CHAPTER 4: DIFFERENCES

"What're you drawing Scootaloo?" Apple Bloom inquired curiously as she peeked over the filly's shoulder.

Scootaloo was currently laying on a velvet carpeted floor, on her belly with the tip of her tongue sticking out as she scribbled upon a piece of paper. She remained silent for some time before looking back at Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle in confusion, due to the fact they didn't recognize what was on the paper on sight. She raised a brow at them before looking back down towards the paper. "Only the coolest thing ever! You guys can't tell?" She looked a little offended.

Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom looked to one another in equal puzzlement, before looking back over Scootaloo's shoulder and staring at her drawing; remaining silent as they did so.

Apple Bloom began tapping her lower lip with a hoof, before muttering, "Daaah,......R-Rainbow Dash..uhm..uuugh-"

Scootaloo's eyes widened before she glanced back at Apple Bloom grumpily again. "Rrrrrrrrrr......"

Apple Bloom raised her hooves in defense, "W-Wha!? I'm doin my best alright?"

Sweetie Belle bounced on her hooves, "Oh oh Rainbow Dash racing uhm...rainbows!?"

Scootaloo groaned as she grabbed the picture and held it up in front of their faces. "Really guys!? It's not that hard you know! Do I really stink that bad at drawing, if so you could just say it! I can't afford to show Rainbow Dash something that isn't top notch in her glory levels! She only deserves the best!" She crossed her forehooves.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle rolled their eyes at one another, not surprised by Scootaloo's familiar obsession.

Sweetie Belle just sighed, "F-Fine, we don't recognize it. Will you just tell us what it is then?"

Scootaloo puckered her lower lip, before exclaiming in an irritated tone, "The Sonic Rainboom, duuuuuh!" She ran a hoof in a circular motion over her picture, outlining the poorly scribbled rainbow ring. "Only the most amazing thing in pony history!"

Apple Bloom squinted at the picture observantly, "Ooooh now I see it!"

Sweetie Belle squinted just as much before nodding in agreement, "Oh yea, me to, mmmmmmm..."

Scootaloo chuckled, "Yea guys, not even the Wonderbolts can pull off something as amazing as Rainbow Dash's Sonic Rainboom! One of these days, I'm going to get a front row seat to her greatest performance of the move. Apparently she goes sooooo fast, that she can break the sound barrier itself, not just anypony can just do that you know."

Sweetie Belle nodded before heading on over to the bathroom, "Speaking of Rainbow Dash, where is she?"

Apple Bloom cut in before climbing atop a couch near the corner of the room. "Yea I haven't seen her around, and I don't think she went with Applejack and Rarity to Canterlot."

Scootaloo went back to laying down and scribbling on her picture. "Actually; about that, why's everypony heading on over to Canterlot anyway?" Scootaloo raised a brow at Sweetie Belle, "I was surprised that Rarity just let us all stay here at the boutique all by ourselves anyway. Talk about Slumber Party privileges haha."

Sweetie Belle was washing over her face with running water before grabbing a towel and patting her face down. "I don't know, but it seemed like they were all in a pretty big hurry. I think it has something to do with Twilight, and of course she did Scootaloo! It's not like we're a bunch of babies! We can take care of ourselves every now and then!" She placed a hoof on her chest in their own defense, as if proclaiming they were all practically adults.

Apple Bloom's eyes shifted left and right questioningly before she spoke out. "Actually ya'll, I think I have a preeeetty good idea of what's going on."  She suddenly looked paranoid as she hopped from the couch, "B-But ya can't tell anypony else okay? Only reason I know is because I accidentally overheard Applejack and Rarity talking about it over by the farmhouse."

Suddenly the three fillies huddled up in the center room, as if they actually considered the possibility somepony was listening in on their conversation. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo nodded to Apple Bloom in unison, before the little red headed filly continued with a gulp. "Y-Ya'll remember that scary creature that ponynapped me and Spike?"

Scootaloo's brow raised as she backed away a bit, a little more curious now. "Wait, you mean that little Discord that came and attacked the classroom? Yea I remember, what about her?"

Sweetie Belle trembled a bit, "J-Jeez it's about her again? I couldn't believe she attacked the festival. N-Now something else?"

Apple Bloom nodded, raising a hoof, "Y-Yea, by the sounds of it. I think whatever's going on, it has to deal with putting a stop to her once and for all. She's still out there, with a chance of attacking other ponies, it's scary to think she hasn't been caught already."

Scootaloo cut in with a smirk, "Hah! Well if Rainbow Dash and the others are going after her, then I guarantee you she's already quaking in her boots...or uhm...claws..or..hooves...or, WHATEVER! Anyways she may be strong, but she definitely isn't strong enough to take on Rainbow Dash and the others, they stopped her once when they saved you and Spike, they'll do it again. I already know it."

Apple Bloom gulped as she lowered her head with a worried look. "I hope so. I...I remember sometimes, those red eyes, and that scary laughing at the festival. I-I knew she was dangerous, but I never would've imagined she'd end up this scary."

Sweetie Belle shook her head, "I don't think anypony did Apple Bloom."

Scootaloo stood on her hind legs as she crossed her forehooves once again, looking down at them grumpily. "All villains seem scary at first guys, but that's why there's ponies like Rainbow Dash to put a stop to them. Good always prevails over evil, and I don't care how strong she thinks she is! There's no way she can beat Rainbow Dash and the others, she may get lucky but, in the end there's just no way. So how about we stop being doubtful and remember just what that little Discord is dealing with! Also, she's still only about our age anyway right?"

Apple Bloom sighed, "I guess every generation has its bad apples, even ours."

Sweetie Belle's eyes widened, "Reeeeally bad apples you mean. She attacked the princesses!"

Scootaloo suddenly grabbed some of Rarity's red fabric and wrapped it around her kneck, before placing her forehooves on her hips. "Hah! Well with every villain, there's a couple of heroes to help put them in their place. Heroes liiiiike," she paused with a snicker "The Cutie Mark Crusaders!" She cheered, doing a pumping motion with her hoof.

Sweetie Belle shoved Scootaloo softly, "I don't know about you Scootaloo, but I don't plan on searching for my cutie mark all the way up to being a grown up."

Scootaloo chuckled as she nodded, "Yea, right on with that one." She blinked a bit as her stomach grumbled and she blushed a little "A-Anyway, race you guys to the kitchen? I'm starving!"

Apple Bloom raced past Scootaloo, "Already waaaay ahead of ya!"

Scootaloo followed Apple Bloom out of the room hurriedly as Sweetie Belle chased after them. "W-Wait up guys! This is my sister's house, she'll get mad if you mess up anything!"

Opal climbed onto Rarity's bed as she just watched the three fillies depart from the room. "Mrooow?...."

While Scootaloo left her picture of Rainbow's Sonic Rainboom on the ground, face up.

Twilight Sparkle looked off in the distance of the island of Candyland with awe, as did the rest of her group as they all just stared at the beautiful magnificent rainbow ring, which Twilight recognized easily. Although it was a beautiful sighting, it was also a sighting that filled the alicorn with dread. Why was Rainbow Dash using the Sonic Rainboom? She'd gotten word of the situation, and although they were told they were in a reliable position that had their end of the island covered, Twilight couldn't stand the idea of her friend being forced to content with the draconequus. Her nose wrinkled in annoyance as the flashing multi-colored lights in the distance revealed her angst. Twilight glanced back at the rest of her comrades. She particularly looked at Havoc, who stood; looking just as fascinated as the rest of the group at the Sonic Rainboom. Twilight snapped impatiently, "What're we doing!? We need to go, you're not even trying to hurry."

Havoc sighed as he looked over to Twilight. "Sorry to burst your bubble Princess Twilight, but not everyone is as fast as we are, and we're only so limited with numbers. We'll be at our best with every soldier present. I'm sure if your superiors rely on these fellow ponies of yours, then they'll be able to hold off until we get there."

Twilight groaned looking ahead once again, "This is stupid, of course Eve would've been at the castle. They should've sent us there!" Twilight then disappeared in a flash of violet smoke, teleporting away and some distance ahead of the rest of the group with her magic as she was obviously in a hurry to go provide further aid to Rainbow Dash. "I'm moving on ahead! You guys just catch up, I'll make sure not to leave you behind too far."

Havoc had a look of displeasure before he sighed once more and covered his face with his gauntlet.

Captain Noteworthy made his way beside the draconequus as he nudged his head. "You don't lose sight of the Princess, I'll ensure the soldiers are able to keep up as best they can, but I definitely won't be leaving any of them back here."

The rest of the ponies with Twilight's group which consisted of many unicorn guards then picked up their pace, as they made their way through their current location, which was a small settlement. Sleeping on the ground, were many of the diverse citizens which took refuge on the island, lost in Luna's spell as the equestrian ponies made sure not to trample over them.

Twilight raced through the settlement with ease, glancing back at the rest of them every few seconds, as her eyes saddened when she looked ahead. Please be careful Rainbow Dash, we're on our way.

It was raining again? Just like that time in Canterlot,.....Just like that time at the Ruins of Everfree.

Rain? Of course, rain was always created when she'd arrived at these moments, back then she just didn't know how influential her chaotic magic was on the world. it seems even from within Princess Luna's spell, there was still some form of influence to be had. The tiny transparent pellets started to buildup rapidly, touching upon the ground and into the crater she laid in. Eve was slouched over but she was awake, although she didn't want to waste these few seconds she had before she'd climb back into the fray once more.

What was the point anyway? Why did some of us live our lives if we constantly told ourselves we no longer had a purpose to remain in the world? Perhaps it was the fear, the fear of finding nothing or finding something even worse beyond this lifetime. Perhaps it was our own hypocrisy, that deep down inside we felt there was something worth living for we just didn't want to admit to its existence, in fear we'd have to pursue it, or create our own excuses not to. Or maybe it was the hope, that simple feeling of hope that someday things would change somehow, even if it was just wishful thinking.

Eve had no idea.

Get up this instant. Nightmare Moon demanded from within her realm, and she wasn't attempting to sugarcoat it either, she was ordering the draconequus to stand to her feet, to stop laying down in this pitiful state. This is no pity party, this is life, these are the trials of your existence. Face this world with courage, we all must deal with our own unfortunate events while we live, and if I'm going to be forced to watch you live, then I won't be forced to witness such a pathetic display.

Eve however just glanced up, almost as if she were signaling the mare she were listening, responding to her in slight annoyance. "Why should I?" She muttered.

This angered the mare greatly, as she bared her teeth. Her glare fastened as she stomped a hoof, sending a large shock-wave throughout her entire realm in that instant. "I said, get up! Now stop being a brat and listen to what I have to tell you! No more theatrics, no more idiocy, from this moment on, you listen to everything I have to say before you screw it up anymore than you already have!" She trembled somewhat, "Do you understand?"

Eve nodded plainly, as she placed her paw and claw against the rock she hung over, sluggishly pushing herself off as she plopped and fell down into the mud that'd been created as a result of her rain. She turned over, looking up at the blue misty sky, and wondering just where her rain was coming from seeing as there were no clouds as usual. It was strange, almost as fascinating as Luna's spell itself, but there was something even stranger. Eve couldn't see it herself, but if she could, she'd see the lower left portion of her face was cracked like glass, but she was able to feel the results of that catastrophic blow dealt by Rainbow Dash. Such an impressive attack, such speed and force, enough to damage her supposedly invulnerable self, it brought a smile to the draconequus's face. This at least meant she still had some feeling in those regards, she just wasn't some hollow shell. The pony nation only continued to impress, so many talented individuals. She obviously wouldn't be escaping easily, actually; she'd be lucky to escape at all, and she knew that. "I understand..."

Eve rose to her feet, looking up towards the edge of the crater and seeing the rainbow maned mare herself, looking down at her from atop. Suddenly touching upon the ground next to the mare would be the two pegasi wearing flight suits. One had a orange mane while the other had a dark blue one. She kept a smile on her face as she looked at them.

Rainbow Dash looked down at the draconequus, seeing the damage she'd done as she sighed. "Stay down squirt! There's no way you're going to continue after taking on a sonic rainboom."

Eve blinked, a little fascinated by the mare's words. The sonic rainboom huh? So the attack had a name? Such a clever name at that, it certainly was a boom. But Eve wasn't done yet, she simply flapped her wings, rising up and out of the crater as she'd crossed her arms, stopping the moment she was eye level with the group of ponies. She looked at Rainbow Dash in particular. "I never expected to see you again Rainbow Dash, that was a really beautiful attack. It's too bad that I had to witness it under such circumstances." She cocked her head to the left, raising a brow at Rainbow. "If you're here, it must mean that Twilight Sparkle is here as well yes? Is she on her way here now?"

Nightmare Moon sighed heavily, Why do you feel the need to interview this one? What good will come of it?

Some of the Wonderbolts were actually trembling as they stood before the deadly criminal.

Rainbow Dash, Spitfire, and Soarin on the other hoof were absolutely fine, they weren't afraid.

Spitfire glanced back to notice some of her Wonderbolts were afraid, which was understandable. They were dealing with a banishment level criminal, this was certainly no game; this was real. She made sure to keep her voice down as she spoke, as she looked at Eve in the distance. The baby draconequus's arms crossed as she just kept her crimson eyes fastened on the rainbow headed mare. "Calm yourself everypony, keep a clear head and we'll make it out of this alright?"

The suspense was killing one pony in particular. "W-What're we doing?! Let's just get her already then!"

Spitfire groaned, "We're buying our time, you don't rush in and take on somepony of such infamy without a reason alright?" She then glanced to Rainbow Dash, who couldn't take her eyes off Eve.

Rainbow looked Eve right back in her eyes, at the head of the group as Eve waited for a response from her. "You've come a long way from kidnapping fillies and baby dragons kid."

This caused Eve's eyes to sadden for a fleeting moment, before she nodded. "Regrettable actions, yes..."

Rainbow sighed herself, closing her eyes. "Listen squirt, you've got talent, and that's good, but it doesn't mean you should go around using and abusing it like you're doing. I had pretty good parents who taught me the right way to use my talent, they were supportive, and I wouldn't be where I am today without their guidance. What you've done is pretty bad, but even now there might be a chance to correct your mistakes if you just turn yourself in."

Eve sighed as she glanced downward. "I wish it were that simple, sadly I cannot just return with you. I doubt any good would come out of me going back to the city of Canterlot."

At this point Spitfire took a few trots forward. "So that's the way it's gonna be huh? Then what're you gonna do?" Her annoyance only became more apparent as she continued "But remember before you answer, you're going up against the fastest fliers in Equestria, and you don't want us on your bad side."

Nightmare Moon chuckled from within, Was there ever the possibility of you being on their good side?

Rainbow's eyes saddened herself, Scootaloo flashed in her mind, the little orange filly and her smiling as they hung out, sitting on a bench near Sugarcube Corner. Is this what'd become of them, of being resorted to bring armies to deal with children? Although no child had ever built such a reputation. She spoke to Eve with a hint of sincerity, "Don't do this."

Eve smiled as she looked to the rainbow maned mare, "I'm sorry Rainbow Dash." She spread her arms as she rose further into the skies, and in that instant a transparent pink barrier surrounded her body, encasing the draconequus in a large orb. "Let's not delay the inevitable ponies of Equestria, but fear not, we all know this only ends in one of two ways." She closed her eyes with a smile, before looking at Rainbow Dash, "The time has arrived......" And she pointed her claw towards the group of them, as the group of ponies reacted in suit, quickly dispersing as fast as they could. Good....

The group of pegasi spread about the skies, rising and surrounding the baby draconequus's perimeter. Spitfire yelled to Rainbow Dash, "Rainbow! If the reports are correct, there's no way we're going to be able to topple her without you pulling off another one of those sonic rainbooms of yours, you think you can do it again!?"

Rainbow looked to Spitfire with a simple salute, before rising further up into the skies. "M-Maybe, I'm not sure! Just give me a few minutes to try, I'll do my best!" She looked to Eve, who remained enclosed within her barrier, never losing sight of the rainbow maned pegasi. "Sorry squirt, maybe things could've been different in some other time." Rainbow shot for the covered clouds, further into Luna's blue mist.

Eve muttered herself as she looked at Rainbow venture off into the sky, "Maybe....."

Spitfire nodded to her fellow pegasi as they were also circling the baby draconequus, never taking their eyes off her as they all just remained focused, preparing themselves for the attack. Everypony knew the priority wasn't to win, but simply to stall for time for some support to arrive. If they were meant to hold the enemy off here, then so be it, they'd accomplish their mission no matter what. "WONDERBOLTS! SHATTER IT!" And with that, the fiery maned pegasi shot forward like a bullet, accompanied by a few of her fellow pegasi as others shot in the same fashion from all directions, closing in on the pink barrier that was protecting Eve externally.

Eve kept her arms spread from within her barrier as she'd eyed from all around, her eyes barely being able to keep up with the speed of the equestrian fliers. She smiled however, "I'm sorry to say, it won't be that easy." Then with a snap, the air surrounding her grew heavy, something nopony could commonly expect. As if she'd created an invisible trap.

At that instant Spitfire's eyes shot wide as she'd halted in her tracks, feeling the sudden shift in the air. "STOP!"

But not everypony heeded her orders, as some of her fliers continued flying straight towards the draconequus, attempting to shatter her circular barrier. But upon entry into her gravity zone, they found themselves plummeting immediately towards the ground at rapid succession against their wills, unable to escape. A field of manipulated gravity? Was such a thing even possible? They couldn't wrap their minds around it as the victims of the attack slammed hard against the muddy ground, unable to move as they squirmed and writhed upon the grassy surface, letting off similar grunts.

Eve smirked as she glanced down at them, "Remain still for some time, there's quite a few of you."

Spitfire was furious, as she looked up towards Rainbow Dash who was still up in the sky remaining stationary, looking down at the draconequus. She then fastened her goggles on once more as she glanced across the field to catch sight of Soarin, who'd expectantly caught wind of the trap as well. They nodded to one another, as if they understood with they had to do. The two pegasi shot up further into the sky themselves, as they made their way to one another.

Eve looked up towards them, "What're you two up to?" She noticed even more pegasi were attempting to reach up towards Spitfire and Soarin as well. Eve raised her paw and claw cautiously, "Sorry about this, I'll make sure to only use enough to put you to stop you all from interfering with my escape." She then pointed her claw in their general direction, as suddenly descending from the sky would be a violent bang of lightning.

The group of pegasi turned, and they somehow suspected it just wasn't any ordinary lightning. They all got a similar gut feeling that things couldn't be that simple, not in this place, and they found they were correct.

The flash of lightning paused, and slowly morphed into the shape of a mighty dragon, which Eve roared in its own crackling and frightening tone. Almost no different from a living creature in itself, as it even shimmered like an elemental embodiment, a being beyond their capabilities. Eve kept her eyes fastened on the makeshift dragon, and then moving her claw in slow precise movements, she ensured the dragon was going in the direction she was moving it. "Okay, slowly I guess..."

Spitfire's eyes were wide as she felt stunned. "You've gotta be kidding me."

Soarin gulped, "What is this kid!? A god or somethin! Everypony get out of its way!"

One of the accompanying Wonderbolts replied in suit, "Well duh! We're not gonna just stay here and let it hit us!"

Spitfire found a shiver run down her spine. If this child was able to do things such as this while they we're out here in the rain, it's no wonder this was classified as such a dangerous assignment. She looked down towards the baby draconequus who just remained stationary within her barrier. This child is truly a limitless monster. With that however, Spitfire went back into concentrating as she flapped her wings, leading her group further away from the dragon, as they all followed her in suit as they were used to. Soarin was by her side however when the orange maned pony did something quite unexpected, as they were preparing their temporary retreat, Spitfire turned and dived, heading straight for the pursuing elemental manifestation.

Eve's eyes widened for a moment as she looked confused. "Huh?" She swiped her claw, then flicked it upward. "Are you attempting to distract me? If so it won't work." As expected, Spitfire looked to be acting as a lure for the puppet beast, as Eve played along, making her lightning dragon follow Spitfire as if she were fooled. But were things as linear as they seemed? The baby draconequus had a feeling this Wonderbolt was far too experienced for such a trick.

Soarin halted in his tracks, looking down towards Spitfire, "S-Spitfire! What're you doin!? Are you crazy!?"

Rainbow, as she remained still even further up, even her heart was aching with worry as she watched her idle from above attempt to outrun a dragon made of lightning. She then went back into rejuvenating herself as she was catching her breath, and stretching her wings; regaining her composure. "Come on Rainbow! You've gotta focus!"

Spitfire smiled as she glanced back, "You may be able to create such dangerous things kid, but can they keep up?"

Eve smirked as she raised her paw. "Hmhm, it's not over yet ms." She then curled in her paw and proceeded in doing a tearing motion with her arm, as if ripping off a piece of something. In that moment, the dragon made of lightning, split apart into two winged serpents as the serpents let off screeching cries, speeding up their pursuit of the pegasi.

Soarin raised his hooves to his head, "A-Ah buck! Spitfire! Watch your back!"

Spitfire's eyes snapped wide once again as she winced. "Well, that's unfortunate." Then picked up her pace as she shot forward once again, then went further up as the serpents followed her. "That's right, just keep coming, let's see how you like it when you're own magic is used against you." She proceeded by going into a backwards dive, propelling herself in the opposite direction with masterful precision, maneuvering her way between then past the electric serpents as they continued their pursuit after her.

Eve obviously looked a little frustrated, "Mmmmmm, will you stay still? Maybe I should've made them into electric birds, or flying bunnies, those things do look a little scary." She chuckled as she continued to make them chase after the pegasi through the skies. Eve looked to Rainbow Dash in that moment, who she didn't fail to notice was still preparing for that move once again; yet still the baby draconequus ignored it, almost as if she were simply waiting for it to happen. She raised a brow with a slight smirk at the rest of them as well, as they just continued to observe Spitfire dodge and delay the pursuing lightning serpents. Eve then flicked her claw as she wiggled one sharp appendage, "No no no,..that's no good you all, you can't just sit back there and let her do all the work." She made one of the lightning serpents pursue the second group of pegasi, as she frowned "I just need to make sure they don't try to get involved later...." Her eyes widened a little, as she sighed. "Will you calm down Nightmare? I swear I swear, I'm not playing around,....." She paused, listening before looking highly embarrassed, turning red; "I-I AM taking this serious, ok?.......But I won't just go around killing ponies again!"

Nightmare Moon was horribly frustrated herself, Eve was being such a child in a life and death scenario, and the mare knew she was doing it on purpose. How could she manage to convince this baby draconequus that sacrifices had to be made in such cases? Obviously being straightforward wasn't working, then...how? As the mare thought about it, she felt a blush creeping onto her face as she refused the idea that'd popped into her mind, snarling and looking down, shaking her head. No! There had to be another way to go about this situation, a more reliable way where she could still just be herself.

As Spitfire glanced back, she noticed one of the serpents diverged its course to pursue her fellows. "Guys! Heads up!"

Soarin gulped as did the other Wonderbolts as they all nodded. "W-We see it!" Then they shot to the left, making their way out of the serpents way as they shot through the open sky, ensuring not to be caught by it.

Spitfire however was leading her lightning serpent in a certain direction, but she couldn't make it too obvious, as she glanced down at the fields below, taking notice of her fellow fliers who'd been caught in the gravitational shift. Spitfire then turned to the left, straight in Eve's direction, only difference was she was already quite some distance above the draconequus. Spitfire took one last look at the serpent pursuing her, then back down at Eve. "Let's see just how powerful that zone of yours is, shall we?" The pegasi snarled as in an instant she picked up her speed with a mighty flap of her wings once again, but this time straight into Eve's gravity zone as the serpent entered it with her, and the pegasi and serpent were forcibly pulled straight down, while Spitfire purposely only continued to flap her wings as fast as she could, heading straight towards the pink barrier Eve had trapped herself in.

Eve looked up, obviously fascinated by the pegasi's actions. "Oh wow...That's cool..."

Spitfire continued to self motivate herself as she yelled with ferocity, diving straight into Eve's barrier in a mighty trail of flame, as she continued to descend straight down towards the baby draconequus. Then with a push of her own and with the assistance of the very gravity field Eve had created, the pegasi was able to break the sound barrier herself as she spun in an instant, and propelled herself off the pink barrier with a shattering buck, cracking it, and being flung out of the zone in the direction she'd pushed herself. While Eve's pursuing serpent, was forcibly shot down straight towards her in her own gravitational zone and onto her barrier, further damaging then breaking it itself, as a violent storm of electricity surged through the baby draconequus in a mere quaking instant.

Spitfire smirked as sweat poured down the side of her head and she watched, time seemed to slow down in that moment for her as she'd witnessed the enemy's defense shatter before her very eyes. "Hah......"

As the electricity coursed through Eve, the baby draconequus was stunned, her eyes wide as her body was forcibly shook violently in reaction to the lightning. Then in a violent combustion with her own creation, the baby draconequus was shot upward, further into the sky, pushed in all directions in a jagged line of flashing blue energy, followed by an even greater explosion, as everypony couldn't take their eyes off the sighting, having lost sight of the target as they looked up towards the misty blue sky.

At that moment the serpent pursuing Soarin and his fellow group of pegasi disappeared, as they glanced back. "W-Whoa..."

Soarin looked down at Spitfire with a grin plastered on his face. "Hah!"

The rest of the Wonderbolts cheered in unison at their amazing leader as they pumped their hooves and danced in the air.

Rainbow Dash was just as amazed as she sighed with relief. "Wow...." She looked down at Spitfire before looking to the sky, still with that look of disappointment as she closed her eyes and shook her head. "Ugh..."

Spitfire was now tending to the pegasi who'd been trapped in the gravitational zone, helping them to their hooves. It looked like they managed to buy themselves more time than they expected, for the criminal was temporarily lost in the infinite blue mist, maybe she was actually done for? It was her own attack, perhaps it held enough force to actually finish her off? They could only hope as Spitfire wanted to hurry and get her pegasi to safety as soon as possible. They trotted slowly, through the field of grass, up and out of the crater.

One of the pegasi looked to Spitfire tiredly, "Congrats Captain, you just cost us the mission. Remember the Princess wanted her captured A-L-I-V-E, eheh."

Spitfire slapped that pony upside the head. "Dah shutup you punk!" Followed by a smirk.

Princess Luna remained stationary in her spot further away, a relieved smile decorated her features as she felt she was speechless. "Absolutely amazing, tis no surprise they're known as the Wonderbolts." She looked to the draconequus who didn't look to care for the matter, nor find it impressive. "What's wrong Rift? Afraid to show a little hint of emotion?"

Rift had her arms crossed and her eyes closed. "I've informed you of what'd occurred Princess, but I assure you, this is far from over. I do believe it's time I go and joined them in their confrontation."

Princess Luna shook her head, "No, absolutely not! I need you here to tell me what occurs, you are my eyes, do you not remember? I am unable to leave this spot, for if I do my spell would reduce drastically, possibly allowing Eve a chance to escape, we mustn't jeopardize the mission. Twilight Sparkle, and the others are on their way still, so there is still a chance to end this. Rainbow Dash has actually managed to accomplish an impossible feat and damage her, while our ace fliers have managed to buy us precious time. I cannot say I doubt we'll succeed, the target cannot possibly last much longer."

Rift spoke simply, "I would have to disagree."

Princess Luna's brow raised as she looked to the draconequus, a little shocked. "What?"

Rift opened her eyes tiredly, as she replied, "It looks like-....."

Eve remained still in the sky, as she was glancing down herself with a piercing gaze, solemnly.

"Our target is done playing around herself."

There was another time that Eve drifted back to due to this moment, one she felt that was fitting. It happened to be her first meeting with Nightmare Moon herself, well not actually her first, but the one she felt she'd actually managed to get the time to meet the mare in a face to face confrontation. Not typically her best moment, but one she felt she needed the motivation to progress further, that motivation coming from the most unlikely of places. From within the ghostly world of the realm of Nightmares, the baby draconequus stood in a fairly large empty castle courtyard.

She'd finally made it to her destination, and she looked back at the broken drawbridge which'd prevented her pursuers from reaching her. They were one eyed beasts, dogs from the twisted realm of horrors as they snarled and barked furiously at their prey who'd gotten away. Eve was breathing heavily herself, on her knees as she couldn't really understand why the affects were so severe here, even though she was in this astral form, even though she was supposedly dead, yet she was still getting tired. Nonetheless she climbed to her feet and looked to the black sky, which'd changed in that moment.

It now looked frighteningly like a giant vortex, leading to some other realm, like a grand portal overlooking them all, spinning eternally in an infinitely vast sky. Eve didn't want to think of what was beyond that point, and she cringed at the thought of that supposed sky actually having some sort of meaning in this world, as if something were watching them here, that'd be even worse, as if having some unknown force keeping an eye on them. She looked away and looked back towards the broken stone pavement, and just relished in the idea of finding somewhere safe and quiet, somewhere in this realm that was disconnected from everything else. But as usual her peace would be short lived, as the baby draconequus lowered herself and placed her cheek flat on the ground of the castle courtyard, she was greeted by a surprisingly familiar voice.

"Well well well, so you've made it; how amusing."

Eve's eyes widened as she looked up towards the grand black castle, as high above the courtyard, looking down at her was a lone mighty figure. It was one of the creatures she'd struggled to remember, a pony. Except this pony seemed different, divine in her own sense, above her in every way, shape, and form. Frightening as she spread those ebon black wings, she even bore her own armor as she rose to the skies and didn't hesitate to make her way to the ground from her position, sending out a mighty shock-wave at the baby draconequus upon landing, which'd caused Eve to be flung back some as if showing the difference between them. Eve rose to her feet, looking at the alicorn curiously, observantly as she gulped, this land was filled with nothing but threats, and she was fairly certain she wouldn't be able to best this one if she were a threat, but didn't mean she was ready to give up either.

The mare chuckled, obviously aware of the draconequus's caution. "Now now, calm yourself, I am only here to congratulate you for making it this far, I truly expected much different. Nonetheless, that posture may be a little helpful, for the game's not over yet. Believe what you will, but you are simply a fragment of your former self, you foolishly lost your very being in aiding the ponies that're responsible for you being here, an idiotic mistake to say the least, so you've paid the price for your actions, consequences consequences. Well, I graciously welcome you to my courtyard little fool, where you will now act as my new form of entertainment." The mare then manifested a stone sword with magic, as she levitated and tossed it towards the little creature. "As you can imagine, being the ruler of such a place can be quite dull, seeing as I don't ever have any subjects beyond the thinking capability of a worm."

Eve looked down towards the stone sword, remaining silent. She didn't really understand the point of any of this as she gulped, and picked it up, just looking to the mare, listening to her contently, but refusing to speak.

Nightmare Moon smiled, "Good good, seeing as what you've costed me, I believe you're still in need of a little punishment on my part. You see little one, I know why you've sought refuge here at my castle, you see, something like you; it's a miracle you've lasted this long, astounding even. If I were to send you back out there, I guarantee you wouldn't be able to pull it off a second time hmhmhm. And as much as I despise you for the actions you've committed, I will not deny that you've brought me a fair amount of entertainment, which is much more praise worthy than anything else in this begotten place of black ash." Nightmare Moon cocked her head back with a stretch, "Now child, onto the fun part, if you wish to take refuge here in my home, then you shall attempt to strike me. I wish to see the capabilities of the creature that forced Twilight Sparkle into such a predicament with my own eyes, this place is fitting, wouldn't you agree? Plenty of space, just you and me, cut off from the rest of these mindless beasts, it shall be fairly entertaining don't you agree? One strike is all I require, and I shall grant you limited access to my home, now show me the talent that was able to reach into my very realm itself."

Eve looked at the mare puzzled, before looking down at the blade in silence and then looking back to Nightmare Moon curiously.

Nightmare Moon groaned as she seemed a little frustrated, "Hurry now child, or shall I send you back out into the fields?" As the looming silence only drew on and on, Nightmare Moon soon was able to pick up the hint as she raised a hoof to her face. "Ah of course, yes, you're nothing more than a confused mindless infant at this point. I tend to forget such things, hmhmhm, well then my plaything, I shall grant you a few perks to make this far more interesting," And with a flick of her hoof, a black aura shot towards the draconequus, as it wrapped itself around the baby draconequus and the mare smiled. "Aaaaah, there, now this will make things far more interesting. Finally, something to keep me amused. Now come child, I've seen you survive out in my realm for weeks, let us see the natural beast that hides itself within you."

Eve trembled as she looked to the powerful alicorn at the far end of the courtyard, but she put on a determined expression and gulped. She clenched the hilt of the blade firmly, before closing her eyes in hesitation as she took a step forward towards the mare, but her eyes snapped wide as she approached, and found she couldn't even control the power that was temporarily bestowed upon her by the mare. She moved at speeds she was highly unfamiliar with, unable to control or direct herself willingly as she found herself looking into a world of nothing but blur and reappearing in front of the mare as Nightmare Moon reacted absently, tripping the baby draconequus with ease and bucking her back and away as Eve tumbled across the ground.

Nightmare Moon turned, raising a brow at the draconequus child, "What was that supposed to be?"

Eve breathed heavily as she crawled on the pavement, grabbing the stone blade once again as she looked to the mare, still with that look of determination. She used both her paw and claw to clench onto the hilt of the blade once more, as she bore her fangs. She recalled what was at stake in this situation, if she lost then she'd be sent back out there, and all she had to do was land one blow on this mare, one blow was all she needed. She tried to focus, tried to take control of the black aura that'd been given to her by this mare, abuse it. She couldn't get over her hectic nerves however, couldn't get over the fact that this mare was the ruler of this place, this mare that looked so much like the pony creatures she'd been thinking about. Eve shook her head, she couldn't think about that right now, she had to concentrate on landing a hit against this mighty magic pony. She pushed up on her feet, leaping into the air and creating a mighty shock-wave of her own as she soared in the sky,over the alicorn before instantly kicking off the air as if it were a flat surface, flipping and propelling herself downwards, straight towards her as if she were a descending torpedo, her blade tip pointed straight at her target.

Nightmare Moon sneered playfully, followed by a chuckle, "That's it! But still, it's quite disappointing!" And as her horn started to glow, the mare herself manifested a transparent blue shield with a moon crest upon it as it blocked the incoming draconequus's attack with ease. They remained in place there as the baby draconequus was attempting to force her way through the mare's shield, causing sparks of black lightning to emit off their point of contact. Nightmare Moon just continued to smirk at the baby draconequus desperately trying to reach her, such futile actions. "Come now child, I'm sure you could do better than that with the handicap I've given you."

Eve found herself growing increasingly frustrated as she disappeared once again, getting a better hang of the amazing speed boost she was given. She found her world turning into a blur again, but there was only one object she had to focus on while moving at such a rapid pace. The blue standing solo figure in the courtyard, the mare, and that's exactly what she did, concentrate on Nightmare Moon as she moved. Eve stopped herself at the mare's side, reappearing in what felt like a second, as she swung at her torso, towards her exposed hip.

Nightmare Moon reacted absently again however, not even looking towards the draconequus as she simply manifested another piece of defense, this time in the form of a phantom blade as it parried with Eve's stone blade. At that point she glanced in the baby draconequus's direction smiling at her as she raised a brow. "Funny, I never thought something as small and fragile looking as you would prefer to get physical, don't you have any magical talent child? Well, not that it matters anyhow, it's not like you could hope to best me in any field no matter how hard you try." She cackled, "Now, what will you do? Come come, my patience is wearing thin, it's only one hit remember ahahahahaha!"

Eve then disappeared in a flash of dust and wind, gone from the spot she previously stood in as she began to appear in rapid instances, from all sides of the mare, swinging wildly, out of control as she was doing all that she could to strike the mare at least once, which she couldn't seem to do. Nightmare Moon was invulnerable, impervious to every single attack the baby draconequus attempted, all the mare did was remain motionless in place, summoning weapons in all forms that prevented the baby draconequus from reaching her. She was so close, yet so far away, mere inches keeping her from achieving that sanctity she craved in this realm of nightmares. Eve drew herself back and into the air, observing the mare curtly as she breathed heavily, there had to be a way to reach her, to make contact with her, she had to be creative with it.

Nightmare Moon looked up towards her with a playful smirk, "Offense, defense? Neither matters to me, for I use them both for neutral purposes. It's magic stupid little girl, use your brain, I shall be stripping you of your gifts the moment this is over so I suggest you cherish these last moments with them." She paused, "And these last moments in my castle's sanctity."

Eve gritted her teeth obviously growing more nervous, just looking down at the stone blade given to her by the mare of the moon. As she looked down at the blade, her eyes widened after a few seconds of pondering however, as if she'd hit a realization. She loosened her grip on the blade, before dropping it entirely. She then looked back to the mare before taking in a deep breath, remaining stationary in the air as she exhaled heavily, and the gift of magic that'd been bestowed upon her temporarily; wrapped around her entirely, emitting off a black hazy mist around her borders. She raised her paw and claw to the air, as a bubbling magical substance began to conjure itself within her palms. The baby draconequus slowly spread her arms as the aura spread in the form of an astral spear.

Nightmare Moon blinked curiously, before looking amused once again. "Now where did you go and learn to do that? A child's mind surprisingly makes light of one of the most perplex magic schools, but do you possess the talent to know when and when not to use such magic?" The mare was obviously enjoying herself from the looks of it as she just continued to stand there looking up towards the draconequus, before twirling her weapons absently as they surrounded her, dancing about in the air as if they possessed a mind of their own.

The baby draconequus then moved her arms back, preparing to toss the spear at the mare.

Nightmare Moon smiled curtly, "Come now, that's far too-"

Then the baby draconequus was gone, along with her spear.

Nightmare Moon's eyes widened as she continued, "Predictable?" As there was suddenly a flash of light behind her, the mare smiled confidently once again as she just closed her eyes, before she glanced back. Her weapons guarding her rear end, but Nightmare Moon raised a brow whens he found no draconequus attempting to strike her, only a lone astral spear hovering with telekinetic magic. She chuckled as she just muttered, her tone had changed in that instant. "Funny, but allow me to show you the difference between us little girl. No matter how far you go, how hard you try; you and I, are made of different things." Nightmare Moon looked ahead, taking notice of the baby draconequus lunging at her from the front. "You will never reach me."

Princess Luna didn't hesitate as she used her spell to communicate with everypony on the mission. "Group 2, positions?"

Twilight Sparkle, accompanied by Havoc, were currently making their way through the vast candy cane forest at a rapid pace. Twilight Sparkle using her teleportation spells with each mighty flap of her wings, as Havoc was simply flying, maneuvering and slithering past the trees. Twilight replied hurriedly, "Princess Luna! We're nearly there!" She glanced back impatiently at the rest of their group, attempting to stay close to them, although many of them falling behind due to not being as skilled as their leaders in such magic. Twilight Sparkle couldn't help but groan beneath her breath, but she smiled in suit, for by the sounds of it, they were winning the battle. She spoke softly, "Time to end this thing."

Havoc glanced at Twilight questioningly, then looked ahead. I'm not sure it'll be that simple, Princess Twilight....

As Eve drifted back to the present, remaining stationary in the sky, she continued to look down solemnly.

Nightmare Moon cut into her thoughts, Are you done yet?

Eve nodded plainly, "Mhm, I'm ready to go," and she let herself fall, accelerating down back towards the ground.

Soarin and his group of pegasi touched upon the grassy fields with a smile, looking at Spitfire amused.

Spitfire looked to them all with pleased smiles as they approached, aiding the wounded pegasi. "Hah, sorry; not trying to take the spotlight anything."

But the peace was short lived, as all of the ponies were interrupted by the gracious voice of their night princess. But she spoke with haste, with obvious worry as her words rang in their minds swiftly, loud and booming. "My faithful subjects of group 1! On guard, this is far from over, the enemy is rapidly closing in on your-"

SLAM!!!

Eve touched upon the ground, sending out a mighty shockwave of air which sent majority of the surrounding pegasi off their hooves, her crimson eyes fastened on Spitfire, regarding the pony in a serious manner.

Spitfire's eyes snapped wide as she looked to the baby draconequus with sudden dread. She looked to her surrounding comrades before stating her orders desperately "Everypony! Remain vigilant, s-stay calm and we cannot-"

Eve snapped her claw from her position as she spoke softly to herself. "Magic field, recreation, licorice whip." Suddenly manifesting itself around the baby draconequus would be a large grape flavored licorice whip, as it writhed and twisted on its own as if it possessed a mind of its own. Eve only continued as her sharp fingers danced about the air and she muttered, "Enhancement, crackle pop." Her licorice whip then slowly crackled and popped with lightning as it lengthened itself, then with a flick of her claw, it sent itself after the ponies which surrounded her from all sides. The whip possessed no length, and seemed to stretch infinitely as it pursued its targets, the pegasi rose to the skies in fear as many were unable to escape the whips touch, which'd shocked them upon contact, sending many unconscious, plummeting to their sides or back to the ground.

Soarin and Spitfire immediately appeared at each side of the draconequus.

Eve reacted absently, not even looking to them as she muttered, "Magic field, gravitational manipulation." Which the two pegasi didn't fail to notice as they leaped back immediately witnessing soon afterwords, the sudden surge of air rapidly moving downward in a circular perimeter around the baby draconequus. Eve kept her eyes fastened ahead as she simply stretched out her paw, pointing it in the direction of Spitfire. "Gumball Barrage." Immediately afterwords, gumballs of various colors appeared inches from the tip of her paw, shooting straight towards the orange maned pony.

Spitfire gasped, "Always something weird!" She then rose to the skies in an attempt to escape, but her targets being far too small seeing as they were the size of tiny sugary delicacies, reached her with the pegasi being unaware.

Eve muttered, "Expand and capture."

Spitfire's eyes widened as she was unable to look away from the flash of light that'd occurred from each of the gumballs that had pursued her, consumed by an imperceptible burst of light as the gumdrops had actually set off in a similar manner to flash bombs. As the brightness died down, Spitfire found herself plummeting back down towards the earth, unable to move seeing as she was wrapped in a sticky rubbery substance. She was wrapped in gum? Which'd disgusted her somewhat but she felt satisfied and surprised due to the fact it wasn't harmful. "H-Huh?"

Eve smiled softly, "Stay still for a little while." But that moment of being off her guard was all Soarin needed as he tackled the draconequus out of her gravity zone, sending her skidding across the field, before she climbed back to her feet. Eve's eyes widened as she noticed the pegasi weren't wasting any precious second as they were upon her like a swarm. Eve snapped her paw as appearing around her would be phantom shields, moving about much like her whip which'd returned, attempting to strike and put some of the assaulting pegasi out of temporary commission, but there was one who'd managed to strike inches from her, forcing her into a physical confrontation.

Soarin kept his eyes fastened on her angrily, "Hiding behind your magic!? Typical!" As he struck at the draconequus continuously, his blows swift and precise and practically unseen as he moved his hooves with nearly the same speed he was renowned for in his wings. The pegasi only continued to strike the draconequus's torso from all directions as he noticed she was taking every single hit, not even caring about the pummeling she was receiving.

Eve looked up to him as she muttered, "I'm known as a monster for a reason mister." She placed her paw beneath his chin with a soft smile before chuckling a little, "Allow me to show you." But the draconequus wouldn't have time to react as she was tackled once again, but this time by a more familiar mare, the force of the tackle sending her flying across the skies as the mare kept the draconequus embraced in her arms, carrying her with her.

Rainbow Dash looked furious as she kept her grip on the draconequus, flapping her wings voraciously as she looked Eve in the eyes. "EVE! If you think I'm going to let this go on, you've got another thing coming!" And straight into a river of strawberry milk, as their moment of impact caused them to tumble out of the river, soaked.

Rainbow rose to her hooves, huffing with each breath as she pointed at the draconequus. "Enough is enough!!! Just let this end already, and nopony else has to get hurt! Haven't you seen the pain that occurs when you do these things!? L-Listen squirt..." Rainbow's eyes saddened, "You didn't seem too bad when we first met, but you're far too dangerous now. It stinks things ended up the way they did but, that still doesn't give you an excuse to cause all of this chaos. I won't let you hurt my friends like you did last time, no matter what." She glared at the draconequus.

Eve looked to the rainbow maned pony with a sigh, the pouring rain washing them off of all the chocolate milk which'd drenched into their coats. There was a brief moment of silence between them, "I see." Eve looked down at a small puddle which'd shown her reflection, as she stared intently at it, taking notice of the half of her face which'd been cracked like glass. "I guess I was never meant for this system of normality to begin with." She looked to Rainbow Dash, almost in a daze of her own. "I've seen rivers of red, stains on my heart that refuse to disappear. I guess you could say I'm beyond the point of redemption....I guess..." She paused as she closed her eyes halfway, "Isn't that right; Twilight Sparkle?"

Rainbow Dash raised a brow as she stood there, puzzled in silence.

Twilight touched upon the ground hurriedly, appearing some distance away from the baby draconequus.

Twilight winced as her face darkened drastically, her soaked mane partially covering her eyes. "Eve!!!!......."

Princess Twilight Sparkle has made contact with the target.

Princess Luna was immediately overcome with worry and dread as she yelled from her position. "T-Twilight Sparkle!!! What're you doing!?"

Havoc was now racing through the forest himself, having left majority of their group behind. Just our luck, enough to think that Princess Twilight was in such a rush she'd leave the entire group behind, but those two were practically lit targets being launched through the air like that. Now we've got only two present there, with a banishment level criminal. I don't understand, she's just a kid, but....... His eyes fastened on the path ahead. What is this feeling?

Captain Noteworthy also looked worriedly on ahead as he stood by his fellow guards, now far behind as both Twilight Sparkle and Havoc had moved on ahead to meet head on with the target. He glanced down worriedly. "Tch..."

Eve looked up towards the sky as she spoke in a saddened tone, "But being justified isn't enough." She spread her arms as she spoke softly, regarding the two familiar mares. "Allow me to show you the difference between us."

Next Chapter: Chapter 5: Psychosis Estimated time remaining: 4 Hours, 4 Minutes