Whatever I was expecting from the Pie home, Xvital reflected, this was clearly not it.

For some reason, possibly based on what Vix-Lei had described after getting her Element, she’d figured that Pinkie lived in a massive gingerbread house covered in frosting and candy. Instead, the home was a two-story building which appeared to be very much like the other houses around it. The inside was also very ordinary. There were some distinctly homely touches though, and Pinkie was babbling on about them at a mile a minute.

“And that’s my oldest sister Limestone, who’s off at college now and wants to run her own mining company some day,” Pinkie said as she pointed to one picture. “This one’s my Mom and Dad - they’re off visiting our cousins in Rockville this week, and they took my little twin sister Marble with them, ‘cause she likes the quiet out there. And that’s me and Maud, my second-oldest-sister who’s getting her degree in rock science! She’s so lucky her college is close enough to home that she can just drive there from here every day...”

Xvital stifled a snicker. She and the others had met Maud Pie when they first arrived at the house, and she could still remember Vix-Lei’s reaction...

”Well, here we are,” Xvital said as she studied the house. As she reached out to knock on the door, it unexpectedly opened, revealing a stone-faced older girl, who looked to be as calm and collected as Pinkie was cheery and excitable.

“Come on in,” she said in a dull monotone voice. “Pinkie is upstairs, and she has Applejack with her. The others should be here soon.”

“Um, okay.” The group followed her in, and glanced around. “Nice place,” Xvital commented.

“It suits our needs,” Maud replied in the same deadpan tone. “All seven of us.”

“Seven?” Page glanced around. “Wow… I didn’t know Pinkie had so many siblings.”

“She only has three,” Maud replied. “Plus our parents.”

“So who’s the seventh?” Vix-Lei asked, curious.

Reaching into her pocket, Maud pulled out a small pebble. “This is the seventh,” she said. “His name is Boulder. He’s been my companion for years.” Returning the pebble to her pocket, she headed for the stairs. “I’ll tell Pinkie you’re here.”

When Maud had disappeared, the group exchanged glances. “So,” Vix-Lei finally said. “Remember when I said we'd have to keep an eye out for any of Pinkie's relatives, because they'd probably be a real hoot?"

"Yes," Xvital replied.

Vix-Lei grinned. "I was right."

Shaking her head and sighing, Xvital couldn’t help but smile. Something told her this was definitely going to be a night to remember.

Still they were lucky that they had a place to sleep for the night and the next few days and the ability to clean themselves up. It had been several days since she had last washed up and she had to stink something fierce. So after taking a towel and borrowing some of Maud’s clothes to wear to bed, she had taken a nice long shower, followed by Page and then getting an earful of Vix-Lei singing loudly off key. Then the guys had taken their showers and caused more than one laugh fest at the sight of them dressed up in Igneous Rock Pie’s formal bedware, with only Night come the closest to being the proper size and it was still big on the guy.

“So,” Xvital said as she squatted down near the rest of the crew and girls, sitting on an airbed that Pinkie Pie had seemingly pulled out of her hair. “Believe it or not, I have never attended one of these sleepover thingies, so what’s the plan?”

Pinkie glanced around. “Business first,” she said in an unusually serious tone. Then she grinned. “Then we’re going to have all kinds of fun! S’mores, and scary stories, and pillow fights and mmph!”

“So, how are we going to do this?” Rainbow Dash asked, managing to stop Pinkie Pie for a moment.

Page considered. “I think, considering what happened when you grabbed Night’s arm the last time, we should all be laying down next to one another, then hold hands. That should do it.”

“Right.” Sighing, Rainbow Dash squirmed off to Night Blade’s side, making sure there was plenty of distance between them, but still close enough that she could reach him. The others followed suit. When they were settled, Rainbow Dash looked up. “Okay, here goes nothing…”

Then, taking a deep breath, each of the girls reached out and clasped hands with their partner, closing their eyes.

Watching them, Xvital glanced over at Maud. “Well, since they’re all off in the other world, guess that leaves just you and me.” She looked around for a moment. “So, what’s up?”

“The ceiling,” Maud deadpanned.

“Rrright.” Xvital then decided to act on an impulse and touched Maud’s shoulder, only to get a blank look. “Hey, worth a shot.”

“Believe me, if I had pony magic like my sister’s counterpart, it would involve rocks.” Maud gave her a deadpan gaze. “All the rocks. Speaking of; I will order the pizza.”

“Works for me.” Xvital suddenly did a double-take. “Wait, how did you…”

“Pinkie tells me everything,” Maud said. “We’re very close.”

“Gotcha.”

Wind Breaker opened his eyes to see that he was back on the farm that Apple-

“Gosh, this is like the farm back home,” Applejack said from behind him, causing him to turn slightly before remembering the big issue about clothing and kept himself facing forwards to be polite. “Darnit, Ah am all bare… but Ah still got mah hat on.” Wind Breaker snickered at that, with Applejack laughing too. “Ya’ll said that I just need to wait for mah pony self to make that place ah’d be decen… wow.”

“Wow what?” Wind Breaker asked, shuffling on the spot with his wings pressing into his side.

“Ya’ll said you’re a griffon but Ah thought they were bigger.”

“I’m from a more compact breed of griffons, okay?”

“Hey,Ah didn’t mean nothing by it, sugarcube,” Applejack said as she walked up to him and patted his neck, causing him to let out some small sound. “Ah was just saying it as Ah saw it-did you just coo like a bird?”

“...no?”

Wind Breaker took in a sharp breath of air as he felt her hands on his neck again, scratching in all the right spots, with more coos escaping his mouth and he even found himself falling to the ground and rolling onto his back as he began to purr now, legs tucked in as his tail swished around.

“Lands sake’s Wind Breaker, you’is a big kitty, aren’t ya?” Applejack’s laughter caused him to snap out of his bliss-like state and his face beet red as he saw it was the pony Applejack.

Shuffling back onto his paws and talons, Wind Breaker grumbled loudly with his face reddening ever harder, “This never happened, okay?”

“Well you know me, sugarcube, Ah won’t say nothin’ but Ah can’t keep a secret if somepony ask me,” the pony her said snickering with the human girl leaning on his side. “Hiya Applejack,” the pony tipped her hat at the human version of her.

“Hiya yourself,” she said, her fingers running across his side. “Nice hat.”

“You too,” the orange Earth Pony replied. “Ya’ll give me a second and Ah’ll get you all proper like.”

“Much obliged,” the human Applejack said, tracing her finger over his sides and making Wind Breaker think of other thoughts that would have him stuck squatting low. “So what’s this about me being a backup Element?”

“Erm.” Wind Breaker looked at the pony version. “You’d know better; Night Blade just said the Equestrian version of Rainbow Dash called her counterpart a backup Element and that she promised to explain when we were all here. I have no idea what it means.”

“Well shucks.” Pony Applejack sat back. “First, let’s get some clothes on you,” she said to her counterpart. “We can make things look different around here with just a thought,” she said. “So ifn’ ya think of your normal clothes - nothing super fancy, just the basics - it’ll appear.”

Human Applejack thought for a minute. “Like this?”

In an instant she had her usual outfit back on, and Pony Applejack beamed. “That’s it exactly,” she said in an admiring tone. “Now that’s done, let’s go see the res-”

BOOM

“GAAAAAAAH!”

Applejack, Applejack and Wind Breaker turned their head to see a blur of light that slowed to reveal a rainbow-maned pegasus who, Wind Breaker mused, must have been the Equestrian Rainbow Dash, with the human Rainbow Dash on her back and dragging Night Blade behind them. “That was not necessary!” Night Blade practically shrieked. “I thought Vix-Lei’s driving was bad, but you, young lady, take the cake!” He paused. “And I cannot believe I just said that to to the mare I have looked up to and admired my whole life!”

“Heh,” Pony Rainbow Dash chuckled. “What can I say, speed’s my thing. ‘S how I got my Cutie Mark, after all.”

“If you got it for going at speeds like that, no wonder you’re so awesome,” the human Rainbow Dash grinned. “By the way, what’s a Cutie Mark?”

“We’ll explain when we’re all together,” the Equestrian Applejack said, cutting off whatever the pony Rainbow Dash was about to say. “Now, where are the others…”

Page opened her eyes, and saw, to her relief, that she was in her unicorn form instead of her birth one.

Then, behind her, she heard a small eep. Freezing for a moment, she slowly turned around to see… a fully dressed Fluttershy, who must have somehow figured out the trick that Night Blade had told the rest of the Equestrian natives about on her own.

Right now, a tiny squeak was emanating from the girl, and getting slightly louder by the moment. Then, a full-blown squee of delight burst forth, and the girl swept Page up into an incredibly tight cuddle.

“Ohmygoodnessohmygoodnessohmygoodness!” Fluttershy cried out as she hugged Page close. “You’re so absolutely adorable! And so pretty! And-”

“And… needing to breathe,” Page gasped.

Fluttershy suddenly let go and backed off. “OhmygoodnessohmygoodnessohmyIamsosorry!” she exclaimed. “You’re not hurt, are you? I didn’t mean-”

“Fluttershy.” Page held up a hoof. “I am fine.” She sighed as she caught her breath. “And I’m sorry if I upset you there.”

“It’s… it’s okay,” Fluttershy whimpered. “I… I can’t believe I did that to a teacher!”

Page smiled. “No harm done,” she reassured the girl. “And this stays between us, I promise.” Then she looked around. “By the way, what do you think of this place?”

Fluttershy looked around to see the same charming little cottage Page had been in twice before. “Oh my! It’s lovely!”

“Thank you,” said another shy-sounding voice. “I try to make it as homey and welcoming as possible.”

Two sets of eyes widened as a butter-yellow pegasus with a soft pink mane and tail carefully entered the room. “Would you like some tea?” she asked softly.

“That would be wonderful,” Page said with a smile. Guiding her human companion over with her as she settled down onto the couch, she happily accepted a cup from the pony Fluttershy who was now across from them. “And it’s nice to talk to you in person at last,” she said.

“Oh, I know.” The butter-yellow pegasus smiled. “Now that I’ve had time to get used to you, I’m glad to be able to talk to you too.” Her eyes flickered to the human Fluttershy. “And you too,” she added. “How’s your little Angel?”

“He’s just fine,” the teenage girl said with a smile. “And I think he really likes Page. He doesn’t usually act so well-behaved around strangers…”

“My Angel was the same way,” Pony Fluttershy answered. “But when he lost me… it really affected him.” She smiled sadly.

Page stared at her. “You mean… the legends were true?” she whispered. “You really did have a de-er, bunny named Angel?”

“You can say demon,” the pony Fluttershy said quietly. “I’ve had a long time to get used to what ponies were saying about me and him.” She smiled sadly. “But Angel was never a true demon. He was a normal bunny who just had a bad temper most of the time.”

“Oh.” Page breathed a sigh of relief. “I’m sorry,” she apologized. “After everything we’ve been through, I should have known that wasn’t right. But old habits die hard, I guess.”

“I understand.” Pony Fluttershy smiled sadly. “I still have a hard time getting used to new ponies… but I’m still so glad to get to know both of you,” she said as she looked at the two.

Page sat there quietly, sipping her tea. Then, she remembered something. “Oh - when we were in the forest,” she said. “We found your old cottage. I hope you don’t mind us using it for a little while.”

“Not at all,” Pony Fluttershy said. “I’m amazed it’s still there after a thousand years, even with the protection spells that our families had put on it.”

“That would explain a lot,” Page said thoughtfully. “And - do you still have family in Equestria?” she asked hopefully.

“Yes, actually,” Pony Fluttershy replied. “After what happened to me, Zephyr really cleaned up his act and took responsibility for himself…”

“Zephyr Breeze?” Human Fluttershy’s eyes widened. “My little brother? He’s…”

“He was so lazy,” Pony Fluttershy sighed. “But when he lost me… oh, I wish I could have been there to help him become a better pony.” She smiled sadly. “He took in Angel and all the rest of my critters after what happened, and even if he couldn’t understand them the way I did, it really helped him learn more about himself.”

“That’s good.” Human Fluttershy rested a hand on her counterpart’s shoulder. “I wish my Zephyr would learn to stick with one thing…”

“He’ll get it in time,” Pony Fluttershy said reassuringly. “He’s a lot younger than my Zephyr was; he has a lot more living to do.”

Human Fluttershy just smiled, and Page felt her heart warm at the sight.

Looking around the streets of the town, Vix-Lei let out a long, low whistle. “You know, this place still looks amazing,” she said as she turned to the tall, gingerbread-looking building she was in front of.

“Yeah!” Pinkie exclaimed as she stood next to the minotaur. “I wish our Sweet Shoppe was as totally awesome-looking as this Sweet Shoppe!”

“Actually, it’s called Sugarcube Corner here,” said a voice next to her. Vix-Lei looked down to see a familiar pink poofy pony. “But I know what you mean.”

“Pinkie!” the human Pinkie exclaimed, and promptly leaned down to hug her counterpart, who hugged her back.

“So, how’s the family doing?” Pony Pinkie asked. “How’s Maud doing at her Rocktorate?”

“Oh, they’re just great, and she’s doing a great job! Is your Marble still just the cutest, shyest little thing ever?”

“Absotively posilutely! Is your Limestone still a grumpy-grump that you love anyway ‘cause she’s family and you know she doesn’t really mean it when she’s grumpy at you?”

“Don’cha know it!” The two Pinkies burst out laughing, and Vix-Lei smiled at the sight.

“So! Come on in, and I’ll get you a snack!” Pony Pinkie pronked into the building, and Vix-Lei followed her, a big grin on her face. “This way, please!”

Inside, the human Pinkie gasped in delight. “This is amazing,” she breathed. “And you get to spend all of Eternity here?”

“I get to spend it wherever I want,” Pony Pinkie explained. “But this… this is my second home, outside of the family farm in Rockville. It’s where I lived, where I worked…” she grinned. “Where I do all my best baking! Cupcake?”

Human Pinkie happily accepted one, swallowing it whole, then grinned. “Mm… spicy!”

Then she proceeded to breathe fire all over Vix-Lei.

When the minotaur finally blinked, she gave the pony Pinkie a look. “Okay, what was in that cupcake?”

“My favorite red Tabasco Sauce filling,” Pony Pinkie replied.

“Sounds like you and Page would get along just fine then,” Vix-Lei replied with a grin.

Both Pinkies giggled in response, and Vix-Lei smiled. “So, what now?”

“Well, we could sit and eat cupcakes…” Pony Pinkie held one up. “Or, we could go over to meet with the others!”

“How about we take a tray over?”

“Works for me!”

“Really?” Rex looked at the human Rarity with interest. “You work in a shop like this one?”

“Oh, absolutely!” Rarity beamed as she looked up to study the Carousel Boutique that Rex had visited once before. “It’s not quite the same on the outside, and of course I’m not the owner… not yet, at any rate. But the name is the same, and we do produce the most charming outfits for our customers!”

“I can imagine,” Rex replied as he studied her outfit. Rarity had forgone her normal clothing upon arriving in this place in favor of a beautiful crystal-blue outfit with tall white boots, which had large diamonds near the top. “I believe you and your counterpart will get along quite splendidly.”

“Oh, I do hope so,” Rarity replied. “And I must say, you are quite the handsome fellow yourself like this! Ah… if only we could stay in one world together…”

“I appreciate the compliment, Miss Belle,” Rex replied with a smile. “Sadly, I believe that between the world differences and the age differences, it would never work out between us.”

“Too true,” Rarity replied. “Shall we go in though?”

Rex nodded, and held the door for her as she entered. Inside, they found the same lovely white unicorn he had met on his last visit.

“Oh my,” the unicorn Rarity breathed. “My darling, you look absolutely fabulous!”

“Why thank you,” the human Rarity replied. “And you are the most lovely, breathtaking creature I have ever laid eyes on!”

Unicorn Rarity beamed at the compliment, and then began to show her counterpart around, with Rex following them as they studied the work room and the more private areas.

“And up here is where my little sister stayed when she was visiting,” pony Rarity was saying as she gestured to one room. “She still visits every now and then, but… ah, she has her own life in this afterlife, her own little home.”

“Oh, I can’t begin to imagine what it would be like without Sweetie Belle dropping in at least once a week,” the human Rarity replied. “She drives me up the wall at times, but she’s such a dear, and I do love her so…”

“Believe me, I know exactly how you feel,” the unicorn Rarity replied. “Ah… children do grow up eventually though… I suppose all of us had family that had to grow up some when they lost us.”

“Quite,” the human Rarity replied. “But at such a young age… I can’t begin to imagine what that was like!”

“It was an experience, I can tell you,” the unicorn Rarity replied back.

Watching the two girls chatting back and forth, Rex couldn’t help but smile sadly as he thought of his own former pack, and of his former students in Canterlot. Hopefully, he thought, When this is all over I can reconnect with them.

“Well this is a familiar sight,” Night Blade mused as he once again found himself atop a cloud, the human Rainbow Dash next to him (thankfully clothed this time and not slapping him).

“Yeah, but that’s not!” Rainbow Dash pointed towards a very large cloud structure nearby, and Night Blade’s breath caught in his throat as he tried to grasp what he was seeing.

It was an enormous three-story building made entirely out of clouds. There were fancy pillars, multiple doors and windows, and - were those rainbow waterfalls‽

“How in Equestria… what kind of place is that?” Night Blade finally managed. “And how did they even make it?”

“With clouds, duh,” a familiar voice said behind him, making Night Blade almost jump out of his coat. When he had managed to get ahold of himself and turn around, he saw the pony Rainbow Dash standing next to her human self, and was grinning wide enough that he was surprised it could fit on her face. “That’s my old Cloudiminium, the one I lived in over Ponyville. Thought I’d show it off a bit this visit.”

“Indeed,” Night Blade said as he regained his composure. “I haven’t seen a place like this… outside of the history books!”

“Yeah, side effect of things from way back when,” Rainbow Dash sighed. “Back then, this place was still pretty awesome, but you should have seen Cloudsdale in its heyday… an entire city made entirely out of clouds!”

“That sounds freaking AWESOME!” the human Rainbow Dash practically shrieked. “Oh I wish I could live in a place like that!”

“Maybe one day you’ll get a chance,” the pony Rainbow Dash said. “But for now, we need to round up the rest of the girls - Applejack promised we could meet up at her place.”

“And how are we going to get there?” Night Blade asked.

“Simple. You, climb on my back.” She gestured to the human Rainbow Dash, who complied. “You, grab my tail and hang on to your tail… this is going to be one wild ride!”

“I immediately regret this decision,” Night Blade muttered as he took hold of Rainbow Dash’s tail with his mouth.

“And here we goooooooooooo!!!” In a shot, they were off.

Even if he lived to be a hundred, Night Blade promised himself, he would never forget this experience.

Rainbow Dash was flying at incredible speeds, and the air was moving past him at a faster rate than he’d ever thought possible. Then, his eyes widened. Was that a… mach cone forming around them‽

Then all he knew was a thunderous sound and a wave of multi-colored light as Rainbow Dash proceeded to break the sound barrier.

“GAAAAAAAH!”

As the trio slowed down over what looked like a large farm of some kind, Night Blade caught a glimpse of Wind Breaker and two other forms next to him as Rainbow Dash landed. Letting go of her tail, the nox pony staggered away. “That was not necessary!” he practically shrieked as he tried to calm his quaking knees. “I thought Vix-Lei’s driving was bad, but you, young lady, take the cake!” He paused. “And I cannot believe I just said that to to the mare I have looked up to and admired my whole life!”

“Heh,” Pony Rainbow Dash chuckled as the human Rainbow Dash climbed off her back. “What can I say, speed’s my thing. ‘S how I got my Cutie Mark, after all.”

“If you got it for going at speeds like that, no wonder you’re so awesome,” the human Rainbow Dash grinned. “By the way, what’s a Cutie Mark?”

“We’ll explain when we’re all together,” the Equestrian Applejack suddenly said. “Now, where are the others…”

Pronk pronk pronk

Looking over, Night Blade saw a pink Earth pony with a rather poofy mane and tail bouncing up, the human Pinkie Pie on her back, while Vix-Lei trotted after them carrying a box. “We’re he-eere!” the two Pinkies exclaimed.

“And so are we,” another voice called as Page, a yellow pegasus who must have been the Equestrian Fluttershy, and the human Fluttershy walked up at a more sedate pace. Behind them, a white unicorn followed, along with the human Rarity in a dress Night Blade had never seen, and Rex right behind them, an amused look on the Diamond Dog’s face. As the ten looked around, Page spotted Night Blade and was barely able to restrain herself from rushing up to him. “Are you okay?” she asked.

“He’s fine,” the pony Rainbow Dash waved it off. “Just experienced his first Sonic Rainboom up close and personal.”

“Is that what that was called?” the human Rainbow Dash asked. “Sweet!”

“Yeah, I’ve been doin’ em on and off since I was a little filly,” the pegasus waved it off. “Saved four lives with it the second time I pulled one off.”

“Yes, including mine,” the unicorn Rarity replied. “And believe me, I am still grateful that you managed it to this day.”

Pony Rainbow Dash smiled. “No problem, Rares. I just wish I could have done more for us the day we… well. You know.”

“It was not your fault,” Pony Fluttershy said firmly as she walked up to Page. “It was that Chrysalis who was responsible. Um…” She whispered something in Page’s ear, causing the unicorn’s face to whiten, then smile at her.

“Thanks, Fluttershy,” she said with a faint smile. “I needed that.”

Night Blade raised an eyebrow, wondering what Fluttershy had said, but waved it off. Page would tell them when she was ready.

“So, howzabout we take this inside?” the pony Applejack said. “Just follow me.”

Leading them towards a large red farmhouse, she guided them into the living room. Once everyone else was settled in, she found a seat for herself. “So. What do you need to know?”

“First off, besides Sunset Shimmer, who and what are we up against?” Wind Breaker asked.

Applejack sighed. “I was afraid you’d ask that,” she said. “And the truth is, we’re plumb not allowed to say. If we told you, that thing would wind up getting a lot of information that we can’t afford to let it have.”

Wind Breaker sat back, disappointed. “Well, it was worth a shot,” he grumbled.

“An’ before you ask, we can’t say who the sixth member of our little team was neither,” Applejack added. “You’re right on the money that she was a unicorn, and those statues of us got her Cutie Mark right, but that’s all we can confirm.”

Wind Breaker snapped his talons. “Drat.”

“What I want to know,” the human Rainbow Dash spoke up, “Is what was with you calling us backup Elements?”

“Well…” Applejack looked around. “Rarity, you want to take this one?”

“Certainly, darling.” The white unicorn gazed at her counterpart. “From what we have been told, the two worlds are… not quite reflections of one another, but underwent a form of parallel development, due to the two worlds being linked almost from the moment of Creation. Many from our time have counterparts on that side, such as the five of us. While we are still two separate beings, we are intrinsically bound together due to being Elements of Harmony and as such, the bond we have with one another, and by extension the Elements themselves, would be as powerful as the bond you have with the Elements. In short… should something happen to any of the five of you, or to Xvital, our five counterparts and one… other, are the last hope that either of these worlds have at the moment.” She sighed. “Of course, given what kind of being we are dealing with, if anything happens to all of you, both worlds are more or less doomed.”

“It takes Harmony a really long time to come back together and we don’t have another thousand years to wait,” Pinkie said sadly. “Which is why it’s up to you to end this and save the world.” Night Blade noticed Rex’s ears twitching, but the Diamond Dog stayed silent.

“Yikes,” Vix-Lei said. “That’s… scary.” Her face turned serious. “But don’t worry, girls. We’re going to stop this thing, no matter what.”

“First we have to get the last Element back,” Page reminded them. “Which means showing Sunset Shimmer for what she is.” She sighed. “You’d think a student of one of the goddesses would be more like you girls.”

“Sunset Shimmer is not beyond saving,” Applejack said firmly. “She’s in a really bad place now, but so were some others we knew, and look how they turned out. Heck, look at that Trixie - went from a braggin’ showmare who got herself blamed for bringin’ that Ursa Minor to Ponyville, to somepony who vowed to honor the mare that saved her life once. And look at what her descendents have done!” She grinned. “One of them’s commandin’ the guards named after that same mare!”

Five faces looked around in surprise. “Do you mean…” Page asked. “Violet Lulamoon is descended from one of your old enemies?”

“Sure is!” Applejack grinned. “Well, enemy isn’t the right word for her. But Trixie’s right proud of little Violet for it.”

“Stars above,” Page breathed. “She’s the Blue Sorceress from the legends, isn’t she. And she was just a showmare‽”

“Yes, she was,” Rarity replied. “A particularly obnoxious one, but she was indeed.”

Vix-Lei suddenly sat bolt upright. “The same Trixie who showed us how to operate that vending machine? Or… her counterpart?”

“Eeyup. Trixie Lulamoon, one and the same,” Applejack said with a nod. “And by the way, a lot of our so-called ‘enemies’? Weren’t really enemies at all. Heck, three of ‘em were our little sisters!”

“We really did get a lot of the histories wrong, didn’t we,” Night Blade said. “All right. Who were these supposed enemies?”

“Well, most of the history you know came from Blueblood,” Rarity said in a somewhat disparaging tone. “You may view him as a hero, and in many ways he was… but not until after we died and he killed Chrysalis. The first time I met him… ooooh!” She shuddered angrily. “But that’s… personal, and he improved afterward. Even if he did get a lot of facts wrong, since it was all second-hoof knowledge to him and he didn’t really understand some of it.”

“So who were these people, anyway?” Wind Breaker asked. “Like that Griffon Scourge - I’ve always wondered about that one. For… well, obvious reasons.” He gestured to his plumage.

“Her name was Gilda, and she and I went to Flight Camp back in the day,” Rainbow Dash said. “Of course, the last time she came to visit me, she turned out to be a big jerk… not a monster by any means, and after I died I found out what her hometown was like, so I can’t blame her. But still, she didn’t have to be so rude to Pinkie and everypony else.”

“And those ‘Trio Wood Nymphs’ were just three little fillies who got into a lot of mishaps,” Fluttershy said. “I foalsat for them a few times… Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were the sweetest little things, even if they were more than a little rambunctious at times. And they did tend to get into the tree sap more often than they should, but always by accident.”

Both Applejacks and Raritys shared a look and laughed at the last quip, making Night raise an eyebrow at how often was often.

“So who were their fearless followers, if I dare ask?” Rex spoke up.

“Oh, they were just a couple of mares who ran the local flower shop,” Pinkie said. “Daisy, Roseluck and Lily Valley always freaked out when anything went even the slightest bit wrong!”

“Those three were the fearless followers?” Night couldn’t help himself from interrupting. “I dealt with them today and they practically fainted when I blinked at them!” He fell onto his back snickering loudly.

Pinkie joined in. “Yeah, you should have seen them panicking!” She raised her hooves. “The horror, the horror!”

The other girls burst out laughing too, but after a few minutes, calmed down. “And then we have the All-Seeing Pegasus of Thunder,” Rainbow Dash said. “You’ve actually met her too, by the way. Her name’s Derpy Hooves.”

Night Blade raised his eyebrow yet again. “Derpy… Hooves… the same one who held my coat when your counterpart and I were having our race?”

“That’s the one!”

“She’s really one of the sweetest, most loving mares I know,” Fluttershy spoke up. “Had the cutest little filly, and her older daughter was so nice and friendly too… and she always tried to do her best, even if she was a bit… eh-hem. Clumsy.”

“So how did she get the nickname?” Vix-Lei asked. “I mean, if she’s the same one with the odd eyes who pointed us to Principal Celestia’s office, I can get the all-seeing part. But where’d the thunder part come from?”

“Eh, that was an accident she had one day,” Rainbow Dash said. “She was bouncing on a cloud and shocked me one time. And then she shocked herself a few times, fell off the cloud and accidentally knocked down part of a building with her butt.”

“Ouch.” Wind Breaker shuddered. “I got hit by lightning once - not fun at all.”

“Yeah, pegasi don’t like it either,” Rainbow Dash replied. “I forgave her for it - it was an accident, and she’s a good mare at heart.”

“Having met her human counterpart, I can believe that,” Rex spoke up. “But now, I have another question.”

All eyes turned to him, and he continued. “You speak of Harmony,” he said. “And so did Sunset Shimmer. Yet, we have been told that these Elements were of Balance.” He paused for a moment. “Something is obviously changed here, and I want to know what.”

The five mares looked at one another nervously. “Well…” Applejack started.

“The thing is,” Rarity added.

“Spirits are weird,” Pinkie concluded. “They have their own rules, and one of the less-fun rules is that sometimes, those connected to them have to figure out the tricky answers on their own.”

“Pinkie is right,” Fluttershy added. “We can’t tell you directly. Not yet, at least.”

Vix-Lei sat back and thought at this. “Harmony, Balance…” she murmured. “Hey Rexy, ain’t they homonyms?”

“I believe you mean synonyms,” Rex said thoughtfully. “And yes, they do seem very similar…” He froze. “By the crystals on the moon,” he exclaimed. “Balance and Harmony are two identities of the same spirit, aren’t they?”

“Just like the legends say about my people and their gods,” Vix-Lei exclaimed as she realized what he was talking about. “Both ‘taurs and gods used to be somewhat wilder, but when minotaur society became more disciplined and militaristic, so did the gods, and most of ‘em even took new names to reflect it! That’s it, isn’t it!” she cried. “That’s what happened to Harmony - when you all died, it took a new form suited for a new mission! It became Balance!”

“If that’s the case, then what is the mission?” Wind Breaker asked. “Or would that be a no no question too?”

“If we told you that, Balance would have to bring your baddy to where you are and free the one you aren’t ready for,” Pinkie said. “But we can say… by the time you finish the mission, you’ll know what it is.”

Night Blade nodded. “Well, we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it,” he said. “But we still have to figure out how to get Xvital’s intended Element back. How do we get the proof about Sunset Shimmer having stolen it?”

“That’s the sixty-million-bit question, ain’t it?” Applejack said. She sighed. “That mare is really screwed up right now, but like Ah said before, she’s not beyond savin’. She’s going to need you five to help guide her along the right path,” she said to her counterpart and the other human girls. “It’ll take some hard work, but in the long run, it’ll be worth it, I guarantee.”

“And then you can invite her to all your fun parties!” Pony Pinkie exclaimed to her counterpart.

“I can’t wait!” Human Pinkie cheered.

“Just remember one thing,” Rarity said. “Nopony is perfect. When somepony underestimates you, or even themselves, they make mistakes. And sometimes, those mistakes are big.” She smiled mysteriously. “Believe me, I’ve experienced both ends of that… like those crazy Diamond Dogs that once tried to kidnap me, or when I let my pride in a set of magic-made wings get the better of me and nearly fell out of the sky…” She gazed at her Rainbow Dash, who let out a slight chuckle.

“Would those Diamond Dogs by chance have been named… Fido, Spot and Rover?” the human Rarity asked.

“Why yes!” her counterpart exclaimed. “You know them?”

“Know them? I passed them on their way to detention this afternoon!” The human Rarity sighed. “Alas, those three… they always get into such trouble around school…”

Rex straightened up. “Did they, by any chance, get assigned that detention for misbehaving in the library earlier today?”

“I think so,” Rarity said. “Why?”

“Because that would explain why they felt so familiar,” Rex said. “If those boys I saw receiving detention from Vice-Principal Luna were the human counterparts of some Diamond Dogs…” he shook his head. “No wonder I got such a funny feeling around them.”

“Well, that’s another mystery solved,” Page said. “Now what?”

“I believe,” the unicorn Rarity said, “That it is time for you to go.”

“Wait!” the human Rainbow Dash suddenly spoke up. “Just one more thing.” She turned to her counterpart. “What’s that Cutie Mark thing you mentioned earlier?”

The pegasus Rainbow Dash smiled. “It’s a part of every pony’s magic,” she said. “When we discover our special talent, the thing that gives us our purpose in life, a special symbol forms on our flanks. It’s kind of a coming-of-age thing. All types of ponies get them.”

“Cooool,” the human Rainbow said. “And yours is for speed?”

“Got it the first time I broke the sound barrier and did a Sonic Rainboom,” her counterpart confirmed.

“I got mine when I was able to calm some scared animals,” the pony Fluttershy added. “And I’d never even seen a wild animal before in my life.”

“Realized I didn’t belong in the big city, came home to Sweet Apple Acres and knew it was where I belonged,” Pony Applejack chimed in. “And there it was.”

“I followed my horn to this enormous rock that turned out to be full of the most beautiful gems I had ever seen,” Pony Rarity added. “When I used them on the costumes I was making for a school play… my Cutie Mark came in, and it was one of the happiest moments of my life!”

"And I got mine when I saw something that made me so happy, I wanted to spread happiness to everypony around! So I threw a big party for my family, and made them so happy... and that's how my Cutie Mark came in!" Pinkie exclaimed.

“How about you?” the human Rainbow Dash asked Night Blade. “What’s your story?”

“Well…” Night Blade started. “The truth is, times have changed. Stallions such as myself no longer refer to our signs as ‘Cutie Marks’. We call them Talent Emblems - somepony decided it sounded more dignified. Mares still use the old term though.”

“So how’d you get it?”

“I proved myself capable of matching my older brother Deep Blade in swordplay,” Night Blade replied. “Fighting, especially swordfighting, is my talent.”

Both Rainbow Dashes let out a whistle of appreciation. “We didn’t have many weapons specialists back in our time,” the pegasus said. “Equestria was mostly at peace. Except for those three big times, and those were… well, freak incidents.”

“What about you?” Rarity asked Page. “Since you are the only other one of your group with a Cutie Mark.”

Page smiled. “I was a foundling at the Great Library,” she said. “It was founded in memory of the Magi of Stars, whom we remembered as the patron saint of knowledge.”

Nearby, the pony Applejack barely stifled a snort of laughter. “Go on,” she said.

“Well, the Great Library takes in orphans and helps them find their calling in life,” Page said. “I discovered mine when I helped this silly little colt to find and get a book he was after… and my Cutie Mark came in for it. It means that helping others in the pursuit of knowledge is what I do best.”

The five mares smiled at one another. “That’s some talent,” Applejack said approvingly. “She would definitely be proud.”

Page bowed. “Thank you,” she said.

“Just telling the truth,” Applejack said. “And now, the sad truth is, y’all need to be getting back to your own side of things. We’ll see you again someday… no telling when, but it’ll happen, Ah promise.”

The ten visitors backed away. “In which case,” Page said. “It was an honor to meet all of you. I don’t think any of us will ever forget this day.”

“Us neither,” the five mares said.

“Bye! Good luck!” Pony Pinkie cheered as the ten closed their eyes. Then she dashed up to Vix-Lei and whispered something in her ear, moments before the minotaur vanished.

Opening his eyes again, Night Blade saw he was once again in Pinkie’s living room. “That was an interesting experience,” he said to himself.

“No kiddin’,” Applejack agreed as she sat up next to Wind Breaker. “Nobody’d ever believe me if I said a word of it.”

“But we gained a great deal of information,” Rex pointed out from his own spot. “I do believe, all in all, it was a successful night.”

“Yeah! And now we can have our fun times!” Pinkie explained as she popped up.

“Can’t wait,” Maud’s deadpan voice chimed in.

Next to her, Xvital looked around. “Something tells me I’m missing one humdinger of a story,” she said. “So. Care to fill us in over dinner?”

Ten stomachs suddenly rumbled, and ten faces promptly blushed.

Several minutes later, the group were again seated, and many had plates full of pizza, taking turns eating and explaining.

“So that’s it,” Vix-Lei concluded. “We still don’t know who or what we’re up against on the other side, but we know a lot more about this whole thing than we did before.” She grinned. “And I still can’t believe what the pony Pinkie told me right before we left.”

“Oh? What’s that?” Page asked curiously.

“Bulk Biceps, that guy from shop class?” She shook her head. “Turns out I was off about him being a minotaur. Pinkie told me about the other him from ancient Equestria, and how he’s a pony. And not just any pony - the biggest, muscliest pegasus to ever live!”

Night Blade stared. “You’re kidding.”

“Nope.” Vix-Lei grinned. “He’s a flier. Not the fastest, or too good at endurance, but he could lift just about anything he wanted.”

“Oh my,” Rarity held a hand over her mouth. “Well, I can certainly believe the lifting part.”

“Yeah.” Vix-Lei chomped down on another piece of pizza. “He’s still a cool guy though.”

“So I’ve seen,” Maud said. When the group turned to look at her, she gave them her usual look. “He helped Pinkie set up her last surprise party for me. It was rock-themed.”

“Why am I not surprised?” Wind Breaker asked with a chuckle.

Author's Notes:

As before, thank Anon for this chapter.