“Yippie! Get ready Rarity!”

Fluttershy took point as the trio darted a little ways through the small town. She assumed Rarity would be in her workshop, just as her other two friends had been. She trotted along, Pinkie and AJ at her side, all the while smiling and thinking about what was soon to come. All they had to do was get Rarity, Rainbow, and Twilight, and then they could stop all this madness. The mysterious voice continued reassuring them as they went along.

Pinkie charged through Rarity’s door, cheering in a sing-song voice, “Rarity! Are you here?” Her voice trailed away as she spotted the purple-maned, white coat mare lying on her bed.

“Dearest Pinkie, must you be so loud?” she answered Pinkie in a soft, hollow voice. She didn’t seem too bothered by the Shadow that possessed her.

Fluttershy pushed Pinkie out of the way. She said in a happy tone, “Good to see you haven’t lost all control! You’re not one for chaos anyway, are you?”

Rarity scoffed, “Please, do you truly believe I would go out there and dirty my hooves for some Master I’ve never even met?” She lifted her head up, sticking her nose into the air. It was a sign of arrogance, naturally.

AJ whispered, “Let’s do this, darlin’. It shouldn’t be too hard with her.”

Fluttershy nodded, and opened the pouch once again. A white gemstone lifted into the air, than launched itself at her. With another flash of light, they were in the empty realm once more. Fluttershy looked at AJ and Pinkie, nodding as they prepared for the black blob to appear. With the three of them, it shouldn’t be too hard to knock some sense into Rarity.

Rarity stood up as the room regenerated around them. “What is all this, dears? Is this some sort of joke?” she asked in her state of confusion and lack of knowledge.

Fluttershy smiled, “It’s okay, Rarity. We’re going to help you get back to normal. Do you see that gem over there?” She pointed at the stone that was embedded in the wall.

Rarity’s eyes lit up, “Where in Equestria did this beautiful crystal come from?” She trotted over to it, place both of her front hooves on it.

This beautiful crystal is going to save you, Rarity. But first you must defeat the Shadows that possess you.

“The Shadows? This crystal came here to stop them? Well, get on with it then!” she scoffed at the crystal. From underneath her, the black blob formed and swallowed her, just as it had done to the other two ponies.

After another minute, the blob disappeared as per usual. Rarity was left standing, re-possessed as usual. This time, the ponies planned ahead. Pinkie bounced in front of her friend, serving as a slight distraction, while AJ came up from behind and tackled her to the ground. There wasn’t much resistance from Rarity, but at the same time it wasn’t the easiest thing to do- pinning a possessed pony. AJ actually wondered how Fluttershy had managed it twice in one night.

Rarity struggled for a moment, speaking softly, “Applejack dear, what is the meaning of this?” She stopped struggling, knowing it was a futile effort.

Applejack told her, “We’re gonna snap you outta this mess.” Pinkie hopped over to help AJ hold her down.

Fluttershy stepped up to Rarity, and said, “This sure is a beautiful shop you own. All these dresses and gemstones are beautiful. Of course, if some possessed pony decides he wants your stuff, he’ll just waltz in and take it. Feilbach won’t stop him, and you won’t be allowed to hurt your fellow minions, right?” A sly smile crept up on her face. She was starting to enjoy this whole process.

Rarity’s mouth opened wide, “No way! Nopony will ever steal my precious gemstones!” Her eyes returned to normal, “We simply must stop this madness before that time arrives! Get me out of here this instant, crystal!”

The gemstone shined again, and the room melted away. AJ and Pinkie backed away, allowing Rarity room to have her choking fit. The struggle lasted longer than usual, but ended the same way as before. Rarity coughed once really loudly, and the smoke vanished. She looked at her friends and blushed. Such behavior was unfitting of a proper pony such as herself, after all. Her friends laughed.

You are doing well, my little ponies. Continue on your way. Very soon this will be over.

Back inside Rarity’s house, the quartet was discussing the next move. They decided it would be best to go for Twilight next, because her magic could help subdue Rainbow. They shared a nod, raised their hooves into the air, and cheered, “Here we go!” They set out for Twilight’s library-tree house.

“Twilight my dear, you’re next!”

Next Chapter: Chapter 13: The Scar Left Long Ago (Final Act) Estimated time remaining: 59 Minutes