THE FINAL COUNTDOWN: 1

Princess Celestia, Queen Chrysalis, and Princess Luna now stood near the grassy plains and a lonesome dirt road as each of their guards followed all of their movements. However all three appeared horribly frantic as they stood there and Princess Luna stood with one hoof holding her magical radar which continued to let off an erring bleeping noise which continued recurrently. She frowned heavily as she shook her head, "There's no mistake about it sister, she's definitely there."

Queen Chrysalis raised a brow at a radar, "So, it actually does work?"

Princess Luna nodded to Chrysalis. "Indeed, it's not hard for us to create our own magical artifact that can trace Yucca since she to is made up only of magical essence. In all reality, you mentioned how you'd see what she's made of didn't you? Well, all you'd find is a swirling void of magical essence if we are truly correct."

Princess Celestia's expression sunk as she glanced down worriedly, conflicted about the entire situation. "We have no choice but to show face there then."

Queen Chrysalis backed away some as she herself wore a bitter expression as there was a hint of sadness in her eyes. The sun hanging overhead and behind them would cast a shadow down upon the changeling Queen as she stood some distance away from them. "You both know I cannot go with you in there. Besides if Yucca truly is there, then this is where we must part. I no longer play a role in her life. She and I, no longer have any more connections."

Princess Celestia looked to Chrysalis at first with wide eyes questioningly, before frowning at her. "Chrysalis..."

Queen Chrysalis continued. "Promise me Celestia. Promise me you won't use her against me, that you'll keep your word. That you'll do what you must to ensure she is taken care of. I want to hear you say it." She paused, lowering her head and remaining silent for a moment. "We may not have had a whole lot of time to get to know one another. But, I've come to grow fond of the little runt in some ways. But I realize now she does not belong with my kind, she belongs with her own. I cannot give her the time of day a mother should. Nor can I look at her without feeling slight annoyance, without believing she is a nuisance, I cannot help but think negatively of her." Queen Chrysalis almost looked guilty, admitting such things. "I can no longer bare the thought of using her as a source of power, as well as be her mother. It hurts more than I expected it to."

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna both remained silent as they looked upon Chrysalis, each with saddened expressions.

Queen Chrysalis sighed heavily, as she cocked her head to the right in irritation looking upon the two. "Don't stare at me like that. It's embarrassing."

Princess Celestia bore a smile, nodding to Chrysalis. "I promise."

Queen Chrysalis flashed both Celestia and Luna a true smile then, as she closed her eyes and simply regarded the two with a nod as she then turned away from them.

Princess Celestia tilted her head to the right a bit. "Visit anytime...."

Queen Chrysalis didn't reply to that, as she'd just remained silent with her head lowered, continuing to face away from them.

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna turned away from Chrysalis themselves, before nodding to one another as Princess Luna peered down at her makeshift radar. They each spread their wings as their guards followed their motions, and then proceeded to take towards the skies the distant Crystal Empire itself.

Queen Chrysalis just lowered her hind legs, as once they'd departed, she immediately went into coughing violently, covering her muzzle with her hoof. The Queen had deep bags beneath her eyes as she appeared fairly sick and sighed heavily before smirking to herself lightly. "I guess my body isn't used to not having her around either anymore....."

One of the changelings approached the Queen worriedly before asking, "My Queen, shall we get started on the project in order to recreate-"

Queen Chrysalis looked up towards the sun before simply replying. "We will be doing nothing of the sort." She appeared fairly calm, serene in her demeanor.

The guards all gasped before regarding their Queen in confusion as one cut in, "B-But my Queen! Then Princess Celestia shall have-"

And Queen Chrysalis didn't hesitate to cut this one off either. "She shall have everything I intended her to have from the very beginning. I shall grant her this special exception, for I will do everything in my power to ensure this goes smoothly. Should that mean I don't trifle with the powers that created Yucca then so be it, I had little care for them anyhow." She smiled softly, "But I couldn't appear as if I'd lost control in front of Celestia now could I? No, I think I like how things shall end here. Yucca left feeling as if she'd disappointed me, she'd even gone so far as to face those meddlesome six for me, and despite having lost, I am a proud mother. If Celestia can somehow find a way to ensure she does not end up becoming destabilized and securing her future, then I shall be happy. That child should never have played a role in our politics, and I pray she no longer ever will. This is between us changelings and ponies, separately." Queen Chrysalis paused to regard her changelings as she turned red in her cheeks, absolutely embarrassed she was speaking in such a mushy manner. "B-But nonetheless! LET US STOP SPEAKING OF THIS! It's over and done with! Let us be off."

The changelings all saluted as they gathered in formation behind their Queen.

Queen Chrysalis smirked in satisfaction of their loyalty, these to, were her dear children who would go so far as to die for her. And she cared for each and every one of them deep down inside, much like she did her brief daughter for a time. She smiled, looking off into the direction of the Crystal Empire yet again before sighing and shrugging lightly and only thinking to herself. Farewell Yucca, do take care of yourself, wherever you may end up you little demon of a child, my little stray.

As they glided through the skies over the Crystal Empire, Princess Celestia paused as she took a moment to regard her sister. Their guards followed their motions, pausing as well as Princess Celestia looked seriously towards her. "Luna, I'd like for you and the Lunar Guards to wait at the gates; and once there, I would like for you to bring upon night only for a brief amount of time. As Chrysalis stated, Yucca has a particular attachment to you. But I don't believe this is solely due to the fact that she seems to have a knack for blaming you for her issues. It isn't odd for a filly to do such childish things." She frowned a bit, "But I also believe it may be a form of denial."

Princess Luna raised a brow at Celestia, "What do you speak of Sister? Denial? You heard Chrysalis yourself over this past week. Besides, we had to use quite an amount of tall tales to excuse our lengthy absence, I'd like for us not to take any risks in this whole ordeal. We're so close anyhow, so now's certainly not the time for such games."

Princess Celestia shook her head as she'd pointed to her utility belt. "Exactly my point sister, the time for games is over. Yes, I've heard Chrysalis and I understand that she does indeed know the child best, but I to have learned much from watching her in the scrolls, and I knew my old student well, and I know a part of Twilight lives within that child. This, these cans of confetti and muffins galore, this is no game, this is no play-date, we are extracting an extremely powerful alicorn and ensuring she has a secure future as a pony, one that does not disturb the peace. This was never a game from the moment it started. So there's no reason to treat it as such. That little filly Luna, she may be a child, but so was Twilight. Twilight's inner potential that drew me to her, that allowed me to see just how capable she was, that dangerous potential is obviously here as well. "

Princess Luna frowned a bit as she'd looked at Celestia questioningly. "I do not understand sister, just what are you talking about? You're speaking in riddles."

Princess Celestia sighed before looking to her sister in a straightforward manner. "What I'm saying Luna is, she needs to come to a realization for us to make any progress with her. She realizes just how dire the situation is, perhaps all she'd ever want to do is run away from the truth of it all. She is only just a filly."

Princess Luna shook her head, "I don't understand how I remaining alone at the gates solves any of this..."

Princess Celestia glanced down through the parted clouds at the grand castle of the empire itself. "Trust me when I say that we'll need quite a bit of free space away from the innocent citizens to accomplish what we're here to do. It also gives me time to prepare. Lest forget Chrysalis raised this alicorn, not us..."

Princess Luna cocked her head to the right, "Prepare what?"

Princess Celestia looked up further into the sky. "We're not only tasked with ensuring Yucca doesn't leave Equestria, but ensuring she comes to our side."

Princess Luna remained silent, only listening to Celestia.

Princess Celestia continued, "I think it's time we brought an end to all of these games sister."

"Wooooooooow! THIS IS SO SO SO AMAZING! SO PRETTY! SHINY! Like glass stone, and walls, and everything! GLASS PONIES!?" She spread her hooves happily. "You defeated the evil Sombrero! You are so so so amazing! I've always wanted to see the glass ponies!" Princess Yucca had her hooves spread and her eyes closed as she sat upon a tiny chair in Princess Cadence's private quarters. And sitting across from her observantly would be Princess Cadence herself who'd only been chuckling as she looked down upon the filly.

Princess Cadence nodded plainly afterwords, "Yes yes, you flatter me little pony. But it took the help of many of my friends as well." She glanced about her private quarters affectionately, obviously grateful for her current conditions, "This is something I could never achieve alone. And not without the power of the Crystal Heart to aid me as well."

Princess Yucca's eyes widened then as she puckered her lower lip and then lowered her head as her mane suddenly became straight and less full of fluff as she'd frowned. "Friends? I don't have any friends. Does that mean I will never be able to defeat the evil ones like you did?"

Princess Cadence's eyes widened as she appeared a bit distraught over what the filly said. "I didn't mean it like that! I...I just-"

Princess Yucca snickered as she'd leaped up and got in Cadence's face. "KIDDING! Hehe, of course I've got friends dummy!" She then leaned back in her chair with a smug smirk as she'd crossed her hind legs and closed her eyes with a snicker. "PFT! Everypony needs friends to support them in the scary times."

Princess Cadence suddenly seemed hopeful for the filly, "O-Oh really!? That's great little one. So, what're their names?"

Princess Yucca continued smugly. "Well of course, first there's Fluffy King, and then there's K-5933994838. They're my dolls. Impressive huh?"

Princess Cadence's gaze shifted a bit as she just replied hesitantly, "Well, uh- a-anyway! So, why aren't they with you?"

Princess Yucca sighed heavily as she whimpered softly, leaning forward and crossing her hooves over her lap. "K-5933994838 was beheaded in the Battle of Doogi'vera against the pony of nightmares. And Fluffy King retired afterwords." Princess Yucca sighed with a slight glare, "They've seen too much bad stuff to continue the battle." And for a moment, the filly seemed lost in her thoughts with her hooves crossed. She then glanced up up at Princess Cadence for a moment, before appearing hesitant and avoiding eye contact, as she looked back towards her yet again. "Glass Princess, do you ever have scary dreams?" She closed her eyes halfway. "Of things you think you should remember?" She paused for a moment before muttering silently to herself, "Because I think I remember you. I remember the pony of nightmares, and the evil Sombrero as well. But I still don't get a lot of it, no matter how much I studied or read my books, the problems are always too tough for me."

Princess Cadence blinked a bit as she just looked down at the filly.

Princess Yucca then rose with a determined expression and swipe of her hoof. "That is why I can't give up pretty pony princess! Momma wanted me to take over the ponies and I failed! BUT MAYBE! I can still win by defeating the pony of nightmares! I am on a journey of awesomesauce! A journey of the pony niceness rules! Momma #2 has showed me I am still not prepared! I still have lots and lots to learn!" She stomped a hoof before looking up at Cadence. "Which is why I must go now!"

Princess Cadence only gasped before she hurried to the door, practically blocking the filly. "Absolutely not."

Princess Yucca raised a brow, "B-But, I won't be able to defeat the pony of nightmares if I can't go! I-I...I, it's all I have left!"

Princess Cadence looked down at the filly questioningly. "And where exactly do you plan to go? You're banished."

Princess Yucca's eyes widened for a moment as she just looked at Princess Cadence for a moment as she said in a cold lifeless manner. "Wherever I have to..."

And Princess Cadence didn't fail to notice the sudden shift in the filly's mood as she began to regard her worriedly.

The filly appeared dazed, lost in her thoughts as her eyes remained exponentially wide. "Dreams, the dreams never stop. Momma #2 was right. So I have to go now. I ignored it, I kept ignoring it. Ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore is all I ever did. She was right. Right right right. Don't you think so? Don't you think she was right? I saw it, but it had to be the ponies of nightmares. Giving me the dreams. I see them, I see her, I see myself playing with ponies I don't know, stopping ponies I never stopped. I don't want to think about it, I never did. Ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore, all I ever do is ignore. Momma is gone because I couldn't stop ignoring. All I wanted to do is play play play." She'd whimpered.

Princess Cadence's expression sunk more as she only looked upon the filly worriedly as she continued to listen to her rambling. But what also caught Cadence's attention was as the filly continued to ramble, her ruffled mane only started to become more straight as magic seeped from her body.

The filly just paused as she sat there, as if still lost before exclaiming questioningly as a hint of moisture appeared in both her eyes, "Am I scary?" And as quickly as she'd said that, the filly felt herself pulled in by a tight embrace as she just sat there stuck in that embrace as a hoof wrapped around her head.

Princess Cadence shook her head, wearing a serious expression as she'd actually appeared somewhat upset while stroking her mane. "Not at all...."

Princess Yucca closed her eyes as she lowered her hind legs to sit before hesitantly attempting returning Cadence's embrace, and that she did.

And suddenly, just as the two had embraced, the light in the entirety of the castle had faded away, becoming consumed by a pure atmosphere of darkness.

Princess Cadence's eyes widened as she cocked a brow, suddenly hearing the sound of much shuffling going on outside in the halls. She rose before nudging Yucca along softly, "Stay close to me little one." She then opened the doors of her private quarters as she peeked out into the halls, seeing guards rushing about attempting to figure out themselves why it had suddenly gotten so dark. But as Princess Cadence then looked back to continue guiding Yucca, she'd seen Princess Yucca wasn't even paying attention and appeared lost once again as she just looked at the filly curiously, unsure why she was acting the way she was. "Little one? Are you alright?"

Princess Yucca was deathly silent as she'd only stated simply, "She's here?" As a wide playful grin spread from cheek to cheek. "Here here here?"

Princess Cadence's eyes widened as she only questioned the filly further, "W-What? Who's here?"

Princess Yucca rose, fluttering her wings as she spread her hooves exclaiming in absolute excitement. "SHE'S HEEEEEEEEEEEEERE!!!!!" And with that she disappeared.

Princess Cadence gasped as she'd hurried back into the room, "W-WAIT!!! L-LITTLE ONE!? WHERE'D YOU GO!?" She began to look around frantically as she'd checked under the bed, behind the curtains, near the dresser, anywhere in the room she could think of. She began pacing heavily as she rushed out of her private quarters, only to see a series of guards approaching as well as Shining Armor as they'd all appeared just as frantic. Shining Armor called out to his wife then. "C-CADENCE!"

Princess Cadence shook her head, "S-Shining she just disappeared! I don't know where she ran off to!"

Shining Armor paused, raising a hoof as his guards halted as well. "The alicorn? Cadence I think that's the least of our-"

But suddenly, there'd been an interruption in their conversation. "Cadence, Shining. There's no need to worry about what's happening."

Princess Cadence's eyes widened as did all of the guards as well as Shining's in recognition of that sudden voice.

Shining squinted a bit as he peered off down the distant hall, looking in particular at an emerging figure. "You're..."

Standing in the background would be Princess Celestia, at first cloaked by shadows as she'd appeared before them. "I'm glad to see you two are alright. Worry not, although I have not shared all the details with Luna either, the reason we're here is to address your concerns. I have a much more reliable plan in regards to that alicorn's well-being."

Princess Cadence only blinked a bit as she'd appeared fairly confused. "Auntie, I don't mean to go off topic but erhm; what're you wearing?"

Princess Celestia sighed as a hint of crimson appeared in her cheeks as she'd shook her head. "What I'm wearing isn't important! W-What's important is that you two stay out of what's about to occur at the gates of the Crystal Empire. Allow Luna and I handle this situation, meaning the alicorn you've found Cadence. We shall take her off your hooves."

Princess Cadence gasped as she'd leaned forward, making her way up to Princess Celestia with stride. "So then you do know her!? Who is she Auntie Celestia!? Why's she here?"

Princess Celestia frowned. "She is a creation, an entity of pure magic drawn from Twilight and her friends. An amalgamation of the six, crafted from the power of an ancient and powerful tome. Why she is here, well, that's a long story. Luna and I are only here to retrieve her so we may ensure she does not do anything that may result in future harm."

Princess Cadence's brow twitched as she couldn't wrap her head around what Celestia was saying. She placed a hoof over her face for a moment before just looking back up to her. "W-Wait, Auntie? I don't get what you're saying. Twilight, amalgamation, tome, what is all of this? How long has all of this been going on? She'd mentioned she was banished Auntie, were you the one who would banish such a child? I can't imagine so, she seems far too innocent."

Princess Celestia still only regarded her with a bitter frown. "I know you have a lot of questions Cadence, but I have little time to answer them. Perhaps someday, when it is truly necessary, we can sit and talk in regards about what little Yucca truly is. For now all you need to know is she is an imbalance in the scale of power that's been tipping Equestria in our favor. Fate has decreed that the balance of good and evil in the land has to be met, Yucca was that answer. She may wear an innocent form, but if left unchecked she could've grown to seize the thrones. Luna and I are ensuring that Yucca's destiny which we believe involves returning all of Equestria to a neutral state, is not met. We believe now that to simply put it, she was meant as a hard reset to everything we've accomplished. That is how capable she is. And no, I wasn't the one who banished her."

Princess Cadence shook her head, "If not you then who?"

Princess Celestia shook her head as well as she'd sighed. "Twilight."

Both Cadence and Shining's eyes widened for a moment as Shining just spoke out in question and shock, "T-Twilight!? Then she must've had some sort of reason to do it."

Princess Celestia nodded. "Yes, she wanted to keep the child from me. She knows that I would never allow this alicorn to remain as reckless as she is now so openly, such irresponsibility with magic is uncalled for. Which is why I aim to take her and ensure she doesn't make anymore brash decisions. Twilight aimed to make a personal call."

Princess Cadence frowned heavily herself in these regards. "Auntie, are you sure it's smart though to instigate such a situation?"

Princess Celestia lowered her hind legs before sitting. "Instigate? Or stagnate? Twilight also had her own ideas to what the best solution would be. She believed simply sending off this alicorn would be best. Allowing her to drift from Equestria, learn to live on the outside, perhaps create a kingdom in a land distant from here, away from the rest of us, out of sight out of mind if you will. Why she felt it was in her best interest to trust that this little alicorn wouldn't someday return or even drift from what she'd intended is beyond me, perhaps its the sliver of loyalty she's acquired from Rainbow. But you think similarly as well Cadence? What are your reasons behind these thoughts?"

Princess Cadence continued, raising her head. "Not a standstill Auntie! But love! Why is that so hard? Can't we do something without resorting to some form of conflict?"

Princess Celestia shook her head, before appearing a bit saddened by what she was about to say. "I'm certain you're already aware of the fact that this alicorn has a very strange, erhm, bubbly personality. Twilight has already forced us to conduct ourselves in such a manner due to her deal she'd made with the alicorn, it seems the alicorn has a strong sense of honesty and loyalty; she aims to keep her promise for the time being. My priority is ensuring that I mean to make it clear, her talents are restricted, and she will listen and know that it is wrong for her to use her magic so openly. She will cease to progress, and be learning how to live by our guidelines."

Princess Cadence's face scrunched up, "Cease to progress?"

Princess Celestia nodded plainly. "Yes, I want her to stop using her magic. It should be simple enough, and it'll ensure her own safety as well as others."

Princess Cadence sighed a bit as she sat and glanced to the lower right, "Auntie, you and I both know that's not going to happen if you'd seen her. She's utterly reliant on using her magic, it is only second nature to her. She would never listen to you. Besides, I would be awfully careful around her if I were you."

Princess Celestia raised a brow at Cadence.

Princess Cadence frowned, "I'm not sure if bubbly is how I'd describe what I saw."

Princess Celestia smiled softly, closing her eyes. "I've taken that into consideration. From what I recall with her encounter with another quite close to her, I believe it's safe to assume intense situations tend to cause her to be unable to concentrate well on her magic." She paused, "Which is why I'm sure Luna will be able to handle it."

Princess Cadence only raised another brow questioningly, "Luna?"

Shining Armor raised a brow at Celestia, but remained silent, keeping his thoughts to himself. Another one quite close to her? Hm...

Princess Luna stood at the gates of the Crystal Empire patiently. She groaned as she'd pulled out her radar and just stared it silently, annoyed. "Where is she?" Princess Luna frowned as she looked up towards the midnight sky, realizing that it was far too early for her night to be up. But she knew she had no choice as she just remained there. She then looked to her guards, whom remained steadfast at her side, ready and waiting. She also looked up towards the gates of the Crystal Empire as she didn't fail to notice that many of the Crystal Guards looked upon her in curiosity, wondering what she was doing and what she was waiting for, let alone the fact she was wearing cardboard armor and a belt with an assortment of cupcakes and confetti cans. She just sighed heavily as she only wished for this situation to be over with. But she also couldn't shake the thought that this alicorn was much like when she'd transformed in a sense, a negative reaction, and much like she was, unstable.

"P-Princess?" One of the guards beckoned. He then pointed a hoof straight ahead, "PRINCESS! S-STRAIGHT AHEAD!!!"

Princess Luna's eyes widened as she peered off into the distant sky, and not only could she see in that distance the sky was rapidly forming into a pale gray color, but that rapidly approaching would be a stream of rainbow ice emerging from a single source making its way towards her. And in a split second, that rapidly approaching source let off a violent rainbow ring as it'd shot off from it's current distant location, causing Princess Luna to stagger back as she'd immediately raised a magical barrier, "Back away my guards!" And upon raising that barrier the source had made contact with it no more than a second later with a violent and crackling slam. And Princess Luna for the first time, met eyes with the filly, as the filly looked back at her with anxious eyes, as if anticipating this moment for such a long while. It only caused Princess Luna's annoyance to grow as she'd felt her barrier become overwhelmed with the impact of the filly's kick, as she also didn't fail to notice that the filly's leg had turned to ice. Her brows furrowed, S-She's not playing. This is elemental magic. "S-So you're the alicorn hm? Nice to see that Queen Chrysalis wasn't simply telling tall tales about you." She'd cringed a bit.

And Princess Yucca leaped back from the barrier, before flapping her wings and propelling herself even further back, before launching herself upon Princess Luna's barrier yet again and this time, letting off a series of rapid bucks wildly upon a single point of the barrier, causing it to shudder and crack, before smashing it entirely, sending Princess Luna flying and skidding back in the grass. The Crystal Guards all gasped as they'd watched the spectacle occur, while many citizens to watched, as the single filly only paused in her relentless assault. Princess Yucca now wore a serious expression as she'd touched upon the ground before swiping her hoof and draping over her would be a thick elegant robe as she spread all four of her hooves, positioning herself in a combat stance. She growled beneath her breath, "So you've come back Nightmare Pony! I beat you before, I can beat you again! This time I will stop you like Momma wanted, sister of the evil princesses!" And Princess Yucca rose her hoof to the air, as she'd summoned what appeared to be a uniquely crafted golden staff, baring on it a circular tip consisting of six pendants, and upon summoning it, to her horror; Princess Luna recognized what it was. Princess Yucca used telekinetic magic to levitate the staff beside her, as she was not yet done. She'd then swiped her hoof, as appearing beside her would also be a tome in particular, a thick tome which Princess Luna could only further assume the identity of. "NO MORE GAMES, NIGHTMARE PONY!"

And as the sky was enveloped with a bright light, it shined with all the colors of the rainbow as the spectacle spread for miles on end. Yet it didn't end there, as pink lightning began to crash and boom across the landscape, Princess Yucca kept her hooves raised to the air as she wore a wide grin, snickering as her tiny body crackled with power.

And as the ground started to tremble, many individuals spread about Equestria didn't fail to notice the strange happenings as well.

Princess Twilight in particular situated near Ponyville made her way outside her grand castle; only to peer off towards the distant north and even from her current location, she saw the tiny flashing light across the vast sky. The alicorn only continued to peer ahead with wide eyes, staring off into the distance curiously.

Spike raised a brow at her curiously, before looking off in the same general direction himself.

And Queen Chrysalis to watched, turning for a brief moment as she'd already made some progress back towards the Badlands. But as she looked upon that rainbow drenched sky, she could only frown in discontent, as her eyes saddened and her brows furrowed as she'd faced ahead again in frustration.

Her changelings looked to her curiously as one inquired, "Shall we head back my Queen?"

Queen Chrysalis shook her head as she stated simply and in a hollow tone. "No, now let's go....." And sluggishly, she continued to fly on.

A shiver ran down Princess Luna's spine as she'd immediately looked to her guards. "RETREAT! THIS HAS ESCALATED BEYOND YOUR CAPABILITIES! RUN MY GUARDS!"

The guards however remained steadfast, hesitant to leave their princess behind as they stood beside her with determined expressions.  

And with a simple squint, Princess Yucca caused each and every one of the guards to freeze in place as she'd tilted her staff, and each of them began to float into the air, before freezing completely, wrapped up by telekinetic magic. Princess Yucca glared at them, before smiling softly and closing her eyes as suddenly manifesting would be a row of purple cells and cages as she'd tossed each of them into one and locked the doors to them afterwords. Princess Yucca gave Princess Luna a bitter expression, "I shall show you my super ultimate combos which I have practiced! I hope you're prepared! This one is called, the ultimate cupcake crasher thrashing butterfly snatching micro lance!" She then placed a hoof over her muzzle before thinking about what she should use for a second. "Or maybe I should use the pony blaster! It's much much stronger!"

Princess Luna, despite what absolutely bad taste the filly had in names, that was the least of her concerns. She rose, as she'd immediately took to the air and began to make for her retreat, realizing that Princess Yucca in these regards, was fully meaning to use everything she had against her. This situation was far different than Chrysalis described.  This wasn't the game they were meant to play, nor did Princess Luna believe that Yucca had ever truly went serious with Chrysalis at any time during their games. However, upon attempting to retreat, Princess Yucca appeared before her, still wearing that determined expression. Princess Luna halted with a gasp.

Princess Yucca roared in her Canterlot voice. "SILENCE NIGHTMARE PONY!!!! YOUR EXCUSES WILL NOT SAVE YOU!!!.....The time has come." She then charged Princess Luna fiercely, but this time with an angry craving expression. She had her staff and tome each levitated by her side as they began to ignite with magical aura.

Princess Luna glanced around hurriedly, as suddenly her eyes widened and she'd realized something important. My training! Almost immediately the princess pulled from her utility belt a strawberry flavored cupcake, immediately holding it before Yucca with a determined expression. "HALT!!!"

And Princess Yucca almost immediately halted as that look of rage she wore dissipated and she bore wide eyes staring upon the cupcake. "Cupcake?" Princess Yucca then began to circle Princess Luna as she'd began to sniff her and trail around her in all sorts of directions. "Cupcake?" Princess Yucca's look of sudden obsession never disappeared as she just stared at the cupcake, before reaching for it desperately. "Gimme..."

Princess Luna gulped as she'd blinked, observing all the filly's actions closely. Now's where the real test begins. Princess Luna lowered her head with a slight glare, remaining focused as she'd recalled her training in the past week to counteract Yucca's actions. She recalled Chrysalis' words.

When offering her a cupcake, you must do so with caution. Yucca isn't foolish, sooner or later she will take the cupcake by force. It is only meant as a brief distraction as many of the tools at your disposal are. The cupcake can manage to give you a valuable 10-50 seconds worth of time. Whatever may force you to use the strawberry flavored cupcake, settle the matter as quickly as possible. Yucca will not remain distracted for long.

Princess Luna then tossed the cupcake with telekinesis fiercely. "GO GET IT!"

Princess Yucca's tongue hung out as she'd hurriedly turned and rushed for the cupcake.

Princess Luna then rose for the skies as she'd peered down at Yucca. H-How long must I keep this up Celestia!? Princess Luna looked up towards the rainbow covered skies and back down towards Yucca, whom despite rolling around happily while munching on a cupcake, shimmered with lightning and two legendary artifacts at her side. Princess Luna appeared obviously nervous as she'd cringed looking upon the filly. "I'm not sure if I can last as long as you'd like me to..."

Princess Yucca soon rose after finishing her cupcake as she'd licked her muzzle and hooves. "YUMMY! That suuuuure tasted a lot like Momma's! Anyhow!" She then glared yet again, snarling as she hopped around on all fours in similarity to a canine before sniffing and peering up towards the sky, then pointing fiercely at Princess Luna. "NIGHTMARE PONY! THE TIME HAS COME FOR YOU TO PAY FOR YOUR CRIMES! SOON YOU SHALL NEVER HAUNT ANOTHER PONY AGAIN!"

Princess Luna gulped as her heart started to race. Here comes round two. She further recalled Queen Chrysalis' advice.

Yucca's charge is untraceable. Granted her speed is far more abnormal than anything I've ever seen. So of course I had to come up with a fail-safe for when she'd managed to corner me in games such as Hide and Seek. I call it the confetti crash. In order to perform the confetti crash, you must activate a confetti can, I've given you many. This will release a multitude of tiny strips of multi-colored paper. Yucca seems to have a strange obsession with all the colors of the rainbow, so much so that once taking notice of the confetti, she'll immediately seize the opportunity to grab each and every single one. This takes her a good few seconds, and a few remaining in the same general location. The confetti can is a counterattack measure, used to briefly distract Yucca long enough to allow you to do whatever you must to win the game or subdue her.

Princess Luna readied herself as she'd snatched a confetti can from her satchel. She glared at Princess Yucca before muttering, "Let's play then child." And Princess Luna frowned nervously, feeling as if she'd been tasked with dancing with a demigod. And as Princess Yucca hopped once before disappearing from sight, Princess Luna to closed her eyes as she calmed herself in that moment, taking the time to listen to the sounds of the wind as she knew panicking during the sudden rush would only cause her to be caught under the filly's spell; or whatever she was currently planning. And as Princess Luna heard the particular sound which sounded no different from a mighty gust of wind coming from her right, her eyes snapped wide as she'd pulled the pin on the confetti can with her muzzle and then tossed it. "HERE!"

Princess Yucca's eyes widened as she suddenly was met with a face full of confetti and as she'd peered around at the multitude of strips of paper, her eyes could only grow wide. She smiled happily as she'd began collecting each and every one of them, "Oh oh oh! CONFETTI! How cool! What colors!? Blue, red, green, yellow hehehe."

Princess Luna gulped as she'd flapped her wings making her way higher into the air. "C-Celestia...where are yooooou?"

And as Princess Yucca collected the last of the confetti, a cold look had suddenly came over her as she'd glared at Princess Luna stubbornly then, puckering her lower lip as she'd continued to shimmer with magical essence and her ears perked up. "Princess Celestia? The other evil sister?...OOOOH; I get it now." She smirked as she'd raised a brow at Princess Luna and then began dropped the confetti as she'd let it float down towards the bare earth. "You want to cheat and be on teams with her!"

Princess Luna cringed as looked upon Yucca worriedly.

Princess Yucca shook her head as she'd bounced around in the air before chuckling and summoning a large cloud as she'd stood atop it, then raised her forehooves to the air before summoning a massive ethereal cannon. "BUT THAT'S NOT GONNA HAPPEN NIGHTMARE PONY!" And as she'd done so, the pink lightning had only grown more intense as her staff began to shimmer with a mighty glow as all six gems began to glow, trailing six different magical auras into the cannon as the tome had opened itself, and as it did so pink lightning struck any Crystal Guards who strayed too close to the scene, turning them into entirely different creatures.

Princess Luna's eyes only widened as she looked upon the massive cannon and the sky above Yucca with a horrified look. I'm already out of time? Princess Luna glanced down at her guards who only looked up at her worriedly with saddened eyes, as her eyes then trailed back towards the Crystal Empire in which many of the citizens were huddled, frightened as they'd watched from afar and many of the guards only kept their distance from the alicorns, realizing they were of little help. Princess Luna glanced down, lost in thought. I'm out of time. I have to give them time, somehow, I have to give them time. She'd gritted her teeth. But, what can I do?..... There's, nothing....

Princess Yucca chuckled playfully as she'd cheered towards the sky, giggling wildly with her hooves raised. "GAME OVER GAME OVER GAME OVER! BANISH BANISH BANISH YOU! I win Nightmare Pony! I won't ignore anything anymore! EVERYPONY WILL ALWAYS PLAY AND BE HAPPY! WE'LL HAVE PARTIES, CUPCAKES, SLEEPOVERS, AND READ LOTS OF BOOKS WATCH LOTS OF STUFF! IT'LL BE PEEEERFEEEECTOOOO YEP YEP YEP~" Her giggling only grew more intense as she was ecstatic about the situation.

Princess Luna was at a loss for words, as she'd backed away slowly. She then took one last look at all the citizens of the Crystal Empire in the distance before looking back down to her own guards as she'd appeared absolutely frustrated and desperate. THAT'S IT!!! She tore her helmet off and tossing it to the ground. She then removed the utility belt and all of her items before spreading her hooves desperately. "THIS! THIS IS WHO I AM LITTLE ONE! I AM NOT THE NIGHTMARE PONY! I'VE CHANGED!"

Then almost immediately there was a slight sense of hesitation in Princess Yucca's eyes as she'd remained there, floating with wide eyes. "W-Wha?...But, why?"

Princess Luna continued, "I-It was only a way to draw you out. There never was any Nightmare Pony, we heard it was the only way to get you to listen, this is why."

And Princess Yucca's brow twitched as her face scrunched up as she just remained elevated in the air looking down at Princess Luna.

There was never any Nightmare Pony....

was never any Nightmare Pony...

Never any Nightmare pony...

Nightmare Pony...

Princess Yucca's eyes only widened further as she remained absolutely silent, before her cheeks turned a tint of red and she'd simply began to tremble as she'd let off a wailing frustrated cry, an unending shattering cry which shook the walls of the Crystal Empire, causing majority to cover their ears as the very surface of Equestria shook.

"Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!!!!!!!"

Princess Luna felt herself thrown back by the sheer force of the yell, as she'd immediately teleported while observing Yucca from the ground with an astonished expression.

She'd snapped, and ironically, just for the reason stated. Nightmare Moon actually wasn't there, it was just another piece of false hope on her part. Another way to ignore the fact she couldn't pin her problems on somepony else. But despite that, it was her confusion. Her confusion as to why this was all happening. Where she was going, what she was doing with herself, and what she was overall. She just should've never left the hive she'd thought. But why was she so different from her mother? Whom wanted to end all of the ponies and take them over, yet she didn't want to? Why did she feel what her mother wanted was wrong deep down inside? And why did her actual mother want to leave her behind so desperately? And why had she just been pranked!? Princess Yucca was pretending to be ignorant, ignorant of the fact that whatever she was, it wasn't right. Her dreams, weren't actual dreams, nor were they some curse of some nightmare pony, they were simply fractions of memories that were never hers to begin with. Princess Yucca simply wailed violently then, as she'd slammed to the ground, and began to grip at her mane with her forehooves and wail. Nightmare Moon hadn't arrived, she was no savior, she still disappointed Chrysalis, and still didn't know the answers to anything. Nothing had changed since she went on her mission.

And as Princess Luna looked upon the filly in pity, she raised her hoof slightly. I wonder if she'll be-

"Don't touch her Luna." Princess Celestia stated simply, as along with Princess Cadence, she approached with a determined glare. "The time is now."

Princess Luna flinched in regards to Celestia's demeanor. "Sister!? Where have you been!?"

Princess Celestia didn't answer as she'd immediately swiped her hoof at the filly with a determined stare.

And suddenly snatching onto Princess Yucca's hind leg would be a golden chain as it'd shot from the dirt. Princess Yucca almost immediately went into a slight panic, as she'd turned, looking at it in confusion. She growled as she tugged at the chain, attempting to remove it. "W-What? What is this?" She spoke with a sluggish tone, and that excited bubbly persona of hers had disappeared for the time being as her mane had became straight and unruffled yet again. She looked up at Princess Celestia and Princess Cadence with bags underlining her eyes as she almost appeared sleepy with her half closed eyes, she sat slouched over as she just tugged at the golden chains. But as she tugged at it, there was yet another snap as she'd felt her left forehoof snatched by a golden chain as well. This stirred Yucca's anger as she glared up at Princess Celestia, simply muttering. "W-What're you doing you big meany head? G-Get these off me!" And she'd felt her free hind leg snatched as well by the golden chain, only for her one remaining hoof to be wrapped up also in the golden chain, as the chains all slowly began to spread, wrapping around her entire body like a cocoon. "S-STOP!" Princess Yucca struggled to budge, as she'd felt her body become absolutely still. "Leave me alone! I'M DONE! DONE DONE DONE DONE DONE! I DON'T WANT TO BE HERE ANYMORE! I'M LEAVING!"

Princess Celestia approached Princess Yucca tiredly herself as she raised a hoof, tilting Yucca's head up and looking into her eyes pitifully. "I promised your mother I would take care of you. So there will be no more of that, no more crying, no more running around on your own personal goals and vendettas. From now on you will have a strict regime little one, and you will listen and listen well." She glared a bit at the filly, "I understand that you're hurting, but like it or not you've had a great burden placed on you, and you must take responsibility for what you are. You will learn to be an ordinary pony, no more wildly using your magic. And most importantly, no more of these." And with a clap of her hooves, Princess Celestia ignited both the tome and and staff with flames, causing both Cadence and Luna's eyes to widen.

Princess Yucca began to shake her head as she'd cried out, "NO! M-MY TOYS! THOSE WERE MY FAVORITES!!! Y-YOOOOU...YOU BIG MEANY!!!" She huffed and huffed, trying to move as the chains only remained wrapped around her body, and also leaving her magically suspended in the air. Tears only filled the filly's eyes as she stubbornly and desperately tried to get free, not used to the idea of being so powerless. She quivered as she made a light scowl, "I don't like this. I don't like any of this!"

Princess Celestia became upset then as she'd glared, pressing her muzzle against the filly's. "Those weren't toys, they were weapons."

Princess Yucca's eyes swelled with tears as she began sniffling to herself, and she shook her head yet again. "Y-You're mean. MEAN MEAN MEAN!!! I don't want to go with you!" Princess Yucca began to huff and squirm desperately, going so far as to cry for her mother. "Momma! I want to go back home! I don't want to be around anymore ponies! Momma! Momma! Momma! Momma! Momma! Momma!" She bit her lower lip, obviously frustrated. "I WON'T LOSE TO ANY OF YOOOOOOU!!!"

Princess Celestia tilted Yucca's head up and still, forcing her to look at her and into her eyes yet again. "It's called tough love Yucca." She'd paused, "So don't cry."

And a bright circular light enveloped Princess Yucca as she'd shut her eyes tight and let off a frustrated cry before the light enveloped her, soon the filly's body began to dissipate as she'd made an angry frustrated expression, breathing heavily as she cringed at watched herself disappear as if she were made of nothing but a pile of ash. Her body faded away from left to right and as she did so, she cried out to Princess Celestia. "BIG DUMMY FACE MEANY JERK SAUCE CHEATING PONY PRINCEEEEEEESSSSSSSSS!!!!!" And she disappeared entirely, as that white light wrapped into  a ball, before shooting off and towards the stars. With Yucca's departure, soon the rainbow skies faded away returning to their original state as did the guards who'd been transformed. All remnants of what the alicorn had left behind had simply vanished.

Many of the guards and citizens all emerged from the nooks and crannies of safety, as they'd watched the skies of the north clear up as well.

Princess Celestia stood there and exhaled, looking up towards the sky as the clouds started to clear as she'd appeared, relieved, to say the least.

Princess Cadence strode up to Princess Celestia with a heavy frown. "Auntie,...."

Princess Celestia glanced back at her, raising a brow. "She's alright Cadence, don't go over thinking things again. I made a promise I would treat her delicately. In all honesty I was surprised by her reaction to Luna, it was more than enough time to complete the spell. I shall have a more private talk with her once Luna and I return to Canterlot. That, and Yucca is just stubborn but she's also stressed, I can mend her mental state a bit with the right words I'm sure."

Princess Cadence raised a brow at Celestia, "Promised who Auntie?"

Princess Celestia lowered her head, seemingly lost in thought for that moment. "I don't believe you want to know Cadence."

Princess Luna and Cadence just looked upon Celestia questioningly, as Luna glanced over at Cadence with a reassuring  nod and smile.

Princess Celestia peered up towards the sky, "Many things, are better left unsaid."

Princess Celestia opened her eyes slowly, as the world came into view. She glanced around a bit, as it'd only reminded her of when Twilight had ascended into an alicorn. The stars were bright and the ethereal plain could only make her feel even more nostalgic from events that predated even Twilight. This realm had its uses and she knew to always keep her access here fresh in her mind for such situations. But this day's occasion was far from a joyful one, as days before she'd struggled to come up with something meaningful to say to the individual who was currently housed here. Granted, at this point in time, she felt she was prepared for what the right words were, or else she'd have not come in the first place. Princess Celestia looked around searchingly for some time, simply trotting in this mass of ethereal landscape. And as she trotted for some time, in the far off distance, Princess Celestia caught sight of something she could tell appeared tiny from a distance, but was massive in reality. It was a beautiful shack.

Princess Celestia closed her eyes halfway as she'd sighed, making her way towards that shack, with many thoughts streaming through her mind as she did so. She'd visited Twilight, but still hadn't mentioned what'd occurred between her and Yucca; and the princess was now starting to question whether or not she'd ever be able to actually bring up the subject with her past student. Twilight appeared at ease with the idea that Yucca had left Equestria, and her guilt regarding the situation was apparent. She glanced down towards the ground for a moment, recalling the scene. Twilight refused to delve deep into the subject, and seemed a lot less reluctant to discuss the issue. However she'd still pay Twilight more visits until she worked out a solution, but all things came with time of course. Perhaps, a later time would suffice. Nonetheless, things had calmed down once again, much like when they dealt with all threats in the past. They would deal with it, move on, and then together face down yet another. Equestria was once again at peace.

As Princess Celestia made her way steadily closer towards the shack, she soon came to a tiled pathway, guided by lamp posts which led to the large beautiful pink shack. Upon arriving at the door of the pink shack, Princess Celestia took in a deep breath yet again, before knocking on it with a hoof.

She was soon greeted by a playful voice, "Come in!"

Princess Celestia's eyes widened a bit in surprise, as she'd soon made her way into the tiny shack. The inside was beautiful, and it was decorated to the brim with pony furniture, while also possessing this hollow atmosphere to it. However there was a bedroom, a main living area, and a kitchen, in which the individual she'd come to see was in. Princess Celestia decided to play along, as she'd made her way towards the main dining room table and took a seat in one of the chairs. She sighed heavily as she just glanced around curiously, as she waited for the individual to come out and personally greet her. Princess Celestia noticed a stream of drawings hung on the walls, mainly of those focusing on Queen Chrysalis, as well as other scenes even she could recall. Twilight's defeat of Tirek, as well as Cadence's defeat of King Sombra, alongside their banishment of Discord. Princess Celestia's brows furrowed as she soon looked towards the ground, noticing a long endless mane coursed throughout the house. A mane which hadn't been cut for quite some time, but the growth was exponential. And soon enough as she'd been lost in thought in those regards, a tiny filly came out hurriedly to greet her.

"Hello hello welcome welcome!" Princess Yucca still appeared largely the same, as she was holding a plate with her mouth which had a freshly made cake on it. "You made it just in time for my special cake! Now don't eat it to fast now!" She then rose onto her hind legs, struggling to place the cake on the table as she'd pushed it in front of Princess Celestia with a hoof. Soon afterwords Princess Yucca turned hurriedly as she'd rushed back for the kitchen, "I'll go grab the milk! Don't worry, I've got lots of it!"

Princess Celestia's expression of angst never left her as she'd leaned forward. She pushed the cake away, before looking tiredly over in the direction of the kitchen. Princess Yucca was standing over atop the counter, attempting to pour a glass of milk as she'd chuckled while doing so. Princess Celestia spoke simply, "What're you doing Yucca?"

Princess Yucca's eyes widened as she glanced back at Princess Celestia then, before closing her eyes and smiling. "What do you mean? I am going to feed you!"

Princess Celestia leaned her head back somewhat, "Are you acting like you don't remember me?"

Princess Yucca chuckled a bit as she shook her head. "What're you talking about silly? I've never had you as a customer before."

Princess Celestia scooted back from the seat as she'd stated simply. "Ignoring everything that's happened won't stop me from doing what I came here to do. It's time for you to go back, you can't remain here any longer, nor did I ever intend for you to be here this long. It's time to stop playing make believe."

Princess Yucca fell silent then, as she'd remained in front of the sink as she'd just stared at the glass of milk for some time with a tired expression. "But I don't like it out there. I like it in here. Momma isn't her. Momma #2 isn't here. You're not here. There's no bad things here. I'm happy here."

Princess Celestia smiled softly, affectionately. "And you can be happy out there as well. Not all of us are happy with the way destiny works, but we must make the best of it."

Princess Yucca frowned heavily as she'd closed her eyes halfway before turning to face Princess Celestia. "Momma always talked about stuff I was supposed to do, it made her sad that I never did those things; but I always knew what she wanted. Momma #2, she was different. She was scared I would do those things. She was scared of me." She paused looking at Princess Celestia still wearing a saddened expression before speaking softly, "You're like Momma, aren't you?"

Princess Celestia strode up to Princess Yucca reaching out a hoof towards her. "You shall not do anything you don't want to. But Yucca, the view of the world you love is protected by the things we must do. Your mother strove for it with all changelings, and your true mother has always done such things to protect her world. But you're different; you can be a shadow in an ever expanding light, nopony will detest you. You were meant for such great things, just like both your mother's. You're a great pony little Yucca, but you've run away for far too long. Ignored everything for far too long. It's only natural for us to run away from the things were afraid of, it takes time to muster up the courage to accept what we must do. Everypony saw you as a child burden, but I don't see you that way, I see a gift. I see a scared little filly unsure what to do with herself, one who needs nurturing and guidance. I can give you a home, a family who'll love you, a mother who won't deny you. You will have no reason to fear destiny any longer, because I will teach you how to accept that part of yourself. Twilight intended to create a powerful artifact, and she created one of the greatest. Now come with me; back where you belong, back home."

Princess Yucca looked up at Princess Celestia hesitantly, "But-"

Princess Celestia continued. "You've lost everything little Yucca. Queen Chrysalis has moved on, as has Twilight. Nopony wants to be alone. Do you want to be alone?"

Princess Yucca glanced to the lower left, before slowly reaching out her hoof to touch Princess Celestia's. "No ma'am..."

And with such actions, Princess Celestia closed her eyes as she'd smiled softly. "Welcome home,-"

Princess Yucca remained silent as she looked towards the ground.

Princess Celestia continued as she'd lead the filly towards the front door of the shack. "Princess Yucca."

It was the middle of night in Canterlot City, and Princess Luna peered observantly over the porch of the throne room as she'd observed the quiet peaceful city streets all around her. She smiled at how peaceful it was, of course as a Princess of Equestria, she was forever grateful for another quiet night, a night of no troubles. And as she watched her city streets, however, she'd soon caught sight of something that'd broke her concentration and ultimately, made her uneasy. Lightning consisting of a multitude of different colors soon flashed in the far off distance as she'd immediately knew what it meant. Princess Luna closed her eyes halfway as she'd glanced down at the castle courtyard and took notice that approaching the castle, would be a tiny figure wrapped up by a cloak. She'd glared at that tiny hooded figure, before disappearing in a flash of blue mist as she'd soon took form again on the steps leading up and into the castle. Princess Luna bore a light scowl, "Halt. Where have you been? You know it's far past your bed time."

The figure remained silent as it glanced up at Princess Luna, and as she'd trotted with a slight sway, she made her way up the steps before stopping before Princess Luna, and bowing her head with a soft chuckle. She'd spoke with a tired tone, before yawning somewhat. "I'm sorry princess, I'm returning from a long trip. The griffon kingdoms were terrorizing innocent ponies along the coast of their lands. They weren't playing nice, so I went to challenge them to a game, but it took longer than it expected." She flicked her tail before smirking softly and just striding past the princess. "I've got school early tomorrow morning, and it's culinary class. So can I please go inside now?"

Princess Luna turned, before glaring at the filly angrily. "You know you've got a strict bedtime. Don't believe just because you've been given more privileges as of late that means that you're able to start breaking all the rules. In the end you're still a filly. Now make sure you hurry and get some good sleep."

The figure nodded to Princess Luna before making her way further into the castle.

Princess Luna's eyes widened as she didn't fail to notice the individual's drape had left a disturbing moisture left on the stone panel. She sighed heavily, before cleaning it with magic herself, ensuring any traces of it was gone. Princess Luna then began to peer ahead again as she'd frowned, continuing on with her own duties.

As the individual strode to one particular chamber merrily, that merry demeanor faded fast as she'd soon strode sluggishly, before lowering her head. She stood on her hind legs and opened the door, pushing it open fully with her front hooves. And waiting in that room, would be Princess Celestia with a smile. "Welcome back."

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