CHAPTER 4: EXPECTATIONS AND DELUSIONS

"Twilight!"

Rarity burst through the front door of the boutique, but as she'd suspected, there was no reply, and it was deathly quiet from within her home. She glanced around for a few seconds to ensure she wasn't just being paranoid, but now she was certain, Twilight had already disappeared. Of course this frustrated the mare, seeing as she gave Twilight a specific request to stay, but the girl's will was her own and she could do whatever she wished. Rarity gritted her teeth, looking towards the ground in anger as she contemplated the situation.

"What's wrong Rarity!? Hehe, we playing hide and seek!?" Pinkie Pie was in her usual ecstatic state, as she gave Rarity a warm smile from behind, leaning her head to the side. She then bounced as her eyes snapped wide, figuring out a way she could assist. "Oh oh! I know what'll lure her out, we just need more cupcakes!" With that the pink mare was off on her own bouncing through Rarity's home searching every nook and cranny she could find.

Rarity was too vexed to even care about what Pinkie was doing at this point. She just looked horribly horribly as she continued to reflect on the situation. Her own eyes widened a bit at the thought of another idea, she looked to Pinkie hurriedly before exclaiming, "Pinkie! We've got to head to the library!"

Pinkie turned, looking a little confused with her brow raised. "Uhm, the library, that's a far place to hide don't ya think?"

Rarity just sighed as she covered her face with a hoof, before looking to Pinkie impatiently. "Just trust me, now hurry along now darling. We may be short on time!"

Pinkie nodded happily before bouncing ecstatically once again. "Okie dokie! Pinkie patrol on the go!" Pinkie then made her way past Rarity as fast as the eye could see, as she was practically gliding down the dirt road, in the direction towards Golden Oak's Library. Although Pinkie didn't seem to have the faintest clue about what was going on, it still helped that she managed to keep a positive mindset about everything.

Of course Rarity was at a loss for words for a few seconds before realizing this was Pinkie she was dealing with. She just sighed once again before she made her way in the same general direction as Pinkie. As she was trotting, her eyes fastened on the ground once again, as she tried to deduce where Twilight would've gone. Perhaps the mare was somehow drawn to her friends, seeing as she'd managed to find Pinkie and her in such a short amount of time. Obviously Twilight was also delusional, so this couldn't have been mere coincidence. If that was the case, then there was only two other places she could've gone, Applejack's house, or Fluttershy's. Rainbow Dash's house was impossible to reach.

Eventually the two passed by two other ponies, who were still on their way home. One of these ponies glanced back at Rarity and Pinkie with an amused look, "Hah, wonder where Rarity and Pinkie are off to in such a hurry."

Her companion replied humorously, "Perhaps it's a lover's quarrel?" As the two burst into laughter afterwords.

Rarity glared a bit, she wasn't built for these types of scenarios. She'd only hoped that at least one of the others knew about this situation, and were already on the move. Hopefully the library would also hold some answers to what'd happened in Twilight's experiment to cause such dramatic backfire. But even so, Rarity couldn't get over the fact she felt she was still wasting so much time. It was at that moment a look of realization came over her however, as she thought about what else she could do to help. "Oh, but of course!" She was a social goddess, a queen of gossip! She'd have everypony assisting with the search in a matter of minutes, it was perfect! She stopped in her tracks. "Pinkie!"

Pinkie immediately stopped, already way ahead of Rarity but still somehow able to hear her call. "Yes ma'am!?"

Rarity cupped her mouth with her hooves, before exclaiming "Head on over to the Library! I'll make sure we get some more ponies to help find Twilight!" With that the mare turned on her back hooves, kicking some dirt up into the air in the process. She then made her way over to the two particular ponies talking in the distance, "Lyra!"

A pony revealed as Lyra Heartstrings turned her head with a startled look, "Rarity? What's up?"

Her companion, Bon Bon, looked just as curious.

This of course brought a smirk to Rarity's face, "We've got something important we need to discuss!"

Pinkie on the other hoof just stood off in the distance, looking baffled for a few seconds. Eventually she just shook her head and nodded with a look of determination, "Don't worry Rarity! I shall find the clues to Vi-, I mean Twilight's whereabouts! You can count on me!" She chuckled, "Oooooh this is the best game of hide and seek ever!" Pinkie then kicked back, standing on her hind legs and letting off a ferocious roar, before bursting off towards the library at an even greater speed than before. Turning a corner, and then disappearing from sight.

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were making their own preparations, as they were adjusting their armor, and Princess Celestia herself was adorned in fascinating golden plate armor. All pieces had etchings on it, and was spotless to the touch, as if she were wearing it for the first time. Princess Luna's was practically no different, only in the fact her armor was black like the dead of night, almost like that of her Lunar Guard. The two sisters looked to one another before regarding each other with simple nods, and turning towards the door.

Princess Luna sighed heavily, "It feels as if this night's lasted forever."

Princess Celestia couldn't help but agree, "Yes, so let's deal with the situation hastily."

Princess Luna spoke faintly, "Sister, must we truly resort to using our armor for this girl? You especially?"

Princess Celestia replied curtly, "I will also play my part Luna. We're at a slight disadvantage, and I won't risk lives over some stubborn sense of pride. This Twilight may still be but a child, but she has no reason to hold herself back once we confront her again. She has already attempted to murder you once. We however, must ensure that not only she's captured, but she also isn't fatally wounded. We must ensure our methods are flawless, I'd prefer we don't engage her in a violent encounter, but I doubt she'll come with us willingly. Her respect for us is obviously close to none to say the least." Princess Celestia sighed as she glanced up, "But we can't just let her roam with such magic."

Princess Luna squinted her eyes a bit in regards to Celestia's comment. "I was a bit more worried about what'd happen to the landscape sister if you were to use your magic. But it's as you said, I can assume we are simply taking precautions. There should be no need for you to use your dangerous spells I hope." She looked ahead, somewhat offended that even her Celestia questioned her ability, especially when dealing with this fake Twilight. "You need not worry about me either however, I am just as capable." She frowned, "Well, almost as capable."

Princess Celestia looked to her sister with a heavy sigh, "I do not plan to use any offensive magic." She looked ahead, mimicking Luna, as the two of them trotted towards the door, their guards waiting in formation patiently. "I simply want to have this situation dealt with before everything falls into disarray, no shortcuts. We contain her, and then we discuss how we can negotiate with her from there."

Princess Luna raised her brow curiously, "Is that why you've not contacted our Twilight Sparkle?"

Princess Celestia nodded plainly, with a look of obvious disappointment. "I doubt much good would come from Twilight knowing that she has a double running about. Let alone a double that's assaulted you. I don't really enjoy the thought of my precious student fighting herself. Although, I also worry for the citizens of Equestria, if they're to run into this new Twilight by chance, things may become a little complicated. They may very well get the wrong idea, even though she does look somewhat different."

Princess Luna responded with a nod of her own, followed by an eager smile. "Of course."

The two made their way out into the hall, with their guards never falling too far behind.

Princess Celestia kept her eyes front. "Luna, have you been keeping track of her by the way? Where has she headed?"

Princess Luna scoffed, closing her eyes as they were nearing the back gardens of the castle, where they'd all be able to depart discretely, and with ease. "Would I truly be considered the guardian of the night if I couldn't deduce the location of one little mare gone astray? The child is playing house, there is little to worry about for now. Although this may upset you, she's out with Rainbow Dash as we speak."

Princess Celestia immediately looked to her sister in shock. "W-What?! Luna!"

Princess Luna couldn't help but burst into a barrage of soft snickers, before she raised a hoof to her chest confidently. "Calm yourself big sister. She hasn't made contact with Twilight even though she's with her friends. Based on the reports though, nopony has noticed the difference as of yet." She looked ahead once again, before smirking lightly. "As promised, none of my bat ponies have confronted her, and I haven't received any news of her posing a threat, so you can ease your mind." But the atmosphere around Luna suddenly shifted as she closed her eyes somewhat, looking fairly upset. She spoke in a softer tone however, "But that doesn't mean we can simply ignore what she's done. She is still a danger." Princess Luna's gaze shot forward, a fierce determination in her eyes. "Wouldn't you agree?"

Princess Celestia looked to her sister with a hint of worry. Luna, do control yourself please. Although she couldn't deny her own feelings regarding that situation either, which pretty much matched with Luna's. Her expression saddened somewhat as she thought about what they were going to do. They all exited, out into the private gardens. "Yes, mastery in a forbidden school, cannot simply be ignored."

"The Wonderbolts?" Violet's eyes were wide with fascination as she looked to Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash, who was currently elevated, closed her eyes and placed a hoof on her chest, before bucking back another black cloud. "Hah yea! They're only the fastest, coolest, most amazing group of ponies around! And I've flown at their sides countless times! It's only a matter of time before they recruit me into their ranks." Rainbow did a spin midair before knocking back another consecutive row of clouds, clearing the area in a matter of seconds. "See easy easy."

Violet nodded hurriedly, her eyes locked firmly on the rainbow maned mare. "Amazing, very amazing! I would've very much enjoyed seeing these Wonderbolts." Violet raised a hoof to the back of her head, followed by a disappointed sigh, as she chuckled a bit, before glancing up towards the mass of black clouds still further up. For a second, she looked serious, It seems this set may not be as dangerous as I thought. She then continued speaking to Rainbow with a gentle smile, a pleased expression decorating her features. "But this world, everything about it, is beautiful. I have already risked tarnishing everything with my actions. It is best I find a way to return, although, there's not much waiting for me back home." She glanced to the lower left, "I, am very fortunate here."

Then, a slight look of hesitation overcame Violet before she shook her head, focusing once again. What was she doing? Victimizing herself, it was utterly pathetic and she knew it. She looked shocked that she could even consider such a thing, staying here, running away from her world. Was that truly something that'd just crossed her mind? No, there was already another Twilight here, one that had already ensured this world's safety. Violet glared a bit, this Twilight,....was so lucky. It tore at her, the selfish feelings she didn't want to acknowledge, but she couldn't rid herself of them either. Why, why had so many things gone right for this Twilight, just where did she herself go wrong? Was she no more than a failure?

Lost in thought, Violet recalled the situation as she looked to Rainbow Dash, whom was giving her quite a suspicious look herself with her hooves crossed. This caused Violet to obviously react with nervousy herself, looking skeptic, before she muttered, "Erhm, is something wrong, Ms.Rainbow Dash?"

Rainbow landed in front of the mare, before creeping closer to her observantly, squinting at her. "Yoooou know, you've been saying weird things all night, Violet! It's hard to make sense of what you're going on about. Apparently you've NEVER seen the Wonderbolts which already put you on my funny list. You talk as if you're not even from Equestria even though you're a pony, and your voice, your voice is very familiar." Rainbow Dash was practically mere inches from Violet's face, a smirk creeping onto her features as she looked expectant. "I also noticed you like to keep your face covered, which is also funny, what is it you have to hide? And why would you even want me to accompany you to see these clouds? It got me thinkin," Rainbow Dash paused "What happens if this is all some sort of joke?"

Violet nervously backed away, before raising her hooves in defense. "N-No that's a misunderstanding! My reasons are my own colorful pony Rainbow Dash! But this is no joke!" She thought about what exactly Rainbow was accusing her of, before she stomped a hoof angrily. "And of course I would accompany you, this is not a simple mass of black clouds, it may also be drawback caused by the dimensional rift used to get here. Obviously my time spell was not what I'd thought, meaning that it's more than likely the consequences would be different, uncertain even! I made a huge mistake, I required your presence here in case things were to go astray, there may also be many more! Rifts are not to be taken lightly, tears in the stream of time, the very fabric of time, could result in the destruction of your world! They hold an infinite amount of dangers, I can close them, but it is a very dangerous process! If something were to happen, I need a pony such as yourself to be able to report the damage."

Rainbow Dash snickered beneath her breath, before pointing a hoof in amusement. "What're you even going on about Violet? Haha, see, there's no way anypony would really talk like that! Unless she was some weirdo or somethin!"

Violet's eyes widened tremendously, as she turned red at this point, blushing. She lowered her head. She'd done it again, it's not like this pony would understand her words, she'd gone off blabbering her 'nonsense' once again, words nopony could understand. Although it was understandable that the one she was talking to, would never understand her. Yet she couldn't help herself, she couldn't help but defend her reasoning, especially when she was being accused of lying or playing tricks. But why? Was she truly so alien to them? Was she truly so disconnected from the world, she'd forgotten how to live in it? A social outcast? Violet gulped, before putting on another, but weaker smile. "A-All I'm saying is that I do have reasons for hiding things from you, p-please don't think less of me! I swear to you that I'm-"

But Rainbow Dash cut her off, pressing a hoof against her muzzle.

Rainbow Dash couldn't help but chuckle, "Tsk tsk tsk. Yea, listen, very convincing 'reasoning' you got there Violet, but it's way too obvious. Did you really think I wouldn't recognize your way with words, Egghead!" With that Rainbow knocked back Violet's hood with a swipe of her hoof. Rainbow then burst into laughter, falling onto her back before rolling on the ground, pointing a hoof at the now exposed mare. "Bahahahaha! You know Twilight, you had me going for awhile there! I mean Violet Autumn, even the mysterious persona, all very convincing, but you forget! I am the master, of pranking!" She got in her face once again before crossing her hooves, and fluttering back some. "So who put you up to this, Pinkie Pie!? Bahahahaha!" Rainbow closed her eyes as she tilted her head back, unable to stop laughing.

Violet however, only looked on with what appeared to be an expression of disbelief. Her pupils were dilated as she looked to be lost, in some sort of daze. Why? Why is she laughing? She'd even recalled her own name in question. Twilight, Yes, I am Twilight. But, I'm not your Twilight. Am I only a joke to you Rainbow Dash? Her thoughts went astray as she stared at that laughing face, Rainbow's face, as she attempted to analyze the situation. Why, why is everything so different? Violet reflected back on what she'd seen since she arrived here. As the faces of Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Lyra, and Rainbow Dash flashed through her mind like snapshots. How can you all just sit there and smile at me, even after everything I've done. How can you all just sit there, with those clueless expressions, even after all I've heard, witnessed, and fought to protect. Is this world truly so perfect, to where it's disconnected from all forms of misery. Is nothing here the same? Nightmare Moon, Solar Flare, Master? Violet's face darkened, as she looked down at her hoof. Where, where did I go wrong?

Rainbow's laughter managed to die down after a lengthy moment, but only due to the fact the gnawing silence was starting to get to her. She wiped a tear from her eye as she chuckled a bit, "H-Hey Twilight." But there was no response. She just saw Violet standing there, lost in a stream of thoughts and concerns. At this point Rainbow was starting to feel a little uncomfortable as she began to approach the mare. "T-Twilight, you alright?"

But Violet was silent, doing everything in her power to hold back a sheltered rage. Her body quivered as she tried to keep herself calm, but her thoughts grew hazy, as she gritted her teeth, soon muttering to herself. "Twilight! Twilight, Twilight, Twilight, Twilight, TWILIGHT! Every single one of you ponies, all of you are connected to this Twilight! Is she really so special? Is she really so amazing that everypony must bask in her glory, worry for her, worship her, befriend her? Is she so great that even the princesses of this world must risk their own well being just to ensure she's fine? Does not one pony of this world, not know who she is?" Violet's eyes snapped wide as a psychotic sneer came over her persona for a quick second. "Is it some cruel twist of fate I must arrive here, knowing that in my ultimate failure, I couldn't even manage one spell that could've changed my world? To arrive in a world where I'm loved, knowing that in truth, it's not me, but an all more perfect me? One who's countered the troubles I failed to do, one who's  Am I destined to have my mistakes thrown in my face, to be forced to witness what could've been had I succeeded? Is this my punishment? To know the pleasures of a world where I didn't make all the wrong decisions?"

Rainbow trembled herself a little at this point, as she backed away from the mare. "W-Whoa Twilight, calm down. The jokes over, this is getting a little freaky." Her eyes shifted to the left and right as she hesitantly looked back to Violet.

Violet spoke plainly, "Answer me."

Rainbow cocked a brow. "Huh?"

Violet's eyes met with Rainbow's, as she looked to be at the end of her patience. "Answer me, colorful pony Rainbow Dash. We are friends, are we not?" Violet began to snicker, as she gave the mare a subtle smirk. "What's waiting for me anyhow? Hmmmm, will they continue to despise somepony over things that happened more than a decade ago?" She raised her voice, eyes focusing on the ground once again. "IGNORANT PONIES WHO DON'T KNOW ANYTHING! Who blame others for things that happened so long ago!" She tilted her head back. "Yet here I am, still trying to make things right, still trying to protect them! Haha, what do they know?" She paused, grinning upwards. "What do I know?"

Violet looked back to Rainbow Dash. "I bet once I get back, all I'll do is regret leaving. I'm just a big hypocrite aren't I?" She began spinning one of her hooves at the side of her head as if she were crazy. "Maaaybe I should ask my counter-part for advice huh? Hahaha! I bet she would know exactly what to do! Probably teach me how to live a perfect life as well! You know, I've read so many stories with situations like this. The books were old, but they'd sometimes involve two characters, preferably siblings who were always at league with one another! The emotions the characters underwent were absolutely fascinating! You see how funny that is? You see how it relates?! Aha, I'm letting such trivial things get the better of me." She shook her head, "Is this what I've become, one to let childish jealousy overwhelm me?" Violet paused as she looked back down at her hoof observantly. "Yet somehow, wonderful. It's normal! It feels so alive."

Rainbow raised a hoof worriedly, "T-Twilight, let's get you back to Ponyville. Okay? You're obviously not feeling well."

Violet snapped, "Don't touch me!" She exhaled, "I can take care of myself. You know, you think I'm a liar don't you? How about I show you it then? How about I show you just what it's like where I come from? How about, I open this rift right over your heads, and see if this little fluffy perfect world of cupcakes, clothes, and the all appealing Twilight, can protect itself from the unknown horrors that await? I'm pretty curious to how you all defend yourselves. It's obvious my efforts haven't produced anything but misery. Perhaps I should show you all what it feels like, misery, that is. Perhaps that was my destiny all along," Violet raised her hoof to the sky slowly.

Rainbow Dash at this point was far past the point of convincing, as she'd snapped back at the mare. "T-Twilight!!! Okay okay stop! I understand okay, don't do anything you'll regret! I'm sorry I didn't take you seriously! But you're acting crazy right now!" What'd happened to Twilight? It was just a friendly joke, actually, Twilight was the one playing the joke so why was she so upset? This whole situation went from a late night cloud clearing, to absolutely nuts!

Violet chuckled, "What's one more regret? Just another part of the pile..."

"Twilight Sparkle is indeed worthy of all the praise she gets. You however, are no more than a stubborn child."

Violet's eyes widened as she glanced back, up towards that familiar voice.

Rainbow Dash herself looked a little speechless, as what the two mares saw was Princess Luna, accompanied by a band of her elite Lunar Guard, the bat ponies. Rainbow only grew more confused, "P-Princess Luna!?"

Violet glared at the alicorn as she'd descended. "Hmph, of course you'd show up eventually."

As Princess Luna touched upon the ground, she smiled. "I must say, it pleases me you managed to hold your temper tantrum for this long. I was fairly concerned one as obviously unstable as yourself, might pull another stunt like you did at the castle." She gave Violet a look of playful intrigue, "Would you allow me to answer your question for you?"

Violet glared, backing away some as she thought about the Princess's question. "If you must."

Princess Luna continued, raising a hoof. "From what I've gathered, you're nothing like our Twilight Sparkle. Where she has solved her problems through selfless means, she also attempts to do this without violence. You attack first, and ask questions later. You're immature and brash. Children like you need to be taught a few lessons beforehoof. Instead of attempting to solve issues by means of force." Princess Luna reflected back on the time when she'd become Nightmare Moon in that moment. "It certainly doesn't tend to make things any better."

Violet bit on her lower lip, snickering beneath her breath. "Aha..." She started off with a light chuckle, before she burst into wild laughter. "Ahahahahahahahahaha!" It was hysterical for the mare, here she was, receiving advice from Nightmare Moon, it couldn't be any more funny. "Hahahaha! Oh, Nightmare Moon, or, Princess Luna; what do you know?" Violet smirked, looking amused to say the least. "In a world as peaceful as this, what do you know of the decisions I had to make? Maybe they would've went more along the lines of this." She giggled, placing a hoof on her chest. "Shall I fluff your pillow? Maybe I can bring you a plate of cupcakes your majesty? Or if that's not to your liking, maybe a massage would be more fitting?" Violet gave the Princess a mocking bow. "Oh, your wish is my command."

Princess Luna didn't rise to anger, she simply replied. "A shame, nopony, not even your master, taught you some respect."

Violet's eyes snapped wide, as she attempted to hide it, but her offense to that comment was obvious. "W-What, what did you just say?"

Princess Luna continued, "Perhaps it's due to that attitude of yours that you failed. If this is the sort of Twilight Sparkle we had to deal with, then, perhaps, it makes sense that you're this sad little girl. Do you only know how to back talk your elders? Maybe you should consult your friends about your table manners? But how could I forget?" She paused, "There is probably a reason you don't have any."  

Violet flinched, biting her lower lip as she was a deep red color. Not only horribly embarrassed, but horribly affected by the alicorn's words. She gritted her teeth, as tears swelled in her eyes. "W-Why you, I'll, I'll-" but she found herself hesitating, silent.

Rainbow Dash looked stunned by the whole scenario, and although she was confused, she couldn't help but feel worried for Twilight, even if Princess Luna spoke to her as if she were some different one. But the mare kept silent, only observing from the sidelines as her gaze shot back and forth between the young mare and alicorn.

Princess Luna threw her head back some, "Are you going to cry now?"

"SHUTUP!!" Violet immediately burst forth from her hooves, charging straight towards the alicorn of the night.

Princess Luna however then focused on the approaching unicorn with an intense glare and pleased smile.

Rainbow could only look on in puzzlement as she attempted to make some sense of what was happening. But before she could even process her thoughts, her gaze was automatically turned upward, as soon, the entire area was bathed in a blinding yellow light. Yet still, Rainbow couldn't look away. Her eyes remained focused on that spot.

It was beautiful.

Ponyville from this point seemed to be the very definition of peace.

Princess Twilight was sound asleep in her bed, curled up on her side as she snuggled with a pillow beneath her blankets. Spike was practically no different, as he laid in his smaller bed, fast asleep. The room was tranquil and silent, and if one were to simply observe from the side, it wouldn't be surprising to think that absolutely nothing, could break such a peaceful atmosphere.

"HEEEEYAAAAAAAH!!!!!" CRASH!!

Twilight shot up from her bed as her eyes snapped wide. "WHAT!? WHO, WHEN, WHERE!?" She looked off to the side, as she saw that her bedroom window was shattered, and the curtains were tattered as they were strewn across the floor. Little bits of glass laid about as well. Twilight was processing the scene bit by bit, as her eyes scrolled past the area observantly while she remained upright on her sheets. She then focused on a figure wearing a ninja costume, and she couldn't help but stare at that figure for a few seconds. Not because she didn't know who it was, but actually the exact opposite. A look of rage overcame the alicorn slowly. "Pinkie.......WHAT'RE YOU DOING!?"

Pinkie gasped, as she soon lowered her ninja mask with a smirk. "Heh, so you figured out my disguise, I should've expected as much from you, Violet Autumn. But I'll have you know, I'm no longer Pinkie Pie, I am, Fushia Fireshadow!" Pinkie began to chuckle as she crossed her hooves, standing on her hind legs. "But more importantly, the game's over, I've found you! Pretty impressive strategy, I'm surprised Rarity was able to figure it out so quickly. To hide somewhere so obvious that it'd be the last place we'd look, but you underestimated our-"

Twilight slammed her hooves angrily on her bed. "PIIIIIIINKIIEEEEEEEEEE!!!"

Spike rose from his own bed, rubbing his eyes from the sudden disturbance. "Jeez Twilight, what's with all the ruckus."

But suddenly there was a pause, as leaking through the now open window would be a vibrant yellow light.

Even ponies who were still our were frozen in place, hypnotized by the rare spectacle. What was this?

Beautiful and gleaming as it shimmered on the hard wood floor, it caused them all to grow silent as Twilight looked at it wide eyed. Where was it coming from, what was the source? She slowly got up from her bed, crawling out from beneath the blankets as Pinkie and Spike couldn't take their eyes off the open window space either, wondering just where that beautiful light was coming from. Twilight made her way over to the window, ensuring not to step on a piece of glass along the way, as she stuck her head out and glanced around. Everypony who was still outside was also focused on the light, as Twilight suddenly looked mesmerized. In the distance, on the outskirts of Ponyville, the light's source was from a heavenly ray, an abnormally large beam exiting from the very skies as it surged down towards the earth of that specified area. It felt almost fleeting, as the light died down only a few seconds after it appeared. Twilight could only stand there awestruck for a moment, as she'd muttered still looking in that same general direction. "What, was that?...."

Rainbow Dash couldn't take her eyes off the scene, as she was stunned with silence.

Violet looked down at herself in surprise. A banishment spell?

Wrapped around Violet's body was a numerous amount of golden chains, all glistening with the vibrant yellow light. She couldn't budge, as surrounding her was a large transparent golden dome, acting as a prison for the mare. She closed her eyes, "A trap? Haha,...Hahahaha...HAHAHAHA!" Of course it was a trap! She chuckled wildly, unable to contain herself. She'd fallen for such a obvious trick, yet she still never would've guessed it. Nightmare Moon, trusting in others to play a vital role, to selflessly accept the assistance of her comrades, it was so unlike her. Violet sighed, she really needed to take notice of the fact this alicorn was from a different world already. Princess Luna was right, about everything. She flashed Princess Luna a soft smile from afar, as she spoke softly, "I can only guess what you're going to do next."

Princess Luna remained silent, never taking her eyes off the mare. Yet she gave a slight glare, "Hmph..."

Violet lowered her head, as at this point the mare looked as if she didn't even care anymore. She only frowned somewhat, not even taking the time to look at Princess Luna again. She spoke softly, "Hah...Well, get it over with will you?"  

Princess Luna swiped her hoof, "Formation my noble subjects, let's put an end to this!"

Suddenly all members of Luna's personal band of bat ponies situated themselves around Violet's prison.

Princess Luna looked up to the skies then, at the members of the Celestial Guard situated around Violet's prison at an elevated level. This brought a smile to her face as she nodded to the group of them.

And appearing in a flash of yellow light overhead, was Princess Celestia as she looked to Luna hurriedly. "Luna, NOW!"

Princess Luna nodded to her sister, "My pleasure." And not a moment afterwords, her horn started to let off a bright blue shade as it constantly flashed, as she'd charged her spell, then with a mighty yell, she'd released it upon her foe.

Violet didn't react, as she simply kept her head lowered. She did take a moment to look at Rainbow Dash however.

Rainbow couldn't budge, as she looked frozen with disbelief, shock. "T-Twilight?"

Violet only frowned at that name now, as she looked back to the ground, her eyes saddening somewhat. She muttered, "No." Before Luna's spell engulfed the mare entirely, consuming her in a wave of flashing blue light.

Rainbow only stood and watched scene unfold, with that same expression. Luna's spell twisted and morphed, actually reshaping into what looked like a sphere, as that sphere broke itself down, narrowing into a straight line which shot towards the stars. It was at this moment that Princess Luna's spell began to dissipate, revealing an area which looked as if nothing were ever there to begin with. There was only a field of grass, with Violet nowhere to be seen.

Rainbow's eyes slowly started to swell with tears, as she'd cried out, "TWILIGHT!"

It was an ironic moment for Princess Luna, for she couldn't help but smile. Everything went off perfectly, as she looked to the stars with a hint of satisfaction, she and her sister had done it. They'd brought an end to this dramatic night. She closed her eyes at that moment, turning away from the scene as she lowered her head somewhat, "Hmph..."

Even Princess Celestia sighed with relief, taking a moment to rest easy as she'd closed her eyes. "Whew..."

"PRINCESS!!!"

Though their brief moment of peace was shattered in an instant, as they'd heard the tone of desperation in that cry.

Princess Luna's eyes opened wide as she raised her head, immediately focusing on something in front of her. "What?"

And practically a foot from her, rapidly closing in would be the same unicorn they'd just dealt with. Violet's body suddenly being covered in a traumatic amount of wounds, as blood drenched her torso. A blue astral blade levitating at her side as she possessed an obvious intent to kill in her eyes. Her expression blank and seemingly lacking any emotion.

Princess Luna leaped back on impulse, as she'd still looked shocked. The blade surging down and scraping her armor as it'd connected with an exposed area of her torso, effortlessly tearing through an area of flesh as a stream of red then decorated the grass below her.

Violet Autumn's eyes saddened as she muttered silently to herself, "Not quite, Rainbow Dash."