“That certainly was an enlightening experience,” Twilight remarked as she came to a stop at the top of the staircase. “I’m glad I came straight here.”

“I’m glad you did as well,” Dark Hallow remarked, placing a hoof on his back and stretching briefly. “One of these days when we don't have a world-ending problem on our hooves, you’ll have to come back so I can give you the full tour.”

“That would be nice,” Twilight murmured to herself.

Dark Hallow coughed into his hoof. “So, before you go, I was wondering what you intended on doing now.”

“I promised the girls I was going to stop in with them tonight and catch up, but after that I’ll probably head back to the undertower and begin my investigations,” Twilight replied, rubbing her chin. “Whatever is afflicting Luna’s soul will need to be dealt with, and when it’s been handled, I’ll be able to get a better grasp on the power necessary to raise her. I get the feeling that it will take some sort of power boost though, as the length of time since her fall will make things difficult, even for me.”

Dark Hallow made a buzzing sound with his mouth. “Wrong answer. You are going to go home and relax in the company of your friends until you feel rested.”

“I’m sorry?” Twilight muttered in confusion.

The stallion poked a hoof against Twilight’s lower chest. “You are going to get some rest and deal with all that tomorrow night.”

“Rest? This body has been sleeping for weeks!” Twilight retorted, throwing up her hooves.

“That body has, but you have not,” Dark Hallow pointed out. “Yes you may be powerful, but the mind needs to recuperate.”

“Do I need to remind you of the stakes we are dealing with?” Twilight retorted. “Everyone’s lives are on the line, nevermind Luna’s!”

“And I would feel more comfortable knowing that our best chance of preserving those lives was not sleep-deprived and half mad with stress,” Dark Hallow exclaimed, his gaze gaining a sharp edge which cut off Twilight’s initial response.

“So that's the no-nonsense look that Rainbow Dash talked about,” Twilight remarked.

The thestral smirked. “I didn't get to my position on nepotism alone, ya know.”

“I can tell,” Twilight muttered.

“What was that?” Dark Hallow asked, leaning in close.

“N-nothing,” Twilight whispered.

“That's what I thought,” Dark Hallow stated. “Now then, off you go. Oh, and say hi to queenie for me.”

“Err, sure. I’ll try to remember when I see her,” Twilight answered, giving the stallion a slightly awkward wave. “Thank you for everything, commander.”

“Ahh don't worry about the titles. You can call me whatever you like so long as you don't call me late for dinner,” the stallion exclaimed, snickering at his own joke.

“Augh, that's old. I’m pretty sure I heard Celestia say that two thousand years ago,” Twilight deadpanned grumpily.

“It's just another thing besides myself which ages like a fine wine,” Dark Hallow replied.

Twilight rolled her eyes. “Thanks again, Dark Hallow. I’ll see you soon.”

“No rush. Or at least that's what I would say if there weren't an army of sunspawn breathing down our collective necks. Just enjoy the brief time off, alright?” Dark Hallow replied, patting the unicorn on the leg before walking away.

“I’ll try,” Twilight muttered, watching the old thestral go for several seconds before leaving as well.

Walking through the slightly maze-like first floor, she made her way into the reception area of the building. Passing by the nice, if distracted young dragon working behind the counter, Twilight trotted outside. Where she exchanged another polite nod with the two guards, who both gave her a prompt salute before Twilight passed them by.

Making her way back towards town, the undead let her mind wander once more, contemplating what might be afflicting the alicorn’s soul. Her first instinct was that another dragon had sunk its teeth into her, but that didn't quite make sense. When she started to really think about it though, she was fairly certain that simple entropy and the passage of time was at fault. She would need to run some tests, do some studying, and really dig into the problem, however, such concerns would need to wait.

For something large and black had dropped out of the trees above her and caused the pony to let out a startled shriek. A pair of bright emerald eyes then appeared before her as well as an enormous mouth filled with sharp, stark white teeth.

“Boo!” shouted the changeling queen.

“What the heck, Chrysalis?” Twilight shouted, punching the other being in the shoulder. “I think you managed to restart my heart with that little surprise!”

Chrysalis snickered as she backed up. “You really are oblivious, by the way. I mean I was following you since you left that hole in the ground.”

“I have a lot on my mind, okay?” Twilight retorted, jabbing a hoof into Chrysalis’ chest. “Now what do you want?”

“Want? You’re the one who summoned me,” Chrysalis pointed out.

Twilight blinked. “Oh, right. I didn't exactly expect you any time soon, however, and I kind of had plans tonight.”

“Oh, that's quite alright. I was just in the area and figured I’d hang out and catch up with my favorite zombie,” Chrysalis exclaimed, falling in next to Twilight. “So, where are we going?”

“I am going home,” Twilight answered. “And I am not a zombie.”

Chrysalis shrugged. “Zombie, revenant, lich. It hardly matters what kind of undead pronouns you use.”

Twilight sighed tiredly. “Come on, then. We better get moving before the girls think I left them hanging.”

Chrysalis trotted noisily next to Twilight. “Aren't you going to ask when my dear sweet Cadance is going to be here?”

“Okay, I’ll bite. When is your better half going to be in town?” Twilight asked, somewhat reluctantly.

“Soon,” Chrysalis cheerfully replied.

Twilight sighed. “Of course you’d say that.”

Spike walked out from the kitchen with a plate of food, ready to deliver his creations to the creatures waiting for him. Only to immediately run into a hungry Rainbow Dash who swooped down on him like a hawk.

“Ooh, nice, you got the cheese bagel like I wanted,” offered the thestral who snagged the aforementioned baked good and took a bite.

“Of course. With blueberry cream cheese, right?” Spike replied.

Rainbow Dash didn't answer with words, merely groaning with happiness as she fluttered back to her spot on the couch next to her partner.

“I think that means thank you,” remarked a smiling ghostly pegasus.

Spike chuckled. “I’m sure she’ll say it whenever she's done eating.”

“That's assuming she ever stops,” Fluttershy added with a mirthful giggle. “I’ve never seen someone eat so much without gaining weight before.”

“Well, when you work a lot, you gotta eat a lot,” Spike remarked with a shrug.

Fluttershy smiled. “That you do. Speaking of which, did you make something for yourself?”

“Nah. I already had a big bowl of ruby ice cream. I figured it was going to be the last time I could really pig out now that Dusk’s back,” Spike answered.

Fluttershy’s smile widened, and she leaned in close. “Well, get it in while you can. Something tells me you guys are going to have a lot of work really soon.”

Spike grunted and hefted the platter of food. “There is always more to do, especially given everything that's come up recently.”

Fluttershy nodded sagely. “Don't forget to take time for yourself.”

“I won't, Fluttershy,” Spike replied, quietly excusing himself

Spike plodded over to the hallway leading to the basement, where two creatures were having a hushed conversation.

“Look, I’m telling you, Pinkie Pie, it just isn't possible,” Sunset whispered. “The amount of magic necessary for such a thing would be nearly infinite.”

“Aww, come on, Shimmy Sham, don't be such a downer,” Pinkie Pie retorted, lightly punching the skeleton in the shoulder. “We could so make you pretty again.”

Spike cleared his throat and lifted the platter. “One damp cloth wetted with milk and a bowl of gravel mixed with chocolate chips.”

Both the troll and the undead unicorn turned to the dragon, their conversation ending immediately. Their eyes lit up both figuratively and literally, with Sunset Shimmer grabbing the cloth before running it across her bare skull. Pinkie Pie snatched the bowl and buried her muzzle in it, chewing noisily on the rocky mixture while Spike stood there with a slightly amused expression on his face.

“Are you sure you guys don't want something… normal?” Spike offered.

Sunset Shimmer imitated a snort as she continued to lather her head. “As you already know, I can't enjoy such things anymore. At least this feels remarkably pleasant.”

Pinkie Pie swallowed hard. “I’m surprised you don't want some. A fine gravel trail mix tastes great and has the perfect amount of crunch to it.”

“I eat gems, not rocks,” Spike replied, turning his nose up at the hoofful of stones offered to him by the pink troll.

“Gems are rocks though,” Pinkie Pie muttered in confusion.

“Thank you, by the way,” Sunset Shimmer interrupted. “I appreciate you taking care of everyone while we wait for Twilight.”

“Ahh, it's no problem. I get antsy just standing around anyway,” Spike replied with a shrug.

“Shtil, thish ish shuper nishe!” Pinkie Pie offered, her mouth full of gravel and sweets.

“Speaking of which, I better get to everyone else,” Spike exclaimed.

“Thanksh again, Shpike!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed before burying her face in her bowl.

“Don't worry. I’ll return the cloth and bowl to the sink,” Sunset offered.

Spike smiled and walked over to the seating area, where Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack and Fluttershy had all gathered. The thestral and her ghostly partner were seated on the suitably named love seat while Applejack and Rarity sat across from them on the couch. Between them were several empty cups sitting atop a coffee table, as well as two open books Spike didn't know the titles of.

Noticing that he had walked in on a rare moment of quiet, Spike set the nearly empty platter down on the coffee table. “One tall glass of vinegar water and garlic for Applejack and a plate of candied cockroaches served with a side of grilled maguey worms for Rarity,” Spike announced, taking a seat in one of the two unoccupied armchairs.

“Oh, that's absolutely wonderful, darling. I can't thank you enough for making me something on such short notice. I simply forget myself when I am in the zone as it were,” Rarity exclaimed, quickly grabbing the plate of insects and biting into a roach with an unladylike crunch.

“No kidding, you really pulled through,” Applejack added, grabbing the cup. “Thanks for doin’ all this for us.”

“It's no problem at all,” Spike replied, leaning back in his chair.

“The nasty insects I can understand, but why the glass of smelly water?” Rainbow Dash inquired before biting into her bagel.

“I know it's kind of weird, but I’ve had some really strange cravings recently, and I figured it's best to just follow those urges, ya know?” Applejack exclaimed, sipping her cup and sighing contentedly.

“You sound like you're pregnant,” Spike remarked with a smirk.

Applejack snorted, vinegar water shooting out of her nose. “I am not!”

“That sounded rather defensive, darling,” Rarity pointed out.

“Well, I’m not. That would be physically impossible,” Applejack grunted as she wiped her face. “‘I’m fairly certain it's just Bloomberg getting ready to flower.”

“So in a way you are getting ready to bring new life into the world,” Fluttershy offered.

Applejack paused and rubbed her chin. “I suppose that's one way of lookin’ at it.”

“Well, I think it's quite beautiful,” Rarity added. “And for your information, insects are not nasty. They are quite delicious, and you really should try them sometime.”

Rainbow Dash groaned. “Oh, don't even start about that. It's bad enough that my folks eat that crud.”

“What crud?” Sunset inquired, settling into the other couch along with Pinkie Pie.

Who belched loudly. “Ooh, are we talking about our favorite insects? ‘Cause mine are sago grubs. They are like big yummy blobs of bacon that I don't feel bad about eating.”

Rainbow Dash held a hoof against her lips, resisting the urge to throw up and only just barely succeeding.

“Can we please change the subject?” Fluttershy inquired, patting her girlfriend on the back. “I don't think anyone wants to clean up a half-chewed bagel.”

“Sorry, Rainbow, but you really should try ‘em. You just might like them!” Pinkie Pie declared.

“Scorpions are my personal favorite,” Rarity began, patting her lips with a handkerchief. “They are so filling and-”

A sudden and quite loud feminine shriek from the door stopped the conversation dead in its tracks. With everyone now staring at the entrance with a mixture of confusion and fear, the atmosphere quickly became tense. That was until they heard the cackling laughter of a familiar changeling followed by irritated mutterings of a certain purple unicorn.

“I can't believe you did that,” Twilight exclaimed as she pushed her way inside. “I think you took ten years off that poor guy’s life.”

“It was so worth it. Did you hear how loud he screamed?” Chrysalis remarked, giggling to herself as she entered the room.

The small group got a brief look at a rather embarrassed young thestral and his disappointed female dragon companion. Then they were gone, the door closing firmly as Twilight and Chrysalis strode into the library, one wearing a smile, the other a smirk.

“Oh, great, you all made it,” Twilight began, walking over to the sitting area. “I was hoping we could- oof!”

Twilight wasn't entirely sure how, but Fluttershy had slammed into her and wrapped her ethereal hooves around the unicorn’s neck. The embrace quickly became a group hug when it was joined by Applejack, Pinkie, and Rarity, while Rainbow Dash hung back. The thestral wore a knowing and somewhat prideful look on her face as she leaned back against the couch, her hooves crossed over her chest.

“Oh, my goodness, I was so worried!” Fluttershy cried, her face buried in the crook of Twilight’s neck.

“Ya gave us quite the scare, ya know,” Applejack added.

“And left behind the most irritable and downright cantankerous other version of yourself I could imagine,” Rarity exclaimed.

“She didn't even come to my ‘Welcome to this time period’ party!” Pinkie Pie announced, throwing her hooves up in disgust.

Twilight awkwardly patted Fluttershy’s back as they were collectively squeezed from all sides by their friends. The unicorn’s heart felt lighter, and she could feel the flood of positive energy rejuvenate her aching limbs. A tiredness she hadn't fully noticed until this point lifted, and with its passage, Twilight felt like she had woken from an unpleasant dream.

“Don't worry, girls. I’m back, and I promise I won't do that again,” Twilight whispered.

Fluttershy pulled back and shot the unicorn a glare. “Good, because if you just up and disappeared like that again, I don't know if my heart could take it.”

“Flutters, you don't have a heart,” Rainbow Dash remarked.

“She’s got the biggest heart of anyone I know,” Rarity replied.

Rainbow Dash sighed as she ran a hoof down her face. “You know what I meant.”

“We best give her some breathing room, girls,” Applejack exclaimed, stepping back from the group hug.

The rest of her friends followed suit with everyone taking their spots on the couches, save for Sunset, who placed a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder.

“It is very good to have you back,” offered the skeleton solemnly.

“It's good to be back,” Twilight replied, patting the other mare’s hoof.

“I figured you’d return to us about now, so I made you some applesauce from a few of Applejack’s special apples,” Spike offered, pointing to the lone remaining dish atop the platter.

Twilight’s eyes widened, and she eagerly scooped it up before plopping down into the sole unoccupied chair. “Oh my goodness, this smells amazing. Thank you both,” Twilight announced.

“It was nothin’. I’m just glad there's someone out there that wants to learn how to cook the Apple family way,” Applejack exclaimed, giving the dragon an appreciative nod.

“Who wouldn't? You guys make some great food,” Spike replied.

“Now that all that mushy stuff is out of the way, you gotta tell us about what happened,” Rainbow Dash eagerly interrupted.

“Err. I don't suppose you would mind me asking why Chrysalis is here first?” Fluttershy interrupted.

The changeling queen blinked and swiftly put back the book she had been looking at. “Oh, ignore me. I have dealings with Twilight here, though I have plenty of time.”

“And the buffet of positive emotions is what, the cherry on top?” Rainbow Dash remarked.

Chrysalis chuckled. “I’ll admit it's a nice addition, and that I too am curious as to how your little adventure went, for reasons which should be obvious.”

“What is she talking about?” Rarity inquired.

“Well, I raised Cadance from the dead,” Twilight answered. “I did other things, but that is likely what Chrysalis is referring to.”

“Oh, this is going to be interesting. You simply must go into detail,” Chrysalis pressed, trotting around Twilight’s chair and seating herself to the unicorn’s right.

“Was it scary?” Fluttershy whispered.

Twilight chuckled. “It certainly was a harrowing experience, but in order for that to make sense, I’ll have to start off at the beginning. You see, I first woke up in what I’m pretty sure is Ponyville, and-”

“-that pretty much wraps it up nicely,” Twilight finished, taking a sip of her water and settling into her chair.

Glancing around the room, she saw nearly everyone was in some state of shock, all save for Chrysalis who just looked amused.

“You know, I've heard this exact story a dozen times from Cadance. Though she always painted you as a knight in shining armor rather than the bumbling fool you seemed to have been,” Chrysalis exclaimed.

Twilight snorted. “Look, I know my plan wasn't perfect nor elegant, but I got it done, didn't I?”

“You absolutely did, darling,” Rarity interjected. “I think what Chrysalis is trying to say is that your plan wasn't exactly… nuanced.”

“You stumbled through it like Mr Bean!” Pinkie exclaimed with a giggle.

Twilight sighed. “I get it. I rushed into things. Now, can we please move onto something else?”

Fluttershy hummed thoughtfully as she rubbed her chin. “What do you think Celestia meant when she said she was hearing voices?”

“I mean, her explanation does hold water,” Applejack remarked. “I kept thinking I hear my pa yellin’ at me from the orchard weeks after he passed.”

Twilight winced. “I know what you mean. When I was wandering through the forest, I’d even see my mother and hear her call out to me sometimes.”

“Alright, this is getting real depressing real quick,” Rainbow Dash interjected. “How about we conclude that it's possible, but not confirmed?”

“I’d like to know if you have any idea where that dragon cave might be,” Sunset offered. “If I could learn the words that you did, or at least the one for life, I think that would benefit us greatly.”

“You would be quite the formidable healer, then,” Rarity added.

Twilight nodded slowly. “I think I do, but it would take time to find it. Chrysalis, do you have any leads?”

The changeling shrugged. “Not that I know of, but with the description you gave, I could have a few of my scouts search it out. After this newest problem has been dealt with, of course.”

“Oh oh! Do you think that this Manny guy turned into Discord?” Pinkie Pie interjected.

“It seems likely,” Spike muttered. “Based on your description, it seems as though pre-resurrection they were nearly identical.”

“Then why is the forest so different now?” Fluttershy whispered.

“I think my past self failed to bring him back completely, and thus his physical form was altered greatly,” Twilight answered. “Though I couldn't be sure without running a few tests or going back in time again.”

“Which ain't happenin,” Applejack sternly stated.

“I know, I know,” Twilight quickly replied, raising a hoof. “I’m just saying that would be the only way to confirm.”

“I think you’re on the right track,” Chrysalis suddenly announced. “The spirit of the forest is illusive, but Cadance’s memories seem to indicate that your hypothesis is correct.”

Twilight clopped her hooves together. “I think that's quite enough speculation. We aren't doing anything other than blowing hot air at this point.”

“I had one last question,” Rarity offered, raising a hoof.

“Go ahead,” Twilight replied.

“Do you think that dragon is still down there somewhere?” Rarity inquired. “If so, then he is more than likely the culprit for the status of our queen’s soul.”

“That's my running theory anyway. Though I have yet to find his location,” Twilight answered.

“I might be able to help with that,” Spike exclaimed.

“I thought you said you were just organizing the undertower and helping with reconstruction,” Sunset Shimmer pointedly inquired, the unicorn glaring at the dragon across from her.

“Well, I mean, I mostly did that,” Spike muttered, tapping his foreclaws together.

“You didn't do anything dangerous, right?” Twilight gently prodded.

Spike quickly shook his head. “Of course not. I was merely looking through some of my Twilight’s notes and found reference to her secret levels she kept hidden from everyone.”

“Oooh, now that's cool,” Rainbow Dash remarked. “I wonder if there are any more crazy traps or monsters to deal with.”

“I sure hope not,” murmured Fluttershy.

“I don't think so. Twilight usually strayed away from traps and only reluctantly added the ones she did because of a request from Luna,” Spike quickly explained.

“Either way, that will be a good place to start,” Twilight began. “Tomorrow you and I will check out these leads of yours. Hopefully they will give us a clue to the dragon’s location.”

“Oh, I’m so excited!” Pinkie Pie proclaimed, pumping a hoof in the air. “If there wasn't a big battle several days away and a war right after that, I would be planning the world’s biggest welcome home party for everyone’s favorite alicorn.”

“Speak for yourself,” Chrysalis muttered just loud enough for only Twilight to hear.

“So what has everyone been doing while I was gone?” Twilight asked, glancing around the room. “I’ve been talking a lot about myself for the last hour or so, and I’m curious as to what you all have been up to.”

“Like a lot of you, I’ve been training,” Spike declared with a smile, only to deflate somewhat. “To mixed results, but hey, at least I can finally swing a sword now.”

Chrysalis leaned in close. “That's a bit of a stretch. He can only do so a few times before falling over.”

Twilight frowned, ignoring the changeling’s remark. “That's great to hear, Spike. What's it been like spending so much time in the castle?”

“Must be pretty cool to hang out with the big boss spider all the time,” Rainbow Dash added, reclining into her seat.

“Eh, it wasn't bad,” Spike answered with a shrug. “She was really doting for a bit there, but then she got really quiet.”

“Oh dear,” Rarity exclaimed. “What happened?”

The dragon winced. “I was actually about to confront her about always having one of her kids follow me around when I kind of sort of barged in on her.”

“She wasn't laying, was she?” Rarity whispered.

Spike sputtered. “What? No! She was just looking over some of her old things, and I ruined a quiet moment. You see it all started when-”

Spike grumbled as he stomped down the hall, ignoring the polite smiles and occasional wave of the other creatures he passed by. Some he knew, most he did not, and he didn't give any so much as a single nod in confirmation. His chest was burning hot with indignation, the dragon endlessly replaying the event which had set him off in the first place.

He had just finished using one of the few operational flush toilets when he walked out to find a large spider with its back to the door, blocking Spike off.

“Come on, buddy, move out of the way,” Spike exclaimed.

The spider spun around and looked down at the dragon curiously with its many beady eyes. “You are Spike?” it asked in a strangely watery tone.

“Err, yeah,” replied the dragon.

“Good. This one is supposed to watch you,” exclaimed the spider.

Though a little irritated, Spike had come to expect someone following him around all the time. So he had accepted it and chose to make the best of it despite how being treated like a child made him feel. That was until the spider had slapped a book out of his hands and claimed it must be inspected first in case it was a trap.

Then the spider, whose name happened to be Trap Jaw, had forced Spike to sit outside for ten minutes while it inspected the bathroom. That wasn't even the worst of it though, as the overbearing arachnid had demanded to taste all of his food beforehand. This was of course to test for poison, though Spike struggled to imagine how someone could poison gems. Either way, it had been the last straw, and so Spike made his way towards Nebula.

The dragon stood outside of the room for a few seconds, wondering if he should knock, only for his indignation to flare. Then he threw open the door and stomped into the room beyond, an angry demand already on his lips. He never uttered the rage-filled words however, as he found himself struck by the strangeness of his new surroundings.

He had been directed here by a passing guard, but hadn't asked what the room’s original purpose had been. Evidently it had once served as the home of Luna’s many exotic creatures she had kept when she was alive. Though the many cages, tanks, and other enclosures had been broken down by age or unruly animals, the large room still felt quite alive.

A chunk of the wall had fallen away at one point, allowing vines, moss, and other greenery to sneak inside and take root within. A glass box which had once likely been filled with fish was now home to a great many red and pink flowers. A bird cage now served as a pot to numerous miniature trees as well as a lazy orange cat who snored contentedly atop of the rusted metal box.

Amidst it all, in the very center of the room, was a single large tank as well as a plaque which had long since faded to the point of being unreadable. Spike remembered what it said though, and the name that the copper stand had once borne so proudly.

“Nebula,” Spike murmured.

The now pony-sized spider blinked and turned around, her many sky blue eyes containing a deep sadness the likes of which Spike had rarely seen. Though much smaller than usual, the great arachnid looked normal, albeit she had abandoned her armor and sash. Or at least she seemed normal, as now that Spike looked a little closer, something seemed… wrong.

Though scarred and aged, the creature had remained intimidating no matter her size. Now that piercing gaze of hers just felt pitying, and she very much looked her age.

“Ahh, Spike,” murmured the spider in her strangely feminine voice. “What brings you here?”

“Am I interrupting something? Because I can go if I am,” Spike quickly replied, unconsciously stepping back towards the door.

“It's alright. Perhaps a little company is just what I need,” whispered Nebula, who turned back to the tank which had once been her home.

Spike awkwardly walked up next to the oddly small spider and followed her gaze down. To where a shattered glass box sat on a pedestal before them. It too looked surprisingly normal at first glance, the container appearing more like a turtle enclosure than one meant to keep a shape-shifting arachnid.

The smaller details were what drew Spike’s eye, such as the hoof-painted background which adorned three of the sides. Rendered to represent a great forest, the scene was a masterpiece, and it had been made for a mere spider who at the time hadn't been much larger than a hamster, judging by the size of all the rocks and pieces of wood littered about.

“This was yours, wasn't it?” Spike murmured.

“It was,” Nebula replied after a short pause. “Did you ever visit me back then?”

Spike nodded slowly, a claw running across one small section of the tank that was still in good condition.

“Luna and I hung out every once in a while. We would usually just read and eat snacks together, but sometimes she would show off her paintings or animals,” Spike replied, his voice growing wistful. “It was… nice. I don't think I really appreciated her friendship as much as I should have back then.”

Nebula placed a hairy foot on the dragon’s shoulder. “Go on.”

“Well, I…” Spike frowned. “She was just so relaxed around me that I never really gave it much thought. I just assumed she’d always be there, and we could always just chill out together, ya know?”

The spider hummed strangely, her body vibrating. “I think I understand.”

“So yeah. I can't wait until she's back so I can tell her how much I loved just sitting around and reading with her,” Spike remarked.

Together the two creatures stared off into space for almost a minute, then Nebula took a step back.

“Why are you here anyway?” Nebula asked.

“It was nothing. I should just get back to my organizing,” Spike murmured, turning around only to be caught by a hairy appendage.

“No, you came here for a reason. I could hear your pounding feet from all the way down the hall,” retorted the spider.

“I…” Spike frowned. “I was annoyed at the guy you had follow me around.”

“Young Trap Jaw. How has he been doing?” Nebula inquired wistfully, pulling her limb back.

“He's a little… overbearing,” Spike murmured.

“How so?” Nebula asked.

“He made me wait outside the bathroom for nearly twenty minutes or so while he tried to find any ‘hidden assassins’,” Spike replied, adding air quotes to the last two words. “That isn't even the worst of it. He's as bad as Dusk when I first woke up.”

“That makes sense. You are just a baby,” Nebula exclaimed.

“I am not!” Spike retorted, puffing out his chest. “I am almost an adult and can take care of myself just fine. Thank you very much.”

Nebula waved a hairy limb dismissively. “You are still a child, and one not breed nor trained for war. You will need someone strong to make sure you don't get into trouble.”

Spike blew a ring of smoke at the spider and jabbed a claw against her chest. “Now listen here. Just because I’m not a soldier or whatever doesn't mean you can treat me like a kid. I’ve helped save the world, you know.”

Nebula rolled her many eyes. “You followed Twilight around and took notes. I hardly think that counts.”

Spike stomped his foot angrily. “I did so help! Why when Discord trapped everyone inside of a six-dimensional labyrinth it was me who figured out the riddle and got us all out!”

“That is a riddle, this is war. They are quite different, you know,” Nebula retorted.

“The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting them at all,” Spike quoted, standing up tall. “Luna said that, and I think it applies here.”

Nebula smirked, her features twisting into an amused expression. “Good. Then I have armed you with your first and most important weapon. Confidence.”

“Err, what?” Spike muttered, scratching his head.

“I don't really believe you are a child, dear one,” Nebula answered. “But I saw how you acted, and knew you needed a boost so you yourself realized that as well.”

Spike smiled. “You know what, I think you're right.”

“Of course I’m right,” Nebula exclaimed. “And remember, confidence is the first requirement in any great undertaking.”

Spike nodded slowly. “I’d thank you, but I’m still angry.”

The spider chuckled as she walked around to the other side of the container. “Then I hope a gift will alleviate your ire.”

Spike’s eyes lit up. “A gift? Like wha- woah.”

The spider pulled up a bright white breastplate made of what appeared to be thousands upon thousands of silken strands. “Your second weapon. A silk steel breastplate,” Nebula announced. “May it serve you well, young Spike.”

“I don't know what to say,” Spike murmured, gently taking the piece of armor offered to him and silently marveling at how incredibly light it was. “Woah. Are you sure I deserve this?”

“You meant a lot to the mistress. So much so that she told me stories of you when you were gone,” Nebula confided. “She too wished she had informed you of what your friendship meant to her, but could not do so before she passed.”

Spike nodded slowly. “Well, when she does come back, I promise to make up for all of our lost time.”

“I know you will, Spike,” Nebula replied.

“And that's about it. We got a little mushy there, but it was worth it for the super cool armor I got now,” Spike exclaimed rather proudly.

“So that's why Nebula abducted Trap Jaw,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, slapping a hoof against her head. “And here I thought she just had a crush on the love bug.”

“So he was a changeling? Great. Now I feel stupid,” Spike muttered, sinking into his seat and crossing his arms over his chest.

“Don't feel bad, dear. From what I’ve heard, Jaw is a bit of an expert actor,” Rarity offered.

“He's good, I guess. Provided the stakes aren't too high. Then he crumbles under pressure,” Chrysalis exclaimed.

“Well, I think you’ve done really well,” Twilight interrupted, patting the dragon on the shoulder. “You’ve helped out a lot from what I’ve gathered, and you look like you’ve lost weight already.”

“R-really?” Spike replied, sitting up straight once more.

“You look stronger too. Why, I bet we’ll have to get you a bigger bed soon,” Twilight replied.

Spike’s grin grew until it encompassed nearly his entire face. “Thanks, Dusk.”

“No problem, Spike,” Twilight replied, leaning back in her seat once more.

“Well, I just trained and stuff, so there is no need to talk about anything that happened to me,” Rainbow Dash declared, crossing her hooves over her chest.

Fluttershy giggled. “Oh, Rainbow, there is nothing to be defensive about. All couples have the occasional fight.”

“A fight?” Rarity gasped. “Oh, do go on, darling.”

Rainbow Dash groaned and quickly rose from her seat, evading the ethereal hoof of her partner. “If you’re going to tell this story, then I’m going to get some water or something.”

“Ooh guilt, remorse, and love. Now that's a potent combination,” Chrysalis exclaimed, smacking her lips.

Rainbow Dash continued to grumble as she departed, leaving along with Spike. “I think I’ll join Rainbow in the kitchen for a little bit. Something tells me I should make some coffee,” offered the dragon.

“Good thinkin’. We’re probably going to be here for a bit,” Applejack exclaimed, shifting around on the couch only to quickly grow irritated and lay down on the floor.

“So, what was this big fight you two had?” Sunset inquired.

“Oh oh, was it over who ate the last of the ice cream?” Pinkie Pie offered, scratching her chin. “Though come to think of it, I don't know if rabbits are lactose intolerant.”

“The babies aren't but like most mammals the adults are,” Fluttershy replied. “And I wouldn't really call it a fight per say, just a misunderstanding.”

“Dish darling, dish,” Rarity encouraged.

Fluttershy giggled, her gaze lingering over the entrance to the kitchen. “It was actually kind of cute. Rainbow Dash was getting so flustered with all the stress and training she was undergoing that she vented a bit more than she normally does.”

“She didn't yell at ya none, did she?” Applejack inquired.

“No, not directly. She just gets ranty sometimes,” Fluttershy replied, squishing her cheeks. “Oh, it was just so adorable. She would get so mad at Celestia that she would go off on these long tangents about how she's going to get her revenge.”

“How is that cute?” Applejack remarked, scratching her head.

“Oh, her tangents were quite violent but when she gets all caught up like that, you can just hand her anything, and she’ll hold onto it. I gave her an entire family of squirrels while she was talking, and by the time she was done, they had made a nest in her mane,” Fluttershy giggled.

“That is hilarious,” Sunset Shimmer exclaimed with a snicker.

“I bet the amount of embarrassment alone could feed my brood for a month,” Chrysalis added.

“That doesn't sound like a fight though,” Rarity pointed out.

Fluttershy sighed. “It wasn't perfect, mind you. Rainbow is under so much pressure that she was trying to get me to join the guard so I could help more.”

“Yeah, I don't see that ending well,” Twilight murmured.

“It didn't. But once we sorted out our feelings and expressed our opinions, we were able to come to a compromise. One where I would help train the nightguard’s scouts,” Fluttershy replied.

“Good thinking,” Sunset Shimmer remarked. “I bet your knowledge of the forest would help quite a bit.”

Fluttershy beamed. “That's exactly what Dark Hallow said.”

“And then you moved in together?” Rarity pressed.

Fluttershy nodded. “There's a small series of caves I found beneath my grove, and we are in the process of cleaning them out. It's going to be a while before they are livable, but in the meantime we are making it work.”

“That is so romantic,” Rarity swooned, clutching her hooves over her chest. “Oh, I just know Trixie is going to love hearing about this.”

“So you and Trixie, eh?” Applejack remarked, raising an eyebrow at the arachne.

Who quickly straightened her features and looked away. “I don't know what you are talking about. We are merely friends who help one another and share a love of romance novels. That is it.”

Chrysalis sniffed the air around Rarity’s face. “Smells like… infatuation.”

Rarity blushed and swatted the queen in the shoulder. “I’ll have you know that is merely my perfume. It is a uh… made by a local hive.”

“Suuure,” Chrysalis replied, snickering as she sat back down.

“Yes, well. Applejack sure had an interesting little family emergency. Why don't you tell us all about that?” Rarity exclaimed, gesturing to the earth pony lying on the floor.

The mare shrugged. “Sure. Though I reckon everyone is more intrigued with what you and Trixie have been up to.”

“No, they aren't,” Rarity quickly interjected, smiling a little too wide. “Isn't that right, Fluttershy?”

The ghostly pegasus blinked owlishly. “I, err… yes?”

“See, now tell everyone about whatever it was that happened,” Rarity exclaimed.

“Before you start. Would anyone like some coffee?” Spike offered as he walked into the room, a platter of cups held before him.

Rainbow Dash followed behind the dragon with an enormous pitcher of the fragrant black liquid. Which she set on the table before taking her spot next to Fluttershy once more, throwing a hoof around the dryad.

“What did I miss?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“A quite vivid description of how adorable you are, and about five minutes of Rarity blushing and stuttering,” Sunset Shimmer exclaimed. “So, not much.”

The thestral snorted. “Yeah yeah, laugh it up. Now who was talking again? I wasn't paying attention.”

“I was just about to tell everyone about the ruckus that was raised over on the farm the other week,” Applejack exclaimed, sipping her coffee slowly. “Ooh, that's good.”

“Oh yeah. I remember reading a report on some family member of yours leaving town. How'd things go with mister high and mighty?” Rainbow Dash inquired.

Applejack grunted bitterly. “I’ll get to that in a minute, right now what ya gotta know is that my family hasn't been in contact with the other branches of the extended family for a while. After an uncle lost his husband while they were visiting the farm, we were considered cursed by most of the others.”

“I mean, strictly speaking, you were cursed,” Twilight remarked. “Though it was just the land and your immediate family that was affected.”

Rarity chuckled awkwardly. “I don't think Applejack was looking for clarification on this, darling.”

Twilight blinked, only now noticing her other friend’s irritated expression. “Oh uh, sorry. Please continue.”

“Like I was saying…” Applejack began again. “Most of the extended family avoided us, but that same uncle, my pa’s brother to be exact, lost his farm due to those damned golems cutting through the forest.”

“So they stayed with you then?” Pinkie Pie offered.

Applejack nodded slowly. “Things were tense since Green Acres’ partner, Fresh Harvest, died here after suffering a heart attack. The old bugger never forgave us, even though we had nothing to do with the whole business.”

“That sounds like quite the powder keg,” Sunset remarked.

Applejack’s frown deepened. “You’re tellin’ me. With Fresh Harvest’s mother staying with us along with his two adopted daughters, the house felt fuller than ever. Don't get me wrong, it was nice at first. It's a big place now and actually using some of those rooms felt right, ya know?”

The farm pony looked down. “Things didn't stay so pleasant for long, but things really came to a head during dinner a couple days ago…”

The room was quiet, save for the occasional clink of silverware or soft crunch as someone bit into a particularly good piece of pie crust. The quiche, although delicious, garnered as little attention as the other tasty dishes which covered the table. All eyes were on one another, a slightly uneasy atmosphere having settled over the room’s eight occupants.

Apple Bloom seemed the most oblivious and chewed loudly on her fresh salad without paying the others much attention. The two female trolls next to her were also silent and seemed more cautiously optimistic, nibbling occasionally on their rockier meals. They also eyed their parent closely and with a hint of nervous energy, as if they were waiting for him to do something.

The taller of the pair had a deep green coat and slightly lighter emerald mane which had been cut short. Her fur was also broken up by the occasional clump of black stones, which created a question mark on her right flank. Lean and with a more angular appearance, Riddle was nearly as tall as Big Macintosh despite being only seventeen.

She was also the exact opposite of her twin, who was rounder, shorter, and who had few rocks dotting her light brown hide. This troll was more intent on poking the lone lima bean around on her plate and only looked up past her hay-colored mane to glance occasionally at her sister or adopted father. Who had also gained the attention of the Apple family, though that was partly due to the ravenous manner in which he consumed his food.

The only one who didn't give the stallion even a single look was a thin, elderly thestral mare who was slowly picking away at her meal. Her fork deftly cut off small, delicate pieces of food and deposited them into her mouth, at which point she sighed, silently relishing the taste. She also looked the most out of place of the group, as she wore a black shawl over a rather voluminous white dress. Her two-toned, short blue mane had likely been quite vibrant at one time, though now it was more grey than anything. Her soft purple fur hadn't fared much better, though her violet eyes remained as bright and inquisitive as ever.

Unlike the eyes of her former son-in-law, which were grey and contained within them a deep burning resentment all could see. His mane was mainly a muted teal, though there were two stripes of a slightly more vibrant blue. Unlike his fur, which was a single solid ocean of eggshell white which covered his large bulky form that was devoid of a cutie mark.

The clatter of a fork drew all attention to Green Acres himself, who grunted and pushed his plate back.

“That wasn't terrible,” he exclaimed.

“I’m glad ya liked it,” Granny Smith offered.

“I didn't say I liked it,” Green Acres retorted. “Better than yesterday, at least.”

“I liked it all quite a bit. Indeed it was quite a hit,” Fiddle offered with a smile.

“Don't get too chummy,” Green Acres interrupted, fixing his adopted daughter with a glare. “We’ll be cooking our own food soon enough anyway.”

“So does that mean you found a place to stay?” Applejack inquired, biting back the snide comment she had already thought of, though didn't dare utter.

“Indeed,” Green Acres stated, rising from his seat. “I intend to settle right here and work the north orchard with my girls.”

“Shouldn't that be a question?” Riddle inquired somewhat nervously.

“No,” interrupted the towering, well-muscled earth pony stallion. “We deserve as much since this place took my husband.”

“Now you look here, youngun. I know that whole business wasn't pleasant, but it wasn't any of our faults,” Granny Smith proclaimed.

“Eeyup,” added Big Mac in a confident tone.

Green Acres sneered openly at the older mare. “If I remember correctly, I left the farm because it couldn't support us all, and because my husband had his own patch of land. Well, now both of those reasons are gone, so I’m taking it back.”

“It ain't yours,” Apple Bloom spoke up. “It's ours!”

For a moment it seemed as though the stallion was going to snap at the young filly, then he took a slow breath. “Look, kid. I know this sounds like I’m trying to take something that ain't mine, but you gotta see things from my perspective.”

“Your perspective?” Applejack interjected. “How in the world is this anything but some attempt to cheat us out of our darn land?”

Big Macintosh nodded fiercely.

The earth pony smiled. “Simple. Because over the generations the land was split between us kids, but that stopped because nothin’ grew here. Plus, let's be honest with one another, you can't work all that land anyway.”

“So? That doesn't mean you can just say it's yours,” Granny Smith exclaimed. “You gave up that claim and even the family name.”

“Is it just the name that makes us Apples, hmm?” he retorted, gesturing to the females who sat on either side of him. “Are my daughters and mother-in-law not Apples as well?”

Granny Smith sat back down into her chair, a deep frown on her face. “I ‘spose not,” she gruffly admitted.

“My family deserves this. Especially after what happened to our own farm,” Green Acres pressed. “We barely made it out with a few bags of items and enough bits to secure passage to Ponyville. If not here, then where else would we go?”

“It's not like we’d just kick ya out or anything. I just don't think these arrangements would work out, is all,” Applejack exclaimed.

“We’ll take one of the sets of rooms near the back. Heck, we’ll see each other about the same as we did before this all happened,” Green Acres offered.

“It ain't right,” Big Macintosh spoke up, glaring at the other stallion. “You skedaddled the second you found something better, and we were left trying to bring back a dying orchard.”

“Ya know what really ain't right?” Green Acres asked, trotting across the room and jabbing a hoof into Big Macintosh’s chest. “That I should lose the love of my life, my home, my farm, my land, and everything I own. I think the universe owes me something nice.”

The four Apples exchanged a worried glance at one another, a silent conversation passing between them. After several tense moments, Applejack released a long sigh, a decision having been made between them.

“Well, I suppose when ya put it that way, I-” Applejack began, only to be cut off when a chair screeched across the living wood floor.

The lone thestral patted her lips with a handkerchief which she tucked back away into a hidden pocket. She then smiled warmly at Granny Smith.

“That was a wonderful dinner, dear,” offered the winged mare. “Though if you’ll excuse me, I need to have a word with my son-in-law.”

“What is it, Mama Salt?” Green Acres inquired, trotting back over to the mare. “‘Cause if it's about getting you another piano, I promise it's on the list.”

The thestral didn't initially respond, and instead walked up to the pony who stood three times her height and was at least four times her weight. She then hopped up onto a chair, drew back her hoof, and slapped it across the male’s face with enough force to knock his head to the side. While the room sat in quiet amazement, she stepped down from her chair, pushed it back into the table and turned back to Granny Smith.

“I do apologize for the violence, dear Mrs Smith, but it was quite necessary, I’m afraid,” exclaimed the thestral.

“Err, it's no trouble at all,” Granny Smith murmured.

The winged pony then trotted back over to the stunned stallion and glared up at him. “Now that you’re actually listening to me, let's get a few things straight,” she began. “My son died not because of this farm, but because of what he was. Hybrids suffer from weakened hearts, and though I knew this when I married a minotaur, I always assumed it wouldn't happen to us. We were too proud to admit that just because our genes were good and our stock hardy, that our offspring would be anything but strong.”

Her hard features softened slightly. “The fact my dear sweet boy lived to the age he did was a miracle. One I thank the moon above for each and every night. His passing had not a gosh darn thing to do with this farm, or those who call it home, so just get that silly notion right out of your head.”

“But if we were closer to the hospital-” Green Acres began.

“And if I were a trained doctor, Applejack a heart surgeon, and Big Macintosh a nurse, we’d have saved him no problem, but that ain't what happened,” exclaimed the thestral in a stern tone. “Ifs and buts have no place in serious discussion. Fresh Harvest knew this, and I had assumed he’d taught this to you.”

She sighed. “I guess I was wrong there too.” The mare snorted. “But I ain't here to talk about an old bat’s regrets. We’re here to discuss why you are a stars-damned moron that ain't got more than two brain cells to rub together.”

“But I-”

“But nothing, youngun,” Mama Salt interrupted with a stomp of her hoof. “Ever since your brother’s family took you in, you've been stompin’ around like you own the place, and I am sick of it. You demand dinner, you demand kindness, you demand even their land. For cryin’ out loud, boy, that ain't the stallion that wooed my son.”

The stallion’s shoulders slumped, and his indignant expression finally fell away. “Things change, Mama. I’m just trying to do right by my girls.”

“Now don't you go bringin’ them into this,” interjected the thestral, who jabbed a tiny hoof into the other pony’s chest. “If you hadn't demanded a thing and just returned the kindness shown to ya, I bet you woulda gotten everything ya wanted. Ain't that right, Applejack?”

Applejack perked up. “I, uh, we were talkin’ about it after we heard what happened.”

“See?” Mama Salt barked. “Now you done created a whole ‘nother problem all ‘cause of your stupid pride.”

“W-what do you want me to do?” Green Acres asked.

“To start, you're going to apologize, then you’re going to pack your things and stay with the Pears for a few weeks to think about what you want outta life. Then when your head is turned on straight, you’ll come back, apologize again, and that time you’ll mean it,” commanded the matronly mare.

“I… I’m sorry,” he whispered, bowing his head to Granny Smith.

“Now go on and git. You’ve ruined the main course with your pesterin’, and I don't want you leavin’ a sour taste in my mouth when the pie gets served,” the thestral finished, seating herself once more.

The stallion nodded meekly and trotted over to his daughters. “We’ll talk before I go. Enjoy the pie.”

“We will try,” replied Fiddle.

“If it is okay that we stay?” Riddle inquired, looking expectantly at Granny Smith.

Who nodded. “‘Course y'all can stay. It seems like your Oma and I have some talkin’ to do anyway.”

“Hopefully over a few cups of brandy,” Mama Salt added.

“We can do that,” Granny Smith replied.

“Right then, shall we?” offered the thestral.

“So, in summary, I guess it wasn't all bad. Just well… uncomfortable for a bit there,” Applejack exclaimed with a shrug.

“No kiddin’,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. “The report didn't mention most of that, just that a passing guard accompanied a relative of yours out of town who told them there was a miscommunication, and that he was leaving for a little while.”

“What about Fiddle and Riddle?” Fluttershy inquired. “Are they still staying with you?”

Applejack nodded. “Of course. They’re family, after all.”

“That's sweet of you,” Sunset remarked.

“You're a better person than me,” Spike added.

“And also sappier,” Chrysalis murmured just loud enough for Twilight to hear.

The unicorn herself smiled. “Well, I think you did the right thing, given everything.”

Applejack nodded slowly. “It ain't perfect, but I think once this is all over, we can put this mess behind us and start over again.”

“Wonderful, darling, absolutely wonderful,” Rarity exclaimed, clapping her hooves together.

“So, now that Applejack told her story, are you gonna tell us what you’ve been up to?” Rainbow Dash inquired, staring expectantly at the arachne.

“I practiced with Trixie and had a show before everyone left in order to display some of the more visually appealing failures I’ve created while trying to master silksteel,” Rarity crisply replied, flashing the room a practiced smile. “Not much to report on, I’m afraid.

“I thought you said you and Trixie-” Fluttershy began, only to be cut off by a glare.

“That was told in confidence,” Rarity whispered.

“Ookay, then. How about we just move things right along, eh?” Applejack exclaimed. “Pinkie Pie. I heard you had quite the eventful week.”

“Eh, it wasn't super interesting. Well, except for that part where Zecora tried to kill me,” Pinkie Pie remarked with a nonchalant shrug.

“What? Pinkie Pie, that's horrible, were you okay?” Twilight demanded.

“What in the world possessed her to attack you?” Spike added.

Pinkie Pie waved a hoof. “Nah, I was fine, and it's totally okay. It was all just a test.”

“I think you’re going to have to start at the beginning in order for this to make sense,” Sunset deadpanned.

“Yeah, I’m pretty sure we’re gonna need some context for this,” Applejack added.

“Oh fine, but you guys are making a big deal out of nothing,” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, crossing her hooves over her chest. “It all started when I was just minding my own business and tending to some cute little mushroomies I was growing near the hut when all of a sudden…”

“Mushroomies mushroomies, you are so cute, from the hat on your head to your cute little shoot,” Pinkie Pie hummed, gently wiping the dew from the top of a particularly tall purple mushroom. “Oh, look at you, Jonathan. You’re all big and tall. Pretty soon you’ll make for an excellent lunch or perhaps some tea.”

The troll continued to sing her whimsical song as she tended to the strange fruiting fungus that grew in her secluded grove. Though calling it a grove was a bit of a stretch, given that it was little more than a slight indent dominated by a muddy pool at its center around which grew a great many purple mushrooms, their pink polka-dotted tops poking up to over a foot and a half tall. There were also a good number of bushes and several large trees which gave the area a close, almost comforting feel that Pinkie Pie enjoyed.

It was also very quiet, almost unpleasantly so now that Pinkie Pie thought about it. Perking up, the troll looked around, her ears twitching as she tried to discover the reason why she felt so off. A sudden itch combined with the twitching in her tail set alarm bells off in the troll’s mind. She leapt to the side.

She dodged a ray of absolute darkness which shot out of a nearby bush. It cleaved through the spot she had been standing in a second earlier. Rolling to a stop, Pinkie Pie made sure not to crush any of her mushroom friends as she scampered toward the cover of a tall oak. Once there, she peeked out from around the side, curiously scanning the relative gloom for any sign of her attacker.

“Who's there? Show yourself, you big meanie!” Pinkie Pie shouted.

A striped hoof stepped out from the bush, with the rest of the zebra following a second later. “That was quite impudent, my faithful student,” Zecora exclaimed.

Pinkie Pie eyed her mentor closely, noting that she wore a loose set of rags which covered all but the ends of her hooves and the tip of her nose. Her normally kind, gentle eyes contained not the same mirthful energy Pinkie Pie had come to expect, but rather cold indifference. It was a stark change, made starker still by the loss of the mare’s usual gold rings which had been replaced by a silver necklace.

“Hey, what's with the ray? Is this another test, or are you just testy today?” Pinkie Pie inquired, staying close to her cover.

Rather than reply with words, the zebra brought her hoof to her throat before pointing the limb at her student. Another ray of darkness shot forward, though this time Pinkie Pie was more than ready for such an action. Ducking back behind the tree, the troll avoided the attack and was readying her response when she was suddenly flanked.

Zecora appeared from the darkness like a shadow, her hoof raised and ready to fire another blast of negative energy. Speeding up her own magical retort, Pinkie Pie leapt forward, avoiding the next blast before unleashing a spray of wild colors from her forehooves. Due to her sudden dive the attack went a little wide, but it seemed to at least dazzle the zebra for a few seconds.

Which was just enough time for the troll to sprint directly at the zebra while readying her next attack. Intent on knocking the shaman out, Pinkie Pie put all her energy into her forehooves while uttering a quick incantation. The second she hit her target, a purple wave of energy shot out from the points of impact, causing Zecora’s body to noticeably relax.

The touch of fatigue did not, however, knock the zebra out, and by the time Pinkie Pie had realized her attack had failed, her mentor was already retaliating. Brushing aside the troll’s hooves, Zecora struck the mare in the chest, and though there was very little force behind the blow, it left Pinkie Pie reeling. A deep weariness nearly overwhelmed her, and the shaman in training could feel a bit of her life force get drained away.

The zebra kept coming, her hooves shrouded in a black mist which sapped the life from everything they touched. Pinkie Pie wasn't sure how many more of those hits she could take, and swiftly scrambled out of range. Using her longer legs to put some distance between her and her foe, the troll channeled a bit of her power into the ground behind her, liquefying it.

The sudden pool of mud caught her enemy unaware, with Zecora plunging hip-deep into the brown quagmire. The sound of scrambling hooves was like music to Pinkie Pie’s ears, and she quickly spun back around for another attack. Sure enough, the zebra had been caught quite efficiently and had just barely managed to reach the edge of the pool.

Pinkie Pie punched up, then across, before chopping her hoof down, the last strike of which was the only one to hit. Yet when it did, several ethereal hooves appeared in the air next to her, striking the zebra in the head and driving her back into the mud. Despite this setback, Zecora seemed unperturbed, and, with a sudden explosion of movement, leapt towards her student.

The jump surprised the troll just long enough for the older mare to release a terrifying screech directly at her student. Pinkie’s eyes went wide, and for a single terrible instant, it felt as though she were staring into the void itself. Then a giggle slipped past her lips, followed by a hearty laugh which banished the fearful affect and gave her body strength once more.

Seeing her teacher’s eyes glowing with the strange black mist, Pinkie Pie quickly backpedalled before turning around. Using her knowledge of the area, she deftly avoided the first of the blackened projectiles that followed in her wake. She couldn't avoid them all, however, and when one of the black darts hit her flank, the troll felt her blood run cold.

It was almost as though the zebra had managed to freeze her student’s veins solid, and Pinkie Pie stumbled briefly. Summoning forth a deep inner well of heat from down in her core, Pinkie Pie brushed aside the spell’s effects while she continued to run. Without breaking stride, she dodged the rest of the black darts and managed to scramble up a pine tree. Now relatively safe, given the distance between herself and Zecora, Pinkie Pie was able to cast an invisibility charm.

And just in time too, as Zecora had just stopped only a dozen feet away, her raggedy cloak strangely devoid of mud. Pinkie Pie could also hear the distant clack of what sounded like bones, but she didn't focus on that at the moment. Instead she quickly cleared her throat and threw her voice so when she next spoke it sounded like she were right next to the zebra.

“What is the point of this test?” she asked.

“You will soon see, when you leave that tree,” Zecora replied.

Pinkie Pie thought it over briefly, ruminating on the many possibilities which now lay before her. It was clear she was indeed being tested somehow, though she didn't know what exactly her teacher’s intention was. Without that knowledge, Pinkie Pie concluded that the zebra wanted to spar in order to gauge Pinkie Pie’s new abilities.

With that thought firmly in mind, the troll closed her eyes, steadied her breathing, and called upon the strange powers she felt deep down in her soul. With that new and chaotic energy now swirling through her, Pinkie Pie looked down to find that the zebra was still standing a good distance away. Zecora also wore a small, confident smile as she peered intently at the invisible troll perched halfway up a tree.

Pinkie Pie cursed under her breath and leapt towards the ground, her hiding spot exploding into a million pieces right behind her. The fall was a long one, but the troll didn't mind, dexterously landing into a roll and dodging a trio of bolts that thudded into the ground behind her. Springing up into a stand, Pinkie Pie was ready to charge the zebra, but found that her way was blocked by over a dozen undead animals.

Most were no larger than a small wolf, but there was one zombified bear standing in her way. The small army charged her almost immediately, with numerous smaller creatures sprinting out of their hiding places in order to join the main group. Cursing her poor focus, Pinkie Pie blitzed forward, intent on disrupting her teacher’s attention and thus hopefully dealing with her minions.

Just reaching the zebra was going to be difficult, as there were more than a few barriers between them. Not only that, but the other shaman had not slowed her magical assault one bit, with numerous black bolts continuing to fly at the troll. Pinkie Pie had gotten used to the now familiar attack pattern, trusting her limited foresight to help her avoid them.

A burning sensation in her right forehoof prompted the troll to hop to the left, avoiding the leap of a mostly skeletal badger. Now faced with a trio of the creatures, Pinkie Pie poured the chaotic energy inside of her into her mouth. Where it quickly built, growing hotter by the second before the troll unleashed it on the group of undead directly in front of her.

White hot flames incinerated the trio of zombies before they could even scratch her, the fire somehow not affecting Pinkie Pie. She didn't have long to think about what had happened, as she simply trusted her newly empowered instincts to carry her to victory. Charging forward, she ducked under a bolt of black magic before batting aside a leaping fox with her suddenly rock hard tail.

Pinkie’s pounding hooves stumbled the moment she laid eyes on the hoard of woodland critters before her. Squirrels, rabbits, and other tiny undead creatures created a writhing mass of rotting flesh that completely covered the ground. Too large to simply avoid, Pinkie Pie felt her chest tighten, and a strange urge entered her thoughts.

Inhaling deeper than she thought possible, Pinkie Pie filled her lungs before exhaling a great torrent of air which blew aside her foes. With just enough time to dash through the now disorganized horde, Pinkie Pie sprinted forward, leaping over the angriest undead beaver she had ever seen. Maintaining her momentum, the troll fearlessly charged through a pack of undead birds, somehow avoiding their teeth and claws with ease.

Pinkie Pie wasn't sure where this confidence and ability was coming from, but she wasn't about to question providence. After all, it felt almost like her Pinkie sense in a way, only turned up to eleven and able to inform her of what to do. With her body moving to the whims of some unknowable force she had accidentally captured, Pinkie Pie continued to weave through her foes.

That was until she began to near the final obstacle in her way, which was joined by a cadre of zombified porcupines that still had their quills. Pinkie knew that to stop would mean she would be overwhelmed by the undead clustering at her heels, so she continued her charge. As she ran, dodging black darts all the while, she began to mutter the beginnings of a song she last heard as a child.

“Rain rain come to me, hear my desperate plea and like the parting of the sea, deliver my enemies away from me,” Pinkie Pie muttered, dancing a silly jig while still running full tilt.

Above her head the morning dew which had yet to fall from the canopy above gathered into a large sphere. Which, upon completion of Pinkie’s song, dropped suddenly in the center of the animals, washing the quilled creatures away. The bear, however, was not affected, though Pinkie Pie knew she could handle it as well. She only needed time.

That, and to bounce really high, pouring her innate troll magic into the earth as she did so, priming the ground itself. The bear, unaware of what magic its foe may be using, charged forward, an unearthly roar on its rotted lips. Its paw raised high as it reared back, ready to take the head clear off Pinkie Pie’s shoulders.

It never got the chance to do so however, as the pink troll suddenly bounded right over it. Earthen steps emerged from the ground in front of the beast, allowing Pinkie Pie to leap dexterously over the undead animal. Now airborne, she allowed herself to grin, a sense of pride welling from deep down in her chest.

She wasn't sure what her teacher had planned, but whatever it was, Pinkie Pie knew she would pass. That was until she noticed that instead of standing a good distance behind the bear, Zecora had been waiting in its shadow. Unable to dodge or move at all while still in midair, Pinkie Pie could do nothing but yelp in surprise as the zebra slammed into her.

The impact of the shaman’s hooves knocked the wind out of Pinkie Pie and sent her sprawling to the ground. Her newly empowered Pinkie sense couldn't help her, as a million different urges and sensations were suddenly flooding the troll’s body. With choice paralysis gripping the poor creature’s body, Pinkie Pie was utterly overwhelmed and unable to do anything.

Giving Zecora more than enough time to utter a word that caused her student’s heart to suddenly stop. Pinkie Pie could hardly describe the feeling, only that for one brief and horrific instant, she knew what it was like to die. Then she was gasping for air, her heart pounding in her chest as she desperately scrambled out of the icy grip of the reaper.

The troll expected to find herself still pinned by her teacher, but the zebra was nowhere to be seen. That was until Pinkie Pie sat up and looked around to find that the undead animals were gone, though her teacher had remained. Sitting quietly by the side of the pool, she had two cups of tea sitting on a plate next to her, and a soft, gentle smile on her face.

Awkwardly trundling over to the zebra, Pinkie Pie plopped down beside her and followed the mare’s distant gaze to the sky above. There she saw the moon hanging far overhead, its light bright, illuminating the quiet, gentle night. There they sat for several seconds before at long last Zecora let out a slow exhale.

“Congratulations,” she announced.

“Bwuh?” Pinkie Pie gaped. “But I lost!”

“Oh, you never stood a chance, but the point was the dance,” Zecora began, turning to her student. “You’ve finally grasped a power you were born to wield, which in time will become the world’s shield.”

“What power?” Pinkie Pie muttered. “You mean my Pinkie sense? And what was that about the world’s shield?”

Zecora chuckled. “Your sense is like the haft of an axe. Only part, but essential for your attacks.”

Pinkie Pie frowned and looked down to the tea. “I think this would be easier to swallow with some tea, if you don't mind.”

“But of course. You need renew your source,” Zecora encouraged, taking one of the cups for herself.

Together the pair drank slowly and deliberately, both silently enjoying the surprisingly earthy, yet sweet flavours. Sure enough, Pinkie Pie found that her stress and slowly building headache had been washed away by the liquid. She even felt as though her very soul had been strengthened somehow, breathing a lungful of fresh air into the formerly exhausted troll.

“So,” Pinkie Pie began, “what is this power?”

“So it turns out because I ate so much chaos magic that my soul is like part of the forest now, so I can feel the possible future and sort of manipulate it a little,” Pinkie Pie finished, sipping her coffee.

“What the heck?” Twilight muttered.

“Ya stole the words right out of my mouth, Twi,” Applejack added.

“Part of the forest? So you're like me then?” Fluttershy whispered.

Pinkie Pie grinned. “Sorta. Apparently I might not age anymore, which would be cool, though I don't wanna outlive everyone.”

“I think you should worry more about Celestia killing you rather than entropy itself,” Sunset Shimmer exclaimed.

“That is quite the story,” Chrysalis exclaimed. “I’m surprised you have been able to steal a bit of the forest’s power.”

“I’m just borrowing it. Well, kind of,” Pinkie Pie scratched her head. “The spirit of the forest is inside of me now, and it gives me a little bit of a boost.”

“That is… amazing,” Twilight murmured. “When this is all over, we must do some tests.”

Sunset imitated a snort. “I wouldn't bother with that one, Twi. None of the spells I know work on her.”

“That's…” Twilight began.

“A problem for another time,” Spike interrupted.

Twilight nodded slowly. “Yes, you’re right. Though I had a few questions.”

“The word Zecora knows is death. She is a necromancer, as well as a shaman, and yes she will teach you a few things, though you will have to complete a certain journey first,” Pinkie Pie answered.

Twilight blinked. “But I wasn't even going to ask that last one.”

“Oh you were, in a few hours,” Pinkie Pie replied, flashing Twilight a smirk.

The undead mare’s eye twitched, and for a moment it almost looked like smoke was about to billow from her ears. Then she released a sigh, placed a hoof over her chest, and took several unnecessary breaths.

“Ya’ll right there?” Applejack inquired.

“Looked like you were gonna bust a gasket for a sec,” Rainbow Dash added.

“I’m fine. I just… need to add talking to Zecora to my list of things to do,” Twilight replied.

“Why don't we move on to a topic that doesn't make my head hurt, hmm?” Rarity offered.

“The boney one hasn't told you about her experiences yet,” Chrysalis pointed out.

“There isn't much to talk about, I’m afraid,” Sunset remarked with a shrug. “I spent the majority of my time studying, experimenting, and healing who I could.”

“Hey, that's no small thing, ya know. You even helped get Lonesome Log back onto his hooves again,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

Sunset nodded slowly, rubbing her boney chin thoughtfully. “I suppose that's true. Though I have yet to truly scratch the surface of what I now know is possible. That will come with time and practice.”

“Well, I think it's wonderful that you’ve been able to help so many people,” Fluttershy declared.

“Yeah, and you seem happier now too!” Pinkie Pie pointed out.

Sunset chuckled. “I suppose I am. I still have my moments, but it feels nice to finally use my special talent in the way it was meant to be used.”

Twilight smiled and reached over to her friend. “I’m glad to hear that and it is my sincerest hope that you never have to use your magic for ill ever again.”

“I don't think I could,” Sunset muttered, gazing down at her forehooves. “The mere thought of hurting another living being is enough to make my stomach turn despite the fact that there's nothing in my ribcage.”

Chrysalis unexpectedly rose and fixed the skeleton with an oddly intense look. “Pacifism is not a weakness, nor should you ever feel the need to break this new rule of yours just because others don't understand it.”

“I…” Sunset nodded. “Thank you, Chrysalis. I think I needed to hear that.”

The changeling’s smile quickly morphed into a smirk. “That doesn't mean you can't help someone hurt someone else. Just don't give up on your morals.”

“Let me guess, Cadance is the pacifist?” Rainbow Dash inquired.

Chrysalis shrugged. “Maybe. Maybe not.”

“Is there anything else you wanted to talk about, Sunset? Maybe something that may have flown over your head,” Fluttershy gently pressed, gesturing to a nearby window.

“Flown over my…” Sunset followed Fluttershy’s gaze, her eyes lighting up the second she realized what the dryad was talking about. “Oh, of course. How could I have forgotten about Owlicious.”

“Wait Owl…” Twilight trailed off when she saw the owl swoop in from the now open window and settle atop Sunset’s skull.

Sunset giggled as the creature tapped its beak against her head. “Daw, I missed you too, big guy. Sorry I didn't open the window earlier.”

“Owlicious, is that really you? I thought you were- oh my,” Twilight murmured when the owl turned its head to reveal that one of its eye sockets was completely empty.

“Yeah, I learned how to bring back small animals after finding this poor guy when I was walking to Fluttershy’s,” Sunset replied, scratching the underside of the bird’s beak.

“Oh no, that's so sad. Wait, didn't I see you in the company of this particular owl before?” Rarity inquired, gesturing to the animal in question.

“You did,” Twilight answered, extending a hoof. “Sorry I didn't come to see you more often I- owch.”

The unicorn recoiled her hoof after the owl viciously pecked it.

Sunset chuckled. “Sorry about that. He isn't a fan of other ponies. Says he had a bad experience with one.”

Twilight winced. “That was probably my fault.”

“Don't worry about it. He didn't die of loneliness, just tried to fight a hawk for his meal,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, only to receive an ethereal hoof to the shoulder.

“Dash, you weren't supposed to say that part out loud. Owlicious is very self-conscious about that,” Fluttershy whispered.

Twilight smiled and was ready to offer a remark of her own when she noticed that Chrysalis had snuck away. After quietly excusing herself, Twilight followed the changeling queen to the door, stopping her before she could leave.

“Why are you leaving? I thought you said we needed to talk,” Twilight exclaimed.

The changeling hesitated a moment before letting her hoof drop to the ground. “I was going to, but I’d rather not ruin your little moment.”

“How would you do that?” Twilight pressed.

“If I told you that it would ruin it,” Chrysalis replied. “Though one thing I can say is that I was planning on teaching you and your friends a word you may need to know in the future.”

“You mean a word of power, right?” Twilight whispered in a hushed tone.

“No, the minotaur word for toilet,” Chrysalis deadpanned. “Of course a word of power.”

Twilight coughed awkwardly. “Right. So when should I talk to you then?”

Chrysalis’ expression grew distant, and she gazed out the nearby window. “Cadance will be here soon. We can have our chat after you give her the news she's been waiting centuries for.”

“Err, okay. Thanks for coming, by the way. It was nice to see you,” Twilight remarked.

“You must have been really starved for attention,” Chrysalis declared with a smirk.

Twilight shrugged. “I won't deny that any sort of friendly face was a pleasant sight.”

Chrysalis chuckled. “That's a compliment I wouldn't mind accepting. Though I really must be going now. Wouldn't want your friends to think I’m part of your little gang, now do we?”

“Right. Gotta keep up that cool but aloof persona,” Twilight retorted.

The queen blinked twice before grinning. “Nice one, Sparkle, but don't let that head of yours get too big. Wouldn't want to give Celestia an even easier target.”

Twilight smiled. “Well, I can't speak for the girls but I consider you a friend at least.”

Chrysalis paused just after opening the door, giving Twilight a brief, yet strangely intense bout of scrutiny. She then nodded and left without saying a word, leaving Twilight to stand in the doorway for a few seconds before turning around.

“I’ll see you two very soon,” Twilight murmured to herself.

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