A few weeks passed and Twilight didn't know she could get anymore stressed. Gears had taken all of the armor from the Princesses’ castle. She was dealing with Yak culture and nearly started a war. Though the mechanical creatures did seem to entertain the Yaks. Nobles would often come to her seeking advice about… business friends. They had just finished washing the dishes so finally she had some time off, she and Spike grabbed a book bringing to her reading room. She smiled at the II’s as they passed, earning a slight nod in return.

“Good evening Princess Sparkle.” a large goat monster said causing her to turn around to see the King of the Underground. “Beautiful, evening.”

“It is.” Twilight said before spotting the tea in his grasp. “Turning in for the night, King Asgore?”

“Yes, it was a long day.” responded Asgore looking out one of the windows. “Goodnight, Princess Sparkle. Spike.”

“At least he remembers me.” Spike said before moving along, Twilight chuckled as they entered the room. “It was a long day, a lot of ponies coming in for friendship advice.”

“You know it’s kind of funny,” laughed the purple dragon as he moved to sit down tired from doing all the dishes. “Giving all of this advice to ponies.”

“What's so funny about that?” Twilight was confused as she stared at her assistant. Spike looked at her raising a brow ridge saying. “Back in Canterlot you were known for being the worst friend ever.”

“I was a great friend!” Twilight retorted only for the growing dragon to point towards the photos on the shelves. She walked towards the as he explained. “Twilight, do you even remember their names? Birthdays? Favorite food? Favorite book? The struggles they have?”

Twilight looked at the pictures noticing that none of them was from before she came to Ponyville. Sighing she said. “I was that bad?”

“You were really focused on your studies.” Spike pointed out counting down mentally, he knew Twilight was going to leap into action.

“I have to do something about this!” The youngest Alicorn spoke determination in her voice as she looked at the green eyed fire breather. “They must be so confused that I left all of a sudden. Why their friend just up and left. Why I didn't say anything?”

“I don't think that's what all of them are thinking.” Gears commented passing by and Twilight’s horn lit up dragging not only Gears but Moonlight Wisp towards their rooms saying. “No, you are heading to bed. Spike pack our bags, oh and can you make a list of my friends from Canterlot?”

“Yeah, no.” Gears said trying to get out the grip before sighing. She looked out the window knowing that Twilight was going to rush off the moment they were asleep. A grin played across her features as she glanced at Moonlight Wisp who looked a bit irritated. The half dragon took note of the look and wondered what she was planning. The filly normally didn’t act like this so she knew something was up.

“Alright, Twinkleshine, Minuette, Lemon Heart, and… Moondancer.” Spike said looking at the list with a frown. He knew most of them as they hung around Lyra, but he couldn’t figure out what happened to Moondancer. He hurried to pack the bags before looking out the open door. The crystals were glowing eerily dimly lighting the hallways. Seeing the large figures of the Spartans patrolling he poked his head out asking. “Do you sleep?”

“Yes.” was the only response that he got, the purple dragon nodded his head. “Is that all?”

“Do you need anything?” was the next question, Spike knew that Twilight had already reinforced the furniture to hold all of the extra weight. “Any food requirements? Armor polish? Books?”

The two Spartans just stared at him and the dragon felt his ear fins kind of sink. He sighed before saying. “Sorry for bothering you. You can get back to your work.”

Spike hadn't felt that useless before as the Spartans walked away.

“Spike!” Twilight called causing him to finish packing as fast as he could. “Are you ready?”

“Coming!” Spike replied before heading out seeing Gears and Moonlight Wisp poking their heads out of the room. He looked at his daughter before saying. “If you think you can get passed the Spartans, go ahead.”

The Gears just dove into the room across from her and the half dragon shut her door. Chuckling Spike headed out seeing Twilight standing at the entrance. Both shared a look, it was weird not going back to Canterlot for a situation like this. The door shut behind them as they began their journey.

“So, what's the plan?” Moonlight asked looking at the smaller pony. “It's not like we can just walk out anymore. The Spartans are everywhere.”

“Well I have something that will slow our descent if we leap out of a window.” started Gears as she looked out the window. “But… the Spartans do put a wedge in that plan. Even though they are intent on ignoring everything they do seem to know when somepony is in danger.”

Both the ponies sighed they were planning on sneaking out so they could find materials. Gears wanted to find ores so she could have her own forge. Moonlight just wanted some snacks.

“Let's just explore the castle.” Moonlight Wisp pouted and the grey gold filly shrugged saying. “Sure, that way we won't get into too much trouble.”

The door was opened and the two fillies stepped out into the hall. They explored the upper area of the castle spiraling down. They ‘hid’ from the Spartans holding back the giggles. Soon they passed by the library, at first they didn't want to go into the room. They spent a lot of time in there being homeschooled, they chose that way of studying after Gears had insulted the intelligence of Ms. Cheerilee and Moonlight lit her desk on fire with a sneeze. A bright glow caught their attention so the door was opened and the fillies walked inside. The crystals were glowing faintly, nothing strong enough to cause the glow they saw. Moonlight frowned as she saw a nook sitting out on the table. ‘Twilight really should pick up after herself.’ she thought as she moved over and picked up the book reading the title out loud. “Memories.”

The book in her claws began to shine brightly as the half dragon was engulfed in a light. Gears let out a yell of surprise as she moved to help her friend. They were drawn into the book and it dropped to the ground.

“Gears.” the short filly opened her eyes seeing Moonlight holding out her clawed hoof in front of her. Grabbing it she pulled herself to her hooves both of the looking around. A strange stallion appeared in front of them with a blank expression on his face.

“Now this is interesting.” he spoke moving past them as he looks around. “Something has changed the book. It is not just the memories of Star Swirl the Bearded but the memories of all ponies in this land and for some reason Griffins.”

“What are you talking about?” asked Gears the blue eyes watching him, when he didn't respond she rolled her eyes. “Look, this is lovely and all but we really must be going.”

“Gears.” he said causing her to freeze listening carefully. “So many memories and so much there is for you to understand. About who you are and where you come from. This place may have the answers you seek. Ah, I may have just have figured out why this book has been changed.”

“Hold on, what do you mean by this place may have the answers I seek?” the small pony questioned looking at the image carefully.

“The one answer you have been seeking for this entire time.” Gears looked to the side weighing the choice carefully. Moonlight moved in front of her asking. “What are you?”

“I am the journal known as Memories. Though the state I am at the moment you can call me Index.” replied the reflection of Starswirl the Bearded as the image changed to a tall Tauren. “Perhaps this form will allow you to relax.”

“So you are not just a book on Starswirl's memories anymore.” Moonlight mused at that thinking. “If you are really an index that means we can look up specific memories. Most likely you used my memory of Chief Hawkwind to take a form that would keep me calmer.”

“Does it really matter? I just want to see who my parents are!” snapped Gears turning her gaze to Index. “Show me who my parents are and what happened to them.”

A flash of light engulfed the area as a memory began.

Rarity hummed under her breath as she stitched away at an outfit knowing that this order had to be done before noon the next day. ‘Last stitch.’ she thought as she finished feeling the tiredness enter her mind.

Rarity hummed as she walked through the halls of Skyhold a dress draped over her arm. It wasn't a big order for Josephine but she liked to deliver them herself. She frowned when she saw the door closed. She heard voices speaking inside.

“She needs to learn to keep herself out of our business.” Sera’s voice snapped angrily and Rarity moved closer to the door. “She never asks what I prefer.”

“She also needs restraint, she doesn't know how to act around the nobles.” Vivienne’s voice spoke up and Rarity knew who they were talking about. “Despite her unique taste in fashion.”

Rarity listened to them talking feeling more and more hurt. It may have been small nit picks but what hurt her the most was that no one had said anything to her. What was said next hurt her. “And your problem with Rarity, Dorian?”

“Only the fact that she doesn't seem to know basic magic.” Dorian’s voice spoke and Rarity turned to leave tears threatening to spill down her face .

“Rarity?” the Inquisitor asked as the mare ran passed her shoving the dress into her arms. “Rarity!”

“Rarity!” Dorian’s voice called out as her eyes snapped opened seeing her mannequin in front of her. Shaking her head she continued on the outfit rubbing her eyes, though they seemed to want to wander. Finally they landed on her staff, sighing she stood up and walked over to it asking. “Dorian… what did you mean by I didn’t know basic magic?”

“You didn’t know it, I was there asking for permission for time off to train you.” Dorian explained the staff glowing dimly. “You avoided all of us for a month before Solas and Varric managed to find out why. Honestly you should have confronted them like you normally did.”

“Well it seemed like they wanted some form of reaction from me. Although the look on Sera’s face when you managed to coerce her into that apology.” Rarity laughed as she thought back. “Where did she get a pink frilly dress from anyways?”

“I guess we shall never know.” Dorian reminded her and they both went silent. “Rarity, are you still worried that you couldn’t find Fluttershy?”

“A bit, she will not talk about what happened. Everyone has shared a little bit but she seemed… apprehensive.” replied the fashionista making another stitch in the dress. “Do you know who her spirit was?”

“No, Ms. Sparkle and herself were the only two who didn’t have their weapons on them.” Dorian pointed out, she could tell that he had ideas but no proof. “There is one way to tell.”

‘All I have to do is pull her aside and just ask the question.’ a voice said distracting Rarity from the conversation as she knew the voice. ‘Okay, I can do this. She’s probably at the castle training, she always did get up at this time.’

‘Soarin is either going to propose or something else.’ Rarity thought before squealing in joy as she almost bounced around. Wisps of light blue magic engulfing her body.

Rainbow Dash took a deep breath as she walked through the halls of the castle. It was early morning almost dawn when she got there for her morning training. Stretching out her wings she noticed two of the Spartans walking down the halls.

“Morning.” she greeted watching them carefully and they nodded their heads respectfully in response. Her eyes swept their form as she examined their stance, armor, and weapons. ‘Oh boy.’ she thought before seeing them move past her continuing their patrol. ‘I’ve seen clone troopers with more personality. Now what are their names again?’

“Kelly and Frederic right?” Rainbow Dash called out causing them to look at her again. “Yeah, I know your names, Twilight made a list and pointed you out to me. Took me a bit to remember, anyways have you been outside of the castle since you’ve arrived and not for training?”

“No, ma’am.” replied Frederic curtly keeping at attention, Rainbow frowned before moving past them saying. “Come on, I’ll give you something to do. Honestly, you do know missions and battles aren’t everything. Had to tell Echo that once he was well enough to get out of the hospital. You’re not clones but I can tell you were raised for war. Hopefully not as bad as the Clone Wars but, seeing how you act probably something just as bad or worse.”

Kelly’s eyes glanced over to Frederic slightly annoyed with how chatty the pony was. She led them into the throne room and leapt on her chair looking at the map before her saying. “Well we know that Sombra has taken over Canterlot city sealing it off from the rest of Equestria. That means we’re going to need to find out what he is up to. We also need to find out where his Base of Operations is, from what Flash Sentry told me he was in the North when he was captured. It is a good place to look but I wouldn’t put all of my chips there unless he is that stupid. Since you two and the rest of the Spartans are combat trained I have to leave the patrolling up to you. Who would you recommend keeping an eye on Canterlot City?”

Frederic looked at the map carefully as he thought about it. He was a little surprised that she had actually consider locations and was thinking tactfully. Though she did mention something about a Clone War.

“If it was back in the Clone Wars we would always do a patrol rotation around key areas. That way we would always be able to restock and reload.” a new voice spoke as a male pegasus walked into the room looking at all three of them. “What we would need to worry about more is the scouting parties for Sombra’s HQ. In order to find that we would be needing to get a fix on either his or Midnight Sun’s location.”

“Yeah, if only we had some way of doing that.” Rainbow Dash grumbled as he stood by her side before looking at the Spartans saying. “My name is Soarin, it’s a pleasure to meet you all.”

There was another nod from the Spartans though they knew something was off with the both of them. Despite the lack of scars they showed a keen military mind.

“Patrol units need a runner, a spotter, a medic, and a guard. You guys can choose who you think are the best for those jobs.” Rainbow told them glancing over trying to get a read off of them. “You alright with that or should I be discussing this with Doctor Halsey?”

“We will inform her.” Frederic spoke and Rainbow Dash nodded her head. “Is that all ma’am?”

“Yeah, you’re dismissed.” Rainbow’s wings twitched when she gave the command and watched them leave. “Wow, just like talking with Cody and Rex.”

“You handled it well though.” laughed Soarin as he helped her off her throne and led her around to the statue. “So want to get some breakfast, do some training, then maybe a walk?”

“Coruscant?” Rainbow Dash asked with a sly grin on her face and Soarin laughed as he rubbed the back of his head. They both headed towards the statue a red light surrounding them as their figures changed just as they passed through.

Applejack sighed as she set down a basket of apples looking around at the orchard around her. She was still concerned about the wolf she saw standing next to her sister. It wasn’t exactly hiding but it was a spirit. ‘Why would Apple Bloom have a spirit with her? Did something happen that she isn’t telling me?’ thought Applejack staring at the apples in front of her. ‘I can’t keep worrying about this or the harvest won’t get done. Focus Applejack.’

Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath Applejack tried to clear her mind. She did not notice the trees shaking off their apples letting them fall into the baskets before using their roots to bring the baskets to the barn. Taking another deep breath Applejack opened her eyes only to start when she saw there was no more work to do. Rubbing her head with her hoof she looked around mumbling. “What in tarnation?”

That was when the earth shot around her encasing her in a cocoon.

Pinkie Pie was looking at free spots in Ponyville her eyes scanning the maps. She was hoping one day that she would open up her own tavern in this small town. It was something that Pinkie had wanted to do ever since she got back from Albion. Currently she was saving up her money since most of the tips she was making was going towards her party planning ventures. Taking a deep breath she began to think of Theresa, Sparrow, and Leonheart and how she was looking forward to the wedding that would have taken place. ‘I just wish I could go there again.’ Pinkie thought with a sigh before a vision flashed through her mind. It made her grin from ear to ear before another vision passed that send chills up her spine. Rushing towards the desk she began to take notes on the latter knowing that this was important.

“Are you sure that this is everything Papyrus?” Fluttershy asked looking at the energetic skeleton who was holding quite a few containers. “I’m sure Twilight has more than enough.”

“NONSENSE, I DO NOT WISH TO USE UP ALL OF HER CONTAINERS WITH ALL OF MY SPAGHETTI!” Papyrus replied as they moved down the aisles. “Fluttershy, there is another reason why I brought you out here. Do you ever have dreams… about the Underground.”

“Yes.” mumbled Fluttershy as she looked away sadly. “Among the many that I have.”

“Sometimes… I have dreams where you were not there. Most of the time they are on repeat or they are vastly different than what is normal.” Papyrus sighed as he put the containers in a bag as they stopped by a stall to look at the vegetables. “I try to talk to Sans about it but he always seems to distract me with one of his puns. I was hoping you can help me remember… like how you helped me remember last time.”

“I…” Fluttershy halted as she saw Sans beyond the rows of stalls his eye sockets blank. “I’m going to have to get back to you later with the answer Papyrus. I’m not sure if I can do it again.”

“OF COURSE! LAST TIME YOU WERE IN THE UNDERGROUND!” Papyrus laughed but Fluttershy could tell that he knew something was up as he was looking in the direction Sans was in. The smaller skeleton having vanished the moment Papyrus turned his head.

Author's Notes:

I do not own MLP. And finally updated.