Chapter 11:

'Laughter and Style'

All eyes were on Twilight Sparkle as she slowly made her way into the throne room. Following behind her, was the silver armoured Pegasus, Magister Sky Shadow, and Spike.

"My apologies your highnesses, but the Princess insisted on seeing you." Sky Shadow said as he accompanied Twilight through the throne room.

Celestia and Luna approached the young Alicorn. "Twilight Sparkle...how are you feeling?"

Twilight rubbed her head and smiled a little. "I'm fine..." She was then greeted by her friends, who all crowded around her and hugged her.

"Glad ta see ya feelin' better sugarcube!"

"Oh Twilight, we were so worried about you darling!"

Hugging them back, Twilight slowly backed away and smiled at them. "Like I said, I'm fine, it's good to see you all too."

After a quick exchange of words, Twilight turned back to the Princesses, her expression changing into one of concern. "Princess Celestia...Princess Luna...what happened while I was unconscious?"

Celestia and Luna exchanged looks before turning back to the young Alicorn. They didn't waste any time in explaining all of the events that happened after she was 'attacked' by the Iron Five. Making sure they didn't leave out a single detail, they explained to her how all of the Elements were stolen, to where they had almost caught them until Blitz Bolt intervened, stating that he had taken Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo captive.

Twilight's eyes widened with horror upon hearing about what happened to the three fillies, she turned to Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Rarity. "I...I'm so sorry, I can't even begin to imagine how the three of you are feeling right now."

The three of them just looked at her, trying to hide the sad expressions on their faces. "It's ok Twilight...it ain't your fault. Ya got nothin' ta apologize for."

Rarity nodded. "Exactly...I...I just hope they'll be okay...I can't even imagine how scared they must be right now. Oh those poor dears..."

"If I ever get my hoofs on Blitz Bolt...I swear...I will give him the beating I SHOULD'VE given him when we first met!" Rainbow Dash yelled.

Celestia sighed and smiled a little. "Don't worry my little Ponies." Her words caught their attention. "I believe they'll be just fine."

"What makes ya say that Princess?" Applejack asked.

The white Alicorn turned her back to them. "I can't really explain but...it's just a feeling...I believe no harm will come to them. I have faith that...somepony...will make sure of that."

Before any of the Element wielders could ask any further questions, Celestia continued. "There's also the matter of the Elements...since the enemy now has them, getting them back will be near impossible."

Twilight was about to speak, but Rainbow Dash beat her to it. "But wait Princess! The enemy doesn't have the Elements!"

All eyes were on the cyan Pegasus now. Luna was the first to reply. "What do you mean Rainbow Dash?"

"I'm saying that I was there when they lost them. While the guards where chasing Cloud Hunter, the Elements must have slipped out of the bag! I even saw him lose the bag itself! In fact, Cloud Hunter said to Blitz Bolt that the Elements were scattered!" Rainbow explained.

Celestia's eyes widened a little. "Then there's still hope..."

Twilight spoke up. "That's what I was about to tell you Princess. I understand that you and Princess Luna are no longer connected to the Elements, but instead, me and my friends are. I was trying to say earlier that I can feel my own Element nearby." She turned to her friends. "Concentrate everypony, can't you feel your own?"

After closing their eyes for a moment and thinking about their respective Elements, the five other Element wielders opened their eyes and turned to Celestia. "Twilight's right! I can feel my Element too! It's not far!" Pinkie Pie said.

Fluttershy nodded. "I...I can feel mine too...it's faint...but I can still feel it."

"Twilight is right Princess. Ah can feel mah Element too." Applejack added.

Jumping into the air, Rainbow said, "YEAH! WE CAN STILL STOP THEM FROM GETTING THEIR HOOFS ON THE ELEMENTS! LET'S GO AND GET 'EM!"

Before the cyan Pegasus could fly off, she was stopped by a golden aura that surrounded her entire body. "Don't be so hasty Rainbow Dash." Celestia said as she approached the six Element wielders. "The six of you have been through much today, I think it would be for the best if we all got some rest and waited until tomorrow to search for the Elements."

Applejack spoke up. "But Princess! What if they're out lookin' for 'em right now?!"

Luna approached them and replied for her sister. "Despite how desperate they seemed to get their hoofs on the Elements, they were overly exhausted. I very much doubt that the five of them would go out and search for the Elements after everything they went through today. I believe they too will be getting some rest, and will no doubt return for the Elements tomorrow. It's the only course action that they can take."

"True enough. We should take the chance to rest aswell, after which, first thing tomorrow morning, Twilight Sparkle, you and your friends will go out and find your respective Elements." Celestia said.

The six Element wielders nodded. "Yes Princess."

Luna turned to Celestia. "It is time to lower the sun sister, shall we?"

Celestia nodded and walked off with the dark Alicorn to take care of their usual duties.

Twilight remained in the throne room while her five friends left to find a few spare rooms to sleep in. Spike nudged her leg. "Umm...Twilight?"

"Spike...could you return to Ponyville and see if Starlight is okay? I haven't heard from him in a while and I'm worried he may have been with the fillies when Blitz Bolt foalnapped them." Twilight said.

Spike raised a brow. "You think Blitz Bolt may have hurt him?"

Twilight nodded. "Starlight is tough but I'm still worried about him, could you go to Ponyville for me and make sure he's okay? Please?"

"Right away Twilight! I'll send you a letter when I get there!" The young dragon said before running off.

It was only now that Twilight remembered the armoured Pegasus standing next to her. Sky Shadow, who stood there by her side, like a silver shadow. "Umm...I don't believe we've been properly introduced. I am..."

"Princess Twilight Sparkle. I know." Sky Shadow said. "I am Magister Sky Shadow. It's a wonderful honour to...finally...meet you." He said as he took a small step forward and gave a quick bow.

Nodding at his words, Twilight turned to the other four Magister's in the throne room, and then set her eyes on the golden armoured Unicorn. "So...that's him?" She replied with a whisper.

Sky Shadow nodded. "Yes...Prince Dusk of the North Kingdom." He whispered back to her. "The others are Magister's Freed, Burning Mace and Snow Charm." He continued as he gestured towards each of the Magister's. "And of course...Magister Black Lance." He finished by looking at the black armoured Magister who stood at the doors behind them.

Twilight couldn't help but shiver a little when she noticed Black Lance was looking at her. It was a good thing he was wearing that helmet because she didn't really want to see the eyes of an intimidating Pony like him.

She slowly made her way across the throne room and towards Dusk, who remained seated at the table. She was stopped when Magister Sky Shadow spoke up again. "Magisters...let us leave the two of them in peace."

Nodding at his words, Freed and Snow Charm followed Black Lance out of the throne room.

Twilight watched as Burning Mace was approaching her. He stopped in front of her and just looked at her for a long moment before moving on, leaving the throne room, followed by Sky Shadow, who nodded slightly at her.

Feeling a little more relaxed now that it was just the two of them Twilight approached Dusk and managed a slight smile. "It's...it's an honour to finally meet you Prince Dusk."

Dusk opened his eyes and faced her. "Of course it is."

She was caught off guard by his tone. But, remembering his reputation, she decided to push any thoughts of his arrogance out of her head. "Umm...how has your stay in Canterlot been so far?"

"Reasonably good I suppose." Dusk replied.

'Wow...he's not much for words is he?' Twilight thought. "Well...about our...you know...our marriage..."

Dusk faced her again. "What about it?"

Twilight looked at the floor and tried to think of something that could keep the conversation going. "I...well...I just figured that since the two of us are to be married...I just thought it'd be a good idea if we...got to know more about each other."

No reply came. Twilight herself began to grow nervous as Dusk's piercing red eyes never looked away from her. Finally, he spoke. "I suppose it would only be right, but at the moment, this situation with the Elements must be taken care of first."

Finally managing a smile, Twilight said, "Yeah. You're right."

Dusk nodded. "Of course I am." He stopped for a moment. The two Ponies looked outside the balcony and watched as the sun descended while the moon began to rise. "Hmph." He got off the chair and stood on all four hoofs. Twilight was able to make out his height better. He was just about as tall as Princess Luna herself, maybe only an inch or two shorter. "I suggest you return to your quarters and get some sleep."

"But..." She was about to protest but stopped when he narrowed his eyes at her. She didn't want to test his patience, nor did she want to leave a bad first impression, instead, she nodded and turned to leave. "I understand, I will see you in the morning."

As she left, Dusk turned around and watched as Celestia and Luna landed on the balcony. "I trust everypony has returned to their respective rooms?" Celestia said as she and her sister entered the throne room.

Dusk nodded. "Yes..."

"I see." Celestia said. "Luna, I will go and rest aswell then."

Luna smiled at her. "Of course. Goodnight sister. As always, I shall guard the night."

Celestia returned her smile and left the throne room. Just as Dusk was about to follow, he looked back at Luna, the two narrowed their eyes at each other. They remained still as statues for a long moment, not taking their eyes off the other.

Finally, Dusk turned away and left.

Luna didn't take her eyes off of him for a second, it was only after he was out of her sight, that she turned to step back out onto the balcony. "Dusk...you're hiding something."

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The morning light shined brightly through the openings of the rusty ceiling, forcing Blitz Bolt to lift the sheets up to cover his face. "Damn Celestia and her sun..."

"BLITZ BOLT!"

The loud voice made Blitz Bolt jump and fall out of his bed. After rubbing his head, he looked up and glared at the one who disturbed his sleep. "WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA KICKBACK?!"

Kickback smirked at him. "You do realise we're suppose to head out today and find the Elements right?"

"Yeah? So?" Blitz Bolt replied.

Kickback rolled his eyes. "Well apparently lord Metal Wing is still waiting for you. He told me to come down here and get you."

Eyes widening at the red Pony's words, Blitz Bolt rushed to his hoofs and quickly made his way out of his room, Kickback followed.

The two rushed down the rusty hallway, shoving their way past a few guards in the process, ignoring any harm they may have caused. As soon as they reached the throne room, they quickly made their way over to the bottom of the podium where the others stood.

"I'm sorry for my late arrival lord Metal Wing!" Blitz Bolt said as he bowed.

Metal Wing made his way down the podium and stopped when he reached the silver Pegasus. "Be grateful that we still have plenty of time Blitz Bolt."

Blitz Bolt nodded and stood up. He turned to Vanisher, who merely looked at him, blank face as usual. He then noticed Air Break, a few bandages were covered around his legs and his body, but what really stood out was the eyepatch that covered the blue Pony's right eye.

Chuckling, Blitz Bolt said, "Hey Air Break?"

"What?" Air Break replied with a slight growl in his voice.

"Glad to see you were able to 'patch' yourself up! HAHAHA!" Blitz Bolt laughed. Kickback backed away until he was behind Air Break before chuckling himself.

Air Break stomped towards the silver Pegasus. "You wanna die right now Blitz Bolt?!"

Jumping back, Blitz Bolt said, "Hey relax, I was just messing with you." He snickered.

Growling again, Air Break turned back to Metal Wing. "Lord Metal Wing, when are we moving out?"

Metal Wing looked at his four officers. "In a minute."

Their attention was caught by the sound of a door opening. They all turned to see Cloud Hunter approaching them. Blitz Bolt then narrowed his eyes when he saw three little fillies right behind the tall blue Pegasus.

"Well now..." Blitz Bolt said as Cloud Hunter reached them. "Shouldn't you three still be asleep?! Were you planning on making a run for it when we were gone?!"

Sweetie Belle hid behind Cloud Hunter's left hind leg. Apple Bloom hid behind the other hind leg, whereas Scootaloo was hiding right under Cloud Hunter and stood between his forelegs.

After looking at each other for a moment, Scootaloo stuck her tongue out at Blitz Bolt.

Eyes widening at her action, Blitz Bolt stepped forward. "Why you little-" He was stopped by Cloud Hunter, who shoved him back with one of his front hoofs.

"Back off Blitz Bolt." Cloud Hunter said as he lowered his hoof.

Blitz Bolt glared at the blue Pegasus. "Don't you tell me what to-"

"ENOUGH!" Metal Wing's voice boomed throughout the entire throne room, making the fillies curl up next to each other, still staying hidden under Cloud Hunter.

Taking in a deep breath, Metal Wing turned to Vanisher and said, "Vanisher has managed to track the Elements of Harmony. He will teleport all of you as close as he can, from there, you are all to split up and find each Element. He will transfer the information he has on them into each of your minds so you know exactly where to find them. After that, you are all to meet back up so he can teleport you all back. Understood?"

"Yes lord Metal Wing." They all said, except Vanisher, who merely nodded.

As the others were busy gathering around Vanisher, Cloud Hunter moved away until he could see the fillies. He looked down at them for a moment. Seeing them look up at him with the frightened expressions on their faces just made him want to break something in two. He slowly lowered his head until he was close enough to whisper to them.

"Be good, and I'll get the three of you out of here. Ok?" Cloud Hunter whispered softly to them.

The frightened expressions remained on their faces but they relaxed a little upon hearing his words. Unable to say anything, the three fillies merely nodded at him.

Cloud Hunter nodded in return before raising his head back up. "Go back to your room and stay in there until I get back. NOW!"

Jumping at his sudden change of tone, the three fillies wasted no time in bolting back through the door they came through earlier.

Blitz Bolt chuckled. "They're really quick."

Cloud Hunter walked over to the four officers and hit Blitz Bolt over the back of the head. "OW! WHAT WAS THAT FOR?!"

"You deserved it." Cloud Hunter replied.

Growling at his words, Blitz Bolt shuffled away from the tall blue Pegasus until he was out of his reach.

Vanisher charged up his horn, surrounding the five in a large blue aura. Kickback looked at Air Break and smirked. "Ready for some payback?"

Air Break nodded. "Totally."

The five disappeared in a blue flash, leaving Metal Wing alone. "Now then...I better be ready to head off myself." He said as he made his way back up the podium.

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When morning had come, Twilight and the rest of the Element wielders had already been prepared to leave. Celestia and Luna had seen them off as they got on the train to Ponyville.

Shining Armor had went along with them, stating that if the Iron Five were indeed going to be looking for the Elements, one of them, mainly Fluttershy or Pinkie Pie, would need protection. Princess Cadence had also decided to go along with them, as she had not been in Ponyville for quite some time and wanted to see the town again.

Dusk and his Magister's remained in Canterlot to discuss plans with Celestia and Luna, in the event that the Iron Empire may decide to launch an attack on them.

Twilight had received a letter before leaving Canterlot. It was from Spike, the young dragon had stated in the letter that Starlight was okay but he was beating himself up for not knowing what had happened. Twilight, knowing full well that it wasn't Starlight's fault, was more eager to get to Ponyville as quickly as possible so she could talk to him.

As soon as the train had reached its destination, the group disembarked and didn't waste any time heading into Ponyville.

"It's good to see this place again." Cadence said as she looked around, smiling at all of the happy Ponies who were waving and smiling back at her.

Pinkie Pie jumped up and down. "That's right princess! In fact, since you're here, maybe we should throw a party!"

Shining Armor laughed. "That sounds like a great idea Pinkie Pie. But don't you think we should focus in finding the Elements first?"

Scratching her head, Pinkie nodded. "Absolutely! THEN we can throw a party!"

As soon as they reached the centre of town, they stopped walking. Cadence faced the six Element wielders and said, "Ok, since each of you are connected to your respective Element, we should split up and meet back here as soon as we find them."

Fluttershy looked at the ground. "But...what if..."

Shining Armor looked at her and smiled. "Don't worry Fluttershy, I'll be going with you."

His words caught her attention. "What?"

Shining Armor tightened his grip around the spear he was carrying. "If by some chance we run into one of the Iron Five, I'll protect you. That's why I came in the first place..." He looked at Cadence. "And Cadence of course, will be going with Pinkie Pie. So there's no need to worry."

Fluttershy looked at the others. "But...won't Twilight need you?"

Twilight smiled. "It's ok Fluttershy, I'll be fine."

Facing Rarity, the shy Pegasus said, "What about...what about you Rarity?"

"Don't worry about me darling, I am more than capable of taking care of myself." Rarity's expression then changed into one of anger. "If any of those brutes even so much as dare show their faces around me, I will..." She noticed the scared and nervous look on Fluttershy's face and smiled again. "You just worry about yourself darling."

Cadence spoke up. "Ok, Pinkie Pie, you can feel your Element, so you lead the way."

"ABSOLUTELY!" Pinkie Pie replied before jumping off, Cadence followed.

The rest of the group watched them leave before splitting up themselves. Twilight headed in the direction of her house to find Spike and Starlight before going out to search for her Element. Applejack made her way out of the town and in the direction of the old mines. Rainbow Dash flew off towards the Ghastly Gorge, while Rarity made her way to the White Tail Woods. As for Fluttershy and Shining Armor, they headed off towards the area where Fluttershy could feel her Element calling to her, the Everfree Forest.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Cadence couldn't help but smile at Pinkie Pie's continuous jumping around. Even when things were so serious, she was still acting as cheery as always.

"Pinkie Pie, I'm thrilled to be back here too but we need to focus. Remember, this is one of the Elements of Harmony that we're talking about, you know we can't let the Iron Empire get a hold of them." Cadence said, reminding the Element wielder of her task.

Pinkie nodded. "I know! I'm just so happy to be here again! Even though I was only away for like a day, it felt like AGES! And that made me miss Ponyville a lot so I can't help but be extra super happy right now!"

Laughing at her cheerfulness, Cadence said, "I understand. Where do you think your Element is anyway Pinkie Pie?"

Pinkie Pie tapped her mouth with her hoof for a second before walking on ahead. "Everytime I head in this direction, I can feel my connection with it getting stronger."

Cadence raised a brow. "A large part of town is this way you know, you think it may have landed here when they were dropped?"

"I don't know but that doesn't matter! If it's here in Ponyville then that just means we can spend more time here than usual!" Pinkie Pie said out loud.

Pondering on her thoughts, Cadence said, "There is a slight chance that somepony may have found it. If that's the case then we should consider ourselves lucky Pinkie Pie. Finding your Element will be much easier than we thought."

Looking at the Princess for a moment, Pinkie Pie's attention as then caught by something red, she wasn't able to make it out however as it had quickly rushed out of sight. "Hmm...it's probably nothing." She said before turning to move on ahead.

Cadence, confused at her words, decided to ignore them and followed, unaware of the short red Pony who began to follow also.

The two walked on for a few good long minutes, Cadence continued to receive a few waves from Ponies that walked by, causing her to wave back. While Pinkie Pie was still daydreaming, but thankfully still looking for her Element, the Princess's attention was caught by a small group of colts and fillies who were playing a ball game.

When the ball had rolled over to her hoofs, she gently kicked it back to them, which made them kick it back towards her. Giggling at their playful attitude, she kicked it back and forth for a good little minute before noticing Pinkie Pie had gotten far ahead. "Excuse me my little Ponies, but I must attend to my duties. Perhaps we can play some more later." She said with a friendly smile. Gently patting each of their heads, she rushed off to catch up with Pinkie Pie.

"Any closer Pinkie Pie?" Cadence asked.

No reply came.

"Pinkie Pie?" Cadence tried to get her attention again but failed. She then listened and noticed Pinkie humming to herself. She rolled her eyes and chuckled. "Pinkie Pie..." She nudged the pink mare, finally getting her attention.

"Oh, sorry Princess!" Pinkie Pie said, her expression remaining as cheerful as always.

Cadence shook her head. "It's ok, just, try and focus a little more."

Nodding at her words, Pinkie Pie kept walking, she started to feel as if her Element was getting closer and closer.

Finally, the two stopped, right in front of Sugarcube Corner. "OH! SUGARCUBE CORNER! I LIVE HERE YOU KNOW! CAN WE GO IN PRINCESS?! PLEASE?! PLEASE?! PLEASE?!"

Cadence furrowed her brows at her a little. "But Pinkie..."

"PLEEEEEASE?!"

Accepting defeat, Cadence nodded. "Ok, but...try not to be too long."

"YAY!" Pinkie didn't waste any time rushing inside, Cadence followed closely.

The two of them were greeted by Mr. and Mrs. Cake. "Pinkie Pie!"

"HELLO MR. AND MRS. CAKE! HOW ARE YOU?!" Pinkie replied as she exchanged a hug with the two.

"We're doing just fine, what about you?" Mrs. Cake replied.

Pinkie waved her hoof. "Oh you know, the usual! Having fun! Meeting new Ponies!"

The two smiled at her and then turned to Cadence. "Princess Cadence! This is an unexpected surprise!" Mr. Cake said as he and his wife bowed.

"Please, there's no need to bow, I'm just another Pony here." Cadence said with a smile.

Mrs. Cake set up a table and chairs for them. "Please have a seat!"

"Thank you." Cadence said as she and Pinkie sat down. "You're too kind."

Mr. Cake chuckled. "Oh please, we're just trying our best to keep up our reputation as good hosts, we wouldn't want to start ruining it now would we?"

Cadence giggled. "Of course not."

Mrs. Cake turned to Pinkie Pie. "So what brings you and Princess Cadence here?"

Pinkie Pie thought for a moment before speaking. "Well-"

"Pinkie Pie, perhaps I should tell them." Cadence interrupted.

"BUT OF COURSE!" Pinkie replied.

Turning back to the Cakes, Cadence explained the whole situation about what had happened in Canterlot, and the situation with the Elements of Harmony, and included that Pinkie was looking for own Element which led her in Sugarcube Corner's direction.

The Cakes exchanged surprised looks before Mr. Cake went upstairs.

"Where's he going? Is something wrong? Is it Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake? Are they awake? Is it time to feed them?" Pinkie's barrage of questions was eventually silenced when Mr. Cake came back down with something in his hoofs. "HEY IS THAT WHAT I THINK IT IS?!"

Mr. Cake held it out to her. It was a gold necklace with a blue balloon shaped gem inside it. "We found this just outside town when we took our young ones out to have a picnic. We knew without a doubt it was yours Pinkie Pie because we know that you are one of the wielders of the Elements of Harmony, we've seen you with it before. Here, take it, it belongs to you."

"WOW! THIS IS AMAZING! I CAN'T BELIEVE WE HAVE IT ALREADY! I CAN'T BELIEVE-" Pinkie Pie was cut off when the door to the bakery slammed open.

They all stared in shock as a red Pony rushed right towards them, tackled Mr. Cake to the floor and snatched the Element from his hoof. "I'll take that! Thank you very much!" The red Pony said before sprinting back out.

"STOP!" Cadence got up and pursued him, Pinkie Pie, who was equally as shocked, followed after making sure Mr. Cake was okay.

Outside, Cadence could see the Pony up ahead running towards a small alley. Seeing a pile of boxes next to it, she used her magic to tumble them over, stopping him in his tracks. "Return the Element immediately!"

The red Pony faced her and smirked.

Pinkie Pie caught up and then waved at him. "OH HEY! I REMEMBER YOU! YOU WERE WITH THE OTHER PONIES IN CANTERLOT! KICKBACK RIGHT?!"

Kickback continued to smirk at them. "Glad to see you remember my name Pinkie Pie."

"But of course I remember you! You were the one who kept complaining about your coat and your mane! You know you should meet my friend Rarity! You and she are so much alike! In fact, I think you already have met her! But have you spoken with her?! Because if not then I'm sure I can introduce you to-" Pinkie Pie was interrupted when Kickback shouted over her.

"SHUT UP!"

Pinkie did indeed go silent. Kickback placed his hoof over his face for a moment before speaking. "Jeez, I've only just got here and already I've got a headache. I'm surprised you haven't driven your friends to the brink of insanity."

Cadence stepped in front of Pinkie Pie. "That's not a very nice thing to say."

Kickback rolled his eyes. "Oh please, I've said meaner things."

Looking at him up and down, Cadence set her eyes on his cutie mark, noticing it was a medical cross, much to her surprise. She then remembered what she was told about the events that transpired yesterday.

"You were one of the two Ponies who fought against my husband." Cadence said.

Kickback winked at her. "Correct! I'm flattered the Princess of the Crystal Empire would know about me. Although, this is the first time that we've actually met. Allow me to properly introduce myself. I am Kickback, Medical Officer of the Iron Empire and a member of the Iron Five. Pleasure to meet you, Princess Cadence."

Cadence just raised a brow at him. "Ok? Well, now that the introductions are out of the way, return the Element to us."

"Haha! Sorry but I can't do that, I was ordered to retrieve the Element I was sent after and I'll be damned if you think I'm just going to leave without it." Kickback said.

Cadence knew about the battle that took place yesterday. From what she was told, Kickback had apparently held his own against her husband Shining Armor in a one on one fight, though a victor wasn't decided as he had run off at one point. As she looked at him now, she was quite surprised, he was short, much shorter than her, about the same height as Pinkie Pie.

But knowing what he did yesterday, she wasn't going to make the mistake of underestimating him. "I do not wish to resort to violence, just return the Element immediately."

Kickback rolled his eyes again. "You sound just like Celestia, jeez. Well, then, I guess I'll just have to repeat myself and tell you, I am NOT returning ANYTHING."

Cadence sighed. "Fine, have it your way."

The Element was suddenly surrounded by a blue aura. Before Kickback could notice, it was suddenly yanked out of his hoofs, he watched in shock as it was levitated over to Pinkie Pie. "Put it on Pinkie, that way he won't be able to get it."

Pinkie nodded. "SURE THING PRINCESS!" Without hesitation, she put the necklace on.

"NO!" Kickback was at her face in an instant and placed one hoof over her head while the other was on her necklace. He tried pulling on it, but it wouldn't come off. "WHY...WON'T...YOU...COME...OFF!"

Cadence smiled. "It's simple Kickback, only the Element wielders themselves can take them off, as such, you've lost your chance at taking the Element."

Kickback glared at her. "Oh really? I don't think so! If I can't take the necklace, I'll just take the wielder too!" He said as he attempted to pick Pinkie Pie up.

"Oh! A piggyback ride?!" She slipped out of his grasp and jumped onto his back. Unfortunately, Kickback wasn't prepared for her weight and ended up falling to the ground.

Pinkie Pie laughed. "Come on silly! You're supposed to stand, not fall!"

"GET OFF ME!" He pushed her off and got to his hoofs, quickly patting his coat. "Thank goodness the ground here isn't as dirty."

Pinkie Pie nodded. "I know! Ponyville is such a clean and tidy and fun place isn't it?!"

Glaring at her, Kickback jumped forward, but Pinkie leaned down, forcing him to jump over her and land face first into the ground. Pinkie was tapping her front hoof on the ground. "There's just a little bit of dirt but it's nothing to worry about."

The pink mare turned around, accidentally dodging Kickback as he went to grab her again. "You know, you should really try out the sweets and the cakes in Sugarcube Corner! I'm sure if you apologize to Mr. Cake for tackling him, he'll be MORE than happy to share some with you!"

"Stay still!" Kickback yelled as he jumped at her again.

Upon turning to him, she accidentally dodged his attempt to grab her again. "Oh silly, I can't afford to stay still! I have so much fun planned out for me and my friends, it's got me all excited!"

"ARGH!" Kickback jumped at her again. This time however, she took a step towards Cadence, forcing him to miss once more and trip up.

As the red Pony was rolling towards the bakery, Pinkie was speaking to the pink Alicorn. "So Princess Cadence, when I do get the party ready, you WILL show up right?!"

Cadence smiled a little, trying her best to keep her attention off of the rolling Kickback. "Uh...of...of course Pinkie Pie...that would be-" She was interrupted by the sound of shattering glass.

The two mares turned and saw that one of the windows of the bakery was shattered. They quickly made their way towards the front of the entrance, Pinkie then shouted towards the shattered window. "Hey! Are you okay in there?!"

Silence followed for a quick moment, but eventually they heard Kickback reply from inside the bakery. "Oh...oh yes I'm fine. I'm fantastic. Nothing but sweets and ice cream in here."

Pinkie Pie smiled widely at his words. "OH! CAN I COME IN AND JOIN YOU?!"

Silence followed once more but he eventually replied. "...I'm surrounded by idiots."

Pinkie's smile then lowered. "Aww...I thought you were surrounded by sweets and ice cream."

"AAAAAHHHHHH!"

Kickback came leaping back out the shattered window, glaring madly at the two. "OF ALL THE ELEMENT WIELDERS I HAD TO GET PAIRED UP AGAINST, IT HAD TO BE YOU!"

Pinkie Pie giggled. "Oh relax, we all scream for ice cream!"

"THAT'S IT! I DON'T CARE ABOUT THE ELEMENTS ANYMORE! I JUST WANT YOU DEAD!" Kickback rushed towards the two but before he could attempt anything, he was stopped when a cake collided with the back of his head.

"AH! MY MANE!" Kickback wiped all of the frosting off of his mane, only for his head to be struck by another cake. "AH!"

Wiping the frosting off, he was eventually able to see who it was that threw the cakes. It was Mr. and Mrs. Cake themselves.

"This is for shattering our window!" Mr. Cake shouted as he threw a large cake at Kickback, covering his entire coat in white frosting.

"And THIS is for hurting my husband!" Mrs. Cake added as she struck Kickback with a large chocolate cake, covering his coat in even more frosting.

Finally, the two picked up buckets of sprinkles. "And THIS...IS FOR THREATENING PINKIE PIE!" They both said simultaneously as they threw the buckets at Kickback, covering him completely in sprinkles.

Kickback looked at his coat, then his tail. He started to pant heavily, looking as if he was about to have a panic attack. "My...my coat...MY BEAUTIFUL COAT! WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU PONIES?! HOW COULD YOU DO SUCH A HORRIBLE THING?! HAVE YOU NO RESPECT FOR STYLE?!"

Pinkie Pie giggled. "You know, if you care about style so much, you should try something different! All of that frosting looks sweet and all, but it doesn't exactly fit in the stylish department!"

Kickback, still looking at his hoofs, glared madly at Pinkie Pie, and then Princess Cadence. Refusing to have his coat ruined any further, Kickback ran off, screaming like a maniac.

"Bye! See you again Cakeback! Oops...I mean, KICKBACK!" Pinkie Pie shouted as she waved to him.

Cadence couldn't help but giggle at her words. "That was quite interesting."

"Yeah! It was wasn't it?!" Pinkie Pie said, still smiling.

Cadence turned to Mr. and Mrs. Cake. "I apologize for the trouble and the damage that was caused here today. I promise, I will make sure it gets fixed."

"It's ok Princess, we can fix it ourselves!" Mr. Cake replied.

Mrs. Cake gave Pinkie Pie a bag of donuts. "Here Pinkie Pie, for all of the trouble."

"THANK YOU MRS. CAKE!" She said as she hugged the older mare. "I'll make sure I come back to see the little ones!" She said as she began to walk away with Princess Cadence.

"BYE PINKIE PIE!" The two Cakes yelled.

When the two were alone, Cadence spoke up. "You know some nice Ponies Pinkie Pie."

Pinkie Pie nodded as she chewed on a donut. "Yup! That's why I always make friends out of everypony! Whenever you're in a tough spot, or whenever you're in trouble, your friends will be there to help you out. Because that's what friends are for!"