Meanwhile, in the Crystal Kingdom-

 

***

"Honey, we need to get on the train now if we want to make in in time, plus we need to bundle up the little one.” Shining Armor begins, not looking away from his suitcase. “You sure the fillysitter is reputable?"

 

"Straight from Ponyville.” Candace replies without missing a beat. “It's Cranky and Matilda. We went to their wedding, remember? And as newlyweds they're eager to get more experience with children. Well, at least Matilda is. I'm not sure Cranky's sold on the idea yet.” she says, giggling softly as she finishes packing her own bag. “I'm sure they'll be fine.”

 

As they rush out the door, and rather hastily shut it, a curious thing happens. A small, plush doll in the likeness of Spike, one of Flurry Heart's most coveted possessions, is knocked loose from it's perch on an end-table and tumbles to the floor.

 

***

 

Twilight hums softly while adjusting the curtains, the hustle and bustle of cleaning in full swing. Pinkie glides across the room on a mop singing at the top of her lungs. Rarity busies herself with floral arrangements and gems to adorn the wall. Applejack hauls in cart after cart of apple-related edibles, leaving a trail of aromic but undeniably grimy refuse. Twilight fixes Applejack with a frustrated stare and sighs. But before she has time to verbally reprimand her, Pinkie glides over on her mop.

 

"On it!" she says, vigorously scrubbing the trail away.

 

Applejack blushes.

 

"Sorry Sugar cube. But A'h had to bring this in, it's Sweet Apple Acre's finest. . One taste and you'll forgive me!" She passes a full ladle to Twilight. Twilight sips it, and her eyes widen like saucers.

 

"Ooooh! That IS good! Everypony try it!" Twilight announces gleefully. Pinkie stops in mid motion to dive into one of the barrels, but Applejack, having anticipated this move, stops her.

 

"Uh Uh. NO divin' into this stock!" she closes the lid before Pinkie is able to jump in, which causes her to bounce off the keg like a ping pong ball. Once she comes to a stop against the wall Applejack hands her a full glass, which she graciously accepts and gulps down. Fluttershy smiles as she sips from her own glass, and offers a taste to Angel and an array of small birds perched on her shoulder. They chirp in agreement.

 

 

"Twilie!" Shining Armor announces loudly as he bursts through the door.

 

Twilight drops her glass in surprise, mid drink

 

"Gurgle...grg..." she swallows a painfully large amount before continuing. "Shining Armor! We weren't expecting you so soon!"

 

The others rush to finish whatever last minute decorating they can. Dj Pon3 is about to enter with her gear set up, but Pinkie makes a violent slashing motion, signaling her to stop. The DJ not only manages to stop mid entrance, but also miraculously hide her gear, which seemingly vanishes into thin air. There's a clinking whirring, but eerily familiar metallic sound as it disappears.

 

"Haha, I know, I know, I always surprise you. " He says, looking around. "Wow, I like what you've done with the place! Sorry if we caught you off guard. Candace will be here in a minute, she's just dealing with the baby. So stop worrying about the prepwork.”

 

“Though I would like to see more of the place.” He says, leaning in and nudging her playfully. “But we can do that later..I just want to visit my sister. You're looking healthy. I hear you're doing a lot these days, wearing the crown well. How's the royal life treating you?”

 

"Oh, if only you knew,” Twilight begins with an exasperated sigh, but then perks up. “But wait, you can! You're here!” Well, I should give you guys a proper tour and show you around! And fill you in on whats happened! "

 

They hug and Shining armor points a hoof out the door. "Soon! I just wanted to make a couple stops, and then meet up with Cady and come here more formally. It should be in a few more hours. So...you can all stop acting casual like and hiding, we are all friends!" He laughs as he looks at the others who are whistling and pretending not to do anything, but still slowly organizing. He looks over to Dj Pon3 who peeks her head out with uncharacteristic shyness.

 

"What? Surprised? I AM Captain of the guard! I have to at least know whats going on around me or wouldn't be any good at my job. But I'm glad your friends are all on the good side! They have amazing abilities!" Twilight looks at Pinkie doing something embarrassing and Rainbow Dash laughing mid flight.

 

"Well...amazing is one way of putting it, but you're right. They're the best of friends."

 

Shining Armor runs off with a wave. Dj Pon3 moves towards the center of the castle, tilting her glasses down to look up and around in awe.

 

"Yes. Quite impressive isn't it? Not like your pad in Manehatten?" Rarity jibs. Dj Pon3 smiles and shakes her head no, blushing again. She sets up shop on the side where the main table is located, near the entrance to the map room. She spins a few records and sets them on a stack.

 

Pinkie pops up under the deck and flips through the labels "Oooh this one, No not this one, this one, oh this is so dated,” she says, casting aside a Kanye West album. “Oooh I like this one a lot! (dj pon youtube id).

 

Applejack and Rarity set up the table as Fluttershy fixes the rest of the tapestry with Rainbow Dash's help. Spike quickly checks things off the check list. Dr Whooves and Derpy show up at the door as the Doctor talks about strange creatures made out of metal. Derpy just smiles and nods as she carries a bunch of muffins on her back.

 

"Ahh yes the festivities! I was traveling and I heard that you enjoyed my light show! I decided to bring my new invention, Singing flowers! As the name implies, instead of exploding, they sing!" He pulls a cart with various flowers. One of them is a sunflower with a serene smile on it's face, humming softly about zombies. "I'm still working out the kinks, but I think they may be ready." He sets them up and smells the muffins "Oh I so do like muffins, but I do remember once having custard and..." he gets cut off as Rainbow Dash careens past him, almost hitting the flowers.

 

"Ugh sorry there Doc, bit of a hurry!"

 

"Right Right...Quite good. I will just set these down. Anything I can do to help?"

 

Twilight looks up "Ugh...if only you could slow down time..."

 

The doctor looks at her with a mischievous grin.

 

"On second thought, I don't need any more time manipulation any TIME soon" she giggles as Spike rolls his eyes.

 

"Fantastic!! I do so want to ask you about that experience you had! I am so fascinated with time! Why I am working on a few inventions based on what you describe....but just small things tools and what not." He pulls out a normal screwdriver but looks at it longingly. "Soon" he whispers as he strokes it lovingly. Derpy mimics his motions and laughs.

 

***

 

The mane six are all dressed up. Royally looking, except for Pinkie who has donned a professional chefs outfit while cooking up a storm.

 

"I gotta finish this or I'm gonna get chopped!" she says, making a violent slashing motion with her hoof.

 

Twilight straightens a bowtie on Spike's outfit. Even DjPon3 sports formal attire, an odd steampunkish getup, complete with monocle and tophat. The Doctor has a formal trench coat. Derpie is dressed in a similar manner.

 

Spike runs to peek out the door. The sun is setting. "They're here! They're here!" He jumps, and everyone lines up the tables. Spike composes himself and stands by the door, with a mini trumpet.

 

Shining Armor, Cadence and in a bundle on her back, Flurry Heart

 

"Ahem!" Spike speaks up. Formal like

 

"Announcing the presence of Sir Shining Armor and Princess Cadence of the Crystal Empire. In Tow, Daughter Princess Flurry Heart." He bows.

 

"Welcome to the Formal Gathering with Princess Twilight Sparkle and her companions Rainbow Dash of the Thunderbolts, Fluttershy of ..."

 

"Ha ha, thank you Spike, but there's no need to be so formal!" Princess Cadence responds, giving him a hug. He falters his words and blushes.

 

"Thanks, I wasn't looking forward to the extremely long name that Pinkie picked for this!" he points to a rather long sheet of paper titled "Say this here ! " with a pinkie smile and words written all over.

 

 

"Wow, you've done wonders! Even since I was here a few hours ago! Definitely looking fit for a princess!" Shining Armor responds.

 

"This looks great Twilight! Come here!" Candace says, running over. Twilight runs to meet her, both gowns disheveling under their hooves, but neither seems to care.

 

"Sunshine! Sunshine! Ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little Shake!"

They both sing in unison. Pinkie joins in the "Shake" part but doesn't stop, until they look over and laugh. She falls on the ground laughing as well.

 

"Well Brother...sister?” Twilight begins, giggling. “Let's eat! Then we can go on a tour of the place and get you settled in. How does that sound?"

 

"That would be great!" Pinkie rushes over to serve soup, pasta, and veggies. They all sit down, Twilight closes her eyes to give thanks.

 

"We wish to give thanks for good food, good friends, family, and a great time for sharing! " She opens her eyes. "LETS EAT!"

 

For the next few minutes the hall is filled with the sound of chewing, slurping, gulping, and the occasional flutter of wings. Eventually they empty their mugs and plates.

 

"Now THAT is some high quality grub! " Rainbow Dash exclaims with a burp. Twilight blushes.

 

"Rainbow!" She then covers her mouth, letting out a sheepish "Sorry."

 

Cadence giggles at the formality and then says quietly "Oh that's nothing, look at this!" She then belts out a large burp that shocks everyone, Shining Armor included. Flurry Hearts claps her hooves together appreciatively and then they all laugh.

 

Twilight prepares them for their tour as they finish up their meal. "Well brother, sister...I still can't get over that but it feels right!" she says, nuzzling Cadence. "Let me show you around. First we'll go through my favorite part, the Library! Then onto the Map Room, Viewing Room, The quarters, and the rest.”

 

They follow her into the library.

 

"This is perfect for you Twilie! Plus room to spare!" Shining Armor floats a few books to look at the titles, then spots one out of the corner of his eyes. "Oh? You kept this?" On the cover is a Canterlot symbol. He flips through pages of black and white pictures, and stops on one of himself, much younger.

 

"Of course!” says Twilight. “This has your graduation picture and all that."

 

He then flips to a picture of a dorky looking Twilight. She blushes furiously.

"Ugh not this!" Fluttershy looks over and giggles softly.

 

"Why twilight you look so cute!"

"Cutsy wootsie!!" Applejack coos.

"Aww look at that! I must say you look splendid even with the awful dated fashion." Rarity comments at a neighboring page.

 

Pinkie just ogles all the pictures while Rainbow Dash is laughing hysterically in mid air, barely able to breath.

 

"Fine fine! Laugh...but I KNOW all of you have filly pictures as well..." they suddenly get quiet knowing full well that Twilight has a book somewhere that has all their pictures.

 

"Heh, but they're right Twilie, you were always the good student..." says Shining Armor as he gently floats the book back and moves on to others.

 

Twilight blushes and says "Moving on! Ahem-ok- Here are all the Tomes I have acquired on my adventures so far." Several of them are glowing and you recognize all the symbols from previous episodes.

 

"And here are my old collections, first organized by the ones I recently used in research, in case I need to get them quickly" she chuckles at her own organization.

 

"These are new ones, then these are un-categorized...and..hmm I don't recognize these..." she stops and looks at a bunch of books where the spines do not have any symbols or labels on them. One in particular is glowing, and she pulls it out gently.

 

"Strange..I have never seen this one before..." on the cover is an Auryn "But I feel immense power with these...I will look at them later..." she says as she gently replaces them. Upon closer inspection you will recognize that these are books of power from earth.

 

"Ok...onto the Map room...where the Magic happens!" She giggles again at her own joke.

"Uh...Twilight you may need to have someone look at that!" Rainbow Dash whispers at her giggles as Twilight swats her away.

 

They enter the Map room, where a bunch of crystalline globes are floating around with wisps of light and dark and various colors of energy and sparks fill the rooms.

 

"Ooooh ahhh"everyone comments.

 

Twilight whispers to spike "Thank the good Doc for the light show."

 

Spike nods, but whispers to himself "Wait...he didn't have a light show.”

 

“...Twilight!" he says, tugging on her dress.

 

She turns around and the map suddenly pulses. Then it vibrates and blinks similar to when it goes off.

 

"Whoa...that's strange...that doesn't usually happen unless..."Twilight replies, then looks to her flank'

"Well It's not me this time" At this point they all look at their flanks, moving their dresses and outfits.

 

"See, we get notified when there is a dire friendship situation and we are called to investigate. It has been accurate without fail..."

 

"Not me..."

"Nope,"

"Sorry Deary, Not me"

"Noooo.o"

 

They all check and none of their cutie marks go off.

 

"Hmmm. Strange indeed. The map hasn't been wrong yet!"

 

There is a yelp in the dining room as well as another shout of surprise. Before anyone can say anything, all the lights that are filling the room stop. The map goes quiet. The room is rather dark. Then there is a dot that appears on the map, but it spins around and moves from place to place...like it is seeking. Everyone is quiet and they are watching the map intently.

 

Suddenly the dot stops right above the very castle they are in. They all look towards each other.

 

Pinkie squints before speaking.

"Hmm. Let me try somethin'..." she stands on her two hooves and then puts her two front hooves together and then spreads them apart, similar to how Tony Stark from the avengers accesses data from Jarvis. They all look in surprise as the castle "Zooms in."

 

She shrugs and just says "Seen it done once..."

 

They peer at the map again and notice that the dot is moving. Pinkie zooms in a little more and they notice that the dot is in this very room, with a translucent glowing map. They look around to figure out where the dot is located. Suddenly all eyes appear on Spike, who is currently pacing back and forth. He stops and says -

"What?" looking innocent. They all turn back to the map and the dot stops, exactly the same spot as Spike.

 

Just when he said that, the dot from the map disappears. The room suddenly returns to normal light. As it does they realized that the darkness that was in there before was not natural from the outside.

 

"Well...that was...different...oooh" Applejack says after a moment and then shivers.

"I didn't like that...I got the chills."

 

The rest all nodded in agreement.

 

"Well Twilie..always the center of excitement it seems!"

 

"Hehe, yeah always...never a dull moment. No sure-ree!" she exclaims in false bravado. She gulps as they continue the rest of the tour without incident. They find the rooms and bring their things in to sleep. The main 6 decide to sleep over like a slumber party. Pinkie and Rarity enjoy the notion.

 

While cleaning up the dining room. Spike is alone sweeping the floor while the others are joking and talking in the next room.

 

"For a bunch of ponies they can be pretty dirty!" he whispers. Suddenly he reaches for his stomach and makes a face like he had eaten bad fish.

 

"Ugh...this feels weird..and not the normal wa-" Suddenly he belches and spits up a scroll. But this time, the process is longer and noticeably painful. He takes a deep breath.

 

"Ugh! I hope I never experience THAT again" He remarks, looking at the scroll. It's black paper with a strange insignia. He picks it up, about to bring it to Twilight when he turns the paper in his claws and reads the script on it. "Spike” is spelled out in draconic letters. He pauses, surprised, before opening up the scroll.

 

"Weird. Must be a new style of writing or something. I hope its not common. That hurt!" he says, reading the first line.

 

"FOR SPIKES EYES ONLY" it says in a bizarre, almost artificial style, completely different from the writing on the front.

 

“To Spike:

 

There is a situation with your friend Ember. She is currently in deep trouble and needs your help. With haste. Please come to Canterlot Immediately. Details to follow. Do not mention this to twilight or the rest of her friends. Come alone. We will fill you in when you arrive.

 

Sincerely,

 

Princess Celestia”

 

"Weird, this doesn't look like Celetias writing at all. Why isn't Twilight's name capitalized?” He says, then lets out a groan at his own over-analization. “I'm hanging out with Twilight too much.” He shrugs, casting an offhand glance over his shoulder.

 

"Well, a Quick trip to Canterlot so I can figure out what is going on...they are having to much of a good time. I think I can make it there and back before things wind down. Then I can go on my long bubble bath!" He smiles and snatches a gem from a hidden spot in the castle. Presumably a private stash.

"Well, its only a short jog to Canterlot. I'm a big dragon now. I don't want Twilight to worry" He says, jotting down a small note and leaving it on the table

 

"Plus I need to make sure this balloon still works. Twili doesn't need it anymore, but until I get my wings stronger. I still need it."

On the note reads

 

"Be back in a bit. Got a strange note from Princess Celestia, But will check it out and return. Have fun!

 

-Spike"

 

He tries to tuck the black scroll in his pack, but is unsuccessful and on his way out drops it by the door.

 

"If I hurry, I can be back for snack time!" he says, whistling a tune to himself as he leaves.

 

 

The main 6 return to the Dinner table after they settle their items into the room, Dj Pon3 see's the cue and starts spinning techno beats as Rarity and Twilight slide the table over to the side. It's nighttime now. They start to dance and shake and spin around to the music.

 

Dr Whooves and Derpy dance, A few other locals join in. Big Mac, The Cutie mark crusaders, The Mayor and others are dancing. Drinking great apple punch and fruit punches and other mixed drinks of various styles. The party cannon fires off occasionally of it's own accord.

 

"Hey where is Spike? I want to dance with him! He gets so embarrassed!" Twilight shouts over the music.

 

Rarity shrugs "Not sure...but I bet he has some sorta hat on and is having a good time!" she laughs and they bump flanks.

 

"You're right! He always gets into trouble with these parties!" Pinkie interjects while tossing donuts to them as they snatch them mid air and eat.

 

"THIS is a party! Wooo Wooo! Woo Woo!" she starts making train noises while initiating a congo line, which everyone gradually comes to follow.

 

The night draws on and the party starts to wind down. Princess Cadence and Shining Armor call it an early night as they have to take care of the baby. The party lasts for a few more hours after that. Dj Pon3 waves and then the lights start to come on.

 

"Awesome mix Dj Pon! That was fantastic!"Twilight says. "You know you can stay the night if you need to rest!"

 

Dj Pon smiles and bows, and nods yes. She presses a button and the dj station transforms into a boombox. With earphones in place she glides into one of the rooms.

 

Dr Whooves and Derpy walk over, sleepily.

 

"One of the best parties I have had in eons. But I must retire for the night. New inventions to work on! Have a fantastic life!" He winks and then leaves.

 

Derpy waves "Good byeeeee" and blushes as she leaves with him. Almost out the door you hear him say "Now if I can just find K9..."

 

 

The room is now empty and quite a mess. Twilight walks over to the table and sits down.

 

"Whew...what a party! Well Spike, we will definitely...eh.." she looks around noticing that Spike isn't near her.

 

"Spike? Hey, has anyone seen him?"

 

They start to look around.

 

"Maybe he's in the punch bowl again!" Applejack laughs but nervously as she senses something wrong.

 

After a few moments. Princess Twilight stands up, more nervous now.

 

"Spike? Spike! If you're playing one of your hiding games..." She trails off in mock anger, but a tinge of nervousness spills into her voice. She starts using magic to move books, tables, chairs. The more time passes, the more frantic she moves things until there is a whirlwind of whole shelves. The others dodge them.

 

"SPIKE! Where ARE you?" Twilight shouts, using her ability to project her voice, but shielding Princess Cadence and Shining Armors room, with their baby.

 

Suddenly the note drifts down and gently glides onto Twilight's hoof. At the same time Fluttershy finds the dark scroll by the door. She picks it up with her mouth and shivers. Twilight reads the note and then drops it.

 

"No..." she says, as Fluttershy spits out the scroll

 

" I found this Twilight...don't put it in your mouth. It tastes awful."

 

She floats it up and unravels it with magic and reads...

 

"This...this can't be right...this doesn't make sense..." She looks over the scroll and seal."Black...and what's this? I don't recognize it!" She points towards the seal and then drops the note.

 

"I must find out what's going on. This strangeness of the map..and now Spike, This is NOT a coincidence!"

 

***

 

Back in the den with shadow and gloom. The same ominous mirror from before. Showing the events unfolding in the Castle

 

"The time is now young ones. No more failures. No more ambiguity. Rise and fulfill your destiny! Do what needs to be done. " Another mirror appears with a window into Fluttershy's cottage. Discord plays games with her animal friends.

 

"Pitiful excuse of a son..." seared into the mirror frame spells out 'failure'

 

"When all is said and done. I will deal with you properly." She seethes with hatred.

 

Discord's ears twitch as he is drinking tea and playing cards with Bear.

 

"My word...what was.." he then looks over his shoulder, and peers into the wall, where the mirror is directed from. "No...I must be imagining things...ha! Me imagining things!" He squints again and his eyes widened a bit. "No! I must warn..."

 

"No, my Son. You shall do no such thing!" The voice reverberates back in misty room and the cottage. Suddenly a spark appears and hits Discord on his horn and the mirror goes black.

 

Back in the cottage the room is filled with a darkness that frightens the animals. The last words Discord hears is "No my son. Your failures will not interfere with my plans this day!" A single tear forms in his eyes.

 

"Mother...no..."

 

Then suddenly a word spoken.

 

"Forget."

 

Just then the darkness is lifted, Discord is on the floor as the animals regain their composure. Not sure what just happened, but none the wiseer, Discord picks up his cards and says "Why I must be getting sloppy. No matter. Fluttershy won't be back anytime soon." He returns to playing cards...then he pauses and puts the cards down.

 

"Still...something seems off..."he shrugs and returns to the cards, but you see another tear forming in his eye, and another...

 

***

 

"Now my pretty ones. Arise from your slumber." Suddenly the mist starts to settle and you see 5 bed's with strange symbols on the foot of the bed.

 

The 5 beds are surrounding a 6^th bed. Suddenly you start to see forms appear from under the covers, Stretching and yawning, 5 pony silhouettes appear still shrouded with mist.

 

"Come and stand by me. Time is now. We need to get ready for our visitors."

 

A cage drops from the ceiling and slowly drifts down with black magic. In the cage you see a bound and gagged spike. Eyes wide and helpless.

 

"The bait is set. Trap is ready, and now...for the fall of the Princess. The destruction of Equestria, and now that they have made contact with earth. We will now be able to destroy everything.

 

Suddenly out from the shadows, a figure appears. Beautiful and dark. A cloak of swirling darkness that almost looks like a lengthy dress of black smoke. A seductive yet alarming female figure with glowing yellow eyes, without any definition. Black streaks coming from the eyes as permanent tears. The face is mostly without form. Except for the eyes which are much smaller then the typical ponies, and occasionally a mouth appears. Different from the typical pony muzzle.

 

"Yes...Come forth. Eris commands!"

 

Suddenly out of the shadows, 5 ponies slowly trot forward.

 

"Apate!" The first steps forward, and you see a pony with shave hair, a helmet, a fancy suit, and a gold tooth. The cutie mark is a symbol of a lady holding a scale upside down with a red mark.

 

"Erida!" another walks forth. As Dark as can be. With wings with pulled feathers, scar marks everywhere, face and body. A permanent scowl on her face. They have the cutie mark of a vile angry mask. With heat and fire surrounding it. She makes a guttural noise while chewing on a piece of meat.

 

"Achlys" Another pony walks up. Mane all on one side, with a plain face.Head lowered and looking down. Cutie mark of a frown with tears. A shield is strapped onto her back.

 

"Plutus!" A rather deep smiling pony with a chain around her neck, filled with gems and gold. Rings around the hooves, an outfit made of gold and silk and various expensive gem stones. They grin wildly. Looks over and eyes the gold tooth in Apates mouth. Apate snarls in response. Achlys laughs.

 

Suddenly saying in a guttural metallic voice

 

"When you're destroyed, I will get that tooth. So your a walking investment" Cutie Mark has gold coins, gems, metals, in a vault.

 

"Sisyphus!" Out walks a pony that looks remarkably like a wonderbolt. But like all the others, all of them are completely grey in color. With varying shades of grey in their main. With the exception of Erida who is seething in black.

 

"Get into positions ladies! And do make yourselves look more presentable!" suddenly magic covers them and then a colorful film masks their true looks, making them look like average ponies. Cutie marks covered. Their colors are barely registering.

 

"This will have to do. You know what needs to be done. Meet your counterparts and split them apart...discreetly. Draw them in like we practiced."

 

Slowly lowering from the ceiling as Spike looks helplessly. 5 padded cages each with a symbol on the base. A Lightning bolt, Apples, Diamonds, Balloons, and Butterflies.

 

The lightning cage is filled with a sticky substance. The Apple cage is reinforced with spikes turning inwards, The diamond one is made of a strange material with mirrors facing inward, The balloon one is sealed with only a grate at the top. Painted all in black on the inside.

 

The butterfly one is filled with pictures of various dangerous and scary creatures, and messages and dark imagery. Made of soundproof material and a bigger sealed non framed box around it.

 

Then a 6^th cage slowly declines.

 

"And for our gracious host of the hour"

 

A dark cage made out of a strange material, completely sealed. With tubes and gyros and various tools and scientific equipment all over it. Wires protruding from every aspect of the device. The cage is then moved to another room. Surrounded by 12 inch thick material, completely barren except for a mirror.

 

"Can not be to careful with that one. For added precaution" she floats a mirror right in front of Spike. Spike moans as he watches the cages being set into place.

 

The 5 ponies head on their way out. Eris takes one more look and shifts form to resemble a non-discript pegasus. All white.

"I will do my part now as well. Time for the downfall of the Princess of Friendship. " and out she flies.