Twilight let out a frustrated cry as she tossed a book to the side. She, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Quentin were at the library in Ponyville the day following Canterlot's attack by the Changelings. To the relief of the town, they reported to Mayor Mare that the attack had been ceased and that Princess Celestia and Princess Luna have returned. There they were in the ground floor of library, the place a total mess as books scattered around the floor. The seven were all helping to see if they could find even a hint of what the Cosmic Gems that Chrysalis was gathering, but to no avail so far.

"Ugh nothing! This is useless! We've looked through just about every book here and still nothing on those gem! I swear I'm starting to feel like an egghead from reading all these books!'' Rainbow Dash cried out irritably, tossing a book carelessly over her shoulder and narrowly missing Spike who was carrying a stack of book bigger then himself.

"Hey what it! Dragon carrying books here!'' Spike scolded the cyan Pegasus, trying to keep the stacks of books from falling over.

Rainbow Dash looked at the baby dragon apologetically, ''My bad Spike,'' she then frowned, ''I'm just fed up from getting nothing from these stupid books!''

Spike rolled his eyes and went towards the wooden stairs and climbed them upstairs. Applejack sighed, while holding an open book and spoke, ''Now Rainbow I'm not too keen on doin all this readin til the cows come home myself, but we have ta keep tryin.''

Rainbow Dash crossed her forelegs and hovered in the air with a stubborn look, ''We've been 'trying' for three hours now and still nothing!''

Quentin approached his friend and spoke calmly, ''C'mon Rainbow we can't give up. We need to find out what these Cosmic Gems are, the fate of Equestria may depend on it.''

Rainbow Dash looked pouted at the stallion fora moment before sighing in defeat and with a nod spoke, ''Fine.''

She hovered to a book shelf and reluctantly picked up a book and opened it. "But I must agree with Rainbow Dash, we haven't even found the foggiest thing about these gems. And we almost searched this entire library,'' Rarity groaned, two open books engulfed with a billowing light blue aura as was her horn.

Quentin breathed deeply, putting down a book as Pinkie Pie suddenly popped her head out of a pile of books next to him, ''I found nada too! I've even looked under 'G' for gems and still nothing!'' Pinkie sighed with a slight shrug, ''Well, I'm going back down!''

She then slipped her head back down into the pile of books and out of sight. Striking his interest, Quentin walked over and shoved some books out of the way only to reveal the wooden floor. He stated at the empty space with a bewildered and shocked expression, his mouth ajar slightly as he deeply pondered the situation, ''How does she DO that?!'' Quentin thought to himself. In fact, it was starting to scare him.

Fluttershy spoke meekly, hovering low in front of a bookshelf, ''I-I couldn't find anything neither...I'm sorry.''

Quentin couldn't help but chuckle to himself at Fluttershy's modesty as Applejack went to her and patted her back reassuringly, ''Aw don't apologize sugarcube. We're all doin our best ta try ta find somethin' on these gems.''

Quentin sighed deeply as he approached them, ''Yeah, I wonder if Twilight's having better luck than we are?'' He look upward to the stairs heading to the next floor. "We haven't really seen her since we got here.''

Spike carefully made it up the stairs to the second floor of the library, the stacks of books still in his arms. He walked towards the door and pushed it open as he staggered into the room Twilight was in. ''Here ya go Twi, more books as you requested,'' Spike spoke as he approached the studious unicorn.

"Thanks Spike, just sit them over there,'' Twilight spoke, pointing to a spot but not taking her eyes off the books she was skimming page after page through.

Her horn was engulfed in an magenta aura as were two books levitating one her left side and one on her right as a third book sat on a podium in front of her. She diligently whipped her head from book to book, quickly going through pages as she tried to look for the answers they were seeking.

"So how's the search going Twi? Find anything?'' Spike asked, sitting the stacks of books down.

Twilight let out a frustrated cry and tossed the hovering books to the sides and whipped around. "Nothing! It doesn't make sense!'' Twilight cried out, beginning to pace kicking books out of her way.

Spike walked towards his friend with a concerned look on his face as she spoke with frustration, ''We've looked through just about every book in the library and not a single thing about the Cosmic Gems!'' She stopped and used her magic to lift up a book and quickly flipped through it. ''There's books on magical stones, but none of them are even remotely similar to the ones Chrysalis have. No Reality Gem...nothing!''

She through the book away to the side and fell back on her haunches and buried her face in her hooves and sighed long and deeply. Spike went to her side and put a claw on her shoulder, ''C'mon Twi, don't give up. You'll figure out something, I know it. You are the local egghead after all, so you're smart enough to find something.''

Twilight lifted her head and looked at her dragon friend and smiled faintly, but with gratitude and raised a foreleg around his shoulder and brought him in for a hug. ''Thanks Spike, that really means a lot,'' Twilight spoke softly.

They broke apart and Spike added, ''And besides, our friends our here, there's no way you can fail.''

Twilight's face then became one of fierce determination as she got up on all fours, ''You're right Spike. There must be some form of recordings about these Cosmic Gems. If Chrysalis could find out about them, then so can we!''

Spike pumped his fists and gave a determined grinned, but suddenly clasped his stomach and gave a loud belch and burped out a plum of green fire that flew around the room briefly before in a flash of light, turned into a scroll rolled up and tied with a red ribbon and floated down softly. Twilight gasped as she quickly took the letter in her hooves. Back downstairs as the rest of her friends were busy skimming through numerous books when Twilight suddenly ran downstairs with Spike right behind her.

They all looked at her bewildered and Applejack spoke, ''Twi, what in tarnation-''

"It's a letter...from the Princess!'' Twilight cut in, panting lightly.

The others all gave a short gasp and Rarity spoke, ''Really, from the Princess?!''

Twilight nodded and Quentin asked, ''Well don't keep us in suspense, what does it say?''

Twilight nodded firmly, ''Right! Spike?''

Spike said with a salute and started to unravel the scroll as the rest the gathered around, eager to hear what the contents held. Spike finished unfolding the parchment cleared his throat and read out the letter.

My dearest and most faithful student Twilight. It is of the upmost important that you and your friends come to Canterlot at once. It is in regards of these...Cosmic Gems that the Changeling queen is after. Please hurry!

Signed Princess Celestia

After Spike ready the letter, there was a brief silence until Fluttershy spoke up, ''Oh my...do you think that Princess Celestia found out what the Cosmic Gems are?''

Pinkie Pie spoke up happily, ''Well why don't we just go to Canterlot and ask her ourselves silly filly!''

Twilight nodded firmly and spoke, ''Right! C'mon guys there's no time to waste!''

The rest of them voiced their agreement and they ran towards the door, with Twilight leading the way. She used her magic to open the door but skidded to a halt, with the rest of her friends bumping and crashing into each other.

"Hey Twilight what's the big idea?'' Quentin asked, a bit annoyed having the expected running with the rest of his friends.

Twilight frowned angrily and growled, ''You!''

"You who?'' Spike asked and when he and the rest all peek around her to see who she was talking about, they all widened their eyes and immediately glared in as they saw Fiyorae standing in the doorway. Unlike before to which he always had a confident, smug look while standing proudly and uptight, but this time he wore an unnerving, uncertain, shameful expression while his stance showed awkwardness.

"Teh, what's he doing here?'' Spike sneered.

None of them gave an answer, just continued giving Fiyorae an angry, suspicious stare. Fiyorae averted his eyes awkwardly before gazing at them, scratching the back of his head briefly before speaking.

''Um...h-hi there. How are you all doing?''

The response caught them all by surprise. "Say what now?'' Applejack asked, frowning with a raised eyebrow.

Fiyorae looked rather reluctant to repeat himself, but again he spoke, ''I said how are you?''

Twilight spoke aggressively, ''We're in a hurry for something, so we don't have time to deal with you right now, not like we ever want to deal with you ever!''

The rest of her friends nodded and attempted to go past him, but he suddenly spoke up, ''No wait!"

"Didn't you hear?! Get the buck out of our way!'' Rainbow Dash shouted.

Fiyorae sighed deeply and averted his eyes to the ground. "Please just hear me out. Just give me five minutes and I promise I'll leave and you won't see me ever again.''

The eight friends all looked at each other skeptically and gazed at the yellow unicorn as Twilight answered bluntly, ''Fine, five minutes. So what do you want?''

They all stared at Fiyorae, waiting for an answer. Ever since they met him, he's been nothing but lies, so they were all pretty skeptical about his presence here. Finally Fiyorae walked into the library, past Quentin's glaring friends and up to the human turned stallion. At this, Quentin raised an eyebrow, not sure what to expect. Fiyorae gazed sadly and was about to say something, but was cut off by Applejack.

"I swear ta ya Fiyorae if ya talk any crap about Quentin-'' she snarled, ready to leap at him.

The others also took a defensive stance, a sight that flattered Quentin warmly inside. He was really touched how defensive and caring these six wonderful ponies has grown to him those short weeks that he's been here. Fiyorae responded quickly.

''No, no it's nothing like that...I swear!''

Rarity scoffed, ''Please, why in Equestria should we ever believe you?''

"Girls, it's ok. Let's hear what he's got to say,'' Quentin spoke calmly.

"But...Quentin?'' Fluttershy began, looking surprised as were the rest of his friends, but the dreadlocked earth pony just shook his head and looked at Fiyorae.

''Ok Fiyorae, you have our attention. What is it you came for?''

Fiyorae sighed again and gazed at Quentin with...remorsefulness? And he spoke softly, ''I just came by...to apologize...for what I did and said to you when I first came here.''

His friends looked at each other in shock as well in skepticism as Quentin raised his eyebrows slightly. "You're sorry...really?'' he asked with a sort of distrustful look.

Fiyorae nodded drearily, "Yes, I thought about what you said to me yesterday and...you saved my life despite everything I did to you. And that's why I came here...to apologize deeply for the way I treated you it was...unforgivable.''

Quentin looked at the once proud unicorn who had an expression of true, genuine remorsefulness on his face. He looked at Fiyorae, not really convinced about his apology before he finally sighed deeply and spoke calmly, but firmly.

''Well I wouldn't say 'unforgivable', but I can tell you're being truthful in your apology. I'm willing to forgive you, but the truth is, I don't care about what you did to me. It's my friends you really should apologize to.''

The stallion earth pony gave the unicorn a stern look and he nodded somberly, ''Yes...of course. I was just getting to that.''

Fiyorae turned around and looked shamefully at his six friends who were giving him disapproving frowns. Fiyorae breathed deeply, like trying to gather courage for this moment and he finally spoke softly.

''I don't know what to say. The way I treated you six was disgraceful.''

"Yes, it was!'' Rarity spoke darkly.

"I had absolutely no right to say or do anything to you like the way I did,'' Fiyorae added.

Applejack responded with anger, ''Yer right. Ya were outta yer apple pickin mind ta treat us the way ya did. Comin into our town an' talkin down ta everypony ya didn't even know!''

Fiyorae sighed shamefully again and nodded, ''I see that now and I'm sorry.''

Rainbow Dash snorted getting up right in his face, ''Yeah right I bet! How dumb do you think we are!''

Fiyorae took a few steps back, intimidated by the bold Pegasus. Applejack took her rainbow colored tail in her mouth and pulled her back. ''Hey what the-'' Rainbow Dash shouted.

"Now, hold yer caboose Rainbow,'' Applejack said with the tail in her mouth. "Don't get too excited.''

Applejack spat her tail out and Rainbow took to the air and shot the farm pony a glare, ''Excited? Excited?! Don't you remember what he did to us, what he did to Quentin?!''

Quentin sighed and took a step forward and spoke, ''Rainbow like I said before, I don't care what he did to me.''

Rainbow Dash whipped her head to him, shocked and began, ''But Q-''

Quentin responded by shaking his head silently and looked at his brave friend. "Dash...please.''

Rainbow Dash looked at his face, seeing the begging behind his brown eyes and she sighed long and deep, but then looked at Quentin and smiled softly, and nodded. "Alright Q...for you.''

Quentin smiled gratefully and she looked back at Fiyorae and frowned. Knowing that it was safe again, he cleared his throat and spoke, ''Yes, how I treated all of you was horrible but...'' Fiyorae then walked slowly to Twilight and fell back on his haunches and gazed at Twilight with the most sorrowful expression they've ever seen. Twilight frowned and raised a foreleg halfway and leaned back, giving him a distrustful look.

The others all watched intently, silence among them and finally Fiyorae spoke somberly, ''And you...Twilight Sparkle...I express my deepest apologies to.''

Twilight looked slightly surprised as Spike suddenly snapped out, ''Why would Twilight even consider-''

"Spike that's enough!'' Twilight cut in.

"But Twi-'' Spike began to argue, but Twilight raised her hoof and shook her head to silence him. Twilight gave Fiyorae a stern gaze and he continued apologetically.

"No he's right. Not only did I demean you, I also blatantly used the power of an object and claimed it as my own to unfairly cheat you in our duel.''

Twilight remained silent, looking at the apologetic unicorn skeptically.

"All my life I tried to improve my pathetic skills in magic...I was desperate. So when I found that gem and discovered the powers it possessed, I took the opportunity to attempt to show off my new powers to Equestria.''

Twilight spoke disapprovingly, ''And also using it to make a quick bit.''

Fiyorae said nothing, just nodded shamefully. They rest of the ponies and dragon present continued to look on as Twilight sighed and spoke, ''Magic is a special thing that unicorns are born with, it comes from within. Believe me, there was a time when I had to pass an entrance exam for Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns, I couldn't even get my horn to glow, let alone use my magic to hatch a dragon egg.''

Quentin looked rather intrigued by Twilight's answer. He had no idea Celestia actually ran a school for unicorns, but he decided to ask that story for another time as Twilight continued.

"But thanks to Princess Celestia's guidance, I was able to become the unicorn that I am today...never once did I have to rely on a magical artifact to fake my skills.''

The rest of her friends smiled at this while Fiyorae's ears lowered sadly and he averted his eyes with guilt for a brief moment before looking back at her. "Yes I could tell. Compared to my true skills, you outclassed me by a margin. I never showed it, but while we dueled, I felt great envy for you because your magic was so superior to mine. Princess Celestia has truly taught you well.''

Quentin had to admit he was impressed by Fiyorae's demeanor, despite this, he couldn't help but muster a small smile. One could see the surprise on his friends' faces as well, thought they still had small hints of skepticism in their expressions. Twilight couldn't help but give a small, proud smile at Fiyorae's remark.

"Thank you Fiyorae that's...nice of you to say.''

Fiyorae gave a small smile but Rainbow Dash quickly spoke forcefully, ''But don't get any ideas though. What you did was still pretty rotten!''

Fiyorae sighed sadly and nodded, ''I know...but the very least I could do was to come here and apologize before I left.''

The rest of them looked at one another and Applejack eyed Fiyorae suspiciously, ''I don't know...ya seem pretty sincere bout' yer apology...''

Fiyorae bowed his head when Pinkie Pie suddenly popped up in front of him and winced at him with a dubious stare, closing the distance between her face and his. This act caused Fiyorae to gaze around awkwardly and Pinkie Pie spoke.

''Hmmmm you apologized to us AND you seemed to be reaaaally sorry about what you did so...-'' The next instant she reached back and apparently out of nowhere, she pulled a tasty looking cupcake and presented it to Fiyorae with a bright grin. "I say that deserves at least a cupcake!''

Quentin suppressed a chuckle as Fiyorae had a complete dumbstruck look on his face. He gazed at Pinkie's bright smile and he smiled softly, but gratefully as he reached out and took the treat and he said softly, ''Thank you.''

"Anytime!'' Pinkie chimed happily, but then got right into his face with a surprisingly serious tone and a stern glare. "But don't you EVER do it again. Do I make myself clear bub?!''

Fiyorae looked at her alarmed before nodding vigorously. Immediately, Pinkie Pie's stern look turned back into a bright smile and she spoke, ''Okie dokie lokie!'' and she bounced happily to the side.

Fiyorae's eyes followed Pinkie with bewilderment. Quentin chuckled, knowing he clearly wasn't used to Pinkie Pie's random antics, heck he himself still wasn't used to the crazy things she does sometimes. Fiyorae's eyes fell on Rarity who was giving him a cold look. Fiyorae then thought of something and his horn was engulfed in a goldenrod aura as a beautiful red rose levitated out from the inside of his vest and went over to Rarity.

"What in heaven's-'' Rarity began, looking at the rose with confusion and leaning back slightly, raising her left hoof halfway.

"A gift...and an apology to you Miss Rarity,'' Fiyorae began sadly." I'm sorry for calling you a wretch, it was completely out of line for me. At least I could do was give you something that rivals your beauty, though your looks even puts this rose to shame.''

Rarity at first seemed distained at the gift, but Fiyorae's comment prompted a soft, grateful smile from the fashion unicorn and let out a soft gasp. ''Oh my...this is a very lovely rose!''

Rarity took the rose and sniffed it briefly, inhaling its sweet aroma and sighed. She looked kindly at Fiyorae, ''Well, I certainly don't approve of your behavior the other day, but that was really a thoughtful apology you've made Fiyorae. Perhaps you're not such a bad pony after all.''

Fiyorae smiled faintly, but Spike frowned and turned his head away and crossed his arms, ''Heh, yeah I bet!'' he grumbled, jealously rising again as someone else made his crush smile and gave her a rose.

Twilight rolled her eyes at the baby dragon's remark and Applejack spoke up with a smile, ''Why butter my backside n' call me a biscuit, maybe ya did learn yur lesson after all!''

Fiyorae looked at the farm pony and nodded, ''Yes Miss Applejack. I...had a little touch of kindness to help me with that.'' He glanced over at Quentin and gave him a warm smiled which he returned with a nod.

Applejack tipped her hat, ''Well as long as ya promise not ta act like that ever again, I suppose yur A-OK in my book!'' Applejack kindly reached out her hoof and Fiyorae shook it gratefully.

Quentin smiled at Applejack, happy that she was able to forgive the show unicorn and he stepped forward and spoke, ''So girls, what do you say? Let's put this all behind us.''

His remaining friends looked at each other and Twilight spoke with a smile, ''I'm willing to let it slide this time. Only because you actually gave a heartfelt apology.''

"Yes, it seemed you've truly regret your actions, I suppose I too can forgive and forget,'' Rarity added with a smile.

Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie smiled and nodded. Quentin looked at Rainbow Dash, who still seemed reluctant to trust Fiyorae, not that he completely blame her. She stubbornly crossed her forelegs and averted her eyes briefly with an angered frown. She then looked at Quentin and he gave her a pleading gaze as if to say 'Come on Rainbow Dash, please?''

After a brief moment, Rainbow finally sighed in defeat. "Alright! If all of you can give him a second chance, I guess so could I.''

The rest of her friends smiled at Rainbow's decision and Fiyorae sighed relieved. "But don't go thinking that we're best buddies or anything. I still don't completely like you yet!'' Rainbow added aggressively, furrowing her eyebrows.

Fiyorae's face fell sadly a bit at this but then nodded, ''I understand, but I'm so relieved to hear that I've been forgiven by you.''

Applejack grinned and nudged Quentin, ''Well I guess ya should thank Quen here on the count o' he convinced us ya had some good in ya!''

Quentin smirked sheepishly and averted his eyes shyly. However, Fiyorae came over to him and bowed his head, ''She is right. Not only did you forgive me for what I've done, but you also saved my life. If it wasn't for you, I might not be here right now.''

Quentin smiled kindly and placed a hoof on the now humble unicorn's shoulder, ''It was nothing really. Like I said, no one deserves to die.''

Quentin's friends smiled at his kindness and humility, though Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Twilight had more to their smiles, like deep admiration and fondness. Fiyorae's face then scrunched slightly with a thought.

''Though I must ask, what did that...creature want with that gem anyway?''

That's when it all hit Quentin and the as they exclaimed in unison, ''The Princess!''

Fiyorae blinked a couple times blankly, ''Come again?''

"We just remembered, the princess just sent us an urgent letter to come to Canterlot right away!'' Twilight explained firmly.

Fiyorae understood and nodded, ''I understand. Then I suppose you must be on your way.''

Applejack nodded and spoke, ''He's right y'all. We need to head out STAT!''

Her friends nodded in agreement and Fiyorae spoke, ''Right, I'm sorry for keeping all of you.''

"Don't be, I'm glad that you decided to come back to apologize to us,'' Quentin replied with a smile.

Rarity nodded, ''I agree. Perhaps if you return I could interest you with some marvelous new ensemble?''

Fiyorae smiled, ''I would love that Miss Rarity.''

"Um maybe we should get going now?!'' Rainbow Dash said impatiently.

Twilight nodded, ''Right! Excuse us Fiyorae. Come on guys!''

''Right!'' the rest said in unison and the eight ran past Fiyorae and out the door.

Fiyroae ran outside and watched them as they headed northeast towards the train station. He looked down at the cupcake in his hoof, a small smile crept across his face as a tear rolled down his face and he spoke softly, ''Those seven ponies...are truly marvelous ones.''

They had no delays as we arrived at the train station. Fortunately for them, the conductor informed us that Celestia had already paid for their travel and the eight friends boarded immediately. It wasn't long until the train jerked forward and they were out of the station and soon Ponyville itself. After about an hour of venturing though the fast meadow and rising up and twisting along the winding mountains and going through caves, the train finally a passed the checkpoint to Canterlot and screeched to a halt at the station. The friends all filed out of the train and onto the polished platform.

"Alright guys there's no time to lose. To the palace!'' Twilight said taking charge with Spike on her back.

The rest agreed and they galloped out of the station and into the city. The seven ponies and dragon arrived at the castle without interference and they came to the massive doors guarded by two Pegasus ponies. Twilight spoke forward.

''We're here to see Princess Celestia. She has sent for us.''

The guards nodded and one of them responded in a gruff voice, ''Yes, of course. The Princesses are expecting you.''

They stood aside and opened the doors, allowing them entry. "Thank you,'' Twilight said and her friends followed her into the majestic, polished palace.

It took very little time for the group to journey through the castle and they were finally running down the spacious corridor that had the stained glass windows n between the regular massive windows and came to a large, double doors that led to the throne room.

"So we made it?'' Quentin asked, looking up at the great doors.

Applejack nodded beside him, ''Yep, the princesses should be right behind this door sugarcube.''

Twilight too nodded, ''Then we need to go in posthaste.''

She raised a hoof and gave four knocks to the door which echoed loudly throughout the hall. It wasn't long before the doors slowly opened to reveal the throne room of the castle, with Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Arcanus in the center of the room, conversing with each other. As the eight all ran into the room, the two Alicorns and the unicorn looked up around them and faced the friends as the doors closed behind them.

"Princess Celestia we came as fast as we could!'' Twilight called as they came galloping in, Rainbow Dash flying.

Celestia nodded and spoke, ''Thank you Twilight...thank you all.''

As Twilight and her friends came to a halt Luna strode to Quentin with a warm, inviting smile and she embraced him, ''Yes, welcome back Quentin. I hope you've been well since that last time we met.''

The two broke apart and Quentin smiled faintly, ''Yes Luna I've been doing great, but is everything fine here? That was a pretty urgent letter that we got.''

"He's right. Have you found out about the Cosmic Gems? Did you find a weakness that they might have?!'' Twilight asked frantically, only to stop when Celestia held up her hoof.

"The Cosmic Gems are exactly why we've called you all here,'' the princess of the sun replied calmly as Luna walked back to her side.

"So have you found out what they do your highness?'' Rarity asked.

Celestia looked at her sister and Arcanus before looking at us and her face fell solemnly and shook her head, ''No, we have not found anything about these strange stones.''

With this revelation, the friends looked at one another with confused, and worried expressions as Celestia continued, pacing, ''It doesn't make any sense. We searched every book and scroll in our library, which have readings from centuries past and we haven't even found the slightest detail about the Cosmic Gems Chrysalis are searching and have gathered.''

Twilight asked with a shocked expression, ''Really?! Not even in the Starswirl the Bearded Wing?!''

Celestia stopped back in her original spot and sighed, ''Yes Twilight, even that didn't have the answers we seek. It'd be maddening if-''

"But Princess Celestia, there must be something that can tell us what these gems are!'' Quentin cut in. "I mean, if Chrysalis could find put about them, then so can we!''

His friends nodded in agreement at his statement and Luna smiled faintly and answered, ''And we too thought that my friend which is why...''

"Which is why we have called you all here,'' Celestia finished.

They all nodded with Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy standing firm as they waited for her to continue. "After failing to find any information that we needed in the library, the three of us came to an understanding that to find the answers we must look to somewhere else.''

Quentin and his friends looked at the princess in bewilderment. "Someplace else? Like where?'' Applejack asked.

They were all a bit surprised when Arcanus stepped forward. ''When we decided to looked somewhere else for the answers to this puzzling mystery, only one place came into my mind,'' the aged unicorn spoke.

"R-really! And what place is that Arcanus?'' Twilight asked, excitement in her voice yet also trying to sound respectful.

Arcanus was silent for a brief moment everyone including Celestia and Luna watching him before answering in his deep, reassuring voice, ''The sacred domain of Biblio Templum.''

"Biblio...what!'' Rainbow Dash suddenly blurted out, scrunching her face.

Quentin, Applejack and their five friends catted amongst themselves, clearly never even heard of such a name, but Twilight had a different expression...a shocked, almost disbelief looked as she gasped.

"Biblio Templum...are you serious?!'' Twilight asked loudly, causing the rest of us to look at her as if she'd lost her mind.

Twilight suddenly lowered her head and smiled sheepishly from her outburst and responded quietly, "Um sir?''

Though his eyes were covered by a blindfold, we could probably tell that Arcanus had a 'this girl is crazy' look on his face, but nevertheless his nodded, his head pointing ever so downward as always. "Yes Twilight Sparkle that is correct.''

Before anyone else could say anything, Twilight suddenly started to ask quickly, "But...but how is that possible? Biblio Templum is just a myth, it doesn't really exist...does it?''

"Will somepony please tell me what the hay y'all are talkin about?'' Applejack said, cocking an eyebrow.

Twilight turned to her friends and explained, ''Biblio Templum is a legendary library...so sacred that it was only seen in legends.''

Rainbow Dash frowned unimpressed and retorted, ''A library...great...and what's so legendary about it exactly?''

"Well according to legend, Biblio Templum is home to the fabled Book of Omniscience,'' Twilight continued.''

"The what?!'' Quentin, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy said in unison.

This caught the two Alicorn princesses and the old unicorn by surprise slightly and watched on. "It possesses the Book of Omniscience,'' Twilight repeated.

Quentin brought a hoof to his chin in thought, ''Omniscience? As in all knowing?''

"That's right Quentin,'' Celestia answered, and they all listened to her. Biblio Templum is a domain where the Book of Omniscience dwells. It is a place where no other books, scrolls, or tome is needed for the Book has all the information within it.''

Luna continued, ''Yes. It is said that the Book contains knowledge of the past, present, and future...the knowledge of all of history as it goes.''

The seven ponies were all in awe at the information that was being given to us. "So what you're saying is history is being recorded in that book? As if...RIGHT now?!'' Rainbow Dash asked astonished.

Celestia nodded, ''Exactly. Surely if anything in this world knows about the Cosmic Gems, the Book of Omniscience will no doubt have the answers.''

Quentin nodded, ''All the universal knowledge of the past, present, and future…well it can't get any more all-knowing than that,'' he said trying to be witty.

Celestia chuckled, ''No I guess you can't.'' But then became serious again, ''Which is my we summoned you all here.''

Quentin's friends all bowed and stood tall and ready, even the timid Fluttershy. "Jus' tell us what ya need princess! We've got yer back!'' Applejack announced confidently, causing the others to voice their agreement.

Quentin nodded with determination and spoke, ''Me two. I want to help as much as I can.''

His friends smiled at him as well as Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus. ''Quite and thank you Quentin, you're help will be much appreciated, ''Luna said gratefully.

The human turned equine smirked and gave a short nod and Celestia spoke, ''We called you all here because we want you all to come with us to Biblio Templum.''

Twilight gasped loudly, '' Really?! Actually go to the legendary Biblio Templum and read from the Book of Omniscience?! Think about all the questions that could be answered. What we'll be in the future what we'll do! Hay I'll maybe even find the answer to the Equipoly Integral Equation that I've been trying to do for months now and...and-''

Twilight suddenly stopped as she saw the rest of her friends, the princesses, and Arcanus giving her questionable looks. Twilight giggled embarrassingly as a faint shad of pink came to her face. "And find out about the Cosmic Gems of course.''

Quentin and his friends rolled their eyes playfully. "Oh Twilight...'' he chuckled to himself, shaking his head at her egghead moment.

"I suggest we hurry to the Templum. Who knows how many more of the gems Chrysalis has to find...or how close she is to obtaining them.'' Arcanus spoke firmly.

"I agree. That horrible queen has done enough damage. She must be stopped at once!'' Rarity said.

Arcanus nodded as he hoof stroked his beard. "I couldn't agree more Rarity however, there is a minor obstacle we must overcome.''

The seven ponies all looked at Arcanus confused as Fluttershy spoke meekly, ''An obstacle? What kind of obstacle?''

"There's a reason why Biblio Templum is only read in myth. It exist on a plane that is not of this world.''

The listening ponies were all in shock at this and Twilight asked, ''Then...how are we going to get there?''

Arcanus answered, ''I can teleport us all there simply however...that is not the problem?''

"Then, what is?'' Quentin asked, eager to know.

Arcanus brought his hoof down to the floor and spoke. "The Templum houses the all-knowing Book, so naturally a treasured object like that is bound to be protected.''

Quentin nodded understandingly, "Like by a guardian.''

Arcanus nodded, ''Correct. And this guardian takes the form of an entity known as Ethereal.''

At the name, Quentin and the rest all looked at each other perplexed as Rainbow asked, ''And who the hay is Ethereal?''

"He is the guardian of Biblio Templum and the Book of Omniscience.''

Pinkie Pie smiled, ''Aw it can't be that hard, especially if we ask him reaaaaaaally nicely!''

Arcanus chuckled at the crazy pink pony's optimism. "If only it was that simple. You see, Ethereal takes his role very seriously. He's very discontent as to who visits his domain, gaining entry may not be so easy.''

At this the friends looked at each other with worried glances. "But if we just explain to Ethereal our urgency to use the Book, than he has to allow us to read from it!'' Twilight suggested urgently.

Celestia sighed, ''That's what I'm hoping Twilight.''

"Then we should not waste any more time then,'' Arcanus spoke up, walking a few steps into the center. "If everypony will gather around close, we'll leave immediately.

The eight all nodded and gathered around the powerful unicorn as close as they could, Applejack on Quentin's left and Rainbow Dash on his right. "Is everypony ready?'' Twilight asked, Spike on her back.

"Ready!'' Her friends answered in unison.

Celestia nodded, ''Arcanus, if you please?''

Arcanus said nothing, and bowed his head lower and in a moment, his horn engulfed in a billowing bluish white aura, far brighter than the average unicorn as if he was putting his all into it, yet he didn't look like he was straining at all. Almost instantly after his horn glowed, a dark blue, glowing magical circle appeared on the ground under them. Quentin and his friends looked in awe and wonder at the circle. Its details were stylized and difficult to describe. Outside the circle, arcane symbols went around while a seven pointed star made up the inside of the circle. In between each space of the points were seven smaller glowing blue circles each with a twelve pointed star with one, different arcane symbol inside them. Going around the star was the image of a snake that went around and met with its tail in its mouth at the top.

"Whoa!'' was all Rainbow Dash and Quentin could say.

"It's...it's amazing!'' Twilight said softly, mesmerized by the mystical sigil.

Just as quickly as the magic circle appeared, a transparent, light blue dome appeared and surrounded the eleven equines, matching the circle they were in. "W-What's going on?!'' Spike asked fearfully, clinging onto Twilight's back.

Celestia and Luna looked completely calm yet had firm, serious glances as they looked around the magical dome. Suddenly there was a flash of bluish white light that filled the entire throne room and it subsided and vanished, taking them with it. In a flash of light, the magic sigil reappeared and as quickly disappeared. The seven friends stood wobbly and disoriented, groaning from their trip. Pinkie Pie on the other hand bounced happily, as if she enjoyed the ride.

"Man...that was NOT awesome!'' Rainbow Dash slurred, shaking her head to clear herself of her dizziness.

"Ya said it sister! That there trip was crazier than a gravy covered cat in a barnyard full o' greyhounds!'' Applejack agreed, her eyes rolling in her head.

Quentin managed to keep himself from falling and he shook his head and looked at Twilight. ''Is this how you normally feel like whenever you teleport?''

Twilight apparently rid herself of her disorientation and answered, ''In all honesty, I have at first, but you get used to it after doing for a while.''

Pinkie Pie suddenly bounced all over the place and exclaimed happily. "Whoohoo! Let's do that again! Who'd knew that going through space and time would be so fun?!''

Her friends rolled their eyes at Pinkie's enthusiasm at their not so enjoyable experience. It was like spinning around and around at high speeds in some sort of distorted dimension. The trip was only brief, but if felt like an eternity. Quentin frowned.

''Uh, let's not and say we did, Pinkie.''

Arcanus spoke up, taking a few steps forward, ''I apologize for the spells uneasiness. I'm impressed actually, many ponies would vomit after traveling like that for the first time.''

"Ugh, don't talk about vomiting!'' Rainbow Dash groaned, holding her stomach with her hooves and looking like she would lose her lunch any second now.

"Don't you even think about it Rainbow!'' Rarity said disgusted, moving away from her.

"Hey I can't help it alright! We did just teleport at a rapid speed!''

Quentin grinned and went over to his cyan friend, and jabbed her lightly on the arm, ''Aw c'mon Rainbow. I know that's not going to get the better of the future Wonderbolt is it?''

Rainbow Dash looked the earth pony briefly before bowing her head with a rather shy smile before hovering with a determined grin, ''You kidding me Q?! There's no way something like that could ever keep me grounded!''

Quentin smiled with a nod and Fluttershy spoke, ''Where exactly are we?''

With those words the others finally looked around their new destination with bewilderment. They seemed to be in the middle of a massive, dusty canyon. The sun was high in a cloudless sky and the temperature was scorching, no doubt in the triple digits. A gust of wind blew, causing the dust from the ground blow around them and they shielded their eyes, save for Arcanus.

"That's a good question. Where ARE we?'' Quentin asked, looking around and up at the high, jagged cliff walls that stood at a distance around them.

Celestia walked forward and spoke, ''We are far from our country of Equestria. This is the resting place of Biblio Templum.''

Quentin, Rainbow, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, Twilight, and Spike were really confused. "Really Princess? A fabled place like Biblio Templum in a place like...this?'' Twilight asked, looking around in confusion.

Applejack took of her Stetson and began to use it as a fan, ''Heavens ta Betsey! It's mighty powerfully hot around here. It wasn't this scorchin' even in Appleloosa!''

Rarity groaned, raising a hoof over her eyes rather dramatically, ''Quite. I'm not a lady for sweating. And this heat doesn't mix well will my coat!''

"Don't worry everypony. We shouldn't be in the heat for much longer for you see, the entrance is just in front of us,'' Arcanus spoke.

They all looked forward and sure enough about a yard away was an entrance to what seemed to be a cave of some sort. Quentin sighed, relieved, ''Sweet, it should be nice and cool in there.''

"Then let us journey onward then. We must be quick on our venture.'' Luna spoke up firmly.

Arcanus nodded, ''Agreed Luna. We mustn't squander our time.''

"Then lead on Arcanus,'' Celestia agreed seriously.

They all proceeded to follow the great unicorn across the hot, dry landscape and into the cave. As they had hoped, the cave was indeed cool and dark, a perfect getaway from the blazing heat outside. Arcanus' horn gave off a bluish light to illuminate the cave. The eight ponies and dragon saw that stalagmites protruded from the ground and the ceiling as they trotted through the cavern.

"So have you and Princess Luna ever been to Biblio Templum Princess Celestia?'' Twilight asked her mentor, trotting up beside her.

Celestia nodded, looking at her prized student, ''We have actually Twilight. It was long ago while Equestria was under the reign of Discord. It was then too Arcanus suggested to come here to find answer to defeat him...and it was at Biblio Templum where we learned about the Elements of Harmony.''

Quentin's friends were amazed by the story, but the stallion himself was more shocked if anything else. "Whoa wait a minute, you mean that Discord actually once ruled Equestria?!'' Quentin blurted out, his voice echoing in the cave, causing everyone to look back at him with surprised expressions, save for Arcanus.

"Why yes Quentin he did. How is it that you've come to know of Discord?'' Luna asked intrigued.

That's when his six friends frowned and Applejack answered, ''That varmint played Quentin like a filly with a new doll!''

The others nodded and the two sisters looked at each other with shocked expressions. "What?! Is this true Quentin? What did he do to you?!'' Celestia asked in disbelief.

Quentin sorted and responded, ''Let's just say that I still have mental scars that might never heal!''

The revelation caused the two sisters to look at them in utter disbelief and Luna finally spoke with an outraged tone. "Unacceptable! He had no right to treat you that way! When we see Discord again, he will be punished for this act!''

This out roar caught them all by surprise, even Arcanus looked back with a slight shock. Luna said she wanted to cherish her and Quentin's friendship between them, and her outburst proved it. Quentin only knew her for only two days and yet she had a firm defense towards him from Discord's powers. He actually felt honored that someone of such beauty and royalty really cared deeply for his wellbeing.

After regaining thought, Quentin raised a hoof and shook his head.

''It's ok Luna, we've already talked about this.''

Celestia and Luna both blinked blankly and Celestia asked, ''Really?''

The human's friends nodded and Rarity spoke, ''Yes, apparently as crude as Discord's trickery was, he wasn't being malicious in is actions like he was before. As Quentin had told us, he'd let bygones be bygones if Discord helped him get out of the Everfree Forest which he did, isn't that right Rainbow Dash?''

Rainbow Dash nodded, yet still bore an angered glare.

Quentin finished, ''Yeah, Rainbow had followed me into the forest and helped me against him. And since Discord apologized, somewhat, and helped us out, I decided to let him off the hook, though I'm defiantly not in a hurry to meet him again.''

The story left the sisters speechless. Celestia soon smiled softly and said, ''I must say Quentin I'm impressed.'' Quentin looked at the princess of the sun quizzically. "To have Discord do something horrible to you and still able to forgive him of it...that's really virtuous of you.''

His friends smiled and Twilight spoke, ''You're right, Quentin has a very good heart. He isn't one to try to hold any grudges against anypony.''

Quentin averted his eyes shyly at the praises given to him as he stroked his pendant gently. "It's nothing really. I just don't like to hate anybody.''

At his answer his six closest friends smiled warmly at him. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Twilight's smiles were amongst the most enduring, as if there was more to their smiles. Luna spoke with a gentle smile of her own.

''It seemed the well my sister and I placed has chosen well to which human to bring to our world, and I couldn't be happier with the choice.''

The dreadlocked stallion could only smile thankfully at Luna's remark and Arcanus chuckled to himself as he continued to lead them through the dark cave. After about fifteen minutes of traveling through the cool cavern, Spike finally spoke out in annoyance, ''Are we there yet? It feels like we've been walking forever!''

Twilight looked back at the baby dragon on her back and retorted irritably, '' What do you mean 'we' Spike? You've been on my back this whole time.''

Spike rolled his eyes and answered, ''Exactly! You've been walking through this cave for who knows how long. How much farther is this place?''

"Ah we're here,'' Arcanus suddenly answered.

He stopped with the group behind him and they were now facing the cavern wall, as if they've ventured to the very back of the cavern. They were at a dead end. Quentin and his friends all looked at the wall and around the area, completely perplexed by the arrival.

"Um Arcanus...are you sure this is the right place? There's nothing here but a wall.'' Twilight asked with a confused look.

Celestia looked back and answered calmly, ''Yes, this is the place that we needed to go.''

Twilight and her seven friends just looked at each other, completely at a loss. "Allow me,'' Arcanus spoke and they watched him step forward and stopped just a few feet from the wall.

Arcanus had his head tilted ever so downward and muttered, ''For the sake of knowledge, we humble ask to enter the Templum.''

At first nothing happened, just silence in the cavern. The bearers of the Elements all gazed rather awkwardly around as Rainbow Dash hovered next to Twilight and whispered, ''Are you sure this guy isn't crazy? I mean, he's talking to a wall.''

Twilight was not amused and responded in a strict hush. ''Shh, Rainbow! Of course Arcanus isn't crazy! He's the most powerful known unicorn with unparalleled wisdom. We have to-'' Twilight was interrupted by a sudden flash of purple light.

Her and her friends all let out cries of shock as they shielded their eyes, save for Arcanus, Celestia, and Luna on the count of Arcanus being blindfolded and Celestia and Luna merely squinted their eyes. "What's going on?!'' Twilight exclaimed, shielding her eyes.

Quentin gritted his teeth and grunted, ''Crap...the light's too...bright!''

The light was only brief and in the next few moments, the light faded. Quentin and his friends uncovered their eyes and opened them to adjust them from the sudden light. However, all their eyes opened wide with shock as they were now beholding a figure that now stood in front of them. The figure took the form of a stallion, a large one at that for it was even taller than Celestia who was the tallest pony there. The stallion was a unicorn and was clad in armor from its head down to its hooves. If it had a mane, it was obscured by the helmet it wore with seemed to cover its face also. Along with these features, it gave off an unearthly, purple aura from its body, with its eyes glowing a spiritual white. The eight stood frozen at their places, they even huddled together in intimidation from the very presence of the strange entity, all except Celestia, Luna, Arcanus, and Pinkie Pie which the latter had a bright grin and the Alicorns and unicorn had serious expressions.

"W-Who is that?'' Fluttershy asked fearfully, trying to hide behind her friends.

"Twilight?'' Rarity asked with worry.

Twilight just shook her head, her eyes fixated on the figure with confusion and fear while Spike clung to her tightly, shaking slightly with fright.

"Well let's just ask him silly fillies!'' Pinkie chimed and bounced towards the figure.

"Pinkie! Girl are you crazy?!'' Applejack exclaimed as the silly pink pony bounced passed Celestia, her sister, and Arcanus.

Before they could stop her, Pinkie Pie greeted happily, ''Hi! My name's Pinkie Pie! What's your-''

"Be still!'' the figure yelled suddenly, stomping a hoof, causing them all to jump with fright.

The stomp was powerful indeed, for it caused a tremor and Pinkie fell flat on her back with a puzzled, frightened look. "Hey, what's the big ide-'' Pinkie Pie started, but was once again cut off by the glowing entity.

"You shall not take another step forward!'' The figure spoke with an unearthly, malformed voice, like with an echo and it was almost unintelligible.

The figure stomped its hoof yet again, created a tremor causing some rocks from the ceiling to crumble and fall around us. "Ek!'' Pinkie Pie screamed and jumped in the air and Quentin could swear she hovered for a few seconds while her legs rapidly spun around and she zoomed from the air and behind her seven friends in fear.

"My, he seems rather…friendly doesn't he?'' Rarity spoke, her trepidation for the aggressive entity increasing.

Twilight gritted her teeth as she spoke, ''Could this be, Ethereal that Arcanus spoke to us about?''

Celestia looked back at us and nodded seriously, ''Yes it is Twilight, but please everypony calm down.''

Luna nodded, ''Yes, there is no reason to fear him. We'll handle this.''

The others all looked at each other both with concern and apprehension before looking back at the three powerful ponies ahead of them. Arcanus stepped forward, his head ever so tilted downward. Ethereal tensed and lowered his head threateningly.

"Ethereal, I am Arcanus of the Mystic. And these are Princesses Celestia and Luna of Equestria. We've met before,'' Arcanus said calmly.

Ethereal lowered his head further, ready to charge if needed be. "I know who you are...now LEAVE NOW!'' Ethereal roared, causing Quentin and his friends to cower a step back, save for Rainbow Dash who was hovering.

"M-Maybe we should go? We don't want to make him even angrier,'' Fluttershy suggested fearfully, shaking.

"And something tells me this guy can kick serious butt if he wanted to,'' Quentin suggested, gulping nervously.

Rainbow Dash frowned and bumped her hooves together, ready for a fight. "Well I'm not afraid of him! If he wants to tussle, I'm all in!''

Before Rainbow Dash do anything else, Applejack stopped her, ''Now, hold on one pony pickin' minute Rainbow! Ya can't jus' rush in on em' like that. Ya don't know what kind of tricks he's got!''

Quentin nodded in agreement. "She's right Rainbow. And the last thing we want is for you to get hurt!''

Rainbow Dash wouldn't give up and retorted defiantly, ''But-''

"There will be no need for force Rainbow Dash. Please let us handle this,'' Celestia spoke, not looking back.

Despite ready to fight, Rainbow Dash would not dare go against her princess and sighed reluctantly in defeat and crossed her forelegs, ''Fine!''

Celestia then stepped forward and bowed before speaking, ''You remember us, then you must know why we have returned?''

Ethereal snorted, a steam of purple light coming out form his nostrils. "I know...you want to read from the sacred Book of Omniscience do you not?''

Luna spoke, a bit desperately, ''Yes we have, like we've done long ages ago. Why do you deny us access?!''

At first, the spiritual guardian said nothing, just glared the group down with its glowing eyes before finally answering, darkly, ''Because...I will never allow mortals to defile the Templum once again.''

"Defiled it?!'' Celestia and Luna exclaimed in unison, while Arcanus had a disturbed expression on his face.

The others however looked on in perplexity. "Defiled? What does he mean?'' Quentin asked no one in particular.

"I'm not sure, but it sounded as if somepony visited and disrespected Biblio Templum, 'Twilight suggested, both intrigued and confused.

Arcanus stepped forward and spoke, ''Ethereal, what did you mean by defiled the Templum? Did another come to place?''

Ethereal grunted and retorted, ''Yes, they did. Biblio Templum is a place of knowledge...knowledge that should be used to gain wisdom and enlightenment to better oneself.''

"But that's why we've come-''Luna started but was cut off.

''That is-'' Ethereal growled as his eyes burned brighter with anger. "Until...SHE came along.''

Immediatly everyone in the group all too on angry glares and Twilight asked, ''Wait a minute! Was she a creature called a Changeling? Looks like a pony but black and gangly?''

Hearing Twilight's description of a certain hated changeling, Ethereal growled, ''Yes...the queen of those wretched species!''

"Chrysalis,'' Celestia muttered darkly." I knew it.''

Luna growled, "How did that wretch learn about Biblio Templum? And she dared to step one foul hoof in such a domain?!''

"Yes, the very one!'' Ethereal said, standing straight up and turning his back to the group as he took a few steps away from them. "She came here telling me how she wanted to use the Book to gain the information to help improve the lives of her subjects. She said, that they were dying out quickly and how they were very dear to heart and wouldn't know what to do if they completely died out.''

The listening equines looked at each other with disgusted looks they heard the lie Chrysalis had told the guardian. "The queen? Carin' bout anypony but herself? Yea that's rich!'' Applejack snorted as Ethereal continued with a sigh.

"To this I felt great pity towards the creature. To crave knowledge to prevent the extinction of her race was a noble ambition. I couldn't refuse such an admirable cause.''

"And...what happened next Ethereal?'' Celestia asked, though in the back of her mind she kind of knew what had transpired.

Ethereal lowered his head and with a growl spoke, ''It turned out that it was all a rouse. She actually wanted to use the Book to find a way to overpower and destroy her enemies...she lied.''

Quentin's friends looked out one another with frowns at the revelation. The human answered with discontent, ''We know she lied. From what I've learned about her, she lied to a lot of ponies.''

What happened next caught Quentin in his friends completely off guard. In a flash of purple light, Ethereal had appeared in front of him and bellowed, "IT KNOW WHAT SHE DID! I KNOW WHAT SHE TRULY IS! SHE USED THE BOOK FOR HER OWN REGARDS AND TRIED TO DISTROY THE BOOK OF OMNISCEIENCE SO NOPONY ELSE COULD USE IT! SHE DEVILED THIS PLACE WITH GREED AND CALLOUSNESS!"

Quentin was pretty terrified of the guardian's sudden approach and gritted his teeth in fear as he advanced backward. Clearly his friends also were a bit frightened as they coward a few steps backwards. However Applejack ran in between her friend and the guardian and spoke bravely with an unwavering gaze.

''Now wait jus' a dog gone, pony pickin minute! Now I know yer pretty miffed bout' the queen disrespectin' this place an all, but that don't give ya the right ta bit Quentin's head off about it!''

"Yeah! So lay off him! It's not like he was the one that did it!'' Rainbow Dash agreed aggressively, getting into Ethereal's face.

That moment the rest of his friends' fearful expressions became one of boldness and they voiced their agreement. Honestly Quentin felt a warm tenderness inside himself to see his friends especially Applejack come to his defense. Who knew that in three short weeks they'd be so close? Ethereal, however, wasn't moved by the devotion of Quentin's friends, not one bit and glared deeply at them baring his bright teeth that looked like fangs at this point.

"Ethereal!'' Luna finally spoke up, a frown on her face. Ethereal didn't respond, just peered over his shoulder at the princess of the night. "I know that to defile a holy place like the Templum is unforgivable, but our subjects are right. So I would appreciate greatly if you wouldn't be hostile towards my dear friend!''

Quentin couldn't help but smile gratefully at his Alicorn friend as did the rest of his friends. "Thanks Luna,'' the stallion thought to himself.

Quentin felt so honored that one of such royalty and beauty would cherished a friendship with a commoner like himself. Ethereal continued to peer over his shoulder and gave off a low, growl. Suddenly in a flash of light, he disappeared and reappeared in front of Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus.

"Ethereal,'' Arcanus sighed as he took a step forward, prompting Ethereal to take a low, threatening stance. ''I understand you are just doing the job that was appointed to you. And I understand that you would be so hostile towards any visitors wanting to come here after what happened, but I implore you to please allow us access into the Templum.''

Ethereal growled, ''I've been lied to once, that won't happen again!''

Before Arcanus could speak, Celestia step forward, a deep frown on her face as she spoke sternly, ''Ethereal, we once came here seeking answers to help save our subjects...unlike Chrysalis that was no lie.''

At this Ethereal's enraged expression softened a bit, no doubt reluctantly agreeing to the wise princess's words.

"And now we've returned for that exact same purpose. The queen is on a quest to find mysterious stones called the Cosmic Gems and on her quest, she left nothing but destruction and death in her wake. She even attacked the kingdom our ally Kal Equa and caused fatalities to the great nation. Even more, she just attack our capital city and harmed many of the ponies there. She's done enough damage and we will bring an end to it, but that can only happen if we use the Book of Omniscience.''

As Celestia finished, Ethereal's expression became one of uncertainty, as if he's having some sort of inner conflict with each other. Quentin and his friends looked on with worry, praying that the shining guardian would grant them passage. Luna spoke up, this time with a pleading gaze.

''Please Ethereal. We just need to find out what these gems do so we can find a way to stop her. If not, I fear something terrible will befall our fair kingdom. So please, help us save our people.''

There was a cringing silence as they all looked at Ethereal as he try to decide on an answer, hoping that he'll let them pass. Chrysalis had done enough damage and hurt and killed enough ponies, and time was running out until she acts again. Finally after calming down, Ethereal looked around at the group and finally to Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus.

"Please, you have our word as the Princesses of Equestria that our cause is just...just how it was those many years ago,'' Celestia swore and Luna nodded with agreement.

Ethereal eyed the two princesses cautiously before sighing deeply and answering. "Very well. I'll take your word for it. You have my permission to enter Biblio Templum.''

Quentin, Applejack, and the rest gave off brief cries of joy while Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus let out sighs of relief. "Thank you Ethereal,'' Arcanus replied with a nod.

Luna nodded with a relieved smile, ''Yes, thank you. You don't know how much this means to us.''

Ethereal lowered his head slightly and replied, ''Just be quick about it and remember...I'm taking you by your word.''

Celestia and Luna nodded as their subjects and Quentin approached them from behind. In a brilliant flash of purple light, Ethereal had transformed into a ball of light and zapped quickly to the cavern wall. Upon impact, it expanded into a large, circular, swirling purple portal. The eight friends looked on in awe at the mystical portal in front of them.

"Amazing. So Ethereal wasn't just a guardian, he was the entryway into Biblio Templum itself?!'' Twilight asked, completely amazed.

Celestia nodded, ''That's right Twilight. Follow us everypony. We must hurry!''

The seven ponies and dragon all nodded and followed the three powerful ponies toward the portal. "Well guys, this is it. You ready?'' Twilight asked, looking at her friends.

"Darn tootin'!'' Applejack responded with a wink.

"Yeah, let's do this!'' Rainbow Dash said confidently.

"You bet!'' Pinkie Pie spoke excitedly.

"Wait let me just fix my mane and...ah that's better. Onward!'' Rarity answered after fixing her mane.

"U-um yes?'' Fluttershy squeaked uncertainly.

Quentin nodded, with a tough smirk, ''Let's go.''

Twilight looked over back at Spike who nodded with a tough grin and she nodded. Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus walked on and through the portal, disappearing from sight. They weren't far behind and the group of friends followed and went through the portal. On the other side, the eight's jaws dropped as they gazed around their new setting. In a blink of an eye, they went from inside a dark cavern and were now in a strange realm. The environment was rather simple yet grand. They were standing on a massive, stone, slightly transparent platform, in fact all the structures there possessed a slight transparent nature about them.

Yards away from them, stood a large, transparent statue depicting a unicorn reading from a book. Behind the statue was a massive, stone staircase that could be climbed from the left and right sides and both curved upward to a higher platform that leads to a temple of some sort with pillars. The layout of the realm reminded Quentin of Greek origins. Surrounding all of this was a purple space, dome like domain with white stars twinkling in the space. One could see different symbols floating idly by through space as well as glowing lines going longitude and latitude like those on a globe. This combined with the transparent appearance of the structures made gave off a mystical, otherworldly feel to them.

"W-Where are we?'' Fluttershy asked in awe.

"This...this is Biblio Templum?!'' Twilight asked in disbelief, gazing around.

Arcanus looked back with a slight smile, ''Yes, Twilight Sparkle. This is the legendary Biblio Templum mentioned only in myth.''

Twilight continued to gaze around as a smile slowly crept over her face. "I never imagined this place to be so...beautiful,'' Twilight said softly.

Celestia and Luna smiled, ''I know. I felt the same way when Luna and I first came here.''

Quentin let out a whistle as he gazed around at the spirit like terrain, walking next to Luna. Luna looked at her new friend and smiled, ''Amazing is it not Quentin?''

Quentin nodded and responded, ''Dang, where's a camera when you need one?'' He had seen a lot of amazing, beautiful places in his life, but this Biblio Templum...it defiantly takes took cake.

"Oh my, what a truly marvelous lieu. And these designs...oh I think I might've found new inspiration for my clothing design!'' Rarity sighed, taking in the wonder of their surroundings.

Applejack rolled her eyes playfully, ''Ya always find new inspiration fer ya clothes.''

After a few more moments gazed around in wonder at the majestic sanctuary that was Biblio Templum, Celestia's expression became one of seriousness as she turned to face the others. "Quickly, there's no more time to lose. We must make our way to the Book of Omniscience at once!''

Quentin and his friends snapped out of their speechless awe and agreed. "So where in the hay is this book exactly?'' Rainbow Dash asked, hovering in the air.

"The book is just up those steps and inside that temple,'' Arcanus answered, lifting his head upward towards the large staircases.

Quentin nodded with a serious expression, ''Then let's get up there.''

With that the equines followed the three wise Alicorns and unicorn as they hastily started towards the right staircase. As the group walked up the staircase, Applejack walked beside Quentin and spoke with a worried looked, ''Hey Quen, do ya really think this fancy book can really help us out?''

The stallion looked over to her and shrugged, ''I'm hope so. We haven't found anything from anywhere else.''

Applejack sighed sadly, ''I'm hopin' so too. If that no good queen gets enough power ta cause major damage, who knows what might happen. An' I can't handle the thought of somthin' bad happenin' ta my kin.''

At first Quentin looked at his honest friend with perplexity, then smiled warmly, ''Hey don't think nothing of it AJ.'

Applejack gazed at him. ''I know that this book is going to help us out. With a name like the Book of Omniscience, it has to know the answers, otherwise it wouldn't be an all knowing book.''

Applejack chuckled, ''No, I guess it wouldn't.''

Quentin nodded, ''Exactly. Besides, your family have been so kind to me for these past few weeks. I won't let anything bad happen to them, our friends...and you either. I promise.''

Applejack widened her eyes in shock as she stared into her friend's golden brown eyes. A slow smile then crept across her face and she replied softly, ''Quen...''

Applejack then nuzzled Quentin's face contently, sending chills across his body that were quickly replaced by a warm sensation and a blush came to his face. "Applejack?'' Quentin spoke, surprised by the action.

Applejack said nothing, just continued to nuzzle Quentin and she finally spoke tenderly, ''Thank ya Quentin. That really means a lot ta me.''

Quentin still had a surprised look on his face but then formed a soft smile. "No problem AJ. Everything will turn out fine...I just know it.''

As the two nuzzled, Rainbow Dash hovered behind them, and she frowned disapprovingly upon seeing them display such an intimate act. It was uneventful as the group made their way up the curving staircase and finally to the top where they were greeted by the large, transparent temple. It was like they were about to venture into an ancient Greek temple of the gods. They all made their way passed the tall pillars and finally into the entranceway of the temple. The inside of the temple was fairly simple, save for a few pillars about.

Upon entering, they discovered that the temple was being illuminated dimly by a bluish white light. Upon gazing around, the visitors discovered the source of the light. Hundreds of feet's away upon two sets of short staircases resting on top a stone shrine against the wall was an object. Despite being rather far away in distance, the eleven could clearly make out the image of a book. Twilight gasped.

''Is that...what I think it is?''

Arcanus nodded, ''Yes, the fabled Book of Omniscience. The all-knowing tome with all the answers in the known universe.''

Celestia nodded sternly and muttered, ''And our last hope.''

Without hesitation, they all headed across the temple towards the book and came to a stop about ten feet from the first short steps and gazed at the illuminating book. Now that they were closer to the book, they could make out its appearance much clearer. The Book of Omniscience was large, much bigger than any book Quentin has ever seen. The book was closed and had a deep blue cover. Design wise, the center of the cover depicted a large, very stylized triangle with what appeared to be an eye in the middle of the triangle, the images giving off a dim white glow. Its pages were glowing an even brighter white and the book itself was being held up by a stone book stand. While Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus looked on with seriousness, the rest of were mesmerized by its appearance, especially their intelligent friend Twilight.

"Land sakes!'' Applejack gasped lightly.

"Who'd ever thought that a book would look so...'' "Awesome!'' Rainbow Dash finished in awe.

Quentin nodded. He'd never thought that he would be so excited about reading from a book. "Ohhhhh...shiny!'' Pinkie Pie awed, suddenly appearing in front of the tome and rubbed a hoof over its cover, her pupils big and twinkling with the light from the book.

Luna had an expression that seemed to say 'oh boy here we go again' and her horn was engulfed in a billowing deep blue aura as she used her magic to pull the still smiling Pinkie away. It was actually quite amusing from the others' perspective.

"So this is it,'' Quentin finally spoke up as Pinkie dragged magically past him. He looked around, ''Who wants to do the honors?''

Before any of his friends could speak, Arcanus spoke, ''Celestia, would you mind?''

All eyes were on the princess of the sun and she nodded seriously, ''Yes, of course.''

She took a quick glance at Luna who nodded with a determined frown. Celestia then turned her head towards the large tome and began to walk towards it. There was a silence in the room as Celestia headed to the book. Applejack and Quentin gazed at each other, giving one another a 'let's hope this works' glances. Celestia got to the book and closed her eyes and took a deep breath, and opened them as her horn was engulfed and a billowing golden aura as was the front of the book.

With her magic, Celestia opened the book and the effect was instantaneous. There was a blinding flash of bluish white light, causing the rest present to shield their eyes from the light, save for Arcanus.

What the-what's going on?!'' Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

Suddenly a blast of the light shot out in a single ripple past them and throughout the temple. As quickly as the ordeal began, it just as ended and the light faded and the ponies uncovered their eyes, to behold the Book of Omniscience open, the pages giving a bluish white pillar of light.

"Well that was...unexpected,'' Quentin said, blinking a few times.

His friends voiced their awe as they came closer to the first steps. Celestia looked over her shoulder to her sister, mentor, and subjects, nodded, and gestured for them to come forward. They did, the stone alter being big enough for them all and gathered around Celestia so all of them could see.

"Oh my...simply amazing!'' Rarity spoke softly with amazement.

The others couldn't blame her. On the glowing pages, stylized letters floated idly by throughout the page, as if they were inside a snow globe. Along with the letters, mystical symbols floated gently around, there was even one that looked like a compass rose. "Whoa...'' Spike said, standing on Twilight's back and leaning in for closer look before scratching his head with confusion. "So, what now?''

"I'm with Spike,'' Applejack spoke up with a raised eyebrow. "With all these letters jumblin around, how are we 'spose ta read from this thing?''

"All we need is to asked, the book with give us the answers we seek,'' Arcanus answered calmly.

Celestia nodded and turned her head to the book. "We've come to find the answer to one question: what are the objects known as the Cosmic Gems the queen of the Changelings is looking for?''

It wasn't even a second after Celestia asked her question when the pages suddenly began to glow brighter and the letters suddenly formed and positioned themselves in numerous rows and began to race across the page in their rows.

"Yeah, I think that did the trick!'' Rainbow Dash commented as the letters raced faster and faster and the glow brighter and brighter.

Suddenly in a finally flash of light, the letters disappeared. "What happened to the letters?!'' Fluttershy asked alarmed.

As if to answer her question, the once blank page was magically being filled with perfectly aligned letters, and the glowing illustrations of six, oval stone like relics, forming a halo in the center of the page. They all widened their eyes at the sight and Luna spoke, with a sort of stern excitement.

''This is it...this is what we've came here for!''

Arcanus nodded with a soft, but relieved smile, ''Indeed Luna. Thank Chiron that this great book came through for us again.''

The rest of the friends chatted happily that the Book of Omniscience knew something about the Cosmic Gems, but Celestia quiet them down, ''Calm down everypony. Our job isn't done yet.''

Twilight nodded with a serious frown, ''The princess is right. So what does it say your majesty?''

"Let's see,'' Celestia responded, skimming through the page as we all too looked. "According to the Book, there are six of them...each blessing its possessor mastery over a certain power wrought by the universe; Power, Soul, Mind, Time, Space, and Reality.''

The others all listened intently as suddenly the paged changed with each gem, glowing with their natural colors changed from a halo formation to be listed down the page, three on the left page, and three on the right with an individual description for each gem went across the pages.

"The Reality Gem...yes I remembered Chrysalis referring to that yellow gem while we battled her, ''Luna spoke with a thoughtful frowned.

Twilight nodded sternly, ''And Fiyorae also called it that, though I'm pretty sure he didn't know what the name was. But still a gem that can alter reality and grant your wishes...that's a powerful and dangerous power anypony can have.''

Pinkie Pie's eyes widened with awe as she asked, ''So if I wanted a place made entirely out of candy with a river of chocolate milk it'll come true?! Dangerous who wouldn't want that?!''

The rest of her friends groaned, some face hoofing themselves. "Yes, yes but what about the others gems? What do they do?'' Applejack asked desperately.

Celestia nodded, ''I was just getting to that.'' She read over the pages for a moment before continuing. ''The red Power Gem allows its bearer to have access to virtually an unlimited supply of power as well as drastically increase that bearer's abilities.''

Luna let out a soft gasp and spoke, ''That explains how Chrysalis was able to almost single hoofly destroy all of Kal-Equa!''

Celestia nodded sternly, ''And when she demonstrated such power when we fought her not too long ago.''

Arcanus leaned forward towards the book. "And we know what the green Soul Gem does. It is able to rejuvenate life back to its natural state. That is how the Kal-Equa was able to bring back life to their once barren land centuries ago.''

"So all this time, the Jewel of Kal-Equa has been the Soul Gem?'' Twilight asked, puzzled.

Luna nodded, ''Yes Twilight Sparkle, and seeing how it was able to do so for all these years it is truly a powerful stone.''

"But there's more!'' Celestia spoke. "The bearer also allows them to manipulate and steal souls, living or dead and gather them in a sort of pocket dimension.''

The information sent a chill through Quentin and possible his friends. Even Rainbow Dash seemed freaked out while Pinkie Pie seemed undisturbed, as always. "That's...freaky,'' Quentin spoke with a shudder.

Celestia continued to read from the Book, telling them each Gem and what they do. "The blue Mind Gem enhances one's mental abilities greatly; granting them mind control as well as telekinesis.''

Luna frowned, ''And that explains the blue aura Chrysalis cast on us to pin us to the wall, even though her horn didn't illuminate. She was using her mind.''

Celestia continued. "The orange Space Gem grants the bearer the power to be anywhere whatever they wishes, even able to warp space as they see fit. The yellow Reality Gem, well we all know what it does.''

Twilight and the rest all nodded, and Celestia frowned sternly as she kept on reading. "And which brings us to the last gem. The purple Time Gem allows the possessor to exist in the past, present, and future. They can also make time into a weapon, trapping enemies in unending loops of time. Also, they can also be granted visions of the future or past, and have absolute control over time; causing it to slow or speed up and even turn back to whatever they wish.''

There was silence in the temple, no doubt they all were speechless about the powers the Cosmic Gems possess. "No wonder, the Queen is bent on finding these gems. Just one can give her such unbelievable power!'' Rarity finally spoke, a hoof near her mouth in surprise.

Arcanus nodded, stroking his beard, ''With a name such as the Cosmic Gems, their power is a fright to behold. By the sound of it, they could very well rival the Elements of Harmony.''

"Yeah right, there's no way in HAY those things are stronger than the Elements of Harmony!'' Rainbow Dash retorted proudly, hovering in the air.

"Don't be so sure about that Rainbow Dash,'' Celestia spoke firmly, her eyes scanning the Book of Omniscience as a slow but shocked expression came unto her face.

"What do you mean princess?'' Twilight asked.

Celestia continued a bit trouble, ''There's more.'' As Celestia spoke, the images and text on the pages disappeared and was replaced by the silhouette of an unknown pony surrounded by the Cosmic Gems in a halo formation and more text.

"Whoever manages to possess all six gems and somehow meld their powers together, they will be opened to all the untapped power in the universe and become one with the cosmos. They will be granted, omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence. In other words, whoever possess all six of the Cosmic Gems will be granted absolute, supreme power...they will virtually become a God.''

"Are you bucking kidding me?!'' Rainbow Dash exclaimed in disbelief.

Quentin couldn't blame her, all of them were alarmed at this news. "Can a bunch of gems really give that much power?!'' the stallion asked loudly in alarm.

Celestia shook her head and closed her eyes, "It's written in the Book, the Book of Omniscience knows all.''

Quentin's friends began to chatter amongst themselves. "Shoot, I knew that power o' the Elements o' Harmony were strong, but this...''

"These gems are a force to be reckoned with, ''Twilight finished, a bit horrified.

"And with the power of a god, there is no doubt the evil Chrysalis will bring would be catastrophic!'' Luna said worriedly to her elder sister.

Celestia sighed, a drearily gaze on her face, ''I know Luna. It seems like no matter what good news we hear, something worst always appears.''

Quentin gazed around, with fear, uncertainty, and perplexity when his gaze fell upon the purple Time Gem. He did a double take and looked closely at the image, that purple, glowing, oval gem. Strangely, it looked...familiar to him. "That gem...where have I seen it before?'' Quentin thought to himself.''

"Now calm down everypony,'' Arcanus spoke up and they all looked at him. "We must think rationally, there may still be time to stop the Changeling Queen.''

Fluttershy asked meekly, ''But how? Doesn't she have all of the gem?''

Luna thought for a moment before widening her eyes as a thought came to her, ''No wait...she doesn't! When we last saw her, she only had five gems with her after gaining the Reality Gem.''

Celestia gasped, ''You're right sister. Let's see, if I remember she had the Reality Gem, The Soul Gem, the Mind Gem, Power Gem, and the Space Gem. She's still missing one more, the Time Gem!''

Quentin's face fell with determination, ''Then we'll have to find it before she does!''

Celestia sighed, ''I know Quentin but...who knows where it is. It could be anywhere in the world for all we know.''

At this revelation we looked at each other sadly. Fluttershy suddenly spoke up, ''Maybe we can ask the Book if it knows where it is. Because who knows what terrible things could happen if the Queen finds the gems.''

At that moment before anyone could responded, the book glowed bright bluish white. "Hey what's going on?!'' Quentin spoke loudly, caught off guard by the spontaneous effect.

The light quickly subsided and the eleven ponies all uncovered their eyes and looked towards the book to find the images and texts to have vanished and replaced by six rows of text.

"Hey look at the page, it changed again!'' Pinkie cried, pointing at the open book.

"What does it say?'' Rarity asked.

Celestia looked at the text and widened her eyes with fear. "It...it seems to be a prophecy.''

The others all stared quizzically, ''A...prophecy?'' Twilight asked confused. Celestia nodded and read out loud.

As Celestia finished the others just stared at her shock, speechless...horrified. They all couldn't believe what they had just heard. Finally, Rarity spoke up, completely flabbergasted. "C-Come again?!''

Even Celestia seemed to be in disbelief as she skimmed over the prophecy again. "M-maybe we heard wrong. Maybe she read it wrong?'' Spike suggested fearfully, but Celestia shook her head wearily.

"No...I didn't. Everything I've just said is hear written on the page.'' Celestia repeated the dark foretelling which only made a cold shiver run through them all.

"But...sister. This can't be right. What you read, what this prophecy is basically telling us is...'' Luna began, dread anchoring her voice.

Celestia bowed her head and muttered without looking at them, "The end of the world.''

''THE END OF THE WORLD?!'' Quentin and the rest of his friends exclaimed in unison, immediately followed by a commotion of frantic outbursts.

Among the commotion, Celestia hung her head, with thought and with dread as Luna looked absolutely melancholy, even the usually composed Arcanus utterly disturbed.

"What? The end of the world?! What are we gonna do?!'' Spike panicked, shaking Twilight's neck slightly.

"But the world CAN'T end! I've still have lots of parties to throw!'' Pinkie exclaimed frantically.

"The hay it can't! I haven't even joined the Wonderbolts yet!'' Rainbow Dash frowned aggressively, pounding the floor.

Twilight attempted to calm everyone down, but she too was distraught over the bleak news. "Everypony calm down! We just need to...need to...'' that's when Twilight frowned perplexed as she lifted hoof near her mouth in thought. "Wait a minute, where have I heard that before? Or maybe I've read it somewhere?'' Twilight thought to herself.

"No...it can't be!'' Fluttershy whimpered in despair, lowering herself towards the ground as she did so.

Quentin gazed around while gritting his teeth and his eyes met Applejack's. They said nothing, just gazed at each other sadly, her mouth ajar. No doubt she was thinking about what could happen to her family and the farm back on Sweet Apple Acres, and Quentin couldn't blame her. The Apple family have particularly grown on him.

"Everypony enough!'' Arcanus shouted, his deep voice booming in the temple.

They all ceased their commotion and looked at the great unicorn in surprise, even Celestia and Luna as all was quiet. "Twilight Sparkle is right, we just need to stay calm and-''

"Stay calm...STAY CALM? How could we stay calm after just reading a prophecy about the bucking end of the world?!'' Rainbow Dash retorted loudly almost getting into the wise unicorn's face.

Arcanus just sighed and bowed his head, "I am very aware of that Rainbow Dash. I was here when Celestia read it. And true as disturbing as it is, there is still time.''

The ten ponies all gazed at Arcanus quizzically, when Celestia nodded firmly, ''Arcanus is right. As long as the last gem, the Time Gem is out of Chrysalis' hooves, there is still hope to stop her plans.''

Celestia turned her attention back to the Book of Omniscience and glided a hoof over it like she was turning a page. Magically, the prophecy disappeared and was replaced by the images of the Cosmic Gems in a halo formation and the texts describing them. "There is still time to prevent this dark foretelling from happening.

However Twilight seemed puzzled as she stepped forward, ''But your majesty, it doesn't makes sense. Chrysalis is looking for the gems, but the prophecy said something about a king not a queen. What does that mean?!''

At this Celestia's face went form stern seriousness to deep thought as Luna spoke up in agreement.

She's right my sister. To our knowledge, only the Changeling Queen has been searching for the Cosmic Gems. We know nothing about any-'' suddenly Luna's face became one of great fear. "Sister, you don't think that it was referring to S-''

"No, of course not!'' Celestia suddenly cut in, looking at her younger sister and continued softly. "It couldn't be, he was destroyed...for good.''

Quentin winced his eyes slightly as he heard their conversation. "Who where they talking about. Was there really a king in Equestria?'' he asked himself.

The human looked at his friends who had worrisome faces, while Rainbow Dash had a disgusted glare. Could it be they know what the princesses were talking about? Quentin shook his head to clear his thoughts. It didn't really matter to him now, the situation had just went from bad to worse after finding that prophecy, there was no time to waste. Quentin looked at the Cosmic Gems glowing on the page in desperation.

"What are we going to do?!'' he asked himself frantically. "If we don't find the Time Gem soon, then things are really gonna-'' Quentin trailed off as his eyes fell upon the purple gem.

Quentin winced and scrunched his face slightly as he leaned closer for a better look.

"Well I think we should try Fluttershy's suggestion and ask the book where the Time Gem is located so we can get it before the Queen!'' Rarity declared.

The rest agreed, and Luna noticed Quentin's concentration at the book and ask curiously, ''Quentin?''

Quentin said nothing, just looked at the gem as all eyes were on him. "Quen...are ya alright sugarcube?'' Applejack asked concerned, lifting a hoof towards her friend.

Quentin continued to look at the Time Gem, his mind racing. "Alright, I know I've seen this gem somewhere. Ugh you think I'd remember something that could send...you... through...time-'' his eyes went wide as his voice trialed off his last words.

"Going...through time...wait...could it be?'' the stallion earth pony muttered under his breath a memory flashing before his eyes.

Everyone else was getting increasingly worried and Celestia asked, ''Quentin what's-'' Before she could finish, Quentin suddenly whipped around, surprising everyone.

"We need to get back to Ponyville...NOW!'' he urged.

The equines looked at him like he'd lost his mind as Twilight asked befuddled, ''B-but why?''

Quentin frowned slightly and responded, ''Because I know where the Time Gem is!''

Far away from the dimension of Biblio Templum, the swarm of changelings flew through the clear sky, filling the air with rapid buzzing of insect wings, and stopped as they hovered in midair. Leading them, Chrysalis let out a dark, evil chuckle as she leered down on the humble village of Ponyville.