Zipping and sealing her dive suit, Twilight took a moment to half adjust the skintight suit that had become a bit of a guilty pleasure for her. While it wasn’t needed on land? It was very much required in the ocean and rather recently? She had found herself liking its simplicity and its support over her body. No it really didn’t leave much in the way of modesty, nearly being like a latex. But it was warm, it kept her chest supported, protected her against the chilling depths and had all sorts of useful places to put equipment and was very unlikely to snag on things.

Maybe I can ask Albert if I can have a few for myself when this mess is all over? the idea held merit and Albert didn’t seem to mind giving out things for people’s needs. Though Twilight decided she would find some way to pay him back. For not just the suits but many other things.

Turning, she watched Rarity gently check over herself. Mostly lost in thought as to how the suit clung to her. Twilight admitted, it really did actuate the figure that her friend worked to keep. One that kept fairly well, given all the jobs and work they had to do. Nevermind all the swimming that did their bodies only good favors in keeping in shape.

“I’ll admit, Twilight.” Rarity spoke after finishing looking over herself over and half nodding she had everything on correctly. “It’ll be nice to get back to Citadel-1. I think I’ve had enough time here in Jerry’s place.”

Curious and heading out to rejoin the rest of her friends, Twilight asked, “why do you say that, Rarity? I thought you enjoyed your stay up here?” She did herself. It was nice to feel the wind under her wings again. The soft sand and dirt under hoof and feel the earth pony magic in her connect to the land. She even recalled just basking in the warm sun and feeling the warm rays just warm and comforted her.

“Do not get me wrong.” Rarity rushed out with a raised hand as they exited out and walked onto the sandy beach. “I just…” and paused for a moment, looking for her words. “This has been wonderful. Getting out, relaxing a little and even the short beach trips.” something that had her smiling a little.

But then the ashen unicorn lost a bit of that smile and spoke while rubbing her arm. “It’s just… this place, it’s so…” And seemed to be unable to find the words. Twilight patiently waited, giving her friend a look even as they neared the other’s that goofed off near the water. “I-I just feel so… alienated. Not wanted.”

Ears pricked, Twilight moved to put a hand on Rarity’s shoulder and said, “what? What would make you say that? People enjoy having you around!”

Sighing, Rarity spoke, “I’m not sure.” And pressed her lips tightly. “This place just… It just looks wrong, doesn't seem right to me.” Turning to the alicorn, Rarity admitted, “this isn’t the first time either. Admittedly, even at the island that everypony’s at… it looks nice but it’s just…”

While she didn’t want to think about it, Twilight asked, “it’s not like the Town.”

“Exactly!” Rarity nearly exclaimed. Twilight nearly backed off at the raised voice, even as her unicorn friend went on. “Everything is so uniform and everyone is always so nice and happy--” going on to say, “I can’t tell you how often I look around, hoping that I would seem some sort of welcoming face or… or greeting or something.”

“And the worse part?” Rarity started, “oh the worse part.” Hugging herself as she looked at Twilight. “When do they smile? When do they greet me? Something just feels so… so…” Seeming unable to find the words.

Thinking on it a little, Twilight supplied, “sincere?”

Gulping, Rarity shook her head, “I just… I just don’t know what I’m feeling, Twilight.” And soon felt a comforting arm around her.

Gently, Twilight guided Rarity into a hug and told, “don’t worry, we’ll work it out. Together.” And smiled assuredly. “Maybe these last few weeks have just been a little… overwhelming and stressful for you. And you just need a bit of quiet to yourself and not so much noise-- I know that helps me feel better when I can have five hours to just destress from over-socializing.”

Slowly, Rarity nodded. Something about that felt strange to hear. That a pony should ‘need’ a moment to themselves. It sounded selfish… but Rarity admitted, some silence and alone time sounded… nice. With a shake of her head to try banishing those thoughts, Rarity jokes, “Twilight, I thought you were the princess of friendship? You need breaks for socializing?”

The joke in itself slightly surprised Twilight, not having heard Rarity crack one like that in a while. But she found herself laughing when the surprise ebbed away, giggling, “not all of us can be a Pinkie Pie and use socializing to power their extrovert ways.” Making Rarity smile and giggle a bit herself.

When they got close to the girls, Applejack asked the two, “what’s got ya’ll giggling like two pea’s in a pod?”

With a small laugh, Twilight waved, “oh, nothing.” And motioned to the water, “is everything packed away in the Harmony’s Song?” Again, feeling giddy in having her own personal cyclops ship. It wasn’t the same, but it reminded her of when she used to have her air balloon to get around. She really missed that thing.

Smirking, Rainbow rolled her eyes while hovering just over the others, “We got it, egghead. Even all those new boxes full of stuff you plan to experiment with like some mad scientist.”

Twilight went to counter argue about that, but Pinkie jumped up, “oh, oh, oh-- Twilight! Can I be your Egore!” And landed, hanging over, “Mashter, when can I throw the switch!”

That earned a few snortles or giggles from the others. While Twilight tried to hold back a smile. “I’ll think about letting you be my lab assistant, Pinkie.” Figuring it wouldn’t hurt as long as they were simple experiments. She might have trusted Pinkie, but there were some pretty delicate experiments that went on in the labs around her.

Removing her hands from Rarity, did Twilight clap her hands. “Alright girls, let’s load up and get moving.” Knowing they had quite a trip ahead of them. If it wasn’t for the fact that the Ruff Raft crew was around to escort them back to the seabase? Twilight might have felt a little nervous going back into those dark depths.

The alicorn hoped she would get good enough with using the Cyclopes to the point she could confidently navigate it through the deep blue sea.

---

Watching the many fish inside the aquarium swim about, Rarity reflected to herself over her current confliction in her mind. Since that day where she and the other’s spent time in their shared living spaces to just… comfort the other and remember ponies they knew, Rarity felt an odd… sensation of loss.

A loss that only grew as the weeks went by. Or was it months? It was hard to tell. Time had… gotten away from her really. how long has it been since I left my darling little Town? she wanted to sigh in sadness at it all. How long did she plan to just… stay here?

Yes, she knew why she came, why she left home. She wanted to rediscover her past. Get a grasp on her fragmented mind. To know who ‘Rarity’ was before Starlight had helped her. Memories that hadn’t completely returned. Partially due fact that grim and cold fellow, Magic, had taken some of their memories away to keep the Tree of Harmony safe. That still bothered her, quite a lot. And she knew it bothered the other girls too. Twilight was even furious when she got her memories back, having ranted after having some privacy.

Yet, despite that… not all her memories came back. Not every bit of her identity and memories returned. Rarity sagged at that. Reflecting on what Twilight told her. Why did she have such trouble trying to recall some of those memories? She even couldn't recall the… meaning between other’s. Meaning she couldn’t draw up or feel and it was blurred in grays. It almost felt painful at times at how muted and empty they were.

According to what Twilight had found out from Magic… part of the issue was when Starlight had helped her? It had further caused complications in some of her repressed memories. Whatever medical spell was used to keep the trauma away? Fragmented her already gapped memories.

Eyes flicking, Rarity half smiled when she spotted Fluttershy and took the distraction before her to think of something else. Mostly at how the pegasus had found herself remarkably at home in the water while tending to the fish inside. Rarity wasn’t sure she could pull up the same courage to be in a giant tube of water, it was hard enough to do so under an ocean. Even less so with… eels that had electrified prongs that sparked with said electrical power.

As gross and creepy as they were, Rarity had to admit their little electrical light shows were.. Dazzling in a sense. The way the whites and blues arced about and make an odd symmetry. The admiration for it all just felt… empty, all abruptly. It made Rarity sigh and glance away to another large aquarium not too far off. Just like the one Fluttershy was in, it was full of colors and life.

Guppies swam about in little plants dotting the sandy floor, a few crabs could be spotted sifting through the sands. Calm blue shells of cobalt mixed with small bits of peach accents. Her sky blue eyes lifted to trace the green kelp and the glowing sac’s of seeds that made it look like some form of naturally occurring lamppost. The ever absurd thought made Rarity giggle a little while observing a small, and thankfully normal looking shark swim about inside.

As much as Rarity wanted to love the picture before her, filled with vibrant colors and life… it all just felt muted. It felt like… there was supposed to be something there, while looking at such a sight. But it just… felt empty and bland. It filled her with a sort of longing that she wasn’t sure how to deal with. And part of her wondered if she should talk to her friends about it.

Yes, they all knew she felt a little off-put as of late. Even more concerning her memories. Memories she still felt scared to return to herself. Magic, the… interesting fellow that returned most of her memories, mentioned to Twilight that her mark might be the key to returning her memories. Though to Rarity that also meant the nightmares would come back. And that scared her, greatly.

Moving to the side and trying to let her mind relax, Rarity glanced to her left and noticed Aira. The changeling Queen seemed to have taken to her own break down in the aquarium spaces to watch the many collected fish swim about. Both mares traded a nod of acknowledgment before the white mare herself moved around the next aquarium and watched the fish in it. These looked just as alien and strange as the last few she saw with Fluttershy.

Pull yourself together Rarity, there isn’t any problem with this. She told herself, trying to pull up a smile that felt oddly off on her own face. Everything's fine. It’s just… a little homesickness, that’s all. Doing her best to convince herself that was the reason behind how she felt right at that moment.

While she drifted into thought, watching bioluminescent fish swim about in their own aquarium, she didn’t notice the body that neared her. Or, not until he spoke. “Rarity.”

With a slight jump and gasp, Rarity turned and breathed out with a fist over her chest, “Albert!” Settling her heart rate before telling, “you… you surprised me.”

“Sorry.” He told almost crisply while working away on his little PDA like always. “I was doing a small check up on the fish. Looking for any changes in behavior.” Both slipped into a slight silence before the scientist asked, “You don’t normally come here.”

“I was helping Fluttershy with a few things.” Told the white mare. “Once she’s done taking care of the… eels, I’m going to help her with a few other things.” Only getting a minor hum from Albert while he continued to do his own task.

Both slipped into silence once more, one observing the behavior of the fish. The other watched on with a slightly empty gaze of deep thoughts on her own feelings. It was something that Albert caught onto, and decided to ask while glancing at his tablet, “something bothering you?”

Blinking, Rarity asked, “bothering me, dear?”

“I won’t say I personally know you well, Rarity, but I can tell that you’re thinking about something. And it’s bothering you.” told the man simply. “I’ve seen the same far-off look other people get whenever they’re thinking of something.”

Shaking her head, Rarity turned and told while watching the odd colorful fish. “I’m fine. I simply have this… odd feeling I can’t place and it nags at me so.”

“Like?” Queried the scientist in curiosity.

“Well…” Rarity began, unsure if she wanted to share what she was feeling to the… admittedly odd man. “It’s… it’s just how this place is.” she eventually reflected. “The way the halls are set up, the manner the rooms are made. It’s almost chaotic and sometimes I don’t know how to feel about how everything is so…”

Glancing at the mare from the corner of his eye, Albert raised a brow and said, “You’re used to how the Town you lived in worked. Everything is symmetrical, having its place and nothing being unequal and completely orderly.” Then lifted a brow to add, “or how diverse the people here are, like your friends?”

“Yes, yes of course.” Rushed out Rarity. “I love my friends, really, but they can be… unbearable at times. Or they get into the most ridiculous of arguments, I just… I don't know why they would argue over the smallest of things. It’s almost chaotic at times.”

“Personal opinion.” Albert told simply. “Everyone and everything has them.”

Laughing a little, Rarity told while using a finger to twirl a few of her purple locks. “Not in my Town. no one has any different opinions or thoughts on things. It’s all shared and the same.”

“Is it?” Questioned the man, making Rarity pause. “They might not say anything, but it doesn't mean they have nothing to say. It just means that they keep quiet to stay the same.” While Albert worked away, he continued onwards. “Opinions are not a bad thing Rarity. They help change us. And with change comes evolution.”

Shaking her head, Rarity said, “I’m sorry, but… how is that a good thing?” She was a little confused.

“Equalization sounds nice, I’ll say that much.” Albert seemed to admit. “But there are issues with such an ideology.” Turning to her fully to tell, “primarily, the issue that nothing is equal.”

“But our town is.” Spoke Rarity.

“Is it?” He asked, “are you all the same color? All the same shape, size, gender and species?” The scientist shrugged. “The fact of the matter is, you’re all not. Some have wings and can fly. They can do something you can't. Some have horns for magic, again, use magic and others cant. Others have neither, but are much stronger than the rest.”

“And what about the Caribou?” Albert thought on. “They are tall and have horns, but can’t use magic like ponies can. They’re strong but only to an extent.” Looking at Rarity, the infected man continued. “The true honest nature of things, Rarity, is not to be equal. Because for anything to be equal, it must also be an unequal opposite.”

Confused, Rarity said, “that… that doesn't make any sense.” Staring at the man for a long moment.

When he raised a finger, Albert said, “it does… when you look at it from a different perspective, Rarity.” And motioned to the aquarium. “Take a good look. Right here, is a small ounce of balance.” Turning both their focus to the water filled space the fish lived in. “It’s a miniature ecosystem, Rarity. And all of it plays its own parts. Fish eat plants and other fish. Fish die and sink to the sand. Bottom feeders eat the remains. The remains of those remains break down and feed the plants. The cycle begins anew.”

While Rarity drew her brows close in confusion, Albert seemed to carry on with an odd passion in his voice. “This is a natural order. You have fish that are made to eat at the flora and graze. Keeping the plant life in check. And to keep those fish in check, you have predators. And even then, they can not be equal for the system to work. For a prey fish to live, it has to be smart enough to know danger. Swift enough to run from it. Strong enough to endure the chase. And later, survive.”

“Similarly, the predator must be smart when it hunts the prey. Swift to catch the prey. Strong to subdue it, and then eat it so it can survive.” it was a morbid thought for Rarity to think over, but one she somewhat understood. “They both can’t be the same. If they were, then what stops them from simply eating something else instead of the plant that could overgrow and kill off other plants by taking up too much space?”

“I-isn’t that a little extreme?” Asked Rarity while looking at Albert. “I mean, these are just creatures that live in the wild. How’s that the same to any civilized pony, or being for that matter?”

Looking at her, Albert told, “everything, Rarity. Civilizations don’t survive on one single thing. No city stood by only building walls. And no people rose by just only making bread. A diverse group of people is more successful than a single minded one. And do you know why?”

Rarity remained mute, unwilling to answer because she didn’t understand why. But Albert told her anyway. “Because individuality begets specialty. And specialties when brought together creates adaptability. And adaptability begets uniquity. But that’s the real beauty of individuality and uniqueness, Rarity. For each quark or skill the one knows, the more able they are to function. It makes them smarter, swiffer, stronger and overall, better able to survive.”

“It might seem like chaos to you and the people of the Town.” Albert went on. “But something like Harmony isn’t made up of one piece. True harmony is taking all the different pieces, and making a balance out of it.” Motioning his head to the aquarium, Albert pressed on. “The next time you look at something… consider what it takes for it to work, and ask yourself ‘how many things inside are exactly alike’?”

Breathing in, Rarity told, “but we can live with everything being the same. Everyone is content and happy!” Feeling her voice half raise on accident.

“You can live with the same thing. And you can be content.” Agreed Albert, catching the mare a little flat footed. “But are you actually happy, and do you feel at all alive?” Placing her into a muted silence. “Is it really living, when everything is so sanitized?”

For a moment, the ashen mare took a step back, unconsciously biting her lower lip. Not sure how to answer that question. In turn to this, Albert worked on his PDA once more. And as he worked, Rarity tried to find something to say, something at all.

So with a deep breath, she said, “of course I’m happy.” piquing his interest. His two eyes, seeming to glow with that sickly green virus peering deeply into her own gentle blues. It almost unnerved her, the focus on them. “How couldn’t I be? My Town, it’s such a nice place.” focusing on those thoughts, those memories. She smiled. “Everyone is so nice, there’s no arguing, no problems, why wouldn’t anyone want that?” and put on a bright smile.

Albert measured the mare for a long moment. A silent moment that made Rarity’s smile strain. Her ears flicked back at the intensity. Then looking back down at his PDA, Albert said, “because the only time things are truly equal, is when there is death.” Turning away and leaving Rarity to stand there almost stricken in horrorfield confusion. He seemed to tell while his lab coat fluttered behind, words trailing on a soft breeze. “Life is made of loss and gain, grief and joy, strife and calm.”

Stopping by an exit, Albert looked back with sharpened eyes, speaking in a simple, logical manner. “Is a life really worth having, if you are forced by others to play the same tune day in and day out?”

Then, he was gone. Out the doorway and into a hall that leads into the larger complex that was Citadel-1. Leaving Rarity to simply stand by the aquarium. Her mind swimming with confusion and confliction. She was happy, she was. I have to be, how can’t I be? If I’m not I… She shook her head, trying to drive the troubling thoughts away. Drive away the emptiness that continued to grip inside her chest more and more often. I… I have work. Rarity tried to remind herself, turning on her hooves and rushing back to Fluttershy.

---

Lying awake in the dark, Rarity found herself staring at the ceiling to her shared room with the girls. Her mind was rolling and spinning with troubles over what Albert had said. It shouldn’t had gotten to her. But there were some things that just pricked at her mind. Little things that made her restless.

Turning her head, she took in the sight of Pinkie Pie. The mare tousled and wrapped in her blanket like a cocoon and having somehow ended up upside-down from how one should sleep in a bed. To her other side was Applejack. Gently snoring away and her limbs half hanging out from under the sheets.

Harmony… is made up of differences. Eyes screwed tight, Rarity turned in place and clenched a pillow to hug to herself. Is a life worth having, if others forced us to play the same tune all the time? implying that… the town was being selfish--

Which couldn't be true! They got rid of their marks to be selfless. To not be over the other! but why does it feel so empty? The wandering thought made Rarity want to shiver, her body feeling on fire under the covers of her blankets. With her eyes closed, she could see her friends. All five of them. Laughing, running, singing and enjoying life--

All the same, she could remember the nights when one of them would cry out in horror. Of the days where they shouted and argued. Of the times where the stress got to them all. And they couldn’t stand one another-- and yet… and yet they still were here. Together. In the same room. Always with each other.

Sitting up, Rarity let out a shuddering breath. A hand coming up to her aching chest. What is wrong with me? and looked over the room again. At all the girls. Twilight passed out on her bed and held a pillow to herself for comfort. Rainbow snoring near obnoxiously as she was splayed out and blanket half tossed aside. Fluttershy peacefully sleeping and making small little whistling snores.

Why? Why did they still stick together, even when they were so different? Why did her heart ache out so badly to memories that could barely be recalled. Why does it hurt so much? And soon tossed the blanket aside. Hooves touched the metal flooring with a gentle click as she headed out of their bedroom space.

Pinkie Pie’s ear flicked as Rarity opened the bulkhead. And with an irritable twitch of that ear, did Pinkie open her baby blue eyes. Rarity didn’t notice as she left. Taking a turn in the metal hall and reaching the living space that was made for her and her friends.

Walking into the dim room, Rarity made her way to the black and dark window that oversaw part of Citadel-1. Watching through a few transparent halls as night shift pony crews walked about the sleeping city. Doing odd jobs and tasks and light maintenance.

How did they move on as if nothing happened? How did they stand one another with being so different? How did anypony here live with… any of this? For a moment, her throat tightened and Rarity sang to herself, “I have lost who I am.” Placing her hand on the reinforced glass, and looking at it in thought.

“And I can’t understand.” gently reflected the mare, trying to pull up faded memories that held not meaning, and yet did. Filling her with more unidentifiable pain. “Why my heart is so broken.” and took a moment to look back where the bedroom was. “Rejecting their love.”

Turning back to take in the dark waters, Rarity echoed out in grief, “Without, love’s gone wrong.” her hand curling to a fist, “Lifeless words carry on.” And gently shook her head, feeling herself shake. “But I know, all I know.” a few tears welling in her tightly shut eyes. “Is that the end’s beginning.” recalling the state of everything she’s seen.

“Who I am, from the start?” the unicorn questioned, eyes open to take in her simple dress. Her muted ashen like shade. The almost straight locks that made up her dulled purple mane. “Lost my home, no more heart.” Feeling ever so empty in herself. “Let me go, I wish to run.” Almost wishing to return to the Town. where she belonged… and yet.

And yet, how could she go back? How could she speak about her experiences? “I shall be silent.” Rarity mused in realization. Making her further sulk. “All this time, spent in vain.” and glanced back up to take in Citadel-1 with teary eyes. “Wasted days, wasted gain.”

All of this. All this effort. All this time spent… was there even a point to it? “All is lost, none remains.” Was what she finally decided. “And this war’s not over.” And trembled. Knowing that with all that’s happened in Equestria, and yet still happening all around. “There’s no light, there’s no sun.” it all felt so cold and distant now. Those sunny, carefree memories that were muted behind the loss of something within her.

“Leaving shattered ones.” She choked out. “To a place we don’t belong.” uncurling her hand on the glass to take in this underwater city. This man made structure that wasn’t even from Equestria. And like everything, surrounded in darkness. “And the dark has conquered all.”

With a small sob, Rarity found herself sinking to her knees and sagging on the floor, hand still on the cold glass. “And I’ve lost who I am.”

She nearly gasped when gentle arms came around her shoulders as she heard Fluttershy tell, “But we can understand.” Her head leaning on her side.

Another set of arms came around her as Pinkie gently told, “Why your heart is so broken.”

She was lifted by both, as Rarity found herself turned around. Applejack’s caring eyes met her as her chilled hand once on the cool glass was taken, and gently held by the farmers strong callous warm hands. “Reachin’ out, inner hope.”

Rarity turned her head as her other hand was taken and Twilight smiled to her in comfort. “Within, love will grow.”

Then was half jolted, the stricken mare turned her head once more as Rainbow half joined the hug with an arm thrown over them, stating on, “Stirring words soaring on.”

“But we know,” They all sang, “all we know.” A certainty in their voices, no there was a confident hope. “There is a new beginning.” Getting Rarity to look around, listening and feeling the comfort of those around her. Old memories, stirring.

Gently, Pinkie sang with a near promise to the last verse, “Who we are, from the start.” backing away a little to place one of her hands over her heart. In her eyes, Rarity could recall the long talks of decorations and party plans with Pinkie.

“Take ya home,” Applejack continued, placing Rarity’s once cold hand over her own heart, drawing the unicorn's gaze to the honest farmer. “in our hearts.” Recollecting the days on the Apple Family's porch, sharing lemonade with Applejack and Big Mac. Granny napping away in her favored rocking chair.

Moving to hug around Rarity’s neck from behind the unicorn, Rainbow grinned, “Let us in, and we’ll run.” Rarity flicked her ear, and could see those lazy outings as she and Rainbow would conspire silly cloud messages outside a couples house.

Fluttershy continued to sing gently with strength, “We will not be silent.” A profound thing to hear, from the quietest and shyest of them. The warmth in her voice reminded Rarity of those lovely days she would bask in the spa with Fluttershy.

Letting go, Twilight told as she moved to hug them all, her larger alicorn wings reaching out to embrace them all. Reminding Rarity of all those times this once socially awkward mare would make the most silliest mistakes and comprehend the mere concept that made Friendship what it was.

“All this time, spent in vain.” Twilight’s somber voice echoed so full of pain. Rarity shuttered a breath, feeling the loss of her parents, Hondo Flanks and Cookie Crumble. The place she called home now forgotten. Her efforts ruined and stomped on.

“Wasted years, wasted gain.” Reminding them of the years they were enslaved to those that only cared for greed, lust and the pain of others. “All is lost,” Knowing they could never return to what was. Gone were the days where Spiky-wiky helped her sew. Of her sister and her friend's return from a silly adventure. “hope remains.” but even then, they were still there. They were still together. “And this war’s not over.” One for their future.

“There’s a light, there’s a sun.” The five sang together, holding Rarity tight in their arms. “Taking all, shattered ones.” Arms binding, their words promising. Rarity felt her eyes glisten before she closed them once more. “To the place we belong.” and for a moment, the six basked in each other. Their hearts beating together. And in that moment, Rarity felt a deep warmth in her. Deep prescour memories surge back up.

I want it back. was the lone thought within Rarity. I want it all back. My memories. My mark, everything-- good and bad. I want it back. Even if it hurts, I want it back because I want to feel like myself. I want to be Rarity again!

It was selfish, she knew it was selfish. But Rarity wanted the emptiness to finally be over. With all their eyes closed, they embraced each other tightly, their hearts stirred as all they wanted was to help their friend. “And our love will conquer all.” and for a moment, the darkness that surrounded them was banished from the light that lit from their hearts. It was then she knew, even if she hurt again? Rarity now knew for sure, she would not be hurting alone. because my friends will be there by my side. My family will be with me.

With a collective gasp, the six found themselves surging with magic. A magic they thought they no longer had. It surged and reached and burst out. At that moment, the dark ocean was lit with a brilliant rainbow light. One that caused the waters to slosh and submarines to sway for a time.

All in that moment, scant seconds in that time and in the dead of night in the middle of an ocean; a pillar of rainbow light reached to the skies above.

---

It was late and really, she should have been asleep. But Tempest stubbornly kept awake a bit more. Wanting to just have a moment to think to herself. Mostly over the embarrassment of how the Overlord had escaped their fortress city. Or the humiliation he had caused them. Or the sheer fact that, despite searching the vast oceans? They had yet to find where he left.

It was vexing. She and twenty other ships were scouring the oceans for any hint of the Overlord and his presence. And yet they had no hint as to where he had gone. She wondered how they had so deftly flown the ship off. It was clear that those little imp things didn’t know how to fly a Zeppelin. And yet…

did they get lost out at sea? Or did they have a means to navigate home safely? it was hard to tell. And Tempest felt more annoyed at the lack of answers. How the little imps had pulled off the freedom of the Overlord. How the Overlord himself was able to break through anti-magical steel doors. How any of this had happened. They had every advantage, they had all the power-- and he just… slipped through their fingers!

The slight sparking of her horn alerted Tempest to her frustrations and with a deep breath? Did she pull it in. push it down. Control her magic. Sighing, she looked out over the dark skies and seas. One way or another. We’ll show that bumbling fool just who he’s… Then stopped.

Blinking, Tempest wondered if she was tired, but there was a glimmer. In the distance there was a glimmer of something… before a pillar of rainbow light burst up into the skies. She step back in shock, and even felt the ship rock. Around her she could hear the shocked cries of the crew as they took in the spectacle, the anomaly. And the magic… oh the magic.

It’s… it’s so powerful. She wanted to gap. But it was waning, weakening-- snapping out of it, tempest shouted, “Move! Follow that light!” shouting on and walking over the deck, demanding. “To port! To Port! All power to that piller of magic!” And half badgering the crew into action.

They rushed all around, pulling ropes and turning rutters as the zipline banked hard and put all efforts into zeroing in on this anomaly but it faded long before they could reach it. The magic winking out and only giving a hint of where it originated.

They flew quickly, but not fast enough. Or far enough. Even when they got out searchlights and began to scan the seas below? They found nothing. No ships. No islands. Not even a wreck. Just miles and miles of ocean. Tempest herself leaned on the railing, scanning the waters and wondering… what was that pillar of magic? And how did it dispense so much power?

---

Fay, Queen of Light and Nature, was overseeing the land that was granted and opened up to them. Instead of the dark cavern underground, she and her people were above in the open skies. Trees growing and land vegetating. While they still have the underground area for more refugees to arrive? It was hard bargaining. One for the Overlord to have two separate Gates into those areas.

A necessity in order to move people more seamlessly, as well as to avoid the mining of the workers of the Overlord. However in exchange? They were able to have a large plot of land to grow up into and having easy access to the nearby farmlands to help expand and feed both their people. It also gave them access to the ocean where fantastical constructs of the sea farreid in special supplies.

One of which being medicine to prevent a very deadly virus from infecting her own people. Free of charge, due to the threat of sickness posed. It was…an odd sensation for the long lived and magical fairy. The fact that despite all the agreements, signs and worries of what the overlord wanted-- his demands were…oddly simplistic. To help grow land and give tools to his people. To not cause trouble with his people, to give him access into their lands for any reason, pay a small tithe every year…

And to proclaim him as Overlord or King-tyrant.

Yes there was also the fact they had to turn in any Netherworld artifacts she or her people found but…considering the Equestrians had a trade deal and a sort of research that would replace such things in time? It’s a negligible loss. Especially since the Overlord lend not one, not two-- but three catalysts for a good portion of spider eggs. Yes she would need to return them.

But the only caveat was they wouldn’t be used for military reasons unless by her for good reason. He seemed strangely leery of her military-- and yet would allow her, the strongest of them, use it for battle if need be. It was an odd constraint that he would trust her…more than her own military. Perhaps, he believes I would not do a thing to him, being of purely Good and Light. That I wouldn’t stoop to his level of Evil to use them against him without a good reason. If so…despite him being ‘horrible’, he is also half decent when it came to rule keeping.

There was also the factor that she would need to let him mine the areas they had made for the Good creatures, but it was acceptable losses in exchange for having a good chunk of land for her people to be on. And while on the surface? She could feel the influence of these ‘sisters’. Feeling the magic coaxing the celestial bodies themselves into place, even feeling the moon alicorn tweak the starry sky into place.

Nothing like it was back in their world. As it made the night gazing all the more interesting.

Fay looked upon the sky…then turned her head. Her eyes widened in…surprise? Feeling a presence far off, as she couldn’t see it. But she could feel such powerful magic. But as soon as she felt the unknown magic, it just…disappeared. But in that moment, no matter how short? It eclipsed anything she’s ever felt before? Her magic, the magic of the ‘Celestial Sisters’, the magic of Cadence-- any and all magic just paled to what she felt in that split moment.

And for that brief moment…the Overlord words came back to her. How she was just a ‘small frog in a pond’...compared to what was here in this new world.

And as she reflected, she took a moment to try, try so hard to dissect what that power was stemmed from. It was hard, seeing how it took her by complete surprise and it’s rudeness. But after long minutes of agonizing thought… she came up with a strange, conflicting feeling. It was a magic birthed… from Dark and Light.

Was it this ‘Harmony’ magic that Uturo had told her about?

---

it’s too late for this. Angrily grumbled a pink mare trying to blink away the sleepiness. She clung her simple poncho close to her body, walking in the middle of the night up a rocky path that led to a cavernous cave. With a yawn, Starlight Glimmer blinked her eyes to once more banish her sleepiness.

Just minutes before, one of her alarm spells had gone and woke her up. Somehow, the Cutie Mark Vault had been disturbed. She wasn’t sure how someone got past the initial alarms to alert her when a pony or person went into the cave. But the alarm for the protective casing being harmed had gone off. So much as she loathed it? She had to get up and check it out.

Wouldn’t be the first time one of her ponies stupidly and foolishly thought that they needed to have their mark back. She still half wondered how they got past the first defense, but she supposed a smart enough unicorn could pull it off and disarm the slightly obvious first line of defense.

Though as she entered the cave and lit her horn with gentle blue magic? Starlight blinked at finding nobody. She put more magic into her lighting spell, scanning carefully over the cave. The useless stick that was the ‘Staff of Equality’ was still where it resided undisturbed. The shadows showed no hiding ponies trying to tuck themselves in a few cracks by the walls. Even the Vault looked fine.

Starlight walked inside, looking around and soon glanced at the vault. Everything looked fine and in order. And part of her sleepy mind wondered if this was one of those rare little false alarms. Possibly a gecko or something having found a crack and--

Her ear flicked. A creaking sound made her snap her eyes up and nearly widening. There, in one of the higher parts, one of the Cutie Marks was…. It was glowing. Not with it’s usual magical light, but with a pulsing purple light. The three blue diamonds seemed to swirl and shift in agitation. The magic pressing hard into the side of the glassy vault. Little hairline cracks stretching out, stressing at the pressure being placed.

what…? In all her time, all her years, Starlight had never seen a cutie mark… rebel? She wasn’t sure of the term for it. But with another creaking and another hairline crack? The mare took a step back in shock. It was like the cutie mark was trying to… escape? Impossible! Cutie Marks don’t just act on their own!

Yes, they had an inherent attraction to the ponies they belonged to. Like a powerful magnet that always was pulled in to its opposite. But never enough to be noticeable. Even something as light as a small animal could hold it back. But this? This was something different. For a moment, Starlight focused on the cracks and used an old spell she knew, repairing the glass and trying to fix the damage.

And yet the cutie mark seemed to bounce about, it’s new purplish aura flaring and fighting its confines. Even threatening to break the walls to breach into others. I don’t understand, what’s happening? Wondered Starlight, putting more effort into making repairs.

Was it the Mark? Maybe it mattered who it’s owner was. Starlight wracked her tired brain for who this one belonged to. There had been so many ponies over the years, and most didn’t keep their mark’s lon enough for her to always remember which one’s belonged to who. Maybe if she glanced it with a little magic? that would jog my memory. She decided.

So she stopped her repairing spell and instead prepared to prod the agitated mark. The glass cracked a bit once more as it bounced around. Touching it with her magic, Starlight nearly gasped. She found the need to cut the magic and next fell to her knees at the raw power. It shook her in shock and confused her. More so, she recognized it now. The mark and it’s owner. that’s Rarity’s! her mind then drowned in confusion. But what’s going on? Why is it acting like this? And what was that power that’s--

Starlight was forced from her musings to look up and see the hairline cracks she had been trying to fix were appearing once more. Her eyes widened as she lit her magic once more. Trying to fix and contain the mark-- right before it bounced back and forwards like lightning. “NO!” She cried, ignoring the now shattered spot in the vault to try and grab the mark in her magic.

Her aura wrapped around it, gripped it tight. And yet Starlight found herself unceremoniously yanked to the side and half dragged to the dusty ground. She shifted and got her hooves under her, going so far to hold her hands out as a mental focus so she could further ‘grip’ the cutie mark that was trying so hard to escape. All the while she tried to ignore the… the… drive that seemed to radiate off it. Like it had a mind of its own, a will of its own! And something, something she couldn’t figure out or understand, was empowering it even further!

Starlight grunted, pulling her head, curling her arms, trying everything she could to reel in this unruly Cutie Mark. her hooves sliding along the ground, trying to find a grip. She just had to get enough control to--

She slipped. In her efforts to get a better footing, her hoof landed on a rounded rock that rolled from under her. The mare yelped and stumbled, slid, fell! And as her head hit the ground? Her focus was broken for a fraction of a moment. “Stop!” she scrambled, lighting her magic, trying to grab it.

Before it could truly escape, her magic once more surrounded the Cutie Mark. it nearly zipped out the cave faster than she could properly surround the thing in her magic. And Starlight had to draw up on some of her annoyance to even hold it.

“I don’t know what’s making you so difficult.” Starlight spoke, half grunting and pulling the mark back. Going as far as to reach out and half scramble and grab the pedestal where she had the ‘Staff’ resting. “But I’m not letting you go!” and began to think furiously on how to contain Rarity’s Cutie Mark. Because obviously? Glass alone was not going to cut it.

---

With a groan, Twilight found herself rousing awake. Mostly due to the slight achiness of being on hard steely ground. Sitting up and rubbing her head, Twilight spoke with ruffling wings, “wh…what happened?” And blinked her eyes to try and get the sleepiness out of her eyes.

“Ugh… I haven’t felt this hammered since pinkie challenged me to that stupid salt-cube contest.” Rainbow spoke from someplace nearby.

As Twilight got herself up, slowly, Applejack spoke from under a woozy pinkie pie, “ya’ll are tellin’ me, RD.” and rubbed her blond head. “I ain’t gotta clue what jus’ happened…”

Breathing out, Twilight agreed, “I’m… I’m just as lost as you are, Applejack.” and looked at all her friends, every one of them sprawled out on the ground and in a pile with her. “You girl’s alright?”

“The room’s spinning and I’m not spinning with it!” Pinkie proclaimed, surprisingly awake to be coherent. Or, coherent by her standards. And her other friends gave similar coherent, if not confused responses.

“Oh, you’re all awake.” Every pony glanced to the half pleased tone and spotted Aria. The queen looked down at all of them with a dry look, if not with a hint of relief. “Sleeping on the ground isn’t exactly smart.” holding a datapad as she added. “Now do you all need a cup of coffee, or are you going to drag yourselves to it?”

Slowly, Twilight picked herself up and used her magic to help her friends to their hooves. “I-I think we got it, but thanks.” and soon took a moment to steady herself. Blinking, she asked, “wait… why…?” her tone confused as to why Aria was in their private habitat space.

“If you were wondering why I’m here,” started Aria as she looked at Twilight, easily feeling the alicorn confusion. “I felt a powerful surge of magic, the entire base was woken up by said magic and the disturbance of the magical energy. And when I track it down? The source came here, where you all are at.”

While Twilight blinked in stupefied confusion? Her mind, no matter how hazy at the moment? Recalled last nights-- or rather earlier that night’s little moment. Her eyes widened as she spoke, “our magic…”

Seeming to come to the same conclusion, Fluttershy spoke while checking on Pinkie Pie, making sure the dizzy mare was steady. “We… we did feel a surge of magic.” and spoke in thought, “it… it felt like.”

Wings flared, Rainbow found herself fluttering them and flying off the ground, “Whoa, wait-- I wasn’t dreaming?” and flew up to the princess in the room. “Did we totally just use the Elements just now?!” This time making Aira blink in shock.

Taking a deep breath, Twilight admitted, “I… I think we did…” trying to rectify this discovery herself. Because she was so certain that they couldn’t use the elements without… Well, the Elements! They didn’t have them on them, and yet they… they used it, used them! She was sure of it, she felt it, the power behind it and… and… I don’t understand, how did…

Twilight’s train of thought was derailed as she felt arms around her. Tight and needy and even a little frightened. Turning, Twilight instinctively hugged back and looked down a little. She found Rarity holding on to her for dear life, her eyes gleaming with some remnant tears. With a deep breath, Rarity spoke, “Darling… right now? I don’t care how or why.” And breathed out on a shaky. “I just… please…”

Everyone stilled at the desperation there. Even Aira found herself attentive. “Please… don’t leave me… I…” and soon, Rarity shuttered. “I haven’t… I haven’t felt this… alive in so long.” And tightly hugged the alicorn in her grasp. “I… I can feel it. The warmth, the memories… it’s fading. Getting colder. I… I…”

Quickly, Twilight hugged her friend, holding her close and assuring, “it’ll be alright Rarity, it’ll be okay.” casting aside her confusion at that moment on how the elements had manifested as they did. “We’re here for you. We’re not leaving you.” And glanced up, and felt happy when Pinkie and Fluttershy joined her in trying to comfort and calm the scared pony.

Applejack blinked and almost wanted to shiver. Rarity looked almost normal again. Her fur coat it’s near opal perfect white and her purple curls seemingly have miraculously returned. And yet, as the seconds ticked by? She could see those colors slowly mute. The pristine white turned more ashen. The deep rich purple turns darker and bland. That ain’t right. She thought.

Aria scowls, feeling a…sickness like over Rarity. Like something was draining Rarity of herself, the changeling queen knew from what she gathered from Albert, that Rarity didn’t have her ‘mark’, and it was likely due to not having it? Her entire being was being repressed. The changeling took a breath and told. “You all,” looking at the other mares. “Just…keep reminding her it’ll be okay…” and was quick to type something to Albert.

look like Albert was right in his theory of Rarity condition. Meaning we’ll need to take a trip to ‘the town’ to get her mark back…maybe ask the Overlord to help provide security in case things get nasty. she also knew that those lot might need a home, and what better than to have a home under the Overlord? She doubted they would stay at that place anymore.

Though she nearly wanted to retch, as she could feel Rarity, once rekindle with emotions, slowly begin to grow mute. It was…disgusting for the likes of her. Even more feeling the desperate fear, as Rarity truly didn’t want to lose those feelings, not the lack of feelings, anymore. She added a ‘likely urgent’ to her message to Albert. As it was clear the side effects of ‘losing your mark’ was apparent.

The girls were all worried. Fluttershy was surprisingly calm, in Aria’s mind. Hushing and saying gentle nothings into Rarity’s ear. And while Twilight was swimming in worry, she held firm and assured, “we’ll help you Rarity, promise.” Pinkie Pie nodded quickly, even coaxing them all to move to a nearby bench to sit down.

“And we can start by kicking Starlight’s flank into giving her back her Cutie Mark!” Rainbow Dash called out, a rallying warcry seeming to watch out from her. “That’s what’s caused all this, isn’t it?” motioning to her frightened and hurt friend, “I say we go and get it back!”

Breathing out, Twilight looked up to her brashest of friends and told, “and we will, but we can’t just run in Rainbow.” and shook her head, “we have no idea what Starlight can really do.”

“Not without help.” added Aira in agreement as she glanced at the six. “I sent a request to Albert to have this handled. And sent a request for the Overlord to help. Figure that once Rarity gets her mark, the others will too and be relocated.” and scrunch her face as she added. “This is a serious thing, especially with what I’m feeling.”

While still a little cautious, Applejack did ask the changeling in the room, “an whot ‘xactly are ya feelin’?” Her concern for Rarity overriding any past distrust she might of held towards the Queen in the room.

“Like someone is slowly dying.” told Aira. “like they’re barely alive.”

This made Fluttershy cling all the more tightly to Rarity. A building fear of losing her friend. But her soft eyes turned firm as she told Aria. “we’re going.” her low and soft voice barely heard, but yet sounded like a rumble of thunder. “We’re going with the others.” not wanting to sit back for this. Not when it concerned Rarity's health so much.

A small, light smirk grew on Aria’s face as she responded. “I wouldn’t expect it any other way.” then told on. “Just make sure you wait for Albert to arrive. Since he’s going to be needed if things get dicey.”

Snorting, Rainbow asked, “Him? What can he do? I thought he was an egghead that spent all his time in a lab fiddling with gadgets?”

“He’s also smart enough to cut through whatever bullshit this Starlight will spout.” responded Aria. “Overlord is good with emotion in his speech-- but if we want to put down whatever Starlight will say? Better have that egghead to cut through and hit where it hurts for her ‘equal’ shit.”

Twilight made a face to that, but soon nodded, “we might be able to talk Starlight down and Albert would be a lot of help. He’s proven to be very persuasive as well as cunning.” Then looked to Aria to ask, “what about you? What do you plan to do, Aria?”

Glancing down to the pad, Aria muse and said. “Mostly sticking here. Someone needs to pick up your slack while you’re off doing hero stuff.” going on to add with slight distaste. “Plus, no offense to you all, but going to some place like ‘Our town’ with what I heard? I’ll be emotionally starved.”

Slowly, Twilight nodded. “Good point.” knowing that Aria’s aid in such an emotionally stunted pace might actually be harmful to the changeling queen. “I’ll message Grain later about your administration help while I’m away.” there was no but’s or if’s on it. Twilight planned to go with her friends, Albert and whoever else might go to help Rarity get her mark back-- to get all the ponies marks back.

Because if Rarity was suffering… there was a good chance every pony was suffering and didn’t realize it.

“Wait!” Pinkie Pie called out, stalling everyone. The party mare rolled a hand while pulling away from the hug a little, “As much as I wanna charge in and face the meany pants Starlight and rescue everypony from being a empty emotional husk unable to feel what it means to be their own special somepony, we really should think about getting actual sleep and maybe getting a nice good breakfast before we face a possibly really dangerous mare that can mess with ponies brains and steal their cutie marks in a possibly horrific manner to latter stuff in a vault like her personal collectible.”

While the mares stare at their friend? Aria chuckled a bit as she said. “She makes a good point.” then told on. “Plus, it’ll be a while before Albert finishes helping Jerry with modifications to the armor. Not to mention for you all to reach the Dark Castle for a quick teleportation. So you got time.”

Slowly, they all nodded. Twilight breathed out and said, “come on girls, let’s get some extra shut eye.” and smiled to Rarity and hugged her again. “Don’t worry, we'll be with you the whole time.” planning to maybe scoot their beds close together. Maybe just toss their pillows and blankets into a pile.

Nodding, Rarity spoke with a shaky voice, “I-I’d like that.” sniffling as she clung to her friends. The five crowded around her.

Aria watched for a moment as they moved to the bedroom. Though Rainbow seemed to stop to look back at her. The pegasus glanced before flittering over to the changeling and crossed her arms. “Hey… uh…” and fumbled a moment before rubbing the back of her neck. “Thanks for, ah, ya know… checking up on us and all that.” looking away and crossing her arms. “And telling us what’s going on with Rarity’s… well, emotional stuff…”

Giving a slight roll of her eyes, Aria did respond. “You’re welcome. And the reason I said it, is because it’s right in my face compared to you all. I couldn’t even ignore it if I wanted to.” though added. “And I’m one of the few that checked in on you since I’m actually one of the few that could sense a magical surge like that. Had to use what authority I had to calm everyone down, assuring that we weren’t attacked.”

“Yeah. sure.” Rainbow got out clipidly before taking a glance at her. Sighing, the pegasus looked away and said, “still, thanks. Even if you’re not coming with, I-I wanted to say it. Since the other’s are busy with Rar’s and all…” then awkwardly hung there. “So, yeah-- night!” and zipped away in a prismic blur. Making Aria almost want to laugh at the tomboyish mare trying so hard to not act sappy.

But Aria could feel it. A gratitude for being there for them, even when she didn’t have to be.

Shaking her head in amusement, she turned, walking off as she began to type a few more things. Mostly informing Albert for later once he woke up. As she knew that he would be interested in what will be happening in the morning.

Next Chapter: Your Town, Our Turn Estimated time remaining: 4 Hours, 10 Minutes