Author's Notes:

It's here everypony, episode three! The first episode after the season premier! Now, let me explain something quickly. This episode may not be fully complete. I have an adviser who views the episode after it's posted and gives me detailed feedback. I will make little edits here and there depending on what he says about the episode. I will however let everypony know in the comments when an episode is updated. Also, remember to check the official My Little Pony: Friendship of Generations website for up to date biographies and more! Enjoy the episode :D

http://mylittleponyfriendshipofgenerations.webs.com/

The sun begins to fall under the horizon, drawing another peaceful day to a close. Most ponies have gone home for the night, spending time with their families and relaxing until bed time. However, one stallion with a dark yellow coat and brilliant orange mane is just now heading out. Walking out the door of his shop, he smiles as he locks up and turns to head back to his wife and newborn son. As he starts to trot along the road, a sudden noise captures his attention. He looks around for a moment, but sees nothing and figures it's just a small animal scurrying about. So with a chuckle, he continues on home as he thinks about the days sales and how tomorrow will go.

As the shop owner walks out of sight, a mysterious pony clothed in a tight black latex suit and a mask steps out from behind the building. He's of average size for a stallion, strong built but not over-muscled. His eyes glow a deep red from behind the mask, and he shows no emotion as he slowly approaches the front door of the store. Pulling out a lockpick from his saddlebag, the stallion gets to work, quickly unlocking the door and opening it. He lets out a slight chuckle and walks into the shop, coming back out a few minutes later with a sack filled with bits; his biggest score in Ponyville yet. As quickly as he arrived, he then vanishes with the money, leaving the door wide open, and a cobalt gem laying on the floor.

The very next morning, as the blue birds chirp beautifully in the sun-lit sky, Terra Lionmane trots throughout the town, watching with a ready eye for any signs of trouble. Since he arrived in Ponyville on Princess Aurora's orders, he decided that he'll be in charge of making sure everything and everyone remains peaceful and calm. With the looming threat of Sevulva Star and his dark stars on the horizon, he cannot let panic and fear sweep over this quaint little town. It would only cause to help the villainous pony. So he patrols the streets with vigor and eagerness, knowing that whenever troubles arise, he will be there to put a stop to them.

Then arises the problem of Sevulva Star himself. Since he blew up the Hay & Stay hotel that night, he disappeared and hasn't been seen or heard from at all. The dark stars haven't been seen anywhere in Equestria, and no sign of their influence has been noted by anypony. Everyone knows who he really is now, but the question still remains of how no one knew before hand. Even his most loyal fans never put together his connections with Antonin. This has confused the stallion this entire time. It makes no sense at all. But right now he can't focus on the issues with the legend connecting to the present. He has to focus on protecting Ponyville. He can determine the next move against Sevulva Star later, when he is with the other five destined ponies.

A sigh escaping him, Terra trots down the street by a small, homely-looking shop as he looks out for any signs of trouble. Suddenly, he hears an exasperated shout and angry sobbing that seems to be coming from within the shop itself. So, determination etched on his face, he decides to investigate. Walking forth, he cautiously enters the threshold of the building and sees only two ponies inside. The first of them is a stallion with a dark yellow coat and orange hair. He's seated on the ground and is angrily crying into his hooves while yelling out obscenities. Beside him stands a middle-aged police mare, taking notes on what the stallion is saying through his tear-filled screams of rage. As Terra continues towards them, the mare turns to see him and smiles slightly. Putting away her notepad, she approaches the guard and welcomes him with a worried expression.

"What's going on here?" Terra asks as he looks behind the mare to whom he can only assume is the owner of the shop. Sighing, she looks back at the owner as well, then shakes her head and explains.

"Sweet Deal here claims that his shop was broken into overnight. He says that when he came to open up this morning, he found the door wide open and both the cash register and the safe in the back emptied of all their money," the police mare tells him as she eyes his impressive, shined armor. Terra brings his hoof up and rests it on his lower lip, looking around the store inquisitively. He then asks the mare if he can scope the place out for anything that might clue him in to the identity of the perpetrator.

"Actually, Mr. Deal already found something that might be useful. It's a cobalt gem, and he says it was right in the middle of the floor when he arrived. Perhaps it's the criminal's calling card?"

"A cobalt? I've never once heard of anypony leaving behind something like a gem as their calling card. Something like that would be considered too priceless to use for a purpose like that."

"It's not only that, but this is actually the second robbery I've investigated this month alone. Ponyville is normally such a peaceful place, but on top of it all, I've heard of other cities across Equestria that have been having problems with strings of thefts too. They seemed to start in Los Pegasus and even occurred in places like Manehattan and Fillydelphia."

"That is certainly strange. Well then miss...oh, I didn't seem to get your name, did I?" Terra says, extending his hoof to the mare, "My name is Terra Lionmane, the former captain of the elite royal guard in Canterlot. I was stationed here in Ponyville by Princess Aurora when the dark star incident happened, and have been here ever since."

"Oh, I already knew who you were, Mr. Lionmane. You're not exactly an unknown. You can call me Officer Siren Sweeper. I'm the mare in charge of the Ponyville Police's larceny division. It's great to have someone such as you watching over the town. As for this case, I've got everything I needed from Mr. Deal here, so I have to return to the station and file this case. Can I trust you to take things over from here?"

With a salute to the officer, Terra speaks out with conviction, "Ma'am, yes ma'am!" Shaking her head with a smile spread across her face, Officer Siren Sweeper trots out of the shop and heads in the direction of the Ponyville Police Station. Turning, Terra walks up to Sweet Deal and assists him into getting back into a standing position. Smiling, he then asks the stallion if he's seen any suspicious figures around the shop lately. Shaking his head, Sweet tells him that no one who's come into his store seemed unusual in any way to him. Just the same regular customers he's always had. Terra stops for a moment and thinks about all of the information he's gotten. He then returns his attention to Sweet and thanks him for helping out. He then asks that he meet him at city hall tonight, and that they'll try to get things figured out then.

Later on that night, Terra stands on the great balcony of city hall where anypony can see him. All of the town's shop and independent business owners fill in, and he watches as they all start to chat amongst themselves, some of them not yet understanding why they've been asked to come. In the front of the hall he spots Sweet Deal standing at full attention. He seems really excited to get down to business, being the victim of a robbery just last night. With a smile, Terra walks up to the edge of the balcony's railing and calls out for attention, speaking as loudly as he can. Everypony stops speaking and looks quietly up at the balcony as they see the guard standing there, fully erect and ready to give them the speech he had prepared. At that moment, one of the ponies below steps toward the balcony. Her purple coat brightly shines in the light of the hall, and her face shows a determination for answers.

Staring up at Terra, Grace Storm asks him, "What are we doing here? What do you want from all of us?"

Looking down at her, the guard can see the inquisitive look on her face. The other ponies begin to question themselves being there too, and talk amongst themselves regarding what might be going on. Calling for their attention, Terra suddenly yells out, his strong confident voice echoing through the hall, "Listen closely everypony! You're all wondering why I've asked you to come here today! Why specifically I asked you business owners! We have a thief on the loose here in Ponyville, and I need all of you to work with me to stop him! He recently has been spotted all across Equestria, and now he's arrived here, in your town! We need to catch him before it's too late! Now, I want you all to answer me honestly here! Has anyone else been victimized lately by theft? Even if you think it was a simple shoplifting, please tell me!"

A few of the ponies in the great hall silently raise their hooves. However, for the most part, everyone seems to be more confused by this sudden revelation than when they first arrived. They question who this mysterious thief is. They hadn't heard of any robberies as of late. It's not a common occurrence in their little town. Now this Canterlot guard is telling them there's some thief out there. It's hard for them to believe. Looking down at them, Terra himself can understand this. He knows that this must be hard for them all to swallow, but it's something that they need to know. If they remain unaware, they too might become the unfortunate victims of this criminal scum.

"Then we have a chance!" Terra cries out with a smirk and nod, "we now know that as of currently, he's only gotten to a couple of us! This means that his work is not yet done here in Ponyville, and that he will strike again! From what I've already gathered, we can infer that he only commits his robberies at night! This means that he's smart and plans each job out with precision! He clearly knows what he's doing! Now, let me explain his calling card..."

As Terra speaks, the doors to the hall suddenly open again, catching him off guard and stealing the attention of the other mares and stallions within. Walking in, a pony with a mustard-colored coat and light blue hair looks around. She has freckles on her face and a very sorrowful expression. On her flank is a picture of a teapot, steam coming out from the spout. She walks forward, closing the doors behind her, and joins the other ponies underneath the balcony. She looks up to see Terra standing there and shows a sudden realization, recognizing him. However, she still looks around the room and introduces herself to everypony.

"I'm Chamomile Cabra. Sorry I was so late getting here, but my sister needed some help. She's not doing too well right now. I heard a little of what you were talking about before I came in, Mr. Lionmane. I'm also a victim of this thief you were talking about. It wasn't my shop he broke into though, it was my home. It happened early this morning. I woke up around five to a loud noise in my living room. I went to investigate of course, as did my younger sister. When we came down the stairs, we found someone walking around the living room, throwing things around. He appeared to be looking for something. We went right away to confront him of course, and were prepared to defend ourselves, but he attacked us and hurt my poor sister."

Terra quietly stares at the mare, thinking to himself. A minute of silence passes before he confirms with her, "You said your name was Chamomile Cabra?"

She nods, and once again cries out that this thief injured her sister, and that she wants revenge for it. The guard looks down at the floor beneath his feet. He can feel intense anger boiling up inside of him, taking over his mind and soul. He knows who she is. Chamomile Cabra is a tea maker in southern Ponyville famous for her bubbly attitude and warming personality. However, this is not the happy-go-lucky mare he had heard of. More importantly, he knows of Chamomile's family, specifically her sister. While their connection is still fairly new, he has grown fond of young Chupa Cabra. She's another of the prophesied heroes of Equestria that Princess Aurora gathered to fight against Sevulva Star. She couldn't have fallen to such a simple thief.

He remains silent for a moment, staring downward, deep in thought. The other ponies in the hall begin to talk amongst themselves again, not knowing what else to do at this moment. Sweet Deal, Grace Storm, and Chamomile Cabra are the only three still giving Terra their full attention. At that moment, he looks back up at the shop owners, his face reddened and eyes bulging. The business owners notice this and quiet themselves as Terra yells out at the top of his lungs, "WE WILL STOP THIS THIEF! PONYVILLE CAN NO LONGER SUFFER UNDER THIS PAIN! AN INNONCENT LITTLE FILLY GOT HURT BECAUSE OF HIM! ARE YOU GOING TO LET HIM GET AWAY WITH THIS!?"

Everyone remains silent for a moment. It's easy for them to see how much this latest development has emotionally charged Terra, and has given him increased determination and drive to stop this thief than before. They can tell that Chupa must mean a lot to him, or maybe it's just his honorable heart shining through. Whatever the cause may be, they can easily see that this means a lot to him. So one by one they begin to cheer, chanting out their support for the royal guard and standing strong in solidarity. As they begin to excitedly talk amongst themselves, one of the stallions steps closer to the balcony. Orange coat and white hair, shop owner Super Sale calls out to Terra, telling him that he has a plan to catch the thief.

Later on that night, after the sun has already set for the day, both Terra and Super Sale stand there in the streets of Ponyville's north district, hidden behind a large tree. Across the street from them is the store belonging to S.S, which both of the stallions watch with a keen interest. Earlier in the day, following the meeting at city hall, Super Sale decided to advertise to the town that he was having a 50% price cut on all of his goods. This tactic helped bring in an influx of customers, which in turn garnered a large intake of bits. Both S.S. and Terra believed this to be the perfect plan to lure the thief into their trap. When he heard of the large increase in sales, he would find the shop the perfect target for his next theft. On top of the sale, Super also began to collect donations for the Canterlot Filly's Hospital, which went as successful as ever. With the money from the sale combined with donations, they have made Super's shop to be the perfect target for whoever this criminal is.

For the past hour, the two have stood there watching; staking out the store in hopes of capturing this thief and putting a stop to all of the troubles Ponyville is having with him. They've begun to get worried, however, as they would've expected him to have arrived by now. Maybe he had seen through their plans and decided to go somewhere else. It's not altogether impossible. One thing they've already seen is that this stallion, whoever he is, is very intelligent. Luckily enough, their waiting soon comes to an end as they spot a mysterious pony donning a black latex suit and a matching mask begin to slowly, and sneakily, trot up to the store.

His coat is a dark color, though with the lack of light they can't make it out exactly. They watch in silence as he approaches the store and pulls something out of a small saddlebag. Turning, the thief begins to pick the lock, and that's when Terra decides to make his move. Not even warning Super Sale, the guard advances, passing around the tree and walking right up behind the criminal. Though he isn't being subtle, the thief doesn't seem to notice him until the guard turns him around. But before Terra can even say anything, he dashes off down the street.

Gnashing his teeth in rage, Terra bolts off after the thief, galloping through the streets and yelling for him to stop. This is the pony who hurt Chupa. He broke into the Cabra's house and hurt a poor defenseless little filly! Rage once again filling his very core, the stallion leaps at the escaping thief, knocking him to the ground and pinning him down. Behind the mask he can see glowing red eyes, and it reminds him of Sevulva Star. He too had glowing red eyes when he and the others broke into the hotel room. Reaching down, Terra grabs the thiefs mask in his teeth and pulls it off.

Instantly recoiling, Terra's eyes turn from determination into that of shock and confusion. It just can't be. Backing away as Super Sale runs up to join him, the guard watches as the unmasked thief climbs back up and brushes himself up before galloping away again. This time Terra doesn't give chase; he just can't. This isn't what he was expecting at all, granted he really didn't know what to expect or who would be behind the mask. All he knows for sure is that this is not who he thought it would be. So, still in shock, the stallion slowly walks off. He needs to sleep this off for the night. Tomorrow...well tomorrow he can figure this all out.

"Are you sure? You might have him confused with somepony else," Star says after hearing the guard explain it all to her. But Terra shakes his head violently, repeating the story once again down to the very smallest of details.

"I'm sure it was him. I've only met him a couple times, but he's not someone you just forget," Terra insists, "there is no doubt about it. But why? Why would someone as famous and rich as Cobalt Sky need to commit these thefts? He has more money than most. It just doesn't make any sense to me."

"Did anything about him seem strange?" Star asks as she looks through her bookcase, trying to find the biography she had on the stallion, "his appearance or the way he acted maybe?"

"Now that you mention it, his eyes glowed bright red, like Sevulva's did that night. When I met him in the past, he had brown eyes. It's like he wasn't himself at all. And he didn't seem to even recognize me."

"I think he might be under the influence of the dark stars," Star quietly tells her friend, now looking instead for her newly bought copy of Ancient Equestrian Legends. She finds it and flips through until she finds the passage on the dark stars and begins to read to herself. Terra just contemplates the idea, wondering if that's even possible. He remembers that Sevulva Star absorbed the dark stars into himself. Would it be possible for him to influence other ponies with that power, and wouldn't that mean that the villain is close by? So many questions brought about by such a simple idea.

Looking up at Terra, Star shows worry in her expression as she reads aloud part of the legend regarding the evil stars, "Many have passed down stories regarding the dark stars for generations. They often deviate from each other, and from recorded history. However, one story seems to always come up, and always stay the same. As far back as can be found, stories exist of ponies claiming that the dark stars are not a simple spell-created weapon as many believe. These stories claim that the dark stars are actually the physical manifestation of a sentient force of terrifying evil. They say that Antonin Sevulva Star didn't actually create the dark stars themselves, but rather a physical body for the force to live within. Because of this, they believe that Antonin himself was under the influence of the dark stars, controlled by them instead of the other way around." Terra just stares at her, mouth hanging open. Why didn't they know about this before!? This is important information that changes everything! He asks Star about this, but she says that when she read the book back at the library, she doesn't remember ever seeing this part in the passage. It's as if it appeared in the book after the fact.

"But this isn't the same copy remember. I just bought this one. I've never heard of different printings of a book having such an important passage missing though. I'm wondering though. If this is true, and the dark stars are actually a sentient force. Maybe they're controlling Sevulva, and maybe they've done the same to Cobalt Sky. Sevulva said that fear increases his power, right? I think that it wasn't Sevulva talking, but the force behind these stars. I think it was speaking through Sevulva, like a puppet, and the reason they're controlling him and now Cobalt is to spread as much panic and fear as possible to grow stronger."

"It's certainly possible, but just so hard to believe," Terra responds, "Cobalt Sky is the owner of the Gem Palace Casino in Los Pegasus. He has a good nature, regularly giving to charity and holding events to raise money for different causes. Somepony like him would never do anything like this, especially hurt a little defenseless filly."

"That's the point though. If the dark stars are controlling him, then he isn't doing this on his own will. They're making him their tool; a means to an end. I suggest figuring out how to capture him so we can figure this all out. For now though, get some rest. You look tired. I'll go and see Fluttershy and see if she knows anything."

Terra thanks the young mare and bids her farewell. Walking out the front door of her house, he begins to think things over as he trots down the street back towards the home he was put up in while staying in town. Star is right. He needs to find a way to capture Cobalt and get him to talk. Maybe they can learn more about the dark stars and even Sevulva Star. If they can gain this kind of intel, they will be that much closer to saving Ponyville, Equestria, and all the world. So as he walks through town, barely watching where he's going, the guard contemplates his plans on what to do next. A voice rings out in his head suddenly. It's faint, yet so familiar. That's when he notices someone standing in front of him, and stops.

"Terra, is this a bad time?" Chupa asks, struggling as she trots forward, her back left hoof in a cast. Eyes widening, the stallion stares at the injured hoof in pure horror. This is what happened to her!? Cobalt Star did this to a young filly!? It still seems impossible to him for such a kindly guy to commit such a horrible act. However, he regains his composure and tells her that it's fine, asking if she's ok.

"I'll be alright. It's just hurt a little, nothing too serious. I'm more worried how this will affect my greenhouse. It's going to be so hard to take care of all my little plants like this," she says, taking a seat on the ground where she is, "I'm on my way home from school right now, but after this happened, I'd feel safer if you were with me."

"Oh...uh yeah, of course. Can you tell me exactly what happened though? I'm trying to catch this guy and I need all the information I can get. I've heard your sister's story, but I'd like your perspective too."

Frowning, Chupa looks down at her hoof and nods silently. She seems to be sensitive about the entire issue right now, but that's to be expected. An incident like this would easily scar a young filly, even one as brave as her. Sighing, she recounts to him exactly what happened. She remembers waking up earlier than normal because she heard a loud noise. It scared her so much, but her sister soon came in to check on her. She tells Terra that they went downstairs together and saw someone going around their living room, throwing things around. She says that he looked like he was searching for something specific. Nodding, the stallion remembers hearing the same thing from Chamomile. What in Equestria could Cobalt have been looking for in their house? Or more importantly, what were the dark stars looking for, if the legend is true. Continuing, the filly tells him that when her sister confronted the thief, he turned and seemed surprised. She said that he then looked right at her and smiled before running right at her.

"He came at you?" Terra asks, this part confusing him a little. Why did he seem pleased at the sight of her? He couldn't have been looking for Chupa? It doesn't add up quite yet. So he asks her to go on. She says that Chamomile stepped in front of him and tried to fend him off, but he managed to grab her hoof anyways.

"He wouldn't let go of me," Chupa says, tearing up, "it was so scary. My sister managed to beat him away and he escaped, but he twisted my hoof and pulled it from it's socket. It hurt so much. I don't know why, but he seemed like he knew me. I've never seen him before though. I think he did say something, but I don't remember exactly what it was."

Perking up, Terra leaps forward at the young filly and tells her, "Chupa, you have to remember! What did he say!?" She thinks and tries hard, and pictures those moments in her mind. He said it so quickly and quietly, and it didn't seem that important at the time. She thought it was just a random thought, not that it was as important as Terra is making it seem now. That's when it comes to her. She remembers what he said, and now that she thinks about it, she knows why it was so important. Looking up at Terra, she tells him exactly what the thief said to her.

"He told me 'I've finally found you, my precious element'." A single bead of sweat drips down the side of Terra's face. His jaw drops open, and his eyes widen to an incredible size. He knows what Cobalt...no, what the dark stars are after, and he knows why. Thanking the filly, he turns and runs off back the way he came. This is something he needs to tell Star about.

Once again, as night falls upon Ponyville, Terra stakes out the shop he knows will be Cobalt's next target. This time he does so alone, and on his personal choice. He had told Star of what he knew, and told her that this was his duty. While it involves all six of them, he knows Cobalt more than any of the others, and his honor rests on bringing his friend to his senses. As expected, the stallion returns and goes to pick the lock of the shops door. But before he can even reach into his saddlebag, Terra has come up to him. Grabbing Cobalt's hoof, he cuffs it to the close-curved handle of the door and makes sure that the stallion won't be going anywhere this time.

He removes the mask from Cobalt, seeing those glowing red eyes again. This isn't the same pony he knows. It has to be the dark stars controlling him. Struggling, Cobalt looks at the guard with anger, and says some choice words. Terra had expected something different, more like how Sevulva Star had acted. Not ruthless aggression like this. He isn't even saying anything, just screaming out obscenities. He won't get anywhere this way. So tying Cobalt up, Terra decides that maybe he can't do this alone like he thought. He has to bring his friend to Star. There has to be something in that book of hers on how to stop the influence of the dark stars.

He arrives a few minutes later, and the mare gladly lets him in. They bring Cobalt into Star's room and place him, still tied up, onto the bed. He thrashes about and yells at them, causing Star to feel slightly uneasy. However, she goes to her bookcase anyways and pulls out the large book, flipping it right to the marked passage. She reads and reads and reads, and when she finally finishes, she turns to Terra with a frown, telling him, "I'm sorry, but there's nothing in here about how to stop the dark stars influence. It only says that no cure was ever discovered, and all it's victims have either died or disappeared."

"NO! I can't accept that!" Terra yells out, garnering Cobalt's attention and causing him to go quiet for the first time all night, "this is my friend! He is a good, kind, caring pony who wouldn't harm a fly! He would not do this on his own! These dark stars are turning him into a monster! They made him hurt Chupa for ponies sake! I remember what you said to me the last time we met Cobalt! You told me that when you were just a child you dreamed of making ponies happy! Your goal in life was to bring others joy and give back to the community! You accomplished your dream and so much more! You created a wonderful place for ponies to have fun! You give back to the community constantly, and do everything you can to help those in need! All of your dreams came true Cobalt! You are lucky, successful, and inspirational beyond anything I could ever dream of! This is not the Cobalt Sky I know! This is not my friend!"

"You're right, I am not the Cobalt Sky you know," the stallion suddenly says, his voice dark and echoing, "I'm not Cobalt Sky at all, but you already knew that, didn't you? You're not just honorable, you're also very smart Honor. I underestimated you, just like I underestimated Peace. Of course, the little one did very little on her own. Her sister is the one who stopped me from killing her."

"Who are you?" Terra asks, although he already knows the answer.

Laughing, the possessed Cobalt cracks his neck and replies, "I am very essence of evil itself. I am what corrupted the line of Sevulva Star. I am what created the dark stars and now reside in this pathetic shell. I have a name, though an inferior life form as yourself could not understand it. You can instead call me Oblivion. And on the subject of this pathetic shell, do you know why Cobalt Sky was so easy to take over? Do you know what has happened to him as of late?"

Terra glares at the body of his friend. The voice coming out of him is dark and filled with malice. It alone is enough to know that this is not Cobalt Sky. His eyes glow redder than ever, and his coat seems to emanate with the same dark magic as Sevulva's had. He had not expected this though. This "Oblivion" is controlling Cobalt and Sevulva, and who knows who else? Then there's those names it used to refer to him and Chupa by. It called the filly Peace, and called him Honor. Why does it refer to their traits as their names? There's something more behind this, and he plans to get it out.

But at the same time, he wants to know what this thing is talking about. It claims that something has happened to Cobalt lately. It has been a while since he's seen his friend, but he thinks he would have heard if something big had happened to one of the most famous ponies in Los Pegasus. Is Oblivion trying to get under his coat, or is he telling the truth? He doesn't know what to believe anymore. After these incidents, nothing makes any sense.

"I see you're interested Honor, then let me explain. Cobalt Sky was in dealing with the mob. He was so kind and giving that he was giving away more money than he had. He was borrowing money from the mob to keep his casino open, but in the end he couldn't pay his debts. The mob kidnapped his wife and daughter and used them as hostages. He went into such a depressive state that his mind was very easy to take over. Sevulva put up more resistance than he did. It's as if Cobalt Sky let me take him over, knowing that I could end this pain for him, and I did. His family is safe now. Too bad for what's left of the mob."

"YOU KILLED THEM!?" Terra yells, falling back in shock. Oblivion laughs madly and confirms this, telling both Terra and Star that he did indeed kill each and every member of the mob who were involved with the kidnapping of Cobalt's family. It goes into detail on the gruesome murders of each one, ranging from decapitation with a rusted hacksaw to slicing the stomach open and disemboweling. Terra breathes heavily and gnashes his teeth. He can hardly believe this. It's disgusting and terrible. This isn't justice, it's revenge! It's not what Cobalt would have wanted! They deserved life in prison, yes, but not death!

"Cobalt!" he yells out, trying to get through, "don't let this evil control you! Force it out! Your family is safe now, you don't have to give in to Oblivion's influences anymore! If you need money for your casino, I'll help you. Star and everypony else will do what they can! Just don't let it control you anymore! You're not a killer Cobalt, or a thief! You don't need to be doing this!"

"HA! You think that...wha...what!?"

The grin on Cobalt's face morphs into a scowl. Surprise and anger fills him as he begins to convulse in his bindings; Terra knows what's going on. He's gotten through, and the real Cobalt Sky is fighting back against this evil. Removing the ropes from his body, Terra watches as he screams and thrashes around, violently cursing in some other language. It's a fight like none he's ever seen before. Soon, Cobalt's eyes return to normal, and his screams no longer echo with evil. A dark energy seeps from his mouth and flies through the air. Terra and Star stand at the ready, unwilling to let Oblivion control them in even the slightest. By what it had said, they know that it cannot control those who refuse it entry into their bodies. Their will power is too strong for it now, and Oblivion knows that. Flying out the window, the dark energy disappears into the night, leaving the three ponies behind.

Returning his gaze to Cobalt, he sees that the stallion is regaining consciousness. His eyes flicker open and shut, and his real voice begins to speak out through exasperated panting. Rushing forth, both Terra and Star help him to a seated position, and the latter runs off to get him a drink of water. As she returns, handing him the cup, he greedily chugs it down before falling back down and sighing in relief. He then looks over to Terra and smiles, saying only one thing before passing out again, "Thank you, my friend."

The sun shines bright in the noon sky as Terra and Cobalt stand behind a wooden table at Sweet Apple Acres. Star had contacted the owner of the plantation, Apple Bloom, early this morning and asked if they could hold a fundraiser for Cobalt there. Naturally, the mare was happy to oblige and offered to have the Apple Family bake some of their award winning deserts to sell off to help. Terra, Star, and Cobalt arrived early and helped the Apples set things up and even bake the goods, wanting to give back to everypony. Cobalt's been so ashamed of what he did that he wanted to do all the work himself. It's a good thing for him that Apple Bloom and Babs Seed wouldn't let him. He'd have been even more tired than before.

As they continue to sell their goods and raise money throughout the entire day, Terra and his friend quickly realize that they'll make more than enough money. Their goal was reached hours ago, and now they're trying to double it. Trotting up, Apple Bloom brings out another barrel of sweet apple cider and sets it up as more of Ponyville's citizens step up to give what they can and get some delicious food and drink. Cobalt looks over to his friend and thanks him once again. Everything is going to not only be ok, but be better than before. Smiling, Terra shakes his head and with a smile says, "It was my honor."

PREVIEW FOR EPISODE 4
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On January 31st, 2014, be prepared for a story about the history of one little filly. Be prepared to learn..."How I Got My Cutie Mark".