Chapter 19:

'Reliable Allies'

Only a short amount of time went by after Celestia, Luna and their subjects arrived back into Canterlot. Twilight Sparkle and Princess Cadence wasted no time in taking the still unconscious Starlight to the castle's medical quarters. Spike had decided to go with them, as he too was overly worried about his friend and wanted to make sure he was okay.

Celestia and Luna asked their guards why they hadn't shown up. Words were not enough to describe how angry Luna was when she was informed that Dusk told the guards to remain in Canterlot. Suffice to say, she was overly furious.

Thankfully, Luna was able to regain her composure, with Celestia's help of course. The Princesses ordered their guards to escort the Element wielders to a few spare rooms so that they could rest, knowing they really needed it.

Shining Armor remained by their side, the three were eagerly awaiting Dusk's arrival after Luna sent a guard to request his presence in the throne room.

Atleast ten minutes went by, and Luna was starting to get impatient already. Celestia knew this and was about to try and calm her sister down, until the throne room doors swung open, the golden armoured Prince himself slowly entered, followed by Magister Sky Shadow.

"If you wanted to speak with me, you could have come to me instead. I was busy tending to important matters." Dusk stated in his usual calm, cold and bored tone.

Luna narrowed her eyes at him. "Well this is an important matter."

Dusk returned her glare with one of his own. "Do tell."

"Prince Dusk, Luna had ordered our guards to meet up with us outside Ponyville to confront Metal Wing, but they never showed. When we returned, the guards informed us that you had told them to remain in Canterlot. Why?" Celestia asked in a calm tone.

Dusk sighed. "Isn't it obvious?"

Celestia and Luna gave him confused looks. Facing them again, Dusk said, "Tell me Princesses, how important is Canterlot?"

"Very. It is the Capital of Equestria after all." Luna replied.

Dusk nodded. "Right. Now, I had sent out a few scouts to fly around and keep an eye out for any signs of the enemy, and as soon as you and Celestia left, those scouts returned. They informed me that a force of Iron guards were heading in this direction. I stopped your guards and told them to remain here in Canterlot, because I assumed that the Iron guards were heading this way to attack."

The Alicorn sisters exchanged glances before turning back to the golden armoured Prince. Dusk turned his back to them as he continued. "My scouts weren't specific on their numbers, so I merely took the course of action that I deemed most appropriate and ordered your guards to remain in Canterlot so as to keep its defences strong. Had I allowed your guards to leave and carry out the order you gave to them, it would have weakened the defences here and the Iron guards would have overwhelmed us."

Luna narrowed her eyes again. "But those Iron guards were the same ones that arrived to assist Metal Wing."

"Indeed." Dusk replied as he sighed again. "A slight error on my part and I will apologize for it. I know the two of you are Equestria's rulers, but I also know how important this city is. I merely deemed Canterlot's protection to be more important. Besides, from the look of things, the two of you made it out okay, and no attack came on Canterlot either, which we should be thankful for."

Celestia and Luna took a moment to process what the Prince of the North Kingdom had told them. He believed that the Iron guards he was informed of were heading their way to attack the city, and he decided Canterlot's protection was more important than their own safety and as such, he acted out on the course of action he believed was for the best.

Although she didn't say it, Celestia did admit that it was an understandable reason. Luna knew that too but she was still suspicious of the golden armoured Prince.

Magister Sky Shadow stepped forward and spoke. "I understand if you had a close call with Metal Wing and his troops, but please don't take it the wrong way. Prince Dusk was merely concerned for the safety of your Kingdom, and he did say to you that he would ensure its protection."

The silver armoured Pegasus did indeed bring up a good point. Dusk had mentioned in his letters that he would ensure his reliability by helping to protect their Kingdom, and, despite the tough situation the Princesses found themselves in not too long ago, he stood by those words.

Celestia sighed a little before giving him a smile. "I understand, thank you Dusk. We are glad to have a reliable ally like you on our side."

Luna wanted to scoff at her sisters words but refrained from doing so. She merely gave a simple nod to make sure they knew she was agreeing with her sister, but inside, she still had doubts.

"Now, since that is out of the way, is there anything else we should discuss?" Dusk said.

Celestia looked at the floor and thought for a moment. "Yes. It involves the situation with the Elements of Harmony."

"I'm assuming the search didn't go well?" Dusk replied as he faced them again.

"Actually..." Celestia started before giving him another smile. "It went very well. Five of the Elements of Harmony were recovered."

Dusk's eyes widened but he quickly regained his calm expression. "Five huh? And...what happened to the sixth?"

Shining Armor stepped forward and answered him. "Vanisher took it."

Turning to him, Dusk said, "Vanisher?"

"Yeah, the Unicorn with the blindfold." Shining Armor said before looking down at his bandaged body. "He's also the one who did this to me."

Sky Shadow merely glared at Shining Armor from behind his helmet. 'Hmph. That's only a small fragment of what you deserve.'

Celestia sighed. She recalled the events that took place yesterday when the Iron Five had infiltrated Canterlot. She remembered how Vanisher had caused the deaths of some of their guards, and it forced her to let out a sad sigh before facing Shining Armor again. "I'm just glad you're still alive Captain."

Shining smiled slightly at her.

Dusk rolled his eyes and spoke again. "In any case, the enemy has one of the Elements of Harmony while we have five, but even so, unless all six are together, they're useless."

"We will find a way to get it back, but when the time comes, I just hope we don't have to resort to using the Elements." Celestia said.

Sky Shadow decided to speak again. "So, what is our next step?"

Luna thought for a moment before replying. "I shall order a few of my guards to go and scout out the area near the Smokey Mountain, considering you said the enemy has a secret stronghold set up there." She said as she glared at Dusk.

Dusk narrowed his eyes at her. "I said I had reason to believe they do. That doesn't mean the information is fully accurate, but by all means, be my guest."

Luna glared at him once again before calling in one of her guards. The others remained silent and pondered their thoughts while the Princess of the Night was issuing her orders to the guard. As soon as she was finished, the guard gave a quick bow before rushing out of the throne room. Luna turned to her sister and said, "My guards will begin their task later tonight, so as to avoid being detected by enemy scouts."

Shining Armor stepped forward. "Since we don't know what our enemy is planning at the moment, and until Princess Luna's guards return from scouting the Smokey Mountain, all we can do is wait."

Dusk nodded. "Indeed. I can only hope your guards will be up to the task Luna."

Luna glared at him once again. 'He is starting to get on my last nerve.'

Celestia looked outside the throne room balcony. "Well, like Shining Armor said, until the scouts get back, all we can do is wait."

Sky Shadow spoke up again. "Princess, I would like to make a suggestion that would allow us to use up some time."

Facing him, Celestia said, "What would that be Magister Sky Shadow?"

"Considering that Prince Dusk and Princess Twilight Sparkle are to be married, would it not be in the best interest of both our Kingdoms to celebrate their marriage with a royal banquet?" Sky Shadow replied. "As you said, all we can do is wait. And a royal banquet would be one of the best ways to spend some time, it would also allow us to get more acquainted with each other."

Celestia pondered this for a moment. "You do bring up a good point Magister Sky Shadow." She turned to the golden armoured Prince. "What about you Dusk? Does a royal banquet to celebrate your marriage sit well with you?"

Dusk faced her. "Do as you like." He merely replied before turning to leave.

Sky Shadow spoke up again. "Prince Dusk, since Princess Twilight Sparkle is back, perhaps now would also be a good time to get to know your future wife."

Facing the silver armoured Pegasus, Dusk said, "I will speak with her later, for now, I have important things to take care of." He replied before leaving the throne room.

Luna finally spoke again. "I can only take so much of that attitude of his."

Sky Shadow faced her and gave a quick bow. "My apologies Princess Luna. Prince Dusk has been through quite a lot in his life, and it has had quite...an effect on him."

Celestia faced him, her expression changing into one of curiosity. "What exactly has he been through Sky Shadow?"

Looking at the floor, Sky Shadow said, "I'm...I'm sorry Princess, but it is not my place to speak of another's personal life. Perhaps you could ask Prince Dusk himself at the banquet."

Celestia nodded. "I understand. Thank you anyway Magister. My sister and I will indeed hold this banquet tonight, besides, I think it's only right that we also take it as an opportunity to learn more about each other, don't you think?"

Sky Shadow chuckled. "You couldn't be more correct your highness."

Giggling a little at his words, Celestia turned to Luna. "Sister, let us go and speak with the royal chefs."

Luna replied with a nod and followed her sister out of the throne room, leaving only Shining Armor and Sky Shadow.

The two stood in silence, remaining motionless as they stared at the floor. After a long minute went by, Shining Armor decided to speak up. "So...Sky Shadow..."

Sky Shadow faced him.

Shining Armor raised a brow at the Magisters silence. "Umm..."

"What is it?" Sky Shadow asked, his tone was no longer the same kind and friendly one that Shining had been hearing the whole time, but rather, it was now a cold tone.

Assuming the Magister wasn't in the mood to have a friendly conversation, Shining Armor sighed and turned to leave. "Never mind."

When the Captain left the throne room, Sky Shadow narrowed his eyes and said, "Soon enough, Shining Armor, soon enough."

________________________________________________________________________________________

After being escorted to a few spare rooms by the guards, the Element wielders decided to go and see how Starlight was doing before getting some rest. They decided to keep their Elements on them for the moment until the Princesses decided that they be placed in a more secure location of the castle.

Various thoughts were running through their heads right now. Each of them were thinking back to their separate encounters with the Iron Five. Pinkie Pie was giggling a little when she remembered Kickback screaming like a maniac after he got covered in cake. Applejack herself winced a little when she remembered how Air Break almost strangled her to death. Rarity felt herself blushing a little when she recalled how Cloud Hunter had jumped into a pool of filthy mud and retrieved her Element for her. Fluttershy on the other hoof was still too upset over the fact that Vanisher had taken her Element, and she knew that wouldn't have happened if she hadn't helped him. But again, if she hadn't helped him, she wouldn't be walking with her friends right now.

Rainbow Dash had mixed feelings right now. She was still angry that she couldn't give Blitz Bolt the pounding he deserved, and she was upset when she remembered how Lightning Dust had lashed out at her for what happened back at The Wonderbolts Academy. But despite that, the thought she couldn't push out of her head was when she was lying on top of Blitz Bolt after the two of them crashed.

Despite these thoughts, the one common thought that they were all thinking about was had happened not too long ago. The clash between Metal Wing and Stormrage.

"What in tarnation was that thing?" Applejack asked.

Rainbow Dash shrugged as she slowly flew above her friends. "I don't know, but did you see how he just stood his ground?! That was awesome! That Mad Unicorn or whatever he is was so fast!"

Rarity looked at the cyan Pegasus and said, "Would you be saying that if he attacked us?"

Rainbow looked away and remained silent, unable to think a reply to the Unicorn's words.

Fluttershy decided to speak up. "Why...why didn't it...I mean, why didn't he attack us?"

"I'm not quite sure darling, but we should be grateful that he didn't. We all saw what that Mad Unicorn was able to do against Metal Wing. Just imagine how awful it would have been if the Princesses fought him!" Rarity replied.

Pinkie Pie giggled. "Maybe he's here to help us! I mean, like you said, he didn't attack us! Maybe he wants to be our friend! That would be amazing! To have another friend to hang out with and talk to and-"

"Pinkie Pie..." Rarity and Applejack said.

"Oops, uh sorry." Pinkie Pie replied with a giggle.

Rarity sighed. "In any case, we should be more careful from now on. That Mad Unicorn is clearly dangerous, although, I really wonder who is more dangerous here, him or Metal Wing."

Rainbow Dash cut in. "Don't forget about Blitz Bolt and his crew of jerks!"

Rarity stared at the cyan Pegasus, eyes widened. "How...how can you say such a thing?! I admit that most of them are indeed nothing but a bunch of mindless brutes, but...Cloud Hunter, he's not really as bad as you think."

Fluttershy spoke up. "I...I agree."

Rainbow Dash stared at the two for a moment before replying. "Give me a break! Remember what they did Twilight?!"

"If I remember correctly, they didn't physically harm her in any way, they merely used a spell on her from what I recall." Rarity replied.

Before Rainbow Dash could reply again, Applejack interrupted. "Ya bring up a good point Rainbow, but jus' think about it fer a second. They ain't exactly yer normal everyday Ponies. Obviously they..." She stopped for a moment when she thought back on what Air Break said to her. "Obviously they've been through some tough situations in their lives, ah mean, no normal Pony would act like the way they do without a reason."

Pinkie Pie giggled. "I completely agree! They're actually pretty funny! I like them!"

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes and landed on the floor to walk alongside them. "You go ahead and keep thinking that."

"Well now, what do we have here?" A cold, deep voice said.

The five mares stopped in their tracks and turned to the source of the voice, standing in front of them was the black armoured Magister, Black Lance. Rainbow Dash narrowed her eyes at him.

Letting out an amused chuckle, Black Lance said, "So it would appear that all of you managed to get back your Elements..." He then looked at Fluttershy and waited for a moment before continuing. "Well...almost all of you."

Fluttershy slowly took a step back and looked at the floor. Rainbow Dash noticed the sad look on her friends face and immediately flew towards Black Lance until her eyes were mere inches away from the slit of his helmet. "Watch what you say about my friend! She didn't have it as easy as the rest of us, that's why she couldn't get her Element!"

Black Lance chuckled again. "Oh really? Even so, considering you're the wielders of the Elements of Harmony, you should have had no problem getting back what is supposed to be yours..." He grinned behind his helmet as he looked back at Fluttershy. "If one of you isn't capable of doing such a simple thing, you clearly don't deserve to hold on to an Element."

Fluttershy could feel tears forming in her eyes.

Rainbow Dash growled. "That's it! Let's go! Right now!" She said as she backed away and put her hoofs up.

"Rainbow Dash!" Rarity charged up her horn and used her magic to levitate the cyan Pegasus away from the Magister. "Remember what happened yesterday! Don't make the same mistake twice!"

"But...but he...!" Rainbow Dash tried to argue but the look Rarity gave her silenced her.

Black Lance chuckled again. "She is right you know. I could have executed you on the spot for attempting to attack me yesterday, you should consider yourself lucky that I was willing to show mercy."

Applejack stepped forward. "Ya didn't show any mercy at all! Princess Luna was the one who stopped ya!"

Facing her, Black Lance said, "Is that what you think? Well you're wrong. I could have struck Luna down just as easily, but again, I was feeling merciful and decided to let it go."

Pinkie Pie trotted towards the Magister, still smiling. "You know, it isn't nice to threaten other Ponies! Maybe if you just take the time to sit down and have a cupcake with somepony like Princess Luna, you'll find that the two of you could actually be good friends! It is so fun to make new friends!"

Black Lance chuckled again. "I'm not interested in making friends with anypony. Having friends only holds you back. They're a weakness, and as such, it's always better for you to be without them."

They all just stared at him, wide-eyed at what he said.

After a long silence, Rarity spoke up. "...How can you say such a thing?"

"Easy, I just did." Black Lance replied.

Pinkie Pie started bouncing around him. "Well that won't do! Not having friends is no fun at all! If you want though, I'LL be your friend! I can show you around Ponyville and introduce you to all of my friends there too! Then they can be your friends aswell and then you'll have more friends!"

Black Lance grabbed Pinkie Pie and shoved her into her friends, much to their shock. "Be silent. Your continuous chatter is torture to my ears."

Pinkie Pie just stared at him, also shocked that he had just shoved her aside. She could now feel tears beginning to form in her eyes.

Rainbow Dash glared at him. "That's it! You're going down!"

The cyan Pegasus shot forward and attempted to strike the Magister. As she threw her hoof forward, Black Lance dodged it and stepped to the side, he then hammered his armoured hoof down on Rainbow Dash's back, earning a loud painful cry from the Pegasus as she landed on the floor.

Just as Rainbow Dash was about to get back up, Black Lance hammered his hoof down on her back again and kept her pinned to the floor. "Just so you know, I don't give mercy a second time..." He said as he charged up his horn.

As Black Lance kept Rainbow Dash pinned on the floor with one hoof, he raised his other hoof and a long thin sword appeared in it. "Don't worry, I'll make sure it's quick and painless."

Applejack stepped forward. "L-Let her go right now!"

"She attacked me, and now she must pay the price." Black Lance replied as he kept his gaze on Rainbow Dash, who was trying her best to break out of his grasp.

Black Lance raised his sword and smirked behind his helmet. "Farewell."

"NO! DON'T!" Rarity cried out.

Black Lance was about to swing his sword down. At the same time, Applejack was just about to rush him, until they were both stopped by a calm toned voice.

"That's enough Black Lance."

The Magister froze, whereas the Element wielders all turned to the source of the voice. Slowly approaching them, was Magister Freed. "Put your sword away. Now."

Black Lance just glared at Freed from behind his helmet. "And if I refuse?"

Rarity, Fluttershy, Applejack and Pinkie Pie all nervously looked back and forth between the two Magisters, while Rainbow Dash finally stopped struggling and looked up at Magister Freed.

Freed sighed and charged up his horn.

Before Black Lance could even react, he suddenly found that he was unable to move a single part of his body. The mares next to them could do nothing but stare in shock.

Black Lance slowly looked down and found that his legs were all tied up by a large chain. The chain itself was wrapped around each of his four legs and stopped at his neck, preventing him from bringing his sword down on Rainbow Dash. He attempted to charge up his own horn, but found that he couldn't.

"Let Rainbow Dash go, or I will crush every bone in your body." Freed threatened, his tone remained ever calm.

Growling at Freed's threat, Black Lance sighed. "Fine." He spat.

The chain slowly loosened, just enough for Black Lance to take his hoof off of Rainbow Dash's back. As soon as the cyan Pegasus was able to stand again, she backed away towards her friends.

The glow around Freed's horn disappeared, the chain eventually followed, releasing Black Lance. The two Magisters faced each other, the Element wielders found it difficult to figure out the expressions on their faces due to the helmets they were wearing.

With his sword disappearing into thin air, Black Lance turned and walked away.

Freed waited until he was fully out of sight before turning back to the five mares. "My apologies Element wielders, as I'm sure you already know by now, Black Lance detests all of you."

Applejack smiled at him. "That's alright, we can't expect everypony ta like us now can we?"

Chuckling, Freed said, "Too true." He turned to Rainbow Dash. "Rainbow Dash, how are you feeling? He didn't hurt you did he?"

Rainbow Dash put on a confident look and said, "No way! Not at all! I'm perfectly fine! It takes a lot to keep me down!"

Once again, Freed chuckled. "I'm sure." He turned to Pinkie Pie and approached her. He held his hoof out to her and said, "What about you? Are you okay?"

Pinkie Pie smiled and jumped back to her hoofs. "Of course I'm okay!"

"That's good." Freed replied.

Rarity took a small step forward and said, "Um, thank you for helping us good sir."

Freed looked at her and smiled behind his helmet. "Think nothing of it. It is one thing to pick on others that are smaller than you, but to threaten a group of young mares, that is something I will not tolerate."

Rarity giggled. "My, you are...quite the noble gentlecolt aren't you?"

Chuckling at her words, Freed slowly approached Rarity. "I would like to think so Miss Rarity."

Rarity blushed a little at his words and looked away.

Noticing how shy she was being, Freed chuckled again and turned around. "If you find yourself in need of assistance, don't be afraid to seek me out."

With that, Magister Freed walked away.

As soon as the Magister was gone, Rarity let out sigh of relief.

"Somethin' wrong?" Applejack asked.

Rarity shook her head. "No dear, I'm absolutely fine." She then smiled a little as she looked down the hallway where Freed had gone. "That Magister Freed, he is such a kind Stallion. Never have I met such a good mannered Pony like him before. Oh and that foreign accent of his, he's so...so..." Rarity realised that her friends were still right next to her. Blushing madly, she quickly trotted down the hallway. "Um...l-let's go and see how Starlight is doing."

Applejack and Pinkie Pie just exchanged confused glances before following her.

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes and turned to Fluttershy. Noticing the shy Pegasus was still upset, she put one of her hoofs around her and said, "Hey, just ignore what that jerk said earlier."

Fluttershy looked at her friend and tried to smile. "I...I will. He was just...he was just being mean."

"Exactly, don't let what he said get to you Fluttershy. Come on, we better make sure the others don't get ahead of us." Rainbow Dash said before flying off to catch up with the others.

Fluttershy looked back at the floor and let out a sad sigh. "But...what if he's right?"

________________________________________________________________________________________

"UNBELIEVABLE! ABSOLUTELY UNBELIEVABLE!"

With the exception of Vanisher, the Iron Five all cringed as Metal Wing's voice boomed throughout the entire throne room.

Metal Wing paced back and forth as his officers were lined up in front of him. Lightning Dust, who was also stricken with fear, stood behind Cloud Hunter and remained silent.

"Five! There were five Elements of Harmony out there, all ripe for the taking! And yet Vanisher is the only who comes back with something, while the rest of you return empty-hoofed and full of excuses!" Metal Wing shouted.

Again, the Iron King paced back and forth for a moment before stopping at Cloud Hunter. "So tell me Cloud Hunter, what's YOUR excuse?"

Cloud Hunter slowly bowed his head. "I have none, lord Metal Wing. I will accept any punishment you deem necessary."

Metal Wing just stared at his Commander for a moment before turning away. "Forget it."

Cloud Hunter raised his head and stared at the Iron King with a surprised expression. "My lord?"

The armoured Unicorn slowly paced back and forth again as he spoke. "When it comes down to it, having just one Element in our possession is more than enough. As long as the Element wielders don't have all six, they won't be able to use them."

Blitz Bolt took a step forward. "But, won't they try and take it back?"

Metal Wing smirked. "They will have to find our location first, and even then, my ally in Canterlot will ensure that doesn't happen." He turned back to his officers. "Now then, who is this you have brought before me?" He asked as he set his eyes on Lightning Dust.

Cloud Hunter looked back at Lightning Dust for a moment before replying. "This is Lightning Dust, she wishes to join the Iron Empire."

Metal Wing raised a brow and turned back to the cyan Pegasus. "You wish to join us do you?"

Lightning Dust slowly stepped forward. "Y-Yes..."

"And...tell me, Lightning Dust, what reason do you have for wanting to join the Iron Empire?" Metal Wing asked.

The cyan Pegasus was still too afraid but she managed to find the confidence to reply. "Is...is revenge a good enough reason?"

Metal Wing just looked at her a moment. After pondering his thoughts, he said, "I see..."

His words caught her attention as she looked back up at him. Metal Wing smirked and turned to Blitz Bolt. "Blitz Bolt, show Lightning Dust around, help her get acquainted with the troops. Make sure you find her a spare room too."

Blitz Bolt nodded. "Yes lord Metal Wing..." He turned to the cyan Pegasus and motioned for her to follow him. "Come on, let's go."

Lightning Dust looked back at Metal Wing once more before following the silver Pegasus.

Metal Wing sighed. "Right now, I am not in the mood for details, I shall speak with Lightning Dust later about her role in our army."

Air Break spoke up next. "So, what next lord Metal Wing?"

"We wait. Until then, you are all off-duty." The Iron King said.

"Understood." Air Break replied before leaving the throne room.

Despite what Metal Wing said, Cloud Hunter had a personal task he needed to take care of and left the throne room next.

Metal Wing turned to the blind Unicorn. "Vanisher, if we are to remain one step ahead of our enemy, as the Iron Empire's Surveillance Commander, I am relying on you to continue gathering information."

Vanisher nodded and turned to leave the throne room.

Metal Wing smirked. "Kickback, Vanisher will gather all the information we need, and when the time comes, our victory will be swift, and I will rule as Equestria's king."

Kickback looked at the silent Unicorn and nodded. "Yes, lord Metal Wing. We are...fortunate, to have an ally like Vanisher on our side."

As Vanisher used his magic to open the throne room doors, Metal Wing took a moment to look at the bandages around the blind Unicorns body.

When Vanisher left, Metal Wing returned his gaze to Kickback. "Also, as soon as he is finished with his task, see about getting him proper medical treatment. Make sure none of his wounds are infected or anything."

Kickback bowed. "Yes lord Metal Wing." He replied before leaving the throne room.

________________________________________________________________________________________

Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo sat in the dark room in silence. Even though they were no longer in the presence of the scary armoured Stallion, they were still afraid, worrying about what would happen to them.

The three fillies sat next to each other on the bed. There were a few old books in the room that they could read, but reading wasn't exactly one of their favourite hobbies.

They barely spoke. They continued to think of their families, their sisters, whom they really missed. Even though they had only been in the dark castle for about a day now, they were already starting to lose hope.

Of course, they remembered what the tall blue Pegasus had said to them a while ago, about getting them out, but they immediately assumed he was lying.

Apple Bloom just wanted to see her sister again and give her a big hug. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were no different, as they both wanted to see Rarity and Rainbow Dash, and give them the biggest hugs possible. But despite only spending a short time in the dark castle, they started assuming that they would never see their sisters ever again. No more school for them either. No more attempts to get their Cutie Marks.

The thoughts of never seeing their sisters was too much for them, and the three fillies were just about to shed their tears until...

The room door slammed open, giving the Cutie Mark Crusaders a massive scare.

Entering the room, was Cloud Hunter.

Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo looked up at the tall blue Pegasus, fear consuming them as they stared into his piercing red eyes.

Finally, the three fillies were given renewed hope when Cloud Hunter spoke.

"So...do you want to go home?"