Author's Notes:

So still no current change in who our candidate is for the Mana Stone. Currently the top theory is Starlight Glimmer, but I imagine some people are still thinking it's Silver Spoon.

---

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The Onyx Dominatrix

Once they got back to the castle, Twilight holed herself up in her room and locked it. Starlight was worried as she didn't come down for dinner. She figured that she'd be okay by tomorrow and then they could talk.

But when Starlight approached the princess' door, she was saddened to see that it was still locked.

“Princess, please open up,” Starlight begged, “I'm… I'm scared for you. Please…” Starlight teared up a bit, realizing that she wasn't going to come out. She walked away from the door wiping her eyes, bumping into someone and falling to the ground.

“Ah!” Starlight cried.

“Watch where you're going,” Spike groaned. Starlight flinched at the sound of his voice.

“S-sorry Sir,” Starlight said softly, still on her knees and not meeting Spike's eyes. Spike groaned and took her hand.

“How's Twilight?” Spike asked pulling Starlight to her feet.

“I… think she was more upset about Apple Bloom than I thought,” Starlight said, “I can hear her moving in there, but she won't come out or even talk.”

“It's not just Apple Bloom,” Spike said, “Applejack was Twilight's best friend. She was everyone's best friend, and her being gone…” Spike clenched his fist looking pained.

“W-what can I do…?” Starlight asked, “How can I help-”

“You've done enough for now,” Spike cut her off, shocking Starlight.

“O-oh… I see…” Starlight said looking down sadly. Spike walked past her, stopping a bit behind her.

“I've known Twilight for years. Let me take care of her. If you want to help, take care of Twilight's errands in town,” Spike said.

“Understood…” Starlight said somberly. When Spike left, she ran out of the castle, falling to her knees and crying. She hated how useless she was. All of this was ultimately her fault, as she was the one who asked Twilight to come outside. All she wanted was to be by her princess' side, but whenever she got closer to her, she made things worse.

Her princess probably hated her now. Starlight sure hated herself.

Apple Bloom was also silent for the rest of the day, but for a completely different reason. She had quite a bit on her mind concerning Diamond Tiara. That kiss wasn't as unappealing as she thought it'd be. In fact, Apple Bloom found herself imagining the two of them kissing again, but this time her as herself. As she walked through Ponyville, she looked up at the sky fantasizing.

“You're still thinking about her, aren't you?” Luna asked from the Sapphire.

“I can't not think about her. Not just the kiss, but how peaceful she looked lyin next to me,” Apple Bloom said, “I haven't seen her that happy in a long time.”

“But knowing that Mega Mare was the one make you feel funny,” Luna said. Apple Bloom stopped and looked at the Sapphire.

“I ain't jealous of Mega Mare or anythin. That'd be silly, seein how I am Mega Mare.”

“I didn't think that,” Luna said, “But there is an easy fix to this. Just tell her the truth.”

“I can't tell her now!” Apple Bloom said, “Can you imagine how she'll feel knowin that I was the one in her room? That I was the one she kissed?”

“Touched. Loved. Even safer knowing that her hero is always right there.”

“I'm tellin you, she'd freak out. Sides, I already said that I didn't want her involved in this, an' once she knows she'll be involved. This is for her safety.”

“Hm… hers? Or yours?” Luna asked folding her arms.

Apple Bloom was going to say something to that, but stopped when she felt someone tap her shoulder. She turned around and actually saw Diamond Tiara smiling behind her.

Apple Bloom didn't know if she should be happy or devastated by this twist of fate.

“D-Diamond? Yer lookin in brighter spirits,” Apple Bloom said.

“Hi Apple Bloom,” Diamond Tiara said beaming, “I am. Something happened last night, and I have to share this with someone.”

“What happened?” Apple Bloom asked, trying to sound oblivious. Diamond Tiara giggled.

“I saw Mega Mare. She came to me last night. Apple Bloom… I can't believe this, but I… I think she loves me.”

Apple Bloom's eyes went genuinely wide. She did not think it would go this far. Inside the Sapphire, Luna rubbed the bridge of her nose taking a deep breath.

“I knew this was a bad idea…” Luna said, careful to not let her voice be channeled.

Sitting on a nearby porch, the scantily clad mare smirked watching Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara.

“I know just how to fix you,” she said licking her lips, “Just have to show you how serious this game is.”

“So… what's got ya thinkin Mega Mare is in love with ya?” Apple Bloom asked Diamond Tiara after they sat down in Sugar Cube Corner.

“Okay, last night she appeared in my room,” Diamond Tiara started, “She was telling me how she's always watching over me, and when I kissed her-”

“Hold on, you what?!” Apple Bloom asked.

“I know! I know! It was stupid, but I couldn't help myself!” Diamond Tiara pouted, “I just felt so safe with her there. But when we kissed, she didn't pull away from me. Actually, after a second she pulled me in closer.”

Did she? Apple Bloom didn't remember all the details.

“Apple Bloom, I haven't felt like this in ages,” Diamond Tiara said, “I'm actually really happy.”

“But y'all can't be tagether, right?” Apple Bloom asked.

“That's sad, but I understand,” Diamond Tiara said, “She told me that more of those gemstones would appear, and they might hurt more ponies. Oh Apple Bloom, I wish I could help her.”

“I-I'm sure she's fine though,” Apple Bloom said, “She's already taken out two of those things, right?”

“Were you there?” Diamond Tiara asked, “I didn't see you at the school during Pip's attack. I looked for you.”

“What? Ya didn't see me? I was there,” Apple Bloom defended, trying her hardest to come up with an excuse, “I was jus… in the middle of all the commotion is all. It was crazy there.”

“Yeah, that's true,” Diamond Tiara said thinking, “Hey Apple Bloom, there's something I wanted to tell you, besides Mega Mare's visit.”

“What's up?” Apple Bloom asked.

“About Princess Twilight,” Diamond Tiara said nervously, “Apple Bloom, I really feel you should-” she was cut off by a scream coming from the counter, “What's that?”

“I don't know,” Apple Bloom said. They looked and saw two patrons in the front having a horribly violent argument. At the same time, more patrons around them were beginning to get fired up as if reacting to their fight.

“It's one of those monsters!” Diamond Tiara cried, “It's a virus!”

Apple Bloom tapped the Sapphire and pointed to her eyes, which she then closed. When she opened them, they looked like Luna's eyes and she saw the whole place infested with viruses.

“What the hell?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Mega Mare will come,” Diamond Tiara said, “She's always watching over me, so she has to see this.”

“Well I say we don't wait up,” Apple Bloom said taking Diamond Tiara's hand, “Let's get goin!”

Diamond Tiara blushed a bit as Apple Bloom pulled her out of the shop. Outside, Apple Bloom felt their environment shift around them, just like it did in the school.

“What's going on?!” Diamond Tiara asked fearfully.

“It's jus' like the school!” Apple Bloom said.

“Psst! Apple Bloom!” Luna called out quietly from the Sapphire. Apple Bloom turned away from Diamond Tiara and held the Sapphire close.

“What's up Luna?” Apple Bloom asked softly.

“This phenomenon can only be caused by a Mana Stone or powerful virus. We have to get Diamond to safety and then Phase In.”

“Right,” Apple Bloom whispered, “Come on Diamond!”

Diamond Tiara nodded and followed Apple Bloom through town. Ponies everywhere looked around in confusion and fear, some even being attacked by viruses. Apple Bloom looked to Diamond Tiara's side and saw a virus shaped like a ghostly knight holding a sword rush toward her.

“Look out!” Apple Bloom shouted. She pulled Diamond Tiara away and then kicked the virus back. Since she wasn't transformed it didn't really hurt it, but it did at least push it back.

“Where can we go?!” Diamond Tiara asked, “How can we get out of here?!”

“Hrm… I don't know,” Apple Bloom said turning to the Sapphire, “Any ideas Luna?”

“Viruses cannot manifest in areas with low a low Mana count or are protected by alicorn level magic,” Luna said.

“That means the castle,” Apple Bloom said, a little louder than she planned.

“What?” Diamond Tiara asked, “Were you talking to me just now?”

“Um… I was sayin we should head to the castle,” Apple Bloom said, “We should be safe there.”

“Good idea,” Diamond Tiara said, “Lead the way.”

Apple Bloom nodded, once again taking Diamond Tiara's hand and guiding her to the castle. On the way, three shock waves charged at them, forcing them to fall away from each other.

“Apple Bloom!” Diamond Tiara cried as three Mettaurs walked over to Apple Bloom. These were red instead of the normal yellow.

“Keep goin!” Apple Bloom said, “The castle is right down that road! I'll catch up with ya!”

“No! I don't want to leave you alone!” Diamond Tiara said, “You could get hurt!”

“I'll be fine, but I don't want you gettin hurt!” Apple Bloom said. She was so focused she didn't notice the surprised look on Diamond Tiara's face.

“W-what…?” Diamond Tiara asked.

“Get goin! I'll protect ya!”

Diamond wordlessly nodded, rose to her feet, and ran off, taking one last look at Apple Bloom. Once she was certainly alone, Apple Bloom held up her wrist.

“Luna, can you find the thing that caused this?” Apple Bloom asked.

“I'm trying. I can tell that where it is though, it's watching us,” Luna said, “We have no choice but to transform here.”

“I don't like doin this out in the open like this, but alright,” Apple Bloom said, “Mana Change! Mega Mare, Online!”

Apple Bloom tapped the Sapphire and held her wrist above her head. Luna appeared behind her and wrapped her wings around both of them, and they vanished in a blue light.

~Transformation Scene~

Apple Bloom held her arm out as blue energy shot out of the gem. Suspended in mid air, she spun around as her clothes all magically vanished off her now glowing body.

In a quick flash, blue armored boots and light blue tights formed out of the energy. Next up formed her armored upper body and shoulder pads. Armor then formed around her left wrist, and then her right one in immediate succession.

Finally, a blue knight's helmet with a green visor formed on her head. She held her arm out in front of her as if reaching for something, tightened her fist, and then stood ready in a fight stance, completely transformed into Mega Mare.

~End Transformation~

Right where Apple Bloom vanished, another blue light shot down, and Mega Mare materialized on one knee. She rose to her feet and got in a fighting stance, scanning the new looking Mettaurs. Her visor read them as the same type of virus, but said Lvl 2.

“Apple Bloom, we must take these out quickly,” Luna said, “We have to find the Mana Stone before ponies get hurt.”

“Right, I got ya,” Mega Mare said, “Let's do this!”

“All limiters released!” Luna said.

“Ready!” Mega Mare shouted.

The Mettaur in the middle charged at Mega Mare with its pickax, but she rolled out of the way and fired her buster gun at one of the other two. Oddly, it lowered its hat to hide inside, and the attack reflected off.

“Hold on! They never did that before!” Mega Mare cried. The third Mettaur sent a shock wave at Mega Mare, and she fell back taking more damage than usual.

“These viruses are at a higher level than the normal ones,” Luna said, “That appears to give them higher intelligence.”

“Now she tells me,” Mega Mare groaned rising to her feet, “So we have ta change our tactics a bit. Got it. Could ya prepare a fast spell?”

“With their position, I believe the Shot Gun Spell would be best. Time it just right and we should be able to take out two of them.”

“Then I'll move them into position,” Mega Mare said. One of the Mettaurs slammed its pickax, but she jumped into the air and fired a charged shot at it. It blocked, but the shot pushed it back a bit.

“I've prepared a Pulse Gun first,” Luna said, “Use this to paralyze the one in the back.”

“I see your plan,” Mega Mare said. The Mettaur behind the other two opened its hat and prepared to fire, but Mega Mare cast the spell, turning her buster gun into a Pulse Gun and firing at the virus. While it was paralyzed, one of the other two moved in front of it and prepared to attack.

“Now!” Luna ordered.

“Castin Spell! Shot Gun!” Mega Mare shouted, firing at the Mettaur in front of it. The blast destroyed the one in front and then exploded behind to kill the paralyzed one. Mega Mare was about to turn to the final one, but it charged at her and slashed with its pickax. She blocked with her arm, and then punched it back.

“Y'all are annoyin!” Mega Mare said charging up her buster gun. She fired her charged shot right before it could hide inside of its hat, destroying it.

“Finished,” Mega Mare said, “Now let's find-” a high pitched scream caught her attention, “That's Diamond Tiara!”

“Move Apple Bloom!” Luna shouted. Mega Mare nodded and ran in the direction of the castle. She saw what appeared to be two knight viruses using their swords to imprison Diamond Tiara. She apparently didn't get to the castle, as it was still far in the distance.

“Diamond Tiara!” Mega Mare shouted.

“Mega Mare! Help me!” Diamond Tiara cried.

“Don't worry!” Mega Mare said pointing her buster gun forward, “I'll get ya outta-" she was cut off by a familiar alarm going off.

Something sharp like a bladed whip hit Mega Mare and knocked her back.

“Can't let you do that, Mega Mare,” a high, sultry voice said. As Mega Mare sat up, she saw someone saunter in front of Diamond Tiara.

This mare had a gray coat, long black mane and matching tail that shimmered in the light. She wore a black armored leotard with straps in the front, accentuating her perfect bust and hips, black fishnet stockings strapped to the bottom of the leotard, black armored high heeled boots, black gloves, and a black and red mask over her eyes. She also wore blood red lipstick and black eye shadow behind her mask. She looked like a dominatrix, swaying her hips and tail with each step, and holding a terrifying looking broad sword in her hands almost like a bat.

“Who the hell?” Mega Mare asked rising to her feet.

“That pony is using a Mana Stone!” Luna exclaimed.

“A Mana Stone?!” Mega Mare cried, “Listen, ya gotta get rid of that thing! It's unstable an' could-” she was cut off as the dominatrix gave a high, haughty laugh that screamed superiority.

“Oh how adorable! Wanting to play the hero and save me like you saved those other two? Well, you'll be disappointed to know that won't work on little old me,” she swung her sword above her head slowly, swaying her hips as if dancing. She then swung her sword down, changing it into a bladed whip, “My name is Mistress Onyx, and my employer gave me orders to attack you.”

“Careful Apple Bloom, there is something different about this opponent,” Luna warned.

“Different?” Mega Mare asked.

“I am not sure what it is I am sensing, but be on your guard. All limiters released!”

Mega Mare shook her head and got in a fighting stance, “Ready!”

boss theme

Mega Mare fired at Mistress Onyx, but she slashed it away with her whip. She then thrust her sword forward, and the blade extended over to Mega Mare wrapping around her neck.

Mistress Onyx pulled Mega Mare over to her, turned around, and threw Mega Mare over her shoulder. Mistress Onyx did an elegant back flip away from Mega Mare and retracted her sword.

Mega Mare cast a Cannon Spell and fired at Mistress Onyx, who continuously flipped away from the attacks. Once she ran out of ammunition, Mega Mare rushed at Mistress Onyx with a Long Sword. She and Mistress Onyx clashed blades, and Mega Mare looked into Mistress Onyx's eyes.

Something about those eyes were different than Pips and Sapphire Shores' eyes when they were under the influence of the Mana Stones.

“You've got a little skill,” Mistress Onyx said, “But you're still too aggressive. Your inexperience shows.”

“You sound like you've been doin this fer a while,” Mega Mare said through gritted teeth, annoyed by Mistress Onyx's haughty laugh.

“I'm what you'd call a Mana Stone veteran,” Mistress Onyx said, “Like I said, I'm way out of your league, child.”

Mistress Onyx pushed Mega Mare back. She then shot her blade whip into the ground, and it shot out in front of Mega Mare knocking her further back. Mega Mare jumped high into the air, flipped, and fired her charged shot at Mistress Onyx.

This time, she spun around like a ballerina letting her whip flail freely around her defending herself. When Mega Mare landed, Mistress Onyx held her whip over her shoulders, spun around, and slashed quickly doing massive damage to Mega Mare, her blade engulfed in dark red flames.

“AUGH!!!” Mega Mare screamed falling to her knees.

“Mega Mare, no!” Diamond Tiara cried.

end boss theme

Mistress Onyx sauntered over to Mega Mare as she rose to her knees, wrapped her blade whip around her neck, and put her high heeled boot on her back pulling Mega Mare's neck up with the whip.

“Come on Mega Mare! Scream for me!” Mistress Onyx ordered with a manic smile, “The sound of your suffering would be music to my ears!”

Mega Mare gritted her teeth, eventually forced to cry out in pain. As soon as she did, Mistress Onyx cried out in ecstasy and released her. She walked over Mega Mare's body and grabbed her by the neck lifting her up.

“Oh! I love it! I love you Mega Mare!” Mistress Onyx said, “I haven't heard a scream like yours in so long!”

“Let her go!” Diamond Tiara ordered, catching Mistress Onyx's attention, “Leave her alone, you… you… you filthy slut!”

“Oooh, someone has a mouth on them,” Mistress Onyx said. She let Mega Mare fall to the ground and sauntered over to Diamond Tiara, but Mega Mare grabbed her leg stopping her.

“I'm… your… opponent!” Mega Mare said.

“Patience pet. Mommy will get back to you in a bit,” Mistress Onyx cooed. She kicked Mega Mare away and walked over to Diamond Tiara, her hips swaying side to side with each step. She leaned forward in front of Diamond Tiara and cupped her cheeks with her hand.

“Aren't you precious?” Mistress Onyx said licking her lips, “Even now, you're so defiant. You're my favorite kind of pony to break.” In an act of true defiance, Diamond Tiara spit right in Mistress Onyx's face.

Taken aback, she wiped her face and looked at Diamond Tiara in shock, “I… was not expecting that. I will admit, you surprised me. But now,” she grabbed Diamond Tiara by the mane tightly and then held her blade to the poor filly's neck, “I'm going to have to punish you.”

“Apple Bloom, rise up!” Luna urged, “Diamond Tiara is in danger!”

“Damn it…!” Mega Mare attempted to rise, but she fell to the ground again, “Diamond, no!”

“MEGA MARE!!!” Diamond Tiara screamed. Mistress Onyx raised her blade to strike, but stopped when they heard something.

A harmonica.

“What in the world…?” Mistress Onyx asked. A second later, a red light shot down from her side, materializing the last pony anyone expected to see.

“Let them go!” Proto Mare ordered, her blade arm over her shoulder and her shield activated. Mega Mare looked up at Proto Mare a little confused.

“Proto… Mare…?” Mega Mare asked. Why was she here? And why did she hear that harmonica first? That sounded like…

“Ooh, Ruby's user,” Mistress Onyx said releasing Diamond Tiara and turning to Proto Mare, “You're someone else I wanted to meet.”

“Leave the kids outta this!” Proto Mare demanded, “They got nothin ta do with us!”

“I beg to differ,” Mistress Onyx said pointing her blade at Mega Mare, “This one here has a Mana Stone just like us. That makes her involved.”

“Her havin that stone is an accident,” Proto Mare said, “She's not supposed ta be involved in any of this. Now I ain't askin ya ta leave,” Proto Mare charged up her blade, “I'M DEMANDING IT!!!”

She slashed the air, sending a sharp shock wave at Mistress Onyx who jumped back. Proto Mare wasted no time, charging at Mistress Onyx and slashing wildly. Unlike Mega Mare, she seemed to be able to fight Mistress Onyx on even footing.

While they fought, Mega Mare charged up her buster gun and fired at the knights, deleting them. Diamond Tiara ran over to Mega Mare's side helping her up.

“Mega Mare! Are you okay?!” Diamond Tiara asked.

“I'm fine,” Mega Mare said, “Thanks.”

“I'm sorry Mega Mare,” Diamond Tiara said sadly, “I got captured, and because of that you got hurt.”

“No Diamond, none of this is your fault,” Mega Mare said, “Don't blame yourself for this.”

Mega Mare turned to the violent fight before them. Diamond Tiara helped her raise her buster gun, and she charged it, firing at Mistress Onyx's back. Mistress Onyx turned to Mega Mare and Diamond Tiara enraged.

“You just don't know when to quit, do you?!” she shouted, “I'll rip all of you apart!”

Proto Mare used this opportunity to charge up her Proto Saber. She then instantly appeared behind Mistress Onyx and slashed wildly at her, taking huge chunks of health from her life bar. When she was done, Mistress Onyx fell to her knees.

“Looks like I lost this fight,” Mistress Onyx said, “But that's alright. I think I made my point,” she looked at Mega Mare and smiled sensually, “I can't wait for our next fight, Mega Mare. It will be just as wonderful as this one.”

She vanished in a white light. Mega Mare breathed out in relief and then stood up, walking over to Proto Mare.

end song

“Thanks,” Mega Mare said, “You really came through jus'-”

“What the hell are you doin?!” Proto Mare asked turning to Mega Mare, probably glaring at her through her black visor.

“W-what…?” Mega Mare asked.

“I told you… to stay outta this!” Proto Mare said putting her hands on Mega Mare's shoulders, “This isn't a game! You could seriously die!”

“I'm sorry…” Mega Mare said, tearing up again for some reason, “I just wanted to help…”

“If you wanna help, then stay outta this fight,” Proto Mare said, “Don't come into the Mana Zone anymore, and never, never fight again. Please.”

With that, Proto Mare turned her back to Mega Mare and vanished in a red light. Something about Proto Mare just seemed so familiar, and the way she spoke to her just now. It wasn't possible. Proto Mare couldn't be…

“Mega Mare?” she heard behind her. Mega Mare turned to see Diamond Tiara shuffling nervously, “I don't know what's going on, and it's not any of my business, but I appreciate you being here to protect me.”

“Diamond…” Mega Mare said, her heart racing again, this time for a completely different reason.

“If you want me to stay away from you though, I will,” Diamond Tiara said sadly, “I… don't want to leave you, but if you want me to go away, then…”

“No!” Mega Mare said immediately taking Diamond Tiara's hands, “Don't go away. I need you.”

“H-how though?” Diamond Tiara asked, “I can't do anything to help.”

“But you do help me though. You help me by jus' lovin me. Don't stop Diamond. Please don't stop.”

“M-Mega Mare…” Diamond Tiara teared up looking into Mega Mare's eyes, “Could we… kiss again?”

This time, Mega Mare pulled Diamond Tiara closer to her and kissed her softly on the lips. She knew that this might not have been the best idea, but right now she needed the closeness.

After giving Diamond Tiara an excuse that she could feel comfortable with, Apple Bloom walked her back to her mansion and then started making her way back home. She didn't say anything to anyone when she came in, and just stayed in her room for the rest of the day.

At night, Luna walked into the room after taking her shower, now wearing her usual tank top and panties that she wore as sleepwear. Apple Bloom on the other hand sat on her window looking out at the orchard.

“Is something on your mind, Apple Bloom?” Luna asked.

“Luna, you said that Proto Mare is workin for Sombra, right?” Apple Bloom asked. Luna sighed folding her arms.

“I assume you realize it then,” Luna said.

“So it's true,” Apple Bloom said, “Proto Mare is… Applejack.”

“It's highly possible,” Luna said, “However, there are quite a few things that don't add up. Where has she been all this time? Why doesn't she ever stay? And why is she working with King Sombra?” Luna sat down on the bed, “There are many things we do not understand yet. Even still, I plan on fighting.”

“Why though?” Apple Bloom asked, “What's so important about these stones?”

“I wish I could tell you Apple Bloom,” Luna said, “However, I can't just say anything without more evidence.”

“Can't ya at least give me a bit?” Apple Bloom asked, “I'm sorry, but I need somethin. I'm getting real scared an' confused, an' that Mistress Onyx mare is right at the top. You need me to fight, but if I'm going to keep going, I need more than jus' 'it'll all make sense soon'.”

Luna closed her eyes, considering something, “I suppose that's fair. Very well, I'll tell you. For some reason, those stones have the same magical signature as me.”

“What does that mean?” Apple Bloom asked turning to Luna completely.

“A unicorn's horn has the magical signature of the pony it's connected to,” Luna explained, “It is how the horn is able to connect to the Mana Zone and take form based on the pony's individual DNA. The Mana Stones are like artificial unicorn horns that can be used by anypony.”

“So yer sayin that the Mana Stones act like they're connected to you?” Apple Bloom asked, “That explains how the Sapphire connected to you.”

“I do not know how they gained my magical signature, but that is why I must act. There is more to this, but for now this is all I can offer you.”

“It's enough,” Apple Bloom said, “Alright, I'll keep helpin ya.”

“Thank you Apple Bloom,” Luna said, “I appreciate your help.”

Apple Bloom smiled slightly and walked over to the bed, sitting down next to Luna and taking her hand. It felt nice being so close to Luna. Sure, she was a bit of a nag, but she was still very nice.

“By the way, what do ya make of Mistress Onyx?” Apple Bloom asked, “She was terrifyin.”

“Yes she was,” Luna said, “She was different than the beings created by Garnet and Aquamarine.”

“How though?” Apple Bloom asked Luna, “Did ya sense somethin off of her?”

“Actually, it was what I didn't sense,” Luna said, “You see, when the other two Mana Stones took over Pip and Sapphire Shores, I sensed the magic of the stone consuming the pony possessed. It was more like the Mana Stone was using the pony to manifest.”

“But what about Mistress Onyx?”

“In the case of her though, I didn't sense the Mana Stone consuming her. Instead, it felt more like she and the Mana Stone had truly become one. That could only mean one thing.”

“W-what exactly?” Apple was terrified of the answer, and the grave sigh Luna gave didn't help.

“It would mean, that despite not using a neutralizer, that mare was in perfect control of her actions. Apple Bloom, she wasn't controlled by Onyx. She was… as scary as it is, just evil.”