Author's Notes:

After a MEGA-LONG wait, episode nineteen is finally here! I hope you all enjoy it.

WARNING: There is more mature themes and language in this chapter. If you aren't good with things like that, I'd suggest not reading.

"You want to WHAT!?"

A piercing indignation boils within the stallion as he glares angrily into the awkwardly smiling face of his friend. He can't believe what she's saying. It's just ludicrous! After all that they've gone through in these recent months. Everything they've been doing to stop the return of Oblivion. The hardships, pains, losses and funerals. Now she just wants to go and throw it all away for something as trivial as this!? It's not even worth considering! It's not going to happen. So, standing firm in place, body erect and expression stoic, Terra looks straight into her eyes and forcefully tells the young mare “no”. However, to his chagrin, Bri just doesn't seem to understand, and continues to argue her position on the matter.

"I won these tickets months ago, Terra. Going to the Detrot City Music Festival is something I've dreamed about since I was a filly, and now, now I finally 'ave the chance to go. I am NOT missing out on this once in a lifetime opportunity just because you're being a no-fun stick in the mud."

"A stick in the mud!? Are you bucking serious!? Oblivion is on the ascent you idiot! Every day we spend wasting time, he just gets stronger and stronger. Eventually he's going to become too strong to take down, and then what!? Oh, and on top of it all, he's had his agents kidnap Princess Aurora! Get your priorities in line for crying out loud! We need to be working with the royal guard in finding and rescuing the princess, then stopping Oblivion once and for all! We already took that worthless little vacation, which ended up just being more work anyways. We don't have anymore time for leisure! Equestria's lost four princesses already! We can't afford to let it lose another!"

"I'm the idiot!? If you haven't noticed, Oblivion isn't at full strength! He's not even close to it thanks to Starswirl's sacrifice! That put him back by a LARGE margin, you bloody twit! He doesn't even 'ave enough power to do much of anything over a couple of days, and I doubt he has any reason to even try! I for one have faith in the royal guard. I trust that they will rescue the princess, and they don't need us getting in the way! We are more than deserving and needing of some REAL time off!"

Raising a hoof to his face, Terra lets out an exasperated sigh as he turns his back to Bri. He tries hard to control his growing frustration and anger, but it just continues to bubble up inside of him with every naïve word the mare speaks. Eventually, he just isn't able to take it any longer, and angrily yells out, "You know what!? FINE! Abandon Equestria! Abandon everything that truly matters right now and go to your stupid little concert! But I'm staying here, and will actually be working to try and stop this catastrophic threat! You can go and waste your life away on petty little entertainment! It just goes to show how little you bucking care about the lives of all those who have already died, and all those who probably will continue to die in the future!"

The remaining seven of the friends stand there beside the two arguing ponies, watching as the scene unfolds before them. Their mouths drop open at the words both had been saying, and especially Terra's final accusation. Star had never heard either of them speak like this before, especially Bri. She's known the mare for almost her entire life, and in those many years, she's only known her to be joyful, kind, and considerate of her friends feelings. Sure, she's always been a little eccentric, but she's never gotten mean and angry like this, at least not seriously. Star never could have imagined that the bubbly mare she befriended when she was but a little filly could hold, much less unleash, so much animosity towards a friend like that.

Standing to the direct left of the confused mare is Scatter, who seems to be at just as much a loss for words as her. It's true that he's one of the newest members of their group, and hasn't known Bri or any of the others for that long. However, for the short time he has, he's always seen Bri as happy and cheerful. The only times when she wasn't was when she was sorrowful over the lack of joy in others, such as when they went to the mountain village with Babe. Her personality has always been bright and happy, and has always brought a smile to his face. It's terrible to see her like this. Nopony is smiling now.

"I...I agree with Bri," Scatter suddenly speaks up, looking down at his front hooves as he stands in solidarity with the friend who had shown him so much love and kindness. Something that he hadn't experienced since the disappearance of Pinkie Pie almost sixteen years ago now. The sudden declaration captures Terra's attention, and the stallion turns on the spot. His face shows an anger-filled, but surprised and confused, expression. He just can't understand what could be going through these ponies’ heads. To choose a concert over the fate of Equestria is madness! At that moment, he watches as more of his friends join Bri and Scatter, also choosing to go to Detrot over helping find Princess Aurora. Star, Agelian, and Dinky all stand beside the two, appearing nervous but confident in their choice.

Of course they understand that finding the princess is an important task. Celestia, Luna, Cadance, and Twilight had all disappeared all those years ago, and Princess Aurora was the only one left. Now she's gone too, and all of the country is in a panic. However, right now, they honestly do need a break. Everything they've gone through lately has taken it's toll on them. However, Devlin, Chupa, and Meteor all clearly show their disagreement as they walk over to Terra's side instead, standing firmly upon their wish to do whatever they can to save Equestria from Oblivion's threat.

Terra glares over at the other group, then grunts out, "I guess that's it then, our friendship's over. We're splitting up." Turning, he then faces those who had agreed to stay with him, and adds, "Thank you all for making the right choice and not abandoning your country in its time of need. You are honorable, wise, and strong. And you will be remembered in history, while others fizzle out into obscurity."

Glaring over at him, having overheard his words to the others, Bri mimics Terra's actions and turns to those who had decided to join her. With a bright smile, though not as genuine as those she had given in the past, she loudly tells them, "Thank YOU for staying by my side. We've 'ad so many troubles lately. Atticus' possession and forced cannibalism, Starswirl's death, the Snooty Shoes’ murder, and that long journey into the mountains that I 'ad to undergo with the Brotherhood of Silent Pathfinders. A break from all that to enjoy some great music and wonderful fellowship with friends will be good for us all. Those prats can go and overwork themselves all they want, but we're going to make sure that we see the light amongst the darkness. We're going to spend this time actually living life. That's what Princess Aurora would want us to do."

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A large blast of hot steam explodes out from the train as the brakes begin to kick in. The Friendship Express slows to a stop as it pulls into the small Hollow Shades station, about fives miles north of the swamp town itself, and one stop before Manehattan. The five friends who had decided to leave Ponyville and instead attend the three day music festival climb down from the train, their bags in tow. They smile at each other, ready to continue their journey to Detrot, which unfortunately for them, doesn't have its own station yet. The tracks that will lead to it from Manehattan are still under construction. Right now, because of how clear and straight the path is, this is the quickest way to get there. So now they have to undergo quite the hike if they are to reach the Trotor City before nightfall and get some well deserved rest at the HenCen Hotel.

As they leave the station after making sure they have everything, the ponies begin their northward trek to Detrot, following a crude and worn out map they had bought from a shady stallion with a brown coat back at the Ponyville Station. Now that she has time to really think about it, Bri has to wonder if she paid a little too much for it. Thirty bits for a dirty old map seems to be quite steep. Fortunately she has been saving up her money for this trip for a long time now, so it's not like she doesn't have the funds. Still though, it's almost seems like they were ripped off. Either way, it's too late now. So there's nothing she could do about it anyways.

For the early portion of their walk, the group is encompassed in a gloomy silence. The sting of the rage-fueled disagreement is still felt within their hearts. They lost friends today, and it seems doubtful that they'll ever get them back. Terra, Chupa, Devlin, and Meteor. They've gone down a separate path that they can't, and won't, follow. It pains them all to have to split like this, but in the end, maybe it's for the best. Maybe this was a long time coming. Maybe...friendship isn't magic. Now they just wish to continue on in silence. Peace and quiet for once. Even the train ride just to get to this point had been unusually quiet for them. But right now, it's what they need.

About half an hour passes, and the wooded area begins to grow in density. Trees surround them on all sides, insects buzz around unapologetically, and every now and then, the roar of a wild animal is heard somewhere in the distance. Almost makes them wish they had brought Fluttershy along. Suddenly, Agelian stops and decides to break the silence, asking his friends, "Is this right?" At first, as his friends all stop and turn to look at him, he's met with some odd stares and confused glances. So he explains, "Was it right for us to leave Ponyville for something like this? I mean, maybe we SHOULD have stayed back to help. Terra was right when he said that Equestria's in huge danger right now. And with Prince Blueblood being the only royalty left in the entirety of the country, we're in really bad shape. Even if Prince Shining Armor could come from the Crystal Empire to lend his support, it'd only endanger his own home."

"I understand your concern, but let's look at the facts here. We were kidnapped by those Agents of Oblivion as well, and since being rescued, Princess Aurora's abduction was the ONLY move they've made. Otherwise, it's been fairly peaceful for these past two weeks, despite everypony panicking over the entire kidnapping. We spent this entire time since then working on finding the princess and protecting the country. We've done our part, and deserve a break to just enjoy ourselves and have fun for the first time in a long time," Scatter replies.

Bri nods in agreement, a gentle and thankful smile spreading across her face as she turns to her friend. However, Agelian reiterates the fact that Equestria NEEDS Princess Aurora, and that the very leadership of the country is in as much danger as the safety of its citizens. Everyone comes to a full stop now, deciding it's as good a time as any for a break anyways, and so the ponies all take a seat against the thick trees to sort this new argument out. Just ahead of them is a forked path. One side leads almost straight to Detrot, while the other veers off in the direction of Neighagra Falls. Bri walks up to Agelian and places a hoof on his shoulder, giving him a wide and understanding smile.

"I get it Agelian, I really do. You're worried about everypony back home. Your friends, your family. All those we left behind. You've even worried about those who used to be our friends. I'm worried too. But in the end, no matter how messed up their priorities are, no matter how self-destructive they tend to be, Terra, Devlin, Chupa, and Meteor are all strong ponies. They're more than able to handle things back home, and I believe that Equestria's in capable hooves because of that. Plus there's Captain Everglade and the royal guard, and even the Wonderbolts. Princess Aurora will be found, and the rest of Equestria will be protected in our absence, even if it doesn't need to be. We need a break from all this Agelian. Remember how we were imprisoned not that long ago? We deserve a real vacation."

Agelian looks down at the ground in front of him, thinking back to the dark, circular prison cell underground in the Badlands. It was near impossible to even see, the darkness being overwhelming. The ground was hard and uneven, making sitting, sleeping, or even standing as uncomfortable as possible. A dank, moldy smell wavered within it. If only those were the only problems. They also had to deal with the prison guards. Those horrible, sadistic ponies. Evil, a word usually reserved for only the most terrible of villains, can't even describe them. They berated and psychologically attacked the prisoners, but it went much further. Whippings, torture, and in a couple of cases, straight out methodical murders. He still remembers that cute little filly, how her head had been slowly sliced in half. How her hooves were broken, then pulled from the body. All because she dared to laugh and try to have fun. They denied the prisoners the satisfaction of enjoying themselves. They denied food, water, pretty much everything. All they could do was cry, and wallow in their despair.

It was the worst experience Agelian had ever undegone, and the memories brought back to him sent terrible chills down his spine. Just reliving all of this is a Hell of the worst imagining. But on the other hoof, to imagine Princess Aurora going through torture. To imagine her being slowly murdered by sadistic bastards like that. It's unbearable to even consider. So, as tears flow from his eyes, he looks back at Bri and calmly tells her, "I want to go back. Just imagine what Princess Aurora is going through. What is my family is captured and tortured too? I...I just can't do this. All that pain and misery. Just think if it were you. You'd want everypony working to rescue you as quickly as possible, not go on vacation."

Slowly trotting over, Dinky stands by her fiancé and gives him a quick kiss and hug, wiping the tears from his eyes for him. However, Scatter just shakes his head in disagreement and replies, "It's too late now anyways. We're more than halfway there by this point, and are actually closer to Neighagra Falls. We're not far from Detrot, and should just continue onward and attend the festival. We're all worried about our friends and families, but they're going to be fine. They're protected. When this concert is over, we'll take the train right back to Ponyville and get back into helping out."

Once again, Bri agrees with Scatter, though seems to be in understanding of the stallion's feelings. Agelian disagrees with this, however, and the two stallions begin to fight, their petty argument now exploding into a tirade of yelling and insult slinging. It's no better than before with Terra and Bri. Dinky and Bri stick to their respective sides, not wavering in their opinions, but not getting into the fighting either. At that moment, both Agelian and Scatter turn to Star, who's the only member of their group to be keeping quiet and neutral in all of this. Walking up to her, they demand that she be the deciding factor. However, Star is more confused and nervous about the entire situation, and doesn't want to only appease one side, while disappointing the other. So quietly, she tells them both that she's going to abstain from making a decision. Unfortunately, this angers them both even further, and the fighting begins to escalate to an entirely new height.

"Whatever!" Agelian shouts, muttering some choice words under his breath, "you fools can continue on. Dinky and I are heading back to be with our families, and to help protect everypony. Terra was right about you idiots." With those final words, the two of them indeed turn back and begin heading in the opposite direction, towards the Hollow Shades station. The remaining three of them stand there, both of the mares in shock, confusion, and clear sorrow over the events. Two more friends lost. However, Scatter just turns and begins to lead them away, towards Detrot, determined to get to the music festival, for her sake.

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The massive, ornate doors of the Central Canterlot Royal Guard Station swing open with great force and volume. The heads of all within turn to the now open doors as four ponies walk in. The friends who had remained behind, Terra, Devlin, Chupa, and Meteor, walk into the packed room. They stop in front of the soldiers and stand erect, straight faced and honor-bound purpose showing in their expressions. Already inside the large station are the two Equestrian military forces; Captain Everglade and her legions of elite soldiers, and Wonderbolt Captain Scootaloo and her elite flying squadrons. Both groups watch as a smile spreads across Scootaloo and Everglade's faces. The latter of the two trots up to the others, followed by Captain Scootaloo. Each captain has two soldiers with them, and in the hooves of the guards are armor. Two sets of elite royal guard armor, and two sets of Wonderbolt flight suits.

"Devlin Speedster," Scootaloo begins as one of the Wonderbolts holds a flight suit towards the stallion, "do you promise to risk your life and serve your country!? Do you hold to your honor and duty, and pledge to do whatever you can to locate our princess and save Equestria from the threat of Oblivion!? Will you do everything in your power to accomplish this mission, even if it means watching your friends die at the hooves of the enemy!?"

"Ma'am! Yes ma'am!" the stallion replies, saluting the captain. She smiles back at him, and nods to the Wonderbolt, who hands over a Wonderbolts flight suit. Not needing to repeat the lines to Meteor and Terra, who are already members of the guard, Everglade has her soldiers hand over the armor to them right away instead. Scootaloo then turns to Chupa Cabra. She's still just a filly, not old enough to officially join the Canterlot Royal Guard. However, in the young filly's eyes, Captain Scootaloo can see a burning passion, a tenacity to help in whatever way possible. It's the same look she had given Rainbow Dash all those years ago. Holding back tears, the Wonderbolt Captain decides that right now, rules need to be broken. She can deal with the consequences later. So she asks Chupa the same lines of questions that she had to Devlin, and receives a very passionate response. She's clearly as strong as any of the other stallions and mares already in the group.

"Ok soldiers! We need to get to work! Princess Aurora has been kidnapped, and it's our duty to save her! Even if it costs us our very lives! I won't lie, some of you will NOT make it back! It is not our mission to come home safely! It is our mission to save the princess and return Equestria to a harmonic state! We must stop this threat before it can get any worse! Are you with me, royal guard!? Are you ready to fight!?"

The ponies of the Canterlot Elite Royal Guard let out a booming cheer, not a single one of them showing fear or unease in the slightest. Smirking, Wonderbolt Captain Scootaloo then steps forth as well. Looking around at her squadrons of elite fliers, she nods and asks them all, "Are you just everyday, ordinary pegasi!? NO! You are Wonderbolts! You are the best of the best, the most elite fliers in all of Equestria! No excuses! Let me tell you a story. Many years ago, there was a pony who had a dream. And after a long time coming, she achieved that dream and made it into our ranks! She'd been among the best fliers for a long time, but had never been able to join us before! Well, she made it! She succeeded Spitfire as Captain! That's right, I'm talking about former Wonderbolt Captain Rainbow Dash! My mentor and hero! She showed loyalty and dedication as she served Equestria with everything she had! She died during training! Training for the purpose of bettering herself so she could continue to serve our country to the best of her ability! Are we going to let her death be in vain!? Or are we going to do her memory proud, and be the Wonderbolts that she always idolized!?"

The squadrons of the fliers all let out a loud cheer, matching that of the royal guard. They stand before their Captain, getting themselves pumped. They're all ready and able to fight and serve Equestria with their lives, and have no reservations about it. Everglade and Scootaloo then turn back to the four who had come in. Terra and Meteor are both saluting Everglade, but Devlin and Chupa seem to be a little less excited. Seeing this, Scootaloo asks them if there's anything wrong, and if they're having second thoughts about joining her ranks and working to fight against Oblivion and his forces.

"No ma'am, it's just that, we're not pegasi. Both Chupa and I are Earth Ponies. How can we serve in the Wonderbolts?" Devlin asks Captain Scootaloo.

"Captain," another Wonderbolt suddenly says, flying up to them all. She has a light blue mane and white coat underneath her flight suit. She salutes Scootaloo, who gives the nod, and continues, "I have heard word of a spell that is said to be able to temporarily give wings to non-pegasi. It is said that the wings match the ponies who gain them, and that flight will come naturally to the ponies transformed by this magic. However, it only lasts for twenty four hours at a time."

"Thank you Brightwing Blitz. This information is of great value," Captain Scootaloo tells her. Brightwing salutes her captain and flies back. The Captain then asks Everglade if any of her royal guards have enough magical prowess to perform such a spell. Nodding, the Elite Royal Guard Captain heads into her ranks and calls out for somepony named Aurus Skye. A unicorn soldier with a dark blue coat, and a duo-colored mane and tail of dark and light blue steps forth. Saluting his captain, he listens to what she has to say, and as she mentions the spell to give wings to non-pegasi, he smirks and nods.

"Yes ma'am, I can do that! I've used it myself on multiple occasions in the field!"

Captain Everglade then points him to where Devlin and Chupa is. She then turns over to Terra and Meteor, as well as the rest of her soldiers. She tells them all to prepare themselves. However, she waves over Terra and Meteor, and brings them instead into an adjoining room; the War Room. She knows that with the oncoming threat, they need to be strategizing exactly what they're going to do to try and get Princess Aurora back. They need to be more prepared than ever. Otherwise, the princess might die.

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As the two of them travel southbound along the rough, rock-covered path, Agelian and Dinky look briefly at their surroundings. The trees, the wildlife, something about them isn't right. They're unsure of exactly what it is, but everything around them just leaves the two in a more than confused state. Continuing on, they soon reach what appears to be a small, circular clearing. In the direct center of the open space sits a tall rock formation roughly in the shape of a dragon's claw and worn down with age. Dinky looks around for a moment or two, and suddenly notices a group of woodland animals watching carefully from the trees surrounding the clearing, but not approaching any further. It's almost as if they're wary of the giant rock, and Dinky for one can't blame them. It seems to give off a very eerie feel, one that certainly makes her feel uneasy.

However, the two of them decide to just continue on, and pass to the other side of the clearing. They find where the path continues, and trot along as they attempt to make their way back to the Hollow Shades train station. Dinky continues to look around as they walk along. She's sure that something isn't right, but just can't place her hoof on it. That's when it suddenly clicks. They've never been here before. That's why everything hasn't seemed right. Stopping, she places her hoof onto her fiancé's shoulder to get his attention. He halts as well and turns to face her as she tells him, "We're lost Agi. We must have taken a wrong turn somewhere. Maybe we should go back and find Bri and the others again. They have the map."

"We're not going back."

"But Agi, we need to. We obviously can't get back to the station on our own. We don't know where we're going and..."

"...I SAID WE'RE NOT GOING BACK! AND THAT'S FINAL! Now, we're going to continue on and get back to that train station on our own. We don't need help from anypony, especially THOSE ponies! So let's keep going, NOW!"

Dinky begins to tear up, but knows there's nothing more she can do. Bowing her head, she relents and follows Agelian onward, her head dropping in sorrow. Meanwhile, just a couple miles north of them, Bri, Scatter, and Star continue to travel north along the path heading right to Detrot. The music festival is set to begin tomorrow morning, and of course, Bri doesn't want to miss a second. She's been awaiting this for months now. However, not all of them are as excited for the big concert as she is. Lately, Star has been feeling down. It's mainly been since they left Ponyville. Growing up with her sister, Grace had always told her to keep her friends close. But lately, she's been doing almost nothing but losing friends, and all because of petty little arguments.

She'd rather forget this horrible truth. The very idea of her friends splitting up has haunted her for a long time now, and with it coming to fruition, it's the worst kind of pain she's ever been in. Unfortunately for her, she seems to be the only one of her now three-pony group that feels this way. Both Bri and Scatter are being as stubborn as a mule, and seem unwilling to do anything other than badmouth their former friends and proclaim themselves as the ones in the right. They won't even try to look at how the others might be feeling, or see things in another pony's perspective. It's like the Bri she used to know is gone, and the Scatter she had come to know lately was just a farce.

"Um..." she begins, avoiding future eye contact with the two. However, unsure of how to continue, she just stops and stands there, poking her hoof around in the dirt. This catches Bri's attention, and the mare turns to face her lifelong friend, asking Star if everything's ok. Though highly nervous, Star decides to just go for it. So she tells Bri that she's not sure about all of this, and hates that everypony has been splitting up. She specifically mentions how Agelian and Dinky are without a map right now, and because of it, they could be lost trying to find the train station. Bri begins to show worry and sorrow at her friend's words, but turns away and shakes it off. Shrugging, she then continues on.

Star continues to plead with Bri and Scatter, wanting them to see what this has done. They're playing into Oblivion's hooves by doing this. According to the prophecy, they're the only ones able to stop him; the prophesied heroes of Equestria. With them suddenly breaking away from each other like this, it's only going to help Oblivion, and allow for him to ultimately destroy the world and rebuild it in his liking. To her sorrow, Bri and Scatter refuse to listen to her, and just trot along, acting as if there's nothing wrong, and that they're better off without the others.

When Star continues to persist, however, Bri gets fed up with it. Turning back, she yells out, "They knew what they were getting into when they decided to leave us! Those twits went off on their own accord, and we aren't responsible for them!"

"But Bri...what would Pinkie Pie have done?"

A pent-up rage suddenly erupts out of the normally cheery mare, who turns once again and swings forward with amazing force and speed, punching Star right in the face and knocking her off of her hooves. As she falls to the ground below, Star looks up at her friend with bitter tears filling her eyes, and an expression of the greatest shock spread across the whole of her face. Glaring down at her, Bri seems to be on her last nerve as she screams, "DON'T YOU BUCKING DARE LECTURE ME! DON'T YOU TRY AND TELL ME WHAT PINKIE PIE WOULD OR WOULD NOT DO! PINKIE PIE IS GONE, YOU BUCKING MUNTER! NOW SHUT THE BUCK UP AND EITHER MOVE YOUR FLANK OR STAY BEHIND! I DON'T BUCKING CARE ANYMORE!"

Sobbing, Star reluctantly gets to her hooves and follows Bri and Scatter onward down the path. Now terrified of her lifelong friend, she wants to just go back to Ponyville and embrace her sister. At least Grace is always there for her. However, because she knows she can't do that, there really isn't any alternative choice to continuing to Detrot, which the three ponies can now see far off in the distance. A large grin spreads across Bri, and she yells for them to double their speed. Though at this point, Star feels differently, and already knows the horrible new truth that has come to light. Rubbing her still hurting cheek, she cries silently to herself as she walks forward, no longer caring about Detrot, the music festival...or Bri.

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The War Room of Canterlot's Royal Guard Station is much larger than Meteor had ever expected. He's been a member of the guard for many years now, yet not once has he ever been in here. And now that he has, he almost wishes he hadn't. Reports line the walls from the past wars that have plagued Equestrian soil. Newspapers that count up the numbers of those killed in those horrible battles. Reports of families who eagerly awaited the return of their loved ones when the war ended, only to be met with tear-filled disappointment. It's almost too much for him to handle. Keeping strong, however, Meteor walks inside and up to the large table, at which the ponies of the elite guard plan out their methods of attack, infiltration, and more.

Looking over at Terra, he sees that the former Captain of the Guard feels right at home. Hardened after years of service on the front lines, the stallion holds himself in a firm, erect posture, showing no signs of weakness or sorrow. Meteor understands the pain Terra goes through, hiding his emotions and staying strong. It must be a constant hell. Right now though, they cannot focus on things like that. They have to begin strategizing for their rescue of Princess Aurora, and attack on Oblivion and his forces. With the two of them are Captain Everglade and a couple of the other high-ranking royal guards. All of them stand around the table, ready to hash out the details of their plan.

"First, we need to pinpoint the location of Oblivion's base of operations. We should begin in the Badlands, as that's where the last victims were taken," Captain Everglade says, authority ringing out in her booming voice.

"Ma'am," Meteor respectfully says, "the base within the Badlands had been destroyed following our previous infiltration. It is very unlikely that the enemy has rebuilt it, and just as unlikely that they'd use the same location for a second base."

Nodding, Terra adds, "It was said by J.D. Gumila, one of the so called Agents of Oblivion, that the entire kidnapping of all the ponies before was a mere distraction. This means that their goal must have been capturing Princess Aurora the entire time."

"That makes sense. As the leader of our country, Princess Aurora is a strong sense of harmony to the ponies in Equestria. She represents the unity of our fair nation. Since her kidnapping, ponies have already begun to panic, bringing disharmony to our land. It's obvious as to why somepony like Oblivion would want to cause this, but for an actual motivation, I am beyond guesses," Captain Everglade responds, biting her lip and trying hard to contemplate the exact reasoning. It's at that moment that Terra asks her what the plan is going to be, and how they're going to not only figure all of this out, but get the princess back as well. For a minute or so, the guards standing around the table think and think, unsure of what course of action to take.

"How about this," Meteor suddenly speaks up, having finally thought of something, "let's search the less inhabited areas of Equestria first. It's very unlikely that Oblivion would create his base of operations in a largely inhabited area. I see it more likely that he'd do so in a dark forest, under some giant stone or something."

"I agree," Terra states. The two of them, as well as the rest of the elite guard, look to Captain Everglade for a response. Sighing, she nods her head and agrees that right now, this is the best idea they have. So they begin planning it all out.

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The ever-winding pathway in the southern part of the forest continues to become thicker and thicker as the two ponies trot onward. On every side of them the trees and plant life seem to increase in number, and even the animals seem to become more scarce. They continue to walk along anyways, and soon it becomes more and more clear to Dinky that they're only getting more and more lost. She can only assume that Agelion knows this as well, yet for some reason, he just doesn't seem to really care. Instead, he continues to move along, keeping up with his stride as if nothing were even slightly wrong. It's his stubborn attitude that drives him to continue moving aimlessly forward like this. He doesn't want to admit that he was wrong, and that his actions had led to this. So he ignores their troubles and just walks on.

Dinky, however, cannot simply turn a blind eye to what's right in front of her face. Neither of them have any idea where they are, and their continuing trot has no real aim anymore. They're just walking, without purpose. Agelian continues to claim that they're on their way to the station, and even says that he knows exactly where to go. But truthfully, they should've been there over an hour ago. He has to know that they're not heading in the right direction, but he refuses to admit anything. Neither of them know where they are, and with the sun beginning it's descent in the sky, they'll soon be unable to see altogether, making their trek that much more dangerous and unpredictable.

"Agi, we need to turn back," she pleads with him, scared and sorrowful about the day’s events, "we just can't keep walking around like this. We're lost."

Unfortunately for her, Agelian pays no mind to her words. Not even turning an eye to his fiancée as he walks on, he ignores her worries and cries. However, she continues to try and get to him, even to the point of threatening to just leave him and go back on her own if he continues to remain as stubborn as this. But nothing she does seems to phase him in the slightest. It's almost as if he can't hear her, or just doesn't care. Either option is terrible for her to even consider, yet at this point, she really does have to wonder.

Eventually, the young mare is unable to take it any longer. This has gone on for far too long. She has to do something, she has to take charge in this relationship for once. She just can't let this go on. So she grabs his shoulder forcefully and orders Agelian to stop right now and turn around to face her. The clear command in her voice surprisingly works, as the stallion halts his trot and stands there, no longer moving forward. A smile crosses her face. She can't believe it actually worked. She's never had to use force like this before, but thinks now that maybe she should continue to do so in the future, if it yields results like this.

As she stands there, smiling to herself at her small victory, Agelian turns around to face her as she had told him to. Instantly, she wishes he hadn't. She's known that there was something wrong with him. She thought it was his stubbornness or an inability or unwillingness to listen to her. Now it's clear that those were just wishful thoughts. His eyes glow a deep red and teeth having become like fangs in his mouth. A snarling grow escapes the depths of his throat as a sinister grin slowly appears on his face. This isn't the Agelian she knows, and so Dinky backs away in fear, mouth hanging wide open. Then, he lunges at her.

Screaming in terror, she tries as hard as she possibly can to push him off of her. However, his strength is horrifying. He pins the mare to the ground as he hisses with rage and vile intentions, pure malice in his eyes. Laying there on the ground, Dinky cries as thoughts of her mother come to her mind. The wonderful, kind mailmare who took her in all those years ago. She took her away from the orphanage and gave her a loving home. Something she hadn't experienced in her life before. She was given love like never before, and she's always been grateful for it.

The monster controlling Agelian has taken full control. She can only guess of its origin, though it's obvious that this must be Oblivion's doing. That could mean that the entirety of the arguments her friends underwent over the course of the day could have been influenced by him as well. As she considers all of this, the stallion lets out a monstrous roar, and without hesitation, bites down on her shoulder with extremely painful force. Blood sprays out from the wound as tears cascade from Dinky's eyes. The pain is unbearable. A horrible feeling she's never felt before.

Another scream escapes the mare's lips as her fiancé continues to mercilessly tear into her flesh. Bite after bite, ripping chunks of her away, his unrelenting attack continues. He suddenly raises a hoof and swings it across her face. The impact of the hit is harder than anything she's ever experienced before. The sheer force of it knocks her head back so hard that it slams against the cold, hard ground. Terrible pains rush through her, and though her tears don't stop, she quiets down the crying to try and avoid more violent abuse.

She begs and pleads for him to stop, apologizing for anything she might have said or done to upset him. She knows it isn't really her Agi that's doing it. She knows that he's possessed by an extraordinary evil. But still, she has hope that he might be able to hear her sorrow and push control back to himself. However, he ignores her cries and continues to feast upon his victim, tearing further into her shoulder. Not knowing what to do, she just lays there and takes it, crying as the mortifying pain flows through her.

Her consciousness soon begins to fade, and any bit of hope she had disappears from her mind. She's given up, knowing that there's nothing more she can do. It's all over. The stallion she had fallen in love with now murders her in the most painful way possible, and all she can do is let it happen. Final thoughts of home, of her loving mother, and of all the friends she'll never see again flood her mind. She remembers the happy times, all the fun she had with her friends. She remembers when she first met Agelian, and the instant feeling of love that erupted within her. With those pleasant memories bringing a smile to her face, Dinky's eyes close for the last time.

As the beast continues to devour his victim, three ponies suddenly appear. Leaping out from the thick forest surrounding the pathway, Star, Bri, and Scatter rush at the possessed Agelian. Taking the lead, Scatter plows into him, knocking him off of Dinky's body and hard against a tree. He tries to pin Agelian against it, but is easily thrown off. As Bri and Star join Scatter's side, staring their friend down, a chilling laugh escapes the stallion.

Pacing back and forth in front of them, Oblivion speaks through his host. His grainy, deep voice echoes through the forest as he says to the three of them, "So you've come after all. It looks like my influence wasn't strong enough to break the bonds of your friendship. Too bad."

"You caused us to drift apart!" Bri angrily yells, "you made me say things I would never say! You made me hurt Star!"

"NO! You don't seem to understand, do you, Joy? I didn't make you do anything. I simply brought out the darkness inside your heart, the darkness that everypony carries within them. Your words, your actions. Those were of your own doing. I am curious though. How did you manage to escape the bindings of your own twisted rage?"

"I reminded her of what really matters. I reminded her of our past together, of everything we've gone through as friends. Our friendship is more powerful than your hatred!" Star tells him. However, this only causes Oblivion to laugh.

"You have a very positive view of this world. Too bad it's just a figment of your naïvety. This world was covered in darkness well before me, and it always shall be. Greed, fear, shallow minds. Don't you see how corrupt Equestria already is? I've done little to change things, because face it, I don't need to. I'll admit, you did well in enlisting my brother to fight for you. His sacrifice has set me back, but in the end, it's only delaying the inevitable. There is nothing you can do to stop me, not with the darkness filling your hearts. With the princess now in my hooves, you have nothing to stop me. Your precious little country shall fall to it's own fear and paranoia."

"Agelian! Snap out of it!" Scatter yells out, "fight back against him! You can do it, we believe in you!"

Laughing maniacally, Oblivion rushes forth and plows into Scatter, sending him flying hard into a tree. He then does the same to the two mares and says, "Oh Love, it's funny how you act like the beacon of hope when you've got the darkest secrets of them all. Your past will come back to haunt you, and when it does, you'll fall to your darkness just like everypony else."

"I...I will never...hurt my friends!" Scatter tells him. His breaths come heavy after being knocked into so hard, and his desperation to protect his friends comes clear as he gets to his hooves and despite the pain going through him, firmly stands to face his enemy down.

"You think that now, Love, but your darkness will take you over. I'd suggest not being anywhere near her when it does."

Star and Bri look confused at the mention of a "her", but shake it off as Oblivion continues, adding, "Let me warn you now, Elements. You're on your way to the Detrot City Music Festival. Be prepared for it to be more exciting than you ever could imagine. I hope you have a fun time." Suddenly, Agelian's mouth opens wide, and the dark essence of Oblivion explodes out of it. Retreating, the villain flies off as Agelian's body falls to the ground below. Without a second's thought, the others rush to Agelian's side to make sure he's alright. The stallion slowly begins to awaken, his now-normal eyes opening as he looks around in confusion. They then lock on Dinky's body and open fully.

Fear covering his face, Agelian leaps up and gallops over to her. Tears begin to stream down his cheeks as he pulls her close to him. Blood continues to pour from her shoulder as a bruise forms on her face. He listens closely, but hears no heartbeat. Screaming out in terror, he looks over at Scatter and yells out, "SAVE HER! YOU HAVE TO KNOW SOME KIND OF HEALING SPELL! PLEASE, SAVE HER!" Walking over, Scatter examines her and quietly tells Agelian that she's already dead. However, the stallion refuses to believe it. Crying harder than ever before, he demands that Scatter use his magic to save her.

"I can't bring the dead back to life. It takes S-Class magical prowess to even attempt something like that. The only ponies who have ever had that kind of power are Princesses Celestia and Luna, Starswirl the Bearded, and...Oblivion."

"YOU'RE LYING! YOU'RE BUCKING LYING! SAVE HER NOW!"

Stepping forward, Scatter leans down beside Agelian and hugs him. Not a single word spoken, he just embraces his friend in love and understanding. Dropping Dinky's dead body, he buries his face into Scatter's coat and cries for what seems like hours. Hours? To him it might as well have been days, or even months. Star and Bri embrace the two as well, showing their support to their hurting friend, tears flowing from their eyes as well over the loss of a good friend.

Hours pass, and the four of them stand there looking at the pile of dirt before them, containing Dinky's body. After Agelian had finished crying, the others told him that they should return to Ponyville right away. However, Agelian insisted instead upon continuing on. He told them that he knew what Oblivion had said when he was possessed, and that Detrot and the music festival are in danger. Since he couldn't protect Dinky, he tells them that he wants to never abandon anypony again, and wants to protect Detrot at any cost. So they buried Dinky, and now, now they head onward towards the festival. Their goal is no longer to enjoy the music, but to be the heroes Equestria needs. To put an end to Oblivion's terror once and for all.

Preview for Episode 20: Power of the Wubs
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She's...she's gone! You have to help me. She's my best friend, the only one who truly cares about me! Please help me save Octavia!