Twilight Sparkle was out for an evening walk near the edges of the Everfree Forest.  Somehow, she found it serene and quiet out here.  Passing by Fluttershy’s house, she walked along a path that would eventually take her past the schoolhouse, and back into Ponyville.  She intended to have another look in the schoolhouse to see if there was any evidence that somepony had cast a spell, and this time she was breaking in.  As much as Twilight didn’t want to, if her investigation was to go anywhere at all, she would need to get into the schoolhouse to have a look.

As she rounded the corner to go back towards Ponyville, she could see the schoolhouse not far away.  However, something about it was off.  She could see that the windows were lit, and silhouettes of ponies were upon the curtains.

‘Ha!’ She thought, ‘I’ve caught you now.’ She raced towards the school, and slowed down as she got closer.  Taking a small path to the right of the school, she snuck around to the windows.  Cautiously, she stuck her head up enough to see what was going on inside.  She observed four ponies, one sitting at the teachers desk.  She appeared to be reading from something.  Twilight couldn’t make out any of the conversation inside; the wooden walls were too thick to allow sound through.  She definitely saw that the pony was reading though.  As she looked at the other ponies, she noticed something in common with all of them; they were all wearing dark cloaks. ‘Concealing their identities.’ Twilight thought, ‘Pretty clever of them.’ She looked hard into the window, careful not to make any noise.  She observed a yellow pony with a palm leaf cutie mark, and two grey ponies, one with a scroll and feather for a cutie mark, and the other with a cutie mark resembling a solar eclipse.  The fourth one appeared to be blue, but the candlelight made it very hard to tell. She looked closer for the mare’s cutie mark, but struggled to see it.

“Could it be...Trixie?” She thought aloud.  Twilight edged in closer, trying to take a look at her cutie mark. Without warning, the pony at the front looked up, and gazed upon Twilight with her sunset orange eyes.  “But, that’s impossible…” Twilight said.  She began to run.  To run away from all of this.  She needed to tell somepony, anypony about all of this.  “The police!” She exclaimed.  It was the first thing she thought of in this situation.  A bright flash appeared before her eyes, and she continued running, only to hit a wooden wall.

“Well well. What do we have here?” Eclipse asked menacingly.

“Nothing!  Nothing at at all!  What’s going on? Who are you?”

“Well, you should know who I am.” Eclipse said. “But perhaps you don’t remember me very well.  We’ve only met once at my door before.” Her voice was vaguely familiar to Twilight, but she couldn’t quite put her hoof on it. Suddenly, it hit her like a wagon full of bricks.

“Starry Night?” She asked, collecting herself from the floor.

“Not quite.” Eclipse said. “You can keep calling me that if you like though.”

“Look, I’d love to stay and chat with you guys, but I really should go.”

“Hmm...I’m not sure if I can let you do that without answering a couple of questions.” Twilight was nervous about the whole scenario.  A slight glow came off of Eclipse’s horn, and a dark green field formed around Twilight.  “Alright. See that energy field? It’s going to close in on you.  When it’s done with that though, I’m not sure exactly how alive you’ll be.  So, let’s discuss a couple of things.”

“Alright, whatever you want.  Start asking away.” Twilight resigned.

“What were you doing out here this late at night?” Eclipse asked.

“Going for a walk.  I had plans to stop by here and look for evidence for an investigation.”

“Investigation? Are you with the police?”

“No.” Twilight looked frantically at the field of energy around her, which, sure enough, had started to get smaller. “A spell was cast on my friend, and Cherilee was a suspect in my investigation.  I stopped by to look for evidence supporting that theory.”

“Hmm...Ever consider dropping that investigation?”

“Not yet.”

“Consider it now.” Eclipse said in a harsh tone of voice.  She continued her questioning.  “Where were you going to go when you ran off like that?” Twilight looked downwards, avoiding eye contact with Eclipse.  She decided it was in her best interests to tell the truth.

“The police.  To tell them about this whole thing.” The sphere of energy was rapidly closing in on Twilight.

“Well well, what ever are we going to do with you?” The sphere of energy surrounding Twilight disappeared, dropping her to the floor. She was promptly carried into the air by Eclipse, letting out a scream as she levitated above the floor.  Eclipse’s horn began to glow brighter and brighter, unleashing a bright flash onto Twilight.  After the light subsided, Twilight dropped to the ground, unconscious.  Trixie spoke up for the first time since Twilight had dropped in.

“Has she left herself go or something?  She didn’t even put up a fight!”

“I don’t care about that Trixie, just get her home.  Her memories of the past hour have been eradicated.”

“Look,” Palm Branch said, “I’ll help you with that.”

“Thank you for the offer Palm,” Trixie said as her horn began to glow. “But Trixie thinks she can manage.”  Both Trixie and Twilight rose into the air, and were gone in a puff of smoke and a flash of light.

“Alright, if you insist…” Palm said to nopony in particular.  Trixie reappeared again, this time without Twilight.  

“All done.  She’s on her bed.  She’ll wake up, feeling refreshed by her unscheduled nap.”

“Good work Trixie.” Eclipse said.  As she went back to the desk, Palm spoke up again.

“Hey, when did you get so ruthless?” He asked. Eclipse turned her head back towards the yellow pony.

“When she began to intrude upon our business here.” She said.  “On the topic of which, shall we finish discussing our plan?”

“Whatever you say.” Palm said, and everypony returned to their seats. “Shouldn’t we move, just in case she comes back here?”

“We’ll be done in a few minutes anyway.” Eclipse stated,  “I don’t see the point.” With that, everypony took their seats again, and order returned to the meeting.

=================

Twilight Sparkle awoke with panic in her eyes.  The purple pony quickly looked around the room, observing the bookshelves and bedposts that made up her bedroom.

“Woah.  That was certainly a bad dream.” She had dreamt about Discord and Nightmare Moon, joining forces to rule Equestria with iron fists.  There was no escape, and the Elements of Harmony had no effect on them.  Equestria fell into a state of despair, and it was then that she woke up.  A quick brush of her mane to get rid of her bed head, she went downstairs.

“Spike!” She called out. The small dragon was quick to reply.

“Twilight!” He came out of one of the many rooms, running excitedly towards the purple pony.  “I’ve been worried sick! It’s been a few hours since you left, and I was wondering when you would get back!”

“Left? Where did I go?” She asked. She was already confused, and the slight tiredness she felt from napping certainly didn’t help.

“You went to go for a walk, and investigate the schoolhouse.  You were supposed to be back almost 2 hours ago now!  What happened?”

“Spike, you’re going crazy.  I was napping.”

“No, you left to walk.  I’m completely sure!”

“Alright then.  Explain why I just came from my bedroom.” Spike paused.

“Your...bedroom?”

“Yes, my bedroom.  Is that a problem?  Or is there some explanation for that as well?”  Spike stopped to think, recalling his time over the past couple of hours.

“Well, 2 hours ago, I heard a small thump come from your room.  I was already worried about you then, but I thought it might have just been a book dropping.”

“That’s hardly evidence, Spike.” Twilight let her mind wander for a second, thinking about the possiblities.  “What if...no. That’s ridiculous.”

“What is?” Spike inquired.

“I’m just thinking.  What if...the same spell that was cast on Rarity was also cast on me?” Suddenly, memories of the whole incident came rushing back to her.  The green energy field, Starry Night interrogating her, everything. The memory removal spell had been ineffective. “Oh. My. Gosh.”

“What?”

“Spike, take a note.” He stood with a blank stare. “NOW!”

“Right away Twilight!” He ran across the room, frantically grabbing the supplies he needed.

“This needs to get to Celestia!”

============

Canterlot Castle was normally near silent at this hour.  By now, the guards would have finished changed shifts, and the sounds of the night would be present in the courtyard. Today was different though. While the guards stood at their posts, and Luna wandered through the castle, a loud trotting of hooves in the hallways interrupted the normal peace.

"Luna!" She cried out, searching each hallway for her sister, as she ran past with incredible speed.  No sign of her Sister yet.  She made a turn left, towards the kitchen, shouting her sister's name again.  Luna burst through the kitchen door, mouth half stuffed with food.  Celestia barely stopped in time to avoid hitting the door. Luna quickly swallowed her food before speaking.

"What's the matter, sis?" Celestia was heavily panting, clearly out of breath from all the running.  Noticing this, Luna's horn began to glow, pulling a glass from one of the cupboards in the kitchen, and promptly filling it with cold water.  She placed it in front of the exhausted alicorn, who used a little bit of magic herself to take a refreshing sip of water.

"Thank you very much Luna."

"Hey, it's no problem.  I'd do anything for my big sis."

"Well, that's always comforting to know." Celestia said, placing her glass on the floor. She was still panting though. "However, what's not so comforting is the letter I just received from Twilight Sparkle." Celestia panted a couple more times. "There's an emergency in Ponyville.  We need to go there, now."

"What's happening?"

"I'll explain it later!  Now, come on!" Celestia said, beginning to run full speed again.  Luna followed shortly after, knocking over the glass of water she had given to Celestia.  The two royal sisters raced through the halls, making their way to the nearest balcony.  They rounded another corner, and Celestia could see the doors leading to the balcony, and the two guards that stood there.  "Open the door! Now!" she shouted to the guards.  The two guards looked shocked at first, but promptly reacted to Celestia's shouts.  The door was opened, and Celestia unleashed a burst of speed, running clear ahead of Luna.  She spread her wings, preparing for a running takeoff.  Luna followed suit, as the alicorns ran towards the balcony.  Celestia took off at a speed even Luna had never seen before, and Luna tried her best to keep up.  They both soared off towards Ponyville, and more specifically the Ponyville Library.

================

Twilight Sparkle was pacing back and forth in her library, as she awaited some sort of response from the princess.  The response came in the form of a loud knocking on her door. She rushed to it, to be greeted with the presence of Luna and Celestia.

"Come on in." She said quietly.  She had only been in the presence of both princesses once before, and nervousness was starting to take over.  She shook it off as Celestia spoke up.

"So Twilight, you say there is a dire situation here?"

"Yes Princess Celestia." Twilight said as she closed the door. "Dark magic has in fact made it's return to Equestria." Luna's expression turned from a serious look to one of absolute shock.  "Through study, a small group of four ponies appears to have gained a massive amount of knowledge about the dark arts, as well as putting some of it to use." Twilight paused, "I was able to identify one of the ponies, but the rest I simply have no idea about."

"I need to know one thing Twilight. Where were they last?" Celestia asked.

"The schoolhouse.  They attempted to wipe my memories of the events there, but to no avail."

"Then we must go there, immediately." Celestia said without hesitiation.

"Wait, Tia." Luna said. "If dark magic has indeed returned to Equestria, are you ready to fight it? What if-"

"Luna.  Now is not the time to worry about that.  Our first goal should be to capture and arrest these ponies!" She turned to Twilight. "Ready a transportation spell to the schoolhouse."

"Yes, princess."  Twilight's horn began to glow in preparation for this large spell.  She was not only transporting herself, but an alicorn who was much larger than herself.  Celestia turned her attention back towards Luna.

"Return to Canterlot, and gather the Royal Guard with all the speed you can.  You know where the alarm bell is, right?"

"Would you expect any less of me?"

"Of course not." Celestia said. "Bring them all to the schoolhouse.  Me and Twilight will contain the ponies inside until then.  Now, go!" She said.  Luna flew out through the door, speeding off to Canterlot again. Celestia's face now bore a look of absolute determination. "Cast the spell, Twilight." she said calmly.  Twilight did exactly that, and with a bright flash, the pair were in the field near the schoolhouse.

Inside of the schoolhouse, candles remained glowing, and 4 ponies remained inside.  Eclipse was finishing her explanation of Operation Dragon's Claw to the Shades when she saw the flash of white outside.  "Did...anypony else see that flash?" Collective nods across the room. Eclipse peeked outside, initially seeing nothing, but a glance to her right revealed a white alicorn who was looking right at her.  The shock of seeing this was complimented nicely by the purple unicorn who she had seen mere minutes ago.  The mare whose memories were supposed to be wiped.  Why was she here?  How could she have even remembered what happened?  Her thoughts were interupted by another disturbing sight.  The horns of both the alicorn and the unicorn began to glow, and a white field of energy was cast over the schoolhouse; from what Eclipse could tell, it was a force field to block their escape.  Mere seconds after, a shrill alarm bell pierced the night's silence.

Eclipse was starting to panic now.  She knew exactly what that bell was, and she also knew that the alicorn outside was Celestia.  Both meant trouble for everypony in the Shades.  Trixie's voice burst forth in the classroom.

"What's going on? Who's outside? Trixie demands answers!" she shouted.

"Celestia's outside," Eclipse started, "And she does not look happy."  Eclipse ran towards her desk, and began to quickly gather her supplies. "This meeting is officially adjourned.  If you wish to not be detained, I suggest you come with me."  After stuffing her notes into a bag, she pushed the teacher's desk forward, revealing a small hatch.  She opened it, revealing Cherilee's secret path; her final escape route.  Regrettably for Eclipse, she had no idea where this path lead. She had never used it before.

"What the hay are you doing Eclipse?!" Palm Branch asked.

"Shut up and follow me, everypony!"  With that, Eclipse climbed down into the small path.  The rest of the Shades followed closely, shutting the door behind them.  The force of the impact was enough to shake the desk in front of this exit, and it was violent enough to knock a candle off of the desk.

Luna arrived outside with a small group of Celestia's elite guards.  Celestia gave them a small briefing about the situation, and lowered the energy field surrounding the building.  The guards moved in around the door, and prepared to kick it in.  One of the larger ponies stepped in, and with a quick buck, the door was down, allowing a rush of oxygen to come pouring into the room.  The fire in the schoolhouse, which had caught to a few wooden boards already, was quickly spreading now, and there was nothing the guards could do about that.  They quickly moved back, approaching Celestia and Twilight again, and asking them to do the same.  The group of ponies could do nothing now, except for sit back and watch the school burn.  Any evidence they could have hoped to find was now being consumed by flames and smoke.  The ponies inside however, escaped unharmed.  After about a half an hour, the flames that had been raging inside the building died down, leaving nothing but a smoldering wreck. Celestia turned to the head guard, and promptly told him:

"The guards are dismissed now." Celestia said.  Without another word, the guards flew off to Canterlot again.  Their wings beat against the night air, creating ever so slight disturbances.  A short silence occurred as they flew away, which was broken by Twilight.

"Let's go back to the library, and talk about this whole mess."

"That is the best course of action at this stage." Luna said.  Celestia nodded, and the three ponies began making their way back to the library.

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