".....and then she brought me here after returning in my place to Canterlot, taking on my appearance by using her magic to seal me in that cocoon. I was powerless to stop her" Cadance explained, hanging her her head. Twilight was successful in removing the high level dark magic that had placed upon the alicorn by Queen Chrysalis. Although she was still somewhat weakened and shaken by the ordeal, Cadance was for the moment, conscious and was able to explain her whole story to Twilight and her friends.

"It's going to be alright Cadance. Once we get out of here, we'll expose that monster for what she truly is." Twilight replied, attending to Cadance.

The others had returned awhile later after failing to locate an exit. There, they found out that Cadance had awoken and was informing Twilight of her ordeal. Spike was the first to speak after listening to the seven minute recap. "I'm sorry this happened to you Cadance, I mean you're one of the nicest ponies in the world. But I have one question, how come nopony besides Twilight was able to pick up on what was going on?"

Twilight glared at the young drake for pestering Cadance. "Spike! She's weak and on top of that, she's going to have to explain what she just told us to the entire world. That is, as soon as we can get out of here."

"Come on Twilight, don't tell me you aren't asking yourself this question. Even if you aren’t, how are we getting out of here anyways?" Spike pressed.

Twilight once again moved to counter Spike's persistence, however Cadance intervened. "Leave him be Twilight." she voiced, raising herself from the ground as she ignored Twilight's protests about her needing to sit down. "Spike makes a valid point. I believe she was able to do this because Chrysalis has been studying me for months and learning everything about my life. She only executed her plans when I left for Maretonia. Twily was able to pick up on these flaws because I was very close to her while she was a filly. I used to foal-sit her and she was the cutest little filly in the world." Cadance giggled as her last statement made Twilight blush in embarrassment.

"Get to the point Cadance!"

"Ok ok, what I'm trying to say is that Twilight's special talent is magic, meaning every form of magic. You all know that my talent is spreading light and love right?" Cadance paused, earning nods of agreement from the group. "Well, even though she's not an alicorn, Twilight can perhaps do that level of magic with some proper training. I wouldn't put raising the solar bodies past her either."

"Cadance, you know I love and respect you, but you’re sounding like a complete madmare!"

"I might come off that way Twily, but I'm just telling you the facts. Being a Unicorn Flare with magic as your special talent is why your senses have been heightened. You hold domain over all magic. This is why you sensed that Chrysalis' aura was different and why you picked up on what Aunt Celestia could not."

"But what about Luna? She noticed something was wrong." Twilight countered.

"I believe it has something to with the darker shade of magic she wields. And before you ask, it's not black magic." Cadance finished.

"What kind of magic is it then? Also, how come you know so much about magic?” Twilight enquired further, cocking her head. “I mean, no offence Cadance, but you don't look like the type to study magic.”

Cadence pouted while faking a hurt expression, resulting in Twilight to chuckle at her antics. "I will have you know Miss Sparkle, I was tutored by Celestia herself after I ascended to the ranks of an alicorn. She taught me all I needed to know about light magic after I learned on my own how to create my love spells. As for my Aunt Luna, she never fully explained her talents to me besides raising the moon. Aunt Celestia had told me awhile back that her sister was more gifted in magic than her, mainly to combat the dangers that troll the night. Thus, I have to conclude that you Twilight, as well as Princess Luna, have heightened senses because of your connections to the vast extensions of magic."

"Well, I don't think that's true-" Twilight began, trying to deflect the praise.

"Name one unicorn alive that could use this amount of magic within a day." Cadance stated.

Twilight remained silent, but soon found a new attack strategy. "How is this even relevant to our current crisis?"

"It's relevant because nopony has paid any attention to what was going on! Well, with the exception of Aunt Luna as you said." Cadance said, shaking her head in disbelief. “Nopony even noticed her army above Canterlot but you and Fluttershy over there. At least, based on what you told me.”

"Yeah well, it’s not like anypony else could see them thanks to that barrier they have around themselves. I’m guessing that others like griffons and pegasi can see them if they had focused hard enough due to their superior vision, but that's besides the point." Twilight added.

"I'm really sorry for interrupting the discussion Princess Cadance, but how do you know that much about the Changelings......umm, that is, if you wanna answer." Fluttershy whispered, gaining everypony’s attention.

"Even though I was weakened, I could still hear all the nasty plans she had for Equestria and the lands beyond." Cadence explained with a shudder. "She kept coming down here to belt out her emotions and vowing to destroy everything."

"I guess coming down here to scream at the walls didn't help much, did it?" Flash joked, causing a few chuckles.

"Well, I must say Princess Cadance, she did a poor job impersonating you. I mean, how could nopony realize this drastic change?" Rarity asked, finding her voice after hearing the tale.

"I second you on that Rarity, but...even though I realized something was wrong, I had to brush it off since I didn't have the authority to come forward. That, and everypony else was brushing it off as wedding stress." Flash Sentry added, hanging his head at his powerlessness.

"I'm still baffled at why my aunts even decided to go along with the wedding. Especially after the threat was made."

"Umm everypony? I don't mean to disturb again, but how are we going to get out of here and...you know...stop the wedding if we don't have a way out?" Fluttershy asked sheepishly.

"That's what I've been trying to find out." Spike exclaimed, rolling his eyes.

Twilight smiled sheepishly. "Between your pestering and Cadance's explaining, my thoughts were all over the place. But since we can't find a way out, I'll just have to combine my magic with Cadance's to mass teleport us out of here. That's if you are well enough Cadance." Twilight answered, looking from Spike to Cadance.

"I am Twily, remember that alicorns heal and recover quite fast. Besides, I will do anything to stop that monster from hurting those dearest to me. But are you sure that you are up to this Twilight?" The Love Princess asked concerned, slowly making her way over to Twilight and draping a wing over her back. "You've used so much magic already, are you sure?"

"That's why I need you to help me cast the spell, we have to combine our magic."

"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's do this!" Spike exclaimed, very elated that he would be free soon.

"Are you ready Cadance?" Twilight asked, preparing herself.

"I am." the alicorn replied, moving closer to Twilight in preparation for the spell.

Twilight tilted her head, allowing her horn tip to lightly touch Cadance's. "Come closer everypony, we’re about to cast the spell." Twilight announced, making everypony come closer. Once they were in the places they should be, both mares began focusing their magic on where they wanted to go, concluding on materializing in the middle of the wedding. Their horns flared in unison, casting a beautiful purple and blue glow all over the catacomb walls, eliciting soft awes from the rest of the group. However, the beautiful light show was cut short as they were whisked away in a cloud of deep purple light.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

For the citizens of Equestria, today was one of the most prestigious and rarest days of their lives. Today marked a momentous occasion. It represented the joining in marriage of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, niece of both the Day and Night Goddesses and herself as the Goddess of Love with Captain Shining Armor, the current Captain of the Equestrian Royal Guard. Nobility, as well as delegates and other royal creatures from all over Equestria and parts of the unified lands were in attendance. The room was decorated in beautiful flowers from all species, beautifying as well as fragrancing the room. Among the distinguished guests from Equestria were Lord Fancy Pants the Duke of Canterlot, Lady Fleur De Lis the ArchDuchess of Prance and Prince Blueblood. The trio of nobles had attended the ceremony based on the invitations they'd received and decided to sit beside each other.

"I must say, Cadance resembles an absolute gem." Fleur praised, watching from the sides as her friend slowly made her way past and to the alter.

"Indeed Fleur, I can't believe those two are finally tying the knot. I couldn't be happier for them." Fancy Pants replied, his attention also on the bride.

"Although, I must admit, she's become quite distant these past few weeks." Fleur added, a small frown forming on her features.

"What would you expect? She was probably too preoccupied to spend time with any of us." Blueblood answered. "But if I know my cousin, she will make up for it."

Fleur furrowed her eyebrows, deep in thought. "Yes, I'm aware of that being a possibility, but I can't help but think something isn't right."

"How so?" Fancy Pants pressed.

"I am not sure but, she seems a bit moody. She’s never like that."

Blueblood glanced at the mare with a slight grin on his face. "Oh come now Fleur, you’re not making any sense. The only thing I find awfully weird is the absence of Shining's younger sister, Twilight Sparkle and a few of her entourage."

Fancy Pants rolled his eyes in annoyance at his friend's chatter. Even though Blueblood was one of his closest friends, he wasn't always the most sympathetic nor the brightest. Fancy knew he meant well though, at least sometimes. Thus, Fancy chose to ignore his banter, intending on steering the conversation elsewhere. "Why are they not in attendance?".

"You haven't heard?" Fleur asked wide eyed.

"Heard what?!"

"Keep it down you two, we’re at a wedding!" Blueblood hushed, glaring at his colleagues. "Spit out whatever you know Fleur, Fancy here looks like he's about to have a fit."

"Right...yes, word has spread around Canterlot that our friend Shiny there..." she paused, gesturing at the unicorn at the altar, ".....has banned his sister and a few of her friends from attending. Reasons are that Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy, Spike and a Love Guard went rogue on Cadance at the rehearsals yesterday. Thus, they got that punishment."

"That doesn't explain why I don't see Lady Rarity here. That and I find this hard to believe. Twilight is one of the nicest ponies in Equestria and I can remember that she was quite fond of Cadance too. And you say a Love Guard turned on her?" Fancy Pants stated in disbelief.

Blueblood chuckled at his friend's expression, ignoring his later statement and taking aim at his mention of Rarity. "It would appear you have taken a liking for that unicorn Rarity. Word of advice my dear friend, she's quite the hornful. I know that first hoof."

"You mean because you were rude and self absorbed towards her?" Fleur added, giggling at Blueblood's embarrassed face.

Blueblood huffed, holding his head high. "I was not!"

"That must have been the case. As for the Rarity I've gotten to know, she is as lovely, sweet and charming as the element she represents."

"Love? Pray tell, how did that happen?" Fleur inquired.

Fancy Pants shook his head slightly at his friends' questioning gaze. Biting his bottom lip, he explained. "If you two must know, Rarity and I have been corresponding through letters, as well as visits every now and then. I wouldn't quite call what she and I have is love, but I do have deep feelings for her.” Fancy then noticed that his friends were deeply glaring at him now. Letting out a sigh, he continued. “However, I will explain later after our friends' wedding.",Fancy Pants replied, finding that Cadance had finally reached the alter.

"Fine" Blueblood and Fleur replied, huffing in unison. "But we expect full details later.” Fleur added, giggling.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

"Dearly beloved." Princess Celestia's angelic voice rang out throughout the room. "We are gathered here today to witness the union of my niece, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and Captain Shining Armor, a direct descendant of Starswirl the Bearded himself, the Grandfather of Magic. Before we move along with the ceremony, if there is anypony here that objects this union, speak now or forever hold your peace." Chrysalis quickly darted her eyes around, scanning the room with a forced smile on her face, ensuring nopony was going to interfere with her plans again. When nopony or no other creature objected, Celestia continued. "Then we shall continue. Captain Armor, do you promise to-" Celestia's speech was severed by a blinding purple light that suddenly entered the room.

"He shall make no promises to you Chrysalis!" Cadance's voice rang throughout the room the moment the light died down. The mass of attendees gasped at the newcomers.

"How are there two Cadances?" Applejack asked loudly, her eyes widened in confusion.

"Yeah! Is this some sorta trick?!" Rainbow Dash added, narrowing her eyes.

"That's because she's a changeling!" Cadance answered, meeting Chrysalis' eyes as a determined look found its way onto the alicorn's face.

"Whats a changeling?" Rainbow asked out of confusion.

"A changeling is a creature that has the power to kidnap and replace somepony you love and then they feed off that love that was meant for that pony, making them weaker and weaker while they become stronger." Cadance explained, glaring at her impersonator. This sudden intrusion caused Chrysalis to growl deeply from frustration, gritting her teeth in agitation as she returned a deadly glare to Cadance.

"How did you escape from the cocoon?! It had enough black magic to imprison you forever!" Chrysalis spat.

"You underestimated us, Chrysalis." Twilight shot back, trotting to stand beside Cadance. All the onlookers within the room directed curious gazes at the impersonator. "You only made matters worse for yourself by sending my friends and I to the catacombs."

Chrysalis giggled at the intruders determined faces. "You little fools. I should have killed you all right then and there. I guessing you’re all here to stop me now, correct?"

"You bet we are." Spike answered for all.

"Well then, I suppose now would be the perfect time to lose this pathetic disguise." with that said, the impersonator was engulfed within a dark green flame that burned away the flesh she had been wearing for weeks. "What a relief!" Chrysalis sighed once her transformation was complete. “I am so glad I don’t have to be that ugly form anymore.”

The crowd gasped out of panic at this new revelation, scrambling around the elaborately decorated room in a manner similar to ants from a startled colony. As they started knocking over decorations and heading for the nearest exit, Chrysalis watched from the altar, smiling at the chaos she had caused. "As much as I love my lunch scrambled, I want you all to SIT DOWN!" Chrysalis spat, cackling on at there scared expressions as she used her magic to grab the panicked creatures and forced them to sit. "Now where was I?....Oh yes, I was about to address my soon to be subjects."

"Not if I have something to say about it!" Twilight shouted, lighting her horn as she began preparing to fight.

"Rather pointless, don't you think Twilight? You must feel angry and betrayed for how Equestria has treated you, don’t you agree Twilight?" Chrysalis mocked, fluttering her deteriorating wings as she leaped down in front the lavender unicorn.

"Don't listen to her Twily, she's only trying to plant hate within your heart." Cadance warned, stepping between Twilight and the Changeling Queen. "Haven't you done enough?" Cadance barked, glaring at the queen.

Chrysalis chuckled at Cadence's protectiveness over Twilight. "I can see now why you were able to tell I wasn't her, you two have a true bond. But alas, this bond will not stop the fate I have in store for you all, thanks your brother's weakening forcefield!"

"Why are we all looking so glum?! Let's do something to stop her!" Flash Sentry exclaimed, charging at the queen.

Chrysalis rolled her eyes in annoyance. "You again! You can’t learn your lesson, can you?! Very well, let’s see how bold you really are after I incinerate you!" Chrysalis bellowed, igniting her twisted horn and firing at the pegasus.

"NOOO!" Cadance and Twilight cried out in unison, their magic somehow paralyzed by the horrors before their eyes.

Flash Sentry's eyes dilated in anticipation of his doom. However, it was not meant to be. Instead of being reduced to ash, he found himself enveloped in a warm golden aura. Celestia had been witnessing this monstrosity unfold before intervening to prevent the spell from hurting Flash Sentry. The Sun Princess cast a sorry glance at Twilight, as well as entourage. She then turned around, facing Chrysalis, who had the nastiest snarl on her face.

"I should have known it was you." Celestia ventured, standing tall as met the creature's eyes. "It would appear locking you away within the Tartarian Volcano did little to change your heart. I am giving you one chance Chrysalis, leave Equestria while you still can before I am forced to take action." Celestia warned, her stare being colder than the frozen south. All attention was directed at the two powerful beings as the crowd watched in grave anticipation of Chrysalis' response that only began with another sickly chuckle.

Chrysalis bared her sharp fangs at the alicorn in an attempt to intimidate her, but Celestia remain unphased. "I have plotted 300 years for this one moment Celestia! You will not rob me of my throne!" Chrysalis shot back. "The only thing that volcano you trapped me in ever did was cause these blasted holes to form all over my flawless body!"

Rainbow snickered at that remark. "Have you checked in the mirror lately?"

"SILENCE YOU USELESS WENCH!" Chrysalis boomed, agitation written all over her face as she fired a blast of magic at the pegasus, causing her to dodge.

ENOUGH! I WIll NOT STAND IDLY BY AND LET YOU HURT MY SUBJECTS!" Celestia bellowed, using the Royal Canterlot voice. She began charging her horn, sending a powerful blast of golden magic towards Chrysalis, who quickly lept out of the way, readying a spell of her own to counter Celestia's. But Celestia would not allow her any time to recover, quickly taking to the air with a spread of her majestic wings. Celestia then sent another strong wave of magic towards Chrysalis, this one knocking her through a large stone pillar, causing the debris to fall upon her. Immediately, all the creatures that she had charmed to sit still were set free. Celestia smiled to herself, knowing she had won. She boldly left the air, walking towards the debris that Chrysalis had been knocked through, a move that she would regret dearly. "I am sorry things had to be this way Abacus Cinch, there truly is no redemption for you." she sighed.

Chrysalis on the other hoof, sprung from the debris with a newfound rage. "HOW DARE YOU CALL ME THAT NAME!" Chrysalis cracked, firing at Celestia, who met the spell head on with one of her own. "I will not lose to you again! You already took everything from me, you and that idiot sister of mine." Chrysalis exclaimed, gritting her teeth as she tried to overpower Celestia.

"We tried to show you the light, yet you continued your descent into the Black Arts. You were enslaving ponies Chrysalis! You had to be dealt with!" Celestia shot back, forcing her spell towards Chrysalis. "Platinum Cinch was wise enough not to join you! She helped my sister, Starswirl and I unite Unicornia with the Pegasi and Earth Kingdoms to form Equestria."

"You mean she gave up her title as the next in line for the unicornian throne for a blasted duchess title! I would never relinquish my claim to the throne for the likes of you nor your sister, Celestia!" Chrysalis retaliated, standing her ground.

"That is why when she took the title princess, Platinum was immortalized within the minds of her descendants while you remain a distant nightmare, ready to be forgotten!" Celestia replied coldly, using more power to subdue Chrysalis.

"Forgotten?! When I am done with Equestria, I will definitely be remembered!" Chrysalis pressed menacingly.

"Keep dreaming, it will never come to pass! I will do everything within my power to stop you!"

"That is why I studied more dark magic! By the way, Tirek was such a great teacher. I didn't come here to lose again." With that said, Chrysalis' eyes flashed their swamp green color, eliciting a stronger outpoor of magic from her horn, knocking Celestia into an unconscious state. "You may gain power from the sun Celly, but I have altered my special talent from defense magic to stealing love, which I now take my power from. Now sleep well, little princess, your reign has ended." The Changeling Queen cooed softly, using her black magic to surround the princess, sealing the unconscious Celestia within a large cocoon.

Twilight witnessed what was happened, never interfering for fear of getting in the way. After seeing this, she quickly snapped out of her trance and charged at Chrysalis with her friends right behind her. As if on cue, the Sun, Moon and Love guards along with a few of the Equestrian elite charged in as well. The ponies charged at their attacker together, aiming to overwhelm her with their numbers, but Chrysalis wouldn't have this. One by one, she fired at the charging ponies, knocking them back until she was face to face with Twilight Sparkle and her friends.

"Surrender Chrysalis, you're clearly outnumbered!" Twilight spat, her horn ready to erupt.

"You insolent little ponies think you can stop me? I have plotted Celestia's every move ever since I escape my volcanic prison 300 years ago. And you think I'm outnumbered? Just take a look outside Twilight, your brother's spell is weakening!" Chrysalis mocked.

"But how is that even possible?" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. "I thought The captain's magic was there to keep creatures like you out!"

"Indeed. But I was able to weaken his magic slowly by posing as Cadance and secretly casting my spells on his mind, which Twilight here saw." She mocked even more, pressing her hoof on Twilight's cheek, who knocked it off with disgust. "If you look closely, you will notice that he is under my total control. And as such, he is unable to hold the shield together much longer. Within moments, my army will secure Canterlot and soon all of Equestria!"

"Oh no, not my Shining Armor!" Cadance cried, galloping towards the mindless stallion.

"TSK TSK TSK, wouldn't want to go back to the catacombs now, do you?" Chrysalis jeered on, landing between Cadance and Shining Armor, blocking her path. "Now dearest," Chrysalis cooed, turning towards Shining Armor. "Shatter the force field, and let our subjects feast."

Shining Armor in his mindless state complied. "MHMM..." was all he muttered before the shield broke into a million pieces, raining down upon the onlookers below, granting entry to the hungry and waiting changelings. The changelings took notice of the missing barrier and began descending upon the city. They had waited years for this moment and they would make the most of it. Queen Chrysalis flew over to the balcony to watch her minions pour in, leaving Twilight and the group to their own devices.

"Prepare to fight everypony, it's time to defend Equestria!" Twilight declared, all of her friends bracing themselves.

"But how are we even going to stop them?! The last I heard, those beasts can shapeshift!" Prince Blueblood whined. “We’re doomed!”

"Dont worry, I have a plan. Gather round everypony and listen up. Lady Fleur and Prince Blueblood, I need you two to gather as many powerful unicorns as you can and show them this spell." Twilight scribbled, using her magic to pass a scroll to the pair. "This is the only spell that can have any effect on them if the Elements of Harmony fail. Can you handle this task?"

"We can." They agreed, darting off through the crowds of frantic ponies.

"Cadence, I need you, Lord Fancy Pants and Flash Sentry to stay here and try to break her hold on my brother. But don't go anywhere near that cocoon, it's littered with black magic." Twilight announced. "Can you do that for me?"

Cadence embraced the lavender unicorn, nuzzling her cheek. "We’ll do our best Twily, but where are you going?"

"The girls and I are going to retrieve the Elements of Harmony from the western vaults so we can defeat her.” Twilight answered.

"I knew my friends were wrong about you, Twilight Sparkle. Now be careful, all of you and hurry back here before she notices your absence." Fancy Pants voiced, casting a loving gaze at Rarity, who blushed in response.

"We will try." she offered, turning towards her coltfriend. "Don't do anything stupid Flash Sentry, look out for Cadance until my friends and I return." she whispered, embracing the stallion.

"Wait, what about me?! How come I don't get some big and important task to do?" Spike whimpered, pouting.

"Of course Spike, I would never leave you out. I need you to find Princess Luna and alert her of what’s going on. Can you handle this task?" Twilight asked skeptically.

"Find Princess Luna? But I don't even know where she is!"

"She’s somewhere between here and Maretonia, that much I'm aware of. But I'm very confident you can do this Spike. Just follow the path through Canterlot Hills, and you’ll be fine."

"But that's a day's journey on foot! I don't think I can't make it all the way by myself-" Spike pressed.

"Then I’ll go with you Spike." Flash interrupted. "Lord Fancy Pants and Princess Cadance both have magic and are cable of taking care of themselves. They can retaliate if Queen Chrysalis attacks them. Besides, I can fly with the little guy on my back, so we’ll be there in no time.”

Twilight embraced the pegasus and her dragon brother. "Look out for each other boys and please come back to me alive and in one piece." She whispered, nuzzling them both.

"We will, take care everypony." They replied darting through the air as they left the group.”

"It's settled then everypony, let's move out and remember to be careful. Keep your eyes peeled and use code words to prevent illusions." Twilight warned, galloping out of the castle with the girls in tow.

"We're so sorry we didn't listen to you Twi, we bucked up pretty bad." Rainbow Dash offered, flying beside Twilight, who only bit her lips in anger.

"Yeah, we should've listened to you Twi. Can you ever forgive us?" The Farm pony added sympathetically, trying to catch up.

Twilight growled inwardly trying not to lash out. "Let’s just focus at the task at hoof, alright? Don't you dare think for a second that you two are forgiven!" Twilight snarled, galloping ahead. "The only exception is Pinkie, and that’s because she’s clueless!"

"Hey! I'm clueless, not deaf!" Pinkie protested, bouncing ahead.

"But-"

"End of discussion!" Twilight shot at Rainbow Dash.

"Rarity, Flutters, back us up here." Applejack pleaded. “Surely you know we’re sorry about all this!”

"I am sorry darlings, but you two brought this upon yourselves. We cannot be involved. It’s up to Twilight." Rarity replied, trotting daintily.

"Rarity is right, it's up to Twilight. But let's focus on the elements and saving the world first, ok?" Fluttershy queried softly.

"Fine." they grumbled in unison.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

"Aren't you a little too Fancy to be playing the hero?" Chrysalis chuckled at Fancy Pants, who was using all of his strength to hold together a force field to protect himself and his friends from Chrysalis's barrage of spells.

"I may not be as strong as Shining Armor, but I still possess enough magic to hold you off until our friends get here." Fancy Pants glared at her, gritting his teeth. "How is reviving Shining coming along Cadance?! She’s getting stronger and I don’t think I can keep this up for much longer!" He asked, casting a quick glance towards the alicorn.

"Her hold on his mind is strong, but I won't give up.....I won't stop trying!" Cadance answered as a tear escaped her eyes.

"That's the spirit Cadance, now try a bit harder-ARGH!".

"FANCY PANTS!!"

"You thought I was going to just let you revive him and ruin my plan?" Chrysalis snarled, collapsing the forcefield around the three ponies while knocking Fancy Pants into a nearby pillar, sending him to sleep. "Now for you princess. I would so love to send you back into another cocoon, but all of my magic is currently keeping your aunt contained. Turns out, she isn't as weak as I remembered. But don't be fooled, I will kill you if you try anything stupid!" Chrysalis then went on encase her hooves within a blob of green goo to render her motionless. "There, that will keep you from interfering any further."

Cadance glared at her with a face filled with hate. "You won't get away with this, Twilight and her friends will-". Neither got to finish their dialogue as the doors were thrown open as a barrage changelings came storming in with Twilight and her friends captured. The very scene itself caused Cadance to cringe.

Chrysalis cackled mockingly, turning her attention back to Cadance. "You were saying?" She turned from Cadance to her minions, addressing them. "We have finally taken the Capital of Equestria. GO! FEED!" She commanded.

"So this is your master plan?" Rainbow glared at the queen. "Defeat the Princesses and then hold us hostage? Wow, what a plan."

"SILENCE!" Chrysalis bellowed, causing the pegasus to cower from fear. "I don’t owe an explanation to any of you." She spat, stalking towards the group. "But I will give you a mere hint. Take out the brain out and the body crumbles".

Rainbow Dash attempted to talk again, but Applejack stuffed her hoof in her mouth, rendering her silent. "That's enough sugar cube, no need to add fuel to the flames."

"That makes no sense unless....oh no," Twilight whispered in realization. "She attacked the capital first so she could gain access to the other cities without the princesses interfering."

"Mhhhm, quite clever Twilight Sparkle. And did you figure out why you are all still alive?" she asked, smiling crookedly.

The lavender unicorn gulped looking, at her sister-in-law and then to her captor. "To use us as leverage if your plans fail."

"Correct again, Twilight Sparkle. Celestia was right to take you under her wings. After all, I can't have powerful unicorns like you running around. Perhaps you would have posed a real threat to her rule after all." Chrysalis mocked.

"Ignore her Twilight! She's only trying to turn you against those you love!" Cadance intervened from the dais where she was bound.

"Did I ask you to speak?" she shot at the alicorn. "Besides, they brought this upon themselves! Most of her so called friends walked out on her for somepony they barely know."

"Is this true girls?" Cadence asked, shocked that they would neglect their friend.

"We thought you where the Princess!" Rainbow yelled back. "How could we have known you were a fake?! We never even met Princess Cadance before!"

"Yeah!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, dropping her cheery attitude. "You tricked us!"

"I did, didn't I?" she smiled. "And now you will all pay."

Twilight took note of the conversation, trying to figure out a way to escape the situation. 'There must be more to this story, I mean, I’ve read Starswirl's journal a couple of times. I read that he expelled a powerful unicorn ages ago, but I didn't even see anything about Abacus Cinch. In fact, I didn't even know Princess Platinum had a younger sister.' she thought to herself, her brows drawn into a thick frown. 'And why does everypony now think I'm somehow powerful? I mean, I know I'm a flare, but I am pretty sure I won't ever posses that much magic to rival an alicorn....not that I was even considering it.' she exhaled a small sigh, which garnered attention from the others.

'This creature is supposed to be a pony, but somehow she isn't.....could this mean she mastered black magic to an extent that she was able to change her whole appearance? I would be so impressed if she wasn't the enemy, though I feel that there is something else to this story,' Twilight took a deep breath, bracing herself for what would come next. 'I think playing on her nerves will get us some understanding of her.' Twilight concluded, breaking from her thoughts. "Why are you doing this now?! Why are you subjecting these innocent ponies to whatever twisted plan you have in store?!" Twilight threw at the queen.

"Oh, none of you are innocent. You are all descendants of the ponies that hurt me. You specifically Twilight Sparkle, descendant of Starswirl." Chrysalis shot back.

"What did they ever do to you?" Fluttershy whispered from beneath her mane.

"What does that have to do with you? Child, do not pretend to care." Chrysalis glared.

Fluttershy grew bolder after hearing the remark. Deciding to share what she represented with the hostile queen, she stood up, looking at Chrysalis who just cocked her head in curiousity. "Oh, I’m asking because I believe there are two sides to every story. They must have done something to you to be retaliating now." She concluded.

"Or would you rather have Pinkie Pie here entertain you to pass the time?" Rainbow asked, casually getting the drift of where this was going.

Pinkie Pie lit up immediately, an idea popping into her head. "I can sing a song to lighten up the mood, Queen meanie. That way, we can all become the bestest of friends!" Pinkie exclaimed, getting ready to sing.

"One word out of your annoying little mouth and I swear upon Laufaustia herself that it will be your last!" Chrysalis assured, causing Pinkie to giggle nervously.

"You would be making a grave mistake if you hurt her Chrysalis, Pinkie is loved by almost every creature in Equestria. Keeping her alive will make you more powerful than ever." Twilight informed, playing on her conscience. "Cadance, you’re the Princess of Love. Can't you feel the amount of love Pinkie has?" she asked, winking at her.

Cadence played along with the charade. "It's true, you might wanna keep her around for that."

"So what's it gonna be, Yer' Bugginess? Pinkie's annoying songs or you doin' some explaining?" Applejack asked, cautiously eyeing her.

Chrysalis sighed heavily from anger. She knew she couldn't hurt any of these ponies yet, at least not until she had word from her generals that they had secured the neighboring cities. Still, she couldn't bare to listen to this annoying pink mare's music. She thought hard about what to do. Should she reveal her dark past to these eight ponies? Well, technically seven since Fancy Pants was out cold and Celestia already knew everything, almost everything that is. 'Twilight Sparkle may already know some details, perhaps from reading. But knowing Celestia, she probably still has her in the dark, scheming as always Celestia.........'

"Well?" Rarity asked impatiently, speaking for the first time since being captured. "What will your decision be?"

'.........But I can't risk sitting here, listening to that blasted noise and neither can I lie. These ponies aren't as dumb as I thought. Well, here goes nothing.' Chrysalis cleared her throat, fluttering to the dais beside Cadance. "Fine," she stated simply. "But don't get any ideas Sparkle, or Cadance here will pay," she replied sinisterly.

"Wouldn't dream of it, right girls?" she asked, shooting a look at Rainbow and AJ. 'I can't believe I have to work with these two, those traitors. Let's get this over with.'

"Right." they replied in sync, both ponies shivering at the look they received from Twilight.

Twilight's mood lifted from her dark thoughts, somewhat happy that Chrysalis had complied, even though her features did not show it. 'Great, my plan is working. Maybe there is something from her past that can help us with stopping her now.' Twilight thought hopefully. "Now, for the backstory you promised."

"Long story short, I was the youngest daughter of The Unicornian King and Queen, Bullion Cinch and Emerald Beauty. My eldest sister, Platinum Cinch was heir to the throne. That is, until the Regal Sisters came. The High Unicornian Council persuaded my father to unify his kingdom with all the other kingdoms to create one mighty Empire with the Sun and Moon Princesses as our co-empresses......."

"What happened? Did he agree to that?" Twilight asked, interested in the tale.

"Of course he did! Would I be standing here like this today if he did not?" Chrysalis glared. "Stop asking questions or story time is over!"

Twilight smiled sheepishly. "Oh, sorry about that. Please continue."

"Where was I, oh yes.......My father didn't agree immediately, he was after all, signing away his title to ponies he didn't even know. But he did anyway once he realised that the Sisters represented the three tribes. In fact, he hailed them as Goddesses. All the citizens from our domain swore a solemn oath of allegiance to them, even my strong willed sister...." Chrysalis sighed, her villainous demeanour faltering. Seeing her let go of her ego like this caused all of them to feel sorry for her, even for this short period of time.

Twilight shivered at this display of emotion, deciding to let her continue rather than asking her more questions. 'I can easily see that the change of power overturned her future, but it doesn't explain all of this. Maybe if she dives deeper down...' Twilight thought before Chrysalis decided to continue.

"........There were only two ponies within Unicornia that opposed this union. Myself and my then coltfriend....Starswirl." Chrysalis paused her story, eyeing the lavender unicorn. She expected her to launch a barrage of questions.

"Wait, that can't be right...Starswirl was friends with the Princesses. How could he oppose their rule?! Not only that, you two were a thing??!!" Twilight asked, suspicious that Chrysalis was lying.

"This means you had a heart once." Cadance added, finding sympathy for the villain.

"I thought Celestia taught you not to hog the spotlight, but apparently your thirst for knowledge override your lessons." Chrysalis replied simply, sitting on her hunches. "Of course I had a heart, I was a Princess after all!" she glared at alicorn who only returned a blank stare in response. "Anyways....Starswirl didn’t oppose the Princesses at first because he didn't meet them, but once he did, they befriended him just like my sister. They even went as far as to name him chief adviser once they realized his magical talent....which meant he was to relocate to Everfree Castle, where the sisters ruled from."

The mares gasped at the tale Chrysalis wove, their hearts saddened by her recollection. Rarity was not a fan of history, but she was a true fan of drama and courtly intrigues. What her ears were feeding her now was unbelievable, leading her to break her silence. "I simply cannot believe that your romance with Starswirl ended because of this! No wonder you became evil. I can totally relate." Rarity huffed, fluffing her curly mane.

"Um Rarity, I know you're trying to help, but that's not good advice." Rainbow glared, wondering what got into Rarity.

"Yeah Rarity, that's only telling her that she's doing' good." AJ added, shaking her head in disbelief.

"She is a MARE! For Celestia's sake, she had her feelings hurt by the stallion she loved. Even though I would not go down this disturbingly painful path, I can relate!" Rarity huffed in response, sitting on her hunches and crossing her front hooves.

"As much as I hate to admit this, I can also relate," Twilight began. "It kinda feels the same as being abandoned by the ponies I once held dearly." She finished, casting a sorrowful look at the earth pony and pegasus. "Please continue," she uttered to the queen.

Chrysalis gave a shallow smile at the rising tension. "You ponies are something else......anyways, Starswirl and I didn't part ways when he left. In fact, just like everyone else, we accepted the new monarchs, and as such, I visited him whenever I had the chance and he did the same. Our love blossomed more and more and it didn't come to me as a surprise when he proposed."

"Ok wait, are you sure you’re telling the correct story? Because there aren't any connections to the present," Cadance interrupted, confused at the direction this was headed.

Chrysalis growled in agitation from being interrupted so often. "I was getting to that! Now would you shut up and let me finish?!"

"Ok, but I don't see the relevance," Cadance replied.

"Whatever. Where was I? Oh yes......being the adviser to the princesses, Starswirl was often busy with his duties. It was down to me to get all the things ready for the wedding. I hadn't seen him for about a month, so I decided to pay him a surprise visit. I thought he was so consumed by his work that he didn't have time for my letters. But when I went to visit, I found him with another mare in his chambers." Chrysalis shuddered at the memory.

"Oh no!" Rarity exclaimed. "What did you do?!"

"Yeah, what did you do?" Cadance joined in, finally caught in the story.

"Did you confront him?" Fluttershy asked as well.

"I returned home and called off the wedding. The pain was unbearable. I gradually receded from my father's court, spending more time by myself. He returned on numerous occasions, in pursuit of an audience with me, but I declined each and everytime. Every time I thought of him, the image of that green-maned mare came into view. I would never forgive him, neither would I ever love again." She finished, a small tear rolling down her black cheek. She tried to hide her face quickly enough to dispose of the substance, but Twilight could tell she was suffering from that memory.

'So she does have a heart after all,' Twilight thought. 'She lost the stallion she loved to another mare and this could easily be blamed on the sisters. But why though would Starswirl do such a thing? She loved him, so I would assume that he returned her feelings. All this information is only leading to more questions.' She concluded, sighing out loud while garnering worried eyes from her friends and sister in-law. "I can't believe he would cheat on you with another mare." Twilight muttered, more to herself than to anyone else.

"I am wondering the same thing Twilight," Rarity added, softly casting a saddened look at Chrysalis, who only turned her back to hide her pained features. "I am terribly sorry that you faced all of that."

"As am I." Cadance voiced as well. "As the Princess of Love, it is my duty to provide solace to the broken hearted. I believe the path you trek was created because of your broken heart." She sympathized further.

"I don't need your sympathy." Chrysalis shot at the mares. "It gives me great joy in revealing the past that Celestia hid."

"Well, what happened next?" Rainbow Dash asked, pretending to be uninterested.

"Yeah, I feel like we're getting to the dark and twisted parts." Applejack added.

"Ooooooo! I better get more popcorn!" Pinkie declared, stuffing her face with the butter filled food.

"How did you-? Nevermind, I don't care." Chrysalis replied, ignoring Pinkie Pie. "Anyways, you were right farm pony, my story does get darker from here on....."

All except Twilight gulped for the horrors that they would hear about. However, Twilight saw this as a chance to dive deeper Chrysalis' memories. 'That's it Chrysalis, go on.....'.

"........Even though I decided I would never love again, I gradually began to recover, and with due time, I returned to court. My mother, Emerald Beauty, was always supportive of whatever decisions I made in my life and thus, she became my rock and my bestfriend. I believe she was the only other pony I trusted. Anyways, the following year, my sister married into the Royal House of Blueblood, a powerful unicorn family from Trottingham that once ruled vast territories. This family kept the prince and princess titles after negotiating with the princesses, downgrading from their imperialistic titles. So in conclusion, my sister became Princess Platinum Cinch Blueblood upon marrying the heir known as Prince Amadeus Blueblood."

"That must have stung, to have your sister become a princess while you would forever remain a duchess," Rarity stated, drawing a soft sigh from Chrysalis.

"It did, and to make matters more unbearable, my parents died a few months after my sister married and moved away. They were visiting my sister in Trottingham when their carriage overturned and crushed them both, along with their entourage. I was devastated by the accident, I missed my mother so much. I had nopony to lean on and I was alone now. I mourned their deaths alone with my people, as my sister was with foal and couldn't travel." Chrysalis sighed to herself again before continuing her tale. "But as the season passed, I recovered again...but just barely. I assumed the title of ArchDuchess Abacus Cinch the First, as I was the only unmarried child, so I inherited it all. Though my small victory was short lived, as the Sun Princess herself decreed that my duchy be renamed Maretonia. I was appalled and rebuked her decree, vowing to retaliate if her royal decree was passed. But, her degree became law anyway. It was within that moment that I realised that she and her sister were the reason of all my losses and it was then that I found a new flame, hate. I vowed to destroy everything she worked to create, I would have my revenge. This was when war broke out, and this land would change forever." she ended.

"But why would my aunt do something like that?" Cadance asked in disbelief. "As much as your story sounds convincing, I refuse to believe this. You're lying!".

"I can't either, it's like she took so much yet she continued to seek more." Twilight stated, puzzled by the new information.

"This is so sad. I can't help but cry." Fluttershy added, tearing up.

"I cannot believe Princess Celestia would do such a thing!" Rarity huffed, wiping her eyes.

"But what happened next?" Rainbow asked, absorbed into the story.

"Celestia and I met on the battlefield. Of course, being the young princess she was, she was no match for me. I led my army through Everfree, crushing everything within my path. Celestia was the first to fall at my hooves, but her sister was a much better opponent until I got bored......"

Twilight listened attentively before objecting due to confusion. "But how?....They’re both alicorns and you were a unicorn!"

"......my special talent was defense magic and those two were mere fillies at the time. My army advanced and took Everfree castle with ease, imprisoning the princesses and everything. But then a new obstacle appeared, Starswirl. I let my anger control me during my fight with him and as such, I suffered an embarrassing defeat, which nearly led to my execution."

"You escaped?" Twilight asked surprised.

"Indeed. I fled Equestria and to distant lands after my defeat. I was on a quest for strength and more power. I trained with numerous creatures. From zebras to centaurs, I kept getting stronger and stronger until I felt ready."

"Ready for what?" Twilight asked.

"Ready to conquer Equestria of course! But most notably to destroy Starswirl and Celestia," Chrysalis smiled in memory of her glory days. "But when I return to Unicornia, or the now Maretonia after 18 years, none of my subjects wanted to stand with me against the princesses. So, in a fit of rage, I enslaved them to do my bidding. This didn't go unnoticed though, as during my absence, my sister absorbed everything that I had left. Platinum came to Maretonia upon hearing that I returned and found out what I did, which led her to alert Celestia."

"I bet the Princess didn't take that well, did she?" Twilight asked, amused.

Chrysalis chuckled at the memory before continuing. "No, she didn't and before the dawn of the next day, I could hear the war drums on the horizon. Equestria attacked but I was relentless this time. I gave everything I had, fighting with the shadows by my side. I even had the grand opportunity of meeting my old lover on the battlefield again, and what an event it was. Our aura danced to a deadly tune I must admit. However, that Starswirl became very powerful, more powerful than any unicorn I had ever seen. But I was still stronger and at one point, I had him down before his first born son, Southern Lights interfered."

"Starswirl had a son??!" Twilight asked, beaming with questions.

"Yes, he apparently did, and with that mare he cheated on me with. When I realized that he was his son, I cracked with rage. I sucked all the love from his heart, killing on the spot, right in front of his father."

Cadance cringed when she heard that part of the story. "But he was innocent, he had nothing to do with his parents' sins. Why did you kill him?"

"I have to agree with Princess Cadance....He was innocent." Rarity added.

"I wanted Starswirl to have his heart ripped out the same way mine was when he hurt me!" Chrysalis stated, glancing at the alicorn. "Anyways, by doing that, I only gave Starswirl more fuel. Of course, he couldn't match my power, so he combined his magic with Celestia's in hopes of destroying me. The only effect it had was twisting my body into ugly proportions. But they tried again, this time banishing me from Equestria, half dead from the battle."

"WOW! That was epic!" Rainbow exclaimed, startling everyone. "I can't believe you failed that much!"

"Yeah, the odds are always against yah," Applejack added, shaking her head in disbelief.

"But there’s more to this story, isn't it?" Twilight asked, staring at Chrysalis.

"Right you are Twilight, my banishment from Equestria was the death of Abacus Cinch and the birth of Queen Chrysalis," Chrysalis stated flatly, grinning at the group. "There, I was laying on the ground in the middle of the Forbidden Forest, deep within the Badlands. As I was waiting for death, a soft voice came to me."

"Who was that?" Twilight blurted, confused. "And what is the Badlands and Forbidden Forest?"

"Valdes Cordes, the Dark Lord of Shadows. He promised to create me a stronger vessel and more powerful magic to do my bidding, if I sold him my soul. I agreed immediately, I was dying after all. I was the transported to a swamp beneath large olden witch tree, where I was submerged for 80 days and nights. During my time in the swamp, my dark lord captured millions of insects and submerged them as well, as they would hold part of my DNA and become my minions." Chrysalis paused, looking at the ponies around her, their expressions paled. "Finally on day 81, I emerged reborn, strong, bold and beautiful in my own right. I was now known as Chrysalis, Queen of the Changelings. Abacus Cinch was no more. With the guidance of my master and companions, I have seen Empires fall, while mine flourished. The only one that now stood in my way was this one. And I will stop at nothing to have my revenge.”

Twilight only stared at the creature. She couldn't decide whether she was supposed to feel sorry for her or feel angry at her. She did after all, go through a harsh and unrelenting life, and now she was associated with some dark entity. "Chrysalis, I don't know where to begin....that was horrific....I’m sorry."

"I believe we all are." Cadance added as well. "I can't believe you went through all those ordeals...and to think that my aunts helped in causing this is heartbreaking. But you no longer have to carry out your revenge, Equestria isn't like it was before. It's changed for the better. Seek forgiveness now and let's end this war." Cadance pleaded.

"Cadance is right. I don't agree with what Celestia did to you, but you are going to hurt innocent ponies who have nothing to do with this," Twilight urged her. "The relationships that I had with Rainbow Dash and AJ as well as my brother and the princess will never be the same, but I would never wish them harm the way you’re thinking."

"That is because my life was far worse than yours," Chrysalis spat, "I had loss after loss, the princesses only took and took from me. Celestia and Luna-...."

"I had nothing to do with my sister's actions, they were her decisions and her sins alone," The Princess of the Night defended, entering the previously sealed room using her magic. "I have listened to your story and I must say I am shaken by your misfortunes. While I sympathize with you as a mare, I must urge you to discontinue your actions as a leader." Luna finished, looking up at Chrysalis in anticipation.

"Princess Luna?! You mean you were here all along?!" Twilight gasped, embracing her friend.

"I was here long enough to hear the story and I was not alone. Flash Sentry and young Spike caught up with me just in time and your parents are here as well...." She replied, releasing the embrace and motioning the others to walk in.

"But how is this possible?" Chrysalis sputtered. "My changelings should have caught and imprisoned you! How are you free?!"

"Night Light and Twilight Velvet were just a few of the ponies who realized something was off with Cadance. Thus, they accompanied me on my mission. We thwarted your hold on Maretonia and the Equestria forces are doing the same in every other city. You have lost again Chrysalis. Seek redemption and end this endless cycle of violence!" Luna concluded.

"I will never seek redemption from Equestria! My Lord has already given me that!" Chrysalis stated dryly.

"Don't be a fool Chrysalis, whoever that entity is who bought your soul and is using you for whatever sick desire he has!" Twilight begged her.

"Then so be it!" Chrysalis bellowed, launching herself at the moon princess, who bucked her in retaliation, causing her to be sent flying across the room. "CHANGELINGS! HERE THE CRY OF YOUR QUEEN, COME BACK TO HER AID!" Chrysalis bellowed, sending a distress call to the changelings. Within seconds, hundreds of changelings came crashing into the castle, surrounding their queen. "I haven't lost yet LUNA!"

Twilight jumped into action, quickly barking orders to her friends and family. "Mom, Dad, free Cadance from the green ooze she’s trapped in so she can use her love spell on Shining Armor to bring him back!"

"Got it!" They replied, darting off.

"Flash, girls, assist my parents in protecting Cadance while she revives my brother."

"Got it!" They replied in unison, attacking the changelings.

"Way to take charge Twilight Sparkle, you are proving to be a great leader." Luna praised.

Twilight blushed, glaring at her friend. "Not now Luna. You and I must combine our magic to hold Chrysalis off until Cadance and my brother do their love spell." Twilight muttered, flaring her horn, which Luna did as well. Together, they channelled their magic to hold off the queen.

"You can't keep me back forever Twilight Sparkle!" Chrysalis cracked. "I will destroy Equestria!"

"Maybe sometime in the distant future, but not while I stand!"

"You still have a chance Chrysalis!" Luna reasoned as she helped Twilight fend her off. "I know what pain feels like, I too once fell into darkness just like you, but I was redeemed. You can do the same."

"Never!" Chrysalis replied simply, watching as Cadance and Shining Armor performed their spell. "You may have beat me now, but at least I have sown my seed. My Master will come for Equestria, once the six seals have been broken!" Chrysalis cackled. “Your end is near ponies!”

"What are you even talking about?" Twilight exclaimed, but Chrysalis only laughed as the wave of love expelled her from Equestria once more.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Equestria had once again evaded another disaster. However, unlike past disasters, this one could have been prevented if they had only listened to a certain lavender unicorn. Insults, tension and all sorts of raw emotions were now being hurled across the throne room, which they had all retired to after freeing the Sun Princess. Among the ponies present where the royal sisters, Cadance, Shining Armor, the mane six, along with Spike and Flash Sentry. The current situation had left the group divided.

"Please calm down Twilight Sparkle." Celestia tried to reason with her student, trying to comfort her by placing a hoof on her shoulder, which the lavender unicorn brushed off angrily. This display shocked Celestia, causing her to recoil in surprise. "Twilight.....I can assure you they meant no harm, neither did I."

"Yet they turned their backs on me when I needed them most," Twilight glared, sizing up her mentor. "To think some of my best friends did so for a pony they barely knew is utterly amusing, WOW!"

Rainbow exclaimed from frustration, tired of the way her friend was behaving towards her. "For the hundredth time Twilight, we get it! WE MESSED UP!" She exclaimed, hovering beside the unicorn. "How many times do we have to apologize?!"

"I wasn’t talking to you," Twilight stated coldly. "I was only communicating with the both of you because of the crisis we were in. Now that it has passed, our line of communication is severed. Get this through your thick skull Rainbow Dash, our friendship is over."

"Now wait just a darn tootin second, sugarcube," Applejack began softly. "Don't you think you're taking this too far?"

"Don't let me even start with you Applejack, the element of honesty." Twilight whirled around, glaring daggers at the farm pony. "The only honest thing about you is that you are the worst friend ever." She spat, continuing a barrage of insults that caused Applejack to cower from the rage building up in her eyes.

"Enough Twily, just stop already....please," Shining Armor begged. "I hate seeing you like this and you’re scaring your friends." He continued, extending a hoof to bring her into a comforting embrace.

"DON'T. TOUCH. ME." She retaliated to the touch, slapping his hoof away as hard as she could, causing him to wince from the sudden impact. "Twilight....I'm sorry.....please listen."

"Twilight," Luna whispered. "Do not be like this, they have made a mistake and I have every bit of confidence that you can work through this together as friends".

"That's just it Luna, I’m done. In fact, I relinquish my title as the wielder of magic." Twilight announced, glaring at her teacher asher announcement caused everyone to gasp. "Oh and to you Princess Celestia? I excuse myself from your teachings."

"Twilight, this isn't just about what happened to you is it?" Cadance asked softly, breaking her silence for the first time since the meeting.

"You’re right Cadance. It isn't and she knows it too," Twilight stated calmly, pointing at Celestia, who had a sorrowful expression upon her face.

"Twilight please, I understand that your vision is clouded by anger but allowing the anger to take over is not the way. Neither is abandoning your studies," Celestia replied to the accusation. "I am not proud of how I handled that ruling in the past but now is not the time for the past."

"There you go again princess. Brushing everything under the rug and putting on that sweet smile of yours again," Twilight sighed dryly, shaking her in agitation. "I’m done, let's go everypony." With that, Twilight's horn was enveloped in her familiar aura, preparing to teleport her and her friends from the palace. Celestia realized the spell and quickly nullified it with one of her own, redirecting the group into another room.

"I am sorry Twilight but this is for the best," Celestia muttered as her eyes swelled with tears.

***†***†***†

"Are you sure this will calm her sister?" Luna asked, strolling slowly beside Celestia. "I know you hope it does not anger her any further, but sealing her away is...not enough and you know it."

"I had no choice but to do so, Twilight was planning to teleport far away from here. Celestia replied shallowly. "We cannot lose her, not when He may return. You overheard what Chrysalis said, this is a serious problem."

"I am sure that was just the cry of a losing villain, but I suppose we cannot take any chances," Luna replied,shaking her head. "Cadance is shaken by this whole event, I cannot believe she has not said a single word after Twilight tried to leave."

"Neither can I. Twilight doesn't trust me anymore, I can feel it." Celestia sighed, another tear dropping down her face. "I can only hope that I can gain her trust again."

"Twilight is a good mare, she will come around-......Oh no," Luna gasped, her eyes dilated upon seeing the door to the room which Twilight and her few friends were banished to was now slightly ajar.

"What is it sister?" Celestia asked confused, scanning the area her sister was staring at before realizing what had happened. "But how did she?" she gasped before darting off into the room, only to find it vacant with the exception of Rarity. The fashionista sat in the middle of the room with a note grasped tightly within her aura. "Where is she?!" Celestia sputtered, but Rarity remained silent and placed the letter at Celestia's hoof. "What is this?" she asked, fearful of its contents before scanning the page.

Dearest Reader,
If Celestia is the one reading this, then I have left successfully, thank Laufaustia. I was serious about what I said earlier, I am tired of the lies and being in the dark. Thus, I have left Equestria in pursuit of the lands beyond. Along with me are a few of the closest ponies and dragon in my life; Fluttershy, Spike and Flash Sentry along with Angel Bunny. It pains my heart to leave in such a manner, but my parents agreed with my decision and that is all the confirmation I needed. If there is a soul still within those scheming eyes Celestia, then I ask this if you: tell Cadance that I love her and will see her soon and Luna knows how to get to me, ‘If she asks nicely.’ And finally to you my former teacher, I wish you all the best with finding another student to do your blind, lie-filled bidding. To the friends I lost, I wish you the best of luck even though I will never forgive them. And to my dearest friend Rarity, who stayed behind to be with the stallion who has her heart, I wish you luck and love. Goodbye Equestria

"What does it say sister? And why are you crying.....Is something wrong with Twilight Sparkle?" Luna asked worried, staring at her sister.

"She’s gone," The sun princess whimpered, breaking down into uncontrollable sobs. "She’s gone sister and it is all my fault. She and the rest of her friends are gone!" Celestia continued her sobs, sitting on her hunches and passed the letter to Luna. She quickly read the note before starting to bark orders to the guards.

"Guards! Find Captain Armor and alert him that Twilight Sparkle is missing and to spread out over Equestria. WE MUST FIND HER!" Luna shouted, putting down the letter. "We cannot let her go.....she is my friend, Equestria needs her, I need her." She whispered as her own eyes swelled with tears as she embraced her sister. "But sister, how could she escape if you secured the room with magic?"

"That puzzles me even more sister. I cannot even comprehend how she did it." Celestia replied through her sobs.

Rarity watched them with her jaw dropped, the reactions of the powerful beings that held domain over the sky was simply unrealistic. Rarity continued to stare before muttering the three words that would shake Equestria forever. “She has ascended.”