, that I will always regret, but...deep down I have always been proud of what you have done so far with your life Trixie. You stepped out of the crowd and became your own mare," Checker said, smiling warmly.

Trixie shook her head at this, tears welling up in her eyes, "No, You can't do this! You can't just start saying how much faith you had in her, how much you cared about her! You just can't because if you do then," the dam began to break as Trixie cried, "What does Trixie have to hold onto? She needed her hatred of you, to prove she was better! She needed the chance to show you that ponies can have faith in Trixie because she wasn't you! And now, now you tell Trixie that it was all for naught? That you believed in her this whole time?"

"Yes," Checker said. With a sigh she said, "You girls are beginning to change things, for the better I might add. I have begun to see it for myself, and I think...it's about time I changed to. Maybe one day, when this is all over...we can act like real sisters?"

"You... you," Trixie let out a long sob as she ran to hug Checker tightly, "You bitch! You found a new way to beat Trixie, you just..."

As Trixie lost herself in her tears, Luna watched with a smile. Then she looked to Spark, "I knew Trixie still held some anger and hatred for her sister. So I decided to help fix that for her, and this was the only way."

Spark nodded, "I see, more training. It's a shame that you could not bring my family here, I would like to know how they are-"

"They are all fine, they are celebrating with friends and family," Luna said, nodding, "They miss you."

"Wha-" Spark paused when she saw Luna vanish.

---

Inquirious sighed as she looked at the blood red moon in the sky, "It's Hearth's Warming Eve in Equestria."

"I know," Starla said, standing guard outside of the building that the slaves had taken shelter for the night, "Our families are probably busy right now, just like we all are."

"The Equestrians, they are asking if we should join them for a little party upstairs in the parlor. They found supplies and a tree for them to decorate," Inquirious said leaning against the wall.

"And the Unicornicopians?" asked Starla, "What do they think?"

"The same as always," giggled Inquirious, "We must remain vigilant, we must stay true and not celebrate. There is nothing to celebrate."

Starla laughed at this. Taking a look at her crystal bow, she smiled and nodded, "Well then, let us all give the Unicornicopians a chance to understand what living is all about. Tell the men that we are gonna party tonight like it's the last night of our lives!"

"Are you sure that is wise, miss Shine?" asked Inquirious.

"A few months ago? I would've said know and then been angry or mopey about it, but now," she sighed and smiled, "I am starting to see what kind of makes the Equestrians so powerful, probably stronger than us."

"And that is?" asked Inquirious.

"Their ability to hold onto hope," Starla smiled. As she turned to walk inside she added, "And I think it's time we give Conquest the middle finger by keeping the hope alive here! How much did the team scavenge on their last trip?"

"Enough for a month," Inquirious said, "So we can waste a few days worth. Let us party!"

---

New Year's Eve.

A white unicorn with a blue mustache sat in his chair, a monocle over his right eye reflected the two ponies that stood in front of him. After adjusting his glass ware for a moment, he asked, "So, let me get this straight, tomorrow you plan on starting your part of the rebellion? Taking cities under Grand Ruler's rule for your own?"

"That is correct Fancy Pants," Cerise Wonder said. "I talked it over with several of the men and we figured that, while we lack the power to break Conquest's shields, we have the ability to drive out Grand Ruler's influence in the cities that are left and offer our protection."

"I see," Fancy Pants said, turning to look at the yellow unicornicopian who hid behind Cerise's leg, "And who is this?"

"Amberly, Rhymey's full blood sister," Cerise said.

Fancy Pants raised an eyebrow, "If that is true then why is she-"

"Her father tried to get rid of her," Cerise said, "She was found with a defect in her magic and that monster despised imperfection. I am bringing her here for protection. I've been keeping an eye on her since I found her in an orphanage, but with the risks of leading a rebellion I can't protect her like I should. I need you."

"Protection?" Fancy said, standing up.

Cerise shook her head, "I can't prove it yet, but I know Rhymey is the one who massacred his family. If that is true, then she is in danger of dying by his hands too."

"I see," Fancy said, sitting down and inviting the girl to come to him. Nervously, she walked up and hugged his leg, "Me and Fluer, we always did want a child of our own. But, with Fleur's... condition, it is off the table. We'll watch out for her, lady Cerise."

"Thank you sir," Cerise said, bowing to him before turning and walking away.

"Sissy?" asked Amber, "Be safe."

"Sure little one," said Cerise as she left.

Fancy knelt down and patted Amber on her orange mane, "Ok little one, go to the servants and have them wash you up. Then I'll read you a bedtime story."

"Ok, sir," whispered Amber as she left.

"She even looks like a small feminine Rhymey," observed Fancy as he watched the little girl run off.

Fleur's voice came from the shadows, "She is simply adorable."

"Yes, I think you will like her," Fancy smiled and turned to his wife as she stepped out, dressed in a maid outfit.

"So, I guess your little rebellion is finally gonna make it's move?" asked Fleur, "Think Luna should know that you are fronting the bill on this side?"

Fancy chuckled as he walked to his lady and held her hands, "Now, why should I? Wouldn't that ruin the fun of being the secret man behind the man? You know I never take responsibility or fame for anything!"

Fleur laughed, "Not even when you found and captured the known spy, Lady Diamond."

"Speaking of which," Fancy asked, looking at his wife as she stood in her revealing outfit, "Are you really going to sneak into the palace wearing that?"

"What?" asked Fleur as she stepped back and looked at her outfit up and down, "It's fashionable, it's eye catching, and it will distract the idiots in the castle."

"Yes, my dear, but do not forget that you are on a very dangerous and suicidal mission. One wrong move and you could be held for treason," Fancy said, looking into his wife's eyes worriedly.

"My love," Fleur said, rubbing the side of her husband's face, "In all of my years of being one of Celestia's best spies, I have only been caught once in my entire life. And I married that person." she giggled looking at her wedding band. Leaning up, she kissed Fancy Pants deeply, wrapping her arms around her husband. After breaking the kiss, she said, "I will find out what Grand Ruler is using to keep power over everypony, don't worry."

Fancy held his hands on her waist, "My love... I wouldn't be a good husband if I didn't worry. Now go, and be safe."

"I will, beloved," smiled Fleur as she walked away.

---

New Year's Day.

Rhymey walked to the radio and flicked it on, taking a seat on his father's large seat. By his side, his mother stood and watched him listen, a look of timid fear on her face, "Hey all you guys and dolls, this is the wonderful channel of the rebels K-KOLT! Let me hear ya Rebel Yell!"

"YEAH!"

"First off, what rhymes with shoes and gives ya the blues. That's right, cashews! Or better yet, how about the news? It seems that the Umbra Circle has been expanding their ranks a little. What started off as a seven mare band plus one lucky stallion is now a group with their own army of badasses," Vinyl cheered, her voice carrying it's usual jubilation. "And just today was their big debut!"

Octavia interrupted with a light cough, "What my co-host is referring to is that today, Conquest sent an army to Detrot, a place that was previously saved by the Umbra Circle. Seems that he wanted to make up for his absence during the holidays. Then, to the surprise of everyone, the ponies were well armed thanks to the aid of the rebel army."

"Yeah, get this. This group of ex-Starfleet soldiers, royal guard, Wonderbolts, and anybody else that can't put up with Starfleet's shit anymore have banded together to aid in the cities that haven't been attacked by Dark Conquest yet. They aren't fighting him directly yet, but instead, well... let's let their leader speak."

Rhymey looked shocked as he heard Cerise's voice come over the air, "My name is Cerise Wonder of the Umbra Circle, and we have but one purpose. To fight for the freedom of not just those who are scared of Conquest, but the might and tyranny of Grand Ruler as well. We will offer aid and protection for those who wish to join us. We only wish for one thing, to throw away the allegiance to Grand Ruler and to swear upon the names of the ones who are the true rulers of this country!"

"When asked to comment on the situation, Celestia had this to say," Octavia said, picking up the paper, "'I had no idea that there are ponies who are doing this. I can only hope they stop this before somepony gets hurt."

"GR, had other things to say about this," Vinyl laughed, "Behind closed doors of course. I think they all rhymed with hit, luck, diss, bunt, rock bucker, Father mucker, and bits. So, all in all, not a bad day for Equestria. Grand Ruler is losing, Dark Conquest has now something new to contend with and we have some awesome music to play."

As the music began to play, Rhymey stood up and walked passed his mother. Smiling warmly, he cupped her chin and looked into her blue eyes, "Mother, light of my life, have I told you the history of our family?"

"N-No son, you haven't," trembled Mary under his touch.

Rhymey smiled as he leaned in and kissed his mother on the nose, "Allow me to educate you. Back in the ancient times of our old world, when our race had just begun, the Ward family was among the first to become a part of Starfleet. It's not hard to see why, our mental powers were beyond compare! We could act as amplifiers for the power of our ruler and spread his gospel all over the planet. No, we could do better, we spread his word across the galaxy. This whole entire empire was built upon the backs of our family!"

Rhymey shrugged and turned away from his mother, "I was even bred to be a perfect soldier for our ruler! Father mated with you because you were a rare beauty and your empathic abilities would allow me to touch upon emotions. It was the perfect blend of two worlds."

"I remember," whispered Mary, hiding behind her pink mane, "You father always said that I was his favorite of all of his conquests."

"Yes, to him you were just a toy. Not to me, you are far more precious mother," Rhymey said, smiling warmly at his mother. "I made my way through the ranks the fastest, my swords skill was impeccable, and I was second to none in the use of our trademark mnemonic powers." as he began to think of the past, he clenched his hands so hard that they began to bleed a little, "So imagine my shock that I was passed over for Grand ruler's greatest gift, the legendary Golden Horn. I believed that I would be destined to obtain that wondrous gift, that I would become his sword and obtain legendary power."

With a growl, he knocked a vase into the fireplace and growled again, "But no! I was passed over on the privilege for that infernal Lightning Dawn! And why? Because he had a special trait about him that none on Unicornicopia had within them. Oh, how I was enraged at the idea that he was the destined sword for our leader and I was to be nothing more than a shield to be thrown away at as moment's notice."

"But, I played along with it," Rhymey sighed, looking at his bloodied hands, "like the good soldier I was. When Lightning started his training, Grand Ruler assigned me to gather a loyal team that would act as his shield to protect him. And I did, I picked a group that could easily be disposed of if need be. Starla, the lover who wanted to live to her mother's name. Artie, who could become the lancer if need be, Buddy the one who could provide a familiar tone to the group, and of course me. The only surprises came when those two jokes decided to join us."

"Of course, not everything was dictated by me and Grand Ruler. Titan and his monsters, Chrysalis, Sombra, and Dark King? They all came on their free will, ready to challenge us. And with each victory that was," he paused for a moment, thinking of the right word, "HANDED! I grew more and more enraged that I was fading into the shadows and being left out of the greatness that was deserved to me! But I could take satisfaction that I had a greater prize in my arms, the perfect mate that outshone everything."

"Your Fluttershy," whispered Mary.

"Correct mother," Rhymey said, holding his mother's hands gently and smiling at her, "When I saw her that day, I knew she was the one. She is so much like you, beautiful, quiet, and soft. I need her in my life to give me eternal happiness. But, when I landed, I saw her with that infernal Rainbow Dash and I saw the way they looked at each other. I realized... I had no chance with the way things were."

Rhymey sighed as he clenched his hand into a fist, "But, let it never be said that I would quit when my prize was within my grasp. Oh, sure, I had to push my mana reserve to its limit to break into her head and put that false memory into her mind, but it was worth it. Of course, I had to manipulate the others to make it seem like they were going to isolate her and insult her. Well, I did it to try to get her into my arms and...it was just fun to see those five acting like blind morons who had no idea what they were doing. After all, that is how I see them. It was worth it in the end though, I did get her in the end. I was happy."

Then he punched a wall, "So imagine my rage when she was taken from me. But, do not worry, I will bring her back, starting today. And I will wipe out those infernal friends of hers once and for all."

Mary shuddered as she looked into Rhymey's eyes, "W-W-Will you mind control Rainbow Dash?"

"No, that is folly. Rainbow Dash and her element would make it hard for me to keep a hold on her for long. She would break free before I could use her to her fullest," Rhymey said. "No, I am going to use someone who is already of which, they should be here soon."

---

Fluttershy got out of her bed, a blank look on her eyes. Slowly, she walked to her mirror and began to write down a letter.

Dear Everypony,

I am sorry, but I must betray you and go back to Rhymey. I am a horrible monster who has hurt another person because I am being selfish and cruel. I think I am strong and kind when I am not. You can't be both, only one or the other and I choose to be kind.

Rhymey, he needs me. We belong together, as it feels like it was destiny. If not, then he will die and I couldn't live with myself if I killed him because of my own selfishness. He can't fall in love with anypony else, it is not allowed, and he cannot move on. He has to be with me, and I... with him.

After all, I am weak and helpless. I cannot fight for myself and can only become strong by being a powerful warrior. And he, loves me because I am beautiful, what more do I need.

So, I will leave this place and never come home again. I will succumb to my destiny by being his loving wife, but before I go...

Fluttershy paused a moment, before narrowing her eyes in determination. Then she wrote.

Rainbow, remember your first race? I want to see you win it with the others one more time.

Signed, Fluttershy.

Turning to look at her bunny, she got on her knees and gave him the letter. Then she patted him on the head, "Go to Rainbow Dash and give her the letter. I need to be going." she said, getting up and walking to her closet. After spending a few moments inside, she came out dressed in a long green gown with pink flowers anointing the seams. At the center of the low neckline was a butterfly shaped broach.

Taking one long look around, she sighed with a tinge of sadness as she opened her window and flew away. Unaware that a few miles away, in Sweet Apple Acres, somepony else would soon make their way to Rhymey's home. For Applejack had made her way to a tree and leaned against it, panting, "Applejack, please, it's the new year. Why not rest just this once and lay off the training?" Caramel asked, looking at applejack with a worried frown.

"Nope, can't do it, out of the question," Applejack said, panting and wincing at the pain in her side. "It's a new year and Conquest hasn't attacked in over a month. That means either he's planning on something big, or he's luring us into a false sense of security. Can't let either happen."

"But you are gonna wear yourself out!" Caramel said. "Please, Applejack, if not for just your friends, then your family. Your sister is scared you are gonna fall over dead."

Applejack looked up at Caramel, and sighed. Letting out a little chuckle and tipping her hat, she said, "Fine, fine! Ah'll take tomorrow off on the afternoon. Ah promise."

"Good, otherwise I will bring in your brother," Caramel said, smiling sheepishly at her.

"You wouldn't dare," Applejack said, smiling back at him. Then she sighed and added, "OH, and thanks for looking out for me."

Caramel let out a small chuckle and nodded, "Sure, no problem."

As he walked away from Applejack, she took a quick glance at his flank and nodded. A warmth in her heart began to grow along with a slight blush on her cheeks. Realizing that she stared for a bit too long, she pulled back and leaned against the tree with a shake of her head. Letting out a soft chuckle, she looked at the sky and began to watch as the clouds roll overhead. Unbeknownst to her, the ground around her began to become covered with a light green fog, "He's right you know. You should rest. Strong mares like you need to rest."

Applejack sighed, and nodded, "Ah am getting a little tired." she said, her eyes drooping slowly as the green mist began to cover her legs. Green hands began to slide along her hips and arms as the mist traveled up her body.

"Yes," the voice hissed, "Very tired. Of the responsibility, of the leadership, of being their pillar. Isn't it enough? You have given fourteen years of your life to this farm and this family, isn't that enough? Hasn't enough of your sweat been given to them to satisfy their wants and desires?"

Applejack shook her head weakly as she felt the green hands begin to rub her shoulders, "N-n-no, they still need me. They need my help."

"No they don't, Applebloom has grown up. You brother can handle it fine, you should worry about your desires. What do you want out of live beyond this farm?" The mist asked.

Applejack let out a soft breath as the mist continued to caress her tired muscles, her eyes becoming lulled, "M-m-my own home, my own family, and a place to raise them."

" And you can never have that here. You just need to rest and think about your life. No need to worry about your family or friends anymore," the voice whispered. "You gave enough blood for them. Time they learned to stand tall without the pillar. Twilight Sparkle will understand. She will always understand. It is enough, isn't it?"

Applejack's eyes began to close all the way as she let out a final whisper, "It's enough...time to rest." when she opened her eyes again, the emerald hue of her eyes began to take on a darker shade. Slowly she stood up and heard the voice whisper.

"Time to come to me, Abbigail. Time to fix the problem."

---

Rhymey sighed, breaking away from the green jar that had been laid before him. A frown appeared on his face as he looked at the almost empty contents of the mist, "Damn," he muttered under his breath, "Applejack is a lot more powerful than one realizes. Just breaking her took the last of the mist. Oh well, don't need all of it anymore."

He smiled as he put on his orange starfleet armor, tapping his insignia to put it on in a flash of light. As he walked to the front door, a cruel smile crossed his lips as he watched Fluttershy step in, The green train following her, "Ahhh, Fluttershy."

"Rhymey, my love, I am home," Fluttershy said, her voice lacking all of the usual kindness and softness that accompanied her voice. It was hollow and sullen, as much as if a doll had gained a chance to talk.

Rhymey took his mother's hand and led her to the foyer, "Mother, you have met the love of my life. She has decided to stay with us."

"Hello," softly spoke Mary.

Rhymey held both his mother and Fluttershy's hands, smiling calmly as he looked between the two. Then he turned to the door when it opened with a loud bang, and smiled when he saw Applejack, "Ah and the other new member of our little group hath arrived. Welcome Applejack."

"Thank ya kindly for having me," Applejack said, tipping her hat. Gone was the armor that Rarity had made for her and her normal civilian clothes. Now she had matching brown gloves and boots to go along with her jeans. Her leather vest covered a white t-shirt and around her neck was a red neckerchief.

Rhymey walked to Applejack and looked her over, smirking cruelly, "After I discuss the plan with Grand Ruler, I will return to begin the operation."

"What is the operation?" asked Mary.

Rhymey chuckled, "Why, the greatest one I have come up with to destroy these infernal knights. I will have Applejack go to a small town of Unicorpians and cause a massacre of the populace. After which, the populace will lose faith in the Knights. Distrust will reign among the populace and will cause the Unicornicopians to despise these 'heroes'. Grand Ruler will then either have to disband the Elements as a sign of good faith, kill that whore of a wife, or...begin a cleansing."

"But," Mary winced as Rhymey looked to her, "W-W-Wont that cause a civil war to erupt in United Equestria? Thousands could be killed and Dark Conquest would take us over!"

"Mother," Rhymey said, cupping his mother's chin and smiling at her. He looked into her eyes with love and warmth, kissing her nose gently, "I care nothing for this country or the people. All I care about is my happiness, and if I have to wipe out a few thousand people to make it so that we can live in happiness, then what is the matter? Is not eternal happiness the greatest goal in life?"

Mary backed up and shook in fear, "I..."

"It's ok, Mother, you can answer. I would never hurt my loves," Rhymey said.

"I think it is," whispered Mary.

---

Lightning twitched in his bed in the castle, moaning as he began to dream of his family and the past. For the past few months, he had been living in the castle, unable to return home. However, the longer he had stayed in the castle, the worse his dreams had become.

"Mommy! Look what Dad bought me," cheered the five year old as he ran into his mother's bedroom. He held a little doll in his hands that resembled a woman in red and gold armor, "He bought me a huntress figure for my birthday!"

The light blue unicorn looked to her husband and frowned, putting her hands on her hips in a slightly miffed position, "Blaze! I thought you were going to wait until the cake before the present."

"Sorry Crimson," blushed Blaze, the red shining from his white coat, "but you only turn 5 once, right?"

Crimson Dawn could only chuckle at her husband's antics and walked up to kiss his lips, "You are so lucky you're adorable."

"Ewwww, parents shouldn't kiss in front of their children. It's a rule," Lightning said, looking away and running to his presents."

Blaze raised a finger to say something, but then heard a knock on the door. Upon opening it, he let out a gasp when he saw the two figures in front of him. From Lightning's position, he could see a fourteen year old boy and a very tall man in shadow, "Sire! What are you doing here?"

"I have come to request that you hand over your son to join Starfleet," the man in shadow said, his three horns glowing.

Blaze looked to his son and then back to the man in shadow, "Why?"

"He has a peculiar trait about him. A unique power that lies within him that only pops up in a few particular individuals," the man said, "Properly trained, I could give him a chance to bring out that power to it's fullest and turn him into the ultimate soldier." he said, much to the chagrin of the fourteen-year old.

"You just want to use him as a weapon," Crimson said. "Sire, please understand, we respect your desire for our child and to have him become a fighter, but I think we would rather have him grow up a little first before we send him away."

"By that time, it will be too late," the man said. "He will become tainted by your influence and useless to me. I need him now."

"No," Crimson said, glaring down at the tri horned being.

The man sighed and shook his head, "Shame it comes to this. Rhymey, offer my counter argument."

Before Crimson could say more, Rhymey's blade shot forth and stabbed her in the stomach. His blue eyes showed no signs of remorse as he dug the blade into her stomach, the blood running down the sword. Then, in a flash, he pulled the blade out of her stomach and cut a deep gash in her neck, causing the blood to ooze out.

As his wife was murdered, Blaze ran to Lightning, "Lightning, remember the escape plan we talked about?"

"Yes dad, but-"

"Go, now!" he said pushing his son into the kitchen.

Lightning barely had time to argue as he was pushed into the kitchen and into a small cellar. Once the metal door slammed behind him and locked, he could hear a battle cry come from his father, followed by a quick scream and the sound of dead flesh hitting the floor. Tears began to run down Lightning's face as he reached out for the metal door that blocked his way out.

His dream changed quickly, now showing Rhymey standing on a field in Harmonia, his hand holding a comm. Looking around he began to speak, "The boy is missing from this land,

Far away from your hand.

Using Serpent Tyrant to destroy this place is in order

I do not care if this goes against Grand Ruler.

It will flush him out into the open

When this planet has fallen."

Lightning gasped when he stepped away, trying to run from the large energy as it struck the planet. Just as it seemed that he was consumed by the blast of the planet destroyer, a large bird creature with hands on the ends of his wings flew down and grabbed Lightning in his wings. Whispering, he said, "Fear not, I am of Corby. I will send you where you will be safe."

Lightning Dawn shot up in his bed, panting while sweat rolled down his face. Looking to Krysta, he lightly pushed her awake as she tried to sleep on his pillow, "Krysta, wake up."

"Yes?" asked Krysta, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Sitting on the pillow, she looked at Lightning worriedly, "Is it another nightmare?"

"Krysta, do you remember how we met?" asked Lightning.

Krysta nodded, "Yes, it was at a carnival. The people thought I was a sideshow to be shown off."

"Do you remember why I was there, on that particular planet?" asked Lightning.

"Yeah, because Serpent Tyrant destroyed your world," Krysta said. "You used a space bridge to fly away."

"Why didn't he continue after me?" asked Lightning. "Why didn't Starfleet try and find me?"

"I... don't know," Krysta said. Then she looked at Lightning with a curious look in her eyes, "Lightning, what was that dream?"

"I," Lightning paused and got out of the bed. Within moments he had gotten his outfit on and walked to the door, "think Rhymey killed my parents."

Krysta gasped and flew after Lightning out of his room, "What?! But, how can you be so sure. Shouldn't you talk to him about this and see-"

Lightning narrowed his eyes as he walked towards the throne room, "That is what I plan on doing."

As Lightning neared the door, he could heard voices coming from the other side. Pausing at the entrance, he stopped before opening the door and put his ear to the front, "It's a harsh plan Rhymey. One that could have a lot of casualties, but it's one I think you can pull off."

"Thank you sire," Rhymey said.

"You are dismissed and I wish you luck in the end," Grand Ruler said.

Lightning's eyes opened wide in utter horror about this. Narrowing his eyes, he looked to Krysta and said, "Krysta, I want you to fly somewhere safe and watch me from a distance. And if something-"

"No, please, don't think like that," Krysta said, shaking her head, "I don't want to lose my best friend. Please let me-"

"And I can't lose my best friend," Lightning said, "And I don't know what Rhymey might try, so run!"

Krysta sighed and nodded, flying off into the rafters as the door opened. Wathcing, she listened to Rhymey begin to speak, "Lightning Dawn? What a surprise to see you, Grand Admiral. Are you here to hear about the new recruits that Grand Ruler has assigned to us?"

"Actually, I want to talk," Lightning said, waving his finger to Rhymey. As they began to walk towards the courtyard, Lightning chuckled to himself, "You know Rhymey, the girls and I have been having a very interesting talk as of late."

"Oh really?" Rhymey asked as they walked into the middle of the courtyard. The place was empty for being so early in the morning with no one to walk to talk to the two soldiers.

"Oh yes, about our origins, how we met, and best of all... the Rainbow Stones," Lightning said, narrowing his eyes.

Rhymey stepped back, a look of shock in his eyes as he remembered that mission, "Why Lightning, why the sudden fascination with that mission?"

"Well, it seems that someone used mental magic on the ponies when he arrived. Just to get the Rainbow Stones. Why?" Lightning asked, "You know that was only meant for espionage missions or if we have no idea of the situation."

"And I didn't," Rhymey said. "I believed them to be dangerous beings who needed to be quelled so I could gain the Rainbow Stone."

"Is that why you took the time to get a dance from Fluttershy?" Lightning asked. "You mind raped them, just to get Fluttershy."

Rhymey laughed, "Lightning, I would never-"

"Don't' lie to me!" Lightning growled, "You broke a tenant of our code."

"Sometimes codes can be broken," Rhymey said, "Especially in pursuit of your dreams."

With a quiet rage, Lightning asked, "Did you use it on me?"

"Hmmm?" Rhymey asked.

"I said, did you ever use that mind rape trick on me? Answer the question," Lightning asked.

Rhymey laughed and turned away, "Oh no, not just you."

As Rhymey began to walk away from Lightning, the admiral clenched his hands into fists. With a growl he ordered, "Draw your sword, Rhymey."

"What?" Rhymey asked, looking over his shoulder.

"I said, draw your sword so I am not arresting and beating an unarmed opponent," Lightning said. "Because I am arresting you for your crimes."

Rhymey laughed, saying slowly, "Ward Sword." then he pointed his blade at Lightning, staring right into his eyes, "This will NOT end well for you, Admiral."

"You're not getting away," Lightning said, encircling his foe, "Criminal."

Rhymey shrugged at this, before smirking at his opponent. Charging straight ahead at Lightning with a forward thrust,he was unprepared for Lightning sidestepping and then blocking the blade with his forearm by swiping it upward with his forearm. Lightning then delivered a hard uppercut into Rhymey's jaw, followed by three jabs to the chest. When he tried to follow it up with a roundhouse kick, Rhymey blocked knee with the flat side of his sword and backed up from the snap of the kick.

Crouching down, Lightning ducked under the blade as it slashed at him, nicking his hair. From down on the ground, he swept his leg at Rhymey. The enemy raised his leg up in time to dodge the attack and moved back to get away from the uppercut. With a cruel smirk, Rhymey used his opening to his advantage and slashed at /Lightning twice across the stomach. When he screamed in pain, Rhymey used the hilt of his sword to slam it into Lightning's face. With a quick flick of his arm, he slashed across the chess of his former friend and then he kicked Lightning away.

Wincing at the pain in his stomach and chest, Lightning looked up as Rhymey flew away from him. Putting aside the pain for a few moments, he took into the air after Rhymey. Keeping his eyes focused on his opponent, he let out a gasp when he saw Rhymey flying backwards and shooting a stream of quills at him, "Drill Quill."

Stretching his arms forward, Lightning began to corkscrew through a small opening in the barrage of quills. When he reached the end, he pulled back and slammed his fist hard into the stomach of Rhymey. Then he began a barrage of punches onto Rhymey's body. With a quick cross into Lightning's stomach, Rhymey stopped the barrage. Then he slapped Lightning with his forearm before using performing a roundhouse kick into Lightning that sent him soaring through the air and onto the roof of a building, knocking up some tiles.

As Lightning recovered from the blow, he looked up and rolled out of the way of several more quills flying down upon on him like rain. Just when he got to his knees to fly up, Rhymey swooped down from the sky and drove his blade deep into Lightning's thigh, keeping him to the ground, "Let me tell you why I hate you, old friend." he said, twisting the blade slowly as it rested in Lightning's thigh. The blood gave out a tiny spurt as it leaked out of the leg, "You see, for years I had been trained to fight with the best of my abilities. To become a perfect soldier to serve as his majesty's sword. Of my entire family I was the best, and destined to become his sharpest sword. Then you came along!"

"What do I-ARGH!" Lightning screamed as the sword twisted. Then he was kicked across the roof.

"And there is one of your biggest flaws. Your overall stupidity!" Rhymey spat as he walked slowly to Lightning, scraping his sword across the roof. "Do you know how often I had to see you race off into battle, only for your ass to be handed to you and forcing us to do all of the work? Too often! You talk of strategy and skill, but you know nothing. You spout words of wisdom, but they fall flat and hollow. And I would forgive all of this, all of it...if you had earned it."

Lightning struggled to get back up, but screamed in pain as his leg began to ooze blood. Taking a knee, he looked up tearfully at his former companion, "But I did-AHHHH!"

Rhymey looked at Lightning with cold eyes as he stabbed his sword deep into Lightning's shoulder, "No, you didn't. You know who did? The one you used to call naive, narrow minded, and just plain foolish, Twilight Sparkle. Oh sure, try and excuse it with words like "She had guidance from the princesses" and that, but when you get down to it, she walked into that. If she chose not to see the Summer Sun Celebration, then she wouldn't have been inspired to study day in and out. Then she wouldn't have been able to attend the meeting for the school of gifted unicorns, and then no Ponyville."

Rhymey put his hand through his hair and laughed, "And you, what did you ever do to impress his sire? Oh yes, he saw a special trait within you that gave you the ability to harness the most powerful spell known in history and that was it. Twilight proved herself worthy of her destiny by realizing her true potential by opening her heart, Grand Ruler just saw you one day and saw something unique that he can use."

Lightning held up his hand to block the next sword thrust, letting the sword pierce through his hand, "Rhymey, answer me this one question... did you kill my parents?"

"I won't mince words..." Rhymey said with a pause, "They were my first kill, so they are special to me."

Lightning's eyes went wide at this realization, and he began to feel his heart pump faster with hot blood. Growling, he gripped the sword while it was impaled in his hand and began to pull Rhymey closer as the yellow unicornicopian struggled to dislodge the blade, "You know something, I've been an idiot all of this time. I've been fighting too long as an Unicorpian, maybe it's time I fought like an Equestrian."

"What does that even mean?" Rhymey asked.

"It means," Lightning said, pulling Rhymey close and his hand up to the guard of the sword, "BELIEVE THIS!" and with a powerful uppercut to the jaw, he sent Rhymey flying back across the roof and to its edge.

Rhymey struggled to get back to his feet, spitting out three of his teeth as he did. He tried to smile devilishly when he noticed that Lightning was struggling to stand up again, being forced to take a knee. Forgoing his sword for a bit, he raced at Lightning, only for a cross to hit him in the stomach. While Rhymey began to catch his breath, Lightning used his forearm to attack the side of Rhymey's face, then he flapped his wings to gain air and kick Rhymey in the neck. Lightning smiled, "See, from now on...I am going to fight with the idea that I can better myself, that I can actually make real friends, and that if I'm weak, they'll back me up."

Rhymey walked to his sword and picked it up, swishing the blade to send the blood flying off. With a slight edge to his voice he said, "You think that it will make a difference, to change your ways? It won't, it won't matter, nothing will. Because I will kill you in the end." With a few flaps of his wings, he gained altitude with Lightning, ""I think I've allowed you to live on long enough. Working under your command was painfully humiliating, and I will suffer no longer. Don't worry. Starfleet will treat your death as a brave sacrifice in battle. It isn't the first... and it won't be the last"

"Well, then come and get me," Lightning said, flying away.

Rhymey sheathed his blade and took off after him. For a long while, the two combatants stood in the air, each waging their own personal air duel with the other. Every time one came into contact with the other, the other would throw a punch or a kick to their opponent. Each hit collided with a hard fleshy strike that left a deep welt. At one point, they grappled each other, "You think we don't know Lightning? The truth?"

"What truth?" Lightning asked.

"That you've lost the spark to become that Enticorn mode," Rhymey said. "We all see it, and I know why. Ever since you lost Starla to Conquest, you've lost the confidence that you can do anything to help anyone. All of these beatdowns have worn on you to the point where you can't get it up anymore."

"H-h-how do you know about Starla?" asked Lightning

Rhymey laughed with wild eyes, "You think we were fooled by that little story of yours? A paradise planet? HA! I knew she was captured, and she most likely was with Conquest. So tell me, was she raped? Did she enjoy it like a whore?"

Lightning shook his head trying to ignore the taunts, "No, she-" A headbutt interrupted him.

Rhymey laughed as he headbutted Lightning again, "So I was correct. Good." breaking the grapple, Rhymey delivered several punches into Lightning's body and then a kick to send him tumbling through the air and through several trees. Then he crashed into the ground, leaving behind a large divot behind him and kicking up a bunch of snow.

Breathing hard to catch his breath, he slowly tried to get back up. The sharp pain in his bleeding thigh quickly reminded him of how much his body went through and he took a knee. Looking around, he tried to look through the wooded area for any sign of his opponent.

"And game," Rhymey said, landing behind Lightning. In a flash, Rhymey stabbed the blade deep into Lightning's stomach and out the other side. Cruelly, he stood Lightning on his feet and held his chin, "Shhhhh, it's all right, I am just going to wish you goodnight. See, right now, this sword is the only thing that's stopping you from bleeding to death. The moment I pull out, all of your blood will leak out in about a minute." then he whispered into Lightning's ear, "Want to know the plan before you die?"

"Fu-"

"Language," whispered Rhymey. "I plan on sending Applejack to a small little nowhere town and have her butcher some innocent Unicorpians."

"Y-y-you can't," Lightning gasped, trembling from the pain. "It would cause a civil war. So many would die!"

"Think I care?" growled Rhymey. "I have been insulted, bashed, mocked, hated on for my way of speaking, and then my love has been taken away. Well, now I am taking it all back, and if it has to be on the blood of those lesser than myself? Then so be it."

"N-n-not true. We are," Lightning struggled to say a line that had been beaten into his head several times.

"Stronger, faster, and more advanced? That makes us superior by fact, and you know it. /remember, you showed off that strength in the human world," Rhymey smiled as he pulled the blade out slowly from Lightning's stomach.

Lightning let out a low moan as he fell to the ground, the blood quickly pooling around him as he laid at Rhymey's feet. Without a word,Rhymey wiped his sword with Lightning's uniform and smeared it along the insignia. Smiling, he took off into the sky, unaware of the little light flying away from the battlefield.

---

"Ok kid, just one more try" Dash said, resting on the cloud and staring down at Scootaloo.

The little orange filly nodded, sweat beading down her face as she looked to the ramp. With eyes focused in pure determination, she pushed herself onto the ramp, hitting it at top speed. Then with an excited shout, she launched herself into the air and into the open arms of Rainbow Dash. Giggling, she exclaimed, "Wow, I... I can't believe I did that!"

"Believe it kid," Dash complemented, rubbing Scootaloo's mane, "You are getting better everyday. Well, not as good as me, but close."

Scootaloo smiled brightly, "WOW!"

"Now, we rest," Dash said, laying stomach down on the cloud and pulling out two cans of drinks. Opening the bottle and drinking, she said, "I think after this session we should practice at Rainbow Falls, that has some great airtime."

"Yeah," Scootaloo said, kicking her legs off the side of the cloud. Turning to her older sister she asked, "Hey Dash, why do you hang out with Fluttershy and me? I mean, we aren't strong or fast, and I, well you know." she looked down at her wings at her sides and sighed.

Rainbow Dash flipped onto her back and smiled, "Well, personally, I hang out with you guys because I like you and think you two are cool."

"You really think so?" Scootaloo asked, taking a drink of her gatorade.

"Well, yeah," Rainbow Dash chuckled, "I believe that deep down, you both have what it takes to be awesome in your own way. Fluttershy helped me to remember that when she took on that giant dragon. And personally, I think we all can be that awesome."

"Not as awesome as you," Scootaloo said, sighing.

Rainbow Dash rolled to her side and smiled brightly, "Nope, better than me." When Rainbow Dash noticed Scootaloo's look of disbelief, she began, "No, I mean it. Who cares if you can't fly right now, you are right now the best stunt pony I had ever seen on a scooter. Just you watch kid, one day, you are going to be the only Wonderbolt who can do tricks on a Scooter."

"You really think so?" Scootaloo asked.

Rainbow Dash shrugged, "If I'm wrong then I quit the Bolts and become a housewife."

"Heheh," Scootaloo giggled, "Bet ya look kind of silly in a maid outfit."

Rainbow Dash lightly chuckled and then rubbed Scootaloo's mane playfully. Turning her head, she looked to see a pegasus knocking a Lightning bolt out of a cloud, "Hey, Scoots... what do ya know about lightning?"

"Eh, something about positive and negative whatevers meeting something in the middle and some other eggheady stuff. I fell asleep when Cheerilee talked about it." Scootaloo waved a hand in the air.

Dash chuckled, "Yeah, Twilight had some egghead explanation when I talked about the legend too."

"Legend?" Scootaloo asked?"

"Your mom never said it? My mom used to talked to me about the story all of the time when a lightning storm started up," Dash said, smiling. "She said, that a lightning storm was the closest thing you could see to actually seeing the Speed Force in action."

"The Speed Force?" Scootaloo asked.

"It's mystical energy that gives us speedsters our powers and allows us to do all of our tricks. Unicorns and Earth ponies, they need some tricks to access it, but we pegasi can access it normally," Dash said. "And those of us who are like me, can tap into it to do some awesome stuff. Lightning manipulation, vibrating through walls, create rainbooms, all of that stuff. And when we die, we return to it, running forever in the greatest race of our lives."

"What does that have to do with a lightning bolt?" asked Scootaloo.

"When you see a lightning bolt, that is a speedster breaking free of the speed force for one last run," Rainbow Dash said, smiling with admiration. "Each time the bolt strikes, that is the speedster running as fast as he can to beat his own record."

"Wow!" Scootaloo said. "Have you ever tapped into it?"

"Only once in awhile," Dash sighed, "But I heard of some speedsters who can move so fast, so quickly, that they break the rules of the world and enter the Speed Force willingly. Then they can break the speed of light and practically become gods of speed."

"So cool," Scoots said, "Bet you can do it easily."

Rainbow Dash shrugged and was about to brag when she hear Applebloom yell out, "Rainbow Dash!"

"Applebloom, what's up?" Rainbow asked.

"It's Applejack, she's gone missin!" Applebloom said, her face looking on in worry.

Rainbow Dash looked back at Scootaloo, nodded, and then glided back down to earth with the little filly on her back. After Dash landed, she looked at Applebloom, "You sure you ain't overreacting? What if she's just doing some farming or running?"

"No, she isn';t!" Applebloom said, "She isn't the type to miss breakfast, and we also checked the entire farm. She's gone!"

"Scoots, take Applebloom home," Dash said, looking to her little sister. "I am going to round up the others."

"Right," Scootaloo said, taking Applebloom's hand and walking away.

It took Rainbow Dash only a few minutes to find Pinkie, and from there the rest of their friends were gathered. Glarity looked to Rarity and held her hand, "Rarity are you sure that you should be here?"

"My friend is missing, I am going to help search in whatever way I can," Rarity said, narrowing her eyes.

Belle held out a map of Ponyville, "Maybe if we split up and each pick a section of the city, we can find her."

"Ooh, I can ask the townsponies where she is," Pinkie said.

"Girls!" Krysta shouted, "Come quick, it's Lightning!"

Rarity looked up and asked, "Krysta, what is it? We are in the middle of a crisis here."

"Lightning is going to die!" Krysta shouted with tears in her eyes. "He's at the edge of the Everfree forest bleeding to death"

The girls gasped at this, and looked to each other. Then one by one, they looked at Rainbow Dash. Rainbow /dash sighed and rubbed her mane before looking up at Krysta, "Lead us to him."

---

It did not take long for the knights to make their way to the edge of the forest, where a trail of blood followed a series of broken and smashed trees, the red liquid dotting the white snow.. Running as quick as they can, with Rarity supported by magic, they came up to the crater where Lightning was laying in a pool of his own blood. This drew gasps from everyone who looked at him, most especially Krysta, who flew to his neck and began to cry heavily into his shoulder, "No! Please, you can't be dead, don't be dead. Please, I don't want to be alone in a world without you."

"Quick, we need to stop the bleeding," Belle said, a worried look on her face as she got on her knees to look at his two sides.

Dash looked confused, "With what?!"

"Krysta, open a portal to my shop, grab some of my cloth, and then teleport here," Rarity said, making her horn glow blue.

"Why didn't she move him earlier with a portal?" Rainbow Dash asked.

Belle looked at Lightning, putting a finger to check is pulse, "She was probably too scared and panicked. I can see it, I mean," she was interrupted by a loud rip of her sweater around her stomach. Letting out a gasp, she turned to Rarity who began to take away different pieces of clothing from the others, "What are you doing?"

'

"Making a tourniquet dear," Rarity said, taking the strips and applying them to Lightning's backside as Krysta brought in the pieces of cloth.

Belle opened her eyes wide, "Of course, we apply pressure to the wounds and try to stop some of the bleeding."

"Pinkie, we need you to get-" A coughing from Lightning stopped Glarity from talking.

"No time," Moaned Lightning as he tried to move.

"Lightning, you're ok! But Rhymey said you would bleed out in a minute" Krysta said, her hands glowing a light blue.

Lightning weakly chuckled, "G-g-guess, you gals are rubbing off on me. I don't know when to quit."

Belle, who was applying pressure onto the bandage along with Krysta while Rarity began to use her clothes to tie the dressing, looked to Lightning, "What do you mean, we don't have time?"

"Rhymey, he's," Lightning groaned as he tried to straighten himself, "Going to have Applejack kill a small town."

"What?!" Dash asked shocked.

Pinkie Pie shook her head n fear, "But, if he does that then-"

"All of the hard work we've been doing to get the Unicornicopians on our side will be for nothing," Belle said.

"Much worst than that," Glarity said.

"HOW?!" Dash asked, her eyes filled with rage.

Rarity put a finger to her chin, "You forget, image is everything Rainbow Dash. If Applejack goes on a killing spree, it will look bad on all of us. Tensions will begin to rise, and the Unicornicopians will want blood. There would executions, trials, and the five of us stripped of our ranks as knights. Grand Ruler might even kill one of the princesses as a sign of good faith."

"And it would be Cadence, wouldn't it?" Pinkie asked, shuddering.

Rarity calmly nodded and let out a small gasp, "Then it would start a civil war. It would be catastrophic!"

"We can't hand;e a civil war and fight Conquest at the same time!" Belle said, and then saw a little white rabbit standing in the snow, waving his paw frantically with letter in hand.

"Angel, what" Rainbow Dash paused as she took the letter from angel's little paw. Then she gasped, scrunched up the paper and threw it away. As Pinkie picked up the letter, Rainbow Dash growled, "He has Fluttershy too, and she wants us to save her."

"How can you tell?" Pinkie asked, reading the letter, "Is her call for help in some secret code?"

"She talked about my first race," Rainbow Dash smiled thoughtfully, "It was when I was four and my prize? The best thing in the world.

Four year old Rainbow Dash ran ahead of her parents. Panting and breathing hard as she neared the two ponies in front of the house. A big smile came to her lips as she jumped and tackled the small little yellow filly, "Yay! I won the race, so I gewt a pwize!"

"What's that?" asked little Fluttershy.

In response, Rainbow Dash snuggled to Fluttershy as she hugged her, "My bestest fwiend." Then she playfully nibbled her ear.

"Awwww," Pinkie said, "How cute."

Glarity nodded and walked to Rainbow Dash, "Well then, let us hurry into battle."

Rarity swooned, "Oh, how romantic, the brave knights racing off headlong into danger to save a beloved comrade! The heroic blue knight, ready to risk it all to save her yellow damsel! Oh, how I wish I could go."

"I'm coming too," Lightning said, trying to move. Krysta then quickly pushed him back down.

Rarity shook her head, "No, Belle and Krysta will take you to the Ponyville hospital, get Nurse Redheart but don't trust Penny Sillion."

"You don't know what you are getting into," Lightning said. " Rhymey will have guard, weapons, and who knows what else at his side to slow you down."

"So, appetizers," Rainbow Dash said, cracking her neck.

"You will be outgunned, outnumbered, and everything else," Lightning warned.

"So?" Pinkie giggled, "Those odds are fun. I mean, it's nothing we haven't fought before."

"There is a lesson. I don't think you in Starfleet ever really ever learned," Rarity said. "When a freind is in trouble, it doesn't matter their power, skill, or if they are unknown, there is nothing that one won't do for the other. Even if he makes a threat or offers a deal, the safety and life of your friend comes first. After all, what is the point of winning if there is no one to share the victory with."

Dash flew a few feet into the air, "Hey, are we gonna stand around here all day or are we gonna kick some ass?"

"YEAH!" The ponies shouted, thrusting their hands into the air.

---

Rhymey looked down at Fluttershy, who sat next to his chair with a glazed look in her eyes. He let out a deep breath as he ran his fingers through her long beautiful hair and even smelled it. Then he let go of her long mane and gently touched her shoulder, rubbing it, "You know, my lovely doll. I could be a freak, and admire your more," he paused, "Sexual characteristics, but I won't. I just need you to stand by my side and be beautiful to me. My wonderful key to happiness."

"Yes, love," Fluttershy said coldly.

Applejack turned to look at a black portal opening, and said, "Company coming."

When the black portal faded away, Raven had stood in its place. The first thing she did when she saw Fluttershy was wincing in pain as a memory bubbled to the surface.

"He's fine," Fluttershy said, looking up from the hurt Berry Blast.

Raven smiled warmly and hugged her lover tightly, "Oh, Berry! Marry me, now!"

"Now?" asked Berry Blast with a laugh.

Raven nodded, her guard helmet falling off, "I just saved you from the mafia, I think that is good enough reason to want to go on adventures with you."

Shaking her head, she turned to glare at Rhymey, "Greetings from Dark Conquest."

Rhymey shivered at the sight of her, "A-are you here to kill me?"

"Not yet," Raven said, looking to Fluttershy, "Though for the crime of what you did to her, I should. No, Conquest has gotten word about what you are doing and he is in love with the idea. He figures that when you win, it will give him enough hate for him to feed on for years. As a matter of fact, he is looking forward to the slaughter."

"So then, why are you here?" asked Rhymey.

"The bearers are coming for their friend, and Dark Conquest has given you a time limit. Kill them in two hours or else I will come for you," Raven said, draping her bat wings over her shoulders to form a makeshift cape. Walking away towards a black portal, she whispered, "And believe me, killing you will be the best one yet."

When she turned to look at Applejack, another memory hit her hard.

"Your boyfriend in trouble?" Applejack asked. "Well, don't worry, we'll help ya."

"Thanks, but why?" Raven asked, smiling.

"Simple, we're heroes, it's what we do."

Raven shook her head, and then glared at Rhymey with a look that would kill, "Oh yeah, making you scream in pain will be the most enjoyable thing I have ever done."

---

From a distant hill, Dark Conquest watched the scene below. There was a childish glee to his face as he began to use his magic to detect the bearers of the elements race towards the mansion. He clapped his hands and danced in place for a few moments in pure excitement as he began to cheer, "Oh, this is great! Brave heroes racing off to save the day, a villain holding the lovely damsel hostage! It just makes me squeal with glee. And best yet, no matter who wins, there is going to be so much hate flowing around. I think this calls for a song." taking out a boombox, he began to sing.

Where have all the good men gone and where are all the gods

Where's the streetwise Hercules rising above the odds

Isn't there a white knight upon a fiery steed.

LAte at night I toss and turn to dream about what I need

I need a-"

"Really?" asked The Necromancer, shaking his head and putting a cloven hoof to his face under the hood. His red eyes rolled as he asked, "I Need a Hero?"

"What?" Conquest asked, chuckling, "It's a classic!"

"Not disagreeing, but I thought you had more originality," he said.

Conquest rolled his eyes, brought out a stereo and a CD of Within Temptation, "Better?"

"Yes," nodded the figure in the cloak.

Down below, unaware of their presence being observed by the villains, Rainbow Dash and her friends hid behind some trees as they looked to the mansion. Before them was a group of Minotaurs, Buffalo, and some Impalas. Each were armed with machine guns and laser rifles. Rainbow Dash growled as she narrowed her eyes, "Lightning wasn't wrong, he has a few mercs guarding the place. Should be easy to kick their asses with my speed."

"Wait Rainbow," Glarity said, holding out her hand, "We fight, we'll just tire ourselves out. We need to be smart about this."

Dash growled, "We don't have a time for a plan. It's time to be spontaneous, to be reckless, to be-"

"Pinkie Pie," Pinkie smirked as she dug out two groovatron bombs from her pockets. With a smile, she ran into the outer courtyard of the mansion, leapt into the air, and threw the grenades into the center of the men. As they began to react to the sight of the weird bombs, the weapons rose up into the air and began to flash lights and music that had a small rumba dance beat. In the center of the group, was Pinkie wielding two big maracas, one above her head and the other across her chest. Looking up, she said, "Hit it!"

My name is Sally Sweet!

And I'm the queen of pony street.

Spinning around, she bashed three guards with her makeshift weapons. Then she pointed her rump at the men and shook it.

And when I start to sing I go

Chicka-boom, chicka-chicka=boom.

With each boom, multiple dancers were taken out by a blue blur with a rainbow contrail following her.

Pulling out a long streamer, she wrapped it around the neck of one of the minotaurs and pulled him close to her with a coy smiled.

Well tell me Mr. Pete

Do ya have a different beat

And can you tell me how to

Chick-chicky-boom, chick-chicky-boom

Behind her, several more guards fell to their knees in pain as arrows flew out from the trees. Each one striking them with deadly pinpoint accuracy, just enough to take them down without killing them. Glarity smiled at her accuracy while Pinkie finished her samba.

With the last of the outside guards defeated and beaten, Rainbow Dash sped up to punch out the minotaur and then turn to Pinkie. With a chuckle and smirk, she gave her pink best friend a high five. Pinkie returned it with a giggle and quickly changed herself back into her armor. Spinning her bow back onto her back, Glarity joined up with her friends. Taking a glance to the front door of the mansion, the three ran into the building and into the foyer.

Once in the entry room of the mansion, the trio began to look around. Rainbow Dash was the first to speak, "Ok, so where do you think he has Fluttershy?"

"I want to put my guess on the top floor," Glarity said. "My question is what else does he have to stop us?"

"My question is what is with that loud pounding?" Pinkie asked, turning her head to two giant doors at the end of the main foyer. After a few more pounds, the door broke down to reveal Applejack standing in the middle of the light filled room before her. Slowly she stepped toward the group, cracking her knuckles slowly while tilting her head to the side with each snap.

"Applejack?" Rainbow Dash asked, smiling as she stepped forward. Then Pinkie Pie stopped her.

"No, look at her eyes," Pinkie said, trembling.

Applejack's once green eyes were now blood red as she glared at the trio. A low growl was heard in her voice as she said, "Alright, which one of ya is first?"

"I am," Rainbow Dash said, stepping forward, only to be stopped by a white hand.

Glarity shook her head, "No Rainbow, you go on ahead and get to Fluttershy. Me and Pinkie have it here."

"What? You need me to beat her!" Rainbow Dash objected.

Pinkie shook her head and giggled, "Aw, don't worry your little Rainbow head, Dashie! AJ is still AJ, no matter what Jerky McJerk did to her! She won't kill us."

Rainbow Dash looked back to Applejack and then to her friends. She frowned as she took flight and sighed, "Don't die." and then she took off in a blur. Using her speed and agility, she passed over Applejack's head and up the stairs.

Glarity and Pinkie nodded in response before turning to look at Applejack. Getting into fighting positions, they readied for the incoming opponent. Green eyes tinged with red glared at the two mares, before Applejack walked up to Pinkie Pie and threw a hard right at her head. The fist was quickly stopped by a large deflated balloon. Looking up, she saw that Pinkie had slowed the attack down with the use of a balloon. Pinkie smiled as she pulled Applejack's captured arm to her.

Growling at the antics of her former friend, Applejack reached out and grabbed Pinkie's poofy mane and pulled her head down to her knee. Three times, she struck Pinkie's face with her knee, breaking the nose and leaving a trail of blood. Finished with the assault, she held onto Pinkie's hair and threw her into a wall. Before she had time to continue her beat down, she yelped in pain as two arrows struck her shoulders.

Quickly, she spun around to face Glarity and grab the next arrow that was sent her way out of the air. Frowning, she carelessly broke the shaft and then began to stomp over to Glarity, swiping the arrows out of the air with little effort.

Nearing Glarity, she launched a barrage of punches at the archer. Moving quickly, Glarity used her bow as a makeshift staff, blocking and misdirecting the punches away from her body to avoid being hit. To the untrained eye, it would almost look like she was performing an unique dance with her old friend. In truth, it was all she could do to dodge Applejack's punches. During this barrage, she blocked the fist and knocked it up into the sky and then she pulled an arrow from her quiver and stabbed it into Applejack's thigh. While the mare yelped in pain, Glarity spun and kicked Applejack hard in the gut.

Wincing in pain at the strike, Applejack drove an elbow into Glarity's leg and knocked it down. Then she reared back a punch to strike at her, only to growl when rope upon rope of streamers wrapped around her arms to hold her down in place. Looking over her shoulder at Pinkie who was holding her arms fast, she snarled and twisted her wrists around the ropes to take ahold of them. With a firm grip, she pulled Pinkie towards her and flipped her over her head.

When Pinkie was in the air upside down, she smiled at Applejack and waved at her. Seconds later, Applejack punched Pinkie hard in the chest three times and then roundhoused her into the side, making her roll across the ground. Shaking her head and spitting out blood, Pinkie looked up to watch Applejack slam a foot into the ground, breaking a part of it off. As the slab rose, Applejack punched it hard at the downed pony.

Before the slab could hit her, Glarity stepped in front of the stone slab and began to fire multiple arrows ait it, breaking the stone into small pieces. This revealed a charging Applejack, with a bloodlust in her eyes. Pinkie looked to Glarity and winked at her as Applejack found herself slipping on an oil slick. Confused, Glarity looked at Pinkie, who held a bottle of oil in hand. Glarity smiled and moved to the side of Applejack, firing arrows at the slipping target.

Applejack tripped and slammed her hands into the ground. This caused her to leap up and kick Glarity into the chest and stomach. Then she back handed Glartiy, sending her to slam into Pinkie Pie, making them both hit the ground. Applejack calmly cracked her fists and asked, "Round 2?"

---

Rainbow Dash charged up the stairs, using her wings to boost her speed. Nervously, she looked over her shoulder, a part of her wishing to fly back and save her friends. She was snapped out of her thoughts when she was clotheslined by a large grey arm.

Landing on her back with a loud grunt, she took a few moments to get back up from the blow. Then another blow to her stomach sent her sliding across the floor in pain. Looking from from her prone position, she looked up at the three opponents that hit her, "What the-" Rainbow Dash asked herself as she looked. There were three of them, grey in color and towering above her, they had white tusks and big feathery wings on their backs. As her eyes drifted to their trunks, she asked, "E-elephants with wings?"

"Actually, we prefer the term Areophant," said the one that hit Rainbow Dash. His voice carried with it a certain air of dignity and class.

"Indeed," said another one, "Just because we may look like them, that is no reason to compare us to those mindless idiots that travel the lands of Zebrica."

"Quite," said the third.

"Hey dumbos, if you don't mind, I gotta go save my best friend," Dash said, getting to her feet.

"First, Dumbo is a racist slur," said the first Aerophant, "I am Phant, this is Lant, and that is Cant. Second, we would but Rhymey promised us a lot of money for your head."

Cant nodded, "Yes, a large sum. So, we are dreadfully sorry for the savage beating and killing you are about to receive."

"Uh, it's no big?" Dash asked with a very confused shrug. Shaking her head out of her confusion, she flew out of the way from one of the Aerophants punches. While in the air, she was swatted into a wall by Cant's trunk. Letting out a low painful groan, she gasped when Lant thrusted his hoof into the spot where Dash was. Looking to his left as his hoof went through Rainbow's wavy body, he thrusted out his trunk to wrap around Dash's neck.

"An After image? Clever," Phant said, "'it is a shame that we have been watching some of your fights and know your moves. See, our inner magic lies in the power of memory, meaning we never forget."

Dash grunted as she struggled against the trunk that wrapped around her neck, "Oh, a-a-ain't we clever.." Using her vibration to wiggle out of the trunk's grip, she slipped out and hit the ground on all fours. Pushing herself off the ground and out of the way of one of the Aerophant's strikes, she flew straight at Phant and delivered ten punches into his stomach in a matter of seconds. Speeding away before he could punch again, she flew to drive a kick into Cant's neck.

Lant struck out with his trunk, wrapped it around Dash's torso as she resting in mid-air and pulled her to him. Slamming her into the palm of his hoof, he knocked Dash towards Cant who swatted her aside with his trunk towards Phant. Phant then slammed Dash into the hardwood floor with his hoof, making a small crater in the floor.

Rainbow Dash coughed in pain as she felt her sides burn, and winced as she got to her knees and held her sides, feeling the pain of her cracked ribs and bruised arm. As she was distracted, Phant charged at her with his tusk, impaling her on the spot. He frowned in disappointment when she vanished from the impalement in an afterimage. Turning around he watched as three Rainbows flew at once to strike at his two friends.

In a flash, the three speed mirages landed in the center of the group and rejoined her body. Letting out a gasp, she jumped out of the way from the next kick that Cant tried to land on her and flew back at top speed with a hard uppercut to his jaw. Then she spun around with a flying roundhouse her, only to find herself getting punched in the process for her troubles.

As Rainbow Dash rolled out of the crater sher made, she spat out some blood from the cut on her lips, "You ain't stopping me from saving her!" She shouted, eyes narrowed.

---

Rhymey smiled as he watched the battles carry on from his chambers, his fingers running delicately through Fluttershy's pink mane. He gave a low throaty chuckle as he watched the scenes transpire before him, "Look at that Fluttershy, how... pathetic. Those friends of yours are fighting death itself to save you. Don't they know that they can't stop this? What we have... is true love. We are just meant to be."

Fluttershy's glassy eyes looked on at the screens, her focus turning to look at the three mares fighting each other, "A-A-Applejack."

"Hey, thanks for taking care of Winona. She can be a bit of a dumb mutt, but I love her."

As she reached out for Rarity, she muttered her friend's name softly, "Rarity."

"Darling, we are here for one reason, to make you look more beautiful than ever. It's a shame for you to hid your beauty like this."

"Pinkie Pie," Fluttershy said, her tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Well, duh! Of course I didn't doubt you. I thought you were loco in the coco, but I don't doubt my bestie."

Then she looked at the monitor at the prismatic pony in the midst of the fight with the three areophants, their battle taking to the sky, "R-R-rain...

She was a baby in a new world, scared and alone. As she laid in her little crib, looking up at the scary images, she whimpered and was about to cry. Then, a little blue hoof touched her arm and then looked up at the baby that stared back at her. With a giggle, she smiled at the cyan filly.

"Well, Mrs. Firewing, it seems that your daughter has a guest," said doctor trueheart as he looked into the maternity ward.

Softly, Poesy Firewing asked, "What do you...awwww, how sweet. Firefly, she takes after you."

"Well," Firefly said, looking at the two fillies who were now asleep in one crib together, "Fuh."

"Rainbow..."

"Ta-dah!" Dash said, standing in front of a small cottage with Ditzy at her side, two months pregnant.

"Rainbow Dash, what is-"

"It's your home," Dash smiled. "Me and Ditzy bought it for you so you can be close to the animals. Oh, and guess what, when my birthday rolls around, you can expect me to be here to join you."

"Rainbow Da-"

"Fluttershy, about how I...I mean I was-"

"It's ok, I forgive you, always..."

"ENOUGH!"

Rhymey was pushed back by the shout from Fluttershy, causing him to stagger from the force. When he managed to regain his footing, his eyes locked onto Fluttershy's and he could feel himself break into a cold sweat and his heart start to race. Stepping back a few times as he tried in vain to regain control of the situation, he stammered, "F-Fluttershy. What on earth?"

"What gives you the right to play with our emotions and love lives? What makes you so superior to think that you can bend others hearts for your own emotion?" Fluttershy said, stepping forward, her blue eyes filled with steely determination.

"Simple, because I love you. You are my key to everlasting love, my ultimate happiness," Rhymey said, his composure slowly regaining as he reached for his sword.

Fluttershy shook her head, "You know nothing about love and happiness, you just want control. To feel like you are the king of your own little country and we are just kissing up to you.

---

Applejack held Glarity up by the throat, her body covered in arrow wounds and bruised. Growling, she glared at the golem whose body was now dripping with green blood from the various wounds that had been inflicted upon her. Pulling back her fist, she readied to lay another punch upon the defenseless golem. Little did anypony knew, of the battle that had begun in the mind.

In Applejack's mind, she was sitting still in the center of a black room with a little light with only her hat as the remaining piece of clothing. Surrounding her on all sides was an orange barrier, keeping her in. Occasionally her body would move with a shaking breath or a small sigh. Turning her head up, she looked at the sound of hoofsteps, "So, this is where you are. Ah've been looking all over for you." Applejack said, her pony body still the same as she was before the time of starfleet. Except, around her neck was the element of honesty glowing a faint orange.

"Go away, Ah'm trying to rest," mumbled Applejack as she turned away from the pony.

Pony Applejack looked a little shocked at this, "Rest? Ya aint got the time to rest right now! A corrupted version of you is out there right now about to kill our friends and you're here restin'? What the hey are ya thinking?"

"Ah was thinking about getting something for myself for once. That just this once I can finally rest and get something for me!" Applejack said, standing up and glaring down at her ponyself. Turning her head down, she clenched her fist while a variety of emotions began to run through her mind, "Ah never asked for any of this. All of this responsibility: My friends depending on me to be their pillar of strength, to be a leader, to be a guardian, a soldier, a hero.."

There was a slight tremble in her body as she looked down at her now bear rear, the lack of a trio of apples not lost on her. Emerald eyes glowered in rage as she continued, "Ah had accepted my destiny of being a farmer ever since I got my mark. Ah was fine with that. Hey, Ah would've loved to grow up and get a farm of my own and live out my life there. But... Ah never asked to the head of the household and to be in charge of mai family's buckin farm!"

Pony Applejack sighed, "Guess becoming the leader of a group of ponies who have had their spirit's shattered ain't helping either."

"No," Applejack said, turning her back to the barrier and sitting down. As she laid her arm over her leg, she leaned against the barrier and began to speak while swirling her finger in the air for a few moments. "When she died, AH had to take the responsibility for the whole team. It all came down to me having to keep watch over them and make it so they could keep on living. Do you know what's it like, having to stay strong when Pinkie cries, even though you feel like crying too? Or to keep Dash in check every time, or make sure Rarity is ok while you are scared that Starfleet is going to call her a freak for having a Kirin? Fluttershy is in trouble and there is a part of me that wants to scream and yell and strangle him. And... I can't."

"Everypony expects something from the others, but they can be so different," Applejack shook her slowly as she looked ahead, "They expect Pinkie to be happy, but she's allowed to cry. Rainbow Dash can be soft is she wants to be and Rarity cunning. But me? Ah always will have to be the strong one, to be the tough one and the tree. Can't... can't Ah be weak once in awhile or just a little bit softer?"

Pony Applejack sighed and sat with her back to her other self, "Remember when Ma and Pa died?"

"Ah never can get it out of my head," Applejack said, sniffling a little and looking at her hands, "The way their bodies were mauled, the look on Granny's face when she found out about their deaths, and just Big Mac's broken look. And we-"

"We broke," Pony Applejack said, and then frowned, "We stayed in our room all day and night. We didn't eat, barely drank and only came out when necessary."

"Then Big Mac came into the room with us," Human Applejack said. "Ah can't remember what he said though."

"'Well, it looks like Ah got to take care of the farm now. No way around it'" Pony Applejack said, and then smiled looking over her shoulder at her human self, "But do ya remember what we said?"

Applejack chuckled and looked at the other side of the barrier, a warm smile on her lips, "No Big Mac. Ah'll run the farm, you manage things. You got some brains and Ah have the muscle! You don't worry 'bout a thing!"

"And what we did at Twilight's funeral?" Pony Applejack asked, putting her hat over her eyes.

"'Twilight," Applejack began, "Ah know you can hear me up there, and Ah want to let you know, that you can rest easy. Ah'll watch them from now on and bear their weight of their problems. Ah'll keep them safe and make sure that they come home safe. Don't you worry about them anymore, because Ah will keep them safe."

"And we have, haven't we?" Pony Applejack asked, looking at her human self.

Applejack nodded, and then asked, "What was the point of this trip down memory lane?"

"Simple, all of that, what Ah just said," Pony Applejack said, "was because we chose to do it. We WANTED that responsibility, because we thought...no, we knew that we could take it. That we could bear all of that weight and pain on our shoulders with a smile and a badass grin."

"Because we thought we were strong enough," Applejack said, looking down at the ground.

"Aren't we?" pony Applejack asked, standing up on all four hooves. Reaching down to her neck, she held up the gem of Harmony. "We earned this because we proved ourselves worthy because we could never leave a friend in trouble. We do this so the others can go home alive again and live their lives the way they want to. Now, what is it that you want after all of this?"

"A home to call my own, my own family, and the chance to live how we want," Applejack said, turning her head to look up at the ceiling.

"And we can still do that while being their pillar!" Pony Applejack said, watching as her anthro self stood up, "Now, look down deep inside of yourself, and tell me. Would you do it all again? Would you still take on the responsibility for all of them?"

Applejack looked down at her closed fist, and then opened it, revealing the Gem of Honesty within, "You know what? Ah would."

"After all, you should be honest with yourself," Pony Applejack said, slowly disappearing.

Applejack pulled her fist back, her clothes fading back onto her body, "Ah am Applejack! And Ah am tired of resting right now. MY friend's need me and Ah won't stop being their pillar until Ah break. Even then, Ah will keep on moving" she said, punching the barrier, making it crack. "Ah may have some stuff Ah want, but Ah can get them without sacrificing my principles!" another punch, the crack growing larger, "And Ah can shoulder any weight, any responsibility if it means someone can sleep easier!" she roared, punching the barrier and causing it to shatter.

In the outside world, Applejack's eyes flashed a bright rainbow color before she shook her head and looked at the bloodied Glarity, "Glarity! Oh my gosh, Ah am so sorry."

Glarity wiped some of the green blood from her lips, "No, no, it's fine."

"But Ah could've-"

"No you wou;dm't," Pinkie smiled. "Because that isn't you. We knew we would be fine, because you wouldn't ever kill us."

---

Rhymey stepped back, his knees shaking as he could feel the wrath of every bad thing that every bad thing that he had ever done and every sin that he had committed being forced back into him a hundred fold. He let out a shiver as he reached behind his chair to a pair of runes. Smiling a little, his mind began to think, "My family best mind spell. It might render her a vegetable, but it will be worth it if can have her back into my arms. I will just have to put my own memories into her and fix the problem." slowly, his fingers traced along the blue runes, making them glow brightly.

If Fluttershy saw the blue light that shimmered around her, she did not show it. Nor did she act like it was having an effect on her, "And you did all of this for what-"

Rhymey took the small pause as his time to begin his talk, " I am sorry for this mind wipe, Fluttershy, but you see. I have to do this, you are my key to happiness. You are my world, and my everything. It is impossible for me to be with anyone else. For you see, I do this... for love."

As Rhymey stepped forward, he was blown back by another shout from Fluttershy, a shout that dispersed the blue glow surrounding her, "And what do you know about love?! All you thought about me, all you ever seen me as was a little doll for you to change and manipulate for your own needs!"

Rhymey stepped back, his eyes filled with terror as he looked to the runes, now destroyed and faded, "My spell, but how-"

"You think love is just a thing for you to manipulate, that it happens because it's a destined thing. Well, it's not!" Fluttershy said, stepping forward, each step making Rhymey back up. "True love is about compromise, respect, and caring for one another. It's about accepting the bad with the good and realizing each other's strengths as well as their flaws. True love is a partnership between equals who are willing to help each other through the bad."

"But I have saved you before," Rhymey said, feeling his heart race.

"So? I save animals, but that doesn't mean I love them like I love," Fluttershy paused as she felt her heart warm at the thought of a cyan mare, "Rainbow Dash!"

---

"She respects me, because we have been friends for so long. Yes, she has done dumb things around me, but I have been stupid too. But we look beyond that because we love each other."

Rainbow Dash got up from the blow that had been stuck against her chest, heaving a little and coughing up some mucus. Looking back at the three aerophants, she smirked as she stood back up, "Ok, you're good. Really good. But there is there a kind mare up there who needs me. And I will never leave a friend alone again." For a moment, Rainbow Dash remembered the loss of someone important to her, a lost friend that she failed to save.

"Love is about give and take, and she has given me more than you ever had. She spent time with me doing everything she hates, and I went into dangerous situations with her. Even though I was scared to, because she was my friend."

Crouching down so her hands touched the ground and her left leg extended fully, Rainbow Dash spread her wings fully. Narrowing her eyes, she could feel crackles of electricity flow from wingtips to the base of her wings, sparkling with loud snaps. Wordlessly, she pushed herself into flight straight at Lant. The Aerophant tried to slam his hooves together to crush her, only to watch his attack phase through the after-image.

Turning around, they watched in awe as Rainbow Dash slammed her fist into her palm, causing a surge of Lightning to shoot out from her from her body in a thunderous explosion. As the lightning left her body she did a loop-de-loop that begun to feed all of the disrupted lightning back into her body. At the end of the loop, she flew straight at {hant with her leg extended, the lightning surging around her body in the shape of a giant thunderbird.

Phant barely had time to react as Dash drove her Lightning charged kick into Phant's stomach, the eagle's talons matching her kick as if it was striking out with it's talons. When Dash's foot connected with Phant's stomach, a loud crack of thunder sounded that pushed the two aerophant's back. With the Lightning still crackling along her body, she collected the leftover Lightning into a ball and kicked into Cant's face.

As Cant flew into the wall, unconscious, Rainbow Dash turned to look at Lant. With a soft chuckle, she spun around in a circle above the ground until she had formed a large tornado. Flying out of the top of the tornado, she spun around and delivered a roundhouse into the body of the tornado sending it flying to Lant. The power of the tornado sucking him in and spitting him into a wall opposite of his comrade.

With the lightning dissipating around her, Dash cockily thumbed her nose in victory before turning around and flying up the stairs.

---

"What do you know of give and take?" Fluttershy asked, " All you have ever done was step into other people's lives and take them over like they were your own playthings. You don't want love, a companion, or a partner." with eyes narrow, she said in a tone that carried with it an air of pity, "You only want a doll to control for your own pleasure, because you can't get someone to willingly love you."

"N-n-no," Rhymey said, eyes wild with fear and shaking. Desperately, he began to reach for a button on his chair, which opened a door behind him/ "I loved you."

Fluttershy shook her head, "You never loved anyone."

Eyes watering with tears, Rhymey turned around and ran through the hidden door, desperate to escape Fluttershy. As he ran into the next room, he saw before him a familiar face, "Raven?!"

"Hello, Rhymey," Raven said with a cruel smile as she stepped towards the terrified unicornicopian, "Time's up. Now I get to play."

Rhymey stepped back tripping over a fallen piece of armor, shaking his head in utter terror, "No, stand back. I beg you!"

"Really, begging? Dyno, Myte, Buddy, and Artie all faced their fates with the grace of warriors, and you beg. Even Twilight Sparkle met her end with more dignity than you have shown. Then again, the others have tried to change for the better, what have you done except manipulate people's lives?" Raven asked.

"WARD SWORD!" shouted Rhymey, charging out with his sword drawn.

Raven only chuckled as she grabbed the edge of the blade with her two fingers and lifted it up. Then she did a triple side kick into Rhymey's stomach before grabbing his head and slamming it into her knee. She laughed as she reached out and put her claws to his neck, "Now, let's do something I have been waiting a long time to do." then she dragged her claws along his throat, drawing blood.

Rhymey screamed in pain, only for his voice to disappear as he felt his vocal chords being being severed one by one. When she reached back to stab through his heart, Fluttershy's voice rang out, "NO!"

This caused Raven to drop Rhymey and step back, shaking a little from the shout. Trying his best to stop the bleeding from his throat, Rhymey rolled away from the bat-pony and towards Fluttershy. Watching him roll towards her. Fluttershy knelt down and began to wrap some cloth around his neck. As she did, she could hear a guttural groan from her ex, "Don't take this the wrong way," she said, looking into his eyes as a rainbow shine flashed across her pupils, "I am not doing this because I love you, or care for you. I just can't bear to see an animal suffer, no matter what he has done in the past."

This made Rhymey's eyes open wide in tragic heartbreak as he felt tears well up.. Fluttershy turned up to look at Raven as she slowly approached the two ponies, golden energy flowing across her body, and Raven said calmly with a cruel smile, "You could let him die, you know. He deserves it."

"No one deserves to die," Fluttershy said looking down at Rhymey. "We all deserve a chance to better ourselves and become better people. All it takes for us to open our hearts and look past the hatred."

"I doubt he will change," Raven said, glaring at Rhymey, "The poor bastard looks like he still wants to take you back."

"Then he deserves pity, not death," Fluttershy looked down and away, "Hasn't there been enough killing? Or have you become so filled with hatred over the death of your husband that you will let it consume you forever?"

"Why are you being so compassionate? Don't you know who I am? I'm the one who killed your best friend," Raven said.

"Yes, you did. You hurt all of us and Pinkie most of all. But even then, I can't hate you," Fluttershy said, looking down, "I can never find it in me to hate anyone, even those who deserve it."

"You would die for your compassion?" chuckled Raven.

Fluttershy nodded, "Yes, I would. Because I refuse to believe that I am weak for hating the idea of killing. That I am wrong to believe that monsters deserve a chance to live and move on from their past! It is not weak, to value life."

"Such brave words," Raven said with a sigh and then frowned, "It's almost a shame to kill you."

"Then kill me," Fluttershy said, a small smile on her face." If you can."

"Fine," Raven said, putting her hands together in a cup and then throwing a giant beam at the two ponies, "UNIFORCE!"

For a few moments, the bright light washed over the two ponies, and after a few seconds there was nothing left. Raven smirked at her work, and wiped her hands of the smoke. Then she turned around, only to see a sight that made her step back in horror, "What, how?!"

Standing before her, was Rainbow Dash. Behind Rainbow Dash was Fluttershy and Rhymey, completely unharmed. As Dash cracked her neck side to side, Raven stammered, "B-b-b-but, it was point-blank range. No one should be able to run that fast."

As if she was ignoring the bat-pony's shock, Dash remarked, "You know the problem with the Uniforce? It leaves ya tired for a few seconds, plenty of time for me to get a few punches in." and with that, she cracked her knuckles.

Raven prepared to block as the blue blur passed her by. For a few moments, she stood there, feeling nothing. Turning around, she frowned when she looked at Rainbow Dash, "That was it? That was your big attack?"

"Not really, look," Chuckled Rainbow Dash, pointing to her forehead.

Holding up a mirror, Raven gasped when she saw the word loser marked on her head, "What on earth? When did you-"

"Around punch twenty five,"Dash said cally, blowing on her knuckles.

Before Raven could respond to that, she felt twenty five blows strike her body all at once. This sent her crumbling to the ground, trying to catch her breath. Looking up, she prepared to fight Rainbow Dash, only to pause when she heard the sounds of footsteps and the other Bearers. Frowning at this, Raven created her own portal and began to disappear,. "Shame I have to leave. Would've loved to have killed you both."

Just as she disappeared, Applejack and the others made their way to the top floor. Applejack looked to Rainbow Dash, "Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, are you two alright?"

Rainbow Dash turned to help Fluttershy up, offering her a hand. Quickly, Fluttershy took it and then gave Rainbow Dash a hug around the neck, "I should be asking that about you." Dash said, returning the hug. "Stopped being crazy?"

"Yeparooni!" Pinkie exclaimed, "One hundred percent sane again!"

"Good, hate to kick your ass to get you sane again, AJ," Dash quipped.

Applejack cocked her head to the side, "Excuse me? I think Ah would be the one whooping you!"

"Don't count on I-AHHH!" Rainbow Dash howled in pain.

Fluttershy gasped, "Rainbow Dash! What happened to you?!"

"Ah, got really hurt bad by those Aerophant guys," Dash moaned, "Think they broke some of my ribs. I should be-"

"No, you won't be fine. You are badly hurt, young lady and we are all heading to hospital when we get home!" Fluttershy scolded.

Dash frowned, and then smiled, "Sure, why not."

Applejack cracked the whip, "Whipped."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Dash asked.

Applejack chuckled, "OH you know...whipped, Dashie."

Rainbow Dash growled, only to smile and laugh a little at this. Fluttershy then walked to Dash as she was laughing, wrapped her arms around her friend's neck, and then planted her lips onto Dash's, kissing deeply and passionately. After she broke the kiss, Dash asked, "Wow, w-what kind of kiss was that?"

"A thank you for being my hero kiss," Fluttershy blushed, rubbing her arm and hiding behind her mane.

"Um, would ya kindly keep that kind of kiss between the two of y'all?" Applejack asked, "Ah think that kind of kissing would be better saved with the two of you."

This caused the entire group of friends break out laughing. As Rhymey watched the scene of happiness and friendship play out, he growled at it. His mind quickly dissolving into thoughts of revenge.

---

Luna walked out from the jail cell where Rhymey sat, the glow from her eyes slowly diminishing. With slow even steps she plodded along through the halls of the castle, making her way to the throne room. Her frown quickly deepened when she caught sight of Goldwin standing by the entrance, "Dis-I mean 'Goldwin' what are you doing out here?"

Discord laughed a little, "Listening to my favorite sound in the world. If you listen closely, you can hear the sweet music of Grand Poobah getting it good." Then he formed a large megaphone and put it to Luna's ear.

Luna frowned and shook her head, "I rather go in and spy my own way, Discord."

"What's the matter?" Discord said, turning into a bug, "Don't like my style of bugging?"

"More like I am afraid I will end up listening to loud music," Luna said, turning into a mist and slipping under the doors.

Shrugging Discord pretended to be Goldwin's statue form and waited, only to smile when he saw Castor waddle by him. Unable to resist, he picked up the little demi being and cuddled him, "And morning to you Castor. Ready to listen to the big bad man get it?"

Castor nodded and smiled, "Yes Dissy."

"Now, I've been hearing that your twin hasn't been playing as much anymore. She's just been staring into the distance and ignoring you. Is this true?" Discord asked.

Castor frowned, "She's no fun anymore. I can't think of anything new to play with her."

"Give it time, my little protege, imagination comes to-"

"AN ABSOLUTE OUTRAGE!" Celestia bellowed.

"Those who create it," Discord laughed, unzipped part of the door and looked inside at Celestia and Grand Ruler.

"Is mommy gonna kill the bad man?" Castor asked with a laugh, "Or play 'Catch The Fireball?"

"No, because of politics," Discord rolled his eyes.

Castor looked up confused, "Is politics really that boring?"

"Like you wouldn't believe. Promise me that you will never lose that fun spirit when you have to endure the doldrums," Discord said.

Castor nodded, "Ok, D-Dissy."

Inside the throne room, Celestia paced in front of Celesto with an ever increasing fire in her eyes. The room glowed a throbbing red heat that radiated from her rage as she looked upon her husband, "I will not stand for this betrayal of trust!"

"My lady, you have blown this out of proportion," Celesto said.

"Blo-Blow this..." Celestia stammered for a moment before glowering in pure rage, "Your Starfleet member almost killed my knights. He killed his entire family, almost killed your son-"

"That boy is not my son, he is my most trusted lieutenant and fifth in command. I have a true son," Celesto said, not noticing the laugh from Castor and Discord.

Celestia ignored the son comment and continued, "-enter my country under false pretenses and you say I am blowing this out of proportion?!"

"Yes, clearly he has been mind controlled," Celesto said.

Celestia had a smirk at this form on her face, "I thought Starfleet was trained to hold off against mental attacks? That you magic was so superior that anything Equestrian born was useless and that you had powerful psy-blocks."

"Well, be as it may, there might be other reasons," Grand Ruler said. "He was overstressed, what with his wife leaving him and all."

"And you think that condones murder?" Celestia frowned.

"It wasn't his fault! He lost the love of his life and you know that there is no other choice but the one you are with. You have to stay with her or else all is lost," Celesto said.

Celestia shook her head, "You are a fool. That is not love, it's obsession. Something I think you would be all too familiar with."

Celesto frowned, and then caused his horns to glow. As he did, he winced in pain as felt something shorting out. Shaking his head, he growled, "I loved you, ever since the day we met."

"Get out, now," Celestia said calmly, opening the door with a wave of her hand.

Grand Ruler Celesto growled as he stormed out, passing by Goldwin and Castor. Looking at the golden statue, he said, "Make sure my son never talks to his mother ever again. Illani is free to talk with Celestia, wherever she is."

Discord looked down at the little boy in his arms, and ruffled his hair, "Now, who does he think he is? Trying to tell you not to talk to your mother?"

"A big grumpy pants who doesn't know how to have fun!" Castor giggled as Discord waved his finger around him, putting Castor's head into a little sun hat.

"Exactly, now let's talk to your mother," Discord said. Opening the doors wide, he stepped in as Luna slowly appeared from the mist. Holding Castor above his head, he shouted, "The SUN IS HERE!" he shouted as the little boy glowed brightly like a little sun.

Celestia's frown quickly turned into a smile as she levitated her son to her. After giving him a quick hug, she said, "Ooooh, Castor, you know how to make mommy happy."

Luna sighed as she watch mother and son bond, "I take it the meeting went well?" she said with a bemused chuckle.

"Can you believe that monster, trying to convince me that there was a satisfying reason for what his soldier did. That there was an excuse for coming in and raping the minds of my student and her friends just to get a mare," Celestia said, growling a little. "Then he ignores the plight of his own student. I swear, if he didn't have that treaty then he would be ash by now."

"Oh, do cool down Celly," Discord said, pulling out some wieners and cooking them on Celestia's head, much to the delight of the sun queen and son. "I swear you are becoming as hot headed as Lulu over there."

Luna frowned, "Not that much of a hothead."

"How about of focusing on what Grand Twit has over us, how we now think of what we just got. proof that he has been manipulating us all since the beginning. Of course, not the fun kind of manipulation," Discord said, eating the stick he had been cooking the dogs on and throwing the dogs away, "But lying to us and changing our entire pasts. And we have little Mr. I am a Total Tool Amplifier in cold storage."

"Be as it may, the real question is... how?" Luna said. "If this all started on the Day of Darkness, then Grand Ruler must possess powerful enough mind magic to do it to you, Sister."

Celestia nodded, "Yes, and then he was able to put the elements into the ground and turn us all into these creatures. We are on the cusp of figuring everything out, the problem is finding the one clue and putting it all together. Luna," Celestia asked, looking at her sister, "Did Rhymey tell you anything after you interrogated him."

"No, I could not," Luna remarked, shaking her head. "Ignoring the fact that he can never speak again, there is also the question of his mental blocks. I tried going into his dream world but, I was blocked out."

Discord planted himself on top of Luna's head, "This is why you keep me around!"

"No, I keep you around because you are bedmates with my sister. If I had my choice you would be back in stone, broken into pieces, and then spread across the winds!" Luna said.

"Awww, someone's grumpy!" Discord said, patting Luna's cheek.

"She really needs to get a boyfriend," a little Discord said on Celestia's side, making Celestia laugh.

"Auntie Luna doesn't really like Dissy," giggled Castor.

"Yep," Discord said, and then put his hand into her ear, "I think it's because she's jealous that I broke into Rhymey's mind and she couldn't!" as he said tis, he pulled out a long piece of paper. "Granted he had mental locks that I needed to take a atom bomb too, but it wasn't anything really special."

Luna looked at the paper, "And what is that?"

"Oh, you know those reeducation centers that Grand Barf keeps around the planet? You know the ones you could never find to shut down?" Discord asked, smiling. "Well, it seems that he trusted Rhymey enough to tell him where the most important one is located. The central facility, and all of the secrets therein. All it needs is a covert team of ponies who live in the shadows to go in, grab the information that we need, and viola! We have a foot up on Grand Listerine."

Luna smiled as she took the paper in hand, "I'll tell Trixie and her team to make their way there at once." with a coy smirk, she added, "It seems that you are good for something."

"What, why I never! I don't have to take this!" Discord said, laying on a bed, "Lying down! Me and the boy are out of here. Goodbye." he finished, playfully putting Castor into a bag, kissing Celestia on the lips and teleporting away.

"If nothing else," Celestia laughed,sitting on her chair, "Seeing my sister and boyfriend rag on each other is the best way to cheer me up."

Raising a finger to say something back, she instead lowered it and smiled, "You are welcome, dearest sister."

"Luna, wait, before you go," Celestia said. "I want to say... Thank you."

"Thank you?" Luna asked.

"For being out there, for doing all that I can't" Celestia said with a sigh. "You don't know how much I wish I could join you, help you and your team. I would so love to be on the front lines and protecting my kingdom, but I can't."

Luna walked up behind her sister and put a hand onto her shoulder, "Remember when we were fillies and we would stay up all night having our little talking sessions?"

"Yes," Celestia said with a sigh.

"And remember what I had always said to you whenever you thought you failed one of other's combat sessions?" Luna asked, and then cleared her throat, "Don't worry about the fighting, I'll handle it. You just concentrate on being the ruler and I will be the fighter, the warrior. I will stay in the shadows, to let your light shine on us all."

"It was cuter than that," Celestia giggled. " You said, 'It's ok Tia, I'll pwotect you from the bad men."

Luna pulled back from that, blushing a little, "T-Tia! That's beside the point."

"I know, and I thank you for that," Celestia said warmly, "Always protecting me from the shadows, and cleaning my mistakes."

"It is a task I had long since forgotten I enjoy sister," Luna said warmly, "But one I am proud to have."

Celestia nodded and then hugged her sister closely, cuddling her a little, "I am just glad to have my sister with me."

"Yes," Luna said, breaking the hug. As she walked away, she asked, "Oh, and check on your daughter, it seems she's becoming less...lively. She never plays with her twin anymore and isn't out as much/"

"It seems that maybe Castor has run out of things to do with her," Celestia said, chuckling a little.

Luna looked to her sister as the white alicorn left the room, "What does that mean? Tia? Tia!? SISTER?! SISTER!"

Down below in the catacombs of the castle dungeon, Grand Ruler strode past many cells containing the prisoners of war. Soon, he reached a special cell, where his once trusted lieutenant resided, "Hello, Rhymey."

Rhymey looked happy at the presence of his master and raced to the bars, his smile wide. He shook his head and looked ready to say something. Then frowned when Grand Ruler held up his hand.

"Don't bother writing or using sign language, I know what you are thinking," Grand Ruler said, frowning. "You are wondering if I forgive you... I don't."

Rhymey stepped back in horror, shaking his head in fear.

"If you only had waited for your time, had patience and backed away from your desires, then everything could've been yours. I could've found a way to remove the obstacles in your path and give you what you desired. Even making you into my sword instead of that worthless traitor I call a protege. But no, your obsession ruined everything!"

Rhymey got on his knees, begging. Soon his hands went wild trying to explain his pain and loss, all falling on deaf ears.

"Worse, you took away your family and left me with no shields or swords to strike out," Grand Ruler growled. "Do you know why the golden horn was lost to you? Because I knew you wanted it too much. That you felt that you deserved it and sadly, that betrays my narrative. Who do you think the ponies of the world will cheer for more? The stallion who comes from a good home and works for his heroism, or the tragic boy with a hidden destiny waiting in the wings. I think you know which one was the right answer."

Rhymey seethed in anger as he beat against the bars.

"See, I could never pick you, because you are not the hero type," Grand Ruler said, "You are just the man who has everything going for him. If anything, you are the villain in my narrative, but I made you the Lancer, and you couldn't even do that! You acted like a friend to Lightning instead of a rival. So thus, you have failed me."

Rhymey roared in a silent anger, his eyes glaring daggers at Grand Ruler.

Grand Ruler calmly grasped his fingers together in front of his face, "You need not to worry however. For I will turn your failure into a victory. But, if you feel better, I will let you watch the end of the Umbra Circle."

Rhymey looked curiously at Grand Ruler, as if curious as to with will happen next,

"Don't worry about my reputation, my shield," Grand Ruler said calmly, "I'll find a way to weave this narrative in order to benefit me. Perhaps you were overstressed or possessed. Or maybe something bad had happened to you and this was your way of coping. Don't worry, I'll find a way to make this benefit the greater Starfleet. A shame really, you could've been something more."

Rhymey soundlessly roared and punched the bars as Grand Ruler left the room.

A few hours later, Rhymey smiled when he saw his mother walk into the jail. Tears of happiness flowed from his eyes as he reached out for her. Smiling wide, he looked at his mother with the hope that she might be able to forgive him or to care for him once more. As she walked closer, the look in her eyes made him flinch. Slowly, she began to speak , "I have no son." and with that, she walked away into the light. Her life was to be filled with a new dawn as Luna would soon send her far away to El where she would find a new family.

As for Rhymey, he screamed in silent rage while the only sound that responded to his sorrow and rage, was silence.

---

Raindrops had her arms crossed as she flew above the heads of the rest of the circle, their eyes focused on the large building just below the hill from their position, " Where did Grand Ruler even find a place like this to hide something this big?"

"You've got to admit," Cheerilee said, putting away her book as she looked at the various rocky outcroppings and the two large rock walls that made up the valley, "This is a perfect defense, two rocky walls, lots of cover, and this place is out of the way of any major routes or cities. Other than Littlehorn, this is the best defensible position for a place like this."

Ditzy landed next to Trixie and then held herself tightly, shivering. "When my husband died, I found out they had plans to send me here because of my eyes. They wanted to 'correct me'. I was always afraid that I would be forced to come here."

"I actually talked to the family members of the ponies who saw others who came from this place. /they said it was like they were just husks of their former selves," Carrot Top said, sighing. "I don't even want to think about what type of hells are in there."

"So, what's the plan, Spark?" Trixie asked, looking over her shoulder to her purple unicorn friend who was busy finishing a map.

"After our little diversion gets the guards attention, we split into two teams," Spark said. "Trixie, you slip into the records room and find the records for where the other centers are and the names of everypony that they took. The rest of us go through the main facility and get some evidence."

"And of course, you trust the tricky magician to handle the stealth mission!" Trixie beamed with pride.

Lyra laughed, "It's better than sending out Raindrops and letting her break everything in her rage."

"Hey!" Raindrops growled, looking down at Lyra and then letting out a little chuckle, "Ok, I'm sucky at stealth, I know."

"Uh, Spark, what do you mean by-"

A large series of explosions rang out throughout the valley, several hitting the side of the building.

"Distraction?" Ditzy asked, looking down to see the guards running outside and looking around.

Standing on top of a pillar of rocks, wearing a cape that had his brother's id code on it, was Dyno. Laughing, Dyno shouted. "Soldiers, beware! The powerful Umbra Circle has arrived. We will liberate these people and defeat you with a hard right into the flank! Come at me if you wish to stop us!"

As the guards chased after Dyno into the mountains, Spark nodded and rolled up her scroll, "Right, that's the signal."

"Wait, what, what did he say?" Asked Trixie.

"Right flank," Spark said, "He just said that he behind of the facility is open thanks to his bombs and that you should head to the right to find the records room."

Trixie frowned as the group ran towards the large building, "Sometimes, Trixie thinks it's better she doesn't know how your mind works."

---

After the group had split off into their respective groups, Spark led the team further into the facility. The building was deathly quiet with only the sounds of beeping and machines going off sporadically to keep in pace with the team's footsteps. Softly, the team began to look down each corridor for the main room, however, the labyrinthine tunnels made it hard for the group to find their way around.

In each turn down a different hallway, the mares would find a path that led to another set of equal length and distance. Within each of those hallways was another set that was just as long and just as the same. Each hallway seemed to duplicate themselves and replicate themselves into more copies of the other.

Each trip down the hallways made it feel like the team had been getting more and more lost. It wasn't until Lyra held up her hand, that she said, "Wait, girls. I...think we've been going about this the wrong way. I think this place is only meant to feel like a maze, but it's something that is actually simple to figure out."

"Ok, genius, speak," Raindrops said, tapping her foot.

"Look at these hallways, these turns we've been going down so far, don't they have a pattern?" Lyra asked.

"I don't see it," Carrot Top said.

Spark nodded, "These hallways are all equals, that is what you are saying. With many rooms probably not only having similar medical bays and brainwashing equipment. So, logically, if we were to find the main room where the prisoners are, we need to break the pattern."

"So, what do we do?" asked Carrot Top.

"Hmmm," Spark stepped forward and began to look at the different hallways, "One ends in a right turn, one ends in a right turn, and one ends in a left. One right, One right, one left."

Ditzy looked to the last left, and then behind her at the routes they had been taking. After a few steps in either direction, she asked, "What would happen if we turn left?"

"Oh of course," Cheerilee exclaimed putting her fist into her palm, "Anybody who plays with mazes knows that the best way to get anywhere is by following the path: first choice is a right, then every other choice is a left. But, if the makers of this building were to mess with that pattern."

"Then anybody who invaded would get lost completely," Lyra said, looking at the paths before her.

Raindrops scratched her head, "Already, I'm confused. What stops somepony from going left first?"

"Because, at some point, you will naturally go right at one point," Spark said, walking to the left path, "If only to break the monotony of choosing at what seems like the constant wrong one."

"Clever," Lyra said, before smirking at Spark, "But not more clever than our Spark!"

Spark calmly nodded, "Thank you Lyra."

With that said, the group of rebels began to take the left path every time they came to a crossing. As the walk continued on, they began to notice the change in rooms and hallways. Plain white gave way to black and then plain grey. Walls that had small errors were now replaced with perfectly painted walls with no blemishes. The number of doors that lined each hall diminished from five to three to one.

After much traveling, the rebels found the end of their journey marked by one lone door. Reaching out, Spark was the first to try the door, only to find it locked. Looking over to Raindrops, she raised an eyebrow before moving to the side to let her punch down the door and breaking it. Walking inside, Carrot Top stood with Raindrops and held up a bomb, "I had an acid bomb. We could've melted the doorknob."

"Going to need to get a new door," Raindrops chuckled as she followed the others inside.

Once they got into the center of the room, the lights slowly came on and revealed the room filled with the captured ponies. Ditzy let out a gasp of horror as she looked at the sight before her, "Oh my..."

The sides of the room were covered from end to end with ponies and races of all creeds strapped to chairs with their eyes forced open by hooks. Before them, images of the heroism of Starfleet played on an endless loop. The video would play of the origin of the space alicorns, the speed, strength, and skill of Starfleet and how Equestria was destroyed. Occasionally, a short film would play of what would've happened to Equestria had not Starfleet been there to save them all.

Headphones and wires completed the torturous looking chairs, the headphones playing a repeat of why Starfleet is great and why it was a fact that Starfleet was so powerful.

"We have superior strength because we train," Images of unusual training that styles, ones that would never help in real life, flashed by their heads. "We dance and study," footage of dances that the ponies knew deep down would be useless in a real fight, "We train in speed and become able to break the limits of the speed barrier."

Every sight, every vision, and every lie that buzzed by their heads, was always accompanied by a line of dialogue, "In every measurable sense, we of the Starfleet race is far superior to your race in terms of magic, strength, endurance, and intelligence."

Occasionally, one of the entrapped ponies would raise a question or try to say something that went against the dogma. However, the moment they tried, they were shocked by the current. Whenever one of the subjects fainted, a robot would come by to administer adrenaline to revive them. Food was fed to them intravenously.

Cheerilee shuddered and stepped back as Ditzy walked by one room, "Ditzy, don't look." she said, putting a hand over her friend's mismatched eyes.

"What? What is it?" asked Ditzy.

Cheerilee looked into the room, at the operating tables and the small colts and fillies lying there. If some were not hooked up to an iv bag, some were getting malformed legs chopped off by a machine. Others were getting mutilated with their wings becoming severed or shocked by a small current to think like Starfleet. Cheerilee let out a small shudder, "It...isn't pretty."

Lyra stepped in and gasp as she recognized one little filly, who was getting a small injection in the base of her horn, "Toota Rolla?" she gasped.

"Who?" Raindrops asked, seeing the frown on Lyra's face.

"She was an orphan I was giving lessons to..." whimpered Lyra as she turned away and growling, "They've taking orphans."

"Explains how they can keep getting fourteen year olds to willing join a thing like Starfleet. I can understand choosing, but Starfleet always felt like you were military or worthless," Raindrops said, punching her fists together."

Carrot Top gasped when she saw one door reading, conversion therapy and failures. Choosing to not look, she looked to Spark, "Orders?"

"Start taking photos and documentation, I don't want a single piece of evidence lost," Spark said calmly. Deep inside, she was feeling the weight of the loss of her heart, wishing to feel the rage that was needed at this horror. Instead, all of her memories reminded her to save her anger for later, and what it was like to feel hatred for the one who caused this, "If we don't make sure we have evidence of what is going on here then there is no guarantee that they won't take all of this away."

Before they could move, however, the sounds of laser rifles and attacks charging up stopped them. When they looked around, they found themselves surrounded by several Starfleet soldiers, "Halt, don't move a muscle. We want to have an easy target."

"Just to let you know...this isn't an arrest, it's an execution," one soldier said, a smile on his face as he and his team all fired their attacks at the Circle, causing an explosion of power.

Trixie smiled to herself as she went through the caverns of the mountain, a little exhausted after traveling through the basement of the facility and into a large cave. She was curious at the sight of a large two pronged stick and a small gem inside, "What is with the cutie marks?" she asked herself as she removed the stone from it's place in the stick and put into her cape pocket. Then she took the stick, spun it in a circle and put it behind her.

Her trek made her travel through several large passages and smaller roads until she came across the central room of the caves. She smirked when she saw the large computer console, and chuckled to herself, " Congratulations Trixie, you have succeeded in the world's easiest mission." she bragged to herself, putting a hand to her chest, "Trixie would like to tell you to hold your applause."

A slow clap was heard, echoing throughout the room, "Pardon me for not holding my applause, but I just want to say. Bravo...Braaavo," the voice spoke, an air of sarcasm and superiority carrying within it.

"It's no problem..." Trixie paused as she spoke and turned around, "Who said that."

"I did," the voice said, the lights coming on to reveal a mare on a throne. As she leaned back into her chair, she waved a hand through her two-toned mane. A light blue streak running through a sea of darker purple, "My name is Starlight Glimmer, a pleasure to meet the Great and Powerful Trixie."

Trixie could sense the mocking tone in Starlight's voice, "The pleasure is all mine, Starlight. And what does Trixie owe the pleasure? Come to see her greatest victory at hand, first hoof?"

"Victory? HAHAHA!" Starlight laughed cruelly before she leaned back in her chair and put her fingers together while the lights shone on her armor, showing off her cutie mark of a star floating in the wind, "You mean, the total failure of your mission the utter destruction of your rebel alliance? Or should I say, Princess Luna's?"

"How did you-"

"Ever since Rhymey was captured, I had known that you and your team would arrive sooner or later to come and destroy this beautiful work. When Luna had stepped out of Rhymey's cell, it was all that it took for the pieces to come together as to whom was at the head of the alliance," Starlight sighed as she looked up at the ceiling, "Grand Ruler...he isn't exactly the best at strategy. Setting up a government, yes, but strategy? Heh, the ruler thinks that hopscotch is a field of study and that putting lives in danger is the best way to teach a lesson. Me on the other hand, I'm different."

"Yeah, you talk way too much," Trixie snarked.

"Oh, you have jokes, nice," laughed Starlight Glimmer. Then she shook her head, "No, you see, Grand Ruler has three people that he trusts beyond his fleet admiral, one is MIA, the other has been imprisoned, and then...there's me. I am the head of his whole entire reeducation and fixing operation for a reason. My intelligence is beyond compare, so I knew I had to stop you ASAP. Thus, I waited for your team and set them straight into an ambush," calmly, she looked at her knuckles, "They died exactly ten minutes ago."

"You're lying!" Trixie shouted in rage. "There's no way that you could know who-"

"Ditzy Doo, Raindrops Sunshower, Lyra Heartstrings, Blackcherry Lee, Carrot Top, and Trixie Lulamoon. It took months of looking up the data, but I found out about you all," Using her magic to levitate a bag to her, she opened it calmly and pulled out a muffin, "A mother who desired to come home to her daughters. Dead," then she crushed it calmly.

"No, Ditzy," Trixie gasped, getting to her knees and shaking her head.

"A weather mare, whose rage was hiding a big heart," Starlight said, holding up a wonderbolt badge, "DEAD!"

At each name, Trixie's eyes began to water and tears started to rolled down her cheek. Not even trying to hold back her sobs, she lowered her head as Starlight continued to list names.

She held up a burned textbook, "The teacher with her life together? DEAD!" she burned the book into ash.

"The farmer without a home?" she threw away a small gas bomb, "dead."

"The musician who desired to sing one last time for her abomination? Dead," she said calmly, breaking an old lyre.

"And lastly, that strange mage without a soul," Starlight lifted up a staff and burned it with a touch of red flame, "Dead. All of your friends are dead. And soon, so shall you."

"You monster," Trixie cried getting up and wiping away her tears, "I will make you pay for this. I will write each one of their names on your beaten body."

Starlight laughed at this and then looked down at her quizzically, " Why are you fighting this, Trixie? Can't you see the beauty in all of this?"

"What beauty?" Trixie asked, looking at her opponent oddly.

"What our lord has created! Perfection itself!" Starlight said, standing up and extending her arms to the side, "No more do ponies have to worry about trying to achieve dreams that are unobtainable! No longer do we have to worry about struggling to achieve greatness or fighting to reach standards that we can't achieve. And no more does a little filly have to suffer the loss of her parents and best friend to a symbol on their flanks!"

Trixie shook her head, "You are mad. You are talking about removing everything that makes the world great."

"Oh please," Starlight said, rolling her eyes, "You can't tell me that you haven't met a pony who was your better at everything. That one pony who showed you up and was at a place you could never hope to reach? Or ponies hounding you because you weren't good enough?"

Trixie frowned, looking down at the floor, "You're right, Trixie has met ponies who have surpassed her and ponies who thought she wasn't good enough to stand with them. But she needed them, she needed those limits to encourage to push on through and become a better mare. And it's because of those ponies that Trixie has met her best friends in the world."

"How sweet," Starlight said, cocking her head to the side and smiling cruelly, "But utterly worthless sentiments. The truth is, that way is dead and soon, so shall you."

"Correction," Trixie said, tipping her hat so she could flash Starlight a cocky grin, "Trixie is not dying tonight and she isn't planning on losing to you."

Starlight laughed as she began to use her magic to levitate herself into the air, "Foal! Do you not know who you are dealing with? I am powerful enough to fight Twilight Sparkle in her prime!"

"Shame," Trixie smiled cunningly, "Trixie had already figured out three ways to beat Twilight when she was in her prime."

There was almost a genuine smile on her lips as Starlight lifted her hand, charging with electricity. Lowering her hand, she fired a large blast of Lightning at Trixie, causing her to shatter into pieces. Starlight raised her eyebrows, and then sneered as she levitated a rock from the ground and threw it at Trixie. The magician barely had time to let out a gasp before ducking under the rock.

While Starlight charged up a series of fireballs, Trixie reached into her cape and brought out three cups. A quick glow of her horn and Trixie levitated the three cups and enlarging them to catch the fire balls. Slamming two of the cups together and shaking them, Trixie separated the cups to reveal them to be empty. Then she switched to the side, letting the cape cover her shoulder and snapped her fingers, summoning the displaced fireballs from the third cup right at Starlight.

Not missing a beat, Starlight Glimmer made a barrier of diamonds to block the incoming attack. Landing on the ground, Starlight summoned a large stone and used her magic to turn it into a giant stone spear. Smiling, she threw the spear right at Trixie. With fire covering the stone projectile, it flew through the air with crackling flame. Then it struck Trixie's body, causing her to shatter into several pieces. Confused, she stepped forward, only to see several more mirrors to surround her. All of them with Trixie's smiling face on them, and laughing. Shaking her head in disbelief, she raised her arms slowly to create a small snow storm around her. The glow around her hands turning from a dark blue to a pale white, she slammed her hands together, turning the small shards of glass into blazing beams of light. Looking to the footprints in the snow, she thrusted one palm forwards and sent a storm of light shards at Trixie.

Trixie let out a gasp as she saw the beams of light coming towards her and twirled her cape around her to block the light blasts and the two fire balls that flew towards her. Dropping her guard for a moment, she looked for Starlight. In her moment of distraction, she was spun around by a harsh gust of wind to face Starlight Glimmer. Not wasting a second, Starlight held out her hand and sent a wave of lightning right at Trixie, electrocuting her.

As Trixie screamed in pain, she was quickly assaulted by a series of stones that bruised and cut into her body. Once the barrage was over, Trixie glowered at her opponent and slowly got back up, "Power beyond the twilight
and crimson blood that flows,
Buried in the stream of time
is where your power grows,"

Starlight stepped back and smiled as she watched Trixie cup her hands together as if holding a ball of power, "Well, now if this isn't interesting."

I pledge myself to conquer,
all the foes who stand
Before the mighty gift bestowed,
in my unworthy hand

"Hit me!" Starlight demanded.

"DRAGON SLAVE!"

The energy blast swept over Starlight, slightly singing her mane, and she sighed at the sight of Trixie standing there with a little light in her hands and some small bits of light, "Did you really think I would believe that you knew Dragon Slave? Only three ponies in the world know that spell, and one of them is dead. You had no chance of actually using that spell."

"No," Trixie panted, bringing out a long lasso and throwing it up to the ceiling, "But it made for a swell distraction while Trixie created another trick!"

Watching Trixie climb up the rope, Starlight became curious as to Trixie's next illusion. She watched with wonder as Trixie swung around the battlefield, summoning several daggers and swords. Trixie then sent them all flying while she landed on the ground behind Starlight. For a moment, Starlight created a barrier to block the swords, but gasped when she saw all of them phase uselessly to the ground. Then she was hit from behind by a series of telekinetic smacks from Trixie, followed by a large metal ball.

Turning around, she was barraged by a series of sharp cards that cut into Starlight's flesh. Wincing at the sharp pain and the blood that trailed down her arms, she walked towards Trixie and then summoned two large spikes of stone that impaled her legs. Trixie screamed in agony as she was once again electrocuted. Collapsing to the ground, she barely had a second to put up a shadow spell as the blast consumed her body.

"Is that all you have?" Starlight asked, looking around the empty room, "Illusions? Oh, what am I saying, of course that is all you have. You come from the weakest and most useless of the eight schools, Illusion. Everypony knows how worthless that school is. After all, it is the school used by the most worthless and pathetic of the two sisters."

"You do not insult Trixie's maste-AHHHH!" Trixie yelled, only to have a large ice spear impale itself deep into the side of her stomach. With a moan, she struggled to get up and run for cover. Panting, she hid behind a stone pillar, letting the ice melt away and use her cape to stop the bleeding.

"You know, you have been giving me a good workout," Starlight said, walking slowly around the arena, using her magic sight to look for her opponent, "Perhaps in another world, you and I could've been friends. Maybe even more."

Trixie rolled her eyes at this comment, "Trixie shudders at the thought of you and I ever becoming friends."

"Shame, maybe then you could've lived," Starlight said, summoning a long metal chain and wrapped it around the pillar and around Trixie's neck. As she could hear Trixie struggle for breath, she sent out another sharp spike that pierced Trixie's side, drawing and unleashing more blood. As she felt Trixie struggle against her binding, Starlight charged the chain with a large amount of electricity, zapping and burning a lot of Trixie's body.

Moaning and groaning in pain, Trixie was released from her bonds and allowed to crawl to the side of the room, holding the side of her that was bleeding the most. Slowly, Trixie glanced up at Starlight as she walked over to her, "Misery and death, that was all that awaited you for this mission. It became futile the moment I was your opponent," Starlight said, lifting a giant fireball.

Trixie's face, once contorted in pain, now turned into a smirk of victory as she flipped her hat up and said, "Your next line is, 'In what world could you have hoped to beat me!"

"In what world could you have hoped to beat me?" Starlight paused at this line when she saw Trixie's look of determination. "What?" she asked, before quickly being punched hard by a blue fist. Looking up, she saw another Trixie standing before her flying in the air with wings.

"You made three big mistakes today, Starlight," Trixie groaned in pain as she struggled to her feet, "The first was challenging me at all!"

Starlight then was bombarded by both music and flame as two unicorn Trixies attacked. A gas bomb obscured her vision as an earth pony Trixie punched her hard in the gut."

"The second was insulting Trixie's teacher," Trixie smirked as a walled eye Trixie kicked Starlight so she would stand in the middle.

"And third, was thinking Trixie had come alone to this battle," Trixie laughed.

Starlight looked around, confused and shocked by what she was seeing. Six Trixies, each one a different race. The wall-eyed Trixie flew to Trixie to begin medical treatment. Starlight shook her head, "What, how in the-"

"I figured that Grand Ruler had a plan or someone waiting in the wings," Spark said."It wasn't hard to figure out that once Rhymey was in our hands, that somepony would be ready to stop us," Spark continued, "Maybe not Grand Ruler, but someone who ran his operation might have had a trick or two up his sleeve. So, when your ambush happened, I used a thunder wave to push all of the soldiers back."

"Leaving me and Carrot to put most of them asleep," Lyra said, spinning her lyre in her hand. "While the rest were beaten and broken by Cheerilee and Raindrops."

Ditzy looked up from helping Trixie, "I followed Trixie while using her invisibility amulet so I can hack into the computer and bring out this!" Ditzy said, showing off the three disks in her hand, "You and Grand Ruler really need to update your passwords or get better ones."

Trixie moaned, "What was it? Starfleet is Gr8t?"

Ditzy shook her head, " 111111eq111111"

"Why is Starfleet full of idiots who don't know the meaning of the words 'Password strength?!'" asked Raindrops, shaking her head.

Spark looked to Starlight, noting the shocked expression on her face, "I can assume from your look that we found sensitive data, such that will get you into trouble with those in command. This is why we are willing to grant you amnesty if you surrender."

Starlight's eyes narrowed, "You think that this means you win? You forget, I have the power of the gods at my side." throwing her hands to her sides she generated to powerful orbs of magic on each hand, "See, I had discovered the truth about the Uniforce. Allow me to show you what it truly is. Ult-"

"Watch this, Trixie's ultimate contribution to this battle," Trixie said, drawing a rune onto the ground and slamming her palm onto it. As it began to glow bright white, Trixie's eyes began to droop slowly. Shaking her head, she tried to stay awake.

Starlight did not notice the white glow, too focus on the incantation for her spell. Once her magic was collected she thrusted her hands forward and looked shocked when she saw the lack of her magic, "W-What?"

Trixie looked down at the gem that was once in the staff and now in the ground, "You came prepared, didn't you. You enchanted this gem with one of your spells just in case you lost the fight. From what Trixie guesses, you used a talent inhibition spell to hold a pony's talent back. If we had caught you, you were going to use it on us."

"B-But without my magic, I-I-" Whispered Starlight as she watched Cheerilee and Raindrops walk up to her.

"Ready?" asked Raindrops, cracking her knuckles.

Cheerilee frowned, "Feels wrong without a one-liner."

"How about," Raindrops said, pulling back and doing an uppercut along with Cheerilee, "Lights out!" Starlight barely had time to say anything before the blow struck her hard in the chin, knocking her out cold.

Trixie frowned at this, leaned forward and tried to laugh, "HA HAAAAAAAARGH!" she screamed, feeling the blood leak out of the wound on her side.

"Don't move, you are too badly hurt missy," Ditzy said, applying another gauze to Trixie's side.

Trixie grumbled, "Thanks a lot, Mother."

As Ditzy tended to Trixie along with Carrot Top, Lyra made her way to the computer. Typing along the screen and reading some of the files, she saw one that caught her eye, "Temporal Analysis?" she asked herself, and opened the file, "Dark King, temporal invader."

"Find something?" asked Spark.

"Yeah, apparently Starfleet was a little curious about who Dark King was," Lyra said. "How he broke in, why didn't he suffer a paradox when the timeline changed. That kind of thing. They even have a video of when they broke the time barrier."

Spark frowned, "I doubt they broke through the time barrier. Especially after everything we seen of Starfleet." Narrowing her eyes at the image of Dark King, she put a finger to her chin and said to herself, "Interesting. The figure looks familiar."

---

"Hey all you cool cats, equines, and whatever else is listening to KOLT!" Vinyl's voice came in over the radio.

Trixie, With her chest and stomach still bandaged up, smiled to the prisoner in the cell as she turned up the radio, "Oh listen, it's us."

" And do we have big news for you! I mean we are talking a big blast of enormous news and info. So sit down and get ready for your mane to explode from the severe shock of this news! Take it Tavi!"

Octavia cleared her throat, "For the longest time, we had believed that Starfleet had re-education centers located all over the planet. However, what we lacked was proof. Now, thanks to the efforts of the Umbra Circle, we have it. Evidence and locations of all the re-education centers around the planet."

"And they are just as horrifying as you might believe, kool kats," Commented Vinyl, "Our own people are being educated in the Starfleet dogma. Told and forced to know just how pathetic and weak they are. If that ain't bad enough, orphans are being taken in and turned into the perfect soldier. Oh, wait, let me correct that... are MUTILATED for the good of all Starfleet."

"When asked, Grand Ruler had this to say..."

"This is an outrage," Grand Ruler's voice came over the airwaves, "I do not know how this cult got started nor where they would get the ideas that we would approve of such horrible acts. I promise you all that I will begin to hunt down all who are involved with this cult and wipe them out!"

"Allow me to translate Grand Whacko," Vinyl said, chuckling, "Wahhhhhh, those meanies found out about my re-education camps and are now ruining my plans and the others are laughing at me and my face looks stupid! Wahhhh!"

Octavia found herself laughing at this,"Be as it may. This is truly a great victory for not only the circle, but all free ponies."

"Oh, yeah. In honor of those cool cats, here is a tribute song.

Trixie clicked off the radio,"It seems that you bet on the wrong team, Miss Glimmer." she said in a mocking tome.

"What do you want?" Starlight asked, looking away from Trixie and focusing on the wall.

Trixie sighed and stepped forward, "Trixie is here to offer a chance at leniency."

"What?" Starlight asked.

"You are currently facing twenty years of imprisonment for the crimes you have committed. However, the princess is willing to cut that down if you are willing to divulge some secrets about Grand Ruler."

"What, Dark Conquest isn't a big enough threat?" Starlight asked with a chuckle.

Trixie shrugged, " Oh, he is, but Trixie would rather die in a free Equestria than under his thumb."

Starlight scoffed and asked, "So why should I help?"

"Well, other than getting ten years off you sentence..." Trixie paused as she let a yellow brown unicorn with a red mane rush in. "He's been asking for you."

"Starlight?" Gasped the stallion as he ran into the cell and hugged her tightly. "When Trixie told me what happened I needed to see you."

"S-Sunburst?" Gasped Starlight, feeling herself shake as anger and happiness fought within, b-b-b-but, I thought you had forgotten about me."

"I thought you had came with me," Sunburst said, giving out a little sniffle. "But Trixie said you thought I had forgotten about you and then I discovered what happened to your parents. Oh I am so sorry that I let you think I had abandoned you."

Starlight shuddered and held her friend close to her, "But how did she?"

"When Sunburst used to go to school with Trixie, he wouldn't shut up about this special friend of his and how much he liked her," Trixie said, and with a smile asked, " Trixie takes it you accept?" When Starlight gave a sniffle and a nod, Trixie walked out of the dungeon.

"Did you mean it?" Asked Lyra. "About not regretting you life?"

Trixie sighed and looked back at Starlight,"Trixie once beleived herself to be the only important pony in the world, but thanks to a good friend," she turned her eyes towards a shining purple star in the sky, "She had begun to learn that there is something more important than the applause of strangers. That of her friends smiles. And she would have never of met six great mares, we're it not for her little in life."

Lyra smiled, "Thanks Trix...we love ya too." Lyra said hugging Trixie tightly

---

Luna stepped calmly through the hallways of Canterlot Castle, carrying in her hand the reports of the Circle's latest adventure. When she opened the throne room, she was blasted with a loud beat of cheerful music, "All hail the conquering Princess Luna! Let's sing her praises from the highest peaks!" Discord cheered, an entire orchestra of himself playing the music while he held four large cups of chocolate milk in his hands.

A frown came across Luna's face as she took the glass and began to drink, "We haven't anything yet, Discord. The real battle has only now begun, and if anything this is where we must get ready for the worst."

"While I agree that the war is not over yet," Celestia said warmly, helping Castor with his glass and giving him a twisty straw, "You shouldn't overlook your accomplishments. Unicorpicopians are losing faith in Starfleet now, Grand Ruler's influence is slowly fading, and your Umbra Circle are seen as heroes by most of the Equestrians. I have to say, you have a marvelous track record so far."

"Well, I-"

"And part of that was all me!" Discord said, bringing out a giant sign that pointed to him. Next to Luna was a little bitty sign with her name on it.

Angrily, Luna pushed the sign away, "Excuse me, Discord. But last I checked your job has been intel and subterfuge. My student and her friends have been doing most of the grunt work."

"Yes, but who has to give them the stuff, Lulu?" Discord laughed as he rubbed Luna's mane.

Celestia shook her head and walked to Discord, kissing his lips softly, "You both have been wonderful. Luna in doing what I cannot and you, for keeping me from going crazy."

"Going? I though you want to be mad and deranged?" Discord laughed.

Celestia winked, "Only in the bedroom, love."

"TIA! Not in front of my nephew!" Luna whined.

"I like it when Mommy and Dissy act silly," Castor giggled.

"Still, we have a lot of work to do," Celestia said, sitting down on her throne and looking ahead, "We know Grand Ruler has done something to me that made me forget the day of darkness, and thanks to the bearers, we know that he buried the tree of Harmony under the ground. Whatever he done, however he did it, requires a lot of magic."

Luna nodded, "Indeed, the ponies I could understand. But to infect both you and the bearers at such a rate, he would need the power of a Draconequus.."

"Hey, don't look at me," Discord said, "I prefer the obvious method. Lot more fun."

"Precisely, and there is something more troubling," Celestia said, putting a finger to her chin, "Serpantari. Cerise said that thing was responsible for the destruction of Harmonia. If Celesto still has it, where? And furthermore, what's stopping him from clearing the board when his world goes to hell?"

---

Deep in space, just beyond Equestria's moon, a massive serpent hovered above the lunar surface. Coiling itself into a giant circle, it used the shadow of the moon to keep itself hidden from all observers. Inside the metallic serpent, Grand Ruler walked through the main cockpit looking at the controls. Putting his hand onto a large red button, he began to caress it gently, "Sire? Will it really be necessary to use this again?" Emerald Shaina asked.

"If it so happens that my perfect world is threatened, then yes I will use this without hesitation," Grand Ruler said. He smiled a little, "After all, if we remove the source of the food, then the predator will leave. This will be the best way to remove Conquest. Though, do not worry, I will save one hundred of my most loyal subjects and then weave some narrative about why the planet was destroyed."

Shaina nodded, "Sire, there is one last piece of information."

"Yes?" asked Grand Ruler.

"The Rainbow Stones, they've started to glow brightly," Shaina said.

Grand Ruler arched an eyebrow, "So, they've always glowed. Ever since I had Rhymey bring them to me after the Titan debacle, they glowed faintly."

"That's just it sire, they're glowing brighter," Shaina said, and then looked to the path leading to the engine room, "And they are whispering one word."

"What?" asked Celesto.

"...Hope."

---

Titan stood alone in his room, his gaze watching over two large go boards. Flipping a white stone in between his fingers, he gazed over the two boards and the multitude of stones that laid before him. Occasionally, he would look from the players on either side, the dummies of Celestia and Luna glaring down their opponents Conquest and Grand Ruler. He had a calm breath as he began to analyze the battlefields, their stones now on equal standing. Moving closely to Luna's side, he prepared to put the white stone down when he heard knocking, "Come in!" he said, putting on his hood and obscuring his face and mane.

"Sire," Dusk Shine stepping in, "Your former servants have arrived."

"Send them in," Titan said, hiding away his go board and sitting down on a throne. Then he paused and asked, "Dusk, are you mad that I have kept you alive for so long? Did you wish for me to remove your armor?"

Dusk sighed, "I don't mind. I am only here to see the end of my former friend, and then I can go. Unless I can find someone else who needs my armor more than me."

"I see," Titan said, entwining his fingers together as he saw three figures enter the room. A small smile spread across his lips, "Hello, my trio. What brings you to my home city? Last I remember, you effectively sent Conquest your resignation papers a month ago."

"Sanctuary," said Mysterious.

Titan looked shocked, "Are you sure? I am still a member of Conquest's army."

"Don't give us any of that, Titan!" Dementia said, stepping forward and glaring her eyes at Titan. "Unless Conquest beat the snot out you, there was no reason for you to bow down to that monster."

Titan pulled back and smiled appreciatively, "Why, thank you for the compliment about my power. Any other theories?"

Rep nodded, "Yeah, after seeing the outside, I am starting to think you are planning something. Don't know what, but it's something big. We all want in. But first, you have some questions to answer for."

"Like what?" Titan asked.

"Why have you told us that we had no hearts? Why did you trick us into thinking we were inequine? Who are we! Why do we have these weird flashes in our heads?! Who are we!" Dementia demanded.

"I can answer a few of your questions for the moment," Titan said, leaving his throne and walking to a window. Seeing the moment when both sun and moon were in the sky together, he smiled warmly, "A Heart cannot be made only grown through your experiences through life. Your memories, emotions, and bonds with others help to form your heart. I suppose you three realize what this means."

Dementia gasped and looked up, "W-We're not really made from graveyard clay and bones, are we?"

"No," Titan shook his head, "You are something more than that."

"Why change us?" asked Mysterious. "Why make us into these beings."

Titan looked away from the window for a moment, running his hand along the window,"Just know that I am NOT Grand Ruler. You chose to become my soldiers to help overthrow him at last. You wanted the change and I took your memories to provide the power for that purpose. If you had your memories then you might not be able to fight at your best."

"Then who are we, really?" Rep-Stallion asked.

"That, can wait for another time," Titan said, looking over his shoulder at the trio. "For now, you three need to rest and prepare for what is to come."

"You are talking about the final battle, ain't ya?" Rep asked.

"I will soon be facing down Lightning Dawn in a great battle. Whether this is because it will be for this town or some other, it doesn't matter. But, there are certain events that, if they transpire, will prove this world ready for the ultimate battle to come. They will be ready. On the day that I win or lose to Lightning Dawn, you are to find me and then you will have all of the answers that you crave. Your past, your memories, everything."

"Something big is on the horizon, isn't it? Something you aren't telling us," Dementia said. Looking at Titan.

Titan nodded and looked at the room where his go boards sat, "The new year has brought a new change to this war. Lives are being created and secrets are revealed."

---

Shining Armor smiled as he walked ahead of the team of six mares, "The Crystaling will be coming in a few days, but I needed you guys to be to first to see her."

"Wow, what a great New Year's Eve present!" Pinkie squealed, bouncing ahead of the group, "A new baby! Oh I can't wait to meet her."

Belle walked up to Shining, shyly she said, "I know this is different, coming from me , but I want to congratulate you on your child."

Shining smiled brightly and gave Belle a big hug, "Thanks Belle, that means a lot. Really."

"Halt, are you all coming in to see my niece?" Fatello asked, keeping a watch over the door where Cadence and the baby were. "It is too crowded for an entire group of ponies like yourselves. You can come in one at a time and only after-"

"Fratello! Stop being so overly protective and let the knights come in, I think they know how to handle babies," Cadence said. Using her magic to open the door, Cadence stood over the crib as she sat the little filly back into the crib.

Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie had to resist the urge to loudly gasp in awe when they began to come near the sleeping newborn in her crib. Rainbow Dash hung back for a second to look at Fratello, "Hey, Fratello, I have been curious. Cadence was adopted by earth ponies, just how are you her brother?"

"My parents were the ones who adopted Cadence. I kind of looked after her and followed her to Canterlot when she was adopted by Celestia," Fratello said, smiling when he looked at Cadence. "I had always been kind of close to her."

"Ohhhh," Rainbow Dash nodded, flying over to where the other ponies looked at the baby, admiring her large wings. Subtly, Dash slipped her hand into Fluttershy's and held it gently. Fluttershy looked down at the hand and then to Dash, smiling at her.

"So, what are y'all naming her?" Applejack asked.

Cadence smiled as she ran a hand through her daughter's light purple and blue mane, "Flurry Heart."

"Isn't this great, seeing her here?" asked Shining. "I couldn't be happier to be a father."

This line about being a father made Belle's eyes open wide in shock. Looking down at her pocket, she pulled out Soarin's badge and her mind began to race with a thousand calculations. With a gasp, she said, "That's it!" and she began to run out the room and towards the throne room.

Not wasting a second, the rest of the girls ran after her, seeing her next to a chalkboard and writing out as fast as she could, "What's it?" Rarity asked.

"For the longest time I had been trying to figure out this whole entire time travel adventure you girls went on. The badge and it's connection to all of that, and I think I got it!" Belle said, drawing up an image of a stallion and a few other ponies standing in front of a time portal. "If I'm right, I think we all figured out that Bad Horse was the future version of Soarin right?"

"Yeah, so?" Applejack asked.

"Well, if he really was from the future, then that might mean that the others were also from a dark version of the future," Belle said. "Think about it, did any of those guys have something familiar about them?"

"That giant fella, Ah thought he had some red fur showing through his cloak...That was Big Mac!" Applejack said.

Pinkie Pie then began to tap her foot rapidly, and then her right eye gave a wink as she gasped and began to write on the board, "Wait, I thought I saw some poofiness in the mane of one demon and he spoke like he was really lazy."

"Zephyr!" Fluttershy said.

Pinkie nodded, "Demon was Pound, I should've recognize some of his body movements."

"Alien was Sweetie Belle, wasn't she?" Rarity asked frowning.

"Ok, so what does all of this mean?" Applejack asked.

Belle continued to write on the board, drawing a picture of Dark King that she had seen from the video that the Umbra Circle sent them, "Simple, who has a family lineage that would be powerful enough to break the rules of Starswirl's time spell."

"When Sombra began his assault," Shining interrupted from the entrance of the room, "I...thought about using his dark magic as a way to get an easy win. I didn't go through with it, but it was tempting."

""Wait, Belle, are you saying that you think Dark King was-"

Belle sighed, "Let's say that there was a timeline where Cadence had a miscarriage, and lost the baby. Then let's say this same world had you guys becoming further apart, and then something bad happened to Cadence and the new baby. Something so horrible that it would drive a stallion mad. Mad enough to break every rule he had known to get revenge. If I'm right, then I think that Dark King was...Shining Armor."

---

Titan walked away from the window and looked at his trio, "The forces of darkness are planning and are becoming stronger."

---

Emil Kudos stepped into the main room of the building, making his way into Conquest's planning center, "My lord?"

"Don't be so formal doc," Conquest said, looking up his maps of the planet and the battle strategies that he had crafted.

"There has been an interesting development, one most curious to me," Kudos said, eating a jelly bean. "It came to me as I began to work on some of the unicorpians that you have provided me. I thank you for that by the way."

"No, thank you! I needed some improvements to my torture megamix. Now I have an even better soundtrack to dance to!" Conquest said with a chuckle.

"Right," Kudos said, not even being phased by his commanders maniac chuckle. "Well, this concerns the sister of Cookie Dough, Bakewell."

"Who?" Conquest asked.

"The Unicornicopian you killed?" Kudos asked with exasperation

"Be more Specific."

"f I remember, you...oh what's the phrase...spit-roasted his wife with clones of yourself after you turned your...er...member into a jagged, rusty blade, all the while having their foal slowly lowered into a vat of acid, over a period of two full days and nights," Kudos said

"Oh, yeah!" Conquest said, smiling in remembrance, "That was a fun introduction. So...what about her.

"When I begun my vivisection, letting her watch as her family died to test her body's reactions to visual and sensory stimuli, she begun to chant the usual mantra. 'Starfleet will save me, I will be delivered thanks to the power of Lightning and his team. However, as the knowledge that her time was coming and no savior would come to deliver her. She started to change her tune," Kudos said, his mind wandering.

This intrigued Conquest, "Oh, really? Tell me more."

"She had begun to pray to the Knights of Harmony and to Twilight Sparkle herself. She began to blame herself for the death of all she had ever known and loved because she and the rest of Starfleet had put the Equestrians under their shadow for so long. As she died, she began to say that for all of the darkness that we produce, one day, we will have our comeuppance at the hands of the Bearers. This made me think about the recent victories of the bearers of Harmony and how they have been bringing out the worst weapon that they had in their arsenal. Hope, light, and love."

"OH, don't you think I noticed? How the Bearers have been winning a lot, tipping the scales in their favor?" Conquest said, smiling, "Don't worry, old bean. See, I know they will persevere, that's what they do best. Soon, will come the day when they will be the only target left, and on that moment, I will have their heads on a pike! Because you see, I have plans for the elements..."

---

Titan looked to the lonely room and stepped slowly in, Nodding as he continued, "Destinies are changing as ponies are rethinking truths once held dear."

---

Artie laughed as he saw Lightning in the hospital, deciding to sit with him, "So, it seems we both wound up in the same place. How ironic huh?"

Lightning said nothing, looking down at his blanket.

"Hey, you alright?" Artie asked.

"Artie," Lightning said, turning to look at his friend with a serious glower, "I think I've come to a decision regarding the knights and the Umbra circle."

"Yeah?" Artie asked.

Lightning looked sullen as he said, "I am going to help them, no matter what."

---

"New paths have been open, and new ways are being explored for those who have thought to lost everything," Titan said moving to the go board.

---

A blue pegasus landed in front of Starla, saluting, "Starla, Church and the others said they found some farming stuff a few miles away from the city."

"Good," Starla said. "Take the seeds we found before and get the earth ponies there ASAP. Also ask for some assistance from some of the other unicorpains. Sarg?"

"Yes mam!" saluted the red earth pony.

"How is the training coming along," Starla asked, looking at some blueprints and papers.

"We have some long range fighters and some short range fighters, but nopony is ready to fight a war," Sarge grumbled.

"We aren't here to fight a war, we are asking for protection," Starla said.

Sarge mumbled, "We are always fighting a war. We always need to be fighting a war, especially against those mangy blue..."

Inquirous walked up to Starla, "You seem to have gotten a handle on this."

"We are stuck in an unknown land and we need to keep our act together. After all, when the Elements and Dementia come for us, we need to look like we have accomplished something," said Starla.

Inquirious smiled warmly, "So much like your mother."

"You," Starla paused at this, "Knew my mother?"

"Yes," Inquirous said. "She was a brave general and leader, much like you are now. I have seen her on some of her missions, quite a powerful mare."

Starla smiled and then looked back at the others, "Ok, tell me more about mom while I work on this. It may be a new year, but we shouldn't be resting yet."

---

"While others, have begun to change allegiances," Titan said, putting a black stone on the board between Celestia and Conquest, capturing a few of the stones.

---

Rhymey sat alone in the cell, his hand running along the ground. He had begun to make the dust into symbols of Fluttershy's cutie mark, while drawing xes through the symbol of Rainbow Dash. Next to him, a plate food went uneaten. Then he turned his head towards the sound of screaming in pain and agony, "No! Pull out pull ou-UGGGH!"

The doors of the dungeon blew open as Conquest stepped in, holding a half naked stallion with a large hole in his chest. Conquest sighed as he threw the corpse into a wall, "2 seconds before his heart gave out. Shame, I was expecting a guard to be sturdier."

Rhymey's eyes shot up as he glanced at Conquest and shook his head, backing up into a corner.

"I think the words you are looking for are, AHHHHHHH! Oh god, not you, please not you! And, don't rip my heart out and cook it in front of me while I am alive," Conquest said with a laugh as he walked to the door and ran his hand along the bars. As he saw Rhymey shake and open his mouth to speak, Conquest rolled his eyes, "Oh, I am so not going to spend five minutes playing charades."

After watching Conquest snapping his fingers, Rhymey could feel his vocal chords return to normal, "What-"

"I healed you so we can make these negotiations easier" Conquest said, smirking as he took a seat. "See, I have a need of you."

"Of me?" Rhymey asked.

Conquest nodded, "Why yes! See, you alone of the seven members of your team creates the most hate. The mere mention of your name, no...the mere idea of your appearance is enough to send people into a frenzy. What's more, you are capable of generating a tone of hate energy for me to munch on. You, are my number one guy!"

"So?" asked Rhymey, "What does this have to do with me?"

"I want you to join me," Conquest said, holding out his hand. "I have need of a new general and someone who could match the Bearers."

"What's in it for me?" Rhymey asked.

"Glad you asked," Conquest said with a smiled and brought out a small pair of golden wings, "These are The Wings of Lightning. One of the eight items of Meadowbrook. If you wear these, you will become imbued with the power of the speed force and become as fast, no faster than Rainbow Dash. You will be able to destroy her and put her corpse on your mantel as a trophy. Then...you can have Fluttershy."

"You can give me my love back?" asked Rhymey.

"Granted, she will have to be lobotomized for you, but yes," Conquest said, "Kudos does want to play with a pegasus brain once in awhile."

"That's ok," Rhymey said, "A mare's body is a beautifully thing, but the brain is useless. How she makes me happy is the only important thing to me."

"Oooo,h I love it!" Conquest laughed, "So, do we have a deal?"

Rhymey looked doubtful for a fraction of a second, and then smiled cruelly, "You just got yourself a general."

---

"And the end battle will arrive," Titan said, "The dawn of the final battles are coming. Five will stand against the king, and then the final star will fall."

---

The figure in the cloak sat alone in his room in Conquest's HQ, his red eyes glared at each image that laid before him. In some, the battles of the war took place in a fever pitch with both sides dying en mass. In the other, the knights were enjoying the morning sun. Then he looked at Horn Kong and smiled, "Titan...are you watching all of this? Do you know what stage we have created?" slowly he raised a cloven hoof and wiped away the screen, "You are challenging death itself to a war, a foolish game."

Getting to his four hooves, he walked around in circles, "I do not know who you are trying to challenge, or if the war is your end game, but let me give you this word of warning. None have fought hate and death and won before. We are eternal as tomorrow and everlasting. Whatever game you are playing...you will fail."

The being laughed, "As a matter of fact, let me give you a prophecy. When Conquest falls...the dead will rise! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Thanks to both Zoltan and Wyvern Seeker for editing this 45k+ chapter. They need an appaluse and your thanks for working so hard.

This chapter came from three seperate arcs that I realized could work better if I put them into one whole chapter. I wanted to put them seperatly, but I wanted to see what happened when I fused them and well...we got this chapter. So, let's break it down piece by piece.

The start was based off an RP that I saw Alchemy Student and Zoltan the magificent do with my characters and the world. I had grown to like the ideas so much that I figured this would be the best way to move Mysterious's story, the story of the trio, and Belle's story going forward. I also figured this would be a good way to get Belle something to work for as the story goes on. This also felt like a good way to answer questions and bring up more mysteries for the characters to solve. It also helped to serve the central plot of the war with Conquest and Ruler.

In case you guys haven't guessed, season four of the show is my favorite. I love so much about it and the tree is one of the big ones. So, I figured if the elements are going to dissappear anywhere, then that will be where they show up. This was also a fun way to bring out Stephen into the pitcure.

I have been a little surprised at Lighting's development throughout the story. At first, I was going to leave him static and one note. Then I decided to develop him into a living breathing character. And then I read Starfleet nemesis and decided to make him more than just a guy to die. So, I figured with this christmas scene, I could touch upon a few ideas. First is the author's rather selfish way of looking at the holidays and the idea of "If you have a half of an apple then it's ruined" and touch upon the themes a little. See, the song comes from Prince of Egypt. It's a cover and its from one of my favorite parts of the movie. The song is all about the idea that you are more than you think you are. That you are worth more than what you may think at first. Thus this song is meant to touch upon the idea that...just because the writing sucks for the character, doesn't mean that the character is bad. The character just needs the push nessecary to become better. He just needs someone to care enough to give him an awesome story to grow. I don't know if I have done that, but I like to think I tried.

This is also why I had Starla escaped. See, I was going to just keep her there and let her get more and more broken. but then that whole entire Character Development came in and began to grow beyond what I thought she was going to be. So, I decided to let her out and become a hero in her own right. And no, this isn't the start of some wild side adventures where Starla begins to lead a band of refugees through the dead world and become some sort of wasteland hero. I don't have the time to write that.

Rhymey, ohhhh Rhymey. I said this before, but he was so damn hard to get going. I originally wanted him to just be stupid to the fact that he was this abusive and become forgiving at the end of the story. However, I felt like that was kind of insulting to the people who really suffer abuse at the hands of abusers. So, I tried to work on it, but nothing seemed to work. I tried to make it so he would lose at Rainbow, die saying that Dash won, and get hit with a divorce by Fluttershy. Nope, that felt flat. I tried to get him to work through his issues and then have a change of heart because he died. Nope, still didn't work, all because of the elephant in the room...abuse. Then I had a revelation thanks to something I remember Stan Lee said to a hero once.

"You suck as a hero, but you make one hell of a villian"

And when you think about it, Rhymey has all of the hallmarks to become a rival character: 1) He is part of a legacy, 2) he was strong until the hero came in, 3) He is arrogant and a bit of a jerk, and 4) Out of all of them with the exception of the twins...he has no reason to be there. No tragic past, no lost of family, and no horrific tragedy. He has so much more potiential as a villian and when I went that route...the ideas for him as a character began to hit me hard and he just started to become a better character that way. I guess it's true, sometimes a character will just speak to you.

For the last part, Starlight's section. I had her planned to show up since, well, season 5. Yeah, I kept making changes to the battle in the end with every new season. Starlight goes hero? Ok, make sure that the audience knows this is changed because of the timeline. Become friends with Trixie? Put in a line about becoming friends and have Trixie shutter at the idea of becoming friends. With each change, I just went back to the drawing board until I finally got to this. Now that it's here, I think I don't have to worry about anything...unless Starlight and Trixie end up becoming lesibians on the show.

The ending came about because I knew I had to give Titan somehting to do in order to set up the next chapter.

Additional notes.

-Elk is based off of Vulcan, that is why the elks seem distant and have no emotions. Also, there are some small Star Trek references here and there. Quark is from DS9 and the federation came from the idea that there is an oppiosite faction opposing Starfleet. After all, Space is big and it would be silly to think that there was only one organization keeping the peace.

-I wanted to poke fun at the idea that all of the crystalites were the villians and that there were good people there as well.

-Tvtropes said that Dash was a flash expy...I should let you know, Flash was the first tv superhero show I watched. So, every speedster I touch will have Flash elements in it. I even had plans to make the elephants references to Captian Cold, Heat Wave, and Weather Wizard. So, Max Mercury and the speed force are all references. Max Mercury is Max and the speed force is what I imagine the pegasi will tell their children about how lighting works.

-I have had big problems with the idea that Starfleet left Starla to die in season 3. I hate the fact that they basically said "Oh, you are ready to die, so no worries". When the reds and blues are ready to go into hell for a guy, then we know you guys effed up big time. So, yeah, I wanted to touch upon that and Lighting's refusal to tell anyone what happened to Starla.

-The pose that Rep-stallion takes in the fight? Yeah, RWBY reference. I grew to love scythe fighters thanks to that show.

-The stallions that agree to help Starla? That's Sarge and Caboose from Red vs Blue! Yes, I love those guys.

-I have this strange tendacy to take my favorite fic villians and make them nicer. I don't know what happened with Checker.

-Fancy Pants's role increased through this story because some of the fans wanted to see more of him. I had always loved the idea that Fluer was more than she seemed so I decided to make her a bad ass secret agent that was won by Fancy Pants. Oh, and she was Bon Bon's old partner back during her secret agent days.

-Sissy is just something I have been having some of the kids call their big sisters. I also like the idea that Rhymey's family has something good out there.

-You have to know, I was going ewww at Rhymey's love for his mother too.

-Fluttershy's letter? That was based on Nami's letter from One Piece Strong World.

-Rhymey's situation is a subtle take that to the original author's views on shipping and how it works. Heck, I even followed his rules to the letter.

-Applejack always seems to be left out when it comes to evil sides. Immortal Game gave Rainbow her nothing, Twilight gets one every other story, Rarity has her cannon persona, Pinkie becomes Pinkemena, and Fluttershy is Flutterbat. This will be AJ's

-You know, I kept being worried about not having much changes in the beliefs of the Unicorpians when there is evidence of their heroism. Then I watched Barefoot Gen and saw how the Japanese acted at the end of the war...I felt scared about how accurate I was.

-Raven has a whole backstory that I want to write one day.

-Pinkie's song may sound familar, because that is Lucy's part of the song. Yeah, I was going to do the Cuban pete song from Mask, but then I found out that Ricky and Lucy did this song together once. So, since Lucielle Ball is one of the greatest girls of comedy ever, it would be only natural for Pinkie to reference her.

-There was going to be a new battle between Fluttershy and Rhymey, but her using the stare like this was more satisfying.

-You know the drill, rough draft, death wasn't impressive, next scene

-Yes, I wanted to do more with Discord, Luna, and Tia...they are such a fun family.

-Rhymey's final moments and his deal are a perfect way to round off many parts of his character arc.

-Starlight's dead scene is based off of Mortal Kombat Conquest.

-That is all, thank you. See you next chapter with...

The FALL OF TITAN!