Knights of Equestria - Book 1: Rise of the Dark Queen (Old Version)

by Golden Fang Ryu Shenron

First published 15th of November, 2017

A hybrid mare and her friends born into powerful, ancient, and legendary clans find themselves facing off against a terrifying enemy. Will they be able to defeat her and save their town, or will they all perish under her terrifying godly dark power?

(VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: This whole story is currently going through a brand new rewrite, and will also go by a new title, so for anyone who wants to see it, click this new link to see the new incoming results. Some things in each chapter will be changed while other things will stay the same, some of them going through a complete change. So anyone who has seen or read this story before, keep a very close eye out for even the slightest changes that I've made, even if it doesn't seem like I made any at all. Oh, and I may also delete this version in the future, that way viewers won't have to keep going back and forth to see the new changes.)

One thousand years ago, on the three thousandth year of the three thousandth day of the coronation of the Royal Immortal Pony Sisters, Queen Luna Nightwalker instigated a revolt against her older sister, Queen Celestia Daybringer. Overwhelmed by the hatred that their subjects threw at her for ruling the very darkness they feared, she let the inner demons inside her lose on those who caused her pain. It then gave way to a war between the Lunar and Solar Queen, which soon ended in the former banishing the latter to the Moon she raised, thus ending one of the bloodiest wars in Equestrian history. With the Dark Queen gone, and her followers eliminated, the mare was left in the past, fading into an infamous legend that that was soon forgotten in the centuries to come.

Or was she?

On the thousandth day of the thousandth year of her banishment, the stars aided the Dark Queen in her escape from her beautiful Moon, allowing her to make her way back home. Once she returned, the mare wasted no time on planning her revolution once again, intent on finishing what she started a whole millennium ago. Unbeknownst to her, the world she once knew had changed, so much so that she is completely unprepared for the retaliation that is soon to throw itself at her. All of which will come in the form of seven powerful mares with a bond that will grow ever stronger by the end of their adventurous night. Will this bond be enough to help them overthrow the Dark Queen and save their land from her tyranny? Or will they be her first victims in her world of Eternal Night?

Warning: Rated T for serious animal violence, brutal fight scenes that'll come much later on, somewhat ponified language, and there may also be some mild sexual themes and references throughout the story, which is why the sex tag is there. This will also contains a ridiculous amount of OP'd characters with powers that seem like it should take longer to achieve, so if that's not what you're looking for, feel free to leave.

Other tags include: Trixie, Shining Armor, Spearhead, Granny Smith, Spike, Derpy, Blossomforth, and Amethyst.

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The first of many stories set in my EquestrianKnightsverse.

Chapter 1 - Prologue

Long ago, deep in the heart of the Planet Harmonia itself, there lied an extraordinary land, one of which the whole world had ever seen before. It was vast, far from the barren deserted wastelands that populated many parts of the environment. Not only that, it was a magical land, so much so that it was practically mythical to anyone who happened to see it with their very own eyes. One that was left untouched by nothing but the creatures that lived there, so much so that no other being knew of its inhabitants. Besides the other creatures put in it before the one that would dominate over them all, no other living being was able to find it. In fact, in all of the time this extraordinary land existed, no other creature was known to inhabit it. Leaving the only the creatures that were living in it to populate it, adapt, thrive, civilize and eventually, rule over…and form a united nation of peace and harmony.

The beautiful magical land…of Equestria.

Equestria wasn’t just inhabited by just any types of creatures they were magical ones, that inhabited every part of the land that could be thought of. Some would think that it was normal for animals like ponies to inhabit a land like Equestria. This would be true in most circumstances, if they were normal ponies that is. Alas, the ponies that inhabited this land were not normal, put very magical, both inside and out in every possible way.

These ponies, along with the many other equines and creatures in the land, did not just appear by themselves by mere coincidence, but rather, they were made the way that they are now, with powerful abilities to match. Before Equines inhabited and dominated the land, before life even begun to exist in Planet Earth, the very planet itself didn’t even exist. The whole universe was barren and vast, filled with nothing but the tinkling of the many cosmos, stars, and twilight specimens that painted ebony universe and the entire milky way galaxy. There were many planets that were filled in the endless void, but not a single sign of life could be seen in many of them for millions of light years. All was silent, with not a single sound but the endless gleaming and twinkling of space. The stars and the cosmos showed no sign of any living breathing creatures, no matter how far searched. That is until the very creator of the ponies, and all of Harmonia herself had arrived.

No one knows where they both or she came from, or how many million and billions of light years they had traveled to get to where they were. Only one thing was known for sure, this being would be the very first to be known by all creatures in the very world she created. The very first equine that would ever walk the face of the very planet that was created by creator of all life…and the one that would soon give the start of a new Era.

Lauren Faust, goddess of the ponies, and the mother of all pony kind.

Lauren was the very first creature to have come to life and roam the very essence of outer space and the Milky Way Galaxy. She held the magic of equines that she would soon bless the very planet that they created with. She had a coat that looked like it could've only been made from the purest and most untainted of white. It shined so bright that it practically glowed like the very Sun that she moved each and every day. Her flowing mane and tail were made from the finest and richest of red color. Both of them were so long that they seem to go on in an endless stream of sparkling ethereal beauty, always leaving a scarlet trail behind her. She had an absolutely magnificent pair of wings, both of them so large, so wide, so long and so vast that they seemed to go on in an endless span. Each and every feather was groomed to the very definition of perfection, giving her the appearance of an angel. The final piece of her appearance was a regal horn that would make even the longest and sharpest of swords look like tiny daggers in comparison.

Out of all of these features that Faust had, the most striking one were her eyes. They were the brightest, vibrant and most beautiful color of blue any creature would ever see. When anypony or anyone looked into them, they would find themselves looking into an endless cyan sky of warmth, kindness, and love. As well as being reminded that as long as she was here, as long as she roamed...everything would be just fine. To top each and everyone of her astonishing features off, on each of her flanks was a blue and green sphere of the very planet of Harmonia. It gave all who saw it the belief and notion that she specialized in doing was protecting the land and all life within it.

Lauren were both known as the loyalist, optimistic, generous, honest, kindest and most magically powerful being that had ever come into existence. The very protector of the ponies and all other creatures that she had put upon the land along with the rest of her kind. Any of these creatures that she blessed would have unique magical abilities of their own, making each of them special in their own way. All the creatures living in the land of Harmonia had magical powers and abilities that made all of them worthy of respect. Out of all of these creatures, there was one species of creatures that soared above them all.

The Earth Ponies, Unicorns, and Pegasus Ponies; the members of the Three Pony Tribes.

First, there were the Earth Ponies, one of the three, yet last ponies to ascend from the three legendary species. By physical appearance, they would look like your normal everyday equines. However, if one where to analyze them more closely, they could see that they were anything but. For millennia years, when the ponies began to populate Equestria, Earth Ponies have had a special connection to the very ground that laid flat beneath their hooves. They had a very special and unique ability to grow acres of food from the ground, such as plants, fruits, and vegetables, even large trees, all having been made with their bare hooves. The reason for this is because they, like their other two pony counterparts, have magic running through their hooves that enabled them to grab objects the same way that the other creatures that could, except ponies didn’t have anything like claws or talons. They were also known for their almost endless endurance and incredible strength when it came to work in the fields or running. When fighting, they can deliver powerful blows to their opponents and inflict serious injuries with blunt force impact attacks. Earth Ponies are so connected to the earth, that and even use tactics that most creatures wouldn’t expect. Because of this, Earth Ponies were the most respected out of all the Three Pony Tribes, providing foods of all kinds for all other fellow ponies.

Next of the three Pony Tribes were the Pegasus Ponies. Unlike the Earth Ponies, Pegasus Ponies did not have a connection to the ground. At least not as strong as a connection to it as the Earth Ponies did. They had beautiful, massive, majestic pairs of bird-like wings that made it easy to identify them and make them stand out from their other fellow ponies. They had a special connection the sky as well as the amazing ability to walk on clouds and even control the weather, which was good, especially when it came to for growing planted food. They also had the power to control two of the five elements of nature, which was wind and lightning, both mainly used for fights, whether it was to protect their kind against a threat, or to help the very ponies that protected them prevail against any potential enemy.

The Pegasus ponies were not only known for their magical ability to control weather and walk in clouds, they were also known for their incredible speed and agility, especially when it came to escape. With their wings, they have better chances at saving their fellow ponies, and preventing as much casualties as possible when involving things like out of control weather. Their wings were also useful for delivering stunning blows, along with attacks that involved both lightning, wind, and even fire and ice. Although they could also use it in their hooves, they preferred to use magic in their wings, since their easier in providing impact and magical power. If there’s one thing that Pegasi are known for the most, its their incredibly sharp senses, thanks to how much they like to be in the air.

Finally, and last put most certainly not least, were the Unicorns. Unlike the Pegasus Ponies and the Earth Ponies, they did not have strong connections to the sky or to the earth. Rather, they have a connection when it came to magic itself that they were given. After all, the regal horns on their heads were not just for show. They were known for actually being able to cast magic that was completely visible to the naked eye. Normally, Unicorn magic was used for basic things like lifting or levitating objects in the air, big or small, depending on how powerful their magic actually was, in mid-air without having to pick it up with their teeth, or their hooves. If they had a certain amount of control over their magic, and if their magic even lifting many other objects all at once.

Unicorns were also known for casting powerful spells, which was very useful, especially in battle. For they could shoot blasts of magic form their horns, cast giant shield to protect themselves from fatal impact…even use it to levitate themselves to fly into their air, much like a Pegasus could. Unicorns were also known for being very smart when it came to things like politics, formulating plans, or solving problems like many other ponies would. Unfortunately, there were some Unicorns that took this wonderful gift to a darker level, practicing in magic that has zero tolerance in pony society. This had led to more than a few drastic measures needing to be taken, and even resorted in some tough decision making. While a majority of Unicorns have been kept from using dark magic in Equestria, there are still those that manage to get their hooves on them. Thus the ones that aren’t to deal with them accordingly for the safety of their land and the ponies in it.

These three tribes, along with the many species that inhabited the land of Equestria, with Galaxia and Cosmo ruling over and protecting them, worked together to make the land more prospering and welcoming for all other Equines alike and spreading happiness and joy wherever they could. Though there were some dark corners that Equestria was known to have. In fact, before it was even founded, it was nothing like it was now. It was a land that was the very definition of darkness, without a single shred of light and hope for anypony to grasp onto.

Before Equestria was founded and Faust became its ruler, it was set in a land full of absolute and utter chaos. All around, there were ponies that lied through their teeth, stole valuable and important items and greedily kept everything to themselves and sharing with no one, betrayed anypony that was naïve enough to trust them, inflicted pain and suffering others for their sick amusement, and ponies that didn’t even have the tiniest shred of compassion in their hearts. It was a land and a world or complete and utter darkness, with no light or warmth coming down on anypony anywhere. Some would even go so far as to take the lives of another pony, regardless of whether they were innocent or not. They would even do things to them so vile that it would leave the victim practically begging for death to take them in its cold dark embrace. They didn’t do this by their own choice though, for it was caused by the one being who created by it all. One that was as every bit as insane, mad, abominable as ponies say he is today.

Discord Konton, the Spirit of Chaos and Disharmony, and the leader of the Konton Clan.

Discord inhabited Equestria in its time of darkness, created by the negative feelings of the ponies inhabiting the land, making life absolutely horrible for all ponies alike. The Chaos God put the ponies and all other creatures though endless amounts of pain and suffering all around for his own needs. He was a being that feed of the negative emotions and the darkness in pony’s hearts. A being that was of every bit discorded as his name, in looks, in personality, and in his abilities as well. He was so physically and magically powerful that he was on par with Faust herself, and could easily go against the Pony Goddess in a one on one battle. This went on for hundreds of years, if not millennia, with nothing to stop his reign of terror on the equines of Harmonia. Nothing to protect the ponies and give them even the slightest beckon of hope or salvation. No one that is, except for Faust and the ponies that would soon be known as the new rulers of Equestria for endless centuries to come.

Queen Celestia Daybringer and Queen Luna Nightwalker; the Goddesses of the Sun and Moon, and daughters of Faust herself.

Like their mother, Celestia and Luna were the two sisters that were not part of the Three Equine Tribes. At least not in the same way that they were. In fact, they were unlike any Earth Pony, Unicorn, or Pegasus that was born anywhere in Equestria. They were also known as Alicorns, the most powerful, rare, and the majestic species of ponies that ever lived as well as the rarest. They had the combined powers of all three of the Pony Tribes and were stronger, faster, and more capable of magic than any other Earth pony, Pegasus or Unicorn alive. It was easy to see why they were so gifted; since there were only ones, besides their mother, who could inherit such power, especially since they were one of the children of Faust that descended from the very heavens themselves. Nevertheless, it did not stop the two sisters, their mother, and the whole Alicorn race at the time, from confronting Discord, engaging him in a battle that would've shaked even the gods. It took countless lives being sacrificed from all four tribes of the ponies, and destruction being left in both party’s wake, but in the end, the chaos go was defeated. To ensure that he’d harm anypony ever again, Faust and her daughters turned Discord into stone, thus locking him in a frozen prison for all eternity.

Not long after the defeat of the Chaos Spirit, Celestia and Luna were crowned as the new Queens of Equestria, and shortly after, Faust disappeared from the face of the earth, as if she was never there in the first place. The two sisters and the rest of their family searched endlessly, every nook, cranny, forest, desert, jungle, and ocean in search of their beloved ruler, but sadly, not a single trace of her was found. The day that they had finally gave up the search was the day that they and the whole Alicorn race mourned the loss of the Pony Goddess. It was on that day that Celestia and Luna knew what they needed to do, and what they could do to make the memory of their dear mother to live on. It was on that day that the Royal Sisters vowed to do everything in their power to live up to their mother’s legacy. That no matter what, they’d do all they could to protect the ponies in her absence, until their time came to join their mother once again.

From then on, her daughters began the task of replenishing the land that Discord had so horribly destroyed, and bringing light, hope, and joy for all ponies alike. It took many centuries, many grueling battles, and many tears, but soon enough, they became rulers of Equestria and Harmonia. Celestia watched over the ponies during the day, and Luna watching them by night, as well as forming a guard of all three Pony Tribes, along with some families that were not of the main three pony tribes. This guard worked together with both princesses, eliminating all threats that came to them and to the ponies that they swore to protect, putting in the blood, sweat, and tears to do so. For a time, all was peaceful and calm in this beautiful land, but alas, as the saying goes peace never lasts forever, and it was only a matter of time before another evil being came to rise.

Like Discord, there was another being of darkness that threatened to shred the land into darkness and chaos, only this being was a pony. Not only that, but unlike Discord, he did not want to rule over Equestria, for he ruled over a land himself. He wanted to see the harmonious land obliterated, so he could expand his land, and rule over all as Celestia and Luna did.

Not long after the defeat of Discord, there was a land far outside that of Equestria that was far up into the Frozen North, a land that was covered in nothing but mountains of ice and snow, but somehow, through an incredible source of magic was able to thrive. This land was known as the Crystal Empire, a kingdom similar to that of Equestria but smaller, though it was by no means any less important or amazing. For example, the ponies that lived there were not of the ponies that were found in Equestria, at least not in appearance, for their bodies looked as if they were made of the very crystal mountains themselves, found deep in the snowy mountain terrain.

The reason for this is because each and every single one of the ponies that inhabited this land was known for spreading as much love and hope as they could throughout the empire in, thanks to them powering the Crystal Heart that Inhabited the kingdom. It was the one known way that the empire was protected by any outside dangers, and it was very efficient against any types of dangers. Alas, no amount of protective magic will be able to withstand everything, and soon enough, the Crystal Ponies would face another evil. One that came in a place and form that they never would’ve expected or would’ve even imagined.

As time passed on, a Unicorn named Sombra Doragonraion, who was the ruler of the Crystal Empire, had slowly began to succumb to the hatred that had begun to take hold of him ever since he was crowned king by his parents, or mainly his mother. Despite the fact that he was born in a family of royalty, it was anything but pleasant. Sombra had endured seemingly endless abuse and berated from his father, not getting one word or gesture of love and praise from him in any way, instead giving him the cold, harsh words of a judgmental pony. That was a job that was left to his mother, who protected him from his father as best she could, and gave him twice the love and praise that he seeked from both his parents.

Sombra did not know why his father was treating him the way that he was. It was possibly from his past failures, or because Sombra didn’t want to be the Emperor that his father wanted him to be. Which was a pony that ruled over all with an iron hoof, instead of love and wisdom. He feared that nothing he did would ever please his father, and was only thanks to his mother that he was able to keep going forward. It was however, not enough to keep him from his father’s wrath, and thus, the abuse continued well into Sombra’s adult years. Eventually, both his parents stepped down from their throne and crowned him as the new ruler and King of the Crystal Empire.

Unfortunately, even after his parents passing, he never forgot about the terror and fear that he endured his entire life up until this moment. Each time his mind wandered back to all those horrible memories, a piece of his heart would break, and a part of his soul would become darker, and darker. He began to become consumed by hatred and an unforeseen dark power, causing to him to lash out at others, even the one mare who loved him with all of her heart. This in turn had made the subjects of the Crystal Empire fear him, even his own wife and child, much to the Crystal King’s utter sorrow. He did his very best to try to keep himself from the brink of insanity and try to reconnect with the ones he adored.

Alas, the damage was too great, and soon enough, not even his own new family wanted anything to do with him. That was the final straw that broke the camel’s back, and Sombra finally snapped, unable to keep the insanity clawing at him any longer. Without any warning, he unleashed his rage on all of the Crystal Empire, and the ones he was supposed to love and cherish. Before long, he went from the strong, kind and wise ruler, to a pony with unrelenting hatred and unquenchable thirst for power and a dark heart. A heart that was blacker than the very night sky itself, and an anger that would frighten even that of the mightiest of dragons.

Soon, Emperor Sombra Doragonraion was no longer just the Ruler of the Crystal Empire and Husband of the Goddess of Love. He was also the Bringer of Hatred and Fear, and the infamous Black Lion of the North.

After the fateful day of his new transformation, Sombra became the Emperor that his father was known to be in his time of ruling the Crystal Empire. However, the way that Sombra ruled the Crystal Empire and treated his subjects was even worse than the way his father had done it. At a level that even his father would’ve found barbaric in nature. It was at such degree, that the only thing the Crystal Ponies felt during that time was endless agony, pain and depression and endless fear. His reign did not last long however, as the two royal sisters had discovered his twisted cruel misdeeds and put an end to his reign of terror once and for all. The battle as great and brutal, and there were a few times where they were nearly defeated, and taken over by Sombra. In the end, the sisters prevailed leaving Celestia’s niece, Cadence, Empress of Love, to watch over the Crystal Empire.

After the defeat of King Sombra, Celestia and Luna once again went back to their respective roles of watching over their precious ponies, day and night. In the wake of their defeat against their foes however, they realized that they in order to protect their land, they needed powerful allies. Ones that could go up against villains that were just as, if not; more powerful than they were themselves. Luckily for them, in the battle against the God of Chaos, the were given a helping hoof by groups of ponies that came from lands far beyond that of Equestria. From then one, they worked together to make Equestria a better place for all ponies; even the very ponies that helped them create the land into it was it was now.

Speaking of said ponies, after the fall of the God of Chaos, they had decided to settle down in different parts of Equestria, even ones that ponies have never been to before. Form the mountains of the Frozen North, to the sands of the Bony Dry Desert, to the forests of the Undiscovered West, to the destiny of the Forbidden Jungle. Even after settling down and building their own lives, they still played their part in helping the Queens in defending Equestria from all manners of evil, though they found it rather hard to with the lives they wanted to live. So they decided to form organizations that were dedicated to protecting where they lived and all that live in it, along with helping other groups that had the same problem, and come together to fight mighty forms of evil.

The Equestrian Guilds.

The Guilds of Equestria were not just any ordinary places for anypony to meet at, they were places made specifically for anypony to come together and learn all types of magic. Equestria was a land that was filled with magic, so it only made since for ponies that allied themselves with the Royal Sisters to create places where they could learn all types. Following after the guilds were the ponies that joined them, called the Magic Mages, all of them from all the Pony Tribes, besides the Unicorns, who learned different types of magic and used it however they chose. There were those who used dark magic, but it was mainly those that were born with it, so nopony really complained or were bothered by it. There were however, the Dark Guilds that constantly went at war with the Light Guilds, the former having risen after getting note of the latter, so there was another daily occurrence that continuously happened. The Royal Sisters were never bothered by it, since they usually managed to take care of it themselves, though there were a few occasions where they had to step in and settle the matters themselves.

As the centuries passed, life seemed to be flourishing, exhilarating, and absolutely perfect for the ponies of Equestria, with their Queens watching over them and protecting them from danger. Unfortunately, as the centuries passed the younger sister, Luna, began to grow sadden and depressed, for she had seen a change in most of the ponies. The Lunar Queen began to notice who they really respected, looked up to, and went to for guidance. Who they really worshiped and loved and depended on for leadership This only grew worse when she saw which of their two cycles that the ponies loved most. The very same cycles that Luna and Celestia both ruled over.

While everypony flourished in Celestia’s bright and gorgeous day, they shunned and slept through Luna’s calm, quiet, cool, peaceful, and beautiful night. Despite Celestia’s many reassurances that Luna was loved, she was not convinced, for she could see what was really happening. The Solar Queen was either naively oblivious to her sister’s pain or just brushing it off as mere jealously. Over time, the Queen of the Night’s sadness grew, to the point where she had shut out everypony out who tried to help her. Her friends, her family, even that of her elder sister, who finally began see just how much pain the younger Alicorn was in.

Slowly, but surely, Celestia had come to realized that her sister was not as loved as she had so naively thought. Not only that, but even she didn’t truly love her sister or care for her as much as she had originally believed. A small part of the Sun Goddess actually feared her sister, and of what she could be because of the powers that she held. Ones that exceeded even that of Celestia’s own in many unseen ways, something that brought her great shame. Unfortunately, by the time she had realized what she had done, it was far too late. The Queen of the Night did not want anything to do with her, having seen how little her sister cared about her. The Lunar Queen had even come to believe that her sister was taking all the love of their subjects for herself. A thought that was as every bit as true as Luna believed, creating an even bigger rift between her and her sister.

Soon, the Lunar Queen’s sadness and depression began to grow into anger and resentment, until the Goddess of the Moon finally snapped. One fateful day, Luna refused to lower the Moon so that her elder sister could make the Sun rise for the dawn. Celestia pleaded with her younger sister to stand down, to do her duty as the Queen of the Night, but Luna’s anger, jealousy, and hatred were too deep, too bitter, and far, far to consuming. She was so hurt, so damaged, and so emotionally and mental unstable that she became another entirely different being. And a final unforgivable act by her Celestia’s hand lead to Luna becoming known as one of the most common villains in all of Equestrian history.

Nightmare Moon, the Mare of Nightmares, the Goddess of the Black Moon and the Queen of Darkness.

In her new terrifying state, Nightmare moon vowed to her elder sister that she would shroud all of Equestria and the whole world in Eternal Night, the dawn would never again rise and her reign would last forever. Celestia once again tried to plead with her sister to surrender and lower the Moon, but the only answer Nightmare Moon gave was one with brute force and violence. At that moment, Celestia realized that the one sister she knew, the one sister she loved more than anything else in the world, was gone. Only the monster remained, the monster that she created…and there was only on way to stop it.

With no other option, Celestia finally went hoof to hoof against her younger sister. The battle that transpired afterward could only be described as a battle between gods. Mountains and forests cracked and tore from the ground from the magical blasts emitted from their sword-like horns. Hurricanes and wind currents sliced through the air, tearing through the land from powerful flaps of their majestic wings. Craters that were the size of giant space asteroids, were left in the earth from the powerful strikes of their hooves, and through it all, every single one of their subjects from servant lord, guard, and civilian, were there to witness it. It was a battle unlike anything Equestria had ever seen, second only to the battle with Discord. It was one that would forever be known throughout the history of Equestria and many future generations, as the Battle of the Two Sisters.

Seeing that the battle was not getting her anywhere, and she was losing fast, Celestia was forced to take drastic measures to save herself, the land, and all the ones in it. She turned to the greatest source of power Equestria had ever known. The one given to her and her sister by their beloved mother after she vanished form the face of the planet.

The Elements of Harmony; the most powerful sources of magic to ever exist in Harmonia.

With their combined power, and a heart heavier than the weight of even the biggest and heaviest mountain in the snowy lands of the Frozen North, Celestia rose up against her sister, defeating the mare with the elements. Try as she might, the Dark Queen was unable to withstand the power, and was permanently banished to the Moon she raised. From then on, and for the next one thousand years, Celestia ruled Equestria alone, taking the task of raising both the Sun and the Moon without her dear sister by her side. As time went on however, ponies began to take notice of the black unicorn head on the moon, and before long, Luna came to be known throughout history as, ‘The Mare on the Moon.’

Queen Celestia may have succeeded in defeating her younger sister and saving Equestria from Eternal Night, but even she knew that the peace would not last forever. One day, her sister would return, and all of Equestria would soon be in danger once again. When it did, not even she would be able to stop it, not without the help of the Elements of harmony, now that she was no longer connected to them. Luckily for her, on the thousandth day of the thousand year, when her sister was due to return a group of ponies, would soon rise up to face the Mare of Darkness. Her, along with many other foes, led by a pony more special that any of them combined. It would be a pony that would forge down a path that would change the lives of them, their friends, families, and the very history of Equestria forever.

For that pony herself, her path will be more adventurous, more wondrous, and more thrilling then even she herself could’ve ever imagined.

Author's Notes:

Now, before anyone says anything or leave any comment on the story, I would just like to point out, for those who have not read this story yet, I just want to say that this is going through a rewrite of practically all of the chapters, and that each one is going to be going through some special editing. Some parts of this story will be remaining the same, while some parts of it are going to be different, depending on how much editing the chapters will be needing. I have definitely noticed some run on sentences and grammatical errors that really need to be sorted out, along with some battles and adventure scenes that most definitely needed to be extended, shortened, and included, both before and after the Main Seven reach Nightmare Moon. During said adventure, I'm also going to be sure not to add to much description to the environment and try to make sure there's plenty of interaction and conversion between the characters, be it as a pair or in an entire group. I'm also may more pay not add the part 1-2-3-4-5 titles to the story and repeat them so often like I did the last time, cause I can see that some of the people viewing this were really not impressed with that. So that is totally something that is going to be changing in the new addition of this story, along with the adventure in the Everfree and the Point of View from the other mane characters and background ponies; looking back, I feel that could've been done a lot differently that what it was now.

Another thing that I would like to point out in this story, if you look above at the tags, I have added another tag to the story, one that happens to be one of my all time favorite series! The main reason I added that tag was because I'm planning to give the Main Seven techniques that aren't that much different and eerily from that of the Wizards, Mages, and the Dragons Slayers from Fairy Tail. Especially since I'm planning to have brand new characters to be introduced in this series, and give some of the characters new appearances and powers. Speaking of which, some of the powers that I will be giving the Main Six in the story will either be from Fairy Tail itself, the Pirate Anime One Piece, or they'll be created by me personally due to the powers I'm planning to give the Main Seven and the other OCs. Though that's depending on how well I can do that and how well I can remember the techniques from Fairy Tail and One Piece, what they do, and how easily I can write and describe them. I will say, the characters, be it Main to Background, or OC will seem ridiculously overpowered as you read the incoming battles; then again, many of the people in Fairy Tail are overpowered so, I guess it doesn't really matter. I guess it's the same for One Piece, but it's was a working progress since the anime itself was created, though it's still enjoyable nonetheless. While I'm not entirely sure how that's going to go down, that is what I'm planning to do, since I'm going to changing and rewriting this story form start to finish. The updates may take longer than they once did after this, so I apologize if you any of you were wanting to really see what happens next, so I'll be sure to try to make some updates on each chapter, and how progress is going. Oh, and in case you're all wondering, yes, there will be mentioning of guilds in this series, but that won't be until later on.

Finally, and I don't think this is something that I can stress enough, if anyone, anyone is going to favorite the story and add it to their libraries, like it or dislike it, please be sure to leave a reason as to why. I may or may not make any changes from the responses I may get, though that'll depend on the reason I get for the dislikes. However, if you do like it, then be sure to hit that thumbs up button so my story can get more views so other people can read it and find things in it that're up to their liking.

Chapter 2 - Fanged Fledglings

The day shined brightly in the vast and magical land of Equestria, the golden yellow sun gleaming over the land, basking it in its warmth. The bright cyan sky loomed over the shining orb of light, making it washed out among the atmosphere as the cool breeze washed through the air. The dark green trees in the trees blow gently rustled in unison with the wind as the grass fluttered along with the trees. The field of grass was split right in the middle, leaving a large dirt trail to take its place as it led south one way to more of the luscious, healthy green forest. On the northern part of the dirt path however, it led farther up, into the same grove of trees, but also leading to something, or rather, somewhere that one would find civilization. One of the many places where one would find the number one species in the world thriving, and living, today. Including the very one that watched over and protected them each and every day, that dominated all of Equestria, and the entire earth.

The City of Canterlot.

Canterlot wasn’t just any city however, not like any of the other cities that were found across the land. It was a city where the high class and elite ponies could be found, happily showing and and strutting their stuff around to anypony who happened to be passing by. That was usually just more high-class pony groups, which made it all the more worth it, because they were seen as equals in their eyes, and not lowlife like the one who were not of high class. The Canterlot elite looked down upon and shunned those who were not of high-class society, and kept as far away from them as possible. Those who experience this kind of negative attention and hostility found it very hard to be accepted into their environment, let alone live in it without facing even the slightest of discrimination and humiliation.

On the far outskirts of Canterlot city, right smack dab at the far end, hanging high atop a high mountain, was possibly the biggest castle anypony had ever seen, bigger than any royal building found anywhere in Equestria. Th castle itself had many decorative paintings that went from the very floors to the top of the small tent-like roofs. The far-right side of the castle stretched well beyond the cliff, having a set of towers that went even higher than the last. It was quite a big castle too, looking like it could fall at even the slightest of impacts, while the left side of it had the main entrance of the castle that had a large river around it, leading down to water falls at the far left.

The interior of Canterlot Castle had typical long and huge hallways, lined with large statues and beautiful crystal mirrors of the ponies from the past, those that aided to Queen in creating the land what it was today. They could all be seen in each and every single hallway, with additional decoration of flowers lining them, along with a large rug that was redder than roses lining the floors, going straight as an arrow. Each of these hallways led to many different rooms, be it offices, conference rooms, meeting rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, reservation rooms. There were even large balconies where ponies could just look outside and enjoy the view of the city. These were the things that can usually be found in any home or building of royalty, except for here, it was a bit more luxurious, to say the least.

Despite these many features found in it, Canterlot Castle wasn’t just any typical royal castle like those that are found and read and fairy tales. No, this was the castle that was the very embodiment of the city itself. It was where the one protector of Equestria, the Queen could be found living inside, along with many of the ponies that she saw as her own children, be it guards, high class ponies or mere peasants, it did not matter. Anypony was welcome into her home, even if they never seen very often in places like this, and for one particular group of ponies, it was certainly no exception.

Somewhere deep inside the beautiful royal castle, in one of the many long hallways, lied a section where the castle bedrooms were lined up on either side. Each of them had signs displaying the name of the residents staying inside, some containing more names than others, so it can be known just how many ponies were staying inside. One room in particular at the largest group of ponies, due to the large sign that hung above the door, and the coiled magical looking pure golden dragon that hung right in front of the door way. Just under the dragon, that was a small four-worded sign that said, ‘Room of the Shenron Nightstalker Sisters’, and there, was where somepony would find the most well-known ponies in all the land.

The interior of the room was quite large, larger than any room found anywhere else, even inside castle. On either side of the walls and at the far end of the room, three marvelous looking queen-sized beds lay, displayed proudly out in the opening, having large desks with lamps on either side. There were large posters with those that were known worldwide with symbols in the form of ponies, magic, nature, and even dragons, along with numerous smaller pictures of ponies, looking to have been in there for quite some time.

Out of the four beds that should’ve contained lump under the large soft and comfortable covers, only one lump could be scene. The very center of the beautiful bed moved up and down so slightly, showing just what, or rather who, was snuggled under it, looking quite comfortable in the position they were in. It seemed like it would be one of those typical lazy days where everypony decided to sleep in until noon.

That is, until an alarm call decided to ruin that chance, in the loudest, and most annoying way possible.

The pony that laid the closest to the now violently buzzing alarm clock gave an ever so slight jump as they recovered from the startling awakening. A few moments later, pony let out a soft feminine moan as they reluctantly shifted their position on the bed, reaching out with a foreleg towards the clock to click the button capable of stopping the ridiculously loud clock from trying to rupture their eardrums. After a few sluggishly unsuccessful attempts, the pony finally gathered enough strength to practically slam her hoof down on the clock, so much in fact, that the device gave way under the pressure and broke apart like an egg, the screws and wheels scattering about all over the floor. In addition, due to the force put into smashing the clock, the table it was sitting on also had a large crack in the wood. A few more moments were spent letting their hoof dangle over the bed, before the pony let out another soft groan and shifted to push the covers off of them and sit upright. They gave a smack of their lips as they rubbed their eyes with both of their forehooves, before gently pulling the covers off of them and slowly getting out of the bed.

The pony that had just been rudely awakened by the alarm clock, and still looking to be in a sluggish state, was a young Pegasus mare, and a very attractive mare at that. If anypony else had come in to see her, they would have admitted that she was quite a sight to see. She had a smooth and soft creamy beige orange tinged coat that gave off a glistening shine in the light of the sun. A long silky and spikey jet-black mane spilled over her face, reaching all the way down to the ground in a big pile. The same could be said with her tail, it being in a bigger pile, with both having midnight blue highlights at the tips and edges.

All four of said legs had three various and vibrant colors adorning the young mare. The lower half of her legs were covered in deep leaf green fur, and the upper half in crimson red, with the center of the legs having a midnight blue stripe going vertically across. Her large wing feathers had a mixture of all the colors on her legs, along with her fur, mane and eyes. Her chest was covered in a large mass of the colors as well, also having feathers, with some just above the base of her overextended tail.

There were also appendages on her sticking out of her wings and tail feathers that many wouldn’t really find. Those being wing membranes and tail fins that were the same color as her eyes. Said eyes were a beautiful mesmerizing golden yellow color, able to capture anypony that looked into them. Atop her ears were fluffy tufts, a set of upper canine teeth could be seen protruding from her lips, and large wing claws protruding out of her feathered wings. To top her appearance off, there was no Cutie Mark upon her flank, leaving ponies to wonder what her special talent could be. This strange, yet beautiful looking young mare was Son Goku Kakarot Nightstalker Shenron, member of the Thestral and Shenron clan, and third born of three other siblings.

Goku was one of the many residents that lived in Canterlot City, known there, and inside the very castle she and her family lived in along with the Queen. Somepony who was a kindhearted pony, having a caring nature and a gentle hoof. She was known to be a very good listener for anypony who wanted to talk about their problems with her, and incredibly good comforting others and making their fears go away, filling them with newfound hope. She had a practically boundless amount of optimism packed within her, and could really liven up a party and bring smiles, even when there was a group of young foals. Goku had a very generous spirit as well, willing to go as far as to give the bits in her saddleback to anypony that needed it, especially if it was a pony living on the streets of Canterlot. She really didn’t like it when somepony refused to be generous to another, even when it was warranted and wouldn’t take very long.

The mare was also known to be fiercely loyal to those that she cared about, from both sides of her family, always willing to help them out. She was never one for leaving those to the wolves, even if it was somepony who she didn’t particularly like. Goku was also known to be very honest and upfront with ponies, and never one to beat around the bush, which would only make it that much harder for her to say what she wanted, or had, to say. While she was sometimes blunt with some ponies, she’d always make sure to be gentle about it, not wanting to come off as careless or callous. Both sides of her family were known for being honest and truthful and unlike most other ponies, they were not painfully blunt, and made sure to be upfront with care.

Out of all of these qualities that Goku had, there was one that stood out above all the rest, one quality that helped both her and her siblings find a special place in the Queen's life. She had an amazing ability to do all types of offensive and defensive magic, with magical reserves that were on par with even that of a dragon. She was excellent at controlling the abilities she and her siblings were blessed with by their family, and was able to use magic belonging to all three Pony Tribes, which was only amplified by her dragon abilities, mastering them as if they were foal's play. This was the main reason why the Queen had her go to her magic school, and gave her and her family a place to stay in her castle, feeling that the mare had the potential to be something great. That wasn't to say that Goku didn't have any competition when it came to special talents like her's, and by Faust did she have a lot of competition. This only made her that much more excited to go to the school, for she was one that loved a good challenge. Especially if those challenges could benefit ones that she believes she could be great friends with.

Little did Goku realize that in just a few short hours she’d be sent on a task that would reunite her with a group of ponies well known in her foalhood. Friends that she would soon embark on an epic adventure with to save the world, with many more to come.

The tan multi-colored hybrid Pegasus let out a loud long yawn as she stretched her upper body down like a cat. She let the bones in her body snap back into place while she flared her feathered bat wings, which seemed to stretch across the entirety of the giant room. Giving a soft sigh, she gave her body a shake, before looking around the room, finding she was the only one inside.

“Hmmm…looks like the others woke up before me,” Goku said softly to nopony in particular. “Must’ve let me sleep in for the day…as always.”

The mare gave another cute yawn as she rubbed at her eyes again, looking over at the remains of the clock that she had destroyed in her half a sleep state. She blinked a couple of times as she wondered how it got like that, before it clicked, a blush formed on her tan cheeks.

“Whoops…guess I lost control of my strength for a second there.” She said sheepishly as she rubbed the back of her head, before heading to the bathroom. “No matter, the Queen can take care of it…”

With a twitch of one of her tufted ears, she looked around the room again, a frown coming to her fanged face. “Can’t smell Midnight or Snowflake in here anymore…guess they’ve woken up before me again. No doubt they, Mom, Dad and Sheton are starting breakfast without me…as usual.” She murmured to herself, giving a little snort as she flicked her tail. “Looks like I’ll need to give them a little reminder of waking me up for breakfast…again.”

Goku walked with a light skip in her step as she made her way down one of the many large hallways of the Canterlot Castle, admiring the stone statues and exotic paintings adorning either side. She gave a light wave to the guards that were adorning the halls, who gave her a short salute back as she passed by them. The tan Pegasus began giggling quietly as she nodded back, batting her eyes at them seductively. As she walked passed them, she gave a little sway of her hips, making her rump shake in the process. Goku looked out of the corner of her sharp eyes, giggling again when she saw the guards’ cheeks turn an adorable shade of pink.

‘Heh, looks like I’m still managing to make those studs blush like cute little colts.’ The tan mare thought ‘It’s too bad that I won’t be seeing them as often as I want to after today. I had a really good time getting to know them. Maybe if I come back here for the holidays or something like that, I’ll get them the kind of greeting that my Mom gives them. Heehee, now that’ll be fun to do!’

As she continued walking down the hallway, her nostrils were suddenly and quite viciously assaulted by a wonderful smell. It was so good that it made her feel like she could float in the air without flapping her wings, which is exactly what happened. Her eyes became half lidded as a small goofy smile came over her face, her tufted ears flopping to the back of her head. Her tongue lolled out of her mouth as her eyes became hearts, her hybrid wings falling to either side of her.

“Whoa…what is this…wonderful scent I’m smelling? Is this the oh so wonderful smell of delicious food?” she murmured to herself as she took in another, deeper inhale, giving feeling a shiver course through her body. “Oh my Celestia…I don’t think I’ve ever smelled something so good in my life. I think I’d better go check it out…have a feeling that I know who’s makin’ it, heeheehee!”

With an even lighter skip in her step, she followed to the sweet scent down the hallway completely ignoring everything else around her as she made her way to the kitchen and dining room. As she got closer to the kitchen, the heavenly smell she was following grew stronger, making her quicken her pace. She gave even bigger sway of her hips as her enormous wings ruffling excitedly in anticipation of what she would find. After several seconds of pursuing that taste bud tingling scent, her patience was rewarded as she found herself in front of the kitchen dining room door. The sweet scent was now burning inside her nostrils, filling her entire mind with its intoxicating goodness. Unable to wait any longer, Goku squealed and practically barged through the door, nearly breaking it off its hinges.

No sooner did she set foot inside the large room, her hooves grinded across the floor as she skidded to a halt, her golden eyes widening at the sight before her. The interior of the dining room had numerous pictures with very artistic paintings decorating the wall as the ones outside in the hall. There were also tables holding picture frames and beautiful looking dishes and utensils that looked like they had come from some vast place. In the middle of the room had a dining table big enough for at least fifteen ponies, and on the table were numerous different breakfast foods. Large stacks of pancakes that had glistening trails of maple syrup slowing trailing down them. There were also plates filled with fresh eggs, hash browns, and even bacon and sausage set on the table, with large bowls filled with fruits, and gemstones of all kinds. There were also some cups filled to the brim with clear water, orange juice, apple juice, which glistened in the light of the room.

Goku felt her mouth begin to water as her lips started quiver, her golden eyes taking in each and every delicious food that the table had to offer. Her tongue ran across her lips as a river of drool ran down her chin. She slowly began to walk towards the table, a dreamy expression on her face as though she were in a trance by the food. She stopped just a hoof’s length away from the table, her fangs glistening as her eyes sparkled. Putting her forehooves on the table Goku, opening her mouth wide to take a nice large bite. Before she could even sink her teeth into a single strip of food however, another voice snapped her out of her pleasantly dazed state.

“My goodness, somepony’s eager to chow down today, isn’t she?” The voice said, sounding melodic and filled with amusement. “Don’t tell me that you’re going to start eating without us, little sister.”

The beige Pegasus mare froze when she heard the room, looking like a foal that had just been caught with their hoof in the cookie jar before dinner. A snarl escaped her throat as she thought of what to say to the pony who stopped her from enjoying the most memorable breakfast that she ever had. Baring her fangs, she opened her mouth to give the pony a verbal tongue lashing, only for her face to flush when she saw who it was.

Like her, the pony standing before her was a hybrid Pegasus mare, who looked to be just as attractive as Goku was. She had mountain blue fur that looked to be just a shade darker than that of the beautiful cyan sky. A long curly cumulus white mane and tail ran down her neck and hung from one side of her face, having crystal blue highlights running through them. A beautiful shade of greenish icy blue eyes adorned her, looking just as striking as Goku’s. Her wings were a combination of cumulus white and mountain blue, having glistening greenish blue membranes sticking out from the feathers. A crimson-eyed metal dragon hung from a chained color around her neck, much like Goku’s, and she had a fluffy chest of cumulus white and mountain blue feathers.

A pair icy blue angel dragon wings were embedded on her back like a tattoo, having draconic membranes sticking out of them. Her ears had tufts at the top as well, and she had her own set of bat-like fangs poking from her lips, and her Cutie Mark was of a large spiraling crystal blue magical symbol with smaller white stars scattered around it. This lovely and elegant looking mare was known as Snowflake Icestorm Nightstalker Shenron, the middle sister in Goku’s family, and a fellow member of the Nightstalker Shenron clan.

Snowflake was another one of the many residents of Canterlot City and one of the very few ponies that lived in the castle with the Queen and her other residents, along with going to the Queen's School for Gifted Ponies. She had the same magical prowess and abilities that Goku had at her disposal, though she was, if only slightly better at it than her younger sister. That didn't mean she liked to flaunt her talents very much, especially at the risk of hurting her dear little sister. So she was usually a very modest pony that only really showed her talents unless asked or necessary.

Snowflake was known to be a very calm, cool-headed, and levelheaded young mare, never one to get stressed easily, if at all for that matter, and able to keep herself under control even in the most toughest situations. She was just as attractive as her younger sister, only added by her gentle and caring personality, with elegance and grace to match. Snowflake was also the complete opposite of most of the Canterlot Nobles and Lords living there. The mare was kinder, sweeter, more accepting and welcoming, and not one to judge anypony based on their looks or where they were from or what species they were. Nor did she mind if they were old-fashioned and would rather have the simpler things in life than the finer things in life. She was also known to calm anypony that was worried about things, and didn't call them out on it, no matter how silly others thought it was.

Despite her soothing and gentle nature, Snowflake, like her sister, was not somepony to be messed with for reasons similar to Goku's. She wasn't one to get physical with ponies, unless it was during training in her magical abilities, and was pretty difficult to anger or annoy, but when she did get into a dispute or confrontation with somepony, she would just her words alone to settle it. Snowflake was known to have quite the sharp tongue, and anypony that tried to mess with her or her sisters would find themselves and their egos toned down quite a notch if it came to that point. Of course, that didn't mean that Snowflake didn't get into scuffles with ponies herself, though on a less violent level. When she did though, she made sure that they all walked away chilled to their very bone.

"Good morning Goku, I see that you're up bright and early for breakfast today." Snowflake continued gently. The small smile on her face growing slightly wider as she her younger sister glare back at her. “And I see that you’re just as eager to fill that adorable little tummy of yours as ever.

“Good morning to you too Snowflake.” Goku deadpanned, plopping back down on all fours. “I take it that you’re going to get mad at me and scold me for being the last one here at the dinner table? Even when you Midnight, Mom and Dad all failed to wake me up for our family breakfast again?”

“Hmhmhm, relax, little sister, I’m not upset that you wanted to go right ahead and dig in, especially after we decided to let you sleep in today.” Snowflake replied with a giggle as she walked over and gave her sister a gentle pat on the head. “Though, the least you could’ve done was wait until all of us were at the table before you stuffed your cute little face in.”

Goku snorted and lightly swatted the mountain blue mare’s hoof away. “Oh don’t you give me that Snowy! You and I both know that you all-well, at least you Midnight, and Dad would just go on ahead and eat without me and hog all the food for yourself!” She pointed and accusing hoof at Snowflake before she could even respond. “And don’t you even go say that I would’ve eaten it all, because you all would’ve done the same thing! We’re all Kirins, and we all have stomachs bigger than the average pony, and the fact that we’re half Thestral doesn’t help our matters either!”

“Yes, we do have those unique traits and abilities little sister. Passed down to us by the founders of our dear mother and father’s clans themselves.” Snowflake murmured with a nod of agreement. “You are right about one thing we might’ve eaten all the food without you, hmhm.”

“Exactly!” Goku shouted, stomping her hoof. “So why are you getting on my case about devouring all of this delicious food when you’d all do it yourselves?!”

“Because…” Snowflake began, putting a hoof to her mouth. “It would be so adorable to see you just pegging us to give you even a scarp, hmhmhm!”

A tick mark appeared on Goku’s head as her left eye twitched. “You are such a bitchy little ass you know that?”

“Maybe I am, but you are my youngest sister. So I can be more or less of a jerk to you if I wanted.” Snowflake giggled, booping Goku on her nose. “Even if it means watching you practically hugging my legs and begging me for food.”

“If that were to happen, I would be threating to burn you to a crisp and rip the very meat off of your bones.” Goku said bluntly, baring her fangs as her eyes gleamed. “Then Sheton and Mom would be riding your ass for not letting me stuff my gut to my heart’s content, like Mom and Dad do with all of us.”

“Well luckily for you, me and Midnight made more enough food that should be able to fill that cute little bottomless pit of yours.” Snowflake grinned, tossing her mane. “Assuming that you’ll actually be full by then, and we won’t have to cook again. ”

“Well, judging by how much of this scrumptious food is covering the table with all of these drinks, fruit and gemstones, I’d say it most certainly will be!” Goku replied, her eyes once again scanning over the breakfast filled table as she went back to drooling. “Speaking of which, where are Mom, Dad, and Sheton anyway?”

Before Snowflake could respond, both Pegasi sisters’ ears perked up at the sound of dishes clinking together and a mare’s soft voice. They could also hear the clopping sound of hoof steps coming from the doorway on the far side of the dining room. The beige and mountain blue hybrid mares turned to the doorway as a shadow started to grow from the entrance of the kitchen. A few seconds later, another pony walked out and into the room, carrying more plates that had fresh batches of breakfast ready to be eaten.

As with Goku and Snowflake, the pony was a Pegasus/Thestral mare, and out of the three of them, she was the biggest of them all. She looked to be almost twice the size of the average stallion, with her back well-toned, and her legs well built. Her fur was the darkest out of the three, blacker then the shell of a Rhino Beetle. The mare long navy-blue mane and tail that reached all the way to the ground in a pile, looking to be longer than Goku’s, with eyes that were a deep shade of navy blue. Her wings were a combination of beetle black and navy blue, with navy blue membranes adorning them and her tail feathers. A pair of pure silver dragon-bird hybrid wings on her back, having the same membranes on the mare’s wings. A necklace with a violet-eyed metal dragon could be seen hanging her neck, and her Cutie Mark was of a grey storm cloud with lightning bolts emitting from it. This mare was known as Midnight Thunderstorm Shenron, the eldest mare out of the four Kirin Thestral siblings.

“There we go…that’s the last of the plates. Now all I have to do is set them here and wait for Goku, Mom, Dad and Sheton to come and then we can all eat.” The mare said in a soft cute, and gentle voice as she set the plates on the table with her wings. One she turned around, she gave a jump as she noticed both of her younger sisters in there. When her eyes laid on Goku, her muzzle broke out into a bright, yet gentle smile as she exclaimed, “Oh, hello there Goku! It looks like you’re already up! How did you sleep sweetie?”

“Like a nice, big, giant, log.” The tan mare replied watching as Midnight set the plates on the table. "I would’ve been able to sleep more, if it hadn’t been for that goddamn alarm clock nearly making my eardrums explode! The very same one that you had set up without me noticing it; like you always do!” Goku’s eyes narrowed as she frowned hard, walking up to her sister and prodding her huge fluffy chest. “Maybe if you hadn't done that, I would've woken up in a more relaxed manner."

"Oh don't be like that, Goku. I know that you like you like to get in your beauty sleep every now and again, but how else were we going to get you out of bed?" Midnight asked, leaning down and nuzzling her sister. "You're one of the heaviest sleepers in this whole entire castle, and in the whole family. There can be a massive earthquake outside and you'd sleep through it as if it was nothing more than the chirping of the crickets at night. When it’s all over, you’ll wake up, you'd be left wondering what had happened. If that doesn't give me a reason to have you set an alarm clock for morning, I don't know what does."

“What about the risk of making my ears feel as if they’re going to be blown off my head?” Goku asked, both of her ears flattening in annoyance. “Is that a good enough reason for not setting up that bucking curse that you call an alarm.”

The beetle black mare paused, blushing sheepishly as she turned to the side, her mane covering most of her face. Seeing her eldest sister at a loss for words Snowflake intervened. “Oh, don’t be like that Goku…we all know that we have such super sensitive hearing. It really wouldn’t have mattered if I had set the alarm or not. Something would’ve woken you up anyway, and it most certainly would’ve made you feel like you were going to go deaf.”

"Yeah...I guess you do have a point there Snowy." Goku said as she gave a little sigh of defeat, before snapping her gaze back up to her sister. "Still, try to make the alarm a little quieter next time will ya big sis? It felt like my eardrums were going to explode for all of that noise, and you know how sensitive a Kirin's hearing is, so try not to make it so loud okay?"

"Hmhmhm, I won't make any promises, Goku." Midnight replied sweetly, giving her little sister a wink.

As with Goku and Snowflake, Midnight was one of the few residents given the privilege of living with Queen Celestia, along with being one of the few students allowed to go to her School and excel in whatever talents that she possessed. Out of all the three, she was the strongest out of all of them, with the biggest possible reserves of magic, which allowed her to not only graduate at the top of her game of all her other classmates, but also to graduate two years early with flying colors, and get a job in Queen Celestia's castle as a cook. Of course, that didn't mean that she didn't have other talents as well, like interacting with animals, due to the family that she came from, and having a very sharp eye for weather, the former of which she and her sisters shared with their family, which was why they had such a close bond. Although she was excellent at the things that she did, she didn't really show it, being pretty modest about the things that she did, sometimes to the point where she doesn't really take pride in her work, something that doesn't sit well with Goku and Snowflake.

Out of the three sisters, Midnight was the nicest and most gentlest one there, known to be very soft spoken, extremely kind-hearted, and very patient. She a love for foals and animals bigger than any muscle in her body, a trait passed down from her parents. She was known to be pretty shy and timid though, and had somewhat of a hard time talking to ponies. Because of this, she didn't really have a big circle of friends, save for some that she and her sisters had meet during their time college. Still, even with the ones they had made in those four years, that wasn't very much. It didn't really bother her much though, for she was perfectly content with having her siblings, their family. Even the Queen was on her list of friends, though that did not mean she didn't have any friends outside of Canterlot.

Despite her gentle nature, Midnight was known to be pretty sensitive about what other ponies said or thought about her. The mare didn't like it when ponies taunt her or tease her about being so big and bulky, even though the latter was not true. Unless it was about things like that, she's usually able to take things that would make most other ponies flip their lid. However, if said things were told to her siblings instead of her, her personality would very slowly do a complete one-eighty. Midnight will go from being a soft gentle cloud one moment to a raging thunderstorm the next, hence her name. When that happened nopony wanted to be caught in the middle of that type of storm when it erupted.

Despite her gentle nature, Midnight was known to be pretty sensitive about what other ponies say about her, and didn't like it when ponies taunt her or tease her about being so big and bulky, even though the latter was not true. Unless it was about things like that, she's usually able to take things that would make most other ponies, the short-tempered ones included; explode with anger, and not really react to it any severe way. However, if said things were told to her siblings instead of her, her personality would very slowly do a complete one-eighty, and she'd go from being a soft gentle cloud one moment to a raging thunderstorm the next, and when that happened...well, let's just say that ponies did not want to be caught in the middle of that type of storm when it erupted.

“For the record, I was just the slightest bit upset that you guys left me to sleep in for who knows how many times. Especially considering what’s going to happen tonight, but since you two took that time to make us an absolutely wonderful breakfast, I suppose I can let it slide…once.” Goku said softly, gaining a small smirk at the end of her sentence.

“We’re sorry little sister, we had already gotten up and planned to make breakfast for the four of us. So, we didn’t want to wake you." Midnight said kindly as she reached over and patted Goku on her head, emitting a pink blush from the beige mare. The beetle black mare's own cheeks flushed a light pink as she put both of her forehooves on them. “You just looked so cute the way you were sleeping when we pulled away the covers!”

“Yeah, I’m sure I did look cute, just like Sheton does whenever I let him sleep in.” Goku said dryly, giving her middle eldest sister a light punch on the shoulder. She gave a pause as she blinked a couple of times, looking around the kitchen for a few moments, before looking back to her sisters and asking. “Speaking of which, where is the little cutie pie? I didn’t see him in his bed or anywhere near the room, so I thought that he was here.”

“We think so, I think either Mom or Dad came in the room and woke him up while the rest of us woke ourselves up.” Snowflake replied, putting a hoof to her chin. “No doubt Mom is flirting with him and making him blush his cute little head off.”

Goku giggled. “Hmhmhm, yeah, that’s our Mom for you there Midnight. Always being all sensual and touchy feely with anypony she meets, even all those cute little foals. Poor little brothers gonna look like a cherry by the time Mom’s done with him. I almost feel sorry for the poor baby, especially with all the ponies he’s going to be meeting later on today.”

“Oh, you all of our friends and the other that we’ll be meeting later on today?” Midnight asked, her eyes widening in recognition. At Goku’s nod, the beetle black hybrid mare giggled. “Yeah, I was just thinking about that too. All of our dear friends back in the town we used to live in, and all of those adorable little foals that Sheton will meet along the way. Oh, I’m getting a blush just thinking about how adorable those interactions will be! I bet he’ll make so many friends, and maybe get some cute little fillies too!”

“Assuming that they get past the fact that he’s half Thestral.” Snowflake pointed out. “Along with the fact that he’s also a Kirin, don’t forget that big sister.”

Midnight stopped in her swooning, a large sweat drop appearing on the side of her head. “Oh right, I forgot…Thestrals and Kirins aren’t exactly accepted where most ponies are.”

“Which is exactly why us taking him to Ponyville is the perfect choice. Not only for the chance for him to not be looked down for once, but for him actually make friends that’re like him and accept him for who he is.” Goku said, walking in between her two sisters. “I know that the two of you and Mom are worried about how his new life in Ponyville is going to go; so am I. Even so, I don’t want him to have to continue living in a life where he’s constantly being ridiculed for what he is. I want him to experience all the joys that life has to offer, and not the bad ones that this place has given him and us. He’s gotten way too much of that from the foals at his school, along with the few friends he made. If he has to suffer even another minute of that, I’m going to go on a bucking rampage and burn everypony who made him cry to a crisp.”

“We know how you feel, Goku…trust me, we all want what’s best for our little brother like you do. We all want him to have the best foalhood that we can possibly give him and so much more, so he’ll have plenty of memories to look back on when he’s a grown stallion.” Snowflake said putting a wing over her youngest sister’s shoulder. “It’s just…we can’t help but feel a little worried about how everypony will take the fact that our brother is a hybrid with a Thestral and a Kirin.”

“Yeah…” Midnight nodded, brushing her mane form her face. “It was hard enough for us to be accepted by the few ponies that weren’t used to pony hybrids. If…if they see Sheton the way he is, especially the foals, we’re worried that they’d…”

“And weren’t you the one who was saying that he’s bound to get so many friends when he goes there?” Goku asked, making the beetle black mare blush again. “Listen girls, I know that not everypony in Ponyville will be okay with Sheton’s form, let alone ours. However, there are ponies that won’t really give a flying buck about it, and even think its unique. Six of those mares being the very same ones that now live together in the very same town that we used to live, and are going back today. Isn’t that reason enough to not be so worried as to how things will go when Sheton’s there?”

Snowflake paused, mulling Goku’s words before she nodded. “You…do have a point there, little sister. There are all of those ponies along with the ones we’ve been in the towns, farms, and cities we visited. Still, there are those that won’t really be pleased to see us, especially of there was a fourth one among us. We’re just worried that it may not go as well as we’re hoping that it is.”

“I know…which is why we’ll be there to make sure that nopony tries to give Sheton any crap when we do bring him with us.” Goku said, glancing over at the mountain blue mare. Twin trails of smoke flowed form her nostrils as she bared her fangs. “If they do, they’re gonna get burnt to a crisp and find their coats being a very pale color than they already were. Just wait you two, Sheton’s going will get some friend eventually. It happened with us before, and it’ll surely happen with him too.”
“We hope so Goku.” Midnight nodded, sighing softly as she closed her eyes. “Or all of this will have been for nothing.”

At that moment the door to the kitchen opened, making the three hybrid mares turn over to it and see who had entered inside. The creaking of the door was the only thing that was heard as three ponies walked inside of the kitchen. When Goku, Midnight and Snowflake all saw who it was that entered, the last one especially, warm smiles broke onto all of their faces.

The first pony that had entered was a large Pegasus stallion, looking to be a male version of Goku, with some slight differences in appearance. He had a creamy tan coat that was brighter and fluffier than Goku’s, with a hint of mountain blue in it. His mane and tail are also jet-black and color that was longer and even spikier, with snow white and navy-blue streaks in them both. He has crimson red and safari green stockings on all four of his legs, and his eyes were actually two different colors instead of one color. The left being teal blue and the right one being navy blue, with a mix of emerald blue in it as well, and his Cutie Mark was of a white angelic winged dragon with its wings spread wide. This imposing looking stallion was known as Bardock White Fang Shenron, the father of the three sisters and the former Captain of the Solar Guard Division.

The second pony there was a mare, and unlike the stallion, she was actually a Thestral, or Bat Pony as her kind were more commonly known. To any other stallion that may see her, they’d be unable to keep themselves admit that she was quite the looker, and by Faust was she. The Thestral mare had a long jet-black mane and tail skirt that’s smooth and silky to the touch, with midnight blue streaks running down both of them, seeming to flow like water. Her fur is a deep stormy grey in color, a shade lighter than the storm clouds that come in the rainy season, having a silvery tinge to it. The mare’s eyes are a blazing cat-like golden yellow in color that seem to be mesmerizing to those that look into them, and she has a set of midnight blue stockings on her legs. Her appearance is a mixture of slenderness and muscularity that made her attractive and tough looking at the same time, with curves plumpness in all of the right places. This lovely looking mare was Evening Glory Nightstalker Shenron, the mother of the Shenron sisters, the wife of Bardock, and the former Captain of the Lunar Division.

The third and final pony with the two was actually a foal, and instead of it being a cute little filly, it was an adorable young colt. Like Evening Glory and her three daughters, he was a Thestral/Kirin hybrid, with grey fur that was the same shade as the older Thestral mare. He had a long mane and tail that was as black as an underground cave, having midnight blue streaks in them, like Evening Glory. His wings were a combination of stormy grey, abyss black, and midnight blue, with emerald blue membranes sticking out from under his wings. A large grey fedora on his head having a jet-black black ribbon around it, looking to be just a bit too big for him to wear. He had a beautiful and adorable set of emerald blue eyes, and like his third sister, his flank bore no Cutie Mark. This little one was known as Sheton Crimson Flash Nightstalker Shenron, the youngest of the Thestrals Shenron siblings and the only son of Bardock and Evening Glory.

“Mom, Dad, Sheton! You’re all up!” Goku cried, running up to the two older ponies and hugging them both around their necks. “I was beginning to think that none of you would be coming!”

“Why would you think that honey? We’d never miss out on a chance to eat together as a family!” Bardock chuckled patting his youngest daughter on the head. He looked behind her at the food covered table, and his expression bore the same dreamy one as Goku’s did. “Especially with a big bounty of a fist this big! Ooooh, I can’t wait to sink me teeth into those big juicy sausages!”

“Now now Bardock, take it easy dear. We haven’t gotten everypony seated at the dinner table yet; you could wait for a few minutes more.” Evening said gently, sultry sensualness flowing her voice as she stroked her husband’s mane. “Besides, I haven’t given a proper greeting to any of my dear daughters yet. Not like how I did to my dear little Sheton, isn’t that right sweetie?”

The young colt said nothing, his eyes squeezing shut as his mother gently ran her right wing claw over his burning red cheeks. She leaned down and lightly nibbled on Sheton’s ear, before gingerly rubbing her muzzle against his cheek as he timidly said, “Y-yes mama…i-it is.”

“Oh, come on Mom, give the poor baby a break.” Goku said, giggling at her little brother’s blushing face. “He’s already had an extra couple of hours for you to be all flirty and touchy with him; you go on any longer and he may just go completely red with embarrassment.

Evening Glory giggled softly, planting a soft kiss on Sheton’s cheek before walking off towards her daughters, letting her tail slowly run across her son’s chin. Nuzzling her nose against her youngest daughter’s, she asked, “And why would I ever even think of doing that my dear? You, Snowflake, and Midnight know how I am about this, along with all of the other Thestrals in my family. We just love giving each other so much affection, even if it’s one of our adorable little fledglings.”

“Even if it means making it look like your trying to get under one another’s tails or between their legs?” Goku asked dryly, her tan cheeks flushing pink as her mother slowly her nose up and down her neck. “’Cause that may give somepony the wrong impression. Even if it’s not what you’re really intending.”

Bardock laughed, ruffling his son’s mane before they both walked to the dinner table. “Oh, don’t be suck a party pooper G! You and your sisters know how your momma gets when she’s like this; always wanting to show that bigger bit of affection to everypony around her.” She said, kissing his wife on his cheek before he hugged the smaller tan mare. “And don’t tell me that you and your sisters don’t do the same, at least with your little brother.”

“Y-yes well, e-even so, we don’t try to make it look like we’re coming onto them.” Snowflake protested, squeaking as Evening nibbled on one of her ears. A blush came to her blue cheeks as her mother brushed up against her, her wings and tail running across her body and chin as she continued, “A-at least, n-not with Sheton…”

“Oh, is that so my little Snowy?” Evening asked slyly, sensually brushing her cheek against her middle daughter’s. “So you’re telling me that none of you nibble on his ears, run your tails along his chin, tickle his neck?”

“She has a point there sweetie.” Bardock chuckled, grinning widely. “I see you three with him from time to time, and I notice the way you coddle him. It’s always so hilarious whenever I see my little stallion all shy and bashful, especially around the girls, haha!”

Sheton frowned up at his father, his ears falling limp as he whined, “Daaaaaad!”

“What?!” Bardock laughed, playfully punching his son on the shoulder. “It is!”

“You two are so mean.” The stormy grey colt pouted, looking of to the side as his ears flattened. As he looked to the side, he noticed the large table of food and he immediately brightened as he squealed, “Fooooooood!!!”

“Oh, so you’re telling us that you don’t get the same from Mom?” Goku asked, raising a jet-black eyebrow. “Don’t think that we haven’t noticed you acting all close with some of the mare’s here in the city besides Mom. Out of all the ponies whose saying that we shouldn’t get so worked up about somepony coming onto us, you have no room to talk.”

“She got you there, daddy.” Midnight giggled, watching as her father blushed. “Your also like that with some of the other mare’s out in town. Even if you’re not doing it with Mom, your pretty much doing it with some other poor mare, hmhm!”

“Hey! That is so not fair, and you know it Midnight!” Bardock shouted, stomping his hoof as he looked sternly at his eldest daughter. “It isn’t my fault that I can’t help but talk to any mare that I see that’s as kind and as attractive as your mother is! I’m a Sheron and a Nightstalker all in one, and our kind as known to be veeeeeery physically and emotionally attracted to the opposite se-er, gender.” He gave a glance down at his son, before looking back up at his children. “Besides, you know how much I love mares, and not just in looks or in scent either! You really think I go after them just because of how hot and incredible sexy they look? No! I look for a physical and emotional connection in mares Kirin, Thestral, or Pony, otherwise, I just give them a wide birth, and go on my way!”

“That you do my dear Bardock.” Evening said sensually, nuzzling under Midnight’s chin. “And that’s exactly why I love you so much, and why you have a mare like me. Not just interested in a mare’s looks but also in their personality as well. It’s no wonder why I felt so attracted to you when we first met, or why I always let you go about your business with mares lucky enough to meet you.”

The tan stallion blushed, lookin off to the side as he rubbed one of his forelegs. “Yeah…I am still having a hard time believing that you’re okay with me doing that.”

“Now why would you think that?” Evening asked, giggling as she brushed her tail under her eldest daughter’s chin. “You and I both come from families where open relationships are not only tolerated, but even supported and encouraged. We’re both allowed to bring other ponies into our love life, though I prefer if it was mares instead of stallions. Because your kind are the only kind of stallions that I’ll ever need, especially if its you.” She walked over to her husband and brushed her head across the tan stallion’s chin, running a hoof across his huge mass of chest fluff. “So you don’t have to worry about me getting mad with you about interacting with other mares in ways that most others wouldn’t like. Because you and I are from families where love can run truly wild and free and not be enclosed in such things like singular relationships.”

“Yeah, I know…one of the many reasons why I love you so much.” Bardock chuckled, leaning and planting a kiss right on his wife’s lips. “Have I ever told you how incredible lucky i am to have such a wonderful mare like you?”

“Only about one million, three hundred and seventy-five thousand, four hundred and six times.” Evening giggled, winking at Bardock. She paused, looked off to the side, and giggled. “Though since you just asked it again, it’s one million, three hundred and seventy-five thousand, four hundred and seven, hmhmhm!”

Bardock laughed, nuzzling his wife. “Still managing to keep count, haha!”

“Ahem, Mom, Dad, uh…not to interrupt your little love bird moment, but can we get to eating now?” Goku asked, coughing into her hoof. “If we let Sheton drool at the food any longer he’s going to flood the entire place with his saliva.”

Both parents looked at their youngest daughter, before looking over at their only son, and sure enough, he was still staring at the food with his mouth agape. Upon seeing just how much drool was coming out of his mouth, Evening rushed over and clapped her son’s mouth shut.

“Sheton, calm down dear!” Evening said, cupping her son’s face in her hooves. “I know that you want to eat with the rest of us, but don’t make it so openly obvious. Your developing the same habits with food that your father gets whenever he’s sees food like this.”

“Hey, I don’t drool” Said stallion cried, frowning at his wife. “T-that much!”

“Oh yeah?” Goku asked with a giggle. “Some of us may beg to differ…”

“You stay out of this Goku!” The tan Pegasus hissed, glaring daggers at his daughter as a tick mark formed on his head. "This is between me and your mother!"

“Sorry mama…I didn’t mean to get the floor dirty.” Sheton said guiltily hanging his head. “I just saw all of this food and I just couldn’t help myself. All I could think about was getting all of it in my stomach, so my tummy wouldn’t rumble so much.”

Evening Glory smiled, nuzzling her son on the cheek as she picked him up. “That’s okay sweetie, it’s not your fault. Besides being half Thestral, you’re also a Kirin, and they tend to lose it a bit whenever they see any delectable food. Especially of its in big quantities like this, so you shouldn’t feel too bad.”

“Okay, now it sounds like you guys are making me look like the bad guy here.” Bardock huffed, a rather cute pout coming to his face as he crossed his forehooves. “It’s not my fault I have these habits! I just do, and so do all the other Kirins! I’m sorry, it’s just something that we can’t control!”

“I know honey, I’m sorry.” Evening cooed, wrapping a bat wing around her husband. “Come on, why don’t we go on and sate these various appetites of ours. And later on, you and I can take some quality time together to savor…another one of our appetites.” She winked at him, running a hoof under the tan stallion’s chin. “If you can catch my drift~!”

“Oh, I think I do…” Bardock said, giggling a bit perversely as his cheeks flushed.

Snowflake slammed her hoof onto the dinner table, causing it, and the food covered plates to rattle as she cleared her throat. “Alright, that’s enough out of you father, mother…remember there is a seven-year-old colt here in the dining room with us.” She chided lightly, gesturing to her little brother, who was still in one of Evening’s forelegs. “You might want to save doing that in front of him until he’s at least six years older.”

“Right, sorry Snowy.” Evening said bashfully, giggling in her other hoof as she flew over and set her son in one of the chairs next to the Goku. Once she was seated at the left corner of her husband, who was sitting at the very front, she looked at her family and sweetly asked, “Now, are my children and my little fledglings ready to stuff there little tummies in.”

“We’ve been ready ever since we saw all of this delicious food sitting here!” Goku replied, her dreamy expression coming back as she drooled once more. “I just wanna get this stuff in my stomach so I won’t have to mooch off of anypony back in Ponyville!”

“Of course, you do little sister.” Snowflake said with a roll of her eyes, knowing full well that the tan hybrid mare would be hungry long after they left. “To answer your question more simply, mother, yes we are.”

“Well then my dear wife and children…” Bardock said, opening his mouth and displaying his fangs, which seemed to elongate. “…let’s dig in!”

“Aye!” Sheton squeaked, making his mother and Midnight giggle.

Unfortunately for the three hybrid siblings, the Kirin and Thestral, they were not able to get a single bite out of their large bounty of food. Just as they were about to sink their teeth into the first batch of pancakes, a gentle knocking came from the kitchen door. The sound was enough to make them all stop dead in their tracks, Goku especially, whose face went right into stack of pancakes.

“Oh my, who could that be?” Midnight asked as Goku righted herself. “I wasn’t expecting anypony else at this time.”

“I don’t know but whoever it is, they’re making us miss out on one of the best breakfasts of our lives.” Goku grumbled, licking the syrup form her face. “Whoever it is it’d better not be some damn stuck up noble, or else they’re gonna get their hides brunt to a crisp and then drained dry.”

“That makes two of us sweetheart.” Bardock murmured, letting out a snort.

With a hiss, Goku trotted over to the door, listening as the pony behind it knocked on it again, perhaps thinking they weren’t heard. Reaching out with a hoof, she grabbed the door knob and swung the door open, already ready to give the pony behind it a stern tongue lashing for interrupting her family time meal. When she saw who it was however, all the words died in her throat and her demeanor did a complete one eighty.

Standing in right in the door way was a Solar Royal Guard, and like Goku’s father, he was a full-blooded Pegasus, and quite the looker as well. He had a royal blue coat that that was as dark as the night sky whenever Moon rose, with a midnight blue mane and tail having brilliant yellow streaks the same color as Goku’s eyes. His wings, tail feathers, and chest fluff are a combination of both colors in his mane and tail, with his hooves being a bright yellow color. His eyes were a beautiful turquoise blue, and his Cutie Mark was of a yellow and blue dragon winged shield, with a midnight blue star right in the very center. This young stallion was known as Zephyr Dragon Shield Shenron, member of the Sheron Clan and the third in command of Queen Celestia’s royal guard.

“Aaaaay, it’s my boy Zephyr!” Bardock exclaimed, his annoyed expression turning into a cheerful one. “How the hay are ya doin’ buddy? I didn’t think you’d be coming here today!”

“Language Bardock.” Evening Glory chided gently. “Remember, Sheton’s still here at the table.”

“Too late for that mother.” Snowflake murmured, sighing softly.

Zephyr chuckled softly, wrapping a muscular foreleg around Goku as she cheerfully hugged him around the neck. “I’m doing good Bardock thanks…morning to you and Goku by the way. You too Evening, Midnight, Snowflake, and you too Sheton.”

“Morning to you too Zephyr!” Sheton said happily as he smiled brightly, his small yet sharp fangs glistening as his mother giggled. “So what’re you doing here today? Are you here to join us for breakfast? There’s lots and lots of food here if you wanna eat with us!”

“I appreciate the offer kiddo, but I’m gonna half to decline.” Zephyr replied, as he walked into the kitchen. “I only had a few or so hours before I need to head to base to patrol the city with Captain Shining Armor and Vice-Captain Spearhead, so I came here to say a quick hello.” He reached under his wing and pulled out a note. “And so I can also give you and your sisters this letter; the Queen told me to give it to you. Saying that she has a little surprise of you when you all read it.”

“A surprise?” Midnight asked. “What kind of surprise?”

“I asked her myself, but she told me that only you, your parents, Goku, Snowflake, and Sheton are allowed to see for yourselves.” Zephyr replied handing the tan mare the scroll. “It has to do with the fact that you four are going to be going back to Ponyville today.”

Evening raised an eyebrow. “Does it have to do with the fact that they’re going to be moving back there?”

“Beats me.” Zephyr shrugged. “You’ll just have to see once you all read the letter.”

Evening Glory, Bardock, their daughters and son all looked at each other, before getting up from their seats and walking over to where Goku was standing. They stood and hovered on either side of her as they watched her unfurl the scroll. Holding out so everypony, Zephyr included, could see it, she silently began to read.

To my dearest Goku Kakarot Shenron,

First off, I would like to say that I hope that you and your siblings have all had a restful night, and I apologize if I had interrupted you in anything important, especially if it was breakfast. I just didn’t want to wake any of you up and have you deprived of any bit of your sleep. So I decided to have one of my guards wait until at least one of you were awake before I sent this letter to you. I have something very special in store for you and your siblings, given how things were, and still are, going for you while living here in Canterlot. I couldn’t find the appropriate time to discuss this with you all in private, given how many duties I have to attend to, so I chose to address you by letter instead.

As you all know, tomorrow will begin the start of the Summer Sun Celebration, where my little ponies and I celebrate the longest day of the entire year. The one day that I get to bond with all the ponies in the very place that the celebration is held in Equestria. However, sometimes I have some trouble picking somepony who would be the perfect supervisor for the celebration. For many of them are either too…how shall I say, posh and stuck up, or overly critical and honest to the point where ponies’ feelings are intentionally hurt. Which is why I’m giving you Son Goku, the honor of being the supervisor for this year’s Summer Sun Celebration. In our newest destination, and the one place that you’re planning to permanently move back to; the town of Ponyville.

I figured that that would be the safest most peaceful place to host the celebration, especially since that was the very same place where you were known to live in with your two older sisters when Midnight came of age. You three have quite the reputation there and I’ve met more than my fair share if ponies who’ve been saying a lot of great things about you, the foals especially. The fact that you’re all planning to move back there is what makes it all the more worthwhile and it only shows why I’ll have the celebration held in Ponyville and have you as the supervisor. Think of it as one big giant reward for making it as far as you are now, where everypony knows both your name and your family, even if your parents aren’t really in the picture. I’m sure your siblings will be more than on board with you when you do leave, and I'm most certain that everypony back in Ponyville will be happy to see your faces again. Along with getting to be that charming sweetheart of a little brother you have. I eagerly await your reply to this request, for I feel that this is a decision you will not regret.

Your beloved Ruler of Equestria and protector of equines, Queen Celestia Daybringer. Queen of the Day and the Goddess of the Sun.

P.S. Just a little tip, I had chosen a group of mares to be on charge of the very tasks that, you will be supervising, should you choose to do so. A group of mares that I know that you’ll be absolutely delighted to see. I’ve written each of their names at the bottom of this letter, so you should be able to figure out who they’ll be. Oh, and be sure to tell your little brother hello and good luck in seeing what is soon to be his new home.

By the time they were finished, each of the Shenron Kirin siblings, Zephyr, Evening Glory and Bardock had wide-eyed looks on their faces. It only amplified when all of their eyes scrolled down to the very bottom of the list, seeing the names that the Queen had written. As soon as Goku’s eyes laid on them, a gasp escaped her throat as the letter fell from her winged grasp, letting it float down to the floor in front of her shaking legs. For those next few moments, silence reined, the tan Pegasus not making a single peep as she stared down at the letter. Finally, unable to take the silence anymore, and fearing that her sister may be broken, Midnight spoke up.

“Um, Goku…are you alr-” The beetle black mare began to ask, but was cut off when Goku suddenly took to the air. She did large loops around the air, cheering at the top of her lungs as her mane and tail trailed behind her like twin flags, while her siblings just stared up at her, slack-jawed.

“Um, Midnight, Snowflake…is Goku okay?” Sheton asked softly and warily after a long moment of silence. “S-she’s kind of…c-creeping me out right now.

“I have a feeling that Goku is more than okay, sweetheart.” Snowflake replied softly, a small smile growing on her face as Goku landed back down on the ground, her expression as bright as the Sun. “She is absolutely elated.”

“Oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my GOSH! Did you two just read that like I did just now?! Did you see the same names that I when I looked at them?!” Goku asked, pressing her nose against her mother’s as her wings fluttered in excitement. “Cause I am having a really, really hard time believing it myself!”

“We most certainly did honey, and while we didn’t really show it in the same overly excited, yet adorable manner that you did just a minute ago…” Evening replied calmly, gently pushing her overjoyed daughter away. “…Something tells us that’s not the only reason why you’re excited, is it?”

“Heeheehee, you bet it’s not Mom! With the ponies that the Queen chose to be in charge for the preparations for the celebration, it makes going there all the more exciting!” the beige Pegasus replied, bouncing in place. “Plus, while we were still living there, we were there to see that they had become big sisters four years before we all came back here to Canterlot to go to college.” A sly smile slowly grew on her face. “I think you know what that means…”

Evening looked at her youngest daughter with slight perplexation, before it clicked, and a fanged grin of her own made its way to her face. “Oh…I think I know what you mean sweetheart, hmhmhm.”

“W-what? What does it mean?” Sheton asked apprehensively, hiding behind his dad. “A-and why are you giving me all of those sly smiles?”

“You mean you’ve already forgotten?” Snowflake asked, shaking her head. “Silly little brother, we told you a week ago before today. You’d be coming with us to wherever the Summer Sun Celebration would be held at by the Queen and Celebrating it.”

Sheton frowned up at the mountain blue Pegasus. “Y-yeah, I know that! W-what I’m trying to ask is…w-why does that excite you so much. Especially since I’m gonna be going along with you?”

“Because, it gives a certain sweetheart of a little brother of ours the perfect opportunities to make some friends.” Midnight cooed, her voice a little sweeter than usual. “Especially the siblings of the very same mares I’m friends with. The fact that their all fillies makes it all the more worth it…wouldn’t you agree Sheton?”

“Oooooooh, now get what you all mean!” Bardock said are a taking a few moments to mull over his thoughts. With a laugh, he scooped his only son up in his wing and gave him a hard noggie. “Hahaha, not even thirteen years old yet and my little stallion’s already going to have a chance to get it going with the girls! Oh, if only me and your mother could go with you to see it…you have made your father so proud!”

“Dad!” Sheton whined as his father hugged him tight, anime tears falling from his eyes. “Please stop doing that; it’s embarrassing!”

“What’s embarrassing my dear little Tony?” Goku asked, grinning widely down at her brother. “I thought that you were excited about the prospect of meeting new ponies. Especially ones of your age like your other two friends Crescent Shield and Spike.”

“I…I-I am big sis!” The stormy grey Thestral hybrid exclaimed, wriggling out of Bardock’s hold as he adjusted his fedora. “It’s just, I can’t but be a little worried about how me coming with you all to Ponyville is going to go down. Y-you know, with me being half Thestral and half Kirin, no offense to you Mom and Dad, and the fact that nopony’s really used to seeing Thestrals and Kirins, let along hybrids of them. I’m just…scared that they may not accept me for what I really am, no matter how nice I am to them.”

Evening Glory’s sly expression softened, already knowing what her son was talking about. “You mean the fact that Thestrals and Kirins have a rather bad reputation amongst the pony community because of the inconceivable rumors they spread about us?”

The stormy grey colt nodded, pressing the side of his face against his mother’s fluffy chest. “Mhm, that’s the one thing that I’m worried about; the ponies in Ponyville judging me for what I am. I’ve seen how Spike and Crescent Shield are treated by the school they used to go to before they and Twilight moved away a couple years ago, and I’m worried that it’ll happen again. I…I’m not doubting my sister’s words about some of the ponies not minding my appearance, b-but still. I-I’m scared that they may be hostile towards me the family that we all come from and…and what I am too.”

Zephyr, Goku, Snowflake, and Midnight and their parent’s expressions all turned into ones of sympathy upon hearing this statement from the stormy grey colt. They all knew what Sheton meant, and honesty, they really couldn’t blame him feeling the way that he was. They could easily relate to him on what he was feeling in more ways than one, and all of them knew what he was going through. The only difference between them and him was that they were used to far more backlash than he was from the ponies in Canterlot city, and the reason for that, was that they were not used to seeing ponies like them around their parts.

In fact, four siblings, Zephyr himself included, weren’t really normal ponies at all, based on their appearances and beautiful accessories they obtained. Especially given the two races they came from, one of them being one that their dear mother came from that is still elusive to this very day. Goku, Snowflake, Midnight, and Sheton all came from clans that dated far back, thousands of years into the past, long before Equestria was even founded, and long before even the reign of the Two Royal Sisters. They were clans that, many ponies believed were myths dating back thousands of years ago, back in the old days. Clans that exceeded others never seen before, putting even the most powerful families to shame.

The legendary and ancient Shenron and Nightstalker Clan, the clans of the elusive Kirins and nocturnal Thestrals.

These clans were known to be two of the most powerful and respected clan that ever existed on the face of Equis, and for good reason. The Kirins and Thestrals had magical prowess that put even the most powerful of Unicorns, Earth Ponies, of Pegasi, to shame. They were even known to possess the speed, agility, power, endurance and magic of that of a dragon, even though one clan was consisted of Thestrals. Even more so, they were known to actually be crossbred hybrids of ponies and dragons and bats all together. Which is what made them famous in the first place in the eyes of ponies Celestia and Luna. Along with being despised in the eyes of a some members of the Equestrian community, especially Canterlot City.

Despite the fact that many of the communities that Goku went to as a filly accepted her and her family, she knew that she would be acceptance everywhere. She was proven right when she entered Canterlot College after graduating from high school. Or more precisely, Queen Celestia’s College for Gifted Ponies, where the most gifted and talented ponies got to. Thus, giving them the opportunity show off their talents to their very ruler, talents that could benefit not only them, but all of Equestria as well. It was there that Goku experienced what it meant to be bullied for being different from everyone else. From to teasing, harassment, name calling, insults, and even physical confrontations. There were even some occasional attempts at trying to trip her up, but were never able to. Mainly because she was able to predict what they’d do less than a split second before they were actually able to do it.

It was indeed an eventful time for the tan Thestral, and she was glad to have been finally freed from her Magic College after four years of Tartarus. However, she knew that this was not going to be the last time she’d be seen as a non-pony. That there would be more ponies to try to put her down and convince her she didn’t belong with them. She, Snowflake, and Midnight had all experienced that at some point in their lives, and knew that Sheton would be next in line. Now, here was their sweet little brother and son, having those very same fears of what would inevitably happen to him. All of which were stopping him from forming the bonds that they knew he would make in the future.

Well, time to give the little fledgling some reassurance.

“Oh Sheton…c’mere baby.” Goku cooed softly as she sat on her haunches and spread out her forearms, letting the young colt walk over and snuggle into her embrace. He pressed side of her face into her warm chest fur as she nuzzled the top of his head, her overextended mane spilling over his small form. “I know why you’re so apprehensive about going to a brand-new town, with brand new environments, and brand-new ponies. You’re worried that what you went through here will happen again in where we’re going to see the Summer Sun Celebration and to stay from now on, aren’t you?”

Sheton’s emerald blue irises looked up into the transfixing golden ones of his third eldest sister. His midnight blue streaked mane spilled over his face as she gently it out of the way, before he nodded slightly.

“Of course you are, why wouldn’t you? With the way you were bullied some fillies and colts, I’m not surprised why you would think my idea wouldn’t be so great.” She gave him a reassuring smile as she saw him tense up and shrank back a bit under her gaze. “Trust me sweetie, I know how you feel, because I was subjected to the very same thing you’re going through right now.”

“Really?” Sheton asked tentatively, his eyes widening in surprise.

“Indeed it was honey, more than you think in fact. When your sister came back here sometime after her eighteenth birthday and came here to Canterlot College for Gifted Ponies, she went through what you’re going through not. I can’t even count how many times me and your father had to go to either the teachers, or the Queen, because my daughters were getting bullied.” Evening Glory replied, baring her canines as memories of her daughters being bullied came back to her. She gave a quick shake of her head to clear the memories before addressing her son once again. “Anyway, the point is, for your sisters whole foalhood, she’s endured all the negative backlash you’ve endured despite some ponies taking a liking to them. Even though there were times where even they felt that they wouldn’t get through it. Even so, they all had something, besides you, your father and I, to help me get through it. Do you know what it was honey?”

“Um…it was their friends?” he asked hesitantly. “T-Twilight and Zephyr

“Exactly!” Bardock replied cheerfully, giving the stormy grey colt a strong pat on his head, causing his fedora to completely engulf it. He lifted it back up on his head taking a moment to straighten it back up before his sister continued; “It was you sister’s friends who stood by their sides. Not that I’m saying they could do it all the time, but you get the idea, son?”

“Yeah Dad, I do.” Sheton replied softly. “There are sometimes that you’ll have to stand up for yourself, and not keep relying on those doing it for you.” He paused to clear his throat before he continued. “A-and even if we couldn’t do that all the time, we’d be able to count on our friends when we really need them.”

“That’s right kiddo, and just because you’ve meet ponies who won’t accept you for who and what you are, doesn’t mean that you won’t find ponies who will.” Zephyr nodded, winking down at the stormy grey colt. “I can certainly think of one certain pony. Or three who’s more than capable of doing just that.”

“You mean that dear bookworm of a fillyfriend of yours and her two adorable little siblings of her’s?” Evening asked, glancing up at the royal blue stallion. “Yeah, I can see why you may think that Zephie. Not because they’re also, in some way unusual forms of nature, but also because they know what my children and you are going through. Good choice of words there dear.”

“T-thank you, Evening.” Zephyr nodded politely, ignoring Bardock’s mirthful laughter as his cheeks flushed. “And Twilight isn’t my fillyfriend.”

“Hmhm, of course she’s not; keep telling yourself that.” Snowflake said in amusement, leaning over and planting a soft kiss on Zephyr’s cheek. With another giggle, she looked back down at her little brother and continued where the Solar Royal Guard left off. “Now Sheton we’re not saying that you should try to be friends with everypony. I’m just saying to at least give it another try. I’ve seen what anti-social personalities can do to a pony, and I don’t want you to be one of those ponies who goes through that.”

“Please Sheton, if not for us, or even Zephyr, then do it for yourself.” Midnight said softly, reaching and putting a hoof on her only brother’s shoulder. “If you do, I promise you won’t be disappointed by the decision. The more you learn about it, the more you’ll come to realize how good it is to had friends in your life. As the Queen always said to all of us, friendship is magic, and if you open your heart to at least one pony, in time, you’ll understand it too.”

When they were all finished, the whole dining room was silent, the only sound being the breathing of the ponies in the room. Sheton was the quietest of them all, his emerald blue eyes staring up into his sisters’ honest and kind, caring eyes, soaking up their words like a sponge in water. He blinked a couple of times before looking down at the ground for a few moments, before asking, “Do...do you really think it’ll be different this time?”

“Sweetheart, if I wasn’t honestly sure that it would be, I wouldn’t even be suggesting this in the first place.” Goku snorted dryly. “I may be many things, but I am by no means a liar.”

“No, you are most certainly not.” Bardock replied, wrapping a foreleg around his youngest daughter and giving her a noogie. “You’re our little hungry fluffy tanned bat!”

“Dad!” Goku grunted playfully, trying to wriggle out of her father’s hold.

Sheton closed his eyes as he lowered his head, his fedora covering his face as his mane spilled over it. His big sister’s words played over and over again his head at a rapid pace as he weighed his options, while all three of the mares waited patiently for his response. After a full minute, he took in a long deep breath and exhaled, before looking back up at Goku with a small smile on his face.

“Okay sis…I’ll do it.” He finally replied as his smile faltered ever so slightly. “I…I don’t know how it’ll turn out but…I’ll do it. I’ll do it for you…all of you.”

“Heh, that’s my boy!” Bardock said, smiling with approval.

Goku gave a joyful smile as she got up to her hooves and wrapped a wing around the stormy grey colt and pulling him to her once again. She gave him a big affectionate nuzzle as she laughed, “That’s my sweet little brother! Trust me, you will not regret this, I’ve seen how the colts and fillies treat each other in Ponyville, so there’s no doubt in my mind you’ll be welcomed with open hooves!” Her expression turned to a sly one that only a sibling planning to tease the other would have. “Who knows…maybe the fillies will want to be…morethan friends with you, wouldn’t you agree everypony?”

“Oh, I most certainly do my dear daughter.” Evening Glory said, giggling. “I’ve always dreamed of my little Tony having so many little fillies hogging him to themselves. I really wish that I could be there to see it, but alas, I cannot. Still doesn’t mean I can get any intel on what’s going on between Sheton and those little fillies though.”

“Same here.” Bardock chuckled, grinning in a way similar to Goku’s. “Seeing my little stallion having all the mares grabbing for his attention, first his heart and then his-”

“Daddy!” Midnight exclaimed, her cheeks flushing. “Not in front of Sheton!”

“Package Midnight, I was going to say package.” Bardock said, chuckling a bit as his eldest daughter frowned at him. “Of course, you all know what I mean.”

Snowflake nodded. “Yes father, we do.”

Sheton’s cheeks erupted into a deep blushed as steam burst out of his ears. With a whine, he wriggled out of his mother’s wing embrace. “You guuuuuys, come on! Is now really the time to be talking about that?!”

“Heeheehee! Sorry little brother, just wanted to have a little fun, hmhmhmhm!!” the beige Pegasus replied giving him a little kiss on the cheek, which caused him to blush even more. “Now come on, let’s eat! I have a feeling we’ll need it, along with a lot more when we get to Ponyville! This will be a biiiiiiiiiiiiiig celebration after all!”

“Finally, I was beginning to think that we’d never be able to chow down!” Bardock said, his mouth hanging open as drool flowed out of his mouth. As his stomach loudly growled, he turned to look over at Zephyr. “Hey Zeph, are you sure that you don’t wanna join us for breakfast? We have more than enough plates here, and I don’t think we’re going to be able to eat all of this by ourselves.”

The royal blue stallion shook his head, holding a hoof up. “Really you, I’m fine. I can get something else when I get back to base with the others. Seriously you don’t need to-”

That was all that Zephyr managed to say before he found a large gemstone shoved into his mouth, effectively stopping him from talking. He looked down, to see Goku with the gemstone in her head, giving him a deadpan expression.

“Zephyr, if there is one thing that we Shenrons and Thestrals are all taught growing up, is to be generous, honest and kind to others. Especially if it means sharing such unfathomable amounts of food with one another. You and I both know that whatever shitload of food that those guards have for you is not going to be anywhere near enough to fill that giant bottomless tank of yours.” She said, taking her hoof away as she gave a big flick of her tail. “My Mom and Dad are choosing new to show you such generosity and kindness, which in the form of this supply of food right in front of you. So, if I were you, I’d shut that fire-breathing mouth of yours up, your blue ass down at one of those chairs and fill your stomach to your heart’s content.”

Zephyr munched on the gemstone and swallowed it after a few moments, before opening his mouth to once again decline the offer. His stomach however, had other ideas, and made the final decision for him by rumbling painfully loudly. The royal blue stallion’s face twisted into a pain grimace as he clenched his teeth to bit back a groan. A few moments later, he let that groan out and hung his head in defeat.

“Alright Goku, you win…I guess I could stay here for an hour or two.” He murmured, staring at the food in front of them. “Besides, I don’t think I can really take any of the food that the base serves us anyway. Besides, that stuff tastes like utter shit!”

“That’s more like it, speaking like a true Shenron, just like me dear husband!” Evening Glory said, smiling in approval as she patted her husband on his head. “Now come on, go over and pick yourself a chair so you can stuff you face in!”

“Sure thing Evening.” Zephyr nodded, making his way towards the table. “Come on Sheton, let’s get gettin’ this food in our bellies. It’d be good for you to get plenty of strength for when you face off against anypony that my try to kick your ass. Or, in your case, a filly or mare that may try to take you for themselves in a cat fight.”

Mumbling under his breath and ignoring the giggles of his sisters, Sheton nodded and followed them back to the table. Soon they were all back to eating their big overloaded breakfast, with an additional guest in the mix.

Author's Notes:

Alright, no I know what you guys may be thinking right now...why is it that I suddenly made Goku and her sisters hybrids between Kirins and Thestrals? The reason for that is because long before I had decided to go through this rewrite, I was thinking about how who Goku, Snowflake, Midnight and Sheton's parents were and what species they may be. I already knew who Goku's father was going to be, that certain individual being Bardock, from the DB movie of Bardock: Father of Goku who is in the first DBZ Special of the DBZ. I won't spoil anything for the sake of those who have not seen it before, but I will say, that this Bardock, will be very different in personality than the one in that DBZ Special. Along with, obviously, being a pony and will also have the last name of Shenron in his name, since he is part of the Saiyan Kirin clan that I had initially created form watching DBZ. Plus, he would have an appearance and title that would not only explain why he's so feared, admired and respected, but also to explain why each of his children look so different from one another. Especially since not all of them looked exactly alike and that only one of their parents is a Pegasus, despite the fact that he's a Kirin in his true form, and can turn into a dragon if he wanted to.

Another reason for why I had changed the four siblings appearances is because of their mother, who I had made into species that was only seen for a few short seconds in the MLP Season 4 Episode of 'Luna Eclipsed'. Eeyup, that's right, the proud mother of all four of the Kirin Thestral siblings, is a Thestral herself, a mare who I had created long before I had decided to rewrite this story. Looking back on the last copy of this chapter, I felt that I should've not only added Goku and her siblings new appearance, in because of what species of pony that their mother was, but I also should've added both parents in this series themselves. Especially since they all lived in the same city, the same castle, and both them were former captains of two of the most powerful soldier divisions in Equestria. I don't know why I decided not to do that, especially because in the fist DBZ special, they gave no mention of Goku's mother, who I think is named Gaine, but now I'm glad that I did. Since I wanted to add the whole family, I should add the whole family in it, unless I had decided to make it how DBZ made it with Goku's canon parents in the DBZ Special...something that I don't think I could ever do. As for Zephyr...well, he's not a member of Goku's biological family, despite both of them being from the same dragon pony clan, but she and her own family see him as one of their own. Speaking of said Third in Command of the Royal Guard, he's going to be seen a lot more in this new special edition of 'Rise of the Dark Queen', and while I'm still trying to figure that out, he'll totally be seen a lot more.

Chapter 3 - Arrival In Ponyville

The sound of the blue feathered wings of the Solar Guard Pegasi could be heard flapping at a steady pace as they pulled the golden chariot carrying the four passengers that were on board. Sheton, Goku, Snowflake, and Midnight all sat in their passenger seats, silently waiting for their ride to get them to their destination. The wind blew in each of their manes as they all took in the sights of the large cumulus clouds floating in the cyan sky. The lush green forests below rustling in the breeze down below, having the large dirt path that led to back Canterlot City in towards where they were going. The beautiful golden sun shined its light down on the chariot and the guard’s armor, causing its light to reflect off of them. A bright yet beautiful rose from the stallion’s armor they powered through the air with seemingly now effort. This was to be expected from ponies like them, since they were Royal Guards who dedicated their lives to protect their ruler.

Goku sat in the front of the chariot, or rather, she stood at the front of it, with her forehooves on the front edge as she held her head up high, her mane flowed in the breeze as her tail followed closely behind her. Sheton giggled continuously as his sister’s tail brushed up against him, giving in indication of just how ticklish. He rolled onto his back as he pawed at it like a cat would ball of yarn, while Snowflake and Midnight silently watched.

“You seem to be pretty excited about this little sister.” Came the dry voice of Snowdrop from behind the beige Pegasus. She looked behind her to see the amused faced of her middle sister. “I haven’t seen you like this since mother and father told us that Sheton was going to be born.”

“Can you really blame me, Snowy? This is the first time that I get to see the girls outside of anything related to school or the holidays.” Goku giggled merrily, using a hoof to keep some of her flowing mane out of her face. “I mean, I know it’s only been four years since I last saw them but still. It feels like it’s been a lot longer than that, and now, here I am, going back to the one, and possibly the only place I’ll ever call home. I’m finally getting to see their faces again after so long.” she lowered her head and rubbed her forelegs together. “I have to admit, I’m am a little bit nervous about our reunion. Especially since I haven’t really been keeping in contact all that much. I hope none of them are mad at me for not being able to see them.”

“Oh, don’t worry little sister.” Midnight said soothingly as she got up from her seat, walking up and wrapping a comporting forehoof around her youngest sister’s neck, giving her a little nuzzle. “You had a lot on your plate since you came to Queen Celestia’s Magic School for Gifted Ponies, so you really didn’t have the time to write them letters to let them know how you’re doing. You all went to some pretty faraway places when you left Ponyville, so there wasn’t really much chance for them to visit their families, let alone you. I’m sure they wanted to keep in touch just as much as you wanted to. So, don’t be too hard on yourself.”

“Thanks Middy, that really means a lot coming from you.” Goku replied, smiling up at her eldest sister as she gave the beetle black mare a strong hug. As she pulled away, the tan hybrid mare gained a thoughtful expression as she murmured, “Now that I think about it, the last letter that was sent to me said that they had all returned a couple of years before I graduated. That was the first letter that had every single one of them in there…and the longest one too. Especially by Twilight’s standards…heh, typical bookworm.”

“Yes, that is typical of her, isn’t it? To be honest, it gives me another reason to be happy that we get to see them again. Even more so since it’s going to be today of all days. I really did miss their antics while we were away, and now we all get to refill those holes once again.” Snowdrop nodded, giving a little smile as she turned to Sheton. “Plus, they did have little bundles of joy that we had the pleasure of knowing the last four years before we left home. I wonder how they’ll react they see our wonderful little brother…don’t you, big sister?”

“Oh certainly Snowflake, I can already picture those sweet little fillies gushing all over him, hmhmhmhm!” Midnight held a hoof to her mouth as she giggled, much to their brother’s dismay. “I almost can’t to see that happen!”

“Oh come on you guys!” Sheton whined in a high-pitched squeak as he squirmed in Snowflake’s wing embrace, bowing his head so low that his large fedora and long mane completely covered his face. “Stop it, you’re both embarrassing me!!”

“Oh we know little brother, we know.” Goku said sweetly as she gave him an affectionate nuzzle. He looked up at her with one visible eye, only to freeze upon seeing a small smirk adorning her face as she added, “We just can’t help it; whenever we think of a filly or fillies, connecting with a little colt as sweet and cute as you, we just can’t help but tease you about it.” She leaned in and whispered in his ear in a warm, tender, yet mischievous tone, “When you meet my friends' little sisters, you’re going to have to endure even more teasing, and we’re gonna enjoy it. Every. Single. Minute.”

“Uuuuuuuugh…” Sheton could only let out a dreadful groan as cupped his face in his forehooves, pulling his hat over his head to both cover the deep red blush on his cheeks, and use his wings wrap around himself while his elder sisters laughed good-naturedly. Even though he knew that they weren’t really trying to be outright mean and they meant it all in good fun, he was not anticipating being repeatedly teased by his big sisters for befriending other foals, especially if they were fillies. He could literally picture himself being swarmed by a large mini herd of them, while his sisters relished watching him go through his ‘torture’.

‘Oh Celestia, why did I have to be born this way? Did the Goddess of Luck really bless me, or did she do it just to mess with me?’ he thought as he rocked back in forth. All the while, somewhere in the deep dark parts of his mind that what he was thinking was true. ‘I hate my life…I hate it so so much!’

Just as this thought flew through his mind, he suddenly felt himself being shot into the air, before falling hard on his rump. Before he could even register what happened, he felt his body shaking as the chariot started to become quite bumpy. Goku immediately scooped him up into her forearms and held him close.

“Oh my, the roads gotten a lot bumpier than usual hasn’t it?” Midnight asked as she spread all four of her hooves to the sides of the chariot to keep her balance. “I certainly don’t remember it being this bumpy the last time we were here.”

“Neither do I. It would seem that the Ponyville Weather Team was pretty busy the last four years.” Snowflake murmured, her voice vibration from the bumping as she leaned onto Midnight and wrapped a foreleg around one of Midnight’s own.

“That’s an understatement, Snowy.” Goku dryly snorted as she held Sheton tightly to her chest. “Then again, nothing really lasts forever, and the change in the environment and the climate is no exception.”

Nothing was said between the three Pegasi sisters for the next couple minutes after that last comment. They all stayed silent and waited out the bumpy stop as the Solar Guards pulling the chariot slowly came to a stop, using their wings to decrease the speed. Eventually, after just a few more moments of enduring the constant bumping, the chariot stopped, just outside of the forest.

There were a couple of moments of silence as the Shenron Thestral siblings all regained their balance on the chariot. Sheton feeling the chariot stop, brought his head out of Goku’s chest fur and looked around timidly, before asking, “Is it over now?”

“Yes baby, it’s all over. Good thing you landed on me when you did, huh?” Goku replied with a comforting smile as Sheton weakly nodded. With a little reluctance, he let her gently set him down on the chariot floor, and the second all four of his hooves hit the ground, he wasted no time leaping out and practically plopping the upper half of his body in the dirt.

“Oh sweet sweet ground, how I’ve missed you so.” He whispered as his whole body shook with relief, recovering from having to endure the constant bumping.

“Sheton! Please don’t do that, sweetheart.” Midnight scolded in a gentle, yet firm tone as she walked over and picked up the still shaking colt from up off the ground. She used one of her wings to brush off the dust and rocks out of his mane, while roughly patting his fedora to get them out of there as well. “I know you were scared that you would fall out of the carriage, but please don’t get yourself all dirty like that. You could get cut by one of those rocks, or get dust in your nose and eyes, or worse!”

“Sorry Midnight.” the stormy grey colt murmured as he lowered his head with his ears pinned down as he twirled his front hooves together. "I was just happy to be back down on the ground again. I really don't like flying very high...or being very high off the ground for that matter.

The beetle black hybrid mare let out a soft sigh, her expression softening upon seeing the guilty look on his face, looking like he was about to cry. She simply gave him a sweet smile and set him back down on the ground.

“It’s alright Sheton, I know you really didn’t mean to.” She cooed soothingly, stroking his back with a wing. “I just don’t want you to get hurt and get all dirty for the Summer Sun Celebration later on, especially when we meet Goku’s friends. So just let us know before you do something like that, and be more careful next time okay?”

“Okay.” Sheton softly replied with a nod, blushing as his eldest sister gave him a warm kiss on the cheek.

“Wow, that sure was a long and really bumpy ride isn’t it? It certainly made my rump a little sore.” Goku giggled as she gave her body a few stretches. She walked over to the two Pegasi guards, batting her eyelashes as she said sweetly, “Thank you for the ride to our foalhood home my dear gentlecolts. I apologize if we made the trip too tedious due to all of us being in there.”

“It was out pleasure Ms. Shenron, and please don’t apologize. We’ve carried more than one passenger before, and it certainly won’t be the last.” The first Pegasus guard replied with a polite nod. Upon close expression, Goku could see just the tiniest of blushes adorning his snow-white cheeks.

“Of course you aren’t, you’re the Solar Guards for the very Queen of our whole land. It’s only natural for you all to be so used to things like this, due to how amazingly strong and endurable you all are.” Goku giggled as she draped one of her feathered bat wings over both of the stallions. “You know, I’m feeling a bit generous with the two of you today. So I think I’ll give you two fine stallions a little reward for going through all this trouble for us.”

Using her right wing claw, she lifted one of the flaps of the saddlebags that was hanging from her barrel, before taking out a small bag. She gave it a few shakes, which made the bag give a few light jingles, before she opened it and looked inside. After a moment, she gave nod as she smiled in satisfaction, before handing the bag to the second Pegasus guard. Without a word, they accepted it, silently taken aback by how heavy it felt in his hoof.

“There you are, a nice fresh bag of bits! I figured due to the amount of time you were spending carrying us, you should be given a little reward for your services.” Goku chirped as she folded her wing back to her side. Before either of the guards could say or do anything, she walked closer and leaned in between them. She put her mouth between both of their ears as she whispered sensually, “Between you and me, due to the amount of work you do and the amount of time you spend doing it, I feel like you ponies aren’t being rewarded enough. Think of this as a little thank you present as well, but don’t tell the Queen about what I did or what I said. This is a secret between us, okay boys?”

“Of course, Ms. Shenron.” The second Pegasus Solar Guard replied with a nod, giving her another salute. A second later, both he and the first guard unfurled their wings. “You and your siblings have a nice day.”

“You too!” the beige Pegasus replied sweetly, running her overextended tail under both of their chins just. Without another word they, took off, leaving the four hybrid siblings to themselves. Giggling to herself, she turned to her siblings, only to see Snowflake looking at her with a raised cumulus eyebrow. “What? Why're you staring at me like that?”

“Honestly little sister, did you really have to go and tease those poor stallions like that?” she scolded her youngest sister, though the playfulness could easily be detected in her tone. “Those poor stallions looked like they were going to melt like pudding. Besides, that’s supposed to be mother’s job to make ponies all flustered.”

“Oh don’t worry about it Snowy, they both know that I was just teasing them. Besides, neither you or Middy can deny that you probably would’ve done the same.” Goku replied nonchalantly as she walked passed Snowflake and over to Snowflake and Sheton. Goku scooped Sheton up in her arms and gently hoisted him up onto her back. “Well, not as cute as you, Tony…” she added softly looking back at him affectionately.

With no other words said, all four hybrid siblings made their way over the bridge and into the town of Ponyville. The moment they did, they all felt an incredible sense of warmth and joy take over their bodies by the place they used to live in. Every step they took, every breath they inhaled, and each sway of the cool gentle wind brought back wonderful memories of Ponyville that they were all very fond of. It was as the young Kirins had never left and they were just returning back to their nice warm nest.

By closer inspection, the town looked more like a larger-than-normal-neighborhood than anything else, with large wooden houses have either small window gardens outside the windows, or large roofs covered in hay. Some of them even had a combination of all the appendages, making them that much more unique. In the distance, they four siblings could even see a few houses that looked like tents, though they knew that those houses were being used for anything but camping. Ponies could be seen in walking about the streets, or selling items behind booths, while foals ran or flew around, giggling and laughing as they chased each other, something that made Goku’s heart melt.

With a gentle content sigh, Midnight gave a toss of her head as she said, “I can see that this town has certainly gotten bigger the last time we were here, hasn’t it?”

“Indeed it has, it’s even bigger than the last time we saw it; twice as big if what we saw on the chariot was anything to go by.” Snowflake nodded taking in the sight of the brand-new houses, stores, and buildings. There were even a few mansions that she could spot here and there, though not very much. “It would seem that our beloved town has gotten more welcoming over the last four years. Much more welcoming…”

“Well, whatever happened here, I am loving it!” Goku exclaimed gleefully as she turned her head back to them. “You know what would make this trip even better? If a familiar face or two would happen to show up somewhere around here! Hay, I wouldn’t care if they’d happen to fall out of the sky right at this very moment!”

Just as she said this, her hybrid ears picked up the sound of what sounded like loud screaming coming from above her. Looking up, Goku’s sharp golden eyes was able to pick up the very faint of something careening through the sky. Unfortunately, due to it being so far away she could see it as no more than a dot.

“Hey, girls…do either of you see that?” she asked slowly, raising her left tri-stocked foreleg to point up into the air. “What is that?”

“I don’t know; it looks like…” Snowflake replied softly, squinting her teal eyes ever so slightly. “It looks like somepony falling from out of the sky…a Pegasus to be exact.”

“Um, Snowflake, Goku…” Sheton said nervously, sinking behind Goku’s mane. “I think that is somepony falling out of the sky.”

Giving their youngest sibling perplexed looks; the three mares looked back up again, and saw that their brother statement was ultimately justified. There was indeed, a Pegasus pony, falling out of the sky and spinning out of control, as if she was a tornado that was about the strike the earth. Goku, Snowflake and Midnight all took a few steps back, obviously taken aback by this revelation.

“Um, everypony…” Midnight said softly as she started to back away faster. “I think we may want to move…um, now please.”

“Great idea, Middy.” Goku squeaked as she flared her gigantic wings out and took off with a single flap. As her elder sisters followed the hybrid tan mare screamed out to the ponies on the streets. "EVERYPONY LOOK OUT ABOVE!!!"

Just as those words left the tan mare's mouth, the diving Pegasus made impact with the ground.

The crash land to the ground that the Pegasus made was certainly not a soft one. In fact, it looked like it should’ve left her a bloody mess from the force. Large clouds of dust and huge pieces of earth exploded as if a bomb had just gone off from under the ground as it began to split and crack. Ponies nearby gave cries of surprise, shock and worried fear for the Pegasus as they slid and tumbled hard across the ground. The pony left a deep dirt trail behind them all before stopping one hundred or so feet away. They dove out of the way as the large chunks of minerals and clouds of dust enveloped some of them. This in turn causing them to go into a loud coughing fit and get covered in dirt and nearly crushed. Luckily for them, this only lasted for a short time before the dust cloud was blown away by the wings by three hybrid mare.

“Now that…had to hurt.” Snowflake grimaced as her youngest sister galloped over to the downed pony. She, Midnight and Sheton all followed after her as crowd of ponies gathering around them.

“Oh my Celestia! Miss, are you alright?” Goku asked worriedly as she knelt in front of the downed pony and gently lifted her out of the dirt trail. “Don’t worry, I’ve got you. Can you…get…up?”

Upon closer inspection, she could see the pony that had crashed was a indeed Pegasus a mare like her and her sisters. She had a solid shade of grey fur that was just a shade darker that that of Sheton’s, with a long sunflower sandy yellow extended mane and tail, her mane covered her eyes, which was disheveled and covered in dirt. Her wings were a combination of solid grey and sandy sunflower yellow feathers, the same with her furry chest and tail feathers, all of which looked to be loose, unpreened, and all over the place. A dog-like necklace could be seen around her neck, having a red eyed cross-like roseray right in the center. A tattoo of a beautiful pair of angel wings could be seen on her back, and her Cutie Mark was of a large flock of bubbles.

“Oooooooh…my head…what happened?” the mare moaned out as she rubbed her head with a hoof, shaking it to clear the dizziness from the hard crash she had. Her golden yellow eyes seem to be out of focus as she looked at stared down at the ground. “Oh, right…I ran into that flock of geese on my way to the office. Ugh, if only I could see normally like in my other form then this wouldn’t be happening so much! I really gotta get these damn bucking eyes of mine checked out, cause this is driving me nuts!”

As the silvery grey mare got to her hooves, she looked up to thank the pony that had pulled her out of the ground. The moment she saw who it was however, she froze, her crossed eyes widening as her jaw fell unhinged. Goku had an expression similar to the other mare’s and they kept that stare for a few moments, before somepony eventually broke the silence.

“Oh…oh my goodness…that can’t be.” Snowflake whispered. “That couldn’t be who I think it is?”

“Who? Who is she?” Sheton asked, looking in between his sisters. “Do you two and Goku know that mare?”

Midnight nodded, a small shaky smile coming to her face. “Yes, little brother…we most certainly do.”

“Oh…my…Faust…” Goku whispered, her eyes as hive as her hooves as she stared back at the equally shocked mare. “D…D-D-Derpy? Is...i-is that you?”

A glistening shine danced across the silvery grey mare’s eyes as she asked back, “Goku? Is that really you?”

A gasp of recognition was the response that Goku gave to Derpy’s question, before a loud equal erupted from her mouth. Derpy was given no time to prepare herself as the tan Thestral hybrid mare tackled her to the demolished ground. Her whole vision was filled in multi-colored chest fluff as Goku rolled her across the ground with her, forelegs wrapped tightly around the other mare’s neck.

“Oh my goodness, Derpy! It’s really really you!” Goku squealed, yanking the other mare by her hooves and holding her by the shoulders. “I knew I recognized something on you, but I never expected those adorable crossed eyes of yours to be the first thing I’d see!”

“I could say the same to you Goku.” Derpy said as she dusted herself off. “Out of all the things I could remember about you, it’s those sharp fangs, webbed wings, and those adorable fluffy ears of yours!” She reached out and scratched Goku’s left ear, emitting a dreamy eyed look from the Pegasus as she leaned into the touch. “And I can see that your love for them getting scratched certainly hasn’t changed either.”

“No, it really hasn’t.” Snowflake said, walking up to the two mares. “And it’s to see that your bubbliness hasn’t disappeared either Derpy.”

“Snowflake Midnight!” Derpy cried, running over and wrapping her forelegs around both mare’s necks. Both hybrid mares went stiff as the silvery grey mare’s strength began to squeeze the life out of them. “Oh, I’m so happy to see the both of you again! You have no idea how much I’ve been wanting you to see the three of you again! It’s been, what four years since I last saw you all?”

“Y-yes, it has been about t-that much time that’s p-passed!” Midnight replied, straining against Derpy’s powerful hold. “U-um, Derpy…c-could you please let go of us?”

“Y-yes dear…” Snowflake nodded, desperately tapping at Derpy’s back. “W-we c-c-can’t breathe!”

“Oh, I’m so sorry girls!” Derpy releasing both mares form her strong grip and smiling sheepishly. “I didn’t mean to do that, honest. I just…oh, I was just so excited to see the three of you again after all this time!”

“We could say the same to you Derpy, I can see you haven’t changed one bit.” Goku laughed, taking in the mare’s appearance. Her smile grew slyer as she noticed the slenderness, plumpness, and curves around the mare. “And I see that you’ve become quite the looker as well during our time away. You’ve really been packing on the attractiveness the last time we say you haven’t you?”

Derpy blinked, looking around at her body for a moment, before looking back at Goku with a low laugh. “Oh, so you’ve noticed have you? I’m not surprised that you did; I’d expect somepony with eyes as sharp as yours to be able to notice something like that. That isn’t to say that none of you don’t look too bad yourselves. Your looks have improved a lot since I last saw you all back in Cloudsdale, hmhm.”

“Why thank you Derpy, we’re so glad that you took notice of that as well. To be honest, we weren’t really expecting you to be the first pony to run into.” Snowflake said softly. “Then again, given the circumstances, and just how randomly you end up falling form the sky from time to time, I suppose it was bound to happen.”

“Yeah, it totally was! Lucky for the three of you huh?” Derpy giggled spreading her wings and wrapping all three hybrid mare’s in a hug. “It’s so wonderful to see all of you again! I can’t tell you how much I’ve missed those adorable fluffy faces of yours!”

“And it’s very sweet to see those cute little crossed eyes of yours again Derps.” Midnight giggled, nuzzling against the bluish silvery grey mare’s cheeks. “Speaking of which, we’re not the only ones here whose gracing this wonderful town with our adorableness.”

Derpy tilted her head to the side, her extended mane falling over her face. “What do you mean by that? I don’t see anypony…else…here…”

The crossed eyed Pegasus slowly trailed off when she took notice of who else was with Goku, Snowflake, and Midnight. That individual being a certain stormy grey colt who was hovering just behind his three sisters with a concerned expression. When he noticed Derpy looking at him, he flinched and slowly hovered down to the ground, hiding most of his face behind his mane.

“U-um…hello miss.” He said in a polite, yet timid tone as he smiled shyly. “I-it, um…it’s really nice to meet yo-whoa!”

“Awww!” Derpy cooed, grabbing the young colt and pulling him into an embrace. “Aren’t you just the cutest little colt that I’ve ever seen!”

Sheton, who was smothered in Derpy’s chest fluff, looked up at her with a single emerald blue eye. “W-wha…? Y-you’re not…”

“Wow Derpy, you took notice of my little brother pretty fast, didn’t you?” Gou asked, watching as the sandy yellow maned mare rocked Sheton back and forth. “And here I was going to introduce you to him, but it looks like he got that taken care of.”

“I didn’t even tell her my name yet!” Sheton cried as Derpy continued to hug him. “She just grabbed me out of the blue before I could finish my sentence!”

“Sorry about that sweetheart, I didn’t mean to cut you off like that.” Derpy said kindly, pulling the colt away from her chest. “It’s just…oh, I just couldn’t believe how adorable you looked! I just couldn’t help myself and I lost it! I’ve seen a lot of cute foals in my time, but never ones quite as adorable as you!”

“That’s because you never saw foals quite like him.” Snowflake murmured dryly. “Especially those form our dear mother’s family.”

Sheton sighed, adjusting his fedora as Derpy set him down to the ground. “No, it’s okay Miss Derpy…I’m used to getting hugs like this. At least from my momma and the rest of the Thestrals form her family.” He looked back up at Derpy, flashing her a small fanged smile. “My name is Sheton Nightstalker Shenron, and I’m Goku, Snowflake and Midnights little brother.”

“Little…brother?” Derpy repeated, looking from the stormy grey colt to the three mares. “Wait, you wouldn’t happen to be the son of Bardock the White Flash and Evening Glory the Shadow Bat, would you?”

“Wait, what?!” Sheton cried, looking up at the silvery grey mare with wide eyes. “You…y-you know my parents?!”

“Well, not personally, but I’ve definitely heard of them.” Derpy replied, giggling at the young colt’s gob smacked expression. “They’re known around here and many parts of Equestria as the strongest most feared soldiers that anypony has ever seen. Mainly because the both of them came from some of the most powerful families in all of Harmonia. They were known to be legends, so much so that many ponies wondered why they’d ever retire from the positions that they were all in.”

“Probably because they decided they had fulfilled their duties and wanted the one thing both Kirins and Thestrals treasure most?” Goku suggested, gesturing to herself, her sisters, and to Sheton.

Derpy laughed sheepishly. “Yeah…that could’ve been the reason.”

“Wow…so they’re really that famous huh?” Sheton murmured to himself as he stared at the ground. “I knew they were known by a lot of ponies, but I never thought it’d by this caliber. I guess our families are more famous than I thought.”

“Got the muffin in the oven on that one.” Derpy giggled, lightly patting Sheton on his head. “My name is Derpy Hooves Kindheart Rosario; I’m Ponyville’s resident mailmare. It’s really nice to meet you Sheton.”

“Y-yeah, you too Ms. Derpy.” Sheton said bashfully, blushing as the mare wrapped wing around him, planting a kiss on his forehead.

Derpy Hooves was one of the ponies that Goku, Snowflake and Midnight while living in Ponyville together, only with her, she didn’t come from Ponyville. They had met the wall-eyed mare in a place not very far away from Ponyville, one where all of the Pegasi had probably originated from. That town being the City of Cloudsdale, the famous City in the Sky, a place where Earth Ponies and Unicorns can find many Pegasi populating the clouds. The three hybrid sisters, Midnight being a young adult while Snowflake and Goku were young foals, had met Derpy one time while touring through the city. As just now, she had fallen out of the sky while trying, in vain, to keep balance despite her wall eyes, landing right into Goku. The mare feared that she’d be mad about it, but Goku just laughed the experience off, saying that it was no big deal.

After that unexpected yet humorous experience, Derpy and the three Kirin Thestral sisters started coming to Cloudsdale more frequently. This was mainly because so they could see Derpy, since all three sisters had taken quick liking to her. In the time they got to know Derpy, they saw her as a mare who was very bubbly and optimistic, always looking to the brighter side of things. The fact that her eyes went in different directions made her that much more likeable to the Kirins, even if others believed that it made her weird. Sure, there were times when she was sad, and there were more than a few times where Goku found her crying along by her lonesome. Still, the mare managed to keep her head up high through her foalhood and teen years, even while she was continuously bullied for her crossed eyes.

Despite the fact that Derpy was a kind, sweet and cheerful mare, not one to get into conflict unless warranted, she was not a mare to be taken lightly. She could pretty much blow off anything that was said about her in general, even more if it was her eyes. However, when it involved her friends, she was willing to throw everything down to protect those she loved, even if it meant zapping them with thunderclouds. However, that was not the only thing that made Derpy so terrifying, especially since she came from one of the secret clans of Equestria.

The clan that Derpy came from was one that had the ability to transform into the supernatural equines. The ones that were only heard about in myth and legend, since the roseray’s they wore not only stored their powers away, and helped them control them. They had the ability to transform into ponies that were not that much different from Thestrals. This was more or less a false form of their true forms, allowing them to not cause too much damage when fighting their enemies. Whenever the Rosarios were in these forms, they were able to achieve speed, magic and strength that would make them ponies thing that they were actual Vampires. Or more commonly, Vampony’s, despite the fact that said creatures were known to be nothing but myths.

There was one major setback to having this incredible power, something that the Rosario and Shenron clan both share. When any member of these clans reaches a certain power level, they would have to wear that magical item around their necks for the rest of the lives. From the moment they way up to the moment they close their eyes and fall asleep, the necklace had to remain on them at all times. For if they tried to force the necklaces off of the ones that wielded them, the magical knots tying the necklace’s magic, and the magic of the pony together will snap. This in turn would sending an electrical shock wave of indescribable pain throughout the pony’s body they’d die from the shock. It was because of this, along with the indescribably devastating power that they’d have if the necklace were to be taken off, that they’d rather go into their false forms. If, however, they were to take their necklaces off, ponies nearby had better watch out, or any nearby towns and cities would be the only ones in danger.

“So, what’re you all doing here?” Derpy asked, turning away from Sheton and back to the three other hybrid ponies. “Not that I’m not happy to see you all, but I didn’t really expect to see you all here today?”

“Now why would you think that Derpy?” Goku asked innocently. “Oh you didn’t know? Queen Celestia had chosen me to be the supervisor for the Summer Sun Celebration taking place in Ponyville, along my sisters! Oh, and in case you’re wondering why Sheton’s here, we’re letting him get a feel of the place before bring him here to move back with us.”

“Wait, seriously?!” Derpy gasped her eyes widening. “T-the Queen chose you to be the supervisor for the Summer Sun Celebration?!”

“She most certainly did Derpy.” Midnight nodded. “She felt that it would be an even better fit rather than the usual ponies that she has supervising it. I guess she couldn’t tolerate how all of the nobles and lords kept being overly critical, so she decided to get somepony who was more fit for the role.”

“And she was wise to do so.” Snowflake nodded, looking over at her younger sister. “While our dear sister can be pretty blunt sometimes, she always make sure that she’s not being overly critical to the point where she’s coming off as rude. We Shenron’s and Nightstalkers may be honest and upfront, but even we are really overly blunt unless it is really warranted.”

“Heheheh, yeah, I sure know that; you’ve told off a lot of the ponies that used to bully me to prove that much.” Derpy giggled, brushing her overly long mane out of her face. “Wait, didn’t you also say that you were all going to be moving back to Ponyville?”

“Planning to move back.” Goku corrected politely. “But yes, we most certainly are. After the Summer Sun Celebration, we are planning to permanently move back to Ponyville. Mainly because we want to be closer to our friends and try to rekindle our connection with them after so long apart.” She grabbed Sheton and pulled him onto one of her wings. “That and because we want our little brother to be in an environment where ponies are more…accepting of his appearance.”

“You mean because of the fact that he’s half Thestral?” Derpy asked simply, making Sheton’s jaw hit the floor.

“H-h-how…” He stuttered, his eyes going anime white. “H-how did you know?”

“How wouldn’t I know honey?” Derpy asked, smirking at the stormy grey colt. “I mean come on, it was so obvious! With those tufted ears, oval shaped pupils, tiny canines, and membranes under your wings, who wouldn’t notice? Somepony would either have to be very blind, or very oblivious not to notice glaring features like that.”

“Yeah, you have a point there.” Sheton said with a sweat drop. “W-wait, so…you’re not…creeped out that I look like this?”

Derpy gasped as if Sheton had asked her something completely against her nature. “Creeped out? Now why in the world would you think that I would ever be scared of the fact that you’re a hybrid?! Especially since I can turn into a pony looking similar to a Thestral?”

“W-what?!” Sheton gasped, doing a double take. “Y-you can?!”

“I sure can honey. You see the necklace that I’m wearing here?” Derpy asked, tapping at the roseray hanging from her neck. “This allows me to go into the form of a bat winged pony that’s different yet very similar to a Thestral. Although, I don’t usually prefer to use it that much, if it all if I can avoid it.”

Sheton tilted his head. “Why not Ms. Derpy?”

“Because, we have another kind of Bat Pony form that lets us go into that without having to take off our roseray.” Derpy replied with a shrug. “It’s more easier for us to control and causes less destruction than for when we take our roseray off. The power we hold when we do take it off…well…” She shivered as her face flushed blue. “Let’s just say that you won’t want to be within twenty miles of this town when we do take it off…!”

“Seriously?” Sheton gulped, his own face flushing. “I-It’s that scary?!”

“You don’t even know the half of it dear.” Derpy said with a weak smile. “Word of advice; get away as far as you if you see me so much as grab at my roseray okay? It’ll save you a lot of destruction if you do.”

“A-aye ma’am.” Sheton replied with a slight squeak.

“Wow, thanks for scaring him half to death there Derpy.” Goku said dryly deadpanning at the silvery grey mare. “And just when he was starting to warm up to you too.”

“Sorry, I just wanted him to be sure to watch his fluffy little back whenever I do have to take this thing off.” Derpy said sheepishly, shrinking under the dark look the tan Pegasus was giving her. Regaining her composure, she looked back down at Sheton. “So anyway, back to what I was saying, no, I’m not in the least bit disturbed by your appearance. I understand that not all the ponies here in Ponyville will look the same or even have the same abilities. To be honest, I was more or less expecting at least one of the ponies here to look more or less like you and your sisters.” She laughed and looked off to the side, muttering under her breath. “I know one mare who certainly is.”

“Really? You’re okay with me looking like this?” Sheton asked in disbelief, earning another nod from Derpy. “W-wow…I thought for sure that there was somepony here who’d be creeped out by my appearance. I didn’t really think I’d met anypony who’d not only not be bothered by it, but actually think that I look…” A blush came to his face as he stammered out, “…c-cute like this…”

“Well, luckily for you, I’m one of those ponies!” Derpy chirped, bringing the stormy grey colt into another hug. ‘I’m not the only one either! My daughters Amethyst and Dinky are really accepting of hybrid ponies too! And I’m sure that if you meant them, they wouldn’t mind you being half Thestral either!”

“Wait a minute, you have another daughter Derpy?!” Goku gasped, her golden eyes nearly bugging. “W…when?! How?! When did that happen?!”

“Sometime after you and your sisters had left to go hone your magical powers and get a degree.” Derpy replied. “I’m not going to go into too much detail, because I don’t really wanna talk about it. I’m just say that I got too damn drunk, got had a little too much fun with a stallion, and we did the-”

“Alright, you don’t have to go any farther!” Midnight exclaimed, holding her hooves out as a massive blush came to her face. “I think we know that happened after that…”

“I think we all do.” Snowflake nodded, fanning her blushing face with a hoof. “Well, we give you our congratulations on having another child Derpy. Even if the new was a bit late, we’re happy that you’ve welcomed another little bundle of joy into the world.”

“Hmhm, thanks you three! I can’t wait to introduce her to all of you!” Derpy said sweetly, before looking back down at Sheton. “Especially you Sheton! Trust me, you are going to love my little muffin of joy when you see her! She is just the more adorable thing ever!”

“Really? You really want me to meet her?” Sheton asked, a hopeful look coming into his blue eyes. “A-are you sure that she’ll like me?”

“Like you? With a look like that, she is going to love becoming friends with you sweetie! Who knows? Maybe your sisters will wanna set up a little playdate for you and my little muffin so you two can get to know each other.” Derpy replied, winking down at the young colt. She then looked over at Goku and her two sisters. “That is, if you’re up for something like that Goku.”

Before the tan hybrid mare could reply, she noticed from behind the mailmare that somepony was make their way through the crowd. The ponies in the front made a path for the other pony, who trotted inside the circle. It was an Earth Pony mare, with a light grayish amber coat, and a long wavy bluish white cornflower mane and tail. Her eyes were moderate phthalo blue and violet color, with a white green fluffed collar around her neck. He wore a pair of yellow glasses that covered the lower half of her eyes, and her Cutie Mark was of a scroll tied by a blue ribbon.

“What’s going on here? What is all the commotion, everypony?” The mare asked as she looked around the center of the grown that had gathered around Derpy and Goku. When her eyes fell upon the grey mare, her eyes widened and shock and worry as she ran up to her. “Oh, my goodness! Derpy! Are you alright, dear?”

“Oh, hi Miss Mayor Mare!” Derpy exclaimed cheerfully with a cute wave towards the Earth Pony. She set Sheton down in front of her, who spat out some feathers that had somehow gotten into his mouth. “Don’t worry about me, I’m okay! Just got a little off course with the direction of the wind that’s all! And I ran into a couple of old friends along the way, as you can see, hmhmhm!”

“If you had to endure a crash like that, then that must’ve been one strong wing current!” Mayor Mare said, stopping into the center of the crowd. “I mean honestly, did you see the size of the crater that you left behind? Or how deep and long that dirt trail you created was? There’s no way that you should even be movingright now! Let alone standing up! How in the world were you able to survive an impact like that?!”

“Mayor mare, you’ve known me for the last fifteen years since I came here to Ponyville. You should know that I’m able to survive crashes like this, especially since I’m a Rosario!” Derpy giggled as she ruffled her messy wings. “Look on the bright side, at least I didn’t crash into any buildings or trees this time! So that means I’m getting better; slowly but surely!”

“Well…yes, you are Derpy.” Mayor Mare sighed with a shake of her head. “Still though, you may want to go to a hospital or a clinic to get yourself looked over. It’s not that I don’t trust your word Derpy, it’s just…well, you never know what could happen.”

If the bubbly grey mare showed any signed of even being remotely offended or annoyed by the mare’s words, she either hid it very well, or didn’t feel any. It was only more apparent by what she said next. “You got it Ms. Mayor! I’ll head right over to Ponyville Urgent Medical Magic Care and get myself fixed up in no time!” her expression turned sheepish as she flared her wings, revealing the mess of tangle feathers. “Um…maybe with a little help that is?”

“Of course dear.” Mayor Mare nodded, grimacing at the state of the grey mare’s wings. “With tangled wings like that, it’d be best not to go taking off into the air again.”

“Duly noted.” Derpy nodded, before turning to Goku and her siblings. “Sorry you guys, but I gotta go now. My wings need a looking over by the doctor, and I gotta go get Dinky ready for the Summer Sun Celebration. I’ll see you there okay?”

“Sure thing Derps!” Goku replied waving to the air as Mayor Mare led the silvery grey mare out of the crowd. “Be sure to say hi to Amethyst for us, and that we have a new little tag along she’ll love to meet!”

Sheton blushed. “Really sis?”

“Sure thing Goku!” Derpy said, before glancing down at Sheton. “Bye-Bye Sheton, I’ll see you later sweetie! I can’t wait for when I can introduce you to Dinky and Amethyst! Dinky’s quite the hugger, so be prepared for some any affection thrown at you from her way!”

“Y-yeah, sure thing Ms. Derpy.” Sheton said, blushing timidly waving at the mailmare. “S-see you at the celebration.”

Mayor Mare then took a couple of minutes to disperse the crowd, having to give more than a few extra reassurances that Derpy would be fine. After they had gone, Mayor Mare went back to the four Pegasi, a thankful expression adorning her lips.

“I’m so very sorry that you had to see that. You have no idea how many crashes that poor mare had over the past month alone! At this rate the next fall she has is one that she may not be able to get back up from.” Mayor Mare said with a shake of her head, before a small smile graced her lips. “Regardless, I would like to thank you for helping her out of that mess and immediately coming to her aid. It’s great to see someone as big hearted and helpful as you are Goku…you and your sisters.”

The look on Goku Snowflake and Midnight’s faces was nothing short of surprised as they looked at the amber Earth Pony with wide eyes. This caused the mare’s expression to go from thankful to that of amusement as she chuckled dryly. “What? Did you really think that I’d forget you three of all ponies after four years away from your own hometown? Please, with colors, looks, appendages, and necklaces like that, I find that very hard to do so.”

“Good point…” Goku murmured as the Mayor let out a laugh.

“Well, that aside, it’s good to see you all back here in Ponyville! You’ve all certainly grown into beautiful young mares that last time I saw you.” she said with a warm smile, which grew slightly wider as she saw a blush form on Midnight’s face. She was about to say something else, until she noticed the colt standing just next to Goku. “Oh my, who is this little one?”

Sheton shrunk back a bit as Mayor Mare’s eyes landed on him, a nervous whimper escaping his throat. He soon relaxed a bit after Goku gave him a gentle nuzzle, a reassuring smile on her face. Reaching a hoof out, she gently pushed him in front of her, keeping one of her wings out as to not let him hide behind her.

“You probably won’t remember this Ms. Mayor, but back in Canterlot, my parents had another foal. This one being a colt instead of a filly while me Midnight and Goku were all staying here in Ponyville.” Snowflake explained. “This is our little brother Sheton Shenron, the youngest, most adorable and sweetest colt of our little group.”

“Well, he certainly is a cute little colt, isn’t he?” Mayor Mare giggled as she walked over and put a hoof under his chin, lifting his head up to get a better look at him. “Oh, and I see that he’s half Thestral just like you three. Though I probably should’ve expected that, since your mother is a full blooded Thestral herself.” She leaned in closer, her phthalo blue/violet eyes staring into Sheton’s emerald blue ones. “My, has such beautiful blue eyes. And that fedora makes him look even more adorable!”

Sheton’s ears fattened against his head as a dark blush made its way to his cheeks. A small smile making its way to his own face as he looked back up at the Earth Pony mare. He rubbed his left wing with his right foreleg as he quietly said, “Its…um, nice to meet you too…Ms. Mayor.”

“My my, such a polite little colt, isn’t he? I think I’m going to have a wonderful time getting to know him.” Mayor Mare murmured with a smirk as she patted the young colt on the head. “I’d like to give you a proper welcoming to Ponyville Sheton. I hope you find your visit, and your permanent stay here to be most pleasant, especially since you’ll be having your sisters here with you.”

“Oh, I think our sweet little brother will enjoy his visit here quite well Mayor Mare.” Goku said, smiling down at her little brother. “Especially since he’s going to be staying here from now on…oh I can only imagine what he’s going to get into. The friends he’ll make, the adventures they’ll go on, the things they’ll learn…and all the little fillyfriends he’ll make!”

Sheton flinched a half-lidded expression coming to his face as he turned to look at the beetle black mare. “One of these days Midnight…one of these days. I am so gonna get back at you for all the teasing you’re all putting me through.”

“Oh, we don’t doubt it little brother.” Snowflake said innocently, batting her eyelashes at the stormy grey thestral hybrid. “Until then, we’ll be waiting, while you are put through the relentless teasing of your three loving big sisters!”

“Someday…” Sheton whispered, glaring up at the mountain blue mare.

“Anyway, what brings you all back here to Ponyville?” Mayor Mare asked. “While I’m sure you’re planning to move back her, I have feeling that it’s not just for that reason. Am I correct?”

“Always as sharp as ever Ms. Mayor, you haven’t changed a bit, have you?” Midnight smiled with a soft laugh, her navy-blue mane giving the lightest of bounces. “You see, just earlier this morning, we were given a letter by Queen Celestia saying that we were the ones who would be supervising the Summer Sun Celebration the day after tomorrow.” She reached into one of the bags of her saddlebag and pulled out a clipboard with her right wing as she gave it to the Mayor. “We were given this list that had the names of the ponies that she chose would be in charge of the tasks needed for it, and we were wondering if you could help us with something.”

“Why whatever do you need my help for?” Mayor Mare asked quizzically as she looked over the list. “Everything you need to know and do is right here on the list, so I don’t why you would need-” she suddenly gave an abrupt pause as she stared at the list for a few more moments, her expression slowly turning to realization as she murmured, “Oh…I see…”

“Yeah…we weren’t given a map.” Goku said sheepishly as she rubbed the back of her head. “As much as we’ve grown fond of the places that we went to when we were foals, we got so caught up on our long, yet amazing college years, that I pretty much forgot where those places were.”

“Don’t worry, there’s nothing to be ashamed of my dears.” Mayor Mare said with a reassuring smile and a wave of her hoof. “I really didn’t expect you all to recognize your hometown so quickly, especially due to how much and how fast it had changed in just four years. I’d be more than happy to help you all show you the places you loved to go to when you were foals.” Just as she said this, she looked back down at the clipboard and a grin slowly made its way to her muzzle. “In fact, since it shows that your first stop is Sugarcube Corner, I think I know one of the ponies on this here list who has more than enough of the resources that you need to get your way around town now that is bigger and more productive.”

“Oh trust us Ms. Mayor, you’re not the only one who believes so.” Snowflake said with a chuckle. "Not by a long shot."

“Well let’s not waste any more time then, let’s get right to it!” the Mayor exclaimed happily as she gave Midnight the clipboard back and trotted ahead of the Shenron siblings. “None of the other girls have seen you in over four years. I just know they’ll be absolutely delighted to see you all again. I sure it’ll be quite the reunion between the nine of you!”

“Oh, it most certainly will be!” Midnight said happily, with an agreeable nod, her wings giving a gentle ruffle of excitement.

Goku gave a soft and cute giggled, blowing some of her overextended jet-black mane out of her face as she walked ahead of her siblings. “Not gonna disagree with you on that one, Ms. Mayor, I’ll tell you that. Though something tells me that one of them will make sure that this reunion with be one hay of a blast! I can almost see it happening!” Her whole body gave a heavy shiver of excitement at the thought as she added, “And I have a feeling that somepony else is going to get a nice good dose of sweetness as well!”

At this, Sheton, who was walking in between Snowflake and Midnight flinched, and looked over at his sister. His face became a sweating mess as he saw the smirk that the tan hybrid mare was shooting down at him.

“U-um…what do you mean by t-that sis?” The stormy grey colt asked, gulping. “I-is there something that you want to tell me?”

“Oh nothing!” Goku chirped, gently smacking her brother’s face with her tail. “I just can’t help that you’re going to get a new friend in just a short while. And she is going to be sweeter than the sweets found at a candy shop!”

“Oh, I see…okay then.” Sheton nodded, giving Goku his best smile as tried his best not to blush again. As soon as the tan mare turned her head away, his entire face burned as he pulled his fedora over her head. ‘Oh Faust, please help me now!’

Author's Notes:

Hmmm...there isn't really much that I changed with this chapter, other than the fact that I had shortened some sentences and things like that, along with making the interacting with Derpy and the four Shenron/Nightstalker Siblings longer. I also decided that, since the three sisters met Rainbow Dash back in Cloudsdale, back in the old version of chapter six, that I'd make it seem as they've met Derpy there as well. Since I'm pretty sure that both she and Rainbow Dash were both born and raised in Cloudsdale, which would only make sense for Goku, Snowflake, and Midnight to have met them there. Other than that, the fact hat I had the description of the Rosario Clan more or less with Derpy instead of Fluttershy, and the mentioning go Goku's parents, there wasn't really much to add to this chapter to make it too different.

The interaction with Mayor Mare and how Derpy and the four siblings ran into each other was change a little, but at the same time still remained pretty much the same; except for the slight change in the chapter's title. I was thinking about adding another group of ponies to the mix, like the Flower Ponies or something like that, but then I decided not to, since I didn't really know who I could make that work. Still, I'm more okay with how this chapter went, especially with just how bad it was last time, and the more I look back on it, the more I'm glad that I'm going through rewrite of this. And I have lots and lots more to go.... Oh, and one more thing, just like how many of you have probably scene in Fairy Tail, Magnolia is a pretty big town, and, with time, I will be planning to make Ponyville as big as said town.

Well, that's all for this chapter; next time we're going back to our favorite bakers! With a little sweet melon goodness to match.

Chapter 4 - Bubbly Balloons and Mirthful Melons

Despite the fact that they had somepony with them to help navigate their way through the streets of the ever larger and more populated Ponyville, it took Mayor Mare, Goku, Snowflake, Midnight, and Sheton a while to get to their desired destination. The Shenron siblings didn’t really mind, since it gave them that much more time to meet the ponies and foals in town, and even run into a few familiar faces along the way. With each minute that passed, they felt like they were more and more at home, as if they had stayed even through their college years, never having left their nests.

Eventually they finally made it to Sugarcube Corner, and the three sisters could not have been happier to see it the one place where they could satisfy their sweet teeth. While a good portion of the bakery was made out of wood, most of it being painted a pale-yellow frosty color. While majority of the building was made out of the sugary sweets that could be found in any other bakery. The roof of the building was that of gingerbread covered in a sugary frosty substance, having a window on the middle left side. A small birds nest resting on the far right, and the shape of a mare holding a candy cane on a far left.

The higher part of the roof was covered in a pink and white cake frosting color, having two windows on either side, with a cupcake at the very top. There were also three purple candles at the top, with a window just below it. The far bottom of the bakery had a cellar looked to be filled with donuts, but were actually flowers. The far lower right side of the bakery had the sign of a pink frosted sprinkled cupcake on it. A mailbox stood just in front of the bakery, with a large purple door having two large pink candy canes on either side.

“Well girls, here we are! Sugarcube Corner! The one and only bakery where you can find the most delicious treats in Ponyville!” Mayor Mare exclaimed, wiping sweat from her forehead. “Oh my, that certainly took a while didn’t it?”

“Oh, it’s no worries Ms. Mayor. It only took us half an hour to get around the place.” Midnight said reassuringly, using one of her wings to fan of the amber Earth mare. “Even if it didn’t, we did leave Canterlot pretty early today.”

“Yes, we did. Though I do wish you had let both of us have our beauty sleep a little bit longer. At least one of us got to…” Snowflake remarked, mumbling the last part as Midnight and Goku bot giggled quietly. “Regardless, I thank you very kindly for your help Ms. Mayor. It was wonderful seeing you again.”

“Oh it was not trouble at all, I’m just happy that I got to help the wonderful little fillies I had known since I became Ponyville’s Mayor.” The amber Earth Pony replied with a warm smile. “I must be going no. I have to get ready for my big announcement for the celebration tonight. I hope you have a good day! Oh, and it was so nice meeting you Sheton. You take care now alright dear?”

“T-thank you Mayor Mare.” Sheton nodded with a smile. “It was nice meeting you as well.”

“Thanks Mayor Mare, it was great seeing you again too! See you at the celebration!” Goku shouted to the Mayor as she trotted off. The tan mare then turned her attention back to her siblings. “Well girls…here we are. I have to say, the place really hasn’t changed that much has it?”

“No, it certainly has not.” Snowflake replied a small smile gracing her pale features. “It exactly how I remember it…how we remember it.”

Midnight took in a long gentle inhale of breath from her flared nostrils. “Hmmmm, whatever is being baked in there, it smells lovely.” She turned back to her younger sisters, an excited smile adorning her muzzle. “I think we can guess who that is, can’t we?”

“Heeheehee, I sure can big sis! I can’t wait to get in there and give them the biggest wing hug they’ve ever had!” Goku said gleefully trotting in place, before she turned to look at Sheton. “Here we go Sheton! Because we’re gonna meet some real nice ponies here right in this very bakery! Are you ready honey?”

The stormy grey colt gave a few twiddles of his hooves, not replying for a moment. He then took a deep breath and looked his sister in the eyes. “Y-yeah…I’m ready…as ready as I’ll ever be at least.” He said softly.

Smiling warmly, Goku leaned in and gave him a gentle kiss on his cheek and ruffle his mane with a hoof. After putting it back on his head, she gave him a wink, before turning and opening the door, trotting into the bakery.

The first thing that happened when they all went inside was the scent of sweet sugary goodness. It enveloped all of their nostrils, as if their noses were the only things that were working for them. They all stayed silent, their mouths quivering and their taste buds tingling as their minds were swept into a sea of wonderful imaginary flavor. Nothing else mattered for those few blissful moments; just that sweet feeling of sweet blissfulness.

Then, in an instant, just as quickly as it had begun, it stopped, and the four siblings were brought back to reality. The moment they gained control of their senses, they were greeted with the interior of the bakery. There were several or so tables that were set up for anypony that wanted to take a seat and relax with either waiting or eating their snacks. On a few tables, were displays of cookies, cupcakes, and other goods set up for ponies to see. The far right of the bakery displayed drinks liquidly goodness that ponies would want to try, and the upper roof having numerous pictures of cupcakes. At the very front, was the counter for those who wanted to take their orders to go, also having sets of pastries there.

It was also that very same part of the bakery where there was complete and utter chaos.

Yes, the four siblings were being graced with a sight that was most certainly not most other bakeries. At the same time, it was something that they had seen before in this type of bakery, and even then, it was only when there was an order placed. One so important, that it would inflict the kind of chaos that was happening right before them. The very same chaos that Goku was trying very hard not to laugh at too.

Two ponies, one mare and the other a stallion, were running about the bakery as if they were farm chickens with their heads cut off. On both of their backs and in their mouths, were the large boxes on what could only be assumed as the very same sweets that were dotting the entire bakery. A glistening shine could be seen from their fur, showing that they were both sweating quite heavily, which indicated just how hard they were working. The three mares and colt could also see, just behind the counter, was a set of large double doors. A thin cloud of grey smoke could be seen emitting from it, something that the mare caught onto right away.

“Carrot! Did you leave my peanut butter cookies in the oven again?!” She indignantly shouted as she set three larger boxes on the floor next to a larger pile. Like the four Shenron siblings, she was a beautiful Pegasus, with a very light shade of cerulean fur, with a light crimson mane and tail having pale light grayish crimson stripes in them. Her eyes were shade of brilliant rose red and she wore a bright orange apron with pink feathers adorning the front. Her wings were a wonderful combination of light crimson, light grayish crimson stripes and light cerulean. Her Cutie Mark was of three strawberry frosted cupcakes, having cherries on top for each, and a white apron could be seen hugging her barrel. “I told you not to put them in there for no more than twenty minutes! Last time that happened, we had to use the fire extinguisher to put them out! I do not want to have to throw away another batch of burnt cookies again! And certainly not today of all days!”

“No Cupcake, I didn’t!” The stallion replied as he levitated several more boxes with some more. Unlike the five Pegasi in the bakery, he was a muscular and handsome looking Unicorn. He had a light brilliant amber yellow coat, and a long, somewhat wild, light brilliant orange mane and tail skirt. His eyes were a moderate shade of pistachio green and light brilliant orange freckles could be seen on his upper muzzle. He wore a plain white apron with a black and white striped neck bow, and his Cutie Mark was of three while frosted carrot cakes. “That smoke was from the last batch of cookies that I had thrown away! Yours were only in the oven for five minutes!”

“Well, be more careful next time honey! We can’t afford to make a single mistake! The Summer Sun Celebration is only hours away, so we can’t afford to waste any time!” Cupcake exclaimed, letting a large box slide off of her outstretched right wing. “This isn’t just some ordinary order that we’re dealing with here! This is for the event where the very Queen herself graces us with her presence and raises the Sun, right in front of us! I haven’t been this worried since we got that order for a cake at the Grand Galloping Gala!”

“Hey…don’t worry honeybun, there’s nothing to be scared of. Remember, we have the girls with us to help out with this.” Carrot said soothingly, wrapping a muscular forehoof around her neck. “This isn’t the first time they’ve helped us find a solution to these problems. Besides, this is the Queen we’re talking about. She’s kind, generous, and always happy to see us whenever she can. She doesn’t really mind if everything we do for her isn’t perfect, so I’m sure she’ll understand.”

Cupcake flinched, slowly looking up at her husband with a slightly twitch in her eye. With her eyes flashing a brilliant red, she took to the air and shouted, “Understand? Understand?! Are you insane, Carrot?! What in the name of all that is harmonious makes you think that the Queen will understand?!” She leaned in until her muzzle was pressed against the amber yellow Unicorn’s own. “I can guarantee you, she’ll be anything but understanding of even a single chocolate chip is out of place!! Do you really want to be the center of her wrath?! Especially since the controls the very Sun that she raises and lowers every day?! Because I sure don’t; and I don’t think you do either!”

“Cup…” Carrot said, a hurt look coming to his face as he frowned up at his wife.

The cerulean blue mare paused, cringing at the pained expression on the Unicorn’s face. Closing her eyes, Cup hovered back down to the ground as her wings folded back to her sides. She took a deep breath to calm herself, her swirly mane drooping slightly. “I’m sorry Carrot, I didn’t mean to shout at you like that. I-it’s just, I’m worried, like really really worried. If this was any other Queen, I might agree with you, but this is not just any other Queen, honeybun. This is Queen Celestia Daybringer, the very raiser of the Sun and the Moon, the bringer of both Day and Night, and the most powerful equine in all of existence! It’s apparent for both us that she likes-no, loves what we have for her! If she doesn’t, we very well may get our reputation ruined, or get put out of business, or worse!”

“Oh now you’re just over reacting.” Carrot said with an optimistic smile as he gently set it wife down. He was only to get a mild glare from his wife, causing him to chuckle. “I can tell you without a doubt, that the Queen will love what we baked for her. And I don’t just think it, I know it honeybun.”

“Yeah right…” Cupcake snorted as she sat on her haunches and crossed her forehooves. “I’ll believe that, when I see it with my own eyes.”

“You should listen to your husband, Mrs. Cake.” Goku said softly, deciding at that moment that she should finally jump in. “I’ve known the Queen since my foalhood, and if I know her, she won’t give flying feather what your treats look like. Just as long as they taste good that is.”

“Goku! Please watch your language!” Midnight chastised with a disapproving frown, only for her youngest sister to giggle it off. “I know your excited to see Mr. and Mrs. Cake again, but you don’t have to use such colorful language!”

I don’t know what you’re talking about big sis!" Goku giggled, smiling cheekily at her sister. “I was just stating the obvious.”

“Yes...” Snowflake snorted softly. "Sure you were little sister."

“Is that really you and your sisters, Goku?!” Cupcake asked with a rather loud gasp as her brilliant rose eyes widened. Upon seeing the hybrid mare nod, the cerulean mare let out a joyful squeal as she flew over to them. Cupcake enveloped Goku and nowflake in a hug, with both her forelegs and her wings, the strength behind her wings allowing her to lift them off of the ground. “The three of you are back! I can’t believe that you’re already back in Ponyville after so long!”

“Me neither, but it’s a real treat to have you here again.” Carrot said with a wink, making Midnight giggle. “We’re sorry that we didn’t here you come in the door. We were just so focused on the orders that we hadn’t really had time to take anypony’s orders and what not.”

“Oh, no worries Mr. Cake. You were just completing some last-minute orders for the celebration, that’s all.” Snowflake said gently, nuzzling Cupcake. “If anything, we had come in at the wrong time. Had we known you were still working, we would’ve given you a few more minutes.”

“Oh it’s no trouble at all you three. It was worth it to see you all again, even if it is today of all days.” Carrot said with a chuckle, as he looked each of the girls up and down. “You’ve certainly grown fine young mares, haven’t you? I could never forget those tufted ears fangs and bat wings on any of you. No matter how long I go without seeing them, I can always picture it. The same can be said for you too Midnight. You've certainly bigger than all the other fillies when you were younger. Still, I never thought you’d reach this level of size in such a short time.”

The beetle black gentle mare’s cheeks turned a deep red in response. She looked off to the side, her mane falling in front of her face as she rubbed her left foreleg. “Oh, I didn’t really do anything special. I just ate and trained a lot whenever I had the time. A-and during that time, I guess got carried away a little.” Without warning, she swept Carrot into a big, warm, and very, tight hug. “It’s still so very wonderful to see you two again. You don’t know how much we’ve missed you or this wonderful bakery of yours!”

“W-we’ve missed y-you too, g-g-girls…!” Carrot said, his voice strained the mare’s hug. “U-um…M-Midnight, sweetheart, can you let me go? I-I…c-can’t breathe!"

Midnight, upon seeing the amber yellow Unicorn’s face start to turn blue, let out a gasp. She put both forehooves to her mouth as he fell to the floor gasping. “Oh! I’m sorry, Mr. Cake, I guess I got a little caught up in the joy of them moment. I didn’t hurt you, did I?” she asked, using one of her wings to help the stallion get back up.

“N-no, I’m fine…you just caught me off guard as all.” Carrot replied, wheezing as he sucked in large gulps of air. “I haven’t been hugged that tight since the day I asked Cupcake to marry me.” he muttered so low that his wife wasn't able to hear it.

“None of you have changed a bit since you left Ponyville. Well, except for Midnight, I can see she’s certainly backed on the um…strength the last time we saw her.” Cupcake sighed happily as she looked all three mares over. “All of you still look just like how you were as fillies, and now you’ve become beautiful mares. Oh, I really miss those days where I could sweep you in my forearms, smother you senseless, and fill your little cheeks with goods.” She said, her warm joyful tone carrying just a hint of solemnness.

As soon as she said that, Sheton felt a knot form in his stomach as he looked at the expression on the cerulean mare's face. It only grew bigger and tighter when he noticed Goku looking at him, a small devilish grin forming on her face.

“It’s funny you should say that Mrs. Cake, because I may have found a certain somepony to help fill that void in your heart.” She said in a cheerful, yet mischievous tone. Before Sheton could do anything to stop her, he himself being pushed in front of all three of his sisters. “Mr. and Mrs. Cake, I would like the both of you to meet our little brother Sheton! I don’t know if Pinkie or anypony else told you that I was going to be a big sister, but in case you didn’t, well…here he is!”

She the lowered her head to his level and gently nuzzled his cheek, gently saying, “It’s okay baby, they’re not gonna bite. Go on up to them and say hi.”

Shaking slightly, Sheton slowly walked up to the bakers, both staring wide eyed at the young colt. Nonetheless, that didn’t stop him from swallowing his nervousness and politely greeting the two bakers. “H-hello…it’s nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Cake.” He said softly, giving a polite nod of his head.

“Oh my goodness, just look at him!” Mrs. Cake squealed as both of her forehooves flew to her muzzle, doing absolutely nothing to hide the large grin on her face. She swept the colt up in her wings, smothering his face in her chest fluff. “Aren’t you just the cutest little thing?!”

‘Seriously…?’ Sheton thought, a muffled moan coming from him as he sweat dropped. ‘First Ms. Derpy and now, Ms. Cake?! Just how many mares are going to hug me like this?!'

“Whoa there honeybun, easy there.” Carrot said dryly, putting a hoof on his wife’s shoulder. “You’re gonna squeeze the life out of the poor kiddo if you keep hugging him like that.”

Cupcake looked over at her husband. “Now why would I do that Carrot? I’ve hugged foals like this before, and none of them went blue in the face.”

“Because the very last foal that you hugged, you squeezed her so hard you nearly made her head pop like a balloon.” The amber yellow stallion replied somewhat bluntly. “I’m still amazed that Melon Cake was able to handle that, and still keep smiling throughout it.”

“It’s not my fault that Melon was so adorable that I lost control of my strength!” Cupcake shouted, a pout coming to her face. “And like you’re one to talk! When you first saw her, you looked very close to glomping her too!”

“True, but…” Carrot grinned, holding a hoof up. “The only difference between that is because I had more self-restraint. Something that can’t really be said the same about you, honeybun.”

“Yes well, at least I took care as to not actually make her pass out!” Cupcake retorted, her cheeks heating. “And it’s a good thing that I was the first one to hug Melon too! Otherwise, you would’ve seriously hurt the poor dear!”

“Whatever you say honeybun.” Carrot chuckled, giving a little shrug. “Whatever you say.”

Cupcake then felt a light tap on her shoulder, and she looked down to see Sheton looking back up at her. With another smile, she set the colt back down, allowing him to take in precious gulps of air and recover from the tight hug.

“Sorry baby, I didn’t mean to squeeze you so tight.” Cupcake said sheepishly. “It’s just…ooooh, you just look so adorable like that! I don’t know what came over me and-”

“Oh, no…it’s okay Mrs. Cake.” Sheton said politely, brushing his long mane away. “You didn’t hurt me or anything like that. You just, um…kind of caught me off guard with the sudden hug…I know you didn’t mean anything bad by it.”

“Thanks kiddo, glad you’re not holding it against my wife for acting so adorably energetic around new foals.” Carrot said gently, ignoring the small glare the cerulean mare sent him. The amber yellow Unicorn stallion gave Sheton a thorough look over, looking impressed by what he saw. “So, you’re the youngest out of your three sisters huh? I can see why, with those canines, webbed wings, and fluffy ears it’s hard not to. That hat looks a bit big for you to wear on his head though. Are you sure that it’s a good fit?”

“Don’t worry, the inside is small enough for him, and there are cuts inside for his ears to poke out and hold the fedora in place. So his face won’t be hidden under it whenever he decides to wear it. Our Mom made sure of that, since she was the one who gave it to him.” Goku replied, smiling reassuringly. “Even if it wasn’t, I’d still let him wear it. Besides, I think it looks absolutely adorable to see him wearing things that're too big for him!”

“It certainly is.” Snowflake nodded. “For both us and our dear mother.”

“So, what’re you three doing back here in Ponyville?” Cupcake asked curiously, turning away from Carrot. “I don’t mean to sound rude but, we didn’t think we were going to see you here today. You know, with the Summer Sun Celebration happening today and the Queen coming to visit the town.”

“Actually that’s exactly why we’re here Mr. and Mrs. Cake, and not just to partake in the celebration either.” Goku replied, grinning widely. “We're really here because Queen Celestia chose us to be the supervisors for this year’s Summer Sun Celebration, mainly because we know every part of this town. That, and just how much of a fun place that I can be for those that come here.”

“You’re the supervisors for the Summer Sun Celebrations?!” Cupcake gasped as Carrot’s eyes widened. The three sisters nodded, and the cerulean Pegasus suddenly found herself falling to her haunches, letting out a huge relieved sigh. “Oh, my goodness, that’s…that just wonderful to hear! With you being the supervisors for the most important celebration of the year, we don’t have to worry so much about getting criticized for our cooking! Especially since you three tried it lots of times before!”

“Now, Ms. Cake, we would never ever criticize your cooking in any bad way. You’re one of the best cooks here in Ponyville, so I don’t see any reason why anypony would say that your food is bad.” Goku said with a shake of her head as Carrot rubbed his wife’s back. She reached into Midnight’s saddlebag with a hoof and held out a clipboard. “This list holds all the ponies that were given tasks for the event by the Queen. As you can see, your place was the first on our list of places to see. No offense Mr. and Mrs. Cake but, you weren’t exactly the ponies we needed to see today.”

“None taken dear, me and Carrot hardly get chosen for anything this important. So, it’s not really anything new for us.” Cupcake said as she looked over the list, holding it on her right wing. Her rose eyes widened as she held a hoof to her mouth, gasping, “Oh my, it says here the first pony that you’re supposed to see is…Pinkie Pie!!”

“That it does Mrs. Cake! I have to say; the Queen could not have picked better ponies to be in charge of the Summer Sun Celebration tasks than those on that list! Goku giggled, her feathered bat wings giving an exited ruffle. “Even if she didn’t, we’ve been dying to see them again after four years away. It's been way too long since I've seen that infectious little smile of her's. How is she doing anyway?”

“She’s doing great! Lending us a helping hoof in keeping the bakery in balance and running like she always does.” Carrot said cheerfully, before he gave a gentle shake of his head. “I swear, I don’t know how that filly does it, but she just does it! Of all ponies, she was the last one we expected to actually want to work for us, especially at the age she was back then. I think she was like, eight or nine when she game here. With the work schedule that we had, I didn’t think could get anypony would want to be our apprentice.”

“So did I, Carrot. I remember the first time she walked in here. Oh, she was just the cutest little thing I had ever seen!” Cupcake cooed, putting both of her forehooves to her cheeks as her wings fluttered. “Those big blue eyes, that adorable curly and poofy mane and tail, that infectious little smile, oh! Everything about her just screamed party pony!”

“You can say that again. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anypony throw more parties as fun or party as hard as Pinkie Pie.” Carrot added with a nod of agreement. “Sometimes I think she’s on a continuous sugar rush or something.”

“That may be the case as to why she has so much energy, she's high on sugar.” Snowflake remarked dryly, earning a laugh from the Cakes. “Or maybe it’s just Pinkie being Pinkie in her own unique way. Which would explain how she’ s able to plan all the exciting events the way she does.”

“That would make more sense.” Carrot murmured with a nod of agreement, before his eyes lit up in recognition. “Oh that’s right, you were here to see Pinkie, weren’t you?”

“Ugh, I can’t believe I forgot about that! I was so caught up in telling you how things were with her ever since you left, and marveling at how adorable your brother is that I forgot you were here to see had completed the task she was assigned by the Queen!" She reached out with a hoof and poked Sheton’s barrel, emitting a small giggle from the colt. "Wait right here dearies, I’ll go get here right now! I just know she’ll be absolutely thrilled to see you again!”

“No need to Mrs. Cake! I’m already here!” a cheerful and bubbly voice, said, sounding as sweet as sugar. A blur of pink suddenly appeared in between the six ponies; a large and wide pair of blue eyes staring right into Cupcakes rosy ones. The baker couple, Midnight, and Sheton let out cries or shrieks of surprise as they leapt back a full ten feet as the mare fell from the ceiling and did a side flip, before landing on her hooves.

“Pinkie Pie! How many times have I told you not to jump out of nowhere like that; especially so close to ponies?!” Mrs. Cake said hotly, becoming slightly upset with her apprentice as she put a hoof to her chest in an attempt to calm her rapidly beating heart. “That’s got be the fifth heart attack that you’ve given me this month!”

“Sorry Mrs. Cake, I admit I got a little carried away there. I just got so excited when I hear you say that there was somepony here that I would be ‘absolutely overjoyed’, to see again.” Pinkie Pie, giggled cutely, her mane bouncing slightly. Now that she was far away enough to see, Goku and her siblings could see which Pony Tribe she Belonged to. The mare in front of them was an Earth Pony, somewhat on the chubby side, but in a way to still look attractive. She had a pale light grayish raspberry pink coat; like that of bubblegum, that looked very fluffy. A mass of feathers adorning her chest and the base of her tail, making it look like she had at least one generation of Pegasus in her.

She had a long brilliant raspberry mane and tail, done up in the curliest and poofy style they’d ever seen. It looked to be just millimeters from touching the ground, hanging over one side of her face, framing it rather attractively. Her eyes were a bright cerulean blue color, the same color as Cupcakes fur, only a bit lighter. They shone with such brightness, innocence, and mirth that it would be on par with that of a newborn foal. Imprinted on her back, was the red-eyed multi-pointed symbol of chaos, with beautiful prismatic wings on either side. To top her appearance off, her Cutie Mark was of three balloons the middle one being yellow and the other two being blue.

“Honeybun, you should know by now that Pinkie doesn’t give anypony any warnings when it comes to situations like this.” Carrot said softly, shaking his head. “We also know that no matter how much we prepare ourselves, we will never be able to keep ourselves from nearly jumping out of our fur and screaming like monkeys.”

Cupcake sighed as she took a few deep breaths to calm the rapid beating of her heart. Once she was sure it was back to a normal rate, she replied, “Yes…I know…you’ve got a point there, Carrot. Still though, Pinkie, please don’t do that! I can’t take another jump scare like that again! Next time I might actually faint!”

“Don’t you worry Mrs. Cake; I Pinkie Promise that I’ll give you and Mr. Cake a nice big super-duper extra-large heads-up of where I’m going to pop up!” Pinkie replied happily with a salute, as if she were a soldier standing in front of a military officer. Then her eyes lit up, letting out a gasp of realization as she exclaimed, “Oh! That’s right, you said that there was someone here to see me! Well who is it? Is it my family?! My friends?! Oh, Oh! Or maybe it’s the-”

Whatever the Earth Pony was going to say next caught right into her throat as she turned around. Her whole body freezing the moment she laid her eyes onto the three hybrid mares in the room. Her eyes widened pupils expanded very nearly causing her cerulean irises to disappear and leave them as orbs of blue. Her jaw slowly fell open, going well beyond the length that any other pony’s jaw should, making Sheton nervously step back. She remained like that for a few long silent moments, before her jaw snapped back into place and she gave a hard blink. Just a few seconds later, her lower lip began to quiver as her eyes glazed over and grew misty, and the faintest hint of a smile on her face.

“G-Goku…Snowflake…Midnight…” she said shakily, once she finally found her voice. “Is…is that really you?”

Goku’s face lit up with a small smile as she took a couple of steps closer to the bubblegum pink mare. Her golden eyes peered right into Pinkie’s blue ones as she said softly, “Hey there Pinks…it’s certainly been a long time, hasn’t it? I could never forget that bouncy mane and that infectious smile of yours, even after all this time.”

The shaky, barely visible smile slowly grew on Pinkie’s face as she let out a loud overly extended gasp. Her body shaked over more as the smile on her face morphed into a large grin, biting her lip as her eyes squeezed tight, her mane covering her eyes as she lowered her head. Then, abruptly, a loud ear-piercing squeal erupted from her throat as she leapt high into the air. The sound of a cannon exploding appeared from out of nowhere along with streamers and confetti, causing Sheton’s eyes to widen in surprise. Before the hybrid colt could do anything, Pinkie brought all three of his sisters in a strong grasp. She stood on her hind legs and spun around in the air, laughing merrily.

“Oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh OH MY GOOOOOOOOOOOOSH!” she squealed as she hugged the three hybrid mares with all her might. “I can’t believe it I can’t believe it! I can’t believe it! I can’t believe it; it really you girls!! I haven’t seen any of you in so so so LONG!”

“Can’t really say we can’t say the same Pinkie. It feels like it’s been forever since we last seen each other.” Goku said with a soft laugh, wrapping her feathered bat wings around the bubblegum pink mare. “Regardless, it’s great to see you again. I could never forget that cute infectious little smile of yours, no matter how many times I close my eyes.”

“And I can never forget those cute little fangs and those super-duper cool wings of yours!” Pinkie Pie retorted slightly, booping the tan mare on her nose. “Or Midnight and Snowflakes; oh, I’m so so SO happy that you’re all back!”

Pinkie Pie, also known as Pinkamena Diane Pie Soshi, was the very first friend that Goku, had made during her time living in Ponyville, and one of the best friends that she could’ve asked for. She had met the party mare the day she had fully moved to the peaceful community, having not been there for even a whole day before running into her into Sugarcube Corner. Goku had went to the store to satisfy he sweet tooth soon after, only to find an energetic pink filly there instead. That was also the day that she had meet Cupcake and Carrot Cake, who were barely adults at the time, but no less warm and welcoming.

The beige multi-colored filly was not prepared for the reaction she got from Cupcake when she first met her. Nor was she prepared by the unexpected surprise hello and welcome from a certain pink filly Pinkie Pie. Goku had to admit one thing; she certainly had an amount of energy that could not be put into even the most intelligent of words. So much so that it took both Cupcake, Carrot cake, and Goku herself her to physically restrain Pinkie so the tan hybrid filly could answer her questions. Nonetheless, she did not hesitate to accept Pinkie’s offer to be her friend, something she never once regretted ever since. Never could Goku remembered being happier than she was that. Well, aside from the day her little brother was born when she was fourteen.

As the years went by, Goku came to know Pinkie Pie as the very embodiment of joy for all of Ponyville. A pony that wanted to spread smiles and laughs to everypony around her and make their day shine brighter every day. Practically everypony in Ponyville knew Pinkie, with said mare having told Goku that she took the time to learn every single pony’s name. She was known to be quite the baker, able to bake treats that would make even the most elderly of pony’s taste buds’ water with anticipation. However, it was nothing compared to the way that she was able to plan any kind of party that could be thought of, be it a holiday, party, wedding, anniversary, or anything out of the ordinary. Thanks to this, Pinkie Pie had earned the reputation of being known as ‘The Pink Party Pony of Ponyville’.

Despite her cheerful, sweet and bubbly nature, Pinkie Pie was not a mare that was to be underestimated. As fun loving as she was, even she knew when it was time to get serious, and when she got serious, everypony was warned to watch out. Especially with the crazy and inconceivably impossible abilities that she had. The same ones that she used very efficiently to get to the bottom of things. If there was one thing that she took more seriously than anything, it was promises. Most especially the famous ‘Pinkie Promise’ that she always made to ponies whenever Pinkie Pie saw it fit. To some who didn’t know Pinkie, it was just a silly and cute nickname she had come up with for the promises that she made. To Goku however, and the rest of their friends, it was something much, much more than that. It was a trait passed down from Pinkie’s family for countless generations, dating back to the very first Pie, something that was very sacred and traditional amongst their family. The Pinkie Promise was a promise that nopony, Pie or not, was ever allowed to break under any circumstance, unless forced to for the sake of others, and under absolute necessity. For those who broke the Pinkie Promise under any other circumstance, would face the full wrath of the Pies Pinkie Pie was known to be very persistent in making sure that those who broke their Pinkie Promises would pay dearly. Once they did, they’d be sure to never break it again, no matter what the reason.

Like Goku's family, Pinkie Pie also came from a clan, which was known from controlling for being able to wield the five Elements of Nature known to either be created or emerge themselves through the different seasons, called the Soshi clan. However, they would not be given the five of the powers of the elements unless they trained hard enough to the point where the mastered-on element and could move onto another. The more elements they mastered, the more symbols they would get on their shoulders, and the stronger they’d get. If they gained all five of them, they would be able to use all five elements with ease and possibly earn even more, and used them in unpredictable ways. There have been many in Pinkie’s family that have both tried, and utterly failed to reach that scale. The only one that came was Pinkie’s grandmother Surprise Pie, and even then, it took her a long time to get there. Even so, with the crazy powers and abilities that she had, Goku wouldn’t put it past the mare in the least to gain more, especially with the trump card Pinkie had with her powers.

“Oh you have no idea how happy I am to see you girls right now! I didn’t think you were going to show up the day after tomorrow, when the Summer Sun Celebration begins, but the fact that you did makes it even more super-duper fantastic to see you!” Pinkie Pie said cheerfully, finally letting the three hybrid sisters out of her overly tight hug, Midnight being the only one not ruffling her wings and rubbing her sides. “You came a just the right time, too! I’ve wanted somepony to try out the treats that I’ve been making over since it was in charge of the treats and pastries, and you happen to be just the first ponies that I want to try! Trust me, you will love it, heeheehee!”

“Is that so? Well thank you Pinkie, it really means a lot to us that you’d save your delectable treats for us!” Snowflake replied sweetly, wrapping her right wing around the Earth mare’s neck and nuzzling her, earning an adorable giggle from the mare. “Though, we’re going to have to correct you on something, sweetheart. About there being only being three of us here.”

“What do you mean? There’s you, Goku, and Middy here, so that means all of you are here, doesn’t it?” Pinkie Pie asked as she gave a cute tilt of her head. Her eyes then widened before, a she smirked and asked, “Unless you have a, special guest, with you?”

“Funny you should ask that, Pinkie. As a matter of a fact, we do!” Midnight chirped as she turned around and extended her wing, gently pushing Sheton forward. Despite his shyness, the stormy grey colt slowly made his way in front of his sisters, giving Pinkie Pie a small smile. “You may not remember this Pinkie, but Goku Snowflake and me had told you and the rest of the girls that we were all going to be big sisters. You had call come to Canterlot to see our brother, Sheton, the way he was born. You remember that don’t yo-”

The beetle back mare was interrupted when Pinkie Pie interrupted her by letting out a squeal that nearly made the four hybrid ponies eardrums explode. Everypony in the bakery jammed their hooves into their ears, trying to block out the volume as the while bakery shook and the windows rattled. Then, just as quickly as it had begun, the squealing stopped, before Pinkie Pie swept Sheton up in a warm hug. It was gentler than Cupcake’s, but still tight enough to the point where the colt a bit of trouble breathing.

“Oh I definitely remember this little cutie, hmhm! How could not remember a colt with the most adorable face ever?!” Pinkie Pie replied as she nuzzled the colt warmly. “I’ll never forget when the girls and me went to Canterlot Hospital and saw him for the first time Oh, he was so adorable back then, I could’ve eaten him up, heeheehee!!”

“Oh don’t remind me Pinkie, we all remember all too well the reactions that you all had when you saw my brother for the first time.” Goku said dryly with a small smile. “I can very vividly remember your reaction. Not did you only shatter every single one of the windows, but you also woke up every single foal in the nursery.”

“That and you also left most of us, including the girls, partially deaf.” Snowdrop added. “Not the best move if you ask me, dear…”

The bubblegum pink mare rubbed the back of her poofy maned head with a hoof, her eyes looking off to the side sheepishly. "Eheheheheh...yeah, I know...I did get pretty carried away back there. I just can't help but get excited when I meet new ponies of for the first time, especially of their foals, hmhm!"

“You sure do Pinkie Pie.” Snowflake murmured. “As you have mad so plainly obvious just a moment ago.”

Pinkie Pie giggled into one of her hooves, causing her mane to bounce in rhythm again. She then looked down at Sheton, who was staring rather intently at her with his head tilted. That action sparked something that immediately peeked her curiosity, leading Pinkie Pie to ask, "What is it, lil cutie? Is there frosting somewhere on my face?"

The stormy grey colt snapped out of his stupor, before quickly shaking his head. He looked down as he poked his hooves together, stuttering as he replied, "Oh, n-no Ms. Pinkie Pie, it’s was nothing, really. I-I was just, um...looking at, um...your mane." He gulped, choosing his next words carefully. “It’s um…r-really…p-poofy and…curly.”

"Hmhm, yeah, it is really poofy isn’t it? It’s been like that since I was like, eight, ever since I saw a huge rainbow that nearly shot me away from my farm!” Pinkie Pie giggle wrapping a little curl of her mane around her hoof. She then used both hooves to really get a feel at it before asking, "Does it still have extra flower from when I baked those triple chocolate chip cookies? If it does then you have a really good eye there, Tony!"

"Hey! Don't steal my brother's nickname Pinkie!" Goku chastised playfully. "Only I'm supposed to call him that!"

Sheton paused momentarily, and blushing at the nickname. "Oh, no no no no no! It’s not that! Its clean, so you don’t have to worry about that. It’s just..." He looked back up at Pinkie's mane as it gave a few more bounces before going still once more. "I've never seen a mane like that before...it’s the curliest and most poofiest one I've ever seen."

A smile that was sweeter than candy made its way across Pinkie's muzzle at the colt's kind words. Taking it as a compliment, she wrapped a foreleg around his neck and pulled him in a tight hug, practically burying his face into her chest fur. Sheton's nose was instantly assaulted by the scent of mixed sweets emitting from her body as she nuzzled the top of his head affectionately.

"Awwww, that is so sweet of you to say!" She cooed, pulling away from colt just enough to look him in the eyes. "Nopony's really given me very much compliments on my mane before! Most of them think that it doesn't really suit me or that I should go for a different style. I might have went ahead and done just that, but I have a best friend that always tells me that she likes it just the way it is, saying that it really add to my character! She was the first pony to complement me on my mane style and say that it really suits my character! Not only that, but she was also a foal like you Sheton! So that makes you the second foal to like the style of my main and tail!"

"Really? I'm only the second?" Sheton asked curiously as he tilted his head. "Who was the first?"

"That's for me to know, and for you to find out, little cutie! However, just for that little compliment about my mane, you're gonna get a special treat!" Pinkie giggled as she poked his belly, earning a few little giggles form the colt. After giving him a little kiss on the nose, she suddenly gasped before standing up stiff. Facing Goku, Snowflake and Midnight once again, her cerulean eyes widened as she shouted "Oh right, I almost forgot! You haven't seen or tried out the treats that me, Mr. and Mrs. Cake made for the Summer Sun Celebration starting tonight! Ok, wait right here Tony, and don't go anywhere! I'll be right back!"

With that, the bubblegum pink mare zoomed back into the kitchen, leaving a pink blur in her wake as Mrs. and Mrs. Cake felt their manes being blown form the wind created by Pinkie's unnatural speed. All six ponies could hear the sound of the double doors to the kitchen being banged open, before the whole bakery became silent once more.

"Well, I can see that she hasn’t changed a bit." Snowflake said dryly as she gave a chuckle, brushing some of her cumulus mane out of her face. "She's just as jovial as she was when we were fillies. I could never forget her smile, no matter how long I go without seeing it."

"Uh, isn’t that what I just said a moment ago Snowy? Don't go stealing my thunder!" Goku said as she elbowed her middle sister in the side. After giving off a soft laugh, she looked around the baker at the number of boxes that were stacked either next to or on top of each other. "Wow, you’ve certainly been busy before we got here haven't you, Mr. and Mrs. Cake? I don't remember you making anywhere near this many boxes when I was a filly."

"Yes, there is a lot more boxes than usual, isn’t there? You can thank our dear Pinkie Pie for that." Cupcake replied with a small smile, looking around the bakery at the various boxes that she and her husband tirelessly worked to fill. "When me and Carrot had first opened our business, we definitely did not have anywhere near as many customers here as we do now. In fact, we were barely fully-fledged adults when we tried to make it out on our own together. We did have a regular bound of customers coming in from time to time, and we made a fairly decent amount of money...but, it wasn’t enough to...really get the business going. In fact, it was barely more than several months after we opened our business that it was already on the verge of going into foreclosure."

A shudder ran down the cerulean mare's spin and her husband ran a hoof down her back to comfort her. "Oh, that was the worst day of our lives! It was at that moment that we started looking for some pony, anypony to hire, to help us not lose their business in any way they could, but they just couldn't keep up with our work schedule, and many of them lasted no more than a week before finally quitting! I really thought that we were going to lose everything and possible end up homeless and, on the street, something that I never ever wanted to think about." The mare gave a few more deep breaths to calm herself, her husband still doing all he can to sooth her, before her expression changed from that of dread to that of thankfulness and fondness. "Well...that is, until we meet Pinkie."

"Let me guess...she was the one who helped you get your bakery back on track?" Goku asked, already knowing what the answer was going to be.

"Oh she was more than that. She was the very pony that helped us both make Sugarcube corner into what it is today." Carrot replied, as if the mountain blue Pegasus's guess was a mere understatement. "I will admit we were hesitant to hire her, especially since we knew next to nothing about her and well...because she was just a filly. Still, there was just something in her. that drew us to her. The way she walked, the way she talked…hay, even in the way that she moved. Just that little something in the back of our minds telling us, as unbelievable as it sounded, that Pinkie was the answer to our problems, and if we didn't hire her at that moment...we'd come to regret it in the long run. So, that's what we did. Well, right after she practically fell to her knees and begged us to let her work for us.” He chuckled a bit. “Even though she was just a filly, we still gave her a salary, since we didn’t want her working for free.”

"It wasn't long when we came to realize that hiring her was the best decision we ever made in our entire lives!" Cupcake gushed as her wings fluttered. "She practically brought this whole bakery to life before we could even blink! She helped us change the stature of both the interior and the exterior of the bakery! Get best ingredients for treats, and find the best ways to get ponies even more interested in the bakery. Before we knew, it we had customers coming left and right, and our safe was filled with more bits than we could even count! By the time the day came to pay our debt to Filthy Rich, we had enough money to create several more bakeries if we wanted!

"Oh my, you were able to make that much in such a short amount of time?" Midnight asked, her eyes going wide. "Pinkie Pie must've really helped you pack on the pounds when it came to the bits, didn't she?"

"Oh you have no idea. By the time we had finished paying our debt, we still had quite a bit of money left over." Carrot chuckled, giving a light shake of his head. "We had already paid our bills for everything else, and we had a bit in our savings too so, we insisted on giving it all to the Pinkie, since she was the one to help us." he then gave sigh, brilliant green eyes trailing down to the ground. "Celestia knows where we'd be without her...I so glad that we took her in and hired her!"

"Took the words right out of my mouth Mr. Cake. I don't how happy me, my sisters or the rest of our friends would be without Pinkie Pie in our lives either." Goku nodded as she too gave a sigh. "I swear, I've never meet anypony who's just as, if not more, happy and carefree then I am. I don't think I'll ever meet another pony like her who can smile, laugh, and do all the random things that she can as much as she can."

At these words, Cupcake and Carrot Cake both paused, taking a moment to look at each other as grins slowly made their way towards their faces. They looked back to the four hybrid mares, their grins making them pause as well.

“Um, why’re you looking at us like that?” Snowflake asked, raising an eyebrow. “Was it something we said?”

“Oh, nothing dear.” Cupcake replied, giggling mirthfully. “It’s just that we can’t help but be a little amused by what you just said. About how you think that Pinkie Pie is the only pony to make you smile the way she does.”

“Why?” Midnight asked. “What about it?”

“Well…” Cupcake said, waving a hoof. “Let’s just say that we found another pony that may rival Pinkie Pie in making ponies, foals especially, smile and laugh.”

“Whoa whoa whoa, back up!” Goku shouted. “You’re seriously saying there’s another pony that’s like Pinkie Pie?! Who in the world could that be?!”

“That would be meeeee!”

The incredibly sweet voice caught all four of the hybrid siblings off guard, sounding like a foal version of Pinkie Pie. They began to look around for the source of the voice, only to find nopony in sight anywhere in the bakery. Before they could question the cakes, a green blur shot descended out of nowhere and landed right in front of the four ponies and the cakes. As they got over their shock, they found themselves looking into the large multi-colored eyes of an Earth Pony foal. It was a filly, with a shade of soft green fur that was as green as different colored apple. She had a large spikey mass of mane and tail that were even a darker shade of green, like leaves in a bush. Her eyes were two different colors, the right one being a ruby red and the other being deep emerald green, and she had no Cutie Mark on her flank.

“Gah, what the hay?!” Goku shouted, reeling back. “Where the buck did she come from?!”

“I don’t have a clue.” Snowdrop replied, taking her hoof away from her chest. “She just…came out of nowhere.”

“Hey there! I’ve never seen you four ponies before!” The filly said, a sweet excited smile on her face. “Are you guys new here to Ponyville?”

“Um…y-yes, we are honey.” Midnight replied, getting over her surprise first. “How did, um…you do that just now?”

The soft green filly tilted her head. “Do what?”

“Do that…thing you did just now.” Goku replied. “Y-you just…came out of nowhere, and I didn’t even sense your magic!”

“Oh, that’s something that I do pretty much all the time!” The Earth filly replied, giving a little shrug. “One minute I’m right in front of you, and the next minute, I’m behind you, and the next minute, I’m not anywhere at all! like I’m some ghost or figment of your imagination! It’s kind of something that Pinkie Pie is known for, just like me ya know?”

“That…doesn’t really make any sense dear.” Snowflake said, sweat dropping a little.

“Maybe it does, maybe it doesn’t, but hey! That’s just how me and Pinkie Pie roll!” The filly shrugged, letting out a little giggle. “Anyway, enough about me, I wanna know more about you guys! I’ve never ever everseen ponies like you here before? Are you all friends of Pinkie Pie like I am?”

“Er…yeah, we are.” Goku said, staring at the filly for a moment longer before sighing. “M-my name is Son Goku Kakarot Shenron…these are my siblings Snowflake Icestorm Shenron, Midnight Thunderstorm Shenron, and Sheton Nightstalker Shenron. It’s really nice to meet you Miss…”

“Oh, right! Sorry, I was so caught up in the fact that I was meeting new ponies that I didn’t tell you my name!” The soft green filly giggled, giving a twitch of her ear. “My name is Melon Cake Ryūko, but most ponies just call me Melon! I’m the resident Fun Filly, in Ponyville, Sugarcube Corner, and in Ponyville Elementary School!”

Sheton paused, looking at the filly with slight surprise. “…Fun Filly?”

“Wait a minute, Ryūko?” Goku asked, her golden eyes widening. “Doesn’t that mean ‘Draconic Tiger?’ in Neighponese?”

“Sure does!” Melon replied cheerfully, giving a couple of bounces. “I am a member of the all famous Dragon Tiger Clan that are masters of the Elements of Nature breathing fire, and is oh so super-duper secretly hidden from most of pony society!” She stood on her hind legs and spun around, allowing the four ponies to see the symbol of draconic tiger on her back, right in the middle of two multi-colored wings. “See? The big guy’s right there, looking as fierce as he always does!”

“Wow…that looks so cool.” Sheton breathed, his eyes shining as he stared at the symbol on Melon’s back. “I’ve never seen a tattoo like that before…I’ve heard of the Ryūko clan before but…I’ve never met one in pony.”

Melon giggled, spinning back around so she could face the stormy grey hybrid colt. “Well, luckily for you, I happen to be one of those ponies! I have the tattoos, and the powers to prove that I am a member of a family that holds the power of the biggest strongest cat and the most powerfully magical in the world!” She leaned in until their noses were nearly touching, a small smirk coming to her face as her teeth began to elongate. “If you want, I can show you just how strong I can be!”

“Uh n-no thank you! I-I think I’ll pass on that if you don’t mind!” Sheton replied, backing away some as his cheeks burned with embarrassment. ‘Wow this filly is scary, I’m gonna have to watch myself around her!’

“Alright Melon Cake, take it easy there, sweetie.” Carrot said, putting a hoof on the soft green filly. “Don’t wanna scare the poor colt on his first day here in Ponyville…you okay there Sheton?”

“Y-yeah, I’m fine, M-Melon just took me by surprise as all.” Sheton replied, taking a breath to calm himself. “I-It, um…it’s really nice to meet you by the way M-Melon Cake.”

“You too Sheton!” Melon replied, winking at the stormy grey hybrid colt. “You know, I’ve never seen a colt like you around Ponyville before. Do think you and I could be friends?”

“W…what? R-really?” Sheton asked in shock. “You…w-want to be friends with me? E-even though I’m half Thestral?”

“Of course I do! I know we’ve only just met, but I don’t like it when nopony has any friends, even in a friendly place like this! Plus, you don’t really see a lot of Thestrals around anywhere like this place, so it’d be super-duper swell if ponies learned to like them now!” Melon replied, nodding rapidly. “And you seem like a really sweet and awesome colt! I can totally see it in those big adorable emerald blue eyes of yours!”

‘Well this little filly has the sharp eyes, doesn’t she?’ Goku thought to herself, watching the scene with a smile. ‘She kind of reminds me of Pinkie Pie.’

“So whaddya say Sheton?” Melon Cake asked holding a hoof out. “You wanna be friends with Ponyville’s Fun Filly?”

For a moment, Sheton stayed where he was, glancing down at the soft green filly’s hoof, before looking into her multi-colored eyes. He stared into the twin orbs for some time, as if trying to see whether Melon’s intentions were true, or if she was just pulling his leg. Hesitantly, he raised his hoof up and wrapped it around Melon’s own, blushing slightly at how warm and soft it felt.

“S…sure Melon Cake, I-I would like that a lot. Y-you seem like a really nice filly too, a-and…I hope that we can be friends too.” Sheton said, smiling softly at the soft green filly. “O-oh, and…you have…r-r-really, p-pretty eyes. I-I don’t think I’ve ever seen anypony with eyes that were two different colors, other than my dad.”

“Awww, you really think so?” Melon Cake asked, her expression softening. “Are my eyes really that pretty?”

“Mhm, I really do, honestly…t-they’re really pretty to look at.” Sheton replied, looking away shyly. “I…I’m a real sucker for f-fillies and mares with different colored eyes. B-because…it makes them look that much more, um…p-pretty.”

The next thing that Sheton knew, he found the life being squeezed out of him as Melon Cake brought him into an incredible tight hug. The soft green filly squealed loudly as she bounced on her hind legs spinning in the air not to different form that of a ballerina.

“Oh, thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you Sheton! That is one of the nicest sweetest things that anypony has ever said to me!” Melon Cake cried, happily. “Nopony has ever said that my eyes are pretty before, nopony except the ones who didn’t really mean it! I think this is the first time anypony has said my eyes are pretty and really mean it!”

“Really? Well, I guess I’m the first pony your meeting to say that.” Sheton giggled, blowing some of his mane away. “And the first pony to really mean it.”

“Hmhm, that you are Sheton!” Melon Cake nodded, giggling as she let out a little snort. “I think we are going to be the bestest of friends from here on out!”

“Y-yeah, I do too.” Sheton nodded. “A-and I promise, that I’ll be the best friend that you’ve ever had too.”

“Same here, and that’s not just any promise, that is a Pinkie Promise!!” Melon Cake declared, holding a hoof in the air. “Or in my case, a Melon Promise, hmhmhm!”

All eight ponies, all laughed at the promise made from the Earth Pony filly. Before Cupcake and Carrot could come up with a remark on that or say anything else a large object fell right in between them. The Cakes and the Shenron Siblings all jumped back in surprise as they all stared at what was in front of them. In between them was a gigantic plate filled with all the various treats found in the bakery, all giving off a scent of goodness so strong it was almost painful. Right at That moment, Pinkie Pie appeared from above them, hanging upside down from the ceiling bat-style, her hind hooves clutching the boars of the ceiling having the many engraved pictures of sweets on them.

"There we are! All of the super duper extra special delicious foods that I could find in the whole entire bakery! There’s, cupcakes éclairs, donuts, cookies, cake slices, all the treats that I'm planning to take to the Summer Sun Celebration to honor Queen Celestia!" Pinkie Pie said as she bounced in place, her broad grin still adorning her face. "I do want to say one itsy bitsy little thing though; the treats that we are taking to the celebration tonight are not to be eaten until after Queen Celly raises the Sun and gives of her super-duper extra important speech! These treats on the other hoof, are samples, so you can have as many as you want! Or well, as many as your body can handle, because we don't want any of you to get a tummy ache!"

"Hmhmhmhm, don’t worry Pinks, we'll all keep that in mind. I also appreciate how your being considerate about my little brother’s safety when it comes to eating too much sweets, but something tells me he'll be just fine." Goku giggled as he looked over at the stormy grey colt standing next to her. "In fact, since this is his first time at Sugarcube Corner, I think it’s only fitting if he tries the samples first."

Sheton looked up at his elder sister, his emerald blue eyes going wide with surprise. He then felt himself being gently pushed forward, until he was less than a foot away from the large plate. He stared at the pile of sweets for a few moments, before looking back at his sister, who have him a consensual nod in return. He then looked over at Pinkie, who gave a more vigorous nod, gesturing with an eager hoof.

"It’s alright dearie, try as many as you like." Cupcake cooed with a gentle smile. "You don’t even have to worry about paying us."

"Yeah, these ones are on the house." Carrot added, giving the colt a firm nod.

“Go on Sheton, take a bite!” Melon Cake urged, smiling sweetly. “They’re really good; we promise! Just one bite, and your taste buds will go straight to paradise!”

Having now gotten consent from the Cakes and Melon, Sheton smiled back at them before staring back down at the pile of treats laid out in front of him. His emerald eyes scanned each of the different foods stacked on top of each other, trying to see which one would taste the best. He finally settled one large strawberry frosted sprinkled vanilla cupcake, which was slightly glistening in the light of the Sun. Making his decision, Sheton reach out and took the cupcake in his right hoof. After staring at it for just a few more moments, he brought over to his mouth, took a rather large bite, and started to chew.

The reaction the everypony in the bakery got from the little colt came with major positive results. The second the cupcake touched his tongue, Sheton's blue eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets and began to sparkle. His feathered bat wings flared out involuntarily as his whole body froze on the spot. It was as if he had been blasted and encased in a large block of magic, the cupcake still held in his grasp. For a long moment, he didn't say a word nor make a single move, just staying in that same motionless position. After a few more seconds, Snowflake finally broke the ice.

"Um, Sheton?" She asked gently, her worried tone matching her expression. "Are you okay, dear?"

"So…oood.” He mumbled as he bowed his head low.

"What was that, sweetie?" Midnight asked, flicking her right ear as she lowered her head to hear better.

"SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO GOOHOHOHOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!!!" He repeated as he lifted his head, his cheeks flushing red as his eyes shut tight. His wings ruffled as they folded back to his sides, completely oblivious to the amused looks shot his way.

"YAAAAAAY, he likes the cupcake!" Melon Cake cheered, bouncing around the comically teary eye colt. "He loves it he loves it he loves it! He really really loves it!!!"

"I'll take that as a yes..." Goku said after another moment of silence, her expression and shifting from that of worry to bemusement.

"Oh, I know you'd love it! That expression told me you did the second that it came on your cute little face!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed happily, as she bounced around the large place, taking care not to run into the colt. "I mean why would you like it, let alone live it! They are the bestest most sure spectacular treats that you can't find anywhere here in Ponyville, made by yours truly!!" Right as she said this, she suddenly stopped hopping staying frozen in mid-air for a full three seconds, before landing back down again. Her head whipped around to face the cakes, before she zoomed in between them, pulling them both into a hug from either side of them, her smile growing somewhat sheepish. "Of course, I couldn't have done it without the help of the two most bests bakers in all of Ponyville...heehee..."

"Don't worry Pinkie Pie, we know what you meant!" Cupcake said giving her a loving motherly nuzzle. "Though you really should give yourself some more credit. We're not the only talented bakers here in this building."

“Mrs. Cake is right Pinkie Pie, you’re just as much of a talent baker as the cakes are!” Melon Cake nodded. “And maybe someday, when I’m big and strong like you, I’ll be a super-duper awesome baker like all three of you!”

"Melon's right Pinkie...with treats like that, the ponies at the Summer Sun Celebration will certainly have their taste buds on fire from just the sheer flavor! As my little brother had so kindly demonstrated." Goku added with a nod of agreement, before leaning down and nuzzling cheeks with her brother. She suddenly paused, giving a little sniff of the air. "Speaking of which...does anypony else smell smoke?"

As soon as those words came out of her mouth, Cupcake and Carrot both froze on the spot, looking to each other with wide eyes and contracted pupils as they screamed, "THE PEANUT BUTTER COOKIEEEEEES!!!" before they both zoomed into the kitchen with lightning speed almost blowing the double doors off of their hinges by their sheer force alone.

“Hold on Mr. and Mrs. Cake I’m coming!” Melon Cake shouted, zooming after the two bakers at the same speed Pinkie Pie had when she left.

“Oh those three...I told them that if they left the cookies in the oven for even a second longer than necessary that they would start to burn. Good thing they have me and Melon Cake to take care of that!" Pinkie Pie said, shaking her head as she turned back to the three mares and one colt. "Looks like they still got a few lose ends to tie up, and Melon’s there to help them."

"Yeah, it looks that way...” Midnight said with a gentle laugh. “It looks like you got your hooves full quite bit, huh Pinkie?"

"Yepperooni...I sure do. But, luckily for me, I have a sweet little filly here to keep not only the Cakes, but me in high spirits!” The bubblegum pink mare replied as she lowered her head and closed her eyes. “Oh, I don’t know they’d do without me, or me without Melon Cake!"

“Probably run themselves even more ragged than they already are.” Snowflake joked. “Then again, they already do that, so I guess it doesn’t really make a difference. Good thing they have somepony to help them keep their spirits up.”

“Totally.” Pinkie Pie said, laughing softly as she brushed her mane away. "I'm not gonna lie...I really missed you guys over the last four years that we were apart. Me and the girls all missed each other a lot, but we never missed anypony more than we did you four." her eyes then locked onto Sheton, who gave her a shy smile on return. "Now you're all here again, we can all be together! Plus, you've brought your little brother here too...which makes it even better, for both me and for Melon Cake! When the Summer Sun Celebration rolls around, we can all celebrate being together again! And Melon Cake can celebrate getting a new friend! Ooooh, I can hardly wait!"

"Neither can we Pinkie; I am looking forward to when we can all see each other in the same place. Plus, I'm wondering how a few...particular members of their families are doing." Goku replied with a genuine smile. The hybrid mare looked down at her brother for a split second before looking back up at Pinkie. "Oh...and I'm sorry that I wasn't able to keep in contact with you girls most of the time. I had a lot of college and magic training to deal with while I was gone, so I didn’t really have all that time to visit.”

Pinkie Pie walked up to all three mares and pulled them all into a tight hug. She used her tail to pull Sheton in as well, and bring him into the now complete hug.

"Oh Goku, there's nothing to be sorry for. I'm just so happy that I get to see you guys again, and that's all that matters. I am looking forward to catching up, and Melon getting to know your little brother more, and I think it’s gonna be a blast." Pinkie Pie replied sincerely, looking down at the colt with a small smirk at the end, before it turned into a gentler, warmer smile. "Just promise me one thing, okay?"

"What would that be Pinkie?" The tan hybrid mare asked, tilting her head in curiosity.

"If you ever plan to be away that long again, try keep in touch more often. I know that we really couldn’t do it, but still. It felt so wrong that we didn’t get to hear too much from each other." She said looking up at them with eyes that were like that of a sad puppy’s “So, promise me okay?”

Goku responded by wrapping her feathered bat wings around the bubblegum pink mare, pulling her even closer. She nuzzled her right cheek with Pinkie's left on as the mare began to shake.

"Of course Pinkie. We promise you, that we will keep in touch as much as we possibly can, with both you and the girls." She said softly, letting Pinkie Pie cry into her shoulder. "That is a promise, and not just any promise...but a Pinkie Promise.”

Pinkie Pie sniffled, smiling into Goku’s shoulder as she nuzzled it. “Thank you, you have no idea how happy I am to hear you say that. I know that this year’s Celebration is going to be one hay of a blast…especially with all of you here.”

“Oh, I know it will be!” Goku chirped, pulling away from Pinkie. “And with you and Melon there, it’s bound to be!”

A crash from inside the kitchen made all five ponies jump, and an angry voice followed soon after. “Carrot, what did I just say?! Don’t leave the cookies in the oven any longer than necessary?! What do you go and do?! Do you it anyway! I told you we can’t afford any mistakes today!”

“I thought that you were supposed watching them?!” The voice of Carrot asked. “Didn’t you say that you would watch the time while I took care of making the batch?! When did we suddenly switch rolls?!”

Melon Cake’s voice came shortly after. “Yeah! When I came to Sugarcube Corner this morning, you both said whose turn it was to take over the cooking and the baking! Don’t tell me that you guys forgot that already!”

“Oh dammit, we got so caught up about being happy about seeing Goku again that we completely forgot about that!” Cupcake swore. “Sorry honeybun, I didn’t mean to snap at you like that.”

“It’s alright honey, let’s just take care of this smoke before it-” Whatever Carrot was going to say when a blasting sound emitted from the kitchen. “SHIT, THE STOVES ON FIRE! MELON CAKE, QUICKLY, GET THE EXTINGUSHER!”

“ON IT!!!”

“OW OW OW OW OW! MY TAIL, IT’S ON FIRE!!!” Cupcake screamed. “MY TAIL IS ON FIRE!!! SOMEPONY PUT IT OUT!!! PUT THE GODDAMN FIRE OUT!!!”

“Hold on Cup! Melon hurry and get the bucking fire extinguisher already!”

“I’M GOING AS FAST AS I CAN!!!”

“Oh my…” Snowflake said. “It looks like they’re really going crazy back there aren’t they? I knew they were this worked up, but my word.”

Pinkie Pie laughed sheepishly, a huge sweat drop appearing on the back of her head. “Yeah, sorry about that you guys. The Summer Sun Celebration is only hours away, so it’s only understandable that they’re…a little stressed.”

“Just a little.” Goku snorted, rolling her eyes. “Right.”

“Um, do any of you, um…want us to help?” Midnight asked timidly. “I know we’re supposed to be on a schedule, but we’re not really in any rush. Plus, there’s still plenty of daylight left, and the Celebration isn’t till later on tonight, so…”

“Actually, you know what?” Pinkie Pie asked. “I think that’d be great, the Cakes are really stressed out right now, and I think it’d be best for all of us if we have a few extra hooves to help alleviate it.” She glanced down at Sheton with a small smile. “And an extra little ball of fluff to help keep them smiling.”

“Well, in that case, lead the way Pinkie Pie.” Goku said, spreading her hybrid wings and taking to the air. “Come on Sheton, let’s go!”

“Aye!” The stormy grey colt nodded as he and the other four mares stormed into the kitchen.

Author's Notes:

Whelp there you go, the 4th more or less edited chapter of the Guardians of Harmony starring out resident Party Pony Pinkie Pie, with a little admirer to match! Now for this one, the last time that I was writing this, I was contemplating on whether or not to add Melon Cake into the mix, especially since I gave her only one or two scenes in the first version of this story. Now though, I can see that I really should've added her in it, cause in my present opinion, it made the chapter run a lot more smoothly than the last time I wrote it, and made it seem a bit more cuter! Since this is Pinkie Pie that we're talking about here, her powers are going to be more or less completely out of whack, and they won't be the only ones either!

Welp, that's all for this chapter, next time we're going to pay a visit to Ponyville's favorite resident farmer!

Chapter 5 - Honest Apples and Chipper Blooms

After the fun optimistic reunion with the Cakes and Pinkamena Diane Pie, and meeting Melon Cake Byakko, the Kirin siblings all left the bakery with infectious laughter and wide smiles. A majority of that time helping the Cakes, Melon and Pinkie take care of the over baked cookies but none of the siblings minded. Even Sheton was happy to lend a hoof, especially since his new friend Melon Cake, seemed happy that he’d be there for a bit longer. As a way to thank them for their generous offer to help, the Cakes let the Kirin siblings take a single box away with them. Even though they said that it was free of charge, Goku insisted on giving them some amount of payment, that being in a large bag of bits.

Once everything was taken care of, all four Pegasi left the bakery, with Pinkie Pie promising them all that they'd all get to have some fun together as soon as possible. The party pony also mentioned that she had a big surprise for them later on at dusk. Goku had a sneaking suspicion that it had something to do to with that little reunion celebration that she had mention to Mayor Mare.

"Oh man, the cakes have not been slacking off in their baking of goods ever since we were away." Goku exclaimed as her feathered bat wings ruffled. "I almost forgot what it tasted like on my own tongue.”

"It’s the same here with us, little sister." Snowflake said with an amused smirk. "Then again, I did miss being able to taste those. I will admit, the deserts that we had after dinner while living in Queen Celestia's castle were delicious and her maids are experts. It’s just that Pinkie's make it seem like we're still home, like we never left in the first place and stayed here all our lives."

"Oh yes, she's certainly good at making ponies feel like tha" Midnight chirped as she gave a slight nod. "Oh, I still remember that heartbroken look that she gave us when we said we had to leave. I’m getting emotional just thinking about it!”

"We both feel the same way big sis, trust me; we know what you’re going through. None of us liked saying goodbye to our friends any more than you did" Goku said looking over at her eldest sister’s comically teary eyes expression. "It doesn’t matter anymore now; it’s all in the past, and it’s high time we ahead. Besides, I'm really looking forward to catching up with each of them." The tan hybrid mare looked over to Sheton, who was resting on Midnight's back. "Not only that, I'm eager to see how many more friends our little bro can make than the one he just made."

At these words, Sheton, locked his eyes with Goku’s own, his expression one of confusion. Once Goku’s words fully sunk in, he lowered his head and poked his forehooves together.

“Oh, um…about that sis...I’m still a bit nervous about that. I-I know I was successful in getting Melon Cake as my friend, and she seems like a really sweet girl.” he admitted, still keeping his eyes on the beige Pegasus. “Do you really think that I’ll get along with all the other foals? I know I did with Melon Cake, but…w-what if I mess up on the next one?”

“Honey, that is not going to happen, okay? You’ll be fine, I have a hard time believing that all foals won’t want to have you as a friend. Especially since you got along so well with Melon Cake in the short time that you’ve known her.” Goku said, her tone filled with sincerity. “Besides, even if you mess up and make a mistake that doesn’t mean it’s the end of the world. You just gotta learn from those mistakes so you’ll know what to do next time, that’s all. one thing I’ve learned, is that friends can go through all sorts of tough times and come back stronger than ever. I’ll be honest when I say you won’t go through some hardships with your friends, but if you really value that friendship, then it’ll all be worth it in the end.” Her expression turned slyer as she gave her brother a mischievous smile. “It’ll be all the more worth it if your best friends are a bunch of cute little fillies.”

At those last words, Sheton’s body went rigid on the spot as a hard blush formed on his cheeks. He put his forehooves on his large fedora and pulled it down hard over his head, muffling the groan that escaped him.

"Sis, will you please stop bringing that up!" the stormy grey colt whined cutely, feeling his stormy grey cheeks heating up again. "You've been doing this ever since we left the city! How long are you gonna keep doing this to me?!"

"When I have a nice good bunch of nieces and nephews; plus, three days." Goku replied slyly. "Of course, if you decided you only want to go with a bachelor group I won't mind. Though I think it'd be better if you had some filly friends with you."

The stormy grey hybrid colt frowned. "What so you can tease me more?"

"Maybe, maybe not...either way, you'll have to find out for yourself sweetie." Goku replied sweetly as she gave her little brother a wink, giggling as she saw him lower his head, pulling his fedora over his eyes. "Anyway, can you be a little sweet heart and see who we're supposed to see next on the list? I sort of forgot who we're supposed to be seeing next."

Grumbling under his breath, Sheton flew over to the left side of Goku's barrel reaching onto her left saddlebag and pulling out the list. After scrolling through it for a few moments, he softly replied, "It says that our next stop is Sweet Apple Acres, with the mare in charge needing to bring a large feast to the celebration...and the mare in charge is going by the name...Applejack Sweet Apple..."

All three mares ears perked up at the name, immediately realized whom their brother was talking about. After a moment, a grin made its way across Goku’s face and her ears twitched in excitement.

“Applejack Sweet Apple, huh? Now there’s a name that I know close to home, given that she’s part of the core of Ponyville.” She murmured as she started going on a path up a hill that led outside of Ponyville. “That means that we’re going in the right direction!”

“Uh, why are we leaving Ponyville and going up this hill?” Sheton asked, looking back over his shoulder at the slowly shrinking town behind them. “Are we done with the supervising there already?”

“No we’re not, Sheton. We’re just going outside of town because the next pony we’re meeting lives s little less farther from home.” Snowdrop replied, patting the Pegasus on the head with a wing. “Its just up this hill and we’ll be there.”

“Up the hill? Why would she be-?” Sheton asked, but stopped mid-sentence as a terrifying thought entered his mind. “Wait, are you saying that…she’s a f-farmer? A-and actual farmer?”

“Eeyup! Applejack and her family are all farmers here in Ponyville, providing the whole town with the food beverages that they make. All of the money that they collect goes to maintaining their farmlands and keeping them running.” Midnight replied happily. “They actually play a very big role here in Ponyville. Something I’m sure you’ll learn at some point once we enroll you in school again.”

Sheton didn’t say anything, a low whimper from his throat as he buried his face in Midnight’s mane. Goku looked back at him and immediately noticing his shivering form, prompting her to ask, “What’s wrong, sweetheart? Are you scared of meeting Applejack because she’s a farmer?”

“Um…I…um…it’s just that…” he began his voice gaining a quiver, a lump forming in his throat. Snowflake extended her right wing and ran it soothingly down his back in an almost motherly way.

“It’s alright, dear. Just take a deep breath…in and out.” She cooed gently. “You can tell us whenever you’re ready.”

These gestures were all that were needed to sooth hybrid colt as he took several deep breaths to calm down. Once he had managed to collect himself, he cleared his throat and began to speak.

“W-well, um…its’ just that…I’ve heard a lot of stories about farmers. How they’re mostly consisted of Earth Ponies and they run huge acres of land. They have huge families, they’re are pretty competitive with each other, and very honest and loyal to their families.” He replied softly, memories of his lessons back in Canterlot beginning to come back to him. “I-I also heard that, t-they’re short tempered, a-and can sometimes lose it and become pretty violent, even around other foals. I-I heard that they um, s-spank them, sometimes w-with a paddle, o-or something like that.” He trailed off with a gulp as he held his own rump. “It…i-it’s really scary to think about.”

“Oh Sheton…is that why you’re scared of meeting the Apple Family?” Goku asked gently, getting a frightened nod from the colt in return. Giving him a gentle smile, she pulled her little brother off Midnight’s back and held him in her wings. “It’s alright baby, I can see why that’s th reason why you’re scared of meeting Applejack’s family. It’s true that many farmers can be pretty hotheaded and violent.” She gave a sigh. “It’s also true that they do spank their foals, cause that’s they’re way of disciplining them if they do something wrong. Even so, not all farmers do that, and you know that we wouldn’t right?”

Sheton slowly nodded his head. “Uh-huh…”

“Exactly, and neither side of our family would ever do that to any other foal, cause that’s not what we believe in. And that’s not something that anypony in Ponyville believe in either.” Goku continued as she stroked the colt’s mane. “If I know Applejack, it’s that the never lay a hoof on any of the foals in their family, even if they’re honorary. That and the only time that they ever get violent with anypony is if they, or anypony else they care about are in danger. Or if their protective instincts take over their rationality. That has totally happened plenty of times with Applejack and her family, I can tell you that much.”

“Mhm.” Midnight giggled.

“Anyway, the point I’m trying to make is, Applejack and her family are honest, sweet, loyal and the most dependable ponies her in Ponyville. What’s even better, is that they love making new friends, and I can guarantee that they’ll love you too. Especially the little members of the family that they have.” Goku said giving her brother a wink. “So, try to put aside your negative thought about them and give them a chance, okay? Can you be a brave big boy and do that for big sister?”

“Y…y-yeah, I’ll try. Sheton replied after a long moment of silence. “I’m still a bit nervous about meeting them, b-but…I’ll do it for you.”

“That’s a brave little colt!” Goku cooed as she nuzzled him. “Trust me, by time we get to the farm, you’ll be really happy to meet the Apple Family! I can’t wait to see the looks on their faces when they see you, hmhm!”

“I don’t think you’ll have to wait for that little sister.” Snowflake said with a chuckle as she gently pulled on her sister’s tail with her teeth, making her stop walking. The beige Pegasus looked back at her middle sister, only for the mountain blue Pegasus to point forward.

Following the line of Snowflake’s gaze, Goku looked ahead of her and gasped up seeing that they were at Sweet Apple Acres. From inside the white gate stretched far down on either side of the hill, they could see a well and a field of corn on the left side of the farm. There was also a chicken coop and tool houses on the right side of the large red barn at the very center. Behind the tool houses, there was a large field of large hay piles that stretched down to the far right. A gigantic fields of apple trees stretched across both sides of the barn seeming to go on vastly. A carrot storage building could also be seen stretching at the far back, with a little field of carrots accompanying it as well.

At the front, there were two large pots of plants and flowers and a large sign have an apple shaped hole in the center, with the label below saying, ‘Sweet Apple Acres’. The last thing that they noticed, was the large symbol that was just above the apple shaped whole. It was one of two large white and blue wings morphing in the shape of an ‘x’, both shining brightly in the Sun’s light.

“Whoa…it’s huge!” Sheton exclaimed, his eyes wide at the farm’s size.

“It certainly is, sweetie. If you thought that the farms were big in pictures and photos, then they’re absolute behemoths when you see them up close and personal.” Midnight said as they all made their way onto the farm. “Although, ponies do run smaller ones, but they tend to run larger ones, so they can make bigger profits. So it only makes sense that they’d run farms as big as this one.”

“Yeah, I’ve read a lot about that. Earth Ponies being the ones the plant the foods while the Pegasi are the ones who bring the clouds of water needed to help those plants grow. I guess that’s why farmers have such a high respect and fondness for Pegasi.” Sheton murmured, looking back at his own hybrid. “Is it…is it possible for Pegasus ponies to be farmers, too?”

“Of course! Nopony has to really be an Earth Pony to be a farmer. I was just saying that since Earth Ponies are the most physically strongest and endurable of the three Pony Tribes, they’re more fit to be farmers.” Goku replied. “It’s really not common for Pegasi and even Unicorns to be farmers if they chose to, but I think it’d be really beneficial. It would make things better because well if all three were on the same farm because, well, you’d have all three Pony Tribes working together. Plus, they’d use their skills to keep the farm running and maybe make bigger profits than any other family of farmers.” A thought then struck Goku, and she looked back at her brother. “Why do you ask sweetie? Do you want to become a farmer when you grow up too?”

“Oh, no! I was just curious if there ponies besides Earth Ponies who were farmers.” The stormy grey colt replied looking down at the ground in thought. “Though, now that I think about it, it probably wouldn’t be so bad. Well, besides all the numerous chores and whatnot.”

“Well, you’re not wrong about that sweetheart. It is a lot of hard work with long hours to boot, but if you have plenty of friends, it can ease the burden somewhat.” Snowdrop chuckled softly. “Still, we can talk to Applejack’s family at some point about giving you a part time job here when you’re older. Well, if you’re actually interested…”

All of a sudden four hybrid siblings n orange and yellow blur shot passed them leaving a large cloud of dust in its wake. They all coughed and snorted hard as they as they saw the blur shot past them. When it cleared, they pick up the sound of hooves beating against trees, and they looked over to see who it was.

Galloping from tree to tree, mane and tail billowing behind them as they ran, was a large Earth Pony mare. She had deep tangerine fur that looked to be from darkest and smoothest of oranges found in orange bushes. A long golden yellow mane and tail flowed from her neck and tailbone, as if it they were both kissed by the sun, and her eyes were beautiful orbs of emerald green. She had snow-white stockings on the lower half of her legs, stopping just above her golden yellow hooves, with a red bandana around her neck. The mare had a large Stetson hat resting atop of her head, with little white freckles adorning her face, with her whole muzzle being snow white. Feathers adorned her shoulders, chest, and the base of her tail, indicating that she had the blood and magic of a Pegasus in her veins. She had the white and blue wing symbol tattooed to her back, and her Cutie Mark was of three deep red apples.

The four Pegasi all watched as the mare galloped towards one last apple tree, her hooves pounding against the ground as if she were trying to buck somepony off of her back. At the last second, she whirled around and raised her hindlegs and launched her back hooves forward towards the tree. They slammed into the tree trunk the force of the kick so powerful that it made the giant thick tree shake violently. The apples hanging from the tree easily gave to the force, and fell right into the basket waiting below.

“Woo! That’s the fastest that Ah’ve ever bucked more than one tree on this here clearin’! That is definitely goin’ in mah record book!” The mare said proudly as she crossed her forelegs together. She gave a flick of her tail, which just touched the ground, with her mane brushing against it, held together by red hair bands. Her ears suddenly flicked, picking up sound of hoof steps making their way towards her. When she turned to greet who had come onto the farm, her eyes widened in surprised shock at who she saw.

“Oh mah stars…do mah eyes deceive me?” She asked herself, blinking a few times to make sure what she was seeing was real. “Goku…Snowflake, Midnight...is that really you three?”

“Well howdy there Applejack! Long time no see girl!” Goku, giving the tangerine mare a tip of her imaginary hat. “I can see that you’ve certainly grown into quite the strong experienced mare.”

Applejack’s surprised expression turned to that of utter joy as a wide grin made its way to her face. She reared up on her hindlegs and let out a happy whinny before she leapt forward and enveloped the tan hybrid mare in a powerful hug. Goku coughed a bit form the sudden action, but soon composed herself as she returned the hug, breathing in Applejack’s wonderful apple scent.

“Sweet Celestia’s flowin’ mane and tail, it really is you ya’ll! Land sake’s, Ah haven’t seen any o’ y’all in forever!” The farm mare said, pulling away from Goku. “Mah stars, ya’ll have certainly grown into a beautiful lookin mares, haven’t you?” Her emerald eyes then trailed up to Midnight, and she took a few steps back in surprise at the sheer size ad height that the beetle black mare was at. “Look at y’all, none o’ ya have changed a bit since Ah last saw ya! Still have them fancy lil’ features o’ yer’s as ever!”

“We sure do Applejack, and trust us, we know we’ve always had these. We’ve gotten plenty of compliments on it from the Cakes and Pinkie Pie, we can say that for sure.” Midnight said, giving Applejack in a warm smile. She then spread her hybrid wings and enveloping her in a warm, yet tight hug. “Even so…it’s wonderful to see you again! I can’t watch to catch up with you and the others on all the fun times that we missed.”

“M-me too, sugarcube…A-Ah’m happy to see ya’ll again as well…’’ the tangerine mare replied, trying to breathe through the mare’s impressively, strong wing hug. “M-M-Midnight, h-hon’…y-yer squeezin’ too tight there…A-Ah…c-c-can’t b-breathe!”

Applejack, also going by the name of Applejack Sweet Apple Titan, was the second mare in Goku’s close circle of friends that lived in Ponyville. Though she didn’t necessarily live inside the town, the barn farm that she lived on was certainly connected to it. Goku had meet the farmer a mere few days after she had meet Pinkie Pie, while playing with her elder sisters outside town and up in the forest of Apple trees. They didn’t realize was an entire orchard until one day, while they were playing there, they were found by Applejack’s parents, who were going through a stroll in the trees. At first, they sisters were scared shitless, since this was their first encounter with farmers outside of their home. The three farmers however, proved to be very kind and docile, and after some gentle coaxing, the sisters told them why they were there. After a brief conversing, the three farmers took to them to the farm for lunch, where they met Applejack and the rest of the family.

As they grew older, Goku got to know Applejack as a, not-at-Pinkie Pie-level, cheerful, hardworking and outgoing mare, wanting to help anypony in need. She and her family were known all around Ponyville as being honest, loyal, dependable, and sweeter than any of the apples or apple related food that they made. Applejack was also the owner of Sweet Apple Acres, an honor and a responsibility that was passed down to her by her father. She and her family were in charge of bringing in money from the food and fruit products that they sold across town, so they could make it through the winter. With so many siblings to help her, it wasn’t really that difficult to get a lot of money in. Though the apple bucking and money collecting was not an easy task, especially when you’re doing it by yourself.

Despite the positive traits, she and her family were known to be the most stubborn ponies ever to walk the streets of Ponyville, Applejack included. Whenever her stubborn pride would get the better of her, she would often reject the help of other ponies, and that would led to very disastrous situations. This led to Applejack being chastised by her family on numerous occasions due to the problems that would arise from it, annoying Applejack’s friend to no end. Nonetheless that didn’t stop their friendship from developing and growing, especially after the tragic passing of Applejack’s parents.

The giant two-toned wing symbol that Applejack had indicated that the whole Apple Family was a clan themselves, similar to the way that Pinkie Pie’s was, earth bound, unlike Goku’s. Like Pinkie’s clan, the Sweet Apple Titans had the power to control the elements of nature, be it fire, wind, lighting, and typically earth. They could also harden their legs and hooves into protective shells of crystals, allowing them to reduce the chance of their limbs breaking. The Apple Titan family also had the ability to grow literally grow into large impenetrable armored forms of themselves, with just a single bite into their forelegs. Their speed, agility, power, and endurance, increased tenfold, were more powerful than even the strongest of local farmers, putting those normal ones to shame. One other weapon in their arsenal were those called the Six Powers, six specific moves that came with them going in their armored titan forms. From stabbing right through objects like bullets, creating shape gusts of winds with their kicks, and jumping off the air as if they were walking right on it. To turning their bodies into a paper like substance that allows them to evade multiple attacks, turn turn their bodies even harder than the armor they adorned, and vanishing faster than the blink of an eye.

If that wasn’t enough, they had the alien like ability to heal any injury inflicted on them, as long as it wasn’t the head and the heart. That however, was nothing compared to the amount of power that they would achieve if they reached the very peak of their Titan abilities. When that happened, that would make any Apple Family member that achieved it truly worthy of being called a Titan. It was said that if they had managed to train themselves and hone their abilities to a certain extent, they would achieve gaining the power of the very symbol that gave them their name. Which will allow them be able to soar through the sky like their Pegasus counterparts and use them weapons. Very few ponies were able to master it, let along get to that level, with the exception of Applejack’s grandmother and parents. That however, didn’t mean that no Apple tried to do it. Even if they didn’t achieve it, at least they gave it their all, and that was all that truly mattered all apples.

“Anyway…what’re y’all doin’ back here?” Applejack said, taking a moment to catch her breath. “Ah can tell that ya’ll aren’t jus’ here fer a warm reunion, are ya?”

“You always had a good eye Applejack dear; using the Pegasus Magic wisely is see.” Snowdrop remarked. “Well, for starters, Queen Celestia chose us to be the supervisors for the Summer Sun Celebration happening later on tonight. We already went to Pinkie Pie for the treats that she’s brining, and now, we’re here to see the adequacy of the food that yourfamily is planning to bring. After this we’re also planning to move back to Ponyville shortly after the Celebration.”

“Wait a minute, Queen Celestia chose you all t’ be the supervisors?” Applejack asked in surprise. The three sisters nodded, and a dry snort emitted from Applejack’s nostrils. “Well shoot, figures that she would choose you of all ponies to go through with this. Since y’all are from Ponyville like th’ rest o’ th’ girls.”.

“You can say that again.” Midnight giggled. “I guess since it was being held one of Equestria’s most peaceful towns, she wanted somepony who was from there to supervisors.”

Applejack nodded. “Yeah, that would make sense…Ah honestly don’t think Ah could’ve handle all o’ those stuck nobles back in that fancy city. Ya know, with them bein’ all high in expectations an’ all.”

“Oh, I don’t doubt it. You probably would’ve bucked them all to th’ other side of Equestria if they did that.” Goku said slyly, earning a laugh form the farmer. “Or probably make them into that all-time famous apple cider of yours.”

“Hey now, Ah wouldn’t go that far. They may deserve some good ol’ fashioned apple buckin’ for anything they may say ‘bout mah family an’ cookin’, but they don’t deserve anythin’ like that.” The tangerine mare said, rolling her eyes. “’Sides, Ah bet they probably wouldn’t have tasted all that good anyway, given how snooty an’ stuck up they are.”

“Eeyup, they most certainly would not have!” Goku said, putting a hoof to her chest as she struggled to stay on her hooves. She looked back up to say something else to Applejack, only to see that the farmer’s eyes were no longer directly locked onto her. Almost immediately, she knew exactly who she was looking at, as evident by the feeling of her brother shifting underneath her.

“Well now, who’s this lil’ sugar-foot?” she asked kindly as she lowered her face down to Sheton’s. “Don’t think Ah’ve ever seen him with any o’ y’all b’fore?”

“Really Applejack? Are you seriously saying that you don’t remember meeting this lil’ cutie?” Goku asked, raising an eyebrow at Applejack. “This is my little brother Sheton, he was born back in Canterlot city while I was still living here with you guys. We were all sent a letter by my Mom saying that he was born. I had also invited you all to Canterlot to come and see him while my Mom was still on the hospital remember?"

Applejack mulled over in her mind, trying to recall that day that she had seen Sheton back in her own foalhood days. A moment later it clicked, and she looked back up at Goku with recognition in her eyes.

“Oh yeah! Now Ah remember that day! Ah was takin’ a day off seein’ an’ trainin’ with y’all along with th’ rest o’ th’ girls when ya got that later.” She said, giving a little nod. “Ah also remember excited everypony was t’ see yer brother. Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie included…heh, Pinks was jus’ goin’ on an’ on ‘bout how cute he’d looked, while Fluttershy couldn’t wait t’ see another foal an’ hold ‘im.”

“Heheh, yeah…if anything, I think my Mom was the most comfortable with Fluttershy being around my brother.” Goku nodded back, a slight blush coming to her face. “I’m, uh…sorry about how my Mom was towards most of you at first. It’s just…Thestrals can be quite protective of their offspring, even around their own mates. It certainly didn’t help that Pinkie Pie, Rarity and Rainbow Dash didn’t ask before they could get so close to him, let alone hold him. Would’ve gotten their throats ripped out in the process if it hadn’t been for my dad calming her down.”

“Uh-huh, Ah remember that day alright; yer Ma was a real scary one she was. Though Ah can’t really blame her, RD, Pinks, an’ Rares weren’t really helpin’ a lot. Too damn impatient t’ see th’ baby an’ wait till yer Ma was comfortable enough with ‘em.” Applejack sighed. “Ah’m amazed that she let me, Twilight, an’ Fluttershy see yer brother…even more when she them hold ‘im.”

“You weren’t the only one.” Snowflake commented. “I guess it’s because since all three of you are used to being around children that you didn’t pose a threat to Sheton. Or maybe it’s because Fluttershy has the best way with foals out of all of you, and our dear mother could sense it in it.”

“Maybe.” Goku shrugged. “Or it’s probably because Fluttershy, along with Derpy, come from a clan that’s not too similar to the Nightstalker Clan. If any of you know what I mean.”

“Oh don’t worry G, we all know what ya mean.” Applejack chuckled, blowing her mane from her face as she looked down at Sheton. “Anyway, it’s real nice t’ meet ya Sheton. Mah names Applejack Sweet Apple Titan, and Ah’m the owner an’ manager o’ this entire farm.”

“Um…hello Ms. Applejack…” The stormy grey Pegasus colt said shyly, giving the farmer is best smile. He reached out with a hoof and shaking it with Applejack’s larger, and stronger one. “It’s really nice to meet you.”

“Hey now, no need fer that 'Ms.' bullshit there, sugarcube.” Applejack said, fighting back the urge to roll her eyes. “We apples are known for out hospitality ‘round ‘ere. Anypony that comes here an’ wants t’ be a part o’ th’ family, isa part o’ th’ family, an’ that means noformalities. Y’all can jus’ call us by our regular names, or nicknames, ya hear? Ya don’t need t’ treat us like we’re royalty ‘r anythin’ like that.”

“Yes ma’-I mean…A-AJ…” came the colts meek reply, earning an approving smile from the farm mare. The then found his face planted into the ground when Applejack gave him a hard pat on his head.

“Good, glad we’re on the same page.” She said as the colt struggled to get his face out of the ground. “Anyway, Ah don’t wanna keep you guys waiting here, Ah’ll go an’ get th’ rest o’ th’ family. Ah know they’ll be dyin’ to see ya’ll again, our youngest member o’ the family.”

Sheton, who had finally managed to get his face out from the ground, was just able to catch what Applejack had said, and a knot formed in his stomach. Before he could say anything else, he gave a cry as the sound of a dinner bell tore through his sensitive ears.

“RISE AN’ SINE EVERYPONY!!!” Applejack called out in a loud voice, stretching far outside of the farm. “WE GOT SOME NEW GUESTS ‘ERE!!!””

Immediately afterword, the four hybrid siblings all heard galloping hooves, feeling the ground shaking under their own. They only had enough time to turn around and see a huge heard of Earth Ponies before they were all swept off of their hooves. Before they knew it, they were all seated in in front of a large table, having a green white and red cover on it, with the Earth Pony herd crowding all around them.

“Now, I know that ya’ll been to our Apple family reunions while y’all were still livin’ here, but our families grown quite a bit since you last saw us, G.” Applejack said, wrapping a strong foreleg around the tan hybrid mare’s shoulders. “So Ah’m gonna introduce ya’ll, an’ yer brother, t’ every last pony an’ youngin here! Oh, an’ Ah’m sure ya won’t mind, but they all brought food here with ‘em in case ya’ll were hungry.”

“Well…we did have a nice big breakfast with our parents before we came here.” Goku said slowly, waving a hoof around. “But, if you insist, we’ll clean off every last plate of this food with our bare teeth!”

“Always thinking with your stomach whenever you see food.” Midnight sighed. “Why does this not surprise me?”

“Because our dear little sister has the stomach of an airship.” Snowflake replied slyly, smiling up at her eldest sister. “As do we, my dear sister, so I don’t think we have any room to talk.”

“No, we sure don’t!” Sheton chirped, staring up at the food with a watering mouth. “Come to me, you delicious food!”

With that, each of the Apple Family introduced themselves, or reconnected, with the Kirin siblings. They gave some special attention to Sheton, since most of the Apple family there were mares. Some of them couldn’t not help but fawn over the little colt, and there were even a few foals that went to greet him. The hybrid colt was nothing short of surprised upon just how open and friendly they were, and that they didn’t seem to be bothered by his hybrid appearance. He assumed that they had run into Thestrals before, and were used to seeing a few hybrid ones, but that didn’t stop him from greeting them back. Sheton was however, on the receiving end of endless amounts of affection from the mares, and even a few fillies couldn’t help but be a little physically affectionate with him.

At some point, the table soon begun to get over crowded with food, obscuring Sheton’s vision of his sisters and Applejack. Undeterred, he stood up on his stool and tried to see what was going on from behind the piles of food. It was to no avail, and before he knew it, he found himself slipping from his stool, and he fell.

“Whoa!” He cried, bracing himself for the impact of the cold hard ground. Instead, he felt something smooth soft and feathery touch his rump instead. He squeaked as he fell into it, his fedora falling over his head as he tumbled across the soft mass. After some rolling around, he adjusted himself and sat upright, letting out a little sneeze. He lifted his fedora out of his eyes and looked up to see who had caught him, only to freeze at what he saw.

Towering over him like a giant apple tree, was the biggest stallion Sheton had ever seen in his entire life. He was a Pegasus, with fur that looked as if it was painted in a bowl of deep scarlet paint, with a long, thick, slightly wild and untamed tangerine mane and tail that went all the way to the ground. His whole body was very buff, absolutely bulging with muscles, even more so than any guard that Sheton had seen ever seen. All of which giving the hybrid colt the impression that this stallion could squash him like a bug with ease.

The stallion had a massive wingspan that was as big as Midnight’s, making him look even more intimidating, along with his scars. His wings were a combination of scarlet red and tangerine orange and he had fetlocks of just atop his golden yellow hooves. The stallion also had a huge mass of scarlet and tangerine feathers adorning his chest, and a large yolk was hanging around his thick muscular neck. The winged symbol could be seen planted on his back like a tattoo, and his Cutie Mark was of a large green apple cut in half.

Sheton continued to stare wide eyed at the massive stallion above him, even as he set the young colt down. It was only when the stallion let out a deep snort that Sheton snapped out of his trance, and his expression went from that of shock to terrified awe.

“W-w-wow…y-y-you’re…y-you’re huge m-mister.” He finally said shaking slightly as he took a step back. “I…I-I-I don’t think I’ve ever seen a stallion a-as big as you b-before.”

“Ya haven’t?” Another voice said, sounding softer, more mature somewhat high-pitched. “Well, Ah can say the same fer you sugar-bun. Neither me nor Big Mach here have seen a lil’ colt like you ‘round here.”

Sheton jumped at the new voice, before looking around to see a Pegasus was mare that was just as big as the stallion, now name Big Mac, in front of him. She was a cute one, with a pink coat that was darker than Pinkie Pie’s, at least a brilliant raspberry pink. She also had a long smooth and silky tangerine mane and tail, with gentle sunset orange eyes. While she was nowhere near as buff as Big Mac, her legs back and neck were definitely well toned, allowing her to still look attractive. As with Big Mac, she also had a large yolk around her neck, though it looked slightly smaller.

Her beautiful wings were a beautiful combination of raspberry pink, tangerine orange, crimson red and golden yellow, with deep orange hooves. The mare’s wings looked to be even longer than the stallions next to her, with a mass of chest feathers. The white and blue winged symbol of her family shone on her back, and her Cutie Mark was also of an apple cut in half. However, this one was red instead of green, and had a seed-shaped star right in the middle, with a trail of fire behind it.

“What’s the matter hon’ bun? Apple got yer tongue?” The mare asked, smiling in amusement at the colt in front of her and Big Mac. “Or are ya that shocked that ya can’t even form single word outta yer lil’ word hole there?”

Sheton, realizing he was staring again, snapped his mouth shut, a blush erupting onto his cheeks. “I-I-I…n-no ma’am, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to stare, I-I was just…”

The scarlet red mare cut him off with a giggle. “Well shoot hon’, don’t tell me that Ah look old enough fer y’all t’ be callin’ me ma’am. Ah may look old ‘cause o’ mah size and looks, but Ah ain’t that old. Ah ain’t even in mah thirties yet, so y’all don’t need t’ waste yer time bein’ all formal an’ all that stuff.”

“O-oh…right, Applejack mentioned that to me.” Sheton murmured, bashfully looking away. “I guess I forgot that for a minute there.”

Big Mac chuckled. “Eeyup.”

“So, what’s yer name sugar?” The mare asked, tilting her head at the hybrid colt. “Ah get the feelin’ from them lil’ fangs and bat wings o’ yers, that you’re G’s little brother ‘r somethin’ like that.”

“O-oh, um…y-yeah, I am.” Sheton nodded, smiling shyly up at the two hulking ponies. “M-my name is Sheton Nightstalker Shenron, a-and I am Goku’s little brother. A-are, um…d-do you two also live on the farm here like Applejack?”

“Eeyup, we sure are sonny.” Big Mac replied, nodding slightly. “Me, Anna Applejack, our Granny, an’ our four other sisters live here on th’ farm with us. Even though AJ’s the owner here, we all run th’ farm together an’ keep it in tact. It’s a kind o’ tradition that we apples like to stick to, ‘specially with a family as big as ours.”

“Yeah, I can see the sense that makes.” Sheton murmured, looking over the two ponies’ hulking frames. “A-anyway, i-it’s really nice to meet you…uuuh…”

“Anna Blaze.” Anna finished for him. “Anna Blaze Sweet Apple Titan, and this is my twin brother, Big Macintosh Sweet Apple Titan, the eldest two outta our bunch o’ siblings.” She smiled as she leaned down and nuzzled the stormy grey colt. “It’s real nice t’ meet ya too Sheton…welcome t’ Sweet Apple Acres, an’ t’ Ponyville.”

Sheton giggled, smiling at Anna’s display of affection towards him. “T-thank you…”

“There y'all are! Ah was wonderin’ where you two were.?” Applejack said as she trotted over to her eldest siblings. A small grin etched onto her face as she watched the two scarlet twins interact with Sheton. “It looks like Sheton’s getting’ t’ know ya pretty well ain’t he?”

“Mhm, we sure do.” Anne Blaze nodded, wrapping a wing around Sheton before she looked eyes with the three hybrid mare’s behind Applejack. “An’ I can see a few familiar faces with ya too!”

“Your damn right you can! And we can never forget the two strongest ponies in the Apple Family! Goku replied as she trotted over to the two twins and hugging them tight. “I can’t believe how much you two have grown over the last four years! You’ve certainly done a lot of work along the farm and packed on the pounds haven’t you?”

“Eeyup.” The Big Macintosh replied, his voice deep and rumbling as he nuzzled the tan mare.

“Mhm.” Anna Blaze replied, doing the same with her right wing.

“We can also see that you two are still ponies of few words.” Snowflake commented. “You two have not changed one bit, have you?”

“Eenope.” Big mac replied with a grin as he hugged Midnight.

“Mm-mm.” Anna Blaze giggle, nuzzling the mountain blue mare’s cheek.

Big Macintosh and Anna Blaze were both members of the Apple family and the two eldest of the Apple siblings there were. They were actually born just a few minutes apart from each other, making them twins. They were the quietest and gentlest, and strongest of out of the apple siblings, able to plow through fields and buck down apples with little effort. They were also good at many academics, especially math, which made them capable of balancing out finances for business.

Due to their sizes, they found it difficult to try and converse and befriend somepony, especially that of foals, since they love then. Still, they were very kind, sweet and soft-spoken ponies, very difficult to anger and fiercely protective of their younger siblings. Though most of the time they didn’t really need to do anything, since their sheer size helped them in conflicts. Which is probably why they hardly used force to resolve it, let alone words.

“Well, I can see that you two have met my little brother, hm?” Goku asked, giving both twins a sly smile, most especially Anna. “Isn’t he just the most adorable little colt that you’ve ever seen?”

Both twins nodded, with Anna Blaze nuzzling Sheton again and even lightly nibbling at one of his ears. The stormy grey colt, trying to push the scarlet mare away as Big Mac watched form the side in amusement.

“Still as quiet and affectionate as ever.” Goku murmured shaking her head fondly. “You are still the same as you always were.”

“Hey now, don’t forget about us, Goku!” A new voice from behind her said. “They’re not the only ones here t’ see ya! There are a lot more than jus’ Mac an’ Anna!”

Goku jumped in slight surprise at the voice that made its way to her ears. Curious, she turned around, only to see three other mares making their way towards her. When they came within tails reach, Goku could tell that just by their appearance that they were other three siblings of the Apple family.

“Of course they’re not, Jubilee.” the beige hybrid mare said slyly to the mare that had spoken. “How could I forget all seven apple family members after only four years apart?”

“B’cause y’all have known us ever since we were fillies, that’s why. Even if we’ve only known your family for a month, we’d never forget all those fangs and bat wings on ya.” Jubilee replied with a grin. She was a rather short Earth Pony mare, with a shade of pale orange fur, and a long extended scarlet mane and tail having golden yellow streaks in it. A pair of scarlet red stockings could be seen on her forelegs, with snow white ones adorning her hindlegs, and beautiful sunset orange eyes. She had a mass of feathers adorning her shoulders and chest, and her face and upper legs had jet-black freckles, with a large jet-black Stetson atop her head. A large winged symbol shone on her back, and her Cutie Mark was of an Apple with a lasso around it.

“That reminds me why haven’t ya’ll kept in contact with us, sugarcube? You’ve hardly sent us any letters at all except for th' holidays. We were all beginning to think that somethin’ bad happened to ya’ll while you were away.” The second mare asked with narrowed eyes. She was a Pegasus mare with a pale green fur, a long scarlet red mane and tail, both braided and tied by red hair bands. Scarlet red stockings on three of her legs, with one snow white stocking on her left foreleg. The mare also had heterochromia, the left eye being emerald green, while the other being a sunset orange color. She had a large feathered mass of them adoring her chest, with wings were a combined color of her mane, fur, and eyes. On her back was adorned with the blue and white winged symbol, with a white striped apple red Stetson. Her Cutie Mark was of pies, and instead of being apple pies, they were prismatic colored pies.

“Oh come now Scarlet, no need to get upset. Ah’m sure Goku and her sisters have a reasonable explanation. Don’t ya honey bun?” The third mare said softy, giving the three hybrid mares a warm sweet smile. Like Annie, she was also a Pegasus, with deep scarlet red fur, a long braided pure golden yellow mane and tail having green bows holding them together. Her wings were a combination of scarlet red and golden yellow, and sunset orange, with a mass of them on her chest. A pair of snow-white stockings covering the lower half of all four of her legs, very much like Applejack’s. The blue and white wing symbol could be seen shining off of her back, and her Cutie Mark was of a pure golden apple with a blooming flower above it.

“Yeah, we’re sorry about that, Honey Blossom. We got caught up a lot on college work and magic training and bullshit.” Goku replied, rubbing the back of her head as a pink tint made its way to her beige cheeks. “We did the best we could though, besides it’s not like we had a whole lot of time on our hands anyway.”

Jubilee Sweet Apple Titan was the third sibling of the Apple family, the twin sister of Annie Sweet Apple Titan. She was the third eldest of the Apple family, having been born several or so years after Big Macintosh and Anna Blaze had been born. She was a very laid-back, patient, reliable mare, with tremendous physical strength. She also had a big adventurous side to her, which usually led to her getting into a lot of trouble as a filly.

The pale orange mare was also an expert in math, that she would use to sometimes help Anna Blaze and Big Macintosh with finances. She made sure that they bad food whenever they went into town and made their sales in order to avoid getting any pony sick. While she did have a stubborn streak to her, she was nowhere near as stubborn as Applejack. And unlike the darker orange mare, she was more open to accepting help, if only slightly.

She had a very strong and competitive personality, loving to compete in rodeos and do friendly competitions with her friends and family. Jubilee did however, also had a sweet side to her that she was didn’t mind showing, as long as nopony else was around to see it. Jubilee was also a real a tomboy, and didn’t like anything that was too girly. She didn’t mind getting dirty either, since she was so used to it from being on a farm all her life. Somepony could throw her into a huge pile of mud and she would not even bat an eye, and instead find it rather enjoyable.

As fun as Jubilee was be around for other ponies, there was one thing that ponies were advised never to do. Or rather, call her, whenever you’re around her. All her life, Jubilee had always been shorter than other ponies usually were, something she really wished didn’t happen. While she didn’t mind being teased about it much from her family and friends, she did get very angry when somepony called her ‘little’. It didn’t really escalate into an all-out fight fortunately, but there were a few tomes it did come to that. As long as nopony did that, they would be just fine, otherwise, they’d be in for a world of hurt.

Scarlet Sweet Apple Titan was the fourth sibling of the Apple family, and like some of her siblings, she was also a cook. Though she was more comfortable with making pies than anything else, but that didn’t mean she didn’t like making other apple related treats. For a Pegasus, she was very strong, with an excellent eye for anything weather related. She was a very fun mare to be around, happily engaging in lots of foalish activities. Which gave her quite the reputation for being one of the many ponies that foals loved being around the most. She was a very assertive mare, but made sure that she didn’t go too far with anything. While she would always be straight with somepony, she would always make sure to express that she wasn’t having a go at anypony.

Scarlet didn’t like it when she or any of her were teased in way not in good nature. Due to her having scarlet hair, she had a spurn for being called ‘tomato head’ by other ponies. This was one of the negative things that they had in common that allowed them to become so close as they were growing up. The only ones that didn’t make fun of her hair, were Goku and her two sisters, even if it was in good nature. Snowflake even once said that it had a fine touch to her, and would go better in some sort of style, which would make it look even better. It was then that Scarlet decided to get her mane and tail braided, with one large bang framing her face. Since then, nopony's said a single bad thing about her hair or it's color. Though there were still some smart-mouth comments here and there, something not out of the ordinary for Scarlet.

Honey Blossom Sweet Apple Titan was the elder twin sister of Applejack, being the fifth eldest of the Sweet Apple Titan siblings. Out of the six, she was the kindest, gentlest, and warmest out of the bunch, a real sweet talker with words that seemed to ooze honey. Her level of strength was literally at that of both of her eldest siblings combined, and she was a natural at making absolutely delicious apple treats. Honey Blossom was known to be a very patient mare, and absolutely adored the foals in Ponyville, playing with them whenever she had the time.

If there was one thing that she loved just as much as foals, it was nature, and the creatures that flourished with it. Whenever Honey Blossom wasn't playing with the foals, or doing the chores, she would take strolls through the forest. She would take in its mind blowing beauty, and try to befriend the animals that lived in it, and it was also a great way to clear her head. She also had a great knowledge for weather, and would offer to help the Ponyville Weather Team with the clouds and the weather. Thanks to her earth pony strength, she was able to endure the weather far longer and withstand the hazards that calm with it.

Despite her kind heart, special talents, and positive traits Honey Blossom was also a pretty sensitive mare by nature. She didn’t like it when ponies said mean things about her, especially if it hit very close to home. She despised those that harmed others, especially young foals and animals, be it wild or exotic. She would get very upset if that happening around her, and she would not hesitate to jump in and diffuse the situation should she so chose. While she was known to be the most even tempered out of all her siblings, she wasn’t a mare to get angry in the least. After all, it was the quietest, most docile of ponies that had the most ferocious of tempers, and some had to learn that the hard way with Honey Blossom.

“Yeah well, it certainly didn’t look that way to me, sugar pie.” Scarlet frowned as she crossed her forehooves together. “It seemed like ya’ll were stallin’ an’ waitn’ till the last moment, makin’ this lil’ meetin’ a surprise for all of us.” Her expression softened to a grin. “Still, it’s great to see you girls again. Y’all bein’ back here on th’ farm with th’ family after all this time is a blessin’ in itself.”

“Yeah, I bet it is, and it’s the same for us too.” Goku giggled as she returned the hug. “Still, it’s great to see you all again, and we’re here to stay for good.”

“You’d better honestly mean that, hon.” Jubilee said, giving the hybrid mare a playful jab in her barrel. “Or else me ‘n’ Annie Pie ‘r’ gonna show you just how strong we’ve gotten since we last saw ya.”

“Heehee I won’t!” Goku replied with a giggle. “Even though we were born in Canterlot, Ponyville is our true home! We lived her throughout most of our lives, and we’re not going anywhere!”

Suddenly, the beige Pegasus felt a few gentle tugs on her mane, making her head jerk to the right side. Figuring that it was Sheton, she looked to where she thought he was, only to see that it wasn’t Sheton. It was an adorable little Earth Pony filly, with a sun kissed yellow fur that was almost golden in color. She had a long fiery red mane and tail that both had three pink bows in them, one bow tied behind her mane, and a beautiful shade of sunset orange eyes. Like the rest of the Apple siblings, she had feathery fetlocks right in between her hooves and snow white stocked little legs, along with her chest and shoulders, all having a mixture of all three of her colors, and her flank currently had no Cutie Mark.

“Well, hello there little one.” Goku said sweetly, lowering her head to the filly’s level, who was smiling at her brightly. “I didn’t see you there, what’s your name?”

“Howdy there! Mah name’s Apple Bloom Sweet Apple Titan, welcome to Sweet Apple Acres!” Apple Bloom replied with a sweet southern drawl, holding out her hoof to shake the older mares, who paused momentarily when the filly said her name. “Are you another one of Mah sisters’ and brother’s friends?”

“Why yes, I am! You really wouldn’t remember me since you weren’t that much older than you are now, but I certainly remember you!” Goku replied, scratching Apple Bloom behind her ear. “In case you’re wondering, I was one of the ponies that was there when you were born, before me and my sisters left.”

Apple Bloom’s ears perked as recognition clicked in her eyes. “Oh yeah, now Ah remember that! Mah big sis told me ‘bout meetin’ ya sometime after Ah was born. She also told me that, you were part, uh…” She trailed off as a thoughtful look came to her face. “You were, um…part…how was that word pronounced again?

“Thestral?” Goku asked. “As in part Bat Pony?”

“Yeah, that one, that’s the word!” Apple Bloom exclaimed, giving a not of thanks. “Ah could tell that you were one when a saw them fangs on ya, and those membranes stickin’ outta yer wings.”

“Is that so? You have a good eye there, don’t you Apple Bloom?” Goku asked, smiling at the now blushing sun yellow filly. “I have to say though…I didn’t really expect you to be so relaxed about the fact that me, my sisters and brother are all half Thestral. Not to be mean or anything but…I was more or less expecting you to be having your tail between your legs.”

“Heehee, yeah, that probably would’ve been the more expected reaction at seein’ somepony that’s half Thestral, let alone a full blooded one.” Apple Bloom giggled, blowing her bang out of her face. “But Ah really don’t mind. Me an’ AJ have a couple o’ friends that’re more or less Thestrals themselves. At least, they kinda do, since they have looks that’re a lot like yers.”

“Really now?” Goku asked tilting her head to the side. “Well then, I take it that means you won’t be too bothered about meeting another foal that’s half Thestral?”

Apple Bloom tilted her head. “What do ya mean?”

The tan hybrid mare chuckled, looking over her shoulder at Sheton and gesturing him to come over with a wing. Silently, he obeyed, and stood just in front of his sister as he looked eyes with Apple Bloom, who was staring right back at him curiously.

“Apple Bloom…” Goku began gently. “This is my little brother Sheton Nightstalker Shenron; he’s here with us to supervise the Summer Sun Celebration. And to meet any foals that’re his age and see if he can get any friend before moving back here with us.”

“Wow…so he’s half Thestral too?” Apple Bloom asked, looking in between the brother and sister as the latter nodded. A bright smile came to her face as she looked back down at Sheton taking in his features. “Wow, that’s so amazin’! Who would’ve thought that Ah would meet somepony that’s actually half bat pony!”

“Wait a minute…” Sheton began softly, giving the filly a look of surprise. “Y-you’re…not bothered by my appearance?”

“Bothered? Didn’t ya hear what Ah had said t’ yer big sis?” Apple Bloom snorted dryly. “Ah said that Ah have another friend that looks like she’s half Thestral, so Ah’m not bothered by your appearance. Ah admit that I did make me nervous at first, but Ah grew used t’ it over time, an’ now, Ah actually think that it’s pretty fascinatin’.”

“You do? Wow…” Sheton murmured, looking down at the ground. “I didn’t think that I’d hear anypony say something like that before. Most of the foals at my school say that’s either weird or even creepy.”

“Seriously? Well that ain’t a very nice thing t’ do.” Apple Bloom frowned. “It doesn’t sound like ya have a lotta friends back where yer from do ya?”

“N-no, I really don’t. O-other than another Thestral a Kirin, and another filly that’s um…unique in her own way.” Sheton replied, rubbing his forehooves together. “I really would like to have more friends, but…it’s been hard. And it’s not like any I haven’t tried to make friends with those that weren’t Thestrals or Kirins.”

“Well, in that case…” Apple Bloom began, smiling warmly. “Why don’t Ah be yer friend then?”

Sheton paused, looking up at Apple Bloom with surprise as he asked, “W-what? You want to be friend with me?”

“Well, yeah! Why wouldn’t Ah? Everypony needs a friend here an’ there! Even if it’s a pony that’s known fer suckin’ th’ juice right outta an apple!” Apple Bloom said, giggling slightly as Sheton blushed. The filly winced upon seeing the embarrassed look on his face. “Sorry, that hit a lil’ too close t’ home, didn’t it?”

“No, not really. It’s just that I’m not used to somepony saying things like that about Thestrals and Bat Ponies. Though we do love drinking apple juice…” Sheton said, laughing a little as he rubbed the back of his head. “So…you really want to be my friend Apple Bloom?”

“Uh,duh! Ah jus’ said that nopony should be without a friend! ‘Specially ‘round these parts, and definitely not in Ponyville!” Apple Bloom replied, blowing out a raspberry. “So, whaddya say Sheton? Ya wanna included int’ mah lil’ friend group, or are ya gonna spend all day ponderin’ over th’ fact that somepony’s offerin’ friendship to a nighttime pony?”

Sheton blushed again, letting out a sheepishly laugh as he looked back up at his sister. After getting a light nudge from her, he looked back at Apple Bloom and her outstretched hoof. He took a deep breath and exhaled, before reaching his hoof out and shaking it with his own. No sooner did he do so, he found his back meeting the ground as Apple Bloom tackled him into a hug.

“Oh yes yes yes yes YES!” She squealed, hugging the colt tightly around his neck. “Thank you thank you thank you Sheton! Ah promise, ya won’t regret this; you an’ Ah are gonna be th’ best friends ever!”

“A-aye…happy to hear it!” Sheton gasped, wheezing as he struggled to breath. “C-can’t breath!”

Fortunately, or unfortunately for Sheton, his savior came just in the nick of time before he passed out from Apple Bloom’s hug. The next thing they both knew, they were in the warm embrace of Honey Blossom as she spun them around in the air.

“Oh, mah gosh! This is just th’ cutest darn thing Ah’ve ever seen!” She cooed as she nuzzled both foals. “Ah don’t think Ah’ve ever seen anything this cute since lil’ Apple Bloom was born!”

“Honey Blossom! Don’t embarrass me!” Apple Bloom cried, her face going as red as her mane. “That was a long time ago, and Ah’m not a baby anymore! Ah’m already seven years old fer corn’s sake!”

“It don’t matter one lickto me, honey-bun!” The scarlet mare said as she kissed the filly the nose. “No matter how old you get Ah’ll always find it so adorable t’ see ya hoggin’ yer friends like this”

Apple Bloom sighed dejectedly. “Oh Faust help me now…”

“It’s okay Apple Bloom, I know what you’re going through.” Sheton said as Honey Blossom kissed his cheek. “This is the same thing my sister does to me, I promise you’re not alone.”

“Thanks, Sheton.” Apple Bloom said, smiling at the stormy grey hybrid colt. “Yer so gosh darn sweet…”

“Hey now Honey! Don't go hoggin' 'im all to yerself!” Scarlet said, tugging on Honey’s tail. " Me and Jubilee want to meet th’ lil’ sugar pie too!"

"Yeah, let us get a look at th' lil' darlin'!" Jubilee huff, stomping her hoof down. “An’ let ‘im go b’fore ya squeeze him t’ death! Ah can already see his face turnin’ blue!”

Honey Blossom frowned at her two sisters, but nonetheless relented to their request and set both foals on the ground. After giving him one last gentle squeeze, she allowed Scarlet and Jubilee to come up to the colt and inspect him.

‘Oh wow…these mares are really pretty.’ Sheton though, his ears flattening as he stared into their narrowed eyes. ‘A-and scary…all of those scars they have…they must’ve gotten into a lot of fights.’

“So…yer Goku’s lil’ brother are ya?” Jubilee asked, leaning her head close to the colt. “Ah gotta say…wasn’t really expectin ya t’ look anythin’ like this. Though, Ah pretty much expectin’ ya t’ have them bat features on ya. What’s yer name hon’?”

“Um…S-Sheton.” The stormy grey hybrid colt replied. “Sheton Nightstalker Shenron.”

“Nightstalker…Ah have t’ be honest, it suits ya, given yer appearance.” Scarlet said, smiling a little. “This yer first time here in Ponyville?”

“Y-yes ma’am…it is.” Sheton replied as his wings ruffled. “I’m here with my sisters while they run the Summer Sun Celebration. T-they also wanted me to come here s-so they could see i-if I could make friends.”

“Hmhm, well, you’re certainly passin’ in that regard Ah can tell.” Jubilee chuckled, wrapping a foreleg around the colt’s neck. “Ah have t’ say, yer a might lucky t’ have somepony like Apple Bloom as yer friend, an’ ya better believe us when ya say that yer real lucky. There aren’t many ponies here that’re accetpin’ o’ ponies that can suck an apple dry in th’ blink of an eye, so consider yerself very lucky sugar.”

“Um…o-okay?” Sheton murmured, looking at the pale orange mare through her scarlet forest of a mane.

“Let’s jus’ get one thing straight here sugar pie.” Scarlet said, her multi-colored eyes locking right onto Sheton’s. “Each an’ every single one o’ us here are very protective of one another, especially our little sister here. While we may be hospitable, we don’t take no bullshit form anypony wantin’ t’ bring harm t’ one o’ our own. So ya better treat our lil’ AB here as kindly as we do you, ‘r else these apples ain’t the only things that’re gonna be sucked dry, ya hear?”

Sheton gulped, giving a hasty nod as he sweated bullets. “Y-y-y-yes ma’am, I perfectly understand! I-I’ll be sure to be v-very nice, a-a-and kind and g-g-gentle to Apple Bloom!”

“Good, glad that we’re on the same page.” Jubilee said, giving Sheton a firm kiss on his forehead. “It’s real nice t’ meet ya Sheton, Ah think you an’ Ah ‘r gonna get along jus’ fine.”

“Same here Lee.” Scarlet nodded, patting Sheton hard on his head. “An’ if anypony picks ‘r bullies ya, y’all can come t’ us an’ we’ll deal with ‘em lickety split!”

“Uh, y-yeah…s-sure thing.” Sheton nodded, his cheeks burning as Scarlet kissed his cheek rather roughly. “It…it’s really nice to meet you Scarlet…J-Jubilee…a-and the rest of your family.”

Both twin sisters smiled. “You too sugarcube.” They both said in unison.

"Boy, this day jus' keeps getting better an' better don't it girls?" Honey Blossom asked, coming up from behind Sheton and giving him a pat on the head. "First AJ gets assigned as one of the preparatory ponies for the Summer Sun Celebration, then Goku and her sisters come to see us, and now we get to meet their lil' bro? Shucks, it's like Faust herself is givin' us blessin's left an' right...Ah wonder what Granny Smith's gonna think 'bout all o' this good fortune?"

“Land sakes, that's right! Ah can’t believe AH completely forgot about that! Thanks fer remindin' me Honey!” Applejack exclaimed with wide eyes. She then gathered all four siblings away from the rest of the family over to one of the others. “Goku, Snowflake Midnight, Ah know that ya’ll remember our dear old Granny Smith, don’t you?”

“Of course we do, Applejack! How could we forget the leader of the whole Sweet Apple Titan Family?” Midnight asked with a chirp as she looked fondly at the Earth Pony mare sleeping in the rocking chair. She had a hide of mint green fur, though it looked aged and pale, having lost some of its solid pureness over the years. Upon closer inspection however, it shined brightly, making her look even younger. She had a mane and tail of ghostly yellowish white, both of them tied up in large long braids that reached the ground in a pile. Both of them were held together by orange hair bands, with two very long bangs framing her face, shadowing her eyes.

Snow-white stockings adorned her legs, the fetlocks just above her hooves looking to be very long due to the passing of time. An orange collar with miniature apples was wrapped around her neck, which did very little to conceal her huge mass of white chest fur. A huge brown Stetson with a red stripe could be seen hanging from behind her neck, a thick string tied to both sides of the hat. A huge pair of the Apple family's wing symbol could be seen imprinted onto her back, and her Cutie Mark was of a large apple pie.

“Wow…she looks so beautiful and...ancient.” Sheton murmured with wide eyes, his voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anypony look like her before.”

“Sugarcube t’ say mah Granny is legendary would be a major insult. If ya ask me she’s more of a legend given how long she’s lived.” Applejack chuckled as she patted the colt’s head. She then before walking over to her grandmother and gently shook her. “Up an’ at ‘em Granny Smith, we got some special guests!”

The elderly mint mare’s eyes slowly opened, revealing two sunset orange irises that that glowed beautifully in the Sun’s light. With a yawn, she stretched out her legs, blowing out a loud hard snort from her nostrils. She soon locked eyes onto the ponies in front of her, and a smile broke out into her face.

“Well, well, well, isn’t this a mighty nice surprise, this is?” Granny Smith said softly, gazing lovingly at the Kirin sisters. Her voice sounded like it belonged to somepony who should've been long dead, yet at the same time sounded vigorously youthful. It held an incredible amount of warmth, love, kindness, power, and wisdom in it. “It looks like some o’ mah dear grandchildren have finally returned t' th' nest after so long."

“It’s great to see you too Granny Smith.” Snowflake said, smiling warmly at the elderly mare. “We can see that you haven’t changed a single bit the last time we saw you.”

“Well, I can certainly say the same fer all o’ ya’ll sugar foot!” Granny Smith replied as spread her forelegs out. “C’mere and give yer ol’ Granny a hug! Ah wanna feel how strong ya’ll got while you were away!”

“Only you would want that Granny Smith…only you.” Goku murmured with a chuckled as she and her siblings all hugged her simultaneously. “And we can see that you’re still the same strong resilient mare we’ve always known.”

Granny Smith, also known as Annie Smith Sweet Apple Titan was the final member of the Ponyville Apple Family, along with being the eldest. Out of all of the apple family, she was known by Ponyville and its civilians the most, and the longest. She not only lived in Ponyville, she was the very pony that founded the very town that Goku her siblings and all of her friends had lived in. Everypony saw her as the embodiment of Ponyville, that mare that helped shape Ponyville into what it was today. This in turn lead her to becoming the first and most respected mare in all of Ponyville, Mayor Mare being a very close second.

Granny Smith was a rather unique and goofy mare, doing things that many would not see an elderly mare doing that were really goofy. She could go from a drill sergeant one moment, to a mare that engaged with foals the next. Because of this, many saw her as a rather strange mare, which shouldn’t have really been a surprise due to her age. Still, many ponies saw her as a very cool and awesome mare to be around. This was especially true for Scarlet especially since she was a redheaded Pegasus embodiment of Granny Smith. Along with having the very same quirks the matriarch had that made her so unique.

Many dreaded the day that she would leave the world of the living and pass on into the Elysian Fields. Despite this, they knew they would have Annie to help them remember the one mare that founded the most gentle, peaceful, welcoming, and accepting town in all of the land. For now, she was still here, alive and still kicking endlessly. Though no longer in her prime, Granny Smith wasn’t kicking the bucket yet, much to her family and many foals' happiness.

“My my my, y’all have certainly gotten a might stronger. I can literally feel it in these ol’ bones ‘o’ mine.” Granny Smith said, nodding in satisfaction. “Takes me back to when Ah was that young an’ strong. Oh, those were th’ good ol’ days they were...yes they were indeed.”

“Trust me Granny Smith, there are many elderly ponies of our kind who know exactly how you are feeling.” Midnight smiled sweetly. “All joking aside, we didn’t just come here for a big family reunion, not when you haven’t meet all of us.”

At these words, Granny Smith raised a snow-white eyebrow, giving the beetle black hybrid mare a perplexed look. Before she could ask anything, she felt something bump into her forelegs. She looked down, only for her sunset yellow eyes to widen upon seeing Sheton there.

“Granny, I know that this is sudden, but we really couldn’t wait for this moment to come any sooner.” Snowflake said as she draped a feathered bat wing over the colt’s back. “Meet our little brother Sheton Nightstalker Shenron, the youngest out of us. You weren’t really there when he was born in Canterlot, but I’m sure at least oneof your granddaughters told you about him, didn’t they?”

The smile on Granny Smith’s face could not have gotten anymore wider than it did at that moment. “Ya think Ah have hay in mah ears?! O’ course Ah remember! Now Ah get to have more youngin’s on th’ farm!” She exclaimed as she swept the hybrid colt in her arms. “Oh, this day jus’ keeps getting better ‘n’ better! More grandfoals jus’ keep comin’ to me on after another!”

‘She…she called me her grandfoal.’ Sheton thought, stopping in his nuzzling into the elderly mare’s chest fluff. ‘I’ve just met her, and she’s calling me her grandfoal…why…does that make my happy?’

“Heh, it looks like he has them fancy bat features on him too.” The Apple Matriarch said, spreading one of Sheton’s feathered bat wings. Her orange eyes ran through the emerald blue membranes as one of her hoofs gently brushed at his tufted ears. “Hmhm…only other foal that Ah’ve seen with fangs is that rainbow maned mare an’ her lil’ sis, along with that librarian’s lil’ assistant o’ her’s. Only his is longer and visible, almost like them Timberwolves in that gigantic creepy forest they live in.”

“Well, he is half Thestral.” Goku pointed out with an eye roll. “Plus, our mom is a Thestral herself, so you really shouldn’t be surprise that he has all of those features. The only thing you should be surprised his how many apples he can suck dry.”

“Sis!” Sheton cried, whipping his head around to the tan hybrid mare. “I thought that we agreed that we’d never tell anypony about that!”

“I’m not!” Goku giggled as her brother’s face flushed red. “I’m just telling Granny Smith that whenever she decides to show you around the farm, that she should watch out for how many apples you can suck. I mean seriously, you definitely suck a mean apple little brother, no matter how big!”

“Heheheh, is that so? Well, Ah don’t think Ah need t’ worry ‘bout that. We have plenty o’ Fruit Bats here that drain our apples dry. Though its usually the ones that’re bad or goin’ bad, so Ah don’t really have t’ worry ‘bout it too much.” Granny Smith chuckled, brushing one of her bangs away from her eyes. “Still though, since ya like suckin’ apples so much, be sure t’ ask me before ya suck mah apples dry. Don’t wanna have to wake up one mornin’ t’ find a bunch o’ dry apples an’ piles o’ seeds whenever Ah’m takin’ mah stroll through the orchards.”

Sheton smiled up at the elderly mare, giggling a bit as he said, “Yeah, I’ll be sure to ask before I try to pick off the apples, especially night. The last thing I want is to be lassoed and hogged tied like a calf at a rodeo.” He sneezed a bit as Granny Smith let out a snort of laughter. “It’s really nice to meet you Granny Smith. You and all of the apple family. I’m…I’m starting to like my visit here to Ponyville more and more right now.”

“Well you should be, given that this town is one o’ th’ best places fer anypony to live in.” Granny Smith chuckled, bringing the hybrid colt’s face into her chest. “An’ if yer plannin’ t’ move here with your sisters, lemme jus’ say that anypony that comes here t’ this town, is welcome here on th’ farm. Which includes you, so anythin’ ya may need that we can provide, we’ll be more than happy to lend it t’ ya. We apples pride ourselves in our honesty, hospitality an’ desire t’ help others, no matter what their race. So ya don’t need to worry ‘bout many o’ us judgin’ ya ‘cause yer a Thestral, an’ like Jubilee an’ Scarlet said, anypony that does, we’ll take care o’ them, ‘okay sugar foot?”

‘How did she manage to hear what Scarlet and Jubilee said to me? Was she really awake all of this time?’ Sheton thought, sweat dropping as he looked up at the mint green mare. He eventually let the thought slide as he replied, “Yes Granny Smith, I’ll let you know if there’s anypony that’s bothering me about my appearance.”

“Glad t’ here it sugar foot.” Granny Smith nodded, bringing the colt in her chest again. “And it’s real nice t’ meet ya too.”

“Thank you…” Sheton said softly, breathing the sweet scent of apples on the mare’s fur. He sighed as his eyes closed, and he nuzzled deeper into Granny Smith’s chest fluff. ‘She smells just like apples…and she’s so warm, like mama.’

Everypony in the crowd, Apple Bloom included, let out multiple ‘awww’s at the tender scene between Sheton and Granny Smith, with the latter holding back a squeal. It was soon shattered when the sound of a stomach rumbling loudly snapped the mare and foal out of their hug. The Apple Matriarch slowly pulled away and looked down at the colt, whose eyes were squeezed shut and face redder than an apple.

“Sugar foot…tell me that Ah did not jus’ hear yer stomach growlin’ like a Timberwolf stalkin’ through the Everfree.” She said bluntly, gazing at him with a half-lidded gaze. “Cause Ah’m pretty sure that Ah’m hearin’ things right now.”

“N-n-no, you didn’t Granny Smith, that was totally my stomach.” Sheton squeaked, pulling his fedora over his head. “I-it looks like all of that breakfast that I ate earlier this morning got digested faster than I thought.”

“This wouldn’t happen t’ be ‘cause o’ th’ fact that yer a Kirin would it?” Granny Smith asked, a small knot forming in the pit of her gut. Another timid nod confirmed her suspicions, and she let out a long sigh. “O’ course it does…one o’ th’ things that Ah learned from yer sisters when Ah first fed ‘em here on th’ farm. Should’ve known that it would happen again, ‘specially with their little brother…alright then, come on!”

“W-whoa!” Sheton cried as Granny Smith grabbed him by the scruff of his neck and began carrying him off. “G-Granny Smith, what’re you doing?!”

“Goin’ t’ get that little stomach o’ yers filled up, that’s what.” Granny Smith replied simply through a mouthful of stormy grey fur. “No way in Tartarus Ah’m gonna let any youngin’ on this farm come in an’ go outta here without their lil’ barrel stuffed till they pop like a fritter. Jus’ you wait’ hon’ Ah’m gonna fill ya up so much that ya actually very well may pop.”

A shiver went down the bat winged colt’s spine, his eyes going comically white.

“Uh, what do you mean by that?” He fearfully asked as he was set down on his stool.

“You’ll see.” The mint green mare replied, a scary glint in her eyes as she grinned down at the colt. As Honey Blossom comforted him, Granny Smith turned to Sheton’s other three sisters. “Hey Goku, are you an’ yer sisters gonna join us? Or are ya gonna let yer poor brother hog all o’ the food fer himself?”

“Tch, as if we’d let our brother eat all of that food my himself!” Goku replied, her mouthwatering as she galloped over to the table. “Come on girls, let’s chow down!”

“Are you sure we have time for another breakfast Goku?” Midnight asked. “We still have a schedule we need to stick to, and it won’t really be good for us if we start slacking off.”

“Oh don’t worry dear sister…we have plenty of time. It still morning, and we don’t really need to worry about our schedule until sundown, which is the time our job will be over.” Snowdrop said, smiling reassuringly at her eldest sister. “Besides, I’ve been getting rather hungry myself, despite the wonderful breakfast mother and father prepared for us. And I know that you are too.”

As if to prove the mountain blue mare’s point, Midnight’s stomach growled painfully. She moaned softly as her feathered bat wings drooped and her expression became crestfallen.

“Y-you know what, I-I think I could go for a few more bites.” Midnight whined, following Snowflake as they joined the crowed of Apples. “Let’s just try to stay on schedule alright? The sooner we get this done, the sooner we get to hang out with our friends and relax, along with Sheton interacting with his new friends more.”

“Don’t worry big sister, we’ll remember.” Snowflake said, watching as her youngest sister wolfed down several fritters. “Though with how big our stomachs are, our dear sister and brother’s stomachs included, that may take a while.”

“Yeah, probably…” Midnight said sheepishly, moaning softly as she brushed her mane out of her face. With those words, both hybrid mares joined their siblings and the rest of the apple family in the brunch, eager to satisfy their near endless hunger once again.

Author's Notes:

Well, there's the third chapter, with a bit more change to it as it was for the third one involving Pinkie Pie and Melon Cake, though with this one, it was with a lot more changed detail. I had also shorted the description and made the interaction between Sheton, Apple Bloom, Big Mac and Anna Blaze a bit more restrained than in the last version that I wrote it in. I don't know why I had decided to write it the way that I did, probably because my brain was so out of whack and all of that stuff, despite how cute I believed that it would look for others to see, but...yeah, I can see that I didn't work out so well.

Anyway, I had decided to have that interaction restricted and more restrained for scenes much later on into the series, since Sheton was already getting that from Honey Blossom and Apple Bloom. The same thing goes with Granny Smith, since her scaring the ever living shit out of him, especially when they're just meeting, may give him the wrong impression about the mare, and be very scared to be around her. So I decided to make that scene a lot more relaxed and more tender than it was last time. Looking over it, I think that it was much more thoroughly executed and though out, and I think the same will eventually be said for the rest of my chapters of the girls, along with our dear animal care taker and librarian.

Well, that's all for this chapter; next time we're going through a polished interaction with everypony's favorite speedster Pegasus!

Chapter 6 - Loyal Bolts, Blossoming Flowers, and Kickers of Clouds

Goku could not remember a time where she was more stuffed that she did at Sweet Apple Acres. The Apple Family’s cooking easily rivaled Pinkie Pie, except with the tangerine mare she was more a breakfast, lunch and dinner type. Still, that didn’t make the brunch they made any less delicious. At Applejack’s offer, the Kirin siblings, literally stuffed their faces to the point where they were inflated like balloons. That time wasn’t just spent eating though, for Sheton spent some of that time playing with Apple Bloom and the rest of the apple foals. Something that delighted his sisters and Granny Smith to see.

By the time they were done they remembered that they still had the rest of the supervision to do, and it was just after morning. So, they quickly bid the Apple Family farewell, promising that they’d up again, and not just at the Summer Sun Celebration. This made Sheton’s heart flutter in excitement, having quickly grown to like Apple Bloom in their short time knowing her. Which was something that all three of his sisters took great pleasure in teasing him in.

“Wow! That was the second-best breakfast that I’ve ever had all day!” Goku exclaimed, licking her chops. “Of course, no offense to them, but your breakfast making talents will always be the best that I’ve ever tasted Midnight!”

“Thank you little sister, that means a lot to us.” Snowflake said gently, giving her youngest sister a pat on the head. “We know what you meant though, we didn’t take any offense to it. There are just some ponies out there who have better cooking talents than us.”

“Snowflake’s right Goku. It’s okay if you like Applejack’s food more than ours.” Midnight said with a slight wheeze. “Oooooooh, I think I ate way too much apple pie…”

“What’s wrong big sister? Has your large appetite finally reached its limit?” Goku asked, teasingly. “Come on, I thought that since you were the biggest that you could handle the most food in your stomach? Since Kirin stomachs are known have bottomless stomachs?”

“Just because I’m b-b-bigger than all of you…d-doesn’t mean that even I can’t get s-stomach aches from time to t-time.” The beetle back hybrid mare replied with a stutter, giving her youngest sister a slight scowl. She winced when she felt a small stab of pain shoot through her abdomen. “Besides Goku, you can eat more than any of us c-c-combined! I’m amazed that you don’t l-look like you’ve gotten f-filled to the brim b-by a Kirin stallion!”

“Well, I sure feel like my whole body was inflated by a helium machine meant for balloons.” Sheton whined as he rubbed his belly in pain. He rested atop Goku’s back, his fedora covering most of his face. “Uuuugh, why did I have to eat so many of those apple fritters?!"

“Because they’re the best bucking things that you've ever tasted in the whole entire world.” Goku replied slyly, looking back at her brother. “It’s alright though, you’re not the only one who eats that much. You certainly won’t be the last either! There will be plenty more Kirins who’ll probably eat more than all of us combined.” The tan hybrid mare looked over to Snowflake and asked, “Hey Snowy, do you know who we’re supposed to see next?”

The mountain blue mare reached into one of her saddlebags and pulled out the list. After flipping through the pages and looking down at the names, she softly replied, “The next pony is…Rainbow Dash, captain of the Ponyville Weather Team. It says that she’s supposed to be in charge of clearing the skies."

“I don’t really see much clouds being cleared in sky…or any clouds at all.” Sheton replied. “Do you think she’s having trouble?”

At these words, all three of her sisters paused, before they all gave off little giggles. Sheton was briefly taken aback by this, raising an eyebrow at his three sisters in confusion.

“What’s wrong?” he asked innocently. “Did I say something funny?”

“Oh sweet little brother. We find it rather adorable that you’d think that Rainbow Dash would have trouble clearing this many clouds.” She said, giving him an amused smile. “Had you known her as long as we have, you would think the opposite.”

Sheton tilted his head. “What you do mean?”

“In all the times that I’ve known Rainbow Dash, there is one thing that she is known for is her speed.” Goku explained. “When we were fillies, me and Rainbow were known as being the fastest fillies in Ponyville, and in Cloudsdale. Rainbow is all about flying, and one thing that she hates more than anything, besides math, science, and treachery, is going. Which is why she hates being confined somewhere where she won’t be able to stretch her wings. And before you ask, thank includes being in a classroom.”

The tan Pegasus shook her head as the memories flowed into her mind. “To her, going slow is like not wanting to fly, and that is one thing no Pegasus wants to experience. That’s why, as head of the Weather Team, she encourages and pushes all Pegasi to be everything that they could be. And the only reason why something like this hasn’t been done sooner is if they’re absolutely capable of doing it quickly and efficiently. That’s why Rainbow holds things out, because if she believes she can do it quickly, I can assure you she can get it done fast.” She chuckled. “That’s not to say that she would abandon her duties, because she wouldn’t. If there’s one thing that I also know, is that she would never leave anypony hanging. Be it me, her friends and family, and any other pony that she believes needs help.”

“You’ve got that right, G.” A raspy yet feminine voice said from behind her. “I find it pretty flattering that you’d say all that awesome stuff about me. Especially since it’s all right on the bat.”

All four Kirin siblings jumped at the sound of the raspy voice speaking to them from behind them. Before they could even make an attempt to turn around, they all felt themselves being blown off of their feet. A prismatic trail shot out from in-between them, causing them to spiral across the air due from the sudden speed and force. Luckily, they were able to catch themselves in the air, before hovering back to the ground. Sheton took a bit longer to gain control of his own body, due to him having not been prepared for the sudden flying. He was eventually able to prevent himself from crashing face first into the ground, having not been caught off guard enough.

Once they all landed, they looked up to the pony, only to see them zooming through the sky at speeds that’d make even the most agile of royal guards jealous. All they could see of the pony was a large prismatic rainbow trail darting through the sky. The watched as it zoomed across the sky; exploding through the clouds and disintegrating them into nothing.

“Um, is that…Rainbow Dash?” Sheton asked, looking at his sisters in confusion.

“Obviously.” Came Goku’s snort of reply as she watched the rainbow trail tears its way through the sky, letting the wind from the force of the pony’s speed make her mane and tail blow.

When the last of the clouds were out, the rainbow trail slowed to where the pony in it could be seen. It was a full-blooded Pegasus like them, a mare, and was quite the sight to see. To Sheton though, she was unlike any Pegasus, that he had ever seen in his entire life, not in size, but certainly in appearance. So much so that even if this were the only time that he would ever see her, he would never be able forget any part of her features.

The Pegasus had a pale light grayish cerulean coat, as if the cyan sky had painted her in its bright endless color. She had a long and gorgeous mane and tail that had all colors only found in that of the rainbow, which seemed to shine in the light of the sun, despite its messy state. Her eyes were stunningly beautiful, her irises a moderate cerise magenta pink color, one of the rarest eye colors to ever been seen on a pony.

Her wings were very large, looking sharp, curved and sleek, like the wings of a falcon, having feathers that were the same colors as her mane and tail. All seven in them could be seen adorning most of the feathers, making a beautiful combination of cyan and prismatic feathers. Right where her wing thumbs were supposed to be, a long cerise dagger like wing thumb claws could be seen jetting out from her wings, looking ready to slice somepony up. While her hooves were not the same color as her fur, they were definitely the same color as her eyes. A circle of prismatic rings could be seen on the top center of her back. Her chest had a mass of prismatic feathers adorning it, and her Cutie Mark was of a cumulus white cloud. It also had a lightning bolt jetting out of it, having the colors moderate blue, sun yellow and ruby red.

“Hello Rainbow Dash, I see that you’ve decided to show and grace us with your awesome speed and precision.” Snowflake murmured, running a hoof through her cumulus. “Though, did you really have to give us that kind?”

“Eh, I could’ve done that too, but that was just too good of an opportunity to pass up!” Rainbow Dash said as she let out a raspy laugh. A set of fangs could be seen gleaming from her mouth, much to Sheton’s surprise. “You should’ve seen the looks on your faces! You were like a flock of headless ducks flying out of control!”

“Yes Dash, you certainly nearly scared the Cutie Marks off of us with that trick.” Midnight said dryly, gently bopping the cyan mare on the nose. “Still, try to hold back next time alright? You almost seriously injured us back there.”

“Heh, sorry…I guess I did go a little overboard with that last trick.” Rainbow Dash said, giving off a little shrug. “I’ve spent so much time honing my speed and abilities that I didn’t really have time for something so…not fast.”

“Yeah, sure you did. I’m sure that you’ll get a lot better with Pinkie Pie helping ya.” Goku snorted dryly, giggling as Rainbow’s face paled. The tan hybrid mare spread her left wing and pulled the cyan mare into a side hug. “Either way, it’s totally awesome to see you again Rainbow Dash. We can’t tell you how much that we missed you.”

“Yeah well, I sure didn’t…at least not as much as you did me. Also, that’s my line by the way.” Rainbow Dash replied, draping a wing over Goku, a fanged grin making its way to her own face.

Rainbow Dash, also going by Rainbow Aurora Dash Wisp, was the third mare in Goku’s close group of friends that she had met in Ponyville. She was also one of the two full blooded Pegasi out of her small group of foalhood friends. Like the Kirin siblings, Derpy and Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash wasn’t from Ponyville, but city of Cloudsdale, where Derpy was born as well. Goku had meet the cyan Pegasus as a filly the same day that she had met Derpy. Only their meeting was more subdued and less of a little crash fest.

Goku had come across Dash and a group of Pegasus foals that were ganging up on the cyan filly. The tan filly wasted no time coming to the filly’s aid, all but demanding that the other foals stop picking on her. To Rainbow’s surprise, the bullies actually backed down, but not before one of them challenged her to a race. They betted that if she won, then they’d leave Rainbow Dash alone, but if they one, then she’d leave instead. Goku gladly took the deal, declaring to both the bullies and Rainbow with firm conviction that she was going to win that race and blow them away. Against everypony’s expectations, Goku one, and the bullies were forced to retreat with their heads hanging low. Soon after, the three Kirin siblings spent some time with Rainbow Dash, and the feral filly found herself liking the Kirin more and more as the day went by.

As the years went by, Goku and Rainbow Dash’s friendship only grew stronger, the tan and cyan filly meeting up with each other whenever they could. Be to go to special events, having sleepovers, or simply having races both in Ponyville and in Cloudsdale. The tan hybrid mare grew to know Dash as a mare that loved to fly, not wanting to go the least bit slow for any reason necessary. Like Applejack, she was a pretty stubborn mare, and just as, if not even less even-tempered than she was, just as hot-blooded as the farmer was. This led to her getting into fights with other ponies all her life, mostly because of what other ponies were saying about her. While she has been taught to control it, she hadn’t really made a lot of improvement, especially in the sparing sessions she and Goku had.

Rainbow Dash also came from a clan, which was evident by her last name and the rainbow ring tattoo on her back. Only with her, her clan had powers that were more...alien-like and out of this world, so to speak. By that, it meant that Rainbows family had powers that literally belonged to a race of aliens that lived in the very fragment of outer space. With powers that were given to an ancient and legendary defender of Equestria. With it, they had the power to literally move at speeds that far exceeded that of a pony, drill holes in the ground, shoot into the air like rockets, give off unicorn-like magical blasts, go in bodies of armor, and give off explosive attacks. They even had the power to go into a form that was only used as a last resort along with being more…brutal in nature. To put it simply, it was quite a family that was a force to be reckoned with, though it was nothing compared to that of the Kirins.

Out of all the qualities Rainbow Dash had, there was one thing that she took great pride in having and admired in anypony that had it. Rainbow admired a pony’s loyalty to another, and encouraged and taught other younger ponies to always be loyal to those they loved. That was the one thing that Rainbow hated more than losing, along with ponies hurting those she cared about. That being when one pony betrayed another, especially for no obvious reason than for their own gain.

Her whole family shared the exact same feelings, which is why they held on and prospered for so long along with their allies. The one thing that Goku and Rainbow Dash respected about each other, and made their friendship strong. One that would continue to do so for as long as either of them lived.

“So what the hay are you guys doing here in Ponyville?” Rainbow Dash asked, pulling away from Goku. “Other than the Summer Sun Celebration that’s going on tonight, there’s not really anything awesome happening at the moment.”

“Well if you must know Rainbow Dash” Snowdrop began, “We’re actually planning to move back here to Ponyville right after the Summer Sun Celebration. Though the reason why we’re hear so early isn’t because we finished moving. The Queen chose us to be the supervisors for the celebration, with my sister taking the lead. We had already checked off Pinkie Pie and Applejack, and we would’ve gotten to you and the others sooner, had we not decided to stay for brunch with the rest of her family.” She sighed as her feathered bat wings ruffled. “Oh why did they have to make all that food so good?”

“I can see that you three haven’t changed a single but. Still having those big dragon-sized bellies I see.” Rainbow Dash chuckled flashing a grin at the three sisters. Before she could say anything else, she noticed Sheton, who was right next to Midnight. “Hey, who’s the kid you have with ya?”

Goku’s hoof met her face so hard and so fast that it was amazing that she didn’t knock herself out and into a coma. Slamming her hoof back down, she looked up at Rainbow Dash with a rather annoyed expression. “Are you bucking kidding me right now Dash? First, it’s Applejack and now it’s you?! Seriously, you have to have at least some inking of seeing my little brother at some point and time! At least Pinkie Pie made some attempt to remember that I had at least one more sibling with me!” She gave a sigh as a hard snort blew from her nostrils. “I guess I really shouldn’t be surprised. This sort of thing happens with you often but seriously, if you remember all of our, you could also remember my brother’s name too!”

“Wait…oh yeah! He’s that colt that we all went to see back at Canterlot when you told us he was due that day!” the cyan mare’s cerise eyes widened as recognition came to her expression, looking down at the colt with a little grin as she flew over and ruffled his mane. “I can still remember when we all saw him for the first time, couldn’t get over how big his wings were, or that he was even half Thestral. Even more than the fact that your own mom was a full blooded Thestral too!”

“Yeah, you totally made that obvious with asking my Mom two hundred times if she was really a Thestral.” Goku deadpanned. “Every time I think I’ve seen just how patient she can be…she went and pulled that move. Then again, I tend to do the same thing whenever I’m in her position. I really am rubbing off of her along with Sheton, aren’t I?”

“Heheheheh, yeah, I guess you are.” Rainbow Dash replied, patting Goku on her back. “Still, it’s nice to see your little bro again. Gotta admit, he’s pretty cute…almost as cute as my little sister Fire Flash…almost.”

Sheton didn’t really say anything on that, just staring at the cyan mare with a somewhat fearful look in his eyes. He shrank away from her as he retreated behind Midnight, his ears flattened against his head. Rainbow Dash raised a prismatic eyebrow, a little taken aback by the colt’s behavior, not yet knowing what had frightened him.

“Uh, what’s the matter with him?” she asked, looking over at the three mares. “Is he afraid of me or something?”

“I wouldn’t say that he’s afraid of you, necessarily…but afraid of what’s on you.” Midnight replied, pointing to the cyan mare’s wings. “Look at your wings sweetie.”

“My wings? What’s wrong with my-” Rainbow Dash asked, but stopped short when she took a look at her wings. A set of large long cerise claws could be seen jetting out from where her wing thumbs were. The prismatic maned mare jumped in surprise, involuntarily flared her wings out as she backed away from the four siblings.

“Whoa! What the buck are those doing out?!” A large fanged sheepish smile made its way Rainbow’s face as she rubbed the back of her head, “S-s-sorry, I-I didn’t know they were visible this whole time! I thought they were tucked into my wings when I left my cloud house today.”

“No, it’s alright dear.” Snowflake said, holding a hoof up. “We just wanted to let you know that you had a little problem with your wings, that’s all.”

“Damn it, no wonder the Weather Team was on edge around me today. Ugh, I really gotta learn how to control these things.” After retracting her wing claws, Rainbow folded hem back to her sides as if they were swords being put back into their sheaths. Once they were secure, she looked down at Sheton and gave him an apologetic smile. “Sorry about that squirt, I didn’t mean to scare you like that. I promise that I won’t happen again, forgive me?” She asked a sweat drop forming at the back of her head.

The stormy grey colt, seeing that the wing claws were no longer present, nodded slowly. Lifting shaky hoof to shake her’s for just a one solid second, before quickly retracting it. Rainbow Dash’s sheepish smile fell flat as she hung her head, a gloomy expression on her face as a gloomy cloud hovered over her. That was quickly banished when she felt Goku drape a wing over her back and smiled at her.

“It’s okay, Dash. We know you didn’t mean to scare out little brother.” She said looking down at her brother with a soft smile. “He was just a little taken aback by the claws he saw come out of your wings that’s all. He doesn’t hold it against you; though I think you should take yourself advice and making sure those claws of yours don’t show up at times where it isn’t needed.”

“Yeah, I can do that.” she nodded, her expression brightening a little. “Though it’s probably gonna take a long as time. Since I never really had any proper control over it since I was a filly.”

“So, Rainbow Dash,” Midnight began getting the cyan mare’s attention. “I heard something about you having a cloud house, what did you mean by that?”

To the mountain blue hybrid mare’s relief, Rainbow’s mood became positive again as she replied, “Oh yeah that’s right! I totally forgot to tell you guys! You know when we were fillies and teenagers that I always said that I’d get myself a nice big cloud mansion?”

“Oh yeah, we remember.” Goku nodded. “We remember how you went on and on about how you were going to get a house that was as cool as Rarity’s one day. Even cooler since it was going to be high in the clouds.”

“Well guess what?” Rainbow Dash asked, grinning excitedly. “When I moved her to Ponyville after getting a job on the Weather Team, I went to see Mayor Mare about any cloud houses that were for rent, and you will not believe what she showed me!”

Fighting back a squeal, she pointed out to the southeastern part of Ponyville, where a forested area could be seen. “That right there, right where I’m pointing is the awesomest most radical cloud house you’ll find! I mean, I knew that I’d get an awesome house, but I totally wasn’t expecting something like this!”

“Hmmm…yes, we can see it even from this far away. I can even see some structure to it, along with some rainbow waterfalls adorning it.” Midnight murmured as her sharp navy-blue eyes locked onto Rainbow’s cloud house. “Um, do you mind if we, um…take a closer look at it Dash? We have some time on us, and I think we can afford to take a little break before we have to do see the next pony.”

“That’s cool with me, I can totally take you guys if you want. All the more worth it to see the look on your faces when you when you actually see it.” Rainbow Dash giggled. “Plus, I have a couple other good friends of mine that’re watching it; ones that I think you’re gonna be real happy to see.”

With that, the cyan mare whirled around and shot off into the air, leaving a trail of prismatic colors in her wake. The Kirin siblings were not even a second behind her, as they too took off to the air, hot on Rainbow Dash’s trail.

All except for one that is.

Sheton was blown back by the combined force of all three of his sister’s used to take off into the air. He tumbled across the ground more than twenty feet away but managed to quickly recover and took back to here air. He noticed his hat lying only a foot away from him, and quickly grabbed it, before looking back up to see his sisters flying off.

“Hey, wait for me you guys!!” he yelled, spreading his own wings and taking off to the air after the other four Pegasi.

“Wow Rainbow Dash…you’ve really outdone yourself, haven’t you?” Goku asked as she stepped across the exterior of Rainbow Dash’s cloud house home. Each step she took made the cloud floor beneath her hooves give in somewhat and then inflate back into place. It made her feel like she was on a gigantic trampoline. “I haven’t seen a cloud house like this since those times we were at your parents’ house.”

I have to agree.” Snowflake nodded, giggling in amusement as Sheton bounce around on the front yard of the cloud house. “I’ve never felt a softer pair of clouds in all of my life.”

“It’s so big…almost as big as your family’s house!” Midnight said, looking around the cloud house exterior. “I can’t believe that you were even able to afford a house like this!”

Indeed, Rainbow Dash’s cloud house was quite a sight to behold, which wasn’t surprising due to her family being quite the wealthy one. The exterior of the cloud house looked more like a large towering mansion, and very wide in length. It had a large long cyan trail leading out to the large front yard of the cloud house, the left side having a little prismatic waterfall coming out of a large gaping hole. There was also a giant piece of cloud, which had a prismatic pond on top of it, the same color as Rainbow’s mane. The right side of the cloud house had another waterfall from a cloud that fell into one that was down below, connected to the house.

The block-like tower of the cloud house was cyan in color, with many windows carved into the house for all to look outside, having white pillars connected by large chunks of cloud that swirled both above and below the tower. The very top of the cloud house had the sculpture of a white stallion with a large magnificent pair of wings spread out for all to see. On the right side behind the cloud house, was a large prismatic rainbow that flowed right down to the large backyard of Rainbow Dash’s home.

“I know, it’s a pretty radical place isn’t it? What’d you expect? Did you honestly I’d get a house like the one’s in town?” The cyan mare asked, putting a magenta hoof to her chest. “As if! I need a place that’ll let me move around as much as I like!” She flared her wings out for emphasis as she extended her wings claws. “Plus, I need a place that doesn’t have deep slash marks in them if I accidentally slice the walls while doing my morning workouts.”

‘For some reason I feel like that’s the second biggest reason why she bought this place, so she won’t have to pay as much.’ Goku thought dryly. “Well Dash, it looks like you got a rather exquisite looking house here, just like you said you would.”

“Yep, I sure did! And you should’ve seen the look on Rarity’s face when she first saw me new home! She looked like she was going to fall on one of those dumbass fainting couches that she has!” Rainbow Dash nodded, holding back a fit of laughter. “Oh, it was so good! I’ve never seen anything more hilarious in my bucking life!”

“Of course you’d enjoy seeing flabbergasted looks on ponies faces when you prove them wrong and prove yourself right Dash.” Snowflake sighed, shaking her head. “You certainly have not changed a single bit dear…”

“Nope, you bet your sweet fanged ass I haven’t!” Rainbow Dash nodded, grinning widely. “And as long as I’m still in this awesome town, I’m still going to be known as the most awesomest hottest, and sexiest ass Pegasus ever!”

All of a sudden, there was a crash from the interior of the cloud house, making all four mares flinch and turn to the door. The sound of screaming and laughing could be heard from inside the house, along with some muffled indignant talking. Sheton, who had been bouncing on the clouds, stopped when he heard the sound, and looked up at Rainbow Dash.

“Uh, Miss Dash.” He began, brushing his mane away. “What was that sound? Did it come from inside your house.”

Rainbow Dash groaned, a hoof coming to her face as her ears flattened. “Ugh, yeah squirt, it did, and I think I know what, or rather, who, the buck it is that’s causing it!”

Before anypony could ask, Rainbow Dash turned around and bucked her door open before zooming inside, a very pissed off look on her face. Goku, Snowflake, and Midnight all looked at each other in perplexation, before flying into the house. Sheton, after a moment’s hesitation, followed after them, and all four of their jaws dropped at what they saw take place.

The interior of the Rainbow Dash’s cloud house looked to be just as glamorous as the exterior of it, with a cloud floor also inside of it. On the left side of the house was a red couch having a pillow and a pink blanket, with a few books a guitar, and a closet a few feet away from it. Next to that very same closet, was a large cloud staircase that led up to Rainbow Dash’s bedroom, with a hanger having a white coat and hat. Next to both appendages, was a large hallway leading into a rather large looking kitchen. On the right side of that hallway, was a large screen T.V. with a game system, and a huge purple family couch, having white clouds adorning it, with a large matching desk. At last, there a few or so posters adorning either part of the portion of the room on either side of the kitchen. Along with a symbol of the Moon hanging from the entrance of Rainbow Dash’s kitchen.

Despite all of the rather awesome things that was being presented in Rainbow Dash’s home, that was not what had the Kirin siblings gawking. Nor was it the thing that had Rainbow Dash looking like she was going to ring somepony’s neck.

What had them in such states was the fact that two Pegasus mares were flying around the cyan mare’s house. One of which looking scared out of her mind, while the other had a hungry and mischievous look in her eyes.

“Cloud Kicker, for the last time, we are not going to bang each other right here in Rainbow Dash’s home!” The first mare said, her tone filled with fright as she flew frantically around the cloud house. She had a pinkish grey coat that looked to be mostly white with closer inspection, and a brilliant cerise and grayish emerald green mane and tail. Her eyes were a beautiful brilliant cornflower blue, and her wings and tail feathers were a combination of her mane and eyes. Around Blossomforth’s neck, was the same dog-like collar and roseray that Derpy had, , and her Cutie Mark was of a red and blue flower. “We told her that we’d look after it while she was away, not stain the clouds even whiter than they already are!”

“Awww don’t be such a party pooper Blossomforth, it’s just gonna be a quickie that’s all!” The other Pegasus mare, Cloud Kicker said slyly a predatory grin plastered onto her face. She had a pale persian blue coat, with an amber yellow mane and tail that had a light-yellow streak in them. Her eyes were a grayish cerise color and she had the same color and chain hanging from her neck like Blossomforth. Only with her, it was in the shape of a dragon winged wolf, and her Cutie Mark was of a cloud with a sun in front of it. “And you and I both know what a quickie is!”

“Of course I do; at least for you! It means pinning me down and plowing me senseless until the Sun comes up! With a banana of all things!” Blossomforth retorted, hovering above Cloud Kicker. “Do you seriously wanna take the risk of Rainbow slicing us to bits because you wanna use me as your buck toy?!”

“Maybe I do, maybe I don’t.” Cloud Kicker chuckled, twirling the banana in her hoof. “Either way, it’d be worth the risk to see that cute face of yours go into a tomato!”

Blossomforth’s face erupted into a massive blush. “Goddammit Cloud Kicker…why do you have to be so sexually driven all the bucking time?”

“’Cause I’m one of the most sexually active ponies alive, that’s why.” Cloud Kicker giggled, flashing Blossomforth mare a toothy grin. “I proved it to you when we were teens, in Cloudsdale Magic College and long before we started working for Dash. And I’ll prove it to you again right here right now if you want.”

“Uh, c-could it at least wait until we get back to your place?” Blossomforth asked timidly as she slowly hovered away from Cloud Kicker. “R-Rainbow said that she’d be bag in twenty minutes, a-and it’s almost that time. S-she could be arriving here at any minute now…!”

“That’s fine with me. You know how I love it when somepony’s watching me get it on.” Cloud Kicker said, pressing her forehead directly against Blossomforth’s. “Who knows, maybe Boss will want to join us. I certainly wouldn’t be against it.” She brushed the banana against the other mare’s cheeks, causing them to grow a darker shade of red. “And I know deep down, you wouldn’t be either.”

“In that case why don’t I do just that?”

Both mares went as still as clouds in the air, the only thing on them making any sort of movement being their wings. Slowly turning around, they found themselves staring into the gleaming magenta eyes of Rainbow Dash, who looked like she was going to slice their throats open.

“Oh uh…h-h-hey Rainbow Dash.” Cloud Kicker said, her sensual mischievous tone turning to into one of terror and timidity. “W-welcome back home…w-we…we were just-”

“About to buck each other into my couch until its painted white?!” Rainbow Dash shouted baring her fangs. “Seriously, what the bucking hay is wrong with you two?! I go away for at least twenty minutes and this is what I find?! You two about to grind each other’s asses until you can’t walk?!”

Blossomforth’s mouth fumbled for words. “N-now Dash, i-it isn’t what it looks like-!”

“Shut, up! Just shut your sorry asses up! I don’t wanna here another bucking word!” Rainbow Dash shouted, holding a hoof up as she used the other to rub her forehead. “Just…warn me the next time you guys are gonna pull some crap like this alright? I seriously don’t wanna come home and see my couch all white and covered in a funky smell.”

“What does she mean by that?” Sheton asked, looking up at his older sisters. “The couch is on top of the cloud floor, and I don’t smell anything funky.”

“We’ll tell you when you’re older sweetie.” Goku murmured, smiling slightly at her little brother. “Trust me, the wait will be worth it.”

“We’re sorry Rainbow Dash.” Blossomforth said, hanging her head dejectedly. “I tried to stop her, but she just wouldn’t listen. She was so insistent on taking me that she didn’t think about how you would take this.”

“Didn’t you hear what I just said?!” Cloud Kicker shouted, glaring daggers at the pinkish grey Pegasus. “I said that she could join us whenever she wanted! I was trying to make sure that she didn’t feel left out if she wanted to have a go with both of us!”

“Yes, except we’d be doing it in her home without her permission!” Blossomforth retorted, pouting at the persian blue mare. “I know that Dash can be hospitable and all, but even she’d like us to ask her before we do something like…like this!”

Cloud Kicker giggled. “Well, we did ask her if we could crash over at her place, so…that kind of counts.”

“No it doesn’t!” Rainbow Dash shouted, a tick mark appearing on her forehead. A sigh escaped her throat as she snorted. “Anyway, if you two are done trying to eat each other’s asses out, I have a few new guests. I was going to find you sometime before the Summer Sun Celebration to introduce you to them, but since you’re here, I might as well-”

A squeal got Rainbow Dash’s off as Blossomforth soared passed the cyan mare and tackled her to the floor in a hug. Goku laughed as the pinkish grey mare hugged her tightly around her barrel and nuzzled their cheeks together.

“Well, I see the Flower Filly of Cloudsdale is happy to see me again.” The tan hybrid mare said, chuckling a bit as she hugged Blossomforth back. “Still, you could’ve held back a bit though. You almost shot me out of the door.”

“I’m sorry Goku. I’m just so happy to see that your back here in Ponyville again!” Blossomforth giggled, nuzzling her nose against Goku’s. “I haven’t seen you Snowflake, or Midnight in the last four years! It feels like it’s been forever!”

“Same here, we were wondering how long it would take before we’d get to see you and Cloud Kicker again.” Snowflake chuckled as her sister and Blossomforth both got up. “You two are looking quite well. I can see that you’ve become quite the lookers since we last saw each other.”

“We could say the same to you too Snowflake.” Cloud Kicker said sultrily as she walked up to the three mares. Her greyish cerise eyes scanned each other bodies, taking in the slenderness and curves on top of the well tone muscles they had. “All three of you have become quite the hotties ever these last four years, even more so than even I thought possible.”

“Well, we are members of the Secret Magic Clans of Equestria Cloud Kicker.” Blossomforth giggled. “Along with intense amounts of magical power, we also gain looks that would make other mares and stallions envious. So, we more or less should’ve been expecting it…but I admit, they do look very beautiful.”

“And you’re saying that you two don’t look the same?” Goku asked, wrapping a foreleg around Blossomforth. “I seem to recall you saying that you were going to become as beautiful as any other Rosario in your family.” She ran a hoof across Blossomforth’s cheeks a sultry look coming to her eyes. “And it looks like you succeeded my dear Blossom.”

Blossomforth blushed, smiling bashfully as Goku slowly and sensually rubbed her cheek against her own. “W-well…I-I was always insecure about my looks, a-and I always wanted to feel at least a little bit pretty. S-so…I did all I could to make sure that I did, and, well…here I am.”

“Oh Blossom, you don’t need to fell so self-conscious about your looks.” Cloud Kicker said, coming on the pinkish grey Pegasus’s side and brushing her tail under her chin. “Even if you don’t have a whole lot of outside beauty, you still have it inside of you. And it’s what’s inside that truly counts.”

“Y-yeah, I know.” Blossomforth said timidly as Midnight draped a wing over her. “Thanks Cloud Kicker.”

Blossomforth and Cloud Kicker were two other ponies that the Kirin Thestral sisters had met, coming from the exact same city as Derpy and Rainbow Dash. While their meeting wasn’t as active as it was with the former or unpleasant as it was with the latter, it was certainly a big surprise. One that Blossomforth would rather not discuss for the sake of not being embarrassed or teased by Cloud Kicker. The three sisters had run into the two as fillies after catching them being rather close to one another in ways left for ponies at least several years older. This also led to a rather awkward conversation between the five flyers that soon ended in them accepting the three siblings’ hooves in friendship.

As the Goku and the two other flyers grew, the tan mare and her sisters came to know Blossomforth as a mare that was a caring and always concerned for the safety of others around her. She had a very sweet side to her, her honied words able to draw almost anypony towards her and melt even the iciest of hearts and warm them. As with any Rosario, she had a motherly side to her, showing just how good she was with kids, making her a suitable foalsitter for anypony in Ponyville. Blossomforth was also a mare that loved being around nature as evident by her Cutie mark, also having quite the way with animals.

She had a loyal side to her that was as powerful as Rainbow Dash’s, not being one to abandon those that were clearly in need, and very kind hearted as well. Blossomforth also had a rather affectionate side to her, and loved showering foals in it, as she had a fondness for them as strong as that of animals. She could be a bit on the timid side, pretty nervous about meeting someone new for the first time. Despite her slight meekness, when the moment called for it, she could be very stern and firm, letting those around her to watch their step.

Cloud Kicker was a mare who was more laid back then Blossomforth, but was by no means any less kinder than she was. With her though, she was more on the sultry and sensual side, a pony that really likes getting rather personal with ponies that caught her eye. She was very cool and collected, not one to get angered very easily, able to blow off almost anything ponies said about her. Like Blossomforth, she also loved foals, and could be rather fiercely protective of them if she really wanted to, even if those foals aren’t really her’s. Cloud Kicker was also quite the sharp mare too, even if she didn’t really show it, and one who really new to be serious when the moment called for it. This made her quite efficient in the work that she did in the Cloudsdale Weather Factory, and somepony to look to for problems like weather management.

As with Rainbow Dash, Blossomforth and the Kirin Thestral siblings Cloud Kicker came from a clan that was not exactly as known as Goku and her friends own. It was one where ponies had the abilities to transform into either half breeds or full breeds of feral wild dogs, with senses of smell, sight and hearing, feeling, and taste that would be the equivalent of that of an entire back. Their connection to the earth would also be on par with that of the strongest Earth Pony, and were even able to dig and drill their ways through the ground like a mole. As if that wasn’t enough, this particular species of dog they could turn into allowed them to eat gems, and drain them of their magic power to increase their own. They also had another type of power hidden in the necklace she wore, similar to Blossomforth, Derpy and Goku’s own. One that was, despite the incredible power, only used as a last resort due to the destruction it left behind. If they were lucky, they wouldn’t have to use it, but when they did, may Faust have mercy on those who’re in the middle of it.

“Ahem! If the five of you are done being all mushy towards each other…” Rainbow Dash said, letting out a big cough. “…there’s somepony else that I think you should meet.”

The cyan mare tilted her head to the side, making the two Pegasus mares look in that direction as well. A gasp escaped Blossomforth as she and Cloud Kicker took notice of Sheton, who was busying himself with bouncing on the cloud floor. He didn’t take notice of the two mares staring at him, due to how much fun he was having, but when he did, he froze.

“O-oh, um…hello there.” He said, his timidity taking over as he shrunk away. “I-I’m sorry I didn’t say anything…I was, um…distracted.”

“Well hello there, sweetie!” Blossomforth cooed, walking over and crouching down in front of the colt. She made sure to keep just far away from Sheton, so he wouldn’t feel nervous or scared by her. “What’s your name?”

Sheton poked his hooves together, his mane spilling over his face as he smiled shyly at the pinkish blue mare. It took him a moment to reply, since was so transfixed at the gentleness in Blossomforth’s eyes and the sweetness in her tone, but he managed to reply back. “M…m-my name is Sheton…S-Sheton Nightstalker Shenron. I-I’m Goku, Snowflake, a-and Midnight’s little b-brother.”

“Oh, you’re their brother, are you?” Blossomforth asked, sitting on her haunches in front of Sheton. The colt blushed as the mare’s chest fur puffed out and bounced as she tucked her forelegs in between her hindlegs. “Well you certainly do have the appendages that show it…and you are an adorable little one!”

“Y-you…really think I’m cute?” Sheton asked, looking up at Blossomforth. “You’re not bothered by my appearance?”

Blossomforth shook her head, her smile as gentle as ever. “No, of course I’m not baby. I’ve known your sisters ever since I was a filly! I’ve long since gotten used to the fact that they’re Thestrals, so I’m not bothered that you’re one too.” She giggled, her watermelon mane bouncing slightly along with her chest fluff. “What I am surprised by the fact is that they have a little brother. One I had no idea about!”

“Same here. Not one time did I get any mentioning that they were gonna have a little brother.” Cloud Kicker said, looking down at the colt for a moment before looking over at his three sisters. “In fact, for a second there I thought that he was one of your foals.”

A look of bemusement came over Goku’s features. “And what, may I ask, gave you any indication that Sheton was my son?”

“Well, why wouldn’t I think that?” Cloud Kicker asked, tilting her head. “I mean look at him; the overly long mane and tail, the way he was standing beside you, and the fact that you look old enough to be his mom. It’s not too hard for ponies to think that you two are mother and son.”

“Okay, first of all Midnight and Goku both have extended manes, a habit that G may have picked up from her, no offense.” Rainbow Dash deadpanned. “Second of all, Goku is twenty-two years old, way too young to be the kid’s mom! Third, how does the way he was standing next to G give any hint that Sheton is Goku’s son?!”

“Well, you never really know Rainbow Dash.” Cloud Kicker replied giving a little shrug. “There are many foals that hang around adult ponies in a way that makes it seem like they’re parent and child. I took notice of with him and Goku a few moments ago and they looked to be with each other in a way that made it look like she was his Mom. Not that I was saying that Goku was the little cuties mom, but…just a hunch.”

“A hunch…” Snowflake muttered, giving a half-lidded stare at the persian blue mare. “…right.”

“Either way,” Cloud Kicker continued, looking back down at Sheton. “I have to say one thing, he’s certainly a little sight to see. I think this is the second time that I’ve seen somepony that looks like a Thestral, even if they are half of it.” She hovered closer and stopped just in front of the colt, slightly closer than Blossomforth was. A small grin came to her face as she looked him over, her eyes taking in all of his features. “Hmmm…yeah, he’s totally a cute one, and he looks even more so with that large hat on his head. And those fangs…they look pretty long and sharp too…interesting…”

Blossomforth glanced over at Cloud Kicker, her blue eyes narrowed. “Cloud, if you’re thinking what I think you’re thinking-”

“No I’m not, relax there Blossom! I was just having a look at him that’s all.” Cloud Kicker said, patting the pinkish grey mare on her head. She then turned back to Sheton, a sultry, yet gentle smile on her face. “So little cutie, whatcha doing here with your big sisters in a big town like this? You lookin’ for any cute little fillies ya wanna hook up and spend a night with?”

“Cloud!” Blossomforth chided sharply.

‘Oh great, another mare who wants to tease me about fillies! Just my luck!’ Sheton thought dejectedly as he internally whined. “U-um, no, not really. I’m actually here with my sisters to help them supervise the Summer Sun Celebration…a-and…see if I can make any friends.”

“Make friends?” Blossomforth asked, blinking in surprise. “Are you meaning to say that you don’t have any friends back where you’re from?”

Sheton shook his head sadly, looking up at Blossomforth with a look of gloominess. “I do, but it’s only two or three friends. one is a Kirin like me, the others is a Thestral, while the other is a hybrid of two of the three Pony Tribes. Other than those three, I don’t have any friends at the school that I go to, a-and those that do talk to me are either bullies or those that tell me to stay away from them.” Tears built up in the colt’s eyes as he sniffled. “N-nopony else wanted to be my friend, and no matter how hard I try, it never worked. B-because…because they’re too afraid of p-ponies like me!”

A gut-wrenching whimper left Sheton as he closed his eyes, one of his hooves making its way to his face to brush away his tears. His three sisters and Rainbow Dash all looked down at the colt with sympathetic eyes, feeling their hearts break at the sight. Blossomforth, unable to take seeing the colt sad any longer, reached over and pulled him into a warm hug.

“Oh, you poor baby! It’s okay…there there, don’t cry.” She cooed softly as she rubbed his back, letting him cry into her shoulder. “It’s okay, I know how hard it is to be befriended by somepony because of what you are. Don’t worry, you’ll find somepony who’ll be your friend! You just need to search for the right ones who will.”

“Blossom’s right kiddo.” Cloud Kicker said, gingerly brushing the colt’s tears away. “Trust me, we know how you feel. We were the same way when we were your age, having trouble finding ponies who’ll accept us for who they are. I admit, it sucked big time, and we had those lame moments where we thought we wouldn’t find any friends. Still, we didn’t let that stop us, we stuck through thick and thin, toughed it out, and soon enough, me and Blossomforth found each other. So don’t worry, it may not seem like it will now, but trust me, you’ll find a group of friends who be just fine with ya. And if they don’t, well, then it’s their loss for judging ponies by their appearance.”

“That’s a good point there Cloud.” Midnight. “Speaking of which, you did happen to meet a couple of sweet little fillies earlier this morning, didn’t you little brother? They saw that you were a half Thestral and Kirin and neither of them were bothered by it. In fact, they seemed to be rather fascinated by it! You didn’t forget that, did you?”

Sheton sniffled, pulling his head away from Blossomforth’s shoulder as he shook his head. “N-no, I didn’t…I’m sorry sis. I-I was just reliving some bad memories of when I was going to the school in Canterlot that’s all. I’m sorry that I lost it back there.”

“That’s okay sweetheart, everypony needs a good cry every now again.” Blossomforth said kindly, kissing the colt on his forehead. “It always makes me feel better in the end, even if it leaves you with itchy eyes and a nasty headache. But still, Cloud Kicker’s point still stands; in time you’ll gain a lot of friends who’ll except you for who you are. And if they can’t get over their fear of you being a Thestral or a Kirin, then too bad for them…they’ll have no idea what they’re missing out on.” Her ears perked as her smile widened slightly. “Hey, me and Cloud Kicker could be your friends if you want!”

“Y…you do?” Sheton asked, sniffling slightly. “Y-you want to be my friends?”

“Yeah, if you want…like Blossom said, the friends that do count are the ones who’ll get past the bat fangs and scaly skin.” Cloud Kicker said, smiling at the stormy grey colt. “And luckily for you, we’re one of those ponies, especially since we share the same pain. So whaddya say little cutie? You want these two beautiful hot sexy assed mares as friends for a cute handsome little stud like you?”

“Did you really have to say sexy assed?” Rainbow Dash asked, raising an eyebrow at the persian blue mare. “What’re you trying to do, seduce the poor kid?”

“Yeah Cloud, he’s embarrassed enough already.” Blossomforth nodded, holding the colt close to her chest. “Don’t make it any worse by teasing and flirting with him.”

“Oh, like you’re one to talk.” Cloud Kicker snorted dryly, playfully punching the pinkish grey mare on his shoulder. “I wasn’t the one whose chest popped out when you greeted the kid.”

“Nor was I the one who made it look like I was coming onto him!” Blossomforth retorted. “I mean, honestly Cloud Kicker, were you trying to make the poor baby die of embarrassment!”

“No, I just wanted to let him know that he can always come to us whenever he feels like he needs somepony to talk to or hangout with.” Cloud Kicker replied, grinning slyly as she looked back down at Sheton. “And if he wants…maybe spend a night over with us and have some fun together.”

“Okay, now I know you are trying to seduce him!” Rainbow Dash snapped, a tick mark appearing on her forehead. “I can see it all over that dumb bitchy sly ass grin of yours!”

The persian blue mare batted her eye lashes innocently. “I don’t know what you mean. Why dumb bitchy sly ass grin are you talking about? I’m not planning anything even remotely inappropriate or embarrassing for our new little friend here whatsoever. Just telling him he’s always got friend in me and Blossom anytime! Nope, nothing mischievous here!”

“Inappropriate? No. Embarrassing? Abso-bucking-lutely.” Goku snorted. “You are such a liar Cloudy.”

“Actually, you know what? I think that’d be kind of nice.” Sheton replied, gaining both mare’s attention again. “T-the only other adult friends that I’ve had are my parents, my sisters and a couple of her friends too. I-I know I should have friends my own age, but it’d be nice to have a few adult friends too. P-plus, I’ll have somepony to go to and keep me safe if none of my sisters are around or if I’m in danger or something.”

“So I’d take that as a yes then?” Blossomforth asked, tilting her head to the side. At the colt’s nod, Blossomforth’s expression brightened before hugging the colt again. “Wonderful! I’m so happy that you’re letting us be your friends Sheton! I promise, I’ll treat you like any other pony would treat another here in this town!”

“That’s right.” Cloud Kicker said, booping Sheton on his nose. “And if anypony give you any trouble, give us the signal, and we’ll rip their little throats out with our bare teeth.”

Sheton gulped, his face flushing blue. “Uh is that supposed to be your own way of promising you’ll keep me safe or that anypony who tries to hurt me is dead meat?”

“Both.” Cloud Kicker winked. “And a sign that any little filly or mare that tries to take advantage of you in some way, they’re dead meat too.”

“Like how you try to seduce me in bed and plow me until your bed is covered in different types of juices?” Blossomforth asked, raising a watermelon eyebrow at the persian blue mare.

Cloud Kicker deadpanned. “You know what I meant.”

“Anyway, now that we’ve got all of the seducing and banging talk out of the way…” Rainbow Dash sighed, flying over to the trio and landing next to them. “So kiddo, you said you’re here with your big sisters to see if you can make some friends huh? Well, I think I may know somepony who’ll be the perfect fit for you.”

“You do?” Sheton asked curiously. “Who’s that?”

Wordlessly, Rainbow Dash zoomed off up the stairs and into the left hallway leading further upstairs. Just two seconds later, she came back down holding out a picture of what looked to be here giving a foal a noogie. Upon closer inspection, he could see that the foal was a Pegasus, a filly, with the reddest fur that he had ever seen as if it was that of blood. She had a mane and tail with a combination of orange, yellow, and red, giving of a fiery look to it, amplified by her blazing golden yellow eyes. No Cutie Mark was adorned on her flank, though she did have some bandages wrapped around her forehooves.

“Is this her?” Sheton asked putting his hoof on the picture.

“You bet, squirt! This is Fire Flash, the bestest little sister that I could ever ask for!” Rainbow Dash asked, beaming proudly as she turned the picture around and hugged it to her feathered chest. “I always wanted a little sis who not only looked up to me, but wanted to be just like me too! I couldn’t have asked for a better family or sister than my own!”

“Well she certainly is an adorable little one, isn’t she?” Midnight asked, smiling at the cyan mare’s reaction. “Something tells me that she’s gonna be a beautiful mare someday.”

“Well, I wouldn’t really say beautiful…because that just sounds girly, and you know how I hate mushy and girly things.” Rainbow Dash said, putting a hoof to her mouth and faking a gag. “I would say, she’ll be totally awesomely hot and radically sexy! With an even sexier ass to boot! That’s what I would say at least.”

“Oh, is that so?” Cloud Kicker chuckled. “And you’re saying that I don’t have a sexy ass? One so good that it can take a shit ton of spankings?”

“Shut it you.” Rainbow Dash hissed, eyes flashing as she glared at the persian blue mare. With a huff, the cyan mare turned to look back down at Sheton, only to see him staring at the picture with wonder. Her scowl slowly turned into a smirk as she put a foreleg roughly around the hybrid colt’s shoulder.

“What’s up there, little guy?” She asked teasingly. “You thinkin’ about hookin’ up with my awesome little sis when you’re older? ‘Cause of what I said about her bein’ hot and all?”

Sheton’s head snapped up so fast that his hat flew off. “No, that’s not true in the least!” he replied with a totally unconvincing smile on his face. “In fact…she’s not really my type…like at all.”

“Oh really?” Goku asked with a chuckle. “Then why were you constantly blushing around Apple Bloom and Melon Cake and giving them a dreamy expression when they weren’t looking?”

Sheton whipped his head around and glared hard at the tan mare. “Don’t you dare bring that up!” He shouted with a hiss, before turning back to Dash. “A-anyway, like I said, she’s totally not my type! I-I’m not really into the um…fillies that are feisty and full of s-spunk…

“Uh-huh, sure you’re not…” Rainbow Dash nodded grinning widely at the colt’s blushing face. “It’s okay, I don’t really blame you. She’s just too awesome, I know, which should be expected coming from a family like mine. Don’t worry, It’s totally cool with me if you want to date her when the time comes, cause with how hot she’s gonna get when she’s my age, I find it hard to believe you wouldn’t want to.”

Her expression suddenly became serious and stern as she leaned in closer to the colt. “I will say this though, if you are planning’ to hook up with my sister, then you’d better work yourself to the bone to make her feel like the happiest filly alive. Fire Flash made a fine group of friends since going to school here, and if there’s one thing that she won’t forgive so easily, is any of them betraying her, unless they had no choice. I love Fire Flash even more than I do my own mom and pop, and the last thing that I want is to see her hurt. And I won’t let anypony get away with that.” She said, lightly probing her hoof into his chest. “Not even cute fire breathing little colts like you.”

A cough made Rainbow Dash look over, and felt herself inwardly quivering at the piercing gazes directed at her by Sheton’s sisters. They didn’t even need to say anything to let the mare know that she should chose her words carefully, least she get burned to a crisp. Heading the warning, she looked back down at the colt with a softer look, and continued more calmly. “What I mean is, if you’re planning to be friends or something more with Fire Flash, then you’d better be by her side to the bitter end, as friends should do. Or else you and I are gonna be having a very uncool talk, are we clear?”

“C-c-crystal!” Sheton squeaked quietly. “I-I promise that I’ll-”

“That being said.” Rainbow Dash continued. “I’m also going to be expecting the same thing from Fire Flash when she meets you too. Meaning she’d better stick by you as much as you’ll do for her in the future, or else she’s gonna be getting it from me. To put it more simply, you both had better be there for each other and be by one another’s side, or else you’re both gonna be getting an uncool talk for me. You got that?”

Sheton, after getting over his surprise at what Rainbow Dash had said, nodded slowly. “I…yes Dash…I promise, on my Kirin honor, that I’ll always be there for F-Fire Flash. Especially when times get tough, e-especially when we’re in battle.”

“Good, glad to hear it.” Rainbow Dash said, brightening as she gave the colt a noogie. “I think you and I are gonna be really cool from now on.”

“Real cool, huh?” Cloud Kicker murmured to Blossomforth. “I wonder what she means by that.”

Blossomforth slapped her shoulder with a wing. “Shush you…”

Rainbow Dash stood back up and gave a little stretch, before sighing and looking back out at the window. Her eyes widened when she saw the sun was almost halfway down the horizon. “Oh buck me in the ass! You guys gotta go, the sun’s almost halfway across the sky and you still have like, two more ponies to meet before your supervision is complete!”

Goku gasped as her feathered bat wings flared out. “Oh man, I completely forgot this time! Dammit, I really need to stop getting so bucking sidetracked!” Running over, she pulled Sheton into her forelegs before making a beeline for the door. “See you later one tonight, Rainbow Dash! Say hi to your folks for me!” The tan hybrid mare yelled over her shoulder as she and her siblings flew out the door. “Bye Blossomforth, Cloud Kicker! See you at the Summer Sun Celebration too!”

“See ya! Don’t worry, I totally will!” Rainbow Dash called back, landing just outside her door.

“Bye Snowflake, Midnight, Goku! See you all later tonight!” Blossomforth called out, waving an enthusiastic hoof. “By Sheton! It was nice meeting you sweetie!”

“By Blossomforth, Cloud Kicker!” Sheton squeaked back. “It was nice meeting you too!”

“Oh those three, they haven’t changed one bit.” Cloud Kicker sighed, shaking her head. “Still the same old ponies they were four years ago…especially that Goku…the scary part of her too.”

“Heh, no they have not.” Rainbow Dash said, shaking her head. “It sure brings back memories doesn’t it? Having those three here with us all the time back in Cloudsdale…ugh, I’m getting all mushy just thinking about it!”

“Come on Rainbow, you know you love those memories.” Blossomforth giggled, smiling fondly at Rainbow Dash. “All those times you used to race Goku and her sisters and go to all those special flying events. It makes you feel as if you were just a filly yourself again doesn’t it?”

Rainbow Dash stared at the pinkish grey mare for a moment, before letting a little chuckle. “Heheh…yeah, I does…I admit those were some awesome times those were. Looking back on all that, I don’t think I have any regrets either. Those were the days they were…being able to fly wild and free, race all of those punks, and show why the Pegasi are the masters of the skies!”

“Yeah yeah Dash, we know…you were the awesomest filly in Cloudsdale. You don’t need to keep rubbing it in every time you talk about it.” Cloud Kicker said rolling her eyes. “Jeez, Fire Flash really does take after you.”

“You better believe she does! She is one awesome little filly, and the both of you know it!” The cyan mare boasted, puffing her chest out. “And by the time both she and G’s little bro meet each other he’s gonna think it too! Along with how incredibly drop dead hot she is! I can’t wait to see the look on his face when he sees-”

Rainbow Dash stopped abruptly as her sister’s name came back to her, her cerise eyes widening as a horrified expression came to her face. All the color left her face as the bottom of her stomach dropped like a Pegasus shot out of the sky.

“Um…Rainbow Dash?” Blossomforth asked worriedly. “Is there something wrong?”

The next words that came out of Rainbow’s mouth were said with such intensity that Blossomforth and Cloud Kicker jumped back a full ten feet. “Oh BUCK ME, FIRE FLASH!! I was supposed to pick her up two hours ago! Son of a bitch! She’s gonna be so pissed at me for making her wait, I gotta dash there NOW!”

Flaring her falconoid wings, she took off into the air, creating a powerful shockwave that blew back the clouds on her front yard. She only got twenty feet away before she stopped, and looked back down at Blossomforth and Cloud Kicker.

“Blossom, CK, sorry about cutting this short, but I have to go and pick up my little sis! You guys mind watching my house until I get back!”

“You got it boss!” Cloud Kicker replied, giving the cyan mare a salute. “Take all the time you need! Me and Blossom will keep it nice and clean!”

‘That is if you don’t try to bed me in her home first.’ Blossomforth thought, glancing at the persian blue mare with a slight blush. ‘Again…’

As if reading Blossomforth’s mind, Rainbow Dash bared her fangs and growled, “You’d better, cause if I come back and find even and inkling of you two bucking each other on my couch, I can assure you that it’s gonna take a major cut out of your paychecks! And you’ll be lucky if I do just that instead of going to Manager Silver Speed and telling her about what I caught you guys doing back at the Weather Factory! You got that?!”

“Y-yes ma’am!” Blossomforth squeaked, nodding rapidly as Cloud Kicker paled. “We promise, we don’t do anything sexual in your house while you’re away!”

“Good.” Rainbow Dash said nodding in satisfaction. “Alright, gotta go! Catch you guys later; I’ll be back in ten minutes flat!”

“See ya boss, we’ll be waiting right here!” Cloud Kicker shouted as the cyan mare zoomed off towards Cloudsdale. “Well, that was a rather pleasant meeting wasn’t it? Blossom?”

“Yeah, it sure was…never thought I’d see Goku and her sisters on a day like this.” Blossomforth nodded, sighing pleasantly. “Still, it’s great all the same to see them again. Including on this day…I can only imagine what the party will be like.”

“I bet that it’s going to be one hay of a bucking fest.” Cloud Kicker laughed as they walked back in Rainbow Dash’s house. “Speaking of which…you wanna release any pent-up energy you may have before tonight? It’s gonna be really early that we have to wake up, and we’re gonna need all the relaxation we can get.”

Blossomforth paused, looking at the persian blue mare with a nervous expression. “What do you mean by ‘relaxation’?”

Cloud Kicker said nothing, that same predatory grin from earlier coming to her face as her eyes gleamed. Immediately, Blossomforth got the hint, and she took off inside the house before Cloud Kicker could even grab her.

“NO, NO! WE WILL NOT BANG! I TOLD YOU THAT IS OFF LIMITS RIGHT NOW!” She screamed as Cloud Kicker shut the door behind them. “DIDN’T YOU HEAR WHAT DASH SAID?!”

“Oh I heard her loud and clear Blossom.” Cloud Kicker said sweetly, locking the door behind her. “She specifically told us that she’d better not catch us bucking each other on her couch, or else she’d go to Speedy.”

“E-exaclty!” The pinkish grey mare squeaked as she backed up against the wall. “S-so why are you risking that right now? E-epescially when Rainbow Dash knows what we were up to during our break two weeks ago?”

“Because, while boss said that we couldn’t buck each other on her couch…” Cloud Kicker replied as she sensually stalked. “…she said nothing about is banging on the nice soft cloud couch.”

Blossomforth paled, her pupils contracting. “Oh no…”

“Oh yes.” Cloud Kicker giggled, her grin growing wider. “…and while Dash is gone, we can take those ten minutes that she’s a away, nice…and…slow.”

“Cloud Kicker I swear to Natura herself, if you don’t get that banana away from me, I will give you a full dose of the Solar Stare!” Blossomforth hissed, her hind legs shaking as her face went beet red. Her brilliant blue eyes flashed a golden orange for a split second, her teeth bared as they seemed to elongate. “I’ll do it!”

“Go on and do it Blossom, it won’t matter to me. It’ll make you all the hotter when I take you as my own!” Cloud Kicker said, her own eyes flashing as she got within pouncing distance of Blossomforth. “Now, come to Mama Kicker and let me hear you scream!”

“AIEEEEEEEEEEE!!!”

Author's Notes:

And now we have the sixth newly edited chapter of the Guardians of Harmony, with everypony's favorite flyer and creator of the Sonic Rainboom! Now, I know some of you may be wondering why I had added our dear sweet Blossomforth and our sexually active ass Cloud Kicker here in this chapter, and well...here's the thing. Since I had more or less done a proper spotlight of the two, along with Silver Speed, something that I'm still not sure was the appropriate thing to do, I felt that it would make more sense for them to be with Rainbow Dash. Since she not only seemed to know these two, but, form the stories that I've read, they seem to be good friends...not as close as Rainbow Dash is with the rest of the girls, but close enough that they're not just work partners and acquaintances. At least enough to the point where they visit each other and hang out with each other, other than at work whenever they're on their breaks or something like that.

In the last version of this, I didn't introduce them until later on in the battle of Nightmare Moon, along with Silver Speed, who I am presuming is Silver Spoon's mother or sister, and that was more or less hard for me to do. Looking back over that, I felt that this version would be more fit, especially since in this one, I wouldn't just be talking about Rainbow Dash, just like how I wasn't just talking about Pinkie Pie and the cakes in that special edition of her chapter. This one feels a lot more better than it did last time I walked about everypony's favorite watermelon maned and sex obsessed Pegasus, especially since I showed a bit of what they're relationship is like...at least to those who really truly know them.

Well, that's that for this chapter; next up is the newly edited version of everypony's favorite fashionista with a little sweet belle in the addition.

Chapter 7 - Generous Gems and Melodic Belles

Despite the fact that Rainbow Dash’s cloud house wasn’t too far from Ponyville, the Kirin Thestral siblings still got there in a rush. The Sun was only just hallway across the sky, meaning there was still time for them to complete their task. In their haste, Goku had a little run in with more than a few trees, leading to her getting lots of scratches and cuts by the branches, and getting a very disheveled mane. Luckily for her Sheton was able to get out of the way of danger and, trying to get his sister to stop, but ultimately failed. It was only when she was reminded by Snowflake that the celebration did not begin until later tonight that she finally calm down. However, that didn’t stop her from being gently scolded by Midnight for hurting herself like that. Nor did it stop the tan Pegasus from chastising herself for her forgetfulness.

“I am such a bucking idiot.” Goku chastised herself repeatedly, her tail lashing out continuously in self-directed anger. “Why did I have to forget that we were supposed to be supervising today? Was I really that happy to see Rainbow that I got totally side tracked”

“Sis, calm down!” Sheton cried, reaching out with his forehooves and grabbing his sister’s right foreleg. “We get it, you messed up on what we were supposed to do! There’s no need to keep beating yourself up over it! Please stop hitting yourself; I can already see a bruise forming!”

Goku blinked a couple of times and raised a hoof to her forehead and touched it. She winced as she felt a bruise forming right at the center, before looking back at her brother. “I’m sorry baby, I didn’t mean to scare you like that. It looks like I got myself more worked up than what was necessary huh?

“Yes, you definitely are. It looks like you’re rubbing off of Twilight a lot more than we thought.” Snowflake replied. “That doesn’t really matter right now. We need to see the next pony in charge and see if they’ll offer to…give you a new mane style.”

“Yeah, you’re right. These twigs in my mane are really getting on my nerves.” Goku sighed, pullin out a branch that was stuck in her mane. “Luckily for us, I know just the mare to do it! The best fashionista and mane designer in all of Ponyville, and she’s right here in this very building!”

Right in front of the three sisters was a building known as the Town Square, a special place where everypony in Ponyville came for special events. The exterior of the Town Square was a large tower like building having a balcony with wooden pillars holding it at the top and the bottom, going around in a full circle. Numerous pink windows could be seen going around the tower from the bottom and to the top in different numbers. There were also some at the top balcony, where a few large flags could be seen flowing in the wind around it.

The interior of the Town Square on the other hoof, was a different a story, looking to be more than twice as big as the outside. The whole floor was pure tannin in color, with numerous tables and large food line table at the very far right adorning it. Each of them had beautiful looking plates and utensils, along with vases of flowers right at the center of the tables. The upper parts of the town square had balconies, that having thick clothes of fabric tied in perfect knots.

On either side of the walls, symbols of both the Sun and the Moon could be seen sewn into large pieces of fabric, slightly obscuring the windows. In the very center of the building interior, was a long ruby red curtain that led down to a large stage, having to large wooden pillars. At the very same spot, the four Kirin siblings could see the next pony on the list and another one of their friends.

Standing in the center of the building, looking through a box of nearby ribbons, was one of the most beautiful ponies they had ever seen. It was a Unicorn mare, with an alabaster white fur that was whiter than the purest of snow in winter. She had a long curly indigo mane and a leonine tail; the skirt of it in the same color and style as her mane. With both appendages going well passed normal length of a pony. On all four of her legs were sapphire blue stockings going halfway up her legs, with both her hooves split and cloven.

Her eyes were a gorgeous sapphire blue color, shadowed by bluish gray eye shadow, with long eyelashes adorning her eyelids. Her horn was longer than that of the average unicorn, and sword-like in appearance. A tattoo of large bat wings was attached to her back, some feathers adorning the membranes. A cyan bow could be seen tied right at the base of her tail, and her Cutie Mark was of three beautiful sapphire gemstones.

Well, there she is…our beautiful fashion designer!” Goku exclaimed with a bright smile. “Looking as beautiful as ever I see.”

“Dramatic, too…don’t forget dramatic.” Snowflake added, making Midnight turn to her with a frown. The mountain blue hybrid raised an eyebrow at her. “What’s with that look, big sister? You and I know how our dear dramatic Rarity can be, and I don’t expect her to react and less differently once she realizes when we’re here.”

“I know that Snowflake but still, you could give her a break.” The beetle back mare suggested. “I know that Rarity has the tendency to overreact about somethings, but she usually doesn’t mean anything by it. She’s just…afraid of something happening that she doesn’t like.”

Snowflake rolled her eyes. “Tell that to the multiple stallions that dated her and found out how much of a nightmare she really is.”

“Well, either way I say that we go up here and give her a nice big hug!” Goku said as she walked towards the stage. “Right after she finishes designing the tow hall that is.”

“Hmmm…no, no. Goodness no, not that one either. Oh, one of these will work, oh there it is!” Rarity a bright smile coming to her face. She ignited her horn with cyan blue magic, and levitated to glittering red ribbons in the air. As tentatively as she could, she tied them both to the center of the pillars in between the stage. “There we are, glitter is always the best one. Oh, Rarity Belle Cifer you have certainly outdone yourself this time. Oh, I can’t wait until everypony comes here and see the marvelous decorations that I made!”

“In that case why don’t you tell them that yourself?” A soft gentle voice said from behind Rarity.

The alabaster Unicorn jumped at the voice, whirling around to see just who had come into the Town Square. The moment she laid her eyes on three of the four ponies, she went stock still as if she was frozen by a spell. Eyes wide and mouth agape, she stared at the four ponies in the room, Goku most especially, not even registering her ruined mane and tail.

“My stars…do my eyes deceive me?” Rarity whispered as she slowly began to lift a hoof to her chest, her lower lip quivering. “Goku, Snowflake, Midnight…is it really you?”

“Who else do you think it is, Rarity?” The tan hybrid mare asked sweetly, “After all, you wouldn’t be able to forget these ‘divine colors’ as you so elegantly put it?”

Rarity let out a gasp as her hoof flew to her mouth, stopping her lower lip from shaking. Her eyes grew misty as tears began to flow down her face, causing her mascara to stain it. With a shaky intake of breath, she all but leaped off the stage and fell into Goku’s outstretched forelegs. She buried her face into her large soft fluffy chest fur and wailing loudly, sobs racking her body as she clung tightly to the hybrid mare.

“Oh my stars, I-I can’t believe that it’s r-really you.” She sniffled, pulling her head away from Goku’s chest. “I…I-I never thought that I would…I would…”

“Oh, don’t be so overdramatic Rarity, of course you were…” the tan Pegasus said simply, rubbing the alabaster Unicorn’s back with a tri-colored foreleg. “It’s only been like, four years since we last seen each other.”

“Well it certainly felt like it was a lot longer than that, thank you very much.” Rarity said, lifting her head up out of Goku’s chest. “It felt like an eternity waiting all this time for my dear darling friends to return to me at last. You don’t know how long I’ve missed you all. I missed you all so, so much…more than you even realized.”

“We missed you too Rarity.” Snowflake said gently. “There’s no need to cry dear. You should be happy that we’re back here in Ponyville, not the other way around.”

“I know, I just…oh, I just can’t believe you’re back!” Rarity nodded, smiling at the mountain blue mare. “You have no idea how happy I am to see you all.”

“So are we Rarity.” Midnight said softly. “We’re sorry that we made you so worried, but you don’t have to worry about that anymore. We’re here to stay and we’re not going anywhere.”

“I’m doing to hold you to that, dear.” Rarity said, a small smirk coming to her face. “Otherwise, you three are going to be in for the longest modeling session of your lives.”

“Duly noted.” Goku giggled as they all resumed their hugging.

Rarity Belle Cifer was the fourth mare that Goku had befriended, and one of the most beautiful mare that could be found around the town as well. Rarity was born in Ponyville, or at least near it, and went to the same elementary school that Goku did. That was also the place where she had first met the tan hybrid mare as a little filly. As it was in Cloudsdale, Goku had protected Rarity against a group of bullies, except it was on school grounds and not anywhere else around town. She had found a Rarity being cornered a few foals that had decided that she would be their next victim, and Goku wasted no time stepping in. Afterword, Goku asked Rarity if they wanted to be friends, and the alabaster filly agreed, after getting over the fact that she was a Thestral. She also generously inviting the filly over to her parents’ house for dinner and a makeover, and after some mulling over, she agreed.

To this day, Goku could still remember how loud Rarity’s mother had squealed when she saw her for the first time.

From that moment forward, Goku and Rarity became the bestest of friends, closer than any of the other foals in their class. At school, they picked each other as partners for school assignments and projects, ate together at lunch, and went against anyone who tried to bully them. Whenever they weren’t going to school, they would go on play dates, have sleep overs, and meet up with each other for special events and have a great time. It was certainly a wonderful time for the alabaster filly, finally having found somepony that actually wanted to be her friend. Not even caring or having any worries about the fact that Goku was half Thestral.

As they grew older, Goku came to know Rarity as a mare who was very talented in many of the things that she did, at least when it came to fashion. Even as a filly, Rarity was somepony who got anything that she wanted, willing to use almost any means necessary, even in their teen years. She was also somepony who cared greatly about how she looked in appearance, didn’t like getting the least bit dirty, and overreacted at the littlest of things. It was something that annoyed most of her friends to no end, with only a few of them having the patience to continuously deal with it.

Despite the flaws, Rarity had a very kind and generous soul to many ponies, even if they deserved it. There were times where she would be seen generously giving the clothes and outfits that she had made to other ponies, asking for nothing in return. Having gotten a few tips from Goku, the alabaster Unicorn grew to be quite protective of her friends, keeping anypony from hurting them. If not with her hooves, which was usually left to either Applejack or Rainbow Dash, then certainly with her words. Rarity not only used her words to get ponies do what she wanted, but also to settle negotiations and diffuse arguments and fights. Combine that with her alluring beauty, ponies had a dangerous weapon on their hooves.

As much as good looks and a sharp tongue helped Rarity in times that she needed it the most, that was nothing compared to her magical power. The alabaster Unicorn came from a clan that had the ability to transform into one of the many creatures of supernatural legend. One that was eerily similar to that of a vampire pony, only in this form, she didn’t suck the blood their victims. It was said that in that form, the Cifer’s speed and strength increased exponentially, and use the power of spirit energy into any offensive or defensive way they wanted. They could grow of pair of large bat-like wings that could be used not for battle, said to be sharper that the cutting edge of a samurai sword. If that wasn’t enough, they even and alien-like ability to regrow lost body parts, a trait that they shared with the Sweet Apple Titan clan.

There was one drawback with that though when using this incredibly helpful ability. While they could regenerate their limbs and even their internal organs, the same could not be said for their hearts and heads. So, while in battle, the Cifers were very careful, knowing that one careless mistake would lead to their eminent demise. This was something that Rarity deeply to heart, as she didn’t intend on dying any time soon. Especially since she was so young and had so much of her longevity to live.

“I must say, you three have certainly become quite the beautiful mare’s haven’t you?” Rarity asked, looking the three mares over. “Ooh Snowflake, I see you decided to add a little color to your mane, darling?”

“Why yes, I did.” The mountain blue hybrid mare replied her fangs gleaming as she smiled. “It is beautiful, but I felt it…white for my tastes. So, I decided to give it a little style, and let it grow out a little.”

“I see…and I supposed that’s something that you and Goku got from your big sister, I presume?” Rarity asked teasingly as she looked up at Midnight.

“W-well, I wasn’t the one who created that habit. It’s just…something that we Kirins like to do.” The beetle black mare stuttered in replied. “O-our family has a habit of letting our hair grow out that’s all. Y-you should’ve seen some of the ponies that lived before our grandparents were even born. Their manes and tails were even longer than my own.”

“It’s true.” Goku nodded giving a flick of her tail. “My mane is normal in comparison to some of the members of my clan. Some of them were even longer than the Queen’s, and that is really saying something.”

“Indeed, I can picture that happening. Normally, I would detest ponies having manes and tails this long. With you three, it suits you in your own special way I suppose.” Rarity replied with a shrug. Her eyes suddenly widened when a thought entered her mind. “Wait a minute, that’s right! There were four of you! Sheton, wasn’t it?! Oh, where is the little darling? I haven’t seen him in so long since I last-oh!”

The alabaster Unicorn then felt her mane being tugged, looked down to see the stormy grey colt standing right in front of her. His blue eyes locked onto her own, a small shy smile on his face. The second the alabaster Unicorn saw him a wide smile stretched across her face as she put both hooves to her chest. Before Sheton realized it, he found himself levitated in her magic and brought into her cyan stocked forelegs, his buried into her chest fluff.

“Oh my Celestia look at him! I knew I recognized the most adorable little colt that I’ve ever seen in my life!” she squealed as she nuzzled him affectionately. “You certainly have grown into a rather handsome young colt these past four years. The very first time I saw you, you were nothing more than a little infant. It’s very nice to see you again darling.”

Sheton’s face flushed a brink pink, turning his head to the side as he poked his forehooves together. “H-hello Ms. Rarity, i-it’s very nice to meet you, too.”

“Oh, no need for the formalities dear.” Rarity said gently. “You’re the dear little brother of some of my closest friends, so you don’t need to be so formal. Just call me Rarity.”

“O-oh, okay then.” Sheton said, clearing his throat as he corrected himself. “I-it’s very nice to meet you...R-R-Rarity.”

“That’s better!” The alabaster Unicorn beamed, patting the colt on the head. “Now, what’s a young colt such as yourself doing here in a place like this?”

“W-well, um…I’m here to help my sister supervise the Summer Sun Celebration today.” Sheton replied softly. “I’m also here to see if, um…there are any friends that I can make while I’m here.”

“Make friends in Ponyville hm? Well, your sisters were quite wise in choosing this as the ideal place to make friends. Especially for somepony your age.” Rarity nodded, putting a hoof to her chin. “Speaking of which, just how old are you darling?”

“S-seven.” The stormy grey hybrid colt replied. “I-I have some other friends back in Canterlot that’re around the same age as me, m-maybe a year older. T-though it’s not by a lot…I only have, maybe…three or four of them.”

“Three or four hm? Well, I can see why, given that you come from Canterlot of all places.” Rarity murmured, holding back a look of disgust. Shaking her head, she looked back down at the colt with a tender expression. “I’ll tell you what darling…I’m just about finished setting up the decorations for the celebration. Why don’t you come with me and your sisters to meet my little sister?”

Sheton’s ears perked up. “Y…you’re sister?” He asked, not quite believing what the alabaster Unicorn had said. “You have a little sister?”

“Why yes, I most certainly do.” Rarity chirped with a wink. “Her name is Sweetie Belle Cifer, and she’s about the same age as you are; older by at least a few months. She is by far the sweetest little filly you’ll ever meet~! I’m sure that she’ll take a wonderful liking to you!”

Goku’s ears pinned against her head, a knot forming in her gut. ‘For some reason, I feel that the next filly we’re going to meet will be even sweeter.’

“A-are you sure she’ll like me?” Sheton asked, a nervous expression coming to her face. “I-I mean, I am half Thestral, and they’re not exactly common here.”

“Oh, now what kind of a question is that dear?” Rarity asked, letting out a little snort. “Me and my dear sister come from a family that basically turns into bat ponies ourselves. Even if it’s not exaclty the same species. Of course, she’ll like you, and I just know that you’ll like her too! And don’t worry, she won’t judge you for your appearance. If there’s one thing I taught my dear little Sweetie, is that we never judge anypony based on their face, or form other ponies perspective. I promise you, you two will get along just fine.”

“W-well, okay…if you say so.” Sheton said, looking down at the ground. “I’ve got along well so far with a couple fillies earlier today, and those meetings didn’t go too bad. So…I guess I could go with you and met your sister.”

“There we go! That’s much better!” Rarity said, smiling in approval. “Now, what do you say we leave here and go back to my humble abode? I believe I’ve kept my dear Sweetie waiting long enough.”

“Actually Rares, before we do that…” Goku said, walking over to the mare and foal. “…I need to ask you a little delicate, favor. It’s uh…a little complicated…”

“A favor? Why, whatever would you need me to do-UWAHAHAAA!!!” Rarity began to ask, only to let out shrill shriek a second later. “Oh my stars and garters darling! What in the world happened to your coiffure?!”

'It took her that long to notice it?' Sheton thought, a sweat drop forming on the side of his head.

“Calm down Rarity, its nothing that you need to get so worked up over.” Goku said dryly, even though she knew that it would not sooth the alabaster Unicorn’s anger in the slightest. “Long story short, we were visiting rainbow Dash’s cloud house, I lost track of the time, I rushed back and had a little…run in, with the trees in my haste…in more ways then one.”

“That’s an understatement of the century, darling. Oh this will simply not do at all!” Rarity said, giving an indignant huff. She levitated Sheton onto her back before bushing Goku to the back of the stage. “Follow me, I will make sure that beautiful mane and tail of yours are in shipshape in no time!”

As the mares and colt made their way out of the town square, Sheton couldn’t help but notice something peculiar about Rarity. Leaning down, he took in her scent shivering when he caught the scent of marshmallows. Luckily for him, she didn’t seem to notice, and if she did, she didn’t really seem to care.

‘Wow, Rarity really outdid herself in living fashionably hasn’t she?’ Goku though as looked about the alabaster Unicorn’s home. ‘Of course, I probably should’ve expected this…either way, it looks amazing.’

Indeed, Rarity’s home was quite the sight, though it was just a little more than the tan mare thought it would be. The exterior of the work home was in the ship of a large tent-like building, like the ones in circuses or amusement parks. It had two large circle shaped windows that had yellow striped covers at the very middle. A large pink white spotted cloth hovered over those windows, going around the Boutique held by thin yet strong iron bars. At the higher section of the Boutique there were to large iron objects in the shape of ponies that were displayed on either side held in place by iron bars. Just a little higher above a large window, was a large pink piece of fabric that went around that smaller roof, having white diamonds adorning it. To add as a finishing touch, was a tiny tent-like structure that had a small red flag.

The interior of the Boutique also looked to be larger than it was on the outside like most homes in Ponyville. The first thing that could be seen was a few chairs with mirrors in front of them, one of which that Goku was currently sitting in. On either side of the makeover desks, were wheeled bars used for fashion designers to hang their suits and dresses. There was also a large set of curtains on the further left side of the Boutique used for ponies to try on dresses. Along with another makeover desk, which was right next to a set of stairs. That last thing that could be seen in the Carousal interior was a large display floor for ponies to show off their dresses and suits. Finally, there was a set of double doors just behind it, leading to somewhere private and secret.

Goku closed her eyes as she let Rarity add a fresh smelling perfume to her mane and her tail, now free of any leaves and small branches. All the while, her elder sisters and younger brother tended to her feathers which wasn’t really hard due to how large they were. After a few more minutes of spraying and preening, all four ponies stepped back and admire their work on the tan bat winged mare.

“There we are darling, good as new!” Rarity said, gushing with happiness. “Your mane and tail are as good as new! It’s a good thing that I was born a Unicorn, or else it would’ve taken me a lot longer to do this. Especially with such an important event coming up and you being the one to supervise it.”

“Thank you Rarity, it looks so much better now! My mane and tai haven’t felt this soft and silky in, well…forever!” Goku said happily, running her hooves through both appendages, loving the smell of the perfume added to them. “Though, was the eye shadow really necessary? It’s not like I was wearing any when I came here.”

“Oh hush now dear! It looks positively marvelous on you! It really goes with those beautiful earrings too!” The alabaster unicorn snorted, giving a gentle flick of the other golden earrings. “I must ask, where ever did you get earrings like that? They would go absolutely wonderfully with my dresses.”

“I was given these on my sixteenth birthday by my Mom. I didn’t really ask her where she got them from thought, so I can’t really help you with the source.” The tan Pegasus replied, rubbing the back of her head with a sheepish smile. Seeing the somber look on the alabaster Unicorn’s face, she added, “But, if you want, I could help you make earrings just like them if you want.”

“Whatever do you mean, darling?” Rarity asked, looking up at the Kirin with a raised indigo eyebrow. “How could I possibly make earrings as marvelous as yours?”

“I remember you mentioning sometime when we were teenagers that part of your special talent is finding gemstones. Which is what got you your Cutie Mark in the first place, based on the story you told me on how you had a magic surge and it lead you to a rock full of gems. You still have some saved over, don’t you?”

“Sure I do.” Rarity replied. “I go gem hunting every other week or so, so I can keep saving up on money should I start to run out. Why do you ask?”

Goku smiled excitedly at Rarity. “Well, I was thinking, whenever we’re both free, we can take some gemstones and carve them up into the shape of earrings like these!” She gave her left ear a swivel, making the earring sway. “That way, you’ll have earrings like mine, into any kind of color that you want! Only yours will look more pretty, because well…they’ll be made from gemstones. Not only that, you can make some extra money for ponies who want to add those specific earrings to their dresses or suits.”

Rarity sat on her haunches and contemplated the suggestion that Goku made for her. She looked around her home/workplace, looking at the various amounts of dresses hanging about in random spot. Her sapphire eyes stared at their colors intently with a thoughtful look as she rubbed her chin with a hoof. A gasp escaped her lips as her eyes sparkled, leaping to her hooves and squealing with glee.

“Yes…yes, YES! That’s a wonderful idea, Goku! I could use my gemstone collection make beautiful little earrings form my clients to anypony that wants them! If I do that, I could make even more money than I already am!” She cried as she began to bounce around the boutique. Her gleeful expression sagged again as she looked down at the ground, pawing at it dejectedly. “Of course, I won’t have nearly enough time to do it, since the Summer Sun Celebration is only hours away. Oh, why didn’t I think of this sooner?!” A thought suddenly crossed her mind as she looked at Goku curiously. “That reminds me, are you four going to the Summer Sun Celebration?”

“Uh, yeah we are. didn’t you hear my little brother saying that we were going to be the ones supervising it?” Goku asked, her bemused tone making Rarity smile sheepishly. “The Queen did so personally, and even added a little side not saying that she wasn’t going to pick any of the nobles from Canterlot to do it because, for one, we’re your best friends, and two, the ponies in Canterlot were way too stuck up for our tastes.”

“Hmm, is that so?” Rarity asked, a thoughtful expression coming to her face. “Now that I think about it…yes, you would the better choice. With an event as important as this, I don’t think I would’ve had the patience to deal with those...posh ponies. Plus I don’t think I could be able to stand how they may have treated my dear Sweetie Belle if they were hear instead of you. It really is a good thing that the Queen chose you three to supervise this.”

“That it is Rarity, that it is. And seeing as how you were getting along so well with my little brother, despite his appearance, I’m even more glad that I was chosen” Goku giggled, smiling as she saw both Rarity and Sheton blush. “Say Rarity, you’re not the only who’s going to come to the Summer Sun Celebration, are you? You mentioned that your little sister was hear with you too, so is she going to be coming with you as well?”

Rarity’s eyes widened in recognition at this question, before her expression brightened like a glittering gemstone. However, before she could respond, another voice rang through the air like a belle after a clock striking at midnight.

“Rarity! I’m hungry, can I get a snack please?!” A younger voice squeaked out from above the four mares and colt, sounding as sweet as candy. The sound of little hooves clopping drew the attention of the other ponies downstairs, making them turn to the staircase. The Kirin Thestral siblings eyes widened upon seeing a shadow morphing on the wall, steadily growing by the second. Sheton looked up at Rarity with a curious expression, only for the alabaster Unicorn to look down at him warmly.

“Is, um…that your sister?” He asked, just the slightest bit of hesitance in his voice.

“Yes darling it is.” She said softly, her voice dripping with tenderness. “The sweetest little darling that you’ll ever meet.”

Just as she said this, a young foal came trotting inside, their hooves making light clopping sounds each time they hit the stone floor. Like Rarity it was a Unicorn, a filly, with the same alabaster white fur as the older mare, although her fur resembled that of a marshmallow. Her mane and tail skirt were long and curly, slightly curlier than Rarity’s and having a mixture of lavender pink and purple. She had a beautiful set of emerald green eyes, and a pair of emerald green stockings on all four of her little legs. Like Sheton, who was staring wide eyed at the filly, she had no Cutie Mark, though she did have an unusually long horn sprouting from her head.

“Rarity, are you in here ?! I said that I wanted a-” The filly repeated again, only to stop short as she noticed the four siblings in the room. After blinking a few times, she turned to the fashionista and asked curiously, “Who are they? Are they a group of clients that are to buy your dresses? If they are then I’ll just go back upstairs and wait for you.”

“No, it’s okay Sweetie Belle, that won’t be necessary this time. As a matter of a fact, you came just at the right moment and time!” Rarity replied, giving her younger sister a reassuring smile. “Darling, I’d like you to meet me dear friends from Ponyville; Goku, Snowflake, and Midnight Shenron! There the mares that I always told you about during my years in Magic College, the ones I told you that moved out of Ponyville and were planning to come back?”

The marshmallow filly immediately picked up on what her sister was saying. “Oh yeah, I remember! You showed my pictures of them during that time we visited Mom and Dad for a family dinner!” Setting her emerald eyes on the three, she trotted up to Goku and held out her hoof. “Hello there, my name is Sweetie Belle Cifer, the little sister of the bestest big sister in the whole wide world!”

“Hmhm, hello Sweetie Belle, it’s very nice to meet you too.” Midnight said, reaching out with a forehoof and shaking the filly’s own. “I must say, you certainly are an adorable little one you are! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a filly as sweet looking as you.”

“O-oh, well…thank you Miss Midnight.” Sweetie Belle said, looking away as her white cheeks turned a bright pink. “I don’t usually get that a lot from most of the fillies and colts at school, even if they really do think so.”

“Is that right?” Snowflake asked, with a raised eyebrow. “Well, I think we may have somepony who’ll think the same.”

“Really who?” Sweetie Belle asked curiously. A light tap on her shoulder answered her question, and she turned around to see Sheton standing behind her. A squeak left the alabaster filly’s throat and she took a moment to collect herself before she asked, “Whoa! I totally did not notice you! Were you there behind me the whole time?”

“W-well, yeah I was. I wanted to introduce myself, b-but I didn’t want to be rude in and interrupt your talk with my sisters.” Sheton replied, bashfully looking off to the side. “M-my name is Sheton…S-Sheton Nightstalker Shenron. I-I’m Goku, Snowflake and M-Midnight’s little brother. I’m here with them to help with the Summer Sun Celebration tonight.”

“Wait you’re their little brother!” Sweetie Belle asked with a gasp. “My sister told me that they were all crosses between Thestrals. So…does that mean…you’re half Thestral too?”

Sheton said nothing, just choosing to nod instead as he slowly spread out his wings. Sweetie Belle and Rarity’s eyes widened as they took in the sight of the colt’s huge wings, the former being taken in by the beauty of the membranes.

“Wow…that looks so beautiful…!” Sweetie Belle said, rushing over to get a closer look at the membranes. She reached out with a hoof, only to stop as she looked over at Sheton. “Can…can I touch them?”

Sheton blinked in surprise at the request, obviously not having expected the filly to ask that question. Regardless, he gave a nod of consent as he shyly replied, “Y-yeah, you can touch them…b-be gentle please. M-my wings are strong, but…they’re really sensitive to touch, a-and be careful with the wing claws please.”

Nodding in affirmation, Sweetie Belle very gently ran a hoof through the feathers of Sheton’s right wing, taking care not to be too rough. The stormy grey colt blushed at the contact, fighting back the urge to flinch as the filly’s soft hooves delicately ran through the edges. After giving a little poke at the wing claws, she ran a hoof through the membranes, marveled by its blue colored beauty.

“Wow…the feathers feel so soft…and the membranes are so smooth!” The alabaster filly gushed, looking up at Sheton. “Are all Thestral wings like this?”

“A-aside from being larger than Pegasus wings, and being stronger and durable while in flight, yes.” Sheton replied with a flushed face. “T-the membranes may be see-through, but they’re very flexible and stretchable, k-kind of like a large rubber band or something like that.” He closed his eyes as a small jolt went down his spine. ‘Her hooves are so soft…almost as soft as mama’s.’

“Really? That’s so amazing…I’ve never met anypony with wings like that before.” Sweetie Belle said, taking her hooves away. “It must be pretty easy to fly around with wings like that huh?”

“Yeah, it really is. Plus, don’t have to worry about preening your wings, like most Pegasus ponies.” Sheton nodded, giving his wings a ruffle. “Well, unless you’re a fully blooded Thestral, like my Mom is, but it’s not really a problem. Most of my wings are bat winged, so I don’t have to really worry about crash landing as much.”

“Yeah I bet…and I also bet a lot of Pegasus ponies will want to have wings that’ll stay in place whenever they’re flying.” Sweetie Belle said with a giggle, earning a little laugh from Sheton in return. “So…what else are you doing here? You know, besides helping your big sisters and all?”

“Well, um…the main reason is because my big sisters wanted me to make some friend here while they’re supervising.” Sheton replied. “I-I’ve already made friends with a couple of fillies here…but I don’t know if there are any others who I think I can befriend.”

“Wait a second…” Sweetie Belle said, holding up a hoof. “Are you saying that you and your sisters are planning to move here?”

“Well…they’re planning to move back here and have me come with them.” Sheton corrected, giving a little shrug. “But yeah, I am going to be moving here to Ponyville after the Summer Sun Celebration is over. Hopefully after that, I can find some other foals my age who’ll wanna be friends with me…if they’re willing to look past the fangs and bat wings that is.”

“Oh…well, if accepting friends is what you’re looking for…” Sweetie Belle began, smiling sweetly at the colt. “…then I guess I could be one of those friends for you?”

Sheton looked up at her, emerald blue eyes wide. “Really?”

“Mhm! Nopony should be alone and without a friend just because they’re different form everypony else. And from what you’ve told me, you shouldn’t be along either!” Sweetie Belle said giving a little nod. She leaned in a bit close and smiled sweetly at Sheton. “So what do you say Sheton? Do you want me in your new little friend group? I promise to treat you really nicely if you do!”

Sheton looked deep into Sweetie Belle’s eyes for a moment, trying to discern whether or not she was really meaning what she was sayin. From the way she was smiling and the way her eyes were sparkling, it didn’t look like it, especially form the way her tail skirt was wagging. The stormy grey colt looked down, silently contemplating his options, before looking up at Sweetie Belle, smiling, and nodding his head.

The unicorn filly let out a squeal that Goku and her sisters found absolutely adorable as she lunged forward and tackled Sheton in a hug. Though Sweetie Belle was much gentler than Apple Bloom was, and did her best not to scare the colt, seeing just how shy he was just by looking at him.

“Oh thank you, Sheton! I’ve wanted to make another friend for such a long time! Oh, Fire Flash and the others are gonna be so happy when I tell them about this!” Sweetie Belle cried as she released Sheton from her hug. “Hey, you want to go play up in my room?”

Sheton blinked a couple of times at this request, before looking up at his elder sisters, silently asking them permission to go and play in Sweetie’s room. The three mares looked at one another, before taking a temporary glance out the window seeing that there was still quite a bit of daylight out. They then turned to Sheton, and nodded silently smiles of consent on plastered on their muzzles.

“Go on Sheton, we still have some time left. Don’t worry, we’ll let you know when it’s time to leave a bit.” Goku said, giving him a reassuring wink. ‘I’ll make sure not to lose track of the time again.’ She added mentally.

Seeing he had got his sister’s permission, Sheton turned to Sweetie Belle and nodded his head, shyly, yet enthusiastically. This earned a cute giggled from the little filly as she got to her hooves and ran towards the stairs. Sheton was about to follow, but he soon found himself encased in an emerald green aura of magic, before being pulled forward. He had just enough time to glance back at Rarity and his sisters before he disappeared up the staircase and out of sight.

“Sweetie Belle Cifer! That is not how we treat our guests in this house! Put that poor colt down this instant before you-!” That was all that Rarity was able to say before she heard a door upstairs slam shut, effectively cutting off her scolding of her sister. The fashionista gave a slow shake of her head, before turning to the other. “I’m terribly sorry about that darlings. Sweetie Belle was just being a bit…over excited when she meets new ponies. I’ll make sure to have her apologize properly to your brother when they’re through with their little play date."

“Oh it’s no trouble at all Rarity. Let the little sweetie have her fun. Besides, that’s not the first time my little brothers been carried in such an excited manner.” Goku said dismissively as she gave a little giggle. “Me and my sisters are usually like that when we ask him for something totally embarrassing. Though he goes along with it, only to make his big sisters happy…hmhm, the things he does for love.”

“Oh well…I suppose I can let it slide then.” Rarity murmured, before glaring back up at the stairs. “I’m still going to give her a little talk about how to properly treat our guests though. It’s certainly not the first time she’s acted so over excited like this. And unless I can properly teach her how to control her excitement, it certainly won’t be the last.”

“Yeah well, you know what they say Rarity…kids will be kids. And as long as your sister and my brother are kids, it’ll always stay that way.” Goku chuckled, earning one in return form Rarity. “Now, what do you say we take some time off of this supervision and decorating with a little a little girl time, eh? There’s still some time left, and I wanna see just what you’ve been up to these past four years while we were away Rarity. So how about it? Are you in for showing me some of those fabulous dresses of yours?”

The alabaster Unicorn’s response was to encase the three mares in cyan auras of magic and literally toss them into one of the giant closed curtains. Goku, Snowflake and Midnight only had time to shake off the shock, before a light was suddenly flicked on. After adjusting to it, they found themselves staring at a whole line of beautiful dresses that looked to have only been recently made, with Rarity right in the middle of it. A box of makeover and other materials encased in her magic, her eyes sparkling like gemstones in the light of the Moon.

“Am I in? Am I in?! What kind of a question is that now, darling?!” Rarity asked, grinning from ear to ear as she levitated a hoar of dresses in front of the three mares. “I can’t wait to show you just what I’ve been up to these last for years you were all away! And I just know that you’re going to love every bit of it! We’re going to have such an absolutely fabulous time, and trust me when I say, we will!”

‘Something tells me that I’m going to regret making this decision later on…’ Goku thought grimly, letting Rarity put her in the first dress she could find. She gave the mare the best smile she could, while trying not to look too apprehensive. ‘Then again…I could be wrong…depending on the next pony we meet. Oh, I really hope that they won’t be too upset with us for making them wait for who knows how long we’ll be here! That would be a really bad mark on my job as a supervisor!’

Author's Notes:

There's...not really much that I changed with this chapter, other than the tittle and the ridiculously long about of emphasizing that I had done, which looked really bad the last time I did it now that I think about it. A few things that I also changed as well as the run on sentences and the slight grammatical errors that I saw in the chapter when I wrote it the last time. Another one being the interaction between Rarity and the rest of her siblings, especially Sheton, and the one that the latter had with Sweetie Belle, which I also think could've been done differently looking back over it.

Now, you guys are probably wondering why I cut off all of that stuff with Rarity and Goku talking about the siblings and themselves in general, and to put it simply, I feel like it would be more suited for later in the more dramatic parts of the new special edition of this story. I just don't really think it could be done well here especially since I had already did it between Rarity, Goku, Midnight and Snowflake back in the Town Square; I don't even know why I had decided to add that a second time! All and all, I think this new addition of the chapter went better than the last ones and I didn't drag it out as long as I did in the hold one, and it was more to the point while still keeping a good pace. Hopefully, the next chapters after this one will go as good as the last ones, and judging on the next ponies the Kirin Siblings are going to be meet, it's going to be quite the pleasant meeting!

Well, that's all for this chapter; next up we're getting a revisit to Ponyville's favorite motherly protecter of nature, with a little shy tag along butterfly coming along with her!

Chapter 8 - Kind Butterflies and Timid Angel

Rarity wasn’t kidding when she said the Thestral Kirin sisters were going to have a marvelous time in her Boutique, and by Celestia’s shining Sun did they. The alabaster Unicorn them try on every single dress that she could fine in her shop, from dresses that were the same colors as their manes, to ones showing color and style in all the right places. Each of the dresses felt like they had been made from the finest of silk, and with many of them speaking to each the girls, especially with the colors that Goku had. Then again, it didn’t really surprise them, since Rarity would only go for the best kind of material. Especially since she did want to make the best dresses, for those that walked into her shop.

All three sisters praised Rarity for the amazing job she did on her designs, something that the alabaster unicorn took with great happiness, unable to keep herself from bragging about her talents. It really seemed to be exactly what Rarity needed, since she felt like releasing some stress made from today’s labor, and it gave sometime for the mares to bond before they had to leave. By the end of their little girl time, the Sun was already beginning to set, the girls having spent a nice good portion of their time at Rarity’s home. When Goku realized how much time had passed, she wasted no time getting her siblings brother out of there, so they could go and meet the last pony they needed to see.

Luckily for them, Sheton and Sweetie Belle hadn’t been waiting that long at all, having come downstairs to remind the mares that still had a job to finish. After sharing quick goodbye hug with each other, they all hastily left Carousal Boutique to complete the last part of their job. Just before they did, Sweetie Belle gave Sheton a quick goodbye huh, saying that she couldn’t wait to see him again at the Summer Sun Celebration.

“Eeyup, I knew it! I knew I was going to regret making that offer!” Goku grumbled in a lowly. “I knew it, I knew it, I knew it! I could feel it right in the very pit of my gut!”

“And yet you ignored that warning to spend some time with our dear fashionista.” Snowflake said teasingly. “Don’t worry, we’re not mad at you for that. You just wanted to do something nice for Rarity and spend some time with her. I probably would’ve done the same thing if we were in your position.”

“Yeah, well, I wanted to make up for all that time that we didn’t get to see her during these four years.” Goku sighed. “I promised her that I was going to do all that I can to do it, and I’m not going to break it. We Kirins are ones to not go back on their words, as our dear daddy taught us when we were fillies.”

“Oh we know, Goku. The same thing goes with us, we keep our promises just as much as you do, along with our dear little brother” Midnight said softly, giving Sheton a sweet smile. “Though, I do agree with Snowdrop. We still have plenty of time before the Summer Sun Celebration starts. The Queen did mention in her that we have until it actually starts before our supervision is done, which is early at dawn.”

The tan hybrid mare stopped so suddenly that she almost fell off of her hooves, planting face first into the ground. She stayed as still as a statue as a reign of silence washed over the area for a few moments. Slowly Goku turned her head around, a deadpan expression drawn on her face as she looked as a creepy purple aura surrounded her.

“Really? You saw it in the letter exactly how much time we had and didn’t even bother to tell me about it?” she asked darkly. “Wouldn’t it have made sense to tell me about this sooner? So I wouldn’t have spent all that time running around like a hatchling that’s only halfway hatched?”

“Um, w-well…I uh, sort of forget to tell you about that. You had scanned through the letter so fast and were so focused on getting to see the girls again. It didn’t really cross my mind anyway.” The beetle black mare replied weakly. “P-plus…you did look pretty cute when you were acting all panicky like that. L-like how you were when we went to go see Rainbow Dash, Blossomforth and Cloud Kicker.

“Uh-huh, and it took a pile of leaves and twigs in my mane and tail, along with a mess of tangled feathers, for you to tell me that.” Goku said sarcastically as she rolled her golden eyes, making Midnight bow her head.

“Yeah, that was kind of um…mean, Midnight.” Sheton murmured with a nod of agreement. “I mean, Goku’s beatin herself up over that twice now. It would’ve saved us a lot of trouble of you had just been upfront with her sooner.”

“Oh, I’m sorry Goku! I didn’t mean to make you upset!” Midnight cried, bringing her youngest sister in a hug. “I was just so happy that you got a chance to see your friends again! It just slipped my mind! I’m so so sorry, please forgive me!”

Goku sighed, running a hoof across the beetle black mare’s back. “It’s alright big sis, I’m not mad…I’m just a little irritated that neither of you didn’t bother to tell me about this. If you had, Rarity wouldn’t have had to go through all that trouble cleaning my mane and tail, and you wouldn’t have to do the same with my wings.”

“Oh trust me little sister, me and Midnight know better than anypony that you love getting your feather’s preened.” Snowflake chuckled. “Still, we really didn’t mind at all. We actually kind of enjoyed it. It reminded us of all the times we used to preen each other’s wings as fillies.”

“Mhm, it was worth it, too. We got to hear you make those little squeaks every time we touch a sensitive spot.” Midnight nodded, putting her forehooves to her cheeks. “Oh, you just sounded so adorable!”

“Hmhm, yeah, I did sound pretty cute, didn’t I? Though, something tells me you two did that intentionally, just to get that rise out of me.” Goku said dryly, giving them both laugh in response. “Alright, I suppose I can let this slide once. Just remember to tell me something as important as this next time, okay? Or I’ll do to you what you did to me back at Rarity’s Boutique, got it?”

“Don’t worry honey, we won’t.” Midnight chirped, giving Goku a nuzzle. “We promise.’

“What are you, our mother?” Snowflake joked.

“No, but I sure do feel like I am your mom sometimes, including Sheton’s.” The tan Pegasus replied, giving the mountain blue mare’s shoulder a playful punch. “No offense, little bro.”

“None taken.” The stormy grey colt replied, smiling softly. He looked like was about to say something else, but stopped as his ears perked up. Goku, Snowflake and Midnight all noticed this felt their curiosity raise up.

“What’s wrong, sweetheart?” Midnight asked gently as she walked up to Sheton, lowering her head and putting a wing on his back. “Do you hear something?”

“Yeah…I think I do.” Sheton replied softly. He turned his head to the right side and letting his left hear stick out. “Hmmm…yeah, yeah I definitely hear something. It sounds like there’s singing.”

“Singing?” Snowflake repeated, tilting her head to the side. “Who in the world could be singing all the way out-”

“No, that’s not it.” Sheton suddenly said. “I do hear singing, but it doesn’t sound like a pony is singing.” Closing his eyes, he inwardly channeled magic into his left ear to strengthen his hearing senses. “It’s getting louder, and it’s definitely not a pony singing. It sounds like…like birds singing!”

“You hear birds singing? How can you hear birds singing all the way out-” Goku began to ask, stopping as something entered her thoughts. “Wait…”

“Are you sure that’s what your hearing Sheton?” Midnight asked, having not figured it out yet.

“Uh-huh! Yeah, that’s exactly what I’m hearing! You know what that means, don’t you?!” he asked as he began jumping up and down. “Where there’s birds, there’s also animals!”

Before anypony could stop him, the stormy grey colt spread his feathered bat wings and took to the air. The three mares watched as he flew off with a giggle, leaving his three older sisters in bewilderment.

“Sheton, where are you going darling?! Come back!” Snowflake shouted, but was too late to stop her little brother. Blinking, the mountain blue mare turned to Goku and asked, “Where is he going?”

“What do you think? He’s going to where the singing birds are.” The tan hybrid mare replied, spreading her own wings. “Come on girls, after him!”

Nodding, the other two mares chased their excited little brother with Goku through the forest, making sure to stay on the dirt path, but also doing their best to keep Sheton on their line of sight. They made sharp turns across the trees and doing their best not to run into any branches, while keeping pace with their bother. Luckily for the, the trees here were split much wider apart than the ones on the northwestern side of Ponyville. So, they didn’t have to worry about any possible collisions.

At some point in the chase, Sheton had made an unexpected left turn into a grove of trees and out of the three mare’s sight. Fortunately for them, they were able to catch up, and soon spotted the young colt about thirty feet away. His sisters stopped and landed only a several feet away from the Sheton, before all three walked up to him.

“Sheton! Why did you go running off like that? You know how worried sick we get when you just take off unexpectedly without telling us where you’re going!” Midnight chastised as she came next to the stormy grey colt. “You’re lucky that there are no dangerous animals around here, or else you would’ve gotten attacked!”

The stormy grey hybrid colt said nothing, just staring ahead at whatever was in front of her with wide eyes and a gaping mouth. Midnight seeing the expression on the Thestral colt’s face, gained an expression of concern on her own.

“Um, Sheton…?” She asked, her tone gentler than it had been a moment ago. “Is there something the matter sweetie?”

“Oh my goodness.” A slow, soft gasp escaped from Snowflake as her greenish blue eyes widened, a hoof coming to her mouth. “It…it’s here…”

“What? What is it, Snowflake?” Midnight asked, looking up at her younger sister. “Is there somepony here?”

“Yes, Midnight there is, somepony I think you’ll recognize all too well.” Goku said as she came up to the right side of the beetle back mare. “Though you might want to take a look in front of you, to see what I mean.”

Curiosity peeked, Midnight looked in front of her, wanting to see what had her siblings so blown away. The moment she did, a loud gasp escaped the giant hybrid mare’s mouth, her pupils shrinking to pinpricks. Her huge feathered bat wings flaring upward at the sight before her jaw dropped, indeed blown away by what she was seeing.

Just a few feet away from the four Kirin siblings was a large oak tree, the leaves on its long wooden branches swaying ever so slightly in the breeze. Perched on every single branch from top to bottom were various species of all kinds of birds. All of them were lined up on each of the branches with the species of bird they belonged to. Each of them were swaying and singing un unison, their tweets echoing throughout the small clearing. It sounded absolutely beautiful, unlike anything the four Pegasi had ever heard from the animals they saw back in Canterlot. As beautiful and entrancing as the musical flock were however, that’s not what had the four siblings so shocked. It was the pony that was with them, letting both them and the birds see that they were not alone.

Hovering just a few feet away from the birds, was possible the most gorgeous mare that any of them had ever seen in their entire lives. If anypony else were to come into the clearing in see her, they would have an extremely hard time looking away from her. They would also admit that she looked even more beautiful than Rarity was, despite her own looks. The mare was a Pegasus, one that could only be described as an angel in equine's clothing, maybe even more than that. She had a buttermilk yellow fur that looked to be polished in the finest of gold. It seemed to glow brightly under the Sun’s beautiful light, giving anypony a clear view of her rather voluptuous hourglass figure. She had a long silky cherry blossom mane and tail that cascaded down her neck, face and rump like a waterfall in spring. Her tail rivaling even Goku’s in length, very nearly sweeping the ground. The mare also had an absolutely breathtaking pair gentle teal blue eyes that could’ve melted the ice and snow of an entire forest with just a single look. When the Kirin siblings looked into them, it felt like they were staring into an endless sky and sea of warmth, kindness, love, and indescribable power.

Her wings were a combination of her mane, fur and eye color, with her eyes being shadowed a darker pink, giving all four Kirin siblings the impression that she got the makeup from Rarity. As with Derpy and Blossomforth, the Pegasus mare had a roseray with a blood red eye right in the center of it, hanging from a chain and a collar around her neck. The mare also had a pair of pure white angel wings on her back, having golden draconic membranes poking out from under them, with a multi-colored orb in the center. Cherry blossom lipstick could be seen adorning her lips, and her Cutie Mark was of three pink butterfly’s having little flowers scattered around them.

Unlike their last meetings, the four Kirin Thestral siblings did not approach the mare to give her a hug or even a warm greeting. They were too taken aback by the absolute angel-like beauty that the pony in front of them held, allowing her to hover in silence. Sometime into the singing, the mare noticed that one of the birds sounded just the lightest of key, seeming to have trouble with their singing. Frowning in slight dissatisfaction, the buttermilk Pegasus slowly spread her wings, allowing the four siblings to see the jaw dropping size and shape. Had her wings been colored white, and a halo floating at the top of her head, she would’ve easily been mistaken for being a real angel.

With a gentle flap, the Pegasus mare flew to the tree and stopped at the branch that had the bird that was having trouble singing. Her flapping was so quiet that it rivaled even the silence of an owl’s wings whenever they were flying. She gently cleared her throat, and the other birds went quiet, before the bird noticed her hovering right in front of him. The moment he saw her he immediately stopped singing as he stood to attention. He is lifted his small head to meet the gentle eyes of the beautiful Pegasus, who looked down at the smaller winged creature the same way a mother would her foal.

“Excuse me Mr. Sparrow, I’m sorry to interrupt you, but I couldn’t help but noticing you were just the tiniest bit off key.” She said, some of her silky mane falling in front of her face. “Now, remember what we discussed earlier. Keep that note just a little bit longer; at least three minutes okay?”

Her voice was very soft, carrying a sweetness that seemed to flow like the warmest of jarred honey. It also had a tenderness that could sooth even the most frightened of ponies and any other creature showing the least bit of anxiety and stress. There was also a gentleness to her words that could only belong to that of a mother. Something that made the Kirin Thestral siblings just want to close their eyes and listen to it.

Underneath that motherly voice however, laid a powerful undertone of assertiveness and authority and command. It was so powerful that it would’ve made even those of the Royal Guard seem like a simple cadet in training. That was the kind of voice that was found in all drill sergeants in training camps, and would make them proud to hear. It was certainly more than enough to make the four siblings stand to attention. It was the same thing with the Sparrow, who have a light tweet of reply as it ruffled its feathers. This earned an approving smile from the Pegasus mare, who patted the birds head before hovering away.

“Good boy! Now, let’s all start from the top, shall we?” She asked sweetly. “Here we go, is everyone ready? A one, and a two, and a-”

Just as the buttermilk Pegasus was about to give off the signal, an unexpected tweet cut her off. At first, she though it was the male Sparrow that she had spoken to only moments ago about his singing. A tweet from below her let her now that it was not the Sparrow, but a female Swallow. Curiously, she flew over to the fork-tailed bird, listening as to the bird as she continued to tweet.

“What is it Ms. Swallow? Are you having some trouble with your line, too?” She asked gently, giving the bird a worried expression. The female Swallow gave few tweets, and the mare’s eyes widened. “What, there’s somepony else here? Where?”

The mare had already fully turned around after she had asked that, and locked eyes with the four ponies behind her. She was so taken that she nearly lost control of her wings and fell to the ground. For what seemed like forever, not a single sound was made, and nopony moved either. Not even the birds, who were all wondering whether they should fly off, or stay and see what their master would do. They didn’t have to wait long as the buttermilk Pegasus slowly hovered down to the ground, her overextended tail being the first to touch the soft green grass. Slowly folded her angelic wings to her side, a gentle smile planted on the mare’s face, staring kindly at the newcomers.

“Well, isn’t this a surprise?” She giggled softly as she put a hoof to her mouth. “I certainly didn’t expect to get an audience so early before it was actually needed.”

This seemed to snap the four siblings, the shock of the Pegasus’s beauty finally wearing off as they began to regain their senses. They all fumbled for words, except for Sheton, who was still captivated by the buttermilk mare. Right at that moment, the tan hybrid mare was finally to speak, her words coming out in a large sputter.

“I…I-I…c-can’t b-believe it…” she whispered, her lip quivering as she took large slow, yet quiet breaths. “Fluttershy…i-is that…y-y-you?”

Fluttershy giggled again before she began to slowly walk towards her fellow winged ponies, her gentle teal eyes locking straight onto Goku. One she was within reach, she leaned in and tenderly nuzzled the other mare with all the care in the world. Goku gasped lightly as a warmth spread through her body, her eyes becoming half lidded as Fluttershy brushed her herself against that bat winged mare. Her gentle smile never once faltering for a second, even after she pulled away and looked back into the blushing face of the tan mare.

“I don’t know Goku, you tell shy little me. Am I the same Fluttershy you remember? The very same Fluttershy that always hid behind you as a filly?” She asked playfully, her mane falling gracefully over her face. “I think you both know the answer to that sweetie. After all, who else could you remember having a roseray and a pair of angel dragon wings attached to their back?”

Goku said nothing as she continued staring into those warm eyes that looked straight back at her with kindness that no words could describe. She then slowly looked Fluttershy up and down, taking in each and every one of her jaw dropping features. Her golden eyes then locked right on the cross-like rosary with the large blood red eye that gleamed back at her. Its iris glowing for three whole seconds, as if to tell her and her siblings, ‘welcome home’.

A light gasp escaped the tan mare’s mouth as she looked back up at Fluttershy, who’s smile was somewhat wider. Goku felt a smile of her own make its way to her face as she began to shake on the spot, her excitement getting the better of her. Fluttershy’s forelegs were already open before threw herself at the buttermilk Pegasus, knocking her right off her hooves. Just before they hit the ground, Goku’s feathered bat wings flared out and shot them into the air the latter laughing mirthfully.

“Oh my Celestia I can’t believe it! I cannot believe that it’s you!” Goku squealed gleefully. “I almost didn’t even recognize you!” She slowly hovered away from the mare and looked her over. “Seriously! I mean, you look so…so…”

“Exotic?” Fluttershy guessed. “I know, I really get that a lot from everypony that either sees me around Ponyville. Or comes to my cottage with a sick animal in tow or want to buy some flowers from me.” Her cheeks gained a tinge of pink as both she and Goku hovered to the ground. “I also get a lot of compliments form the stallions in Ponyville, as well as, um…t-the mares.”

“Well, what did you expect, going into town looking like that? With a mane, eyes, chest fluff, and a figure like that, you’re bound to get attention from both sexes dear.” Goku snorted. “I’d say you looked even more stunning than Rarity! A theory that I know that even she’ll agree with.”

“Now Goku, you shouldn’t say that out loud. Rarity might hear you and get upset.” The buttermilk Pegasus giggled, her wings giving a little ruffle. “You know how the poor things is about ponies judging her for her looks. If she hears you saying that, she may faint on the spot.”

“Oh please! As if Rarity would get angry at you for holding more beauty than her.” Goku replied dryly, earning another giggle from Fluttershy. “Though, I wouldn’t just say that you’d look extraordinary. No, I’d say that you look…” She moved her head to the side as she put her lips next to Pegasus’s ear and whispered quietly, “…absolutely angelic.”

A light gasp escaped the buttermilk Pegasus, a pink blush coming to her cheeks as the tan mare looked at her with a wide grin. A moment or two passed with neither of them speaking, before a grin of her own came to Fluttershy’s face. Without warning, she walked closer to Goku and put a hoof under her chin, her expression becoming half lidded once more.

“So…you think that I look angelic huh?” She asked, her gentle tone gaining a slight sultry edge to it. She tilted her head slightly, her silky mane slightly obscuring one of her teal eyes. “And who’s to say that you and your sisters don’t look as attractive as I do?”

“I never said that none of us were attractive.” Goku giggled, her own eyes becoming half lidded as her left tufted ear twitched. “I just said that out of the four of us, you seem to take the cake, along with any other member of any other clan that has any remote connection with nature.”

“You mean like Blossomforth and Derpy? Or even Cloud Kicker and Amethyst?” Fluttershy asked, running a hoof down Goku’s large fluffy chest. “Yes, admit, that they’re all attractive in their own way. Well, all of them except for dear Amethyst…I admit she’s a very pretty young mare, but she still has a bit of a ways to go before she reaches that of her mother’s. She is making progress, slowly mind you but surely. With you three however…well, you seem to have gotten a head start with that if you don’t mind me saying.”

“We could say the same for you dear.” Snowflake said, a little chuckle escaping her. “The years have done you well along with Blossomforth and Cloud Kicker. You’re all sure to have many mares and stallions chasing after you and claim you as their own.”

“Oh, now that would be just wonderful!” Midnight gushed giggling merrily. “The thought of so many young stallions and mares wanting to have somepony as special as Fluttershy…oh that would be just so adorable!”

“That is if they don’t try to get under her tail the minute they see her.” Goku muttered, looking off to the side. “One of the major downsides of being so beautiful…”

“We heard that.” Her sisters dryly said in unison, earning a little laugh from the tan hybrid mare.

“Now now, let’s not get ahead of ourselves girls. While I do have some thoughts on getting a special somepony, I’m taking it slow and biding my time.” Fluttershy said, running a gentle hoof up one of Goku’s tufted ears. “Besides, I have my animals and my little Loo-Loo that I need to take care right now. I may decide to go looking for a special somepony that I believe is suitable, but for now, I’m comfortable with being single and having you all instead.”

“Whatever you say Flutters. We’re just saying that you may not have a lot of time before a stallion or mare that catches your eye is snatched away.” Goku said, giving a little shrug as she ran a hoof down Fluttershy’s cheek. “Though, if you’d rather stick with us instead…we don’t have any objections.”

The buttermilk Pegasus giggled. “Oh, I know you don’t. From the families you come from, you wouldn’t have any objections with being a bit closer with ponies. Though I think we should take some time to catch up with each other before we start doing to each other the things that Blossomforth and Cloud Kicker like to do with one another.”

‘Why do I get the feeling it’s something I’m not supposed to know yet?’ Sheton thought, his tufted ears flattening. ‘And why the hay am I blushing at this?’

“Yeah, you have a point there.” Midnight giggled. “We should take things more slower before thinking about banging each other senseless. I really don’t wanna get into as many incidents as those to get whenever those two get into one of their lewd escapades. No matter how alluring or exciting it may be on a sexual matter.”

“Yes, that’d be a good idea.” Fluttershy giggled, running a hoof down Goku’s mane. “It’s so goo to see you again. I’ve missed you all so much, probably more than the others.” She lowered her head, her smile faltering. “It was hard for all of us without any of you here…especially on me.”

“Hearing that come from somepony like you, I can completely understand why.” Goku said gently, pulling Fluttershy into a tight hug. “Don’t worry Fluttershy, you don’t need to feel that way anymore. Like we told the others, we’re staying, and we’re not going anywhere.”

“Thank you, you have no idea how happy that makes me.” Fluttershy said softly as she leaned into the hug. “I missed you girls so much...”

“We did too, Fluttershy…we all did.” Midnight cooed as she and Snowflake hugged both mares on either side.

Fluttershy Tenshi Kindheart Rosario was the fifth mare in the small line of fillyhood friends that was made by Goku during her time living in Ponyville. Very much like Rainbow Dash, the buttermilk Pegasus came from the majestic city of Cloudsdale, and was not born in or near Ponyville, like Applejack and Rarity were. As it was with Rainbow and Rarity, the tan filly had meet Fluttershy when the buttermilk Pegasus was just a teenager. It was in the same scenario witnessing her being bullied by the very same ones that bullies Rainbow Dash. Only with Fluttershy, it was, if not a bit more violent, something that Goku put a stop to immediately. The fact that it was Rainbow Dash’s bullies was what really angered the hybrid filly, especially since she had already dealt with them before.

After really laying it into them, Goku comforted the distraught filly, before spending that time getting to know her more. Due to her shyness, Fluttershy was a bit reluctant to talk to the filly despite not being bothered by the fact she was half Thestral. Fortunately for her, the filly proved to be very respectful of her shyness and need for space, and didn’t force her in the conversation. It most certainly served well for the buttermilk filly, and the more she found herself talking to Goku, the more comfortable she felt around her.

After that fateful day, Fluttershy became the next filly to be added into Goku’s circle of friends that lived either in or near Ponyville, though she did not just have Fluttershy meet the whole gang in one go. Due to how painfully shy and timid she was, she decided to let Fluttershy get to know her first, which wasn’t really a problem, considering that she was also friends with Rainbow Dash, and since the cyan filly seemed to trust her, Fluttershy supposed she could too. One by one, Goku and Rainbow Dash introduced the buttermilk filly to each of their friends, every single one of them welcoming her with open hooves, and happily accepting her into their little girl group.

As the years passed, Fluttershy slowly, but surely, opened up to the four other mares and accepted them as her own friends. Despite her meekness around them, she happy that she had found ponies that accepted her for who she was and didn’t judge her due to her shy nature. Each of the mares came to know Fluttershy as, the kindest, gentlest most caring pony that any of them had ever meet, always worried and wanting to help those that were hurt or scared. Whenever they felt like they needed somepony to talk to or about their problems, or find a shoulder to cry on, Fluttershy was the pony available. She was always ready to lend a sympathetic ear and comfort them when they were ready to break down after a good vent. It didn’t matter how long it took for somepony let out their sadness and heartache, Fluttershy was always a calm and patient mare, willing to sit with them and hold them for hours if that’s what it took to help them feel better. Her shy nature did make it a little difficult for her to open up to anypony, and she was often viewed as a weak and spineless pony, much to her friends’ irritation. Fortunately for those ponies, they learned that despite her meekness, Fluttershy could be very assertive if she wanted to be. When she was, those who were the victims of it would find themselves on the verge of a glare so frightening they’d be sent walking away shaking like leaves in the wind.

Fluttershy loved foals, and offered to foalsit for anypony that needed a load off of their shoulders for a few hours. If that wasn’t enough for anypony to like her, she also had a big love for animals, and always dreamed about caring for them when she came of age, having taken care of a golden retriever puppy that her parents had given her when she was just a filly. Because of this, she was often the pony to go to for any animal that was hurt or sick, something that Applejack did from time to time, since she also had a female cattle dog, named Winona; that she would bring to Fluttershy so she could treat her for sickness or any wounds that may have been infected.

Like Derpy and Blossomforth, Fluttershy also came from a clan that had the ability to transform into the supernatural bat winged fanged equines. As evident by her roseray, the very same one that members of their clans wore that stored their true powers away. However, there was one other power that Fluttershy had at her disposal; one that she’d much rather use, than the one contained in the metallic item that she wore.

Though not known by many, Fluttershy came from a clan that had powers that would make them seem like angels from the very skies of paradise, called the Tenshi clan. Despite the name, members of this clan couldn’t really transform into actual angels; just go into forms and gain powers that were like that of a real-life angel. Due to their appearances whenever they transformed however, they could very well be mistaken for actual angels. Though the more appropriate term to call members of the Tenshi clan would be Angeloids.

It was said that whenever they went into this mode, they were either cloaked in battle robes or dressed in magnificent suits or armor, completed wings that radiated power. In this mode, the Angeloid’s strength was as if it belonged to an actual angel, and anypony, both friend or foe, were at great risk at being obliterated by those that couldn’t control it. Only those that had complete total control over their Angeloid powers were allowed to join in battles involving more than one, otherwise they would only bring that much more unnecessary destruction. All of that however, was nothing compared to the power that power that Fluttershy had deep inside of her, one that she only let a very select few see. One that would potentially put all of those around her in danger if not properly controlled.

“So, what are you doing back here in Ponyville?” Fluttershy asked curiously. “I didn’t know that you were going to be back so soon. I thought you were just getting everything packed up and ready.”

“Well, we woke up this morning and were planning to start packing after breakfast, but the Queen seemed to have other plans for us. She had given us a letter saying that we were to supervise the Summer Sun Celebration.” Goku replied giving her wings little ruffle. “In case you’re wondering why we got here so late, it’s because we made a few stops at Applejack Rainbow Dash and Rarity’s place for brunch, chillaxing, and…” A pink blush came to her tan cheeks. “…trying out new designs.”

“Oh not at all, I was actually at my cottage taking care of my little sister and my animal most of the day. I came out here not too long ago with some of my birds to practice their singing before tonight.” Fluttershy replied sweetly. “You came at just the right time, we were just about ready to finish. Though I suppose I can take a break since you’re all back here. Besides…” she looked down at Sheton, who was standing behind the other three hybrid mares. “…I can tell your little brother is curious about me.”

Blinking in recognition, Goku spun back around to her brother, who was still in his semi-shocked state. When he saw Fluttershy’s teal eyed gaze locked onto him, he snapped out of it and resumed to just looking at her curiously. They held that gaze for some time, and before he even knew what he was doing, Sheton found himself walking over to Fluttershy. The pink maned mare let him come to her, their eyes never separating even as he stopped within hoof’s length from the larger winged pony.

“Oh my goodness. He has such lovely eyes Goku.” Fluttershy said in a soft gush. “…I don’t think I’ve ever seen such beautiful blue eyes before.”

Goku chuckled. “Well, he did get them from my dad…in his own way. Both of his eyes have to different colors in each, with only one eye containing similar blue colors. Still can’t understand how that’s possible, but my dad’s parents had heterochromia herself so…I guess it runs in the family.”

“Well, they certainly make him look more adorable, I must say.” Fluttershy giggled, looking back down at the stormy grey hybrid colt. She knelt down on her forelegs, so she was at eye level with the colt, her smile even sweeter than before. “Hello there sweetheart, my names Fluttershy Tenshi Kindheart Rosario. I’m one of your big sister’s friends in case she didn’t tell you…what’s your name?”

“S…Sheton…Sheton Nightstalker Shenron.” Sheton replied softly, only the slightest bit of shyness in his voice. “It’s very nice to meet you Ms. Fluttershy.”

As with most of the others, Fluttershy brushed off the formalities, letting out a little chuckled as she did so. “Oh, there’s no need to be so formal Sheton. You can just call me Fluttershy, my friends and most of ponies and foals that I know refer to me my that, so you don’t need to treat me as if I’m somepony important or anything.”

“U-um…okay.” Sheton said a little sheepishly. “It’s nice to meet you…F-F-Fluttershy.”

“That’s better!” Fluttershy gushed, standing back upright with a beaming smile. It softened as she walked closer to the colt, her long mane hanging just in front of his face. “Now, what’s handsome little colt like yourself doing here with your sisters?”

Sheton fidgeted slightly, a sweet flowery scent filling his nostrils as Fluttershy’s mane hung just in front of his face. Tearing his eyes away from her huge mass of chest fluff, he locked eyes with her and replied, “W-well, um…to put it simply, I-I’m here with me sisters to have a look around Ponyville. W-we’re going to be moving back here soon, a-and they wanted me to get a look at the place. A-and see if I can make some friends while I’m here.”

“Oh, so you’re moving here with your sisters, are you?” Fluttershy asked, tilting her head as the colt nodded. “I see…and they want to see if you can make some friends here? How’s that going for you?”

“Surprisingly well actually.” Sheton replied, beaming. “I actually met three fillies today, Apple Bloom Sweetie Belle, and Melon Cake. There was also another filly named Fire Flash that I think I was supposed to meet today, but wasn’t able to.” He looked down at the ground, his mane spilling over his face. “I didn’t think that I’d make that number of friends in such a short time…especially ones that’re so accepting of me.”

Fluttershy chuckled. “Well, from the names of the fillies that you told me, I’d say that you made quite the wise decisions when trying to make friends. I happen to know each of those fillies myself, along with the one that you weren’t able to see. They can be rather energetic and rambunctious at times, Fire Flash especially, but they really are sweet little fillies when you get to know them.”

“You really think so?” Sheton asked hopefully.

“Oh yes, they’re wonderful little fillies for anypony to be around, once you get to know them.” Fluttershy nodded, smiling in assurance. “Most ponies just see them as naïve fillies that don’t really know anything, and are more of a hindrance. However, if you really take the time to see what they’re like, you can see that they’re special fillies inside.” Her smile softened even more as she wrapped one wing around the colt. “And I can tell just by looking at you, that you’re quite the special little colt.”

“H-how can you know that?” Sheton asked, his stormy grey cheeks flushing pink. “You just met me Ms. Fluttershy.”

“Maybe so, but I have this knack for seeing just how special ponies are, even if I met them only once.” Fluttershy shrugged. “I don’t know why, but it’s just something I can do, and like all of my friends’ sisters, I can tell that you look quite special.”

“Oh, w-well…t-thank you M-Fluttershy.” Sheton murmured, looking off to the side. A moment or two of silence passed before he looked back up at her. “Um, can I ask you something.”

“What is it sweetie?” Fluttershy asked, tilted her head curiously.

“D-do you, um…” Sheton began poking his forehooves together as he struggled with his next words. “…do you have a younger sister?”

Fluttershy blinked a couple of times in surprise, before a small sly smile came to her face. “Why yes, I do have a younger sister. Her name is Scootaloo Tenshi Kindheart Rosario, and see is the sweetest, gentlest filly you could ever meet! Oh, and I case you’re wondering, yes, she does live with me like the rest of her friends. Why do you ask?”

“I-It’s nothing…” Sheton replied. “It’s just, um…since I’ve been doing so well in gaining potential friends in the f-future, m-m-maybe I could try my luck again, w-with your sister. If um, if that’s okay with you that is.” He finished, looking off to the side as he hid his face behind his mane.

“Okay with me? Okay with me?” Fluttershy repeated, looking at the Thestral colt as if he had asked something that he believed she wouldn’t agree to. “I would love for you to meet my little sister! Who wouldn’t want to meet such a sweet little filly like her? Especially since you and her both come from similar families?”

Sheton paused, looking at his large feathered bat wings and then back at the buttermilk Pegasus. His eyes locked onto her roseray seeing the blood red slitted eye in the center, before his face flushed in embarrassment.

“Uh, yeah…you make a good point there Fluttershy.” He said quietly, one of his hooves running through the membranes of his wings. “I guess I was just a little worried that she may get scared at seeing colt that looks eerily like that of a Vampony.”

Fluttershy’s gaze softened, a look of understanding coming to her face. “Oh…is that all honey? You’re afraid that my little Loo-Loo will be afraid of you because your half Bat Pony even though you don’t drink blood?”

“Well…” Sheton said hesitantly. “…kind of.”

“I see. Well, if that’s the case then I don’t think you really have anything to worry about.” Fluttershy said, smiling gently at the colt. “I’ll be honest, Scootaloo can be a bit, um…terrified of ponies that she’s never met. Even those that come from a species, pony or not, that she’s never seen before, but that doesn’t mean that she’s scared of them...most of the time.” She blushed sheepishly, looking down at the ground. “If there’s one thing Scootaloo’s not known to do, is judge others based on their appearance and race, even if they scare her to know end. Nor is she one to believe any rumors spread about said species, mainly the bad ones. She likes to see for herself if that individual really is what others say they are before making a conclusion. And even then, she’d rather be friends, or at least acquaintances with that individual, instead of enemies, as is the way of the Tenshi and Rosario clans.”

“Wow, really?” Sheton asked, his eyes wide with awe. “So, you really think that she’ll like me?”

“I know so.” Fluttershy replied, smiling brightly. “And I know for a fact that she’ll love you.”

The stormy grey hybrid colt blushed upon hearing the word ‘love’, but brushed it off as the buttermilk Pegasus playfully teasing him. he eventually regained his composure, before softly saying, “W-well, if you say so Fluttershy. I’ll take your word for it.”

“Wonderful!” Fluttershy gushed, kissing Sheton his forehead. As the blushing colt rubbed at the lipstick mark on his forehead, Fluttershy turned to his sisters. “Well then, are you ready to go to my cottage?”

“We sure are Fluttershy.” Goku nodded, giving a fanged smile. “Lead the way.”

Fluttershy smiled sweetly at the tan hybrid mare, before looking over at the birds still perched on the tree. They were all watching the scene intently, looking more relaxed that before.

“That’s all for today everyone! Keep practicing alright?” Fluttershy said, her motherly tone holding that same authoritive tone. “Remember, the Queen is the one that we need to please, do make sure you’re at your best!”

All of the birds gave off various sets of tweets, before flying off in different direction, leaving the tree they were perched on bared. Nodding in satisfaction, she looked back over at the Thestral Kirin siblings, who were all looking back at her.

“Well everypony….” She said sweetly, spreading her angelic wings. “Let’s go!”

The flight to Fluttershy’s cottage didn’t take as long as the Kirin Thestral siblings thought that it would. As a matter of a face her house was just outside the skirts of Ponyville, which wasn’t too far of a walk or fly from it. Like Applejack’s farm, Fluttershy’s home was just outside the town, except that Applejack’s farm was on the southern side of the town. Fluttershy’s was on the southeastern edge, and was much closer for anypony visiting her. Sheton couldn’t help but wonder why she would choose to live outside of town. Upon coming to her home a little while later however, he soon understood why.

Fluttershy’s cottage looked like it was built for living with or inside nature, with possibly every other creature doing the same. It was big, rivaling even Rainbow Dash’s home in size, with various little bird houses either hanging or sitting on the roof of the cottage. Small windows poking out from various spots, with a double door right in the center of the house, and another few bird houses perched near it. All the way down the dirt trail that led to the cottage a small bridge was perched over a small stream. It had a little platform under the bridge, and on the far end of it as well. There were a couple more bird houses were perched near it, with a nested log and tree only ten feet away.

“Well, here we are everypony. Welcome to my home!” Fluttershy said happily as she warmly greeting the birds and animals that living near her cottage. “I’m sorry if it’s a bit crowded here for you. It tends to be that way when your caring for so many animals.’’

“I can see why.” Goku chuckled softly, taking in the beautiful sight of the cottage. “Honestly, I’m not surprised that you would choose to live in a place like this. Since you loved being around nature, even as a filly. Ever since you got your Cutie Mark, there was always this little part of me that knew that this would be what you would do. And that this is what you were destined to do as well.”

“Wow…you sure do have a lot of animals here, Ms. Fluttershy.” Sheton said softly, watching as the little woodland creatures peeked at him from inside their burrows. Some of them retreated back slightly upon seeing the Thestral colt, a little bit intimidated by his bat like appearance and fangs. Others however, gathered up the courage to go up and sniff him, finding themselves relaxing almost immediately after. One bunny even climbed onto his back and sniffed at his mane, earning a giggle from the young colt.

“Of course she does, dear. Why wouldn’t she? Even when we were in high school, she always had some type of animal with her.” Snowflake said, letting some birds nestle into her mane. “Remember that time when she brought in those adorable little bunnies in biology class?”

“Oh I sure do! I noticed one of them pop their heads out of her saddlebags!” Midnight replied with a little squeal. “They were so cute! I just wanted to hug them and snuggle with them all!”

“I don’t doubt that you wanted to. You made that quite clear when you almost shattered the windows and made half the class go deaf.” Fluttershy stated syly. “Though there was a good chance that fi I let you do that, you would’ve crushed the poor things to death.”

“No, I wouldn’t have! I promise you, I was going to be very gentle with them! Honest!” Midnight cried, holding a hoof to her feathered chest. “I’ve gotten a lot better with controlling my strength the past for years!!”

“Really? Because I’m sure that you almost crushing Mr. Cake and Applejack to death would beg to differ.” Goku pointed out blowing a raspberry at the beetle black mare. “The poor stallion was going as blue as Mrs. Cakes fur, good thing you had the common sense to let him go, otherwise you really would’ve crushed him to death.”

“S-shut up Goku!” Midnight stammered, her face heating up as her younger sisters both laughed.

The sound of Fluttershy’s front door gently creaking snapped the three sisters to attention, and they soon found themselves in the mare’s home. As the door closed behind them, the Kirin siblings took a moment to take in the interior of the cottage, and they were impressed at what they saw. On the floor was a large deep red rug having a large flower sewn in the middle with a grey chimney to the left of it. In that chimney, was a large fireplace inside, and a birdhouse to the right of the rug. Far down the rug, there was a large couch and chair having a little tea table in the center, and books shelves containing various books behind them. A picture of a rainbow with butterfly’s framed on the wall, and a window containing doors that had pots engraved on them. Above them, there were a couple more birdhouses, with a large doggy bed next to the couch, where a staircase could be seen behind it, leading upstairs to where the bedrooms were supposed to be. To the left of the stars, a large opening could be seen where the kitchen was, as evident due to the dining room at the far left. To end the display, there was a refrigerator next to it on the other side of the wall.

“I gotta say Fluttershy, you’ve outdone yourself here.” Goku said, smiling slightly. “I figured you were going to settle down somewhere quiet, and it looks like you have. I can practically feel the quietness in this place, along with a lot of different animal scents.”

“I figured you would, especially since you’re half Thestral and have a heightened sense of smell.” The buttermilk Pegasus chuckled. “You’ll have to excuse me for that, a lot of the animals tend to make their own homes here with me. Some of them don’t really like being outside for many different reasons.”

“Oh don’t worry about that dear, we don’t mind you having so many animals here.” Snowflake said, waving a hoof dismissively. “To be honest we were pretty much expecting it. You did like being around animals more than ponies, and those that weren’t normal ponies.”

Fluttershy smiled gently at the mountain blue mare. “Yes well…animals do tend to get me a lot more than ponies that don’t. That’s one of the reasons why I love being around them so much; they’re quieter, they don’t judge, and they’d never hurt or betray you, even if it means giving their lives.” Her expression softened as she locked eyes with all three of the hybrid mares. “And it’s also ponies like you that get me so much, because you’re treated like many of the animals that I take care of. Feared for something that ponies don’t understand and judged just because of your appearance, and not doing anything to really see what you’re like. It’s why I don’t mind ponies like you, and want you to be more understood.”

“We know Fluttershy, we all feel the same way sweetie.” Midnight said, softly. “Unfortunately, there aren’t many ponies like you that are so tolerant and accepting of ponies like us. Which makes it all the more wonderful that we’re friends, right Sheton?”

“U-uh-huh…” Sheton replied, smiling at Fluttershy. “A-and since I’m here, you get to have another Thestral as a friend. O-of course, I’m only half Thestral, but…you get the point I’m trying to make right?”

“Yes honey, I do.” Fluttershy nodded, winking at the stormy grey colt. “And I’m glad that get to have another friend like the ones I have now. That friend being in the from of you.”

With those words, Fluttershy planted another kiss on the colt, this time on his cheek instead of his head. Sheton promptly blushed and looked away, gingerly rubbing at his cheek as a giggling Fluttershy walked over to the back door of her cottage. With the four siblings close behind her, they all walked out and into the backyard of the animal caretaker. It was quite large, seemingly as large as Rainbow Dash’s, having a large field that had groups of flowers planted here and there. There was also a large chicken coop on the far left, and a large pond that was sure to contain fish on the right, with lilies and frogs there as well. Just next to the cottage, was a large wooden table containing a few or so chairs, and a few large trees that had a few bird’s nests in them. All around them, they would see various other birds and animals roaming around the backyard, all of them being many different species. Mice, rabbits, and squirrels, and chickens, sheep, goats, deer and moose...the list went on, and they all seemed to be quite at home.

“Woooow…” Sheton breathed as he looked around the backyard of Fluttershy’s cottage. “It’s so beautiful Fluttershy.”

“Why thank you Sheton. It’s really a sight to see, isn’t it?” Fluttershy asked, giggling in amusement in at the colt’s reaction. “Many ponies wouldn’t expect to find something like this where I am. Especially if it has exotic animals such as these. That is, unless you’re a member of the Ponyville Critter Crew!”

“Oh we know that! I can totally see why you would choose a job like that.” The tan hybrid mare said. “It looks like my little brother is liking it a lot.”

“Oh, that’s right!” Snowflake exclaimed as she looked over at Fluttershy. “Fluttershy, dear, didn’t you say that your sister was here?”

“Oh, yes I did! I almost forgot about that, thank you for the reminder Snowflake.” Fluttershy said thankfully at the mountain blue mare. She then began to look around the backyard, her teal eyes squinting in concentration. “Now, if I can just find her. She said she would be here in the backyard while I was gone, so I don’t-oh! There she is!”

All four siblings followed the line where Fluttershy’s hoof was pointing and came across a sight that made their eyes widen. There, sitting in the field of flowers on the far-left side of the cottage backyard, was a young Pegasus filly that looked to be about Sheton’s age, possibly a year older. She had bright orange fur that was a shade lighter than Applejack’s, with a long indigo mane and tail that hung all the way to the ground. Her mane completely obscured one of her eyes, the other being a captivating and gentle violet color. Her wings were folded neatly at her sides, all being a combination of her mane and tail color, along with that of Fluttershy’s eyes, and her Cutie Mark was nonexistent.

Sheton felt all the breath leave his body as his emerald blue eyes widened, the oval shaped pupils dilated as he stared at the filly. His heartbeat quickened as a pink tint appeared on his cheeks, his bat wings twitching slightly. As he continued to stare in awe at the filly before him, one thought crossed his mind. ‘So pretty…!’

“Is that her Fluttershy?” Goku asked, looking at the filly with a raised eyebrow. “Is that your little sister?”

“It sure is Goku!” Fluttershy gushed, her cheeks going as pink as her mane. “Doesn’t she look just precious?”

“She most certainly does dear…I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more adorable filly before.” Snowflake replied, smiling fondly at Scootaloo. “Then again, I’ve seen many cute foals in my lifetime, especially just today, but still…I think she takes the cake.”

“I think we can all agree with that.” Midnight said, letting out a little giggle. “I mean, just look at that beautiful mane and tail, and those eyes! Oh, I bet she’d look absolutely beautiful in one of Rarity’s dresses!”

“If you think she looks sweet now, just wait until you actually here her talk.” Fluttershy said, smiling in excitement at the three sisters. She then looked back to where Scootaloo was and cleared her throat, before saying, “Oh Scootaloo! Come here sweetie, we have some guests!”

Scootaloo’s ears perked at the sound of her older sister’s sweet voice, and her single visible violet eye locked onto her and the four siblings. Her eye widened slightly in surprise, but it soon beamed into a sweet smile that made Sheton’s heart skip a beat. Wordlessly, she got up from her spot in the flowers and galloped over to Fluttershy, her mane and tail flowing gracefully behind her. She slowed to a trot when she got within forelegs length, before stopping in front of Fluttershy, closing her eye as the older mare nuzzled her lovingly. Scootaloo then nuzzled into Fluttershy’s huge chest fluff, earning an ‘Awwww’ from the three Thestral Kirin sisters, before she pulled away.

“It’s wonderful to see you two against Scootaloo.” Fluttershy said sweetly. “I’m sorry that I didn’t get back here on time. I hope that I didn’t keep you waiting for too long.”

The bright orange filly shook her head, and, in what had to be the sweetest gentlest voice Goku and her siblings had ever heard, she said, “N-no…y-y-you didn’t keep me w-waiting for very long b-big sister. I-it was only half an hour ago w-when you left, s-so I wasn’t too worried.”

“Well, that’s good to hear.” Fluttershy said softly. “Did you stay in the backyard with the animals like I told you too?”

“Y-yes, I did.” Scootaloo nodded, smiling timidly. “I-I also didn’t let anypony that wasn’t your friends or mine in the cottage while you were away. I-I did see a few of them pass by here b-but, I didn’t really recognize them.”

“Good girl!” Fluttershy praised, planting a soft kiss on Scootaloo’s forehead. “What a good little filly you’ve been today! I knew I could count on you to look after the house while I was gone!

“W-well, I was only doing what you t-told me to do; l-looking after the animals and the cottage.” Scootaloo said bashfully, blushing slightly. “I-I couldn’t disappoint you, a-and I did want to d-do my part, s-so…t-t-that’s what I did.”

“Well, you certainly did a better job at doing that.” Fluttershy said, nuzzling Scootaloo on her cheek. “I’m so proud of you Loo-Loo; you’re growing up so fast!”

Scootaloo giggled. “B-big sister…I-I’m only e-eight years old, I have at least f-five years b-before I b-become a mare.”

“I know, but you’re already becoming a mare in your own special way. And I think the same can be said about your friends.” Fluttershy winked, letting out a little giggle of her own. “That reminds me, I have a few new faces that I want you to meet. Ones that I think that you’ll find quite pleasant.”

The bright orange filly tilted her head curiously, her violet mane swaying slightly as she followed the line of her sister’s gaze. Her single violet eye widened upon seeing the four Thestral Kirin sisters just next to Fluttershy, the last of which looking away when she looked at him. A soft gasp escaped her lips as she locked in place, her ears flopping back as a shy nervous look came across her face.

“It’s okay Scootaloo, they’re not going to hurt you.” Fluttershy said soothingly. “These are my other friends that I’ve been telling you about.”

“Y-you’re other f-friends?” Scootaloo asked, looking back at her sister. “Y-y-you mean they’re the…”

“Mhm, they’re the three Thestral Kirin sisters that I used to tell you about from time to time after I had come back to Ponyville.” Fluttershy replied, nodding as she looked back at the three mares. “This is Midnight Thunderstorm Nightstalker Shenron, Snowflake Icestorm Nightstalker Shenron, and Son Goku Kakarot Nightstalker Shenron. All three of them are part of the Nightstalker and Shenron clans in the Grove of the Kirins and in the Empire of Lunar Bay, you know the ones that can turn into Bat Pony and dragon pony hybrids.”

“Y-yeah, I know…I-I’ve heard that, um…they also have the, um, necklaces to show t-that they have that k-kind of power.” Scootaloo replied, looking back over at the three sisters. “I-its, um…v-v-very nice to meet y-you all. M-my name is S-Scootaloo Tenshi Kindheart R-Rosario.”

“Oh, we know that dear. Your big sister told us who you were already.” Snowflake said tenderly, her fangs gleaming as she smiled at the little filly. “Still, it’s very nice to meet you, your sister wasn’t kidding when she said that you were quite adorable.”

“Now Snowflake, don’t go teasing the poor thing.” Midnight chided lightly as Scootaloo blushed deeply. “She’s only just met us, and besides, she’s not the only adorable little one that we have here with us.”

“You’re right Midnight. I think it’d be best if we introduce them right now.” Goku said, smirking down at her little brother. She pushed Sheton forward in front of the Pegasus filly, who went wide eyed once again at seeing him so close to her. “Scootaloo, sweetie, I’d like you to meet our little brother, Sheton Crimson Flash Nightstalker Shenron. He’s here with us for the Summer Sun Celebration while we supervise it, and we felt that it’d be good for his social health if he made friends with ponies his age in the place we’re planning to move back to.”

The stormy grey hybrid colt gulped, his little heart beating fast as his cheeks flushed a deep pink red. With as much courage as he could muster, he managed to stutter out, “Um…h-h-hi Scootaloo…m-my name is S-Sheton…i-it’s really nice to m-meet you.”

Scootaloo didn’t say anything for a moment, her lone eye staring right into Sheton’s emerald blue orbs as the blush on her face grew even darker. The pupil in her eye dilated as her mouth hung open in a cute little ‘o’ shape. ‘So…cute!’ she thought internally.

“Scootaloo…” Fluttershy said firmly, yet gently. “It’s not polite to stare at others like that. I know Sheton looks cute and all, but could you at least respond to him honey?”

This snapped Scootaloo out of her daze as she glanced in between her sister and Sheton a couple of time, before settling back on the latter again. “S-sorry big sister…h-hello Sheton…i-it’s really nice t-to meet you t-too.”

‘Oh, look at those too!’ Goku thought, biting her lip to keep from giggling as she watched two foals act shyly towards one another. ‘I can already tell that these two are gonna get along quite well in the upcoming years. Oh, I can almost see the future cute moments coming!’

“S-so, um…Sheton?” Scootaloo asked, looking back up at the colt. “I-is this y-you’re first time here in P-Ponyville?”

“Um, y-yeah it is.” Sheton replied, smiling slightly. “I came here just a few hours ago, mainly because my sister wanted me to see if I can make any friends. I’ve actually been pretty successful so far…”

“Oh, y-you have?” Scootaloo asked, one of her ears flicking. “S-so they weren’t scared of the f-fact that you were a h-hybrid?”

“No, they weren’t.” Sheton said, smiling slightly. “I really thought that at least one of them would be at least a little nervous about seeing a pony with bat wings and fangs. I mean, Thestrals don’t exactly have a sunny reputation around Equestria, and neither do the Kirins, or anypony like them for that matter.”

“Y-yeah, I can see that.” Scootaloo nodded sympathetically, looking at the colt’s fangs, tufted ears, and his wings. “F-for the record, I’m not really bothered by your fangs or your bat wings, i-if you want m-my honest o-opinion.”

Sheton’s tufted bat ears perked. “You’re not?”

“Mm-mm…m-me and my big sister h-have a lot of b-bats at the c-c-cottage, though they don’t really l-like being out in the d-daytime.” Scootaloo nodded, smiling softly. “I admit, i-it can be a l-little n-nerve wracking s-seeing creatures with f-fangs. B-b-but…they can actually be pretty cute and sweet once you look past the, um…scary appearances. T-the same can be said for the T-Thestrals too, i-if ponies are willing to do the s-same thing.”

“Yeah, I hear you there…if only it were that easy.” Sheton nodded dejectedly. “Too bad there are a lot of ponies who see them as monsters, no matter how much good they’ve done. They’re just too overcome by fear and rumors to really see it.”

Goku sighed, a frown coming to her face. “Sad, but true…” She said, her voice low enough for only Fluttershy and her sisters to hear.

“So…a-about that…” Sheton continued. “W-what do you think of it?”

“H-huh?” Scootaloo asked. “W-what did you say?”

“My Thestral form.” Sheton specified. “What do you think of it?”

Scootaloo jumped, the question throwing her in a bit of a loop as she looked at Sheton in surprise. Once it sunk in, a thick blush spread across her face as she shrunk away, forehooves poking together in a gesture of hesitance. She closed her eye, inhaling deeply and exhaling rather shakily before looking back into the eyes of the stormy grey colt.

“D-do…do you want an h-honest a-answer?” She asked, her lower lip trembling slightly. “Y-you may be a little e-embarrassed by what I have to s-say.”

“It’s okay, don’t worry…I won’t be upset or embarrassed by your answer.” Sheton said reassuringly, reaching out with a hoof and putting it on Scootaloo’s. She gasped at the contact, but didn’t pull her hoof away, although her blush did grow slightly darker. “Go on, just tell me and get it off your chest. I promise I’m not going to hold it against you.”

“W-well…okay then.” Scootaloo said, hiding behind her mane a bit. “I-I, um…I think that you’re Thestral appearance is…r-really…c-c-c-c-cute!”

Sheton froze, his eyes widening slightly as his wings twitched. “You think it’s what?”

“M-mhm…” Scootaloo nodded, biting her lip. “…I t-think you T-Thestral form is r-really c-cute.”

“You…you do?” Sheton asked, a deep blush of his own coming to his cheeks. He pulled his shaking hoof away from Scootaloo’s, making the filly frown slightly. “Y-you really think that I look…cute like this?”

“Y-yes, I-I do.” The bright orange filly nodded. “I-I haven’t really seen that many Thestral ponies or foals before, since most of them live in the Luna Bay Kingdom. B-but, from all the photos that I’ve seen of their kids, t-they looked really, um…adorable. W-with those little fangs, the webbed wings, the t-tufted ears, and that f-fluffy fur, like what you have now.” Her smile grew slightly wider as she played with her mane. “It just makes you all look so…huggable.”

Sheton’s lips pursed, his pupils dilating as his blush grew even darker. “It…it does?”

Scootaloo nodded, pawing at the ground as her mane lightly swept at it. “Y-yes…a-and I also love the way that y-your wings are m-made. F-fearsome, yet b-beautiful at the same time, w-with the wing claws and the membranes, used for f-flight and f-f-fighting. I-I don’t think I’ve really s-seen wings like t-that before…e-especially ones t-that’re feathered.”

“Well, that’s probably because you haven’t seen Thestrals with feathered wings before dear.” Snowflake, spreading her own wings partially. “That is until now…”

“Hmhm, yeah, you make a good point.” Scootaloo said giggling a bit. “B-but…y-yeah, t-that’s what I think about you’re Thestral form S-Sheton. I-I don’t think that it’s scary at all…that I t-think it’s c-cute, and…f-fascinating to look at.”

“W…wow Scootaloo…I-I…don’t know what to say.” Sheton said, blinking a few times. “Thank you, that’s…one of the nicest things anypony’s said about my form.”

“I-It was nothing S-Sheton…I-I mean that w-with all my h-heart, and not just cause I’m b-being nice.” Scootaloo said, her smile turning gentler. “After all, w-what kind of f-friend would I b-be if I e-ever said that j-just to make you f-feel better?”

The stormy grey colt looked at Scootaloo in slight surprise. “F-friend?”

“Uh-huh.” The bright orange filly nodded as she walked a bit closer to Sheton. “I-I know that this is, u-um…out of the blue, a-and I’m n-normally not the f-first one a-ask it…but…um…” She looked away, mustering up the courage to say what she wanted to ask. “D-do you and I…think we could b-be…f-f-friends?”

“R…r-r-r-really?” Sheton stuttered. “Y-you really want the both of us to be friends?!”

“I…I-I really would.” Scootaloo replied, stepping just a bit closer to the colt. As with Fluttershy, her mane hung just in front of him, and even more frequent scent of flowers filled Sheton’s nostrils. “T-this is the very first-time t-that I’ve ever had any r-real encounters with T-Thestrals…l-let alone T-Thestral foals. P-plus, y-you seem like a r-really nice c-colt Sheton, and, y-y-you’re one of the f-first foals I’ve meet o-outside of Ponyville that’s been n-nice to me, a-and hasn’t thought of me as w-weird, a-and I’m happy f-for that.” Slowly and tentatively, she reached out and placed her hoof on Sheton’s, making the colt tense up. “S-so…w-w-what do you say Sheton? D-do you w-wanna be f-friends? Um…please?”

For once, Sheton didn’t have to really look into Scootaloo’s eyes to see if she really was being honest in her approach. He could tell it just by focusing on her body language alone and the shy, yet sweet and gentle tone in her voice. The filly herself even looked like thought that he wouldn’t accept her offer in friendship and give her another friend to have in her life. At that moment, Sheton had made his decision, almost without even having to think it over, and he made it clear, very openly.

“Scootaloo,” He said happily, taking Scootaloo’s left hoof into both of his own. “I would love to be your friend!”

The bright orange filly gasped, the blush on her face returning tenfold. “Y-you would?”

“Uh-huh! I admit, I was really apprehensive about how you’d react to first seeing me, being a Thestral and all.” Sheton nodded, glancing over at Fluttershy. “But your sister assured me that you wouldn’t be afraid of me because of my heritage, especially since you both held some admiration and respect for Thestrals, so I decided to give her the benefit of the doubt.” He blushed a bit at the winking face of the buttermilk Pegasus, before turning back at the bright orange filly. “Plus, you were never really bothered by my appearance, or that I looked like a foal version of…you know. N-not only that, you seem like a really sweet filly, even if I just met you right now, so…yeah, I’d love to be friends with you.”

The surprised look on Scootaloo’s face slowly shifted to a small that steadily grew larger. It was nowhere near as wide as Pinkie Pie’s, but was enough to show just how happy she was. Her eye glazed over as tears built up in it, her lower tip trembling as she stammered, “S-Sheton…I…I don’t know what to say. I…I-I really thought that you really wouldn’t want to be friends with me…especially since, since your family is so…”

“Hated and feared?” Sheton finished, laughing a little. “Yeah, I can see how that may be the reason why you were so nervous about me wanting to be your friend or not. But you don’t need to worry about that, I’m not gonna let that be a reason to not be friends with me, no matter how true it may be. Sure, there are lots of ponies who fear us, but there are at least a few of us that’re willing to look past it, like you and your sister…and all the other ponies that I’ve met today.” He laughed sheepishly as Melon Cake, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and all of the other mares he met came flashing back to his mind. “That just shows that there are many ponies like you out there who don’t believe all the things that are said about Thestrals and Kirins. Which makes it all the more swell to have ponies like you as friends for ponies like me…and I think anypony would be pretty stupid not to be friends with a sweet and pretty filly like you.”

A pregnant silence washed over the entirety of Fluttershy’s backyard as the four mares standing behind the foals let out soft gasps. Scootaloo’s smile abruptly morphed into mini triangle as her single eye went comically purple, her whole body going as stiff as a board. Sheton, who had just realized what he had said, got the same expression as Scootaloo, and slowly looked over at his and her sister. All three of them looked like they were going do either double over in laughter or glomp the ever-living shit out of them out of the sheer sweetness of the scene. Blushing profusely, he slowly turned back to Scootaloo, only to see her staring back at him with what looked to be the reddest blush he had ever seen.

“Y-y-you…you t-t-think I-I-I l-look…” The poor filly stammered, shaking like a lead as she stayed locked in place. “…p-p-p-pretty?!”

“U-um…I-I…u-u-uh…” Sheton stammered, trying desperately to come up with the with a response to get himself out of the clear. As the quiet giggles of the four mares behind him registered in his ears, he found himself only able to say one thing. “Y…yes, I do…I-I think that you’re r-really p-p-pretty Scootaloo.”

“O-oh! I…um…uh…t-that’s…”Scootaloo stuttered, words forming and evaporating in her throat as she attempted to speak. Steam flew out of her ears as her face burned red, a small, shaky smile forming on her lips. Finally, after much fumbling, the Pegasus filly managed to pull herself together to form a proper sentence. “D-d-do…do you r-really mean t-that?”

Sheton gulped, giving a timid nod. “Y-yeah, I do mean it…and I’m not just saying it either. Y-you look really r-really pretty…o-one of the prettiest fillies I’ve s-seen.” He looked up at her, his blush as dark as her own. “A-and…you’re also…r-r-really cute too.”

Scootaloo squeaked, both of her hooves coming to her mouth as she blushed even harder than before, her single eye squeezing shut. A tiny squee left her throat as she tried desperately to calm the rapidly rising heat in her face. Nopony said anything, with Fluttershy, Goku, Snowflake, and Midnight all still standing off to the side as they all waited for the filly’s next response.

‘Cute…he said that I was cute! A-and really pretty too; one of the prettiest fillies he had ever seen! Did he say that just to be nice to me?’ Scootaloo thought, looking back into Sheton’s eyes through her mane. ‘No…he’s not…I can see it in his eyes, he’s not just saying that. He really does mean it…he really does thing that I’m pretty! This is the first compliment I’ve ever gotten form a colt about my looks that’s not from Ponyville! Oh, he’s such a sweet colt!’

“I-I’m sorry…t-that just came out! I didn’t mean to startle you like that!” Sheton said, letting out a little squeak of his own. “S-s-so, um…d-d-do you wanna still be f-friends?”

‘He…he’s apologizing for saying that I’m pretty?’ Scootaloo asked, pulling her hooves away from her face. Her single eye widened slightly upon seeing the guilty look on his face, and her lips pursed in panic. ‘Oh no! He must think that I didn’t like it, and that I’m silently judging him! Come on Scootaloo, say something quick before you make the poor thing cry!’

“Y…y-y-yes! I-I do…I’d like that a lot too.” She practically spat out, her eye temporarily closing for a moment. Taking a deep shaky breath, Scootaloo smiled at the colt and a held a hoof out in front of her. “T-thank you for saying t-that I was p-pretty b-by the way…t-t-that was r-really nice of you to s-say.”

“Yeah…n-no problem.” Sheton nodded, reaching out with his own hoof and shaking it with Scootaloo’s, thus sealing their newfound friendship.

At that moment, a curtain of spikey black mane fell next to Sheton, and he found himself being nuzzled by Goku. Her forehooves planted themselves on his shoulders as she cooed into his right ear. “My my, look at you Sheton…not even twelve and you’re already getting it on with the fillies! I am so proud of you!”

“Goku, you shouldn’t be saying such things!” Fluttershy chastised, although she too was smiling. “Like you said the poor dears aren’t even that old yet. Is now really the time to be going on about how much they like each other?”

“B-big sister! I-I-I, w-we don’t…i-it’s not t-that…I-I don’t…!” Scootaloo stammered, her mouth opening and closing as she tried to diffuse the situation. “We…we don’t f-f-feel that w-way about e-each other.”

“Doesn’t mean that you don’t sweetie.” Midnight chirped, winking at the tangerine filly. “It’s perfectly natural to be in denial about how you feel for one another, but that it’ll eventually go away. And soon, neither of you will be able to keep your hooves off of each other, and you’re going to both pour your hearts out!”

“Nu-uh! We totally do not feel that way!” Sheton cried, huffing as his cheeks puffed. “We’ve only just met and became friends twenty seconds ago!”

“True, but hey…” Goku shrugged, gently flicking Sheton’s nose with her tail. “…you just may never know when those feelings will change.”

Both foals paused at this looking over at each other and seeing each other’s embarrassed faces, before looking away again immediately after. They both rubbed their forelegs together and mumbled under their breaths, both of their faces as red as cherries.

Fortunately for them, Fluttershy intervened, having had her fill of the teasing of her little sister and her new friend. With a gentle giggled, she walked up to both foals and wrapped her wings around them, pulling them to her. “Alright girls, that’s enough…I think our little sweeties have their fill of our little torment for one day. If we keep on going the poor things may just die of embarrassment!”

“Oh, but that’s what we were aiming for!” Goku protested, her pout looking very familiar to Pinkie’s own. “I mean, it is a siblings job to tease the other isn’t it? Even if it involves a potential love interest in the future? Or maybe…a potential ha-”

“Don’t even finish that sentence!” Sheton said sharply as he glared up at his older sister. “I swear, don’t you even go there! It’s bad enough that you constantly tease me about liking Scootaloo, Apple Bloom and the other fillies I’ve met, but there’s no way that…that would happen! Especially with us!”

“Keep telling yourself that dear.” Snowflake said, smiling gently at the colt. “You just may never know what fate may have in store for you.”

“I was just about to say the same thing.” Fluttershy giggled, before looking down at the two deeply blushing foals. “Sheton, that was very nice of you to say that my sister was pretty. Not many colts at her school compliment her on her looks, so I’m sure that must’ve made her feel wonderful.”

“Y-you’re welcome F-Fluttershy.” Sheton stammered, using one of his bat wings to fan his red face. “I-I meant what I said…y-your sister does look really p-pretty…”

The buttermilk Pegasus giggled, leaning down and whispering into Sheton’s ear. “If you think that she looks pretty now, you’re gonna think she’s beautiful when you see her at the school you may be going to. My little Loo-Loo does like to keep herself presentable, even if she doesn’t really need to. I won’t spoil anything, but…let’s just say you’re going to need a big fan to keep your face cool.”

Sheton’s ears perked at this, looking into Fluttershy’ smirking face and then at Scootaloo, only to see her looking back at him. They held that gaze for a moment, and it was soon broken by the sweet smile that Scootaloo gave Sheton, one that he timidly returned. The foals eventually broke away from the gaze, only to hear the giggles of their sisters around them.

“Alright then, I think we’ve gotten enough of a laugh out of our adorable little siblings for one day.” Goku chuckled, ignoring the glare Sheton sent her. “What do you guys say that we head on inside and have a nice big batch of lunch, eh?”

“I think that’d be swell little sister.” Snowflake nodded. “It has been sometime since we last ate, and all of the stuff that we did with the rest of the girls has given me a rather ravenous appetite.”

“Me too…” Midnight moaned, holding her stomach as her hunger pains stabbed at her abdomen. “Fluttershy, I hope you don’t mind, but could we-”

“Absolutely.” Fluttershy said happily. “I’d never deny my friends the chance of sating their hunger, especially in a place like mine. Hunger one of the worst things anypony can go through, and I’d never wish that upon anypony or any animal. Not even the ones that live under the roof of my cottage!” Pushing both Scootaloo and Sheton forward, the animal caretaker trapped the other three mares in her wings and pushed them back towards the door of her cottage. “Now come along everypony, I’ll cook up a nice batch of whatever you’d like, and after that, we’ll all go and visit Twilight! I’m sure she’d love to see the three of you again.”

“Ha, I could never forget that little bookworm of a mare Flutters! I was planning to go find her after we finished up here, and I think that I have a pretty good idea on where to look.” Goku laughed, before looking down at her little brother. “Plus, something tells me that there’ll be a couple other familiar faces there waiting for us. Or rather…a certain little foal.”

Author's Notes:

Out of all these chapters, this one was probably the most easiest and quite possibly he most fun to be able to redo! One of the major problems that I had with this chapter is first, the description of how Fluttershy had met the Thestral Kirin sisters, and what had happened to transpire the friendship between them. I feel like I added a bit too much of that description in this chapter that I feel could've been left for stories in the future involving how each of the Main Seven had met each other, so that was something that needed a nice good thorough going over. Something that I have to do with one final chapter before I start to redo the adventure and the action scenes in this 1st Book, something that definitely need a thorough redoing for everypony's enjoyment, especially for the new purple tag that I added on.

Another thing that I decided to change was Fluttershy's powers...for that, I had decided to give her an additional power that, for anypony that has seen Heaven's Lost Property, would better suit her, besides the one that I had given Derpy in the third chapter. Now, before any of you go on and complain about me keeping that, let me just say that while I do plan to having Fluttershy show it, it'll be at such a capacity that it won't bet shown until much later on in the series. For now, I think that I'd be more appropriate for her to show off the powers of the Angeloids, though, with just how powerful they can be, they can be pretty terrifying, especially ones that's in the hooves of our favorite vet.

Well, that's it for this chapter; next up us everypony's favorite bookworm, and after that, we'll start getting back to the adventure to defeat the Dark Queen!!!

Chapter 9 - Magical Stars, Crescent Moons, Draconic Colts

Against the four siblings’ expectations, Fluttershy had managed to whip them up a rather large lunch to somehow satisfy all of their hunger. She wasn’t exaggerating when she said that she’d be able to feed all of them all, and she seemed to have plenty of ingredients in store to make what they liked. Unlike with the Apple Family, Fluttershy’s batch of food wasn’t quite as numerous, but the food size very well could’ve been. The veterinarian had gotten quite few giggles in watching the four hybrids stuff themselves, and even Scootaloo couldn’t help but laugh a bit at Sheton’s need to eat. They eventually got ahold of themselves though, and delved into a rather pleasant conversation with each other. Scootaloo and Sheton also took some time for more bonding as well, along with some more teasing by their sisters.

At around the beginning of dusk, the three mare and two foals decided that it was time to go and pay a visit to another one of their friends. Though not before the Nightstalker Shenron siblings all offered to help Fluttershy with feeding her animals. The veterinarian happily accepted the offer, and Scootaloo and Sheton were given even more time to spend with each other, along with helping with the animals as well.

“So Sheton, did you enjoy your stay over at my cottage?” Fluttershy asked sweetly, looking over at the young colt, who was walking alongside Scootaloo.

“Uh-huh, I sure did! It was a lot of fun being around so many animals!” Sheton replied, walking with a light skip in his step. “I’ve never seen so many animals in one place before; there were so many I couldn’t even count! Are you a veterinarian Fluttershy?”

Fluttershy paused, a slight blush coming to her face as she chuckled in embarrassment. “Well…yes dear, I am, but I’m not exactly you’re typical vet, and I’m certainly not one of the old-fashioned ones either. See, I’m not one of those vets who works at an office or inside an animal clinic or anything like that. I like to work in a place where I can both feel at home and allow the animals to come and go.”

“What do you mean?” Sheton asked, tilting his head. “If you’re a vet then shouldn’t you be going to one of the downtown ones and seeing the animals there?”

“Well, if I was like any other vet, I would, but that’s not how I do things.” Fluttershy explained patiently. “You see, the reason why I have so many animals with me isn’t just because I take them in at random. It’s also because my cottage is well, more or less a workplace in itself. It’s a place where I can both work and be at home at the same time.”

“Whoa, seriously?” The hybrid colt asked. “So, you’re saying that your home is just like Miss. Rarity’s boutique? A home and a workplace both combined into one?”

“Well, if you want to put it like that, then yes.” Fluttershy giggled, smiling in amusement. “I had come up with the idea when I had first come here to Ponyville. There are plenty of paces here that have plenty of jobs regarding training and caring for animals, and they all seemed quite wonderful for me to try. The problem with that is…well, I don’t really do so well in crowds, plus I don’t really like living in places where there’s so many ponies and um…noises.” She ran a hoof down her mane as her blush grew deeper. “I like to be in places where it and the ones in it are much quieter, and allows me to really think and move at my own pace. Plus, I like to be around animals more than ponies anyway…t-they’re easier to deal with.”

“Are you sure it’s not because they’re a lot cuter and not anywhere near as annoying?” Goku asked teasingly. “Other than our little brother and sister?”

“N-no, of course not!” Fluttershy defended, frowning at the tan hybrid mare. “Don’t get me wrong, it can get a little overwhelming having to watch both my sister and her friends at the same time. That doesn’t mean the reason why I don’t like be around so many ponies and foals is because they can be difficult to deal with! It’s just that’s what I’d rather prefer other than most ponies, okay? I do like socializing from time to time, but at the same time, I do like my privacy, and so does Scootaloo! We’re not like Derpy, Dinky, Pinkie Pie, or even Melon Cake!”

“I-I don’t do s-so well in l-l-large crowds e-e-either.” Scootaloo murmured, shaking her head. “A-at least not in o-ones where there are s-o many grown ponies…m-my s-sister and her f-f-friends a-re enough. I-I like being around foals my age t-that think m-more like I-I-I do, a-and don’t l-look s-s-so i-intimidating. M-Melon Cake’s r-really s-s-sweet, a-and she’s a lot of f-fun to b-b-be around, b-but…s-she can be a l-little, um…t-too energetic to k-keep up w-with.”

Sheton nodded sympathetically. “Yeah, I think I can see why. Me and my sisters were just over at Sugarcube Corner meeting with Miss Pinkie and the Cakes, and I got a taste of just how energetic she can be. Needless to say, it was, erm…a really, really scary sight to say the least!” A slight shiver went down his spine. “If Miss. Pinkie’s that energetic, then I can only imagine how much Melon will be when we grow up…ugh, I bet that’s gonna be a nightmare!”

“M-hm-h-h-hm…” Scootaloo whimpered, her own body shaking a little. “A b-b-big one…eep!”

“Yes dear, we know…we were just messing with you as all.” Snowflake nodded as Fluttershy pouted. “However, we can see you’re point on one thing. Everypony does like there dose of privacy in more ways than one. You just happen to choose it where it’s closer to the precious little lives that you love and care for Fluttershy.”

“And that’s exactly why I’m known as Mother Natura’s Personal Vet of Ponyville.” Fluttershy nodded, holding her head up. “Because I’m the mare to go to for any animal, wild or domestic, that’s in need of help!”

“That’s true.” Midnight chirped, before turning to Snowflake. “Though, you do realize that not all of the animals Fluttershy has are little, right Snowflake? There are some big animals there too…like Elk, Deer, Moose…there was even a bear that lives in a nearby cave!”

“Yes, big sister, I am aware of that.” The mountain blue mare nodded, patting the larger mare’s shoulder. “I’m just making a little expression about Fluttershy looking after so many lives that many won’t even think about doing. Especially the way that she does it…or rather, how we all do it.”

“Oh, right.” Midnight murmured, blushing a bit. “Sorry about that…I thought for a moment that you didn’t notice all the other animals on the outskirts of Fluttershy’s cottage.”

“That’s alright Midnight.” Snowflake smiled. “Even I had some trouble noticing them. There were just so many that I couldn’t really count…even with our eyes, it was pretty hard to see them though the shadows of the trees.”

“Heh, yeah, I bet it was.” Goku chuckled, flicking both her sisters with her tail. “And speaking of which, I think we’ve made it to another tree that looks more than a little cozy.”

At these words, all five other ponies stopped walking and looked in front of where the hybrid mare was pointing, and two of them felt their eyes widen in surprise. Just twenty or so feet away from the six ponies, was the biggest and thickest tree that they had ever seen. It looked like it would be found somewhere in far woods instead of in the middle of a town like Ponyville, and it was definitely wider than most trees. A large majority of the try was typically covered in large masses of leaves, with a few lavender windows on the upper left and right corner, all being covered in a roof of leaves. They could also see to balconies, one on the high left-hand corner, for reading and looking out into town, and the other at the very top, with an extendable telescope pointing out into the sky, giving anypony the ability to see stars up close at night. At the very bottom, right in the center of the tree, was a triangular set of double doors with a scroll at the very top, and a few feet away from the tree, was he painting of a book, with an engraving that said, ‘Golden Oaks Library’.

“Wait, this is a library?” Sheton asked as he read the sign. “There’s a sign on it that says that it is.”

“It sure is Sheton, this is where Twilight Twinkleshine Sparkle lives, and she’s Ponyville’s resident librarian.” Fluttershy replied softly, looking back over at the stormy grey colt. “She moved here about four years ago, so she could be to be closer to us, and this has been her home ever since.”

“I see…I thought that she’d come to a place like this to away from all of the drama back in Canterlot City. Although, I never really expected Twilight to actually live in a tree of all things.” Goku murmured as she took in all the tree buildings features. “Then again, she did always want to live in place where there were plenty of books around, even if it was in a tree. Heh, it looks like she stuck to her vow and did just that, and it really shows too.”

“Well, I think that’s rather adorable, and quite smart of her. Trees are found all the way out into forests and jungles, and come in numerous shapes and sizes.” Snowdrop said chuckling with amusement. “In a way, it makes sense that she would pick someplace like this, and not just because she’s a ‘bookworm’.” She let out a giggle. “Since ponies like Twilight like to study or read in places that are nice and quiet, I wouldn’t expect Twilight herself to pick a home that was anything less than how she liked it. And it looks like she’s found that in this ideal place, even if it is in the form of a tree.”

“Me neither. I think the home she picked is lovely. With the way it’s structured, I bet she’s had a lot of fun in their since she first moved in with it” Midnight cooed softly, her face lightning up into a small yet warm smile. “I wonder how she’s doing, along with Spike and Crescent Shield…we haven’t seen any of them in a quite a while.”

Scootaloo’s ears perked as she looked over at Goku. ‘W-what did she say?’

“Well, there’s only one way to find out.” Goku said as she trotted over to the door. She lifted her right foreleg and gently rapped on the door. “Helloooo? Twilight, are you in there? It’s me Goku! I have my sisters and brother her with me, along with Fluttershy and her sister too. Is it okay if we come in? We wanted to pay you a little visit, we haven’t seen you in forever.”

For a few moments, there was no response through the other side of the door, giving the tan Pegasus and the others the impression that she was in the middle of studying something. Before they could decide on whether or not to come back later, a mare’s voice suddenly rang from inside the library, making them jump slightly.

“Goku?” A sweet and intelligent voice said from behind the door. “Oh, my Celestia, is that really you?!”

“It sure is Twi!” Goku replied, her voice equally as sweet as the other mares. “Your one and only favorite Thestral Kirin mare of Ponyville and Canterlot! I’m not the only one here either, I also have Midnight, Snowflake, and Sheton here with me too!”

Fluttershy softly coughed a couple of times, raising an eyebrow at the tan mare.

“Oh, and uh…” Goku murmured sheepishly. “…Fluttershy and Scootaloo are here too.”

“Well this is quite the surprise.” Twilight said, a muffled giggle coming from her as the sound of hoofsteps went towards the door. “I wasn’t expecting you guys to come visit here today. I thought that you were all still back in Canterlot City.”

“Well, we were, but we had a little message given to us by the Queen, she picked us for a special little job, and, well…we found ourselves here.” Goku shrugged. “Of course, even if she didn’t, we still may have come here anyway. Since tomorrow is the Summer Sun Celebration, and it’s going to be held here of all places.”

“Well, given that this is the place where you used to live with the rest of the girls, I’m not surprised.” Twilight said, the sound of a laugh escaping her from behind the door. “Anyway, do you guys wanna come in? I just have a few books that I need to reorganize and then I’ll be done for the day. Feel free to come inside, the door’s unlocked!”

Goku’s jet-black eyebrows furrowed in confusion at Twilight’s words as she took a step back from the doorway, her ear lowering. Something about the last thing that Twilight had said struck a very unsettling feeling in her stomach. Whenever she or her friends went to go visit her, she would be the one to and let them in, even if she was in the middle of studying something, school-related or not. The tan hybrid mare also knew that her bookworm of a friend would never leave her door unlocked for any reason. Even if it was to let somepony she knew personally in, especially since Twilight was a mare not known to take her chances very often.

Despite Ponyville having a very little crime rate, there was still the occasional break in of ponies’ homes, even though Ponyville was relatively one of Equestria’s safest towns to live in. That was why Twilight always kept her home nicely secured, having watched many episodes of crime when she was a teenager. The fact that she actually decided now to throw her caution aside and leave her door unlocked immediately set off red flags in Goku’s mind. Red flags that she knew did not fit Twilight’ character, especially due to the city that she was born and raised in.

She looked back over at her three siblings, who looked to be just as surprised and concerned as she was. Even Scootaloo looked somewhat frightened, having hidden behind Fluttershy, who, surprisingly, didn’t look the least bit worried or concerned. This confused Goku even more, and could not stop herself from narrowing her eyes at the calm expression on the veterinarian’s face.

‘Fluttershy knows something’s up here…I can see it in her eyes’ She thought as Fluttershy’s eyes locked with her’s, before flashing her a gentle, and all too innocent, smile. ‘She and I both know that Twilight would never leave her door unlocked for anypony, not even us. She’s too much of a cautious mare to do something like that, even in a town like this. So why is she doing it now of all times? And why is Fluttershy not looking worried at all at the potential of something having happened? Something’s not right here…’

“Um, sis?” Sheton asked softly, snapping the mare out of her thoughts. “Are you okay? You’re looking a little spaced out there.”

“Uh, y-yes Sheton, I’m alright…I was just thinking as all.” Goku replied as she quickly collected herself, still looking into Fluttershy’s eyes. Deciding to question the mare about her strange behavior later, she turned back to the door and said wearily, “Um…are you sure that it’s okay Twilight? I mean…you’re usually the one letting us in instead of vice versa…no offense, but you don’t normally do this, even for us.”

“Oh, I don’t mind at all!” Twilight replied, her voice never losing its sweet edge. “Please, don’t let yourselves stand outside out there in the cold. Come inside while its nice and warm and cozy, don’t worry! There’s plenty of space!”

Goku’s her lips formed an arrow-straight thin line, mulling over Twilight’s words and wondering if she should take her chances. She looked back over at the other mares and two foals again, before turning back to the door, gulping slightly. A moment later, she breathed out a soft sigh and put her hoof on the door knob. “Alright...if you say so. W-we’re coming in now, okay?”

The door creaked loudly as the tan Thestral hybrid pushed it open, her foreleg lowering to touch the ground as she slowly walked inside. After a moment’s hesitation, her sisters, Sheton, Scootaloo and Fluttershy all went after her. As the door slowly closed behind them, the first thing that they all noticed was that it was very warm inside the tree. The slight cold that they all felt outside seemed to whisk away like leaves being blown in the wind in fall. All of them felt their bodies begin to relax slightly under the gentle heat that radiated all around them, brushing off against their soft coats. The second thing that they noticed was that it was completely and utterly pitch-black dark. It was so dark that they couldn’t even see their own hooves, even with most of their enhanced night vision. It was also deathly quiet, so quiet they the four mares and two foals heard nothing but their own breathing, and feel nothing but their own magic.

“Um…Twilight…are you in here sweetie?” Goku asked uneasily as she looked around her. Her cat-like eyes scanned around her for any sign of the libraries interior, but was unable to see anything instead of the inky blackness. “Why are the light’s off? We can’t see you or anything else in here.”

“She probably didn’t hear you dear.” Snowflake said, her tone uneasy. “She’s probably upstairs somewhere in her room maybe.”

“I don’t think so” Midnight said as she pressed herself close to Snowdrop. “I can definitely sense her magic power here somewhere. I just can’t see where she is right now…it’s too dark even for our night vision”

“B-big sister…I don’t like this…” Scootaloo whimpered. “I-i-it’s so dark…I c-can’t see a t-t-thing…I’m r-r-really s-scared.”

“It’s okay, Loo-Loo…I’m here.” Fluttershy said calmly, reaching out with an angelic wing to bring the filly close to her. “Don’t worry, I’ve got you…I’m not going to let anything hurt you.”

“Alright Twilight, this isn’t funny anymore. You are really starting to creep me out right now with all of this, and it isn’t even close to Nightmare Night yet!” Goku said more firmly, her ears pinning back as she heard Scootaloo whimper behind her. “And you’re also scaring to foals too; seriously this is so not like you at all!”

“I can’t see a thing.” Sheton whined. “Normally I’d have no problem seeing in the dark at all but…I really can’t see anything-ow!” He cried out as he collided into something, only to feel something else fall on top of his head. “Ooooh, now that hurt.”

“Are you alright Sheton?” Snowflake asked, her voice etched with concern. “What happened?”

“I…I think I ran into a bookshelf and a book fell on top of my head.” The colt replied as he rubbed at his head. “And it felt really heavy…I seriously can’t see anything in here! Can any of you please find a light switch?!”

“Alright Twilight, enough messing around! If you wanted scare us shitless, then you definitely succeeded! Now it’s time for it ti stop right now! If you turn the lights on and tell us where you are, I may be willing to let this little thing slide.” Goku snapped, starting to feel annoyance and irritation rise up within her. She waited a few moments for the other mare to respond, but was once again met with the eerie silence of the darkness. Hissing softly, Goku stomped her hoof down, the sound of wood cracking echoing about the library as she snarled. “Twilight, I swear to Faust, if you don’t knock this off and come out right now, I promise you, I will light this place up with a fireball so powerful, that it will look like I’m bringing the very Sun down onto this library and incinerate it from the inside!”

“Goku, please, calm down!” Midnight protested, trying to ease her sister. “I know that your upset right now, but burning down Twilight’s home isn’t going to solve anything!”

“You have until the count of three!” Goku stated firmly as she flared her wings ignoring her eldest sister’s pleas. “One…”

“Wait…what is that smell?” Midnight asked herself as she took a sniff of the air. “Do all of you guys smell that too?”

“Yes, I do.” Snowdrop replied, the smell flowing into her nostrils. “It smells…very familiar.”

“Two…” Goku continued as she started to suck in air.

“Scootaloo…are you spelling what I’m smelling?” Sheton asked having also caught on. “It smells really…sweet.”

“Y-yeah…I-I s-s-smell it t-t-too.” the tangerine filly replied quietly, taking in a smell of the air, before her indigo brows furrowed in confusion. “i-it’s…c-cupcake f-f-frosting?”

“Two and a half…” Goku said, feeling her chest starting to swell.

“Cupcake frosting? Why would there be-” Snowflake asked before she stopped dead as a thought hit her. The memory of their meeting with Pinkie Pie, Melon Cake, and the Cakes themselves swam back into her mind, and she began to connect the dots. “Wait a minute…!”

“Oh no…” Midnight whispered as she too she realized what was going on. “Goku sweetie wait a second-!”

“Two and a quarter…” Goku said, her voice strained, sounding like she was ready to blow.

‘Come on Pinkie Pie, what are you and the other girls waiting for?’ Fluttershy thought as she bit her lip in worry. The growing aura of Goku’s magic could be felt across the room, and the buttermilk Pegasus could feel a bead of sweat rolling down her face in slight fear. ‘Goku and her siblings are here, so you can make the signal now! If you guys don’t come out now, she’s going to burn the entire library do-’

“THREE!!!”

Just as Goku was starting to release her fire, a loud chorus of voice suddenly rang out throughout the dark library. The sudden sound caused everypony inside to jump at the nearly falling onto their haunches or colliding with each other. Upon hearing the other voices, Goku’s hooves flew to her mouth as she released her breath through her nose. It felt as if thick streaks of smoke were shooting out of her nostrils like water form a sprinkler, and it made her hyper sensitive nose burn. She winced slightly when she felt the fire in her mouth scorch the bottom of her hooves, but she was able to keep them in place. Only when she was sure that the fire was completely gone, did she pull her hooves away from her mouth, letting out a few coughs. At that same moment, a bright white light flared out of nowhere in front of her, shining so bright that Goku had to shield her eyes with her wings. She could hear the cries of her siblings, Fluttershy and Scootaloo, letting her know that they saw the light too.

“What the hay is going on?!” She shouted. “Where is that light coming from?!”

“I don’t know, Goku…but whatever it is, we definitely weren’t prepared for it.” Snowflake replied, covering her sensitive eyes with a hoof.

“It’s so bright…I can’t see anything else!” Midnight moaned painfully as she squeezed her eye shut. “My eyes…they hurt really bad!”

“Me too!” Sheton cried, rubbing at his eyes. “My eyes hurt so bad, make the light go away!”

“D-d-don’t worry S-Sheton, I-I got you!” Scootaloo said, using one other wings to cover the colt’s face. “H-here, t-that should h-help w-with you e-eyes!”

“Girls, look…I think it’s dimming now.” Fluttershy murmured as she shielded Sheton and Scootaloo with her own wing. “The lights are coming on too, and…oh…oh my!”

“What is it, Fluttershy? What do…you…see…?” Goku asked as she slowly lowered her wings. She blinked a couple of times, trying to get rid of the blurriness that swam around her eyes like waves. After giving her eyes a few more rubs, her eyesight adjusted as she looked ahead of her, only for her eyes to pop at wha she saw.

When they had first entered the Golden Oaks Library, they were not able to see what the interior of the tree building looked like, to the darkness. Now that there was light shining practically everywhere, they could see it clearer than a glass cup. The interior of the library was almost as large as the exterior, with large gaping holes engraved in the wood of the tree, having shelves that contained multiple books. On the far left and right corner of the library, they could see two large standing desks meant for either reading or writing something. Right in the center, was a large table having two open books displayed and the head of a golden horse with a mow hawk mane. A large painting of the sun was on the roof above the table, and at the far left, was a set of stars having the paintings of hearts to the upstairs bedrooms.

As beautiful as all of these qualities were, it was not these things that made into such a state of shock. It was the fact that there was a herd of a hundred or more ponies in the library, belonging to all three tribes. Numerous balloons could be seen floating up in the air around large tables that had soft drinks and pastries laid out, confetti seeming to fall down from out of nowhere. Up above them, on an enormous white sheet of paper, where the words ‘Surprise! Welcome back to Ponyville!’, painted in numerous and elegant looking cursive words. Finally, standing in front of it all, with warm smiles on their faces, where Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity.

“SURPRISE!!!” They all shouted, as Pinkie Pie leapt in the air, a large party cannon in her hooves as it shot out streams of confetti. The three Thestral Kirin sister all squealed as they leapt back, and it was only thanks to years of experience that they were not affected by the party pony’s random act. Sheton, however, was not prepared, and immediately hit behind Scootaloo, who silently looked back at the colt with a slight blush.

“I…I…what?!” Goku sputtered, unable to find anything else appropriate to say. “Wha…what the bucking hay is going on?! W-What the buck is all of this girls?!”

“Silly filly, what do you think it is?! Huh?!” Pinkie Pie giggled as she bounced over to them. “It’s your ‘Welcome-Back-to-Ponyville’ party! A party to celebrate you all coming back to the most awesomest and fun filled town for anypony to live in!”

“A…a party?” Goku blinked as the shock of the surprise wore off. “You four planned a party for me and my sisters?”

“Make that six.” Fluttershy corrected gently as she walked up to the other mares. “Before you, Snowflake, Midnight and Sheton had come to see me, I was told by Pinkie Pie that you were all back in town, and she wanted me to bring you all here when you did come to see me, so we could throw you the party. She had a feeling that this would be the last place that you all would come by the end of the day, so I was planning to have you guys come with me if I ever did run into you guys last.” She let out a soft giggle, her mane bouncing slightly. “And it looks like the plan worked better than I thought it would.”

“So it would seem…good job there Fluttershy.” Goku deadpanned, giving the beautiful Pegasus a look that was blanker than a sheet of paper. It soon morphed into a somewhat forced smile as she looked up at Rainbow Dash, one of her eyes twitching. The cyan mare had a wide fanged grin on her face as she stared back down at the three hybrid mares. “So, I’m assuming that you were the one to keep them quite for so long?"

“Yep, that was totally all me G! You probably thought that it was Pinkie Pie doing it, but you know how surprises work with her! She lets it out the second ponies walk in and close the door, but that is so not my style!” Rainbow laughed, holding her stomach as she flew belly up. “I decided to go for something a little spookier, and it totally worked! You should’ve seen the looks on your faces, you looked like your eyes were going to fall out of your head!”

“Actually Rainbow, I didn’t think it was Pinkie, none of us did. We all thought that it was Twilight doing this to us on purpose, though now, I think we definitely should’ve seen this coming.” Goku said bluntly, not looking the least bit amused. “Though you do raise a good point, Pinkie is not the type of mare to hold out on surprises for this long.”

“Eenope, she most certainly is not.” Applejack nodded, shaking her head. “Which is exaclty why Dash wanted to do the surprisin fer once. And, she did a might good job o’ it…even if we did nearly get Twi’s whole place burned up in the process.”
“Yes well, our dear Twilight did mention that she put up a fire proof spell around her library to prevent any of her books, possessions or anything else from getting burnt.” Rarity pointed out, winking at the tangerine farmer. “So there was that to be kept in mind.”

“Maybe, but there wasn’t anything protecting you all from getting burnt yourselves and everypony else in here Rarity.” Goku countered, gesturing to the girls and everypony else in the room. “I mean, seriously what the hay were you all thinking?! Did you seriously think that surprising us like this was the best way to welcome us back?! I kept calling you, and none of you, or Twilight were answering! You scared us half to death, including Scootaloo! The poor think sounded like she was going to wet herself on Twilight’s floor!”

“A-actually…I-I had g-gone to t-the b-b-bathroom j-just before we l-left…” Scootaloo pointed out shyly. “So I don’t think there was any need to worry.”

“Oh…well, regardless, that wasn’t okay Rainbow Dash. You held out on this surprise a lot longer than you should have.” Goku chastised sharply, before letting out a soft sigh. “The again, I really shouldn’t be surprised, since this is something that your known to do from time to time. You also tend to get carried away with it a lot.”

“Hey! I do not get carried away with this! I just wanted to give you guys a little bit more of a scare that’s all.” Rainbow Dash protested with a hard snort through her nostrils. “Besides, it’s not like you guys were going to do anything over the top, right?”

This time, it was Snowflake’s turn to scold the speedster. “Dear, do you not recall my sister’s earlier comment on setting the inside of Twilight’s house on fire? You and I could both tell that just by the tone in her voice that she was not joking around. I was only seconds away from searching for you girls and pulling you all out myself.”

“Actually Snowflake, Goku said that she was gonna light up th’ tree house with a fireball powerful enough t’ make it seem like she was bringing th’ Sun down upon us.” Applejack said softly, politely correcting the alabaster Unicorn. “She didn’t really say that she was goin’ ‘t’ burn th’ tree house down, an’ you an’ I both know that she wouldn’t do that. ‘Specially with other ponies, foals included, inside sugarcube.”

“Still, she does have a point there, Dashie…did you really think that this plan was going to work?” Pinkie Pie asked, frowning at the athlete. “I sure didn’t! My Pinkie Sense told me that this plan of yours was going to go waaaaaaaay down the drain, and I tried to warn you, but you didn’t listen! I mean, did you feel the amount of power that G was spreading?! It felt like I was being cooked inside Mrs. Cake’s oven!”

“Seriously? I didn’t seem all that hot to me.” Rainbow Dash murmured, running her hooves through her cyan fur. She felt some unusual warmth from within it, but not enough to be painfully hot, though she could still feel it. “Oh wait, I take that back…I do feel it.”

“Oh good grief…” Rarity murmured as she facehoofed, before she looked down at Scootaloo with a softer expression. “Scootaloo, darling, we’re so sorry that we scared you like that. I swear, we were going to show our surprise for Goku as soon as you came inside.” She gave a side glare at Rainbow for a few seconds. “Unfortunately, one of us got a little too carried away…”

“More like a lot…” Sheton snorted, frowning up at Rainbow Dash. “…what a big meanie.”

“I-It’s okay M-Ms. Rarity. I-I’m not made it you. Y-you just wanted to give M-Ms. Goku, her sisters a-and Sheton a n-nice welcome back present, t-t-that’s all.” Scootaloo said softly, as Sheton rubbed her back comfortingly. “B-besides…I-It’s not like you and Rainbow Dash were really trying to scare me…r-r-right?”

The tangerine filly suddenly found herself encased in an aura of magic and levitated into the awaiting forelegs of Rarity. She closed her eyes as she felt the warmth of the fashionista’s cheek rub against hers in a comforting nuzzle. “Be that as it may, Scootaloo, we still managed to get quite a fright out of you, and that is absolutely inexcusable. I swear to you, I never ever wanted to scare you, darling.” She pulled the filly away to look her in the eyes, giving her a comforting smile. “I promise you that will never happen again, and to make up for my behavior, I’ll design you any type of dress you want for your birthday! I’ll even do a dress for when your old enough to go to the Grand Galloping Gala!”

“T-that…that’s not r-really n-n-necessary, Ms. R-Rarity…” Scootaloo protested weakly, smiling timidly at the alabaster Unicorn. Her cheeks then flared up as Rarity gave her a deep kiss on the forehead.

“Ah-Ah-Ah, not another word! I’m designing a dress for you, and that’s that!” Rarity stated firmly. “Also, how many times do I have to keep telling you, dear? You don’t need to add the ‘Ms.’ every time you see me! You can just call me Rarity! I’ve known you since you were just a little baby, so you don’t need to be so…formal with me, okay sweetie?” she closed her eyes as she shook her head, mumbling, “Good heavens, you really are too much like your sister.”

“W-what was t-that?” Scootaloo asked innocently as she tilted her head to the side. “D-did you s-say something R-Rarity?”

“Nothing. Don’t worry about it, darling.” She replied, stroking the filly’s mane. “Just drifting off into space as all.”

“Any who, do you guys like the surprise the we all made for you?! I’m sure you do, since it was planned by yours truly! Ponyville’s best party pony in all of Equestria!” Pinkie Pie asked as she prodded a hoof to her chest. “Oh, and just so you know, scaring you all willy nilly was not my idea since, well, I’m a party pony, not a spooky pony! I’m reeeeeeeally sorry if I scared the jeepers out of all of you, especially you Sheton! I just really wanted to surprise you guys and show you all a good time, that’s all!”

“No need to worry Pinkie Pie, we’re not mad at you.” Snowflake said gently. “To answer your question, yes, we do like the surprise that you and the other planned for us. In fact, we think it’s very, very lovely.”

“So do I.” Sheton said softly, smiling up at the pink mare. “I gotta admit it’s really…lively. A lot livelier then the parties that I’ve been to back at Canterlot City, and I really so mean that.”

“Awww, I knew you’d love it! I’m so happy to hear you say that!” Pinkie Pie squealed, hugging the mountain blue mare before kissing the stormy grey colt on his forehead. “Twilight will be extra happy, too! Since she’ll know that my surprise party went off without a single hitch!”

“Oh I’m sure she will be, because whenever she or all of us are in situations like this, she’d want everything to go exactly as planned. Even if she feels like she has to go over things repeatedly to the point where she nearly works herself to death.” Midnight said with a giggle. “Speaking of which, I haven’t seen her since you showed us all this party. Do any of you know where she is right now?”

At that moment, the four siblings all noticed a bright orb of pale light grayish orchid light appear in between them and their friends. It slowly grew into a large ball as small clouds of dust and wind began to appear form the wooden floor, swirling around it. The ponies all squinted their eyes from the brightness as small white crackles of electricity danced around the orb. With a loud crack the ball exploded into an almost painfully bright shining light, causing everypony turned their heads away. All closest to it waited until the light died down, before coming across one of the last members of the party.

Standing in between the Thestral siblings and the five mares, electrical magic swirling around them, was a pony that Goku and her sisters were very excited to see. It was a beautiful Unicorn mare, with a pale light grayish mulberry lavender fur coat. She a long flowing moderate blue mane and tail, having moderate violet and brilliant rose streaks in them, blending rather smoothly. Her eyes were two moderate violet irises, which were a much darker shade of purple than her own coat. On her back, was the tattoo of a large pure golden white star, having two pitch black bat wings half folded on either side. On her flanks were the Cutie Marks of two purple stars, having six points protruding from the sides, with several smaller stars hovering around them.

“You called?” The Unicorn asked sweetly, smiling slightly at the three Thestral sisters.

“Twilight!” Sheton squealed as he leaped forward and collided into the lavender Unicorn, hugging her tightly around her neck. Twilight giggled and embraced the young colt nuzzling the top of his head. “It’s really you! For a second there I thought that you were some other pony when I saw that bright orb of light!”

“How could you have possibly theorized that I was somepony else Sheton? When you see a wave of magic that bright and powerful, I find it pretty inconceivable that you didn’t know that was me.” Twilight in a mock incredulous tone as she set Sheton down. “Though, I’m even more surprised that you managed to remember me, since you were so young the last time I saw you.”

“Yeah…you make a good point there.” Goku admitted sheepishly as she rubbed th back of her head. “Still, it’s great to see you again Twi.”

“You too Goku, all of you.” Twilight said warmly as she brought the tan Thestral mare into another warm hug. “I’m glad to see all of you are back.”

Twilight Twinkleshine Sparkle was another mare in the group of close-knit friends that Goku had befriended in her foalhood. Like

Goku had meet Twilight while going to one of the many schools founded by Queen Celestia, the lavender Unicorn having been one of the many to go. Both foals had met outside in the school’s playground, sitting under a tree with a pile of apples put to the side and a large stack of books with her. Deciding that she needed a friend, she went up to her, asking her if she could sit and read with her too. At first, the lavender Unicorn filly was a bit hesitant, as she wasn’t used to anypony actually wanting to be around her. Many of her classmates portrayed her as a geek, and she was more or less socially awkward, having never really been taught any social skills. However, Goku’s persistence and her interest in reading won the filly over, and from their then on, their friendship developed, regardless of the awkward start.

For the next three or four years, Goku spent as much time as she could with Twilight, both inside and outside of school. She’d would choose her as her partner in school projects and activities, eat with her at lunch, play with her at recess, and help each other with homework assignments. They would sometimes go play in the Canterlot Park, visit each other’s houses, have sleepovers; and get together on family outings. Goku even helped Twiligh out of her shell and get rid of her social awkwardness, and bring out her personality. Twilight was found to be a sweet little filly, who was very smart and intelligent, more so than any other foals Goku knew in Canterlot. She had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, and if she found anything that was even remotely interesting to her, she would do everything in her power to find out more about it. This led to her running herself ragged for days, and there were times where her parents and Goku quite literally had to drag Twilight out of her room kicking and screaming, and force her to take a break. She didn't believe or accept anything that didn't make even the least bit of sense to her, which sometimes led to her having heated conflicts with her friends. Especially with a certain mare that was known to be the very definition of randomness.

Like the rest of her friends, Twilight came from a powerful clan, and like Fluttershy, Goku, and Pinkie Pie, she came from two, making her all the more powerful. The clan on her mother’s side, the Twinkleshines, allows her to use magic that is said to come from the very essence of outer space, giving them a practically limitless supply of magic. Said magic allows them to be able to conjure up any type of spells than imagine from the top of their heads, form the most basic combat spells, to spells that would take months to try to figure out. It was also said that if they managed to bring their magic to a certain height, they’d be able to gain magic and appearances that aren’t that aren’t that far off from an Alicorn. Although Twilight is working towards that, she hasn’t quite made it there yet, though that doesn’t stop her from trying.

The second clan Twilight came from, on father’s side, has the ability to transform into a powerful bat winged Unicorn, pretty much like Rarity, only Twilight’s form would look like she was a bat winged pony from the very depths of Tartarus. Her physical speed, strength, and magical power would be increased, and she’s even able to create her very own weapons out of thin are, and move faster than normal ponies would be able to. Though it takes quite a strong amount of concentration, something that Twilight always makes sure to work on. One other thing that the Sparkle Clan is able to do, is use their fangs to drain anypony of their own magic, adding it to their own as they continue to grow stronger. However, they couldn’t do drain too much of their enemies magic, for they wouldn’t be able to control the combined magical power they gain if they do.

By the time they reached their preteen years, Goku’s parents had decided that she and her sisters were going to live in a more peaceful town. They were unable to put up with the posh snobs in the city effecting their kids, and wanted them to go to a place where they were more accepted. Although they were sad to leave each other, Goku made a promise to Twilight that she would always keep in touch with her, and visit her as often as she could. For the next several years, the two fillies kept their promise to one another. They kept in contact, mostly through letters, and meeting with each other whenever they could spare the time. During the summers, Twilight went to stay with Goku in Ponyville, which was where she met the rest of the tan filly’s friends, all of which who she thought were absolutely crazy at first, meeting. Eventually, all seven teen mares were forced to say goodbye to each other, six out of seven of them going off to different colleges, with Goku and Twilight going back to Canterlot. Of all the seven mares, Twilight was the only one who didn’t go to a college, due to her being Celestia’s star student and getting private lessons by the Queen personally.

Sometime after Goku went to college, Twilight was sent to Ponyville to live with the rest of the girls, the Queen feeling the mare should work on her social skills. It was tough for th hybrid tan mare not to have her friends by her side with her all the time, but she managed. She had her sister, her parents, and her siblings to help pick up the pieces, along with the promise of being able to see her friends again. Now after four long years, that day had finally come, and Goku knew that their reunion would be a wonderful one.

“Anyway, what in the hay took you so long to answer me?” Goku asked, her eyes narrowing at Twilight. “You made me pretty suspicious when you actually said that your door was unlocked and that we could let ourselves into your home, which looks beautiful by the way.” Twilight smiled warmly at the compliment. “And you really gave me a scare when we saw that the whole place was completely dark, so much so that our enhanced Thestral vision couldn’t help us see what was in front of us. I was going to ask you why you did that after, uh…threatened to light this place with a giant ball of fire. Though it seems its already been given, so there’s that.”

“Yeah, I’m sorry about that Goku. Pinkie Pie told me that she was going to get the party going as soon as you walked in.” Twilight explained, glancing over at Rainbow Dash. “Unfortunately, somepony had to drag it out for the sake of wanting to scare you three and Sheton, along with Fluttershy and Scootaloo.”

“That’s okay Twi…I’m also more or less at fault for thinking you’d do something so mean, especially since you don’t really like pranking anypony. ” Goku said, flashing the lavender Unicorn an apologetic smile. “Now that I think about it, I should’ve known that Dash was the one who would do something like this.”

Goku’s gaze flickered up to Rainbow Dash in a small glare, followed by Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Twilight a second later. The cyan mare laughed nervously and rubbed the back of her head, sweating a bit at the tan hybrid mare’s look. After a moment, she looked back at Twilight, who was also giving Rainbow a stern glare, before the lavender Unicorn looked back at Goku with a softer expression.

“Thank you Goku, I’m glad that you’re not too mad at us.” The magic mage said softly. “I swear, that was not how we were planning to surprise you all, especially you Scootaloo.”

“I-I-I know.” Scootaloo nodded, looking up at the lavender Unicorn. “I-I a-already f-forgave R-Rarity, a-a-and I s-said that I’m n-not m-m-mad at you g-guys for d-doing it. S-so y-you don’t have to w-worry a-about me b-being m-mad at m-me or a-anything.”

“Thank you, I’m glad that you’re not holding it against us.” Scootaloo said softly, smiling gratefully at the tangerine filly. “Anyway Goku, the reason why I didn’t couldn’t here sooner is because I was getting some special guests ready. A couple of ponies who I’m sure that you, Snowflake, Midnight Sheton will be very happy to see again.”

“Some ponies that I’ll be happy to see again?” Sheton asked curiously. “Who?”

The lavender Unicorn simply smiled sweetly and gave him a wink, igniting her horn for a split second. A flurry of emerald green flames suddenly appeared in the right side of the lavender Unicorn, while an orb of teal magic appeared on the left, much in the same way that Twilight had appeared. The increasing flames swirled around the floor causing large clouds of smoke to join it in its dance, white the teal orb of magic grew larger and shined brighter. The flames and magical orb eventually materialized and disappeared in bright electrical sparks, leaving a bright shining light and a thick cloud of smoke in their wake. Once the light and the smoke dissipated, everypony’s eyes widened upon what they had saw next.

Standing in between the smiling lavender Unicorn were two young foals, both of which looking to be about the same age as Sheton. The first foal was an Kirin colt, with a shade of light mulberry scaly skin that sparkled and shined like a gem glinting in the daylight. His mane and tail were a beautiful emerald shade of moderate harlequin green, which seemed to shine even brighter than his scales body. The colt's mane tail were long, thick and spikey, with his mane blowing behind him, while his tail dragged behind him. His draconic eyes were an even more stunning emerald green, as were his claws, which were in the shape of hooves at the moment. The colt's underbelly was light spring budish gray, his pony like ears had light lime green ear fronds in them, and his flank currently held no Cutie Mark.

The second foal was an adorable little Unicorn filly with a coat that reminded the mares of looking out into the beautiful and vast ocean. Her mane and tail skirt were the same indigo color as Rarity’s, just barely touching the ground, styled in thick gentle waves. Her eyes looked to be made from the finest of gold, both of them seeming to glow with mirth and excitement. As extraordinary as she looked, there were two features that made her stand out, and took each of the girls, minus Goku, by surprise. Atop the young filly's head was a horn, looking to be slightly longer than that of a normal Unicorn foals, as well as pointer. The filly was also adorning a deep purple coat with a hoodie, with feathers adorning the base of her tail. Like the colt beside her, she had no Cutie Mark adorning her flank, showing she hadn’t found her special talent.

“Hello!” Both foals said in unison, bright smiles adorning their faces.

A huge gasp emerged from the mouth of Sheton, making those around him turn towards him in curiosity. The colt’s jaw was agape, his emerald blue eyes wide with shock as he stared at the two foals in front of him, who both looked right back. A moment later, they too went wide eyed as Sheton stepped closer to them, his lower lip beginning to quiver.

“S…Spike? C-Crescent Shield?” He asked, his voice just barely above a whisper. “I-Is…is that r-really…y-y-you?”

Both foals gasped quietly, looking at each other for a moment and then back at the stormy grey hybrid Thestral colt. Taking a step forward, the ocean blue filly asked in a soft, almost silky voice. “Sheton?”

Sheton’s pupils dilated, his mind freezing up for a moment as the filly’s voice made something click into his mind, before recognition came to his face. Before anypony knew what was going on, a squeal left the colt as he ran at the Unicorn filly and amethyst Kirin colt. Spreading his arms out, he tackled them in a hug, taking them both to the floor, and, after a moment of surprise, both foals hugged him back.

“Oh, wow it’s really you Sheton!” The Kirin colt, Spike said, his voice sounding somewhat low, yet cute. “I almost didn’t recognize you there!”

Sheton giggled, pulling both foals back up to their feet as he smiled widely at them. “Well, I certainly did recognize you too! Out of all the ponies that I expected to run into, you two were not on that list! I seriously thought you had moved somewhere else like Appleoosa or Manehatten; I didn’t expect you to be here!”

“Well Sheton, we are, in the flesh and in the magic!” Crescent Shield said, giggling as her main flowed and bounced. “And it’s really great to see you again!”

“I think so too~!” Spike said cutely, holding a paw up as Twilight giggled.

“Yeah, same here you guys!” Sheton smiled, laughing merrily. “I’m so happy all three of us are together again!”

At that moment, Scootaloo slowly trudged up to the three foals. “U-um…S-S-S-Sheton? I-I don’t m-mean to i-interrupt, b-but…d-do you k-know C-C-Crescent Shield a-and S-S-Spike?”

“Um…yeah, they’ve been my friends ever since we were both infants.” Sheton replied, blinking at the tangerine filly. “Why? Do you know them too?”

“U-um…y-y-yes, we are.” Scootaloo nodded, smiling slightly. “W-we’ve been f-f-friends s-since S-Spike and C-Crescent f-f-first came to P-Ponyville. I…I-I think w-we were a-about f-four years old a-at the t-t-time.”

“Four huh? I think…I remember being told something like that...” Sheton murmured, looking down at the ground. “I think it was my big sister that told me that you guys were moving away, and I was maybe about five too.”

“I can see that your memory is as strong as it’s always been.” Twilight said, booping Sheton on his nose. “You haven’t changed a single bit since the last time I saw that adorable little tufted eared self of yours!”

“We could say the same to you.” Goku snorted dryly, flicking her tail at the lavender mare. “Still that chipper little bookworm we all love to bits.”

“Wait, so Scootaloo…” Spike said, gently tapping the filly on her shoulder. “Do you happen to know Sheton too?”

“Um…w-w-well, not all t-that p-p-personally.” Scootaloo replied, blushing slightly. “I-I only j-just met h-him t-t-today w-when my b-big sister g-got back f-from p-practicing s-s-singing w-with her b-birds. I-it was l-later t-t-today, a-along with the r-r-rest of his s-sisters…t-t-they were all r-really n-nice, a-and S-Sheton was r-really s-sweet to m-me.”

“You bet he is dear.” Snowflake said sweetly. “Sheton’s one of the sweetest colts that you’ll ever meet, and somepony that I know that you’ll love to have as your friend. Me and my sisters have all seen how you and him have interacted with each other, and we’ve had quite a wonderful time observing it. Besides Spike, Crescent Shield, Golden Harvest and Sapphire Gemstone, Sheton doesn’t really have any other friends back in Canterlot City. So, it pleases us greatly to know that he’s making even more friends in a place he’s never been at before.”

“O-oh, i-it wasn’t r-really anything special…” Scootaloo said, looking off to the side as her blush darkened. “S-Sheton just s-saw somepony who he t-thought n-needed a f-friend…s-so…he d-did just that.”

“Hmhm, he sure did honey.” Midnight cooed, smiling gently at the tangerine filly. “And just after that, he was even sweeter to say that you were one of the prettiest little fillies he ever saw!”

Sheton glared up at the beetle black Thestral mare. “MIDNIGHT!”

“Wait, what?” Rainbow Dash asked, looking up at Midnight. “He really said that?”

“He most certainly did Dash.” Fluttershy nodded, smiling at Sheton and her blushing sister. “He looked my sweet little sister right in the eyes and said just how much of a beautiful filly she was. Oh, you should have seen the look on Loo-Loo’s face, she looked like she was going to faint right on the spot from all those compliments!”

“B-b-big s-sister!” Scootaloo whimpered, her lower lip trembling. “P-please don’t t-talk to t-them about t-that! I-It’s embarrassing!”

“Now why should you be embarrassed by being complimented by a sweet little colt?” Fluttershy asked, smiling slyly at her little sister. “He was only being honest and sincere about you’re looks; plus you never really get a lot of compliment from the boys at your school. So I think that it should be let known that you’re finally getting noticed for your adorable looks and your sweet heart.”

“That’s exactly why its embarrassing!” Sheton whined. “Because other ponies are finding out about it when we don’t want them to! Because they’re use to embarrass us so much!”

“Awww, well ain’t that just precious.” Applejack cooed, smiling down at the two foals. “Not even a full day and they’re already given each other them lil’ goo-goo eyes. They’re growin’ up so gosh darn fast~!”

“SEE?!” Sheton all but yelled, jabbing a hoof at the farmer.

Crescent Shield giggled, walking over to Sheton and nuzzling his cheek. “Oh there’s no need to be embarrassed Sheton! There’s nothing wrong with noticing more than one pretty filly here and there, not even me! I know I’m not the only cute and pretty filly here, and I know for certain that you and Spike aren’t the only cute colts around here either!”

Spike nodded, smiling toothily. “I think so too~!”

“I-If that’s true, then why do you keep sticking around me and Spike?” Sheton asked, blushing as the ocean blue filly smothered him with affection.

“Because you two aren’t just cute, but sweet and genuinely care about people.” Crescent replied, hopping onto the colt’s back. “I admit, there were some cute colts back at our old school that caught my eye, but none of them really stood out. That’s either because they were too snobbish or mean, or they didn’t look like they could be friend material. You two on the other hoof, were exceptions, and I have not regretted my decision ever since!” She put her lips to Sheton’s ears as she whispered. “Plus, I know a couple of other fillies who love being around you and Spike…two fillies who are just as batty as you.”

As soon as those last words left Crescent’s mouth, Sheton’s face heated up rapidly as he leapt away from the ocean blue filly. “D-d-don’t even think about mentioning those two Crescent! I so do not want to talk about that! I’ve had enough teasing from my sister when I was around Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Melon Cake! The last thing I need is any mentioning of Golden Star or Sapphire Flame being friends with me!”

“G-Golden Harvest a-and S-S-Sapphire G-Gemstone?” Scootaloo asked curiously. “W-who’re they?”

“Two Thestral fillies that I’ve known since I was in diapers.” Sheton said, his face still burning as red as a cherry. “That’s all you need to know for now.”

“O-oh, okay…” Scootaloo nodded, not wanting to push the colt. “W-well, I’m glad that y-you s-still managed to f-find friends i-in the rest of m-mine.”

“Yeah, I am…and I’m even more glad that I found a friend in you too.” Sheton nodded, smiling at the bright orange filly.

“Yaaaaay! New friends everywhere!!!” Pinkie Pie hollered as she leaped into the air. “Oh, this day is just turning out better and better every single time! First, I see my bestest friends in the whole wide world again after four long boring years, then I get to meet their cutie of a little brother, then Loo-Loo makes even more friends?!” She suddenly stopped bouncing as her body started to shake as if she had a vibrator implanted in her. “My Pinkie sense is really going absolutely super-duper crazy today! I don’t think I’ve ever felt my back tingle this much in forever! This really is the best day of my LIFE!"

“Your what sense?” Sheton asked innocently, looking at the bubblegum pink mare perplexedly.

“Her Pinkie Sense, sugarcube.” Applejack repeated, her tone soft and patient as she walked over to the stormy grey colt. “It’s a little trait that she inherited from her family, the Pies, a lil’ gift that was passed down from countless generations of Pies. It’s a real handy one too, if ya ask me.”

“Really? What does it do?” Sheton asked softly, his curiosity peeked.

“Uh, what doesn’t it do?!” Rainbow Dash asked, as if the ocean blue filly had asked the most ingenuous question in the world. “It gives Pinkie Pie the ability to actually predict things that will happen before they do happen!”

“Whoa! Seriously?!” Spike gasped, looking at the cyan mare with wide emerald eyes, before turning to Pinkie Pie. “Is that true? Can you really see into the future? That's so amazing!”

Pinkie Pie gave a little pause as she looked off to the side, a thoughtful expression coming to her face. “Weeeeeeeell…I wouldn’t necessarily say, ‘see into the future’. More like getting a really super-duper strong gut-wrenching feeling that something’s going to happen, be it good or bad, and most of the time it’s actually bad.”

Upon seeing the perplexed looks on Sheton’s face, the Earth mare decided to explain. “Okay, let me give you a little example of how it works. About a month ago, I was getting up early to get Mr. and Mrs. Cake their morning coffee since hey start their shifts really really really early in the morning. Before I could even make it two steps down the stairs, I got this big deep aching feeling in my gut that was churning really badly, like I had recently eaten a cupcake that was really moldy.”

She stuck her tongue out as a vulgar expression came to her face, shivering as Fluttershy gently patted her on the back. For a split second, it looked she was turning green, but no one was really able to get a good look before it vanished. “Anyway, I didn’t know why, but something told me that something really bad was going to happen to Rarity, and if I didn’t get to her, I’d be all my fault! So, I zoomed over to her Boutique, and found her on her display stage, showing off a beautiful dress to Dashie and the others, standing right below a light that looked like it was about to fall! So, I yelled out to Rarity to look out, and right at that moment, the light fell!”

Her cerulean eyes widened as her pupils contracted, and a look of terror came across her face. As she was going this, Sheton could’ve sworn they saw her coat turn lavender and her mane start to become a deep shade of purple for a few seconds. “Rarity saw it coming, but she didn’t have enough time to dodge, and the others weren’t able to react in time because they didn’t see it quick enough! I did though, and I practically leapt across that stage and rammed into her like a freight train, knocking her out of the way! I could also tell just be hearing that giant light crash to the ground that it would’ve ended really badly for Rarity had I not gotten there in time! She could’ve gotten a seriously injured back or a fractured skull, or worse!”

“Indeed I could have, and I am eternally grateful for what you did Pinkie Pie.” The alabaster Unicorn said gratefully. “I can’t even describe to how just how terrified I was when I saw that light coming down on me. I saw my life flash before my eyes, and for just a fleeting moment, I actually thought I was going to die!”

“Well, it’s a good thing that my Pinkie Sense went off at that time, didn’t I?” Pinkie Pie asked, wrapping a foreleg around Rarity’s back. “Oh…and I’m really sorry that I interrupted your fashion show. It’s just that I really thought something bad was going to happen to you and-”

Pinkie Pie was cut off when Rarity gave her a big warm kiss on the cheek. “Oh darling, you don’t have to apologize! I don’t care if you tore up a whole line of dresses that I made! I’m just so glad that I’m alive and intact, and not in the Ponyville Urgent Medical Care Center, hanging by a thread!” The alabaster Unicorn hugged Pinkie a bit tighter as she stroked her long poofy curly mane. “I simply cannot thank you enough for what you did for me that day…”

“Awww, no need to thank me! I was just following my gut and doing what I had to do!” The bubblegum pink mare giggled. “Isn’t that what friends do?”

“You bet it is Pinkie!” Rainbow Dash smirked, giving Pinkie Pie a hard pat on the back. “And that is the main reason why I think you’re Pinkie Sense is the most awesomest thing in the world!”

“So ya see, Sheton? Pinkie Pie’s Pinkie Sense is the one thing that helped Ponyville stay relatively safe fer so long. Well, at least for some o’ th’ normal things.” Applejack said with a smile as she put a hoof on Pinkie’s back. “That’s not ‘t’ say that Ponyville hasn’t suffered any big attacks over the years, but Pinkie Pie’s Pinkie Sense is able ‘t’ help us be somewhat prepared for anythin’ even remotely dangerous happenin’. Even if it’s somethin’ as little as a flower pot fallin’ on top ‘o’ yer head.” She rubbed her forehead as a grimace formed on her face. “It’s best if you stay clear of any high place that has a flower pot that looks like it’s about to fall. Trust me… ya how have no idea how much it hurts when it hits ya on the head. Seriously, you will have a big ass headache for at least a week.”

“Woooooooow…that’s amazing!” Sheton breathed, his pupils going wide as he stared at Pinkie Pie with newfound awe. “Will I ever see it?”

“Ya sure will, sugarcube. Though, allow me to offer you one small piece of advice.” The large cowpony replied, walking over to the colt and pulling him close with a powerful foreleg. “This is something that Ah’ve told countless ‘o’ ponies whenever they experience Pinkie Pie’s Pinkie Sense, an’ most o’ th’ time they ignored it, only t’ regret it later on. Now, it’s completely up t’ you if you chose to take it or not, but Ah highly suggest that you do: when Pinkie’s a twitchin’ you’d better listen. It’ll do ya a lot of good in the long run if ya do that, no matter what situation that yer in, ‘kay?”

“Um…okay Applejack, duly noted.” The stormy grey colt murmured giving a firm nod of his head. “I’ll keep that in mind.

“Wise choice, little brother...very wise choice.” Goku said as she put a hoof in Sheton’s back, giving the colt an approving smile. “Now, what do you say we all get down to the beat and enjoy this party huh? I see that our guests are eager for us to join, and I’d hate to let Pinkie Pie’s party go to waste.” She turned to Twilight, who seemed to be talking with Spike and Crescent Shield. “I’d also hate to not take this time to catch up with Twilight’s adorable little sister and her Number One Assisstant after four long years away! And maybe after that, we can help our little bookworm of a friend with cleaning up all of Pinkie’s decorations.”

Twilight looked over to Goku and blinked a couple of times, having her what the tan hybrid mare had said, but not really paying attention. Once her words caught up with her, she gave her friend a smile and wave a hoof dismissively. “Oh, that’s okay Goku. You don’t need to do that for me. I can’t even begin to tell you the amount of times a party was thrown here, or the times that Pinkie Pie cleaned it up all by herself. You know how she is, she can clean up a party as quickly and as adequately as she can throw it.”

“Be that as it may, I still think that I’d be fair for all of us to pitch in and help out.” Goku insisted, looking at the other five mares. “After all, you did all take part in planning this, so wouldn’t be right to play a role in cleaning up after yourselves as well?”

“Of course it is dear. What kind of friends would we be if we didn’t help in some way shape or form?” Rarity asked, giving her mane a graceful toss. “It would be most unbecoming of us, especially me, since I am a lady.”

“Ya got that right Rarity. Ah’m not Ponyville’s most dependable civilian fer nothin’.” Applejack stated, giving a tip of her hat. “Ah’m always there fer anypony in need whenever they need me to. Always have, always will, as is th’ way o’ th’ Sweet Apple Titans.”

“Hey! Don’t forget about me, AJ! You’re not the only loyal pony around here!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, pushing the farm mare’s hat over her face. “I’m a Wisp! Part of the most loyal family of ponies there are! I don’t leave anypony hanging, and I’m certainly not going to start now!”

“We’d be more than happy to help Twilight clean up. Besides, we’d do a much better job and get it done faster if there was more than one of us.” Fluttershy added softly, draping an angelic wing over the lavender Unicorn’s back. “No offense to you Pinkie Pie.”

“Heeheehee! None taken, Flutters! I totally agree with you, Dashie and the others! I think it’d be super if we all lend a helping hoof and clean up the super-duper fantastic party that we had all planned for Goku! That way, we can have even more super-duper fantastic parties in the future!” Pinkie Pie said, bouncing around the mares and foals. “We can worry about that later though! For now, let’s shake our groove fangs and PARTY!!!”

With another chorus of laughs, Goku, her sisters, and her friends all followed the energetic mare into their party, where the rest of their guests were eagerly waiting for them to join. They partied well into the night, playing games, joining in dance offs, and having some friendly competitions. The whole group shared quite a lot of laughs, none of them remembering a time where they had so much fun in all of their lives. Not even at the going away party that Pinkie Pie had planned for all of them the night before they all went to earn their degrees. They didn’t let that bother them though; they were just happy that they were all reunited once more. And they eagerly awaited what adventures that they would soon face in the future together.

They were so focused on the party, they didn’t notice that the Moon had risen into the sky, casting all of Ponyville in a beautiful ghostly white glow. Had they been paying attention, they would’ve noticed a giant blotch of black in the shape of a unicorn head, painted over more than half of the Moon They would’ve also noticed that that very same pony-shaped black blotch…was completely gone.

Author's Notes:

And there we have it, the chapter of everypony's favorite bookworm of Ponyville, Twilight Twinkleshine Sparkle herself! Out of all of these chapters, besides chapter 8 and six, this one was probably the easiest to change up and edit with the quotations and the paragraph descriptions. There wasn't really anything that I think I really needed to change that much, other than rearranging the chapters, paragraphs, shortening the sentences, and having the interactions go on a bit longer. I also had the common sense to change the interaction between Spike, Crescent Shield and Sheton, especially since I had made it seem like they went to go live with Twilight sometime after Queen Celestia. That would mean that Scootaloo and the rest of her friends know Sheton's friends from his foalhood, and are also friends with them to, which is why I made it look like Scootaloo seem like she had known them as well. As for the other foals that were mentioned, they won't be seen for quite while, but I will say that when you do, it'll be worth your wait.

Anyway, now that I've completed the reunions and the descriptions of all seven of our mars, with a few of our friends, I can finally go onto the beginning of the Main Seven's epic adventure into the Everfree!!! The updates may be slower, especially since I'm going to be doing some description of the powers that I plan to give the girls and their siblings, but I'll be sure that it's worth the wait. As I said sometime before, some of the chapters will stay the same and won't really be all that changed, but the chapters that I do think need changing will be. As for the journey in the Everfree and the battle in Ponyville...well, let's just say things will be much more brutal and epic than they were before.

Next time, we have another terrifying encounter with the infamous Dark Queen of the Moon!!!

Chapter 10 - Return of the Dark Queen

Goku could not understand why, but for some very strange reason she had a very unsettling feeling in her gut that made her stomach turn uncomfortably. It was just a little unsettling feeling that had formed, one that she had just brushed off as a simple form of anxiety. As the party went on however, it slowly grew to the point where she could not ignore it at all. It was a big ache that had formed in her stomach, as if somepony took her intestines, and tied them in a giant knot. One that was so painful, that it almost felt like she was getting sick from insane food poisoning.

At first, she had just assumed that she was anxious to get to the Summer Sun Celebration on time, after all the times that she had lost track of when it was going to happen. However a little voice in the back of her head was telling her that it was something far worse. Something that neither she or her friends would be prepared for if they were not warned about it soon.

“Goku?” A melodic voice suddenly said, snapping the tan Pegasus from her cleaning as she turned to see Rarity standing behind her. The alabaster Unicorn was levitating a large pile of confetti and streamers, and giving her friend a look of concern. “Are you alright, darling?”

“Uh…I-I guess so…I don’t know…” she replied uneasily, brushing a pile of cupcake wrappers and crumbs into a trashcan in front of her. “Why do you ask?”

“Well…you have this…worried look on your face. You’ve had it ever since we began helping Twilight clean up her house.” Rarity replied softly, also dumping her pile in the trashcan, before walking up and taking Goku’s face in her hooves, her sapphire blue eyes looking into the tan Pegasus golden yellow ones. “Is there something bothering you, dear?”

Goku closed her eyes, making the black eye shadow, given to her by Rarity, on her eyelids visible as she took her. “Well…yes, there is…I don’t know what it is, but…there is something telling me that...something bad is going to happen tonight. At the Summer Sun Celebration, to us, to everypony, to the Queen.” She replied softly, opening her eyes and giving Rarity a look of worry and slight fear. “I’ve had it ever since the party you all planned for us ended. I didn’t really worry about it at first, but…it’s been growing and…I just…I just can’t ignore it.”

“Let me guess, you believe that somepony is going to either invade or attack everypony at the Town Square?” Rarity asked with a raised indigo eyebrow, earning a nod from the tan Pegasus. With a sigh, the alabaster Unicorn put both forehooves on the mare’s shoulders. “Goku darling, listen to me…I know that you like to follow you gut whenever you believe something horrid is about to happen, and I admire you for that…but I can assure you that nothing is going to happen tonight. Even if something does happen, it’s not like it’s going to be anything major…before you came back, me, Fluttershy and the rest of the girls have always been there to protect the town from any sort of danger, and so far, we’ve been successful. With a few, ehem, boo-boos, here and there…”

She looked off to the side as a blush formed on her face. “Anyway, what I’m trying to say is, I don’t think we have anything to worry about. Especially tonight of all nights, when we’re supposed to be celebrating with the one pony who’s protected us for as long as she can remember. Speaking of which, the Queen will be there to protect us from any danger. Not that I believe that she’ll need to, since she's the most powerful being in all of Equestria. Though, you understand what I’m trying to say don’t you, dear?”

“Yeah…I do. Thank you for telling me that Rarity, and I’m sorry for acting so worried.” Goku replied, giving the alabaster Unicorn a grateful smile. “I just can’t help but feel worried.”

“Oh don’t be sorry, darling!” Rarity cooed, pulling Goku into a hug and bringing her head into her soft and fluffy chest fur. “I completely understand how you feel. You were just worried about our safety that’s all…nopony’s going to blame you for that.” She took the Thestral’s mare’s face in her hooves and looked into her eyes. “Though, I don’t think that you need to worry about that. Besides, this is supposed to be a time of happiness and joy, not of worry and anxiety! Heaven knows I’ve had more than enough of my fair share today.”

She threw her head back and draped a foreleg over her face, earning a giggle from Goku as the alabaster Unicorn sighed. “Anyway, if you still have some concerns about tonight, then we can always go to the Queen about, and let her fix it right up. For now, just focus on having the best day of your life, okay darling? With your sisters, brother, us, and all of our younger siblings here together, it’s just bound to be for all of you.”

“Well, when you put it like that, it does sound pretty helpful.” Goku replied, remembering that Sheton was there with her and her elder sisters. The thought that this was going to be his first Summer Sun Celebration, and the desire to make it the best day of his life was just enough for the tan hybrid mare’s mood to brighten again. “Okay Rarity, I’ll do it. I don’t know if I can ignore all of it, but…I’ll do my best. After all, this is my little brother’s very first Sun Celebration, and I do want him to have as much fun as possible, since that is my top priority today.”

“There you go dear!” Rarity said sweetly, giving the tan Pegasus a kiss on the forehead, making her cheeks erupt into a blush. “Now, why don’t you go wake your darling little brother and the other fillies up, hm? They’ve been sleeping upstairs in Twilight’s room for quite a while after partying their little hearts out, and I’m sure that they save up quite a lot of energy to run around and play with our sisters.”

“Oh, I don’t doubt it. I can’t wait to see the looks on their faces when they see my little brother again.” Goku chuckled, her worries about tonight out to the side. “I can tell they all took a real liking to him when they first met him. Well, with the exception of Rainbow Dash’s little sister, Fire Flash.”

“That’s only because they haven’t meet yet, darling.” Rarity said dryly with a snort as she waved a hoof. “Though, I don’t doubt that she’ll take a liking to him, too…in more ways than one.”

“Me neither Rarity, me neither.” Goku giggled with a nod of agreement, before she walking to the staircase.

As the sound of talking, and cleaning began to grow quieter and more muffled, Goku trotted up the wooden stairs, the sound of her hooves clopping barely thanks to the noise. Once she reached the stairs, she trotted down the somewhat dark hallway, her sharp eyes allowing her to marvel at the numerous pictures on the wooden walls. She smiled warmly as she saw most of the pictures contained her, Twilight, Spike, Crescent Shield and the rest of the girls in them. A soft laugh escaped the Thestral hybrid as she continued to walk down the hallway. Twilight really did make sure to keep her foalhood memories during the years she was in Ponyville, and it most certainly showed.

As Goku continued to look at those pictures, her overly sensitive ears caught the sound of soft snoring coming from the door next to her. Abruptly coming to a halt, she turned to face the door, blinking a few times, before putting an ear to the door, wondering if she had misheard. She was soon proven wrong when she heard another soft snore come from inside the room, indicating that the foals were inside. Smiling softly, she lifted a hoof and put it on the doorknob, before turning it as she gently opening Twilight’s bedroom door and walked inside.

The interior of Twilight’s bedroom was eerily similar to the interior of what it looked like downstairs. It had several bookshelves around the room, with drawers right at the bottom containing what Goku could only guess were things like flashcards, pencils papers, which also had a large flower pot.

A large bed having a large blue blanket with the symbols of the sun moon was set next to a large bed, with a desk that had a unicorn horse head resting on it. A telescope next to it, and an alarm clock house implanted in the wall on the right side of the curtains, all sitting on the right side of the bed. Sitting on the bed, with the Moon shining down on them in a warm comforting glow, were her little brother, were all four foals, cuddled together in a large ball of fluff.

Goku could not stop the wide smile that spread across her face, her heart swelling with warmth, as she stared at the sight. She fought back a giggle that threatened to flow from her throat as she slowly walked over to the bed, making sure not to startle or scare them awake. As she got within range, she slowly reached out with a hoof and gently shook each of them awake.

“Kids...kids, it’s time to wake up,” The Thestral mare said gently. “Come on you lil’ cuties…wake up.”

After a few more shakes, the foals finally woke up for their slumber, Sheton being the first. His emerald blue eyes blinked as he slowly opened them, rubbing the sleepiness out of his eyes. Upon seeing his sister his eyes widened as he quickly sat up, causing Scootaloo, who was resting her head on his back, to fall off and jolt awake. She was quickly followed by Crescent Shield, who had been resting on the left side of Sheton and finally Spike, who had been resting on the colt’s right side.

“S-s-sis?!” The stormy grey colt squeaked as he shook his head to clear the remaining sleepiness out of it. “W-What are you doing here?”

“Rarity told me to and wake you four up, the party’s over.” Goku replied softly, gigging softly at the foals’ bed headed manes. “Me, her, and the rest of the girls are helping clean Twilight home before we head of to the Summer Sun Celebration.”

“Oh…the Summer Sun Celebration.” Scootaloo mumbled softly as she scratched the back of her ear. It was a few moments later before the bright orange filly’s indigo eye widened as she shot to her hooves. “The Summer Sun Celebration! Oh, Fluttershy's going to be so upset! She’s probably wondering where I am and-”

Whatever Scootaloo was going to say next was cut off when she felt a tri-colored hoof press itself against her lips. She looked up to see the amused expression of Goku as she shut the filly’s mouth closed. “Easy there Scootaloo, no need to get so worried. Fluttershy knows that you’re here, so you don’t need to worry about her getting upset about you not being down there.” Her golden cat-like eyes flicked over to Crescent Shield and Amethyst and quickly added, “Twilight knows that you three are here as well, so you don’t have to worry about her going into one of her overactive fits.”

"Really?" Crescent Shield asked as she calmed down. “That’s good…”

“Well…that’s a relief…” Spike sighed as he flopped back down on the bed onto his back. “For a second there I really thought I was dead.”

“However,” Goku continued, her sly mischievous tone catching all four foals off guard. “You will have to worry about me telling them about how I found you all cuddling my little brother if you don’t get your cute little rumps off this bed, and get down stairs and help out.”

At this, all four foals eyes snapped open wide as they shot up into sitting positions, looking at the tan mare as if she was crazy. Scootaloo and Sheton seemed to be the most scared of them all, as evident by their shaking form and the fierce blush on their cheeks.

“You wouldn’t.” Sheton whispered, lowering his head slightly. “You wouldn’t dare tell them!”

“Oh I assure you baby, this is no idle threat.” Goku said her grin allowing her canines to flash in the darkness. “Now, are you gonna go down and help? Or am I going to have to get you subjected to the relentless teasing of your big sisters?”

The foals didn’t reply to her question. They all just sat there, eyes wide as all the color seemed to drain from each of their faces. This only served to make Goku grin even wider, and, just to see them get scared out of their wits, she decided to make do on her “threat”.

“Alright then, suit yourselves,” Goku chirped sweetly with a light shrug, before she turned her head and began yelling from upstairs. “Twilight, Snowflake, Midnight! Spike, Scootaloo, Crescent and Sheton are”

“WE’RE GOING!!!” The foals exclaimed as they leaped off the bed, dog piling over each other as they raced towards the door. They nearly stumbled over each other as they galloped towards the stairs, leaving a giggling Goku in Twilight’s bedroom.

‘Hmhm! They are just too adorable!’ She thought giddily as she trotted down out of the room and gently closed the door behind her. ‘They are just so fun to tease I can’t wait to see how many more friends my brother will make so I can tease them! Oh, it's going to be so much fun!’

It didn’t take as long as the girls thought that it would to clean Twilight’s librarty, especially with their added guests lending a helping hoof. That, and Pinkie Pie used a whacky vacuum tool of hers to help speed up the process when it seemed like nopony was getting anywhere. Sheton, Crescent Shield, Scootaloo, and Spike were all especially helpful, grabbing whatever piece of trash they could, and lending a hoof to anyone that seemed to be having trouble. Thanks to the sleep they decided to get sometime during the party, they were more awake didn’t have to worry about sleeping on the job.

After putting Twilight’s home in tight knit shape, Goku, her siblings all departed from the lavender Unicorn’s house, thanking her, Pinkie and the others for the party in their honor. The bubblegum pink mare and the rest of the girls departed back to their own homes to either double check something, or to bring some additional guests to the annual event. That left Goku, Snowflake, Midnight and Sheton to go to the Summer Sun Celebration themselves, all enjoying the nighttime scenery given to them by the night sky during their trip there.

Once they reached the Town Square, they were quite surprised to see the number of ponies inside the building. It was so crowded that they could barely see the tables and food stands others were standing or sitting by, and the stage didn’t have anypony on it. The Thestral Kirin siblings could however, see the beautiful decorations that Rarity had put up earlier that day. Including the beautiful red glittery ribbons that she had put up, which seemed to sparkle in the light of the moonlight from the windows above.

“Wow, there are so many ponies here.” Sheton whispered softly as he looked around the large building. “I’ve never seen this many ponies all in one place before…”

“Of course you haven’t Sheton. Why would you?” Goku giggled as she looked over at the stormy grey colt. “At special events such as this, you never expect to see a whole town population of ponies all in one place.”

“A whole population of ponies? What you do mean-” Sheton began to asked, but cut himself off as it clicked only two seconds later. “Wait, you mean…a-all of Ponyville is here at the Town Square?!”

“Yes, every last one of them.” Snowdrop replied softly, an amused look on her face as she watched Sheton’s jaw drop. “There’s really no reason to be surprise, little brother. This is how it’s like at every Summer Sun Celebration. The whole population where it’s going to be held comes to celebrate the event specifically made for the Queen herself. It doesn’t matter how big that one town is, if that event has anything to do with the Queen, they will drop anything and everything that they’re doing and go to that event.” Her ears flattened against her head as a grimace formed on her race, remembering just how many ponies back in Canterlot had come to last year’s Summer Sun Celebration. “I wouldn’t be surprised if all of Equestria and all the creatures that live here, pony or not, were to come to this celebration right now.”

“Oh wow, I knew that Queen Celestia was loved and respected but I never expected this.” Sheton murmured, looking around at the giant fabric pictures. As he did so, a thought then came to him, and he spoke again, his next words were chosen very carefully. “Wait a minute, what about…Queen Luna?”

His three sisters, who were all preparing to sit at a table they had found, stopped upon hearing their little brother mention the Lunar Queen’s name. They all looked over at him with surprised looks on their faces, which immediately caused him to shrink under them.

“Queen Luna?” Midnight asked, having not expected her brother to bring up the long lost Goddess of the Night. “What about Queen Luna?”

“Oh…um…n-n-nothing…I’m sorry.” He stuttered, hiding his face behind his mane. “F-forget I said anything.”

“No, it’s okay sweetheart. We’re not mad at you.” Goku said reassuringly, reaching over with a foreleg and stroking his mane. “What is it about Queen Luna that your curious about?”

“W-well…um…I-I was just wondering. If Queen Celestia is this loved and respected by everypony…t-then Queen Luna had to be too, r-right?” Sheton asked, climbing onto one of the seats at a table. “I-I mean…they’re both goddesses of the Sun and Moon after all. Both of them having come down from the very heavens themselves along with their whole family to protect all of pony kind. Though, Queen Celestia and Luna seemed to be the special ones…a-and I can understand that, since they rule over the day and night.

The stormy grey colt lowered his head, poking his hooves together as his expression became solemn. “Despite all of that that, it seemed like Queen Celestia was getting all of the attention, while Queen Luna…wasn’t. Because…Queen Celestia’s the older…and more powerful of the two sisters than Queen Luna was. Still…she had to havesome admirers…right?” He asked, looking up at his sisters with a hopeful expression.

For a few minutes, none of the mares said anything, silently contemplating on what their brother had said. After another moment or two of silence, Goku letting out a soft sigh as she looked at her brother, before finally speaking.

“Honestly little bro, I really don’t have any clue. Me, Snowy, and Middy were never really told what the relationship between the Royal Sisters was like a millennium ago.” She sighed, resting her head in one of her hooves. “We’ve only heard bits and pieces of what their relationship was like from the ponies back in Canterlot when we were just fillies. A lot of which I think is a bunch of bucking horse apples if you ask me.” She gave a light snort as she said this, her jet-black eyebrows furrowing in anger. “Some of them say that she gave into whatever voices that were inside her head, due to her having dark powers, and turned into some demonic equine and tried to kill her sister. Others even say that Queen Luna got jealous of her older sister, and planned to overthrow her and make herself the one and only Queen in Equestria, with her comrades, the Bat Ponies, or Thestrals; as they like to be called, at her side.”

“You mean the Thestrals and Bat Ponies like us?” Sheton asked, spreading his feathered bat wings.

“Yes, the ones that’re exaclty like us. ” Goku nodded, letting a forehoof fall into the dining table. “Unfortunately, ponies who say that aren’t necessarily wrong. I’ve read the story about the Queens, how Queen Luna had turned, and the bloody battle that transpired afterward. As much as I hate to admit it, I can see that most of what they’re saying is true. Though, you wanna know what I think about all that, Sheton?”

The stormy grey Thestral colt tilted his head. “What’s that big sis?”

she asked as she looked up at him with a sweet smile. “I think that even though many ponies were either weary or feared Queen Luna, at the same time, I honestly believe that that she had just as much who both respected and loved her. Unfortunately, thanks to the pain many ponies had put her through, she just wasn’t able to see it.” Her expression became solemn again as she said the last part, before her face brightened once more. “Still, I’m sure that were many out there who loved both her, and the beautiful night she ruled, once of which I know very well.’’

“Really?” Sheton asked as he leaned in, his interest peaked. “Who?”

Without warning, Goku lunged forward and hugged the stormy grey colt tightly, causing him to squeal as she pulled him into her chest. He giggled and flailed his hooves as she nuzzled his neck and belly, giving him little kisses on his nose and cheeks. Her sisters both smiled as they silently watched their younger sister smother their little brother with boundless affection, ignoring the odd looks sent their way.

“You are, you lil’ cutie pie!” she cooed, giving Sheton another big kiss on the nose. “I think it’s very sweet of you to think that Queen Luna deserves as much respect as her sister does, and I completely agree with you! It doesn’t matter who’s the older or the younger sibling, especially in Queen Celestia and Queen Luna’s case. In my eyes, allsiblings are equals, no matter how old oryoung they are! As is the way with us Kirins and Thestrals!”

“Took the words right out of my mouth, G.” A familiar voice rasped from behind the four siblings. “That’s the same thing that I always tell Fire Flash whenever she’s down in the dumps and needs words of encouragement.”

The three mare’s ears all perked up at the voice and turned around to the source of it. They all gasped as upon seeing each of their friends, along with their younger siblings. All of them were standing just several feet away from them, watching them with warm and curious expressions.

“Oh, hi girls! You all finally made it!” Midnight said cheerfully as she trotted over to the five mares. “We didn’t even here any of you come in. Why didn’t you let us know you were here?”

“Well, fer one, there are is a whole audience o’ ponies here in the Town Square talkin’ louder than a bunch o’ chicks squabblin’ over a bunch o’ seeds.” Applejack replied with a chuckle gesturing over to the hundreds of ponies inside that were the building. “Two, we jus’ found y’all sittin’ here at this table and were comin’ over to let you know we were here, Though, it looked like ya’ll were gettin’ in some extra siblin’ time before celebration started, so we decided ‘t’ wait till ya’ll were done.” She finished letting out a little chuckled as she put a hoof to her muzzle.

“It was certainly worth the wait, too!” Rarity cooed sweetly, her eyes sparkling. “Watching you smother that darling adorable little brother of yours was just too precious! Almost as precious as him playing with my little sister!”

“Speaking of which? Where is the little squirt?” Rainbow Dash asked, looking at the three siblings. “I want him to be here, so he can meet super awesome little sis!”

“My, you’re really eager for Sheton to meet Fire Flash, huh?” Goku asked as she turned around in her seat. “Well, to answer your question, he’s right here!” she said, gesturing over to her brother sitting in the seat next to her.

“Sheton, it’s you!” Sweetie Belle squeaked as she tackled the stormy grey colt in a hug, nuzzling her cheek against his. “Oh, I’m so happy to see you again! I missed you so much!”

“H-hi, Sweetie Belle…I-I missed you too…” Sheton murmured as he tried to sit back up, only for his front hooves to slip against the floor with a light squeak. He fell back to the floor with a cry, allowing Sweetie Belle to literally fall on top of him. “Um…Sweetie Belle…can you get off me…p-please?” he asked timidly, finding it hard to look her in the eyes due to them being so close.

Sweetie Belle didn’t reply, just letting out another giggle and continuing to hug the Pegasus, causing him to blush deeply. A few seconds later, the alabaster filly felt herself encased in an aura of magic before being set back down onto the ground.

“Sweetie Belle, did you not here what Sheton had just asked?” Rarity asked firmly, staring disapprovingly at her little sister. “He had politely asked you to get off him, but you didn’t do as he asked! You could’ve crushed the poor dear with all of that over excitement!”

“Oops…sorry Rarity, I kind of got carried away.” The alabaster filly murmured sheepishly, a blush forming on her cheeks. With a flick of her tail, she looked back over at the colt that she had tackled just moments before. “I’m sorry Sheton, didn’t mean to startle you like that. I didn’t hurt you did I?”

“No, it’s okay…I’m not hurt anywhere.” The stormy grey colt replied, ruffling his wings. “Just warn me next time you’re going to hug me like that, alright? I already got more than enough of that from Apple Bloom and her family.”

“Heehee…yeah…sorry ‘bout that.” the golden yellow Earth filly said with a sheepish smile of her own. “Ah, tend t’ get a little overexcited mahself, along with Melon Cake…Ah’m sorry if Ah accidentally hurt ya anywhere too.”

“Um, Sheton…girls?” Spike asked innocently, one of his hybrid ears flicking. “I don’t mean to interrupt but…has anypony seen Fire Flash?”

“Oh, t-that’s right!” Scootaloo gasped as her ears perked up, before looking back over at Rainbow Dash and asking. “Um, R-R-Rainbow Dash…d-didn’t you s-say that y-y-you were g-going to b-bring F-F-Fire Flash here t-too?”

“Yep, I sure did! What? Did you think that I wasn’t going to bring my little sis here to an event as important as this?” The cyan mare asked, gently elbowing the bright orange filly in her shoulder. “Heh, like hayI would! Especially when she hasn’t met the little brother of one of my most awesomest friends there is!”

“Oh, okay. I-I was just w-wondering why we h-haven’t really s-s-seen her around a-as all.” Scootaloo murmured with a soft nod. “S-so, um…w-w-where is she?”

“Right here!” The voice of a foal yelled out with a slight rasp as a fiery streak suddenly shot down from above the group of ponies. It soon circled around them, as if trying to envelope them into a large flickering gate of fire and heat. A few seconds later, it died down as a fiery bolt shot down right in the middle of the mares and foals, sending dust flying and creating a powerful shockwave.

Everypony let out loud coughs in an attempt to get the dust out of their throats, having not been prepared for their new guest to make such a landing. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, Goku and heir siblings both used their wings to clear the smoke away, silently waiting for the smoke to clear. When it vanished, they looked down at where the pony was, ready to give them a sharp scolding, only to stop short at what they saw.

Standing in the middle of the small group of ponies, smoke swirling around her in a perfectly round circle, was a Pegasus filly. It was the very same filly that Goku and her siblings had seen in the photo back at Rainbow Dash’s house, the one where they were hugging. In the picture, the filly had been quite the unique sight, but now that she was seeing her in pony, she looked even more amazing.

Just like in the picture, the filly had a deep red hide, redder than any other color that was ever seen by anypony, which was rare for anypony to have. She had a flowing fiery mane and tail that had all the colors expected to be found; tangerine orange, golden yellow, and crimson red, all making for a stunning combination. The filly’s wings were a combination of her coat and mane, while her hooves were a pure golden color, giving a slight gleam. Her eyes, which were closed, slowly opened, revealing two pure golden yellow irises that glowed in the darkness of the Town Square. Unlike in the picture, the four Thestral siblings could all see her flank, which, just like Sheton and the fillies, held no Cutie Mark, showing she had no special talent yet.

“Hey there everypony…” The filly said with a feral grin. “What’d I miss?”

“Howdy there, Fire Flash.” Apple Bloom said nonchalantly as she strolled over to the crimson filly. “Mighty fine seein’ you here on this fine night tonight. I see you’ve made quite the fiery entrance there, as per usual.”

“Yep! Nothing else is expected from your number one best friend Fire Flash Dash Wisp! Little sister of the awesomest big sister in all of Equestria!” Fire Flash replied as she threw a foreleg around the sun yellow filly’s neck. “Of course, that doesn’t mean that you or the girls don’t make any fiery entrances of your own mind you.”

“Yeah, yeah…we know what you meant, Flashy.” Sweetie Belle giggled as hugged the crimson filly. “Though, was that landing really necessary? You did leave a rather big mark in the floor over there.” She emphasized this point by pointing to the pony-sized crater under Fire Flash’s hooves.

“Oh, right…sorry.” Fire Flash murmured, rubbing the back of her head sheepishly. “Probably should’ve watched how hard I was landing…”

“You think?” Crescent Shield deadpanned, snorting some dust out of her nose.

“Hey, don’t give her such a hard time you guys. She didn’t mean any harm by it, she was just trying to make a grand entrance for her best friends, that’s all.” Rainbow Dash said coolly, bringing Fire Flash into a one-sided hug. “Besides, its’ not like that hole can’t be fixed, and it’s not like Mayor Mare’s going to care. We’re at the Summer Sun Celebration, the one celebration where the Queen of Equestria is going to be. With such any important pony coming, a hole in the floor is going to be the least of anypony’s worries.”

“Hmmm…I suppose you have a point there, Rainbow.” Twilight murmured as she inspected the crater. “Still, I hope you have enough in your budget to fix that hole. Along a good explanation for Mayor Mare for why there is a hole in the Town Square.”

“Yeah well, we’ll get to that later!” Rainbow Dash said dismissively, before gently pushing her sister over to the Kirin siblings. “Fire Flash, I’d like you to meet some very special guests! This Goku, Snowflake, and Midnight Shenron! Three of my nine most awesomest friends in the world!”

“So…you’re the famous Thestrals Kirin siblings I’ve heard so much about?” Fire Flash asked, looking the three mares up and down. “I gotta say, I didn’t really think that you’d look like actual Thestrals, since I don’t really seem them all that much. Now though, I can totally see how you can be Thestrals, and…it looks pretty cool, along with those necklaces there.”

“Why thank you, dear. They’re actually one of the two symbols of our clan, except with this one, we have to wear it all the time.” Goku said sweetly, giving her necklace a little tap as it glinted in the moonlight. She then reached out her hoof and shook it with the younger flyer’s. “It’s very nice to meet you Fire Flash. I didn’t see you over at your sister’s place…I figured you’d be there with your sister, but you weren’t.”

“Oh, I was over at our mom and dad’s house.” Fire Flash replied casually as she inspected her hoof. “I was waiting for my big sis to come and pick me up, but it seems like she was caught up in some other business that was obviously more important. besides meeting up with her friends again.” She murmured, her eyes flickering up to meet Dash’s magenta ones in a small glare.

“Sorry, little sis…I lost track of the time.” The cyan mare chuckled in embarrassment as she looked away, feeling her sister’s eyes burn into her head. “I’ll make it up to you after the celebrations over. Hay, I’ll take you out for some hayburgers if you want.”

“Oh, I think I’ll be getting a lot more than some hayburgers by the time all of this is over.” Fire Flash murmured as she shook her head with a snort. As she turned around to converse with her friends, she noticed Goku’s little brother among the group, which gave her a pause. “Who’s he? I’ve never seen him around her before?”

“Oh, t-this is G-Goku Snowflake a-and M-Midnight’s l-little brother S-Sheton.” Scootaloo replied, coming out from behind him. “He h-dad c-c-come to P-Ponyville with t-them while t-they were s-supervising the S-Summer S-Sun C-Celebration today. H-h-he had come over to A-Apple Bloom, S-S-Sweetie Belle, S-Spike, and m-m-my house earlier today a-and played with all of us. H-he’s really nice, a-and he’s great with a-animals too.”

“Is that so?” Fire Flash asked as she began walking around Sheton, taking in all of his features. She suddenly froze as her eyes landed on his wings, and they widened at the sheer size they were. “Whoa! Look at those wings! I’ve never seen wings his big before!” she exclaimed as she reached over and yanked Sheton’s right wing out, spreading it to its full span.

“A-AH! P-please don’t pull it so hard!” The stormy grey colt cried as he jumped away from the other filly. “M-my wings aren’t like normal Pegasi…t-they’re r-r-really sensitive to somepony’s touch…t-they’ll stiffen up if you touch or pull them like that.”

“Really? Well why didn’t you tell me this before?” Fire Flash pouted as she let go of Sheton’s wing. “If I knew your wings were that sensitive, I wouldn’t have tried to pull it!”

“Yeah, sure you wouldn’t have.” Apple Bloom said, rolling her eyes. “Like you didn’t do th’ same with Scootaloo, even after she had told you to be gentle with ‘em.”

“Hey, didn’t think that you were gonna go and pull on his wings like that Fire Flash!” Spike replied with a snort before Sheton could answer. “Besides, why are you acting so surprised by their size anyway? It’s not like his wings are any bigger from yours or Scootaloo’s!”

“Actually, my wings are kind of bigger than Fire Flash and Sheton’s.” Scootaloo murmured softly, slowly unfurling her wings to emphasize her point. Sheton was left gob-smacked at their size, seeing they weren’t just ‘kind of’, bigger.

“Yeah, like we didn’t know that already.” Fire Flash snorted, before turning back to Sheton. “Sorry about that by the way; didn’t mean to cause you any pain there pal.”

“Oh, n-no, it’s okay…y-you just took me by surprise.” The stormy grey colt replied as Scootaloo helped tried to sooth his wings. “A-anyway…it’s really nice to meet you, Fire Flash…I-I hope that we can be friends.”

“Friends?” The crimson filly repeated flaring one of her wings and wrapped it around Sheton, pulling him close. “Sheton, I can guarantee that you and I will be the bestest friends there is here in this town! There are lots of foals who would go to the Moon and back to be friends with me, and not once have they ever regretted it! Trust me, you and I are going to make an awesome friend group, more than any other foals here in Ponyville.”

“Okay then…” Sheton said softly as the crimson filly gave him a fanged grin. “I-If you say so Fire Flash.”

“Hey now, don’t forget ‘bout us!” Apple Bloom chirped as she, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Crescent Shield all joined in, forming a large group hug. “We’re all in this too Flash, an’ don’t ya dare forget it!”

“I think so too~!” Spike chirped, snuggling deep into the group. “We’re all friends together!”

“Well, isn’t this just an adorable little scene this is.” Rarity cooed sweetly as she walked over to the fillies and colt. “Not even a whole day and you’ve already made four new friends Sheton! Luck and fortune must really be smiling down on you, aren’t they darling?”

“Um…w-what do you mean by that…e-exactly?” The stormy grey colt asked, nervously.

“Oh nothing. just the fact that all the friends you’ve made are fillies instead of colts. Not that there’s anything wrong with that mind you.” Fluttershy replied slyly, joining Rarity at her side. “Though the fact that none of the friends you’ve made are colts has to mean something.” she asked with a wink. “Shouldn’t it?”

It didn’t even take Sheton three seconds to realize what the buttermilk Pegasus meant, and his cheeks erupted red for the seventh or eighth time that day. As he yanked his hat over his head, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Fire Flash, Crescent Shield and Spike all sported equally deep blushes Before Sheton even had the chance to open his mouth and protest, Sweetie Belle beat him to the buck.

“Rarity! Can you please stop doing that?!” She squeaked desperately. “There’s nothing going on between me, the girls and Sheton! S-sure he’s cute but we’ve only just met and-” that was all she was able to say before her hooves flew to her mouth, her emerald green eyes going wide with horror at what just came out of her mouth.

“Y-you…t-think” Sheton sputtered as he lowered his head, his mane and hat nearly covering his eyes. “…I’m…c-c-cute?”

Sweetie Belle said nothing to the stormy grey colt in response. She just looked up at Rarity and Fluttershy, who was looking back down at her and her friends with sly smirks on their faces. The same thing could be said for the rest of their friends, one prismatic mane Pegasus in particular trying, and failing, to hold back her laughter.

“Ya’ll were sayin’, sugarcube?” Applejack asked with a smug grin.

“I…erm…n-nothing…I-I was just…!” Sweetie Belle cried, giving up on trying to say anything and covering her face with her hooves and wings. “…gah!”

“Heeheehee! There’s no need to be all embarrassed Sweets!” Pinkie Pie giggled as she bounced over and pulled the tangerine filly into a comforting hug. “It’s total okay if you think somepony is cute, or sweet, or whatever super-duper fun thing there is! Nopony’s saying that it’s a bad thing, and if you want to think that you can!” As Sweetie Belle slowly lifted her head from out of the Earth Pony’s chest fur, the bubblegum pink mare gained a more thoughtful expression as she added. “Just do me and your sister one small teeny tiny favor: hold in all that lovey dovey sweetness for when your older, okay? I think you and I both know that you are nowhere near ready for that kind of stuff yet. We can always make arrangement for a party to celebrate yours Sheton’s, and your other friends’ newfound love, though! In the next several years that is, hmhm!”

“Thanks for the advice Pinkie Pie, but I’m positive that that’s not going to transpire anytime soon.” Crescent grumbled, stroking Sweetie Belle's back as Pinkie set her down. “Besides, like Scootaloo said, they’ve only just met! Well, he’s only just met them, and I’ve known Sheton since we were babies, but that’s beside the point! I highly doubt that there is any way that Sheton would like any one of them like that, let alone me!”

“Mmmmm…I don’t know about that.” Twilight mumbled, her eyes looking to the side in thought.

“Hmhmhmhm, whatever you say, squirt.” Rainbow Dash chuckled as she ruffled the ocean blue filly’s mane. “Why don’t you Sheton and the other go off and play for a bit? I’m sure you all have plenty of energy stored up from that nice long nap that you had at Twilight’s tree house.”

“Can I sis?” Sheton asked, looking back up at Goku. “Can I go play with them? Please?”

“Sure sweetie, just make sure you and the girls are somewhere where we can see you, okay?” The tan Thestral mare replied gently, yet firmly. “With a crowd this big, you’re bound to get lost somewhere in it.”

“Okay…I will, thank you.” The stormy grey colt said softly, nodding to Scootaloo, Spike, and the other fillies as they all galloped off.

“Ya know Goku, Ah have to give yer lil’ bro credit.” Applejack murmured walking over to the tan Pegasus. “He won over mah lil’ sis pretty fast, faster than any other foal she’s met. Even more so that Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Amethyst.”

“Yeah, I know…he was like that back in Canterlot too. Winning over the hearts of any mare that came into his path, even if he wasn’t trying to.” Goku chuckled as she watched the foals play with each other. “Remind you of a certain sister of yours back at the farm, huh Applejack?”

“Er…um…uh…yeah, heheheh.” The tangerine mare laughed nervously, her cheeks turning a bright pink. “Sorry ‘bout that by the way…y-you know how mah big sis can get. Treatin’ each ‘n’ every foal an’ Ponyville as if they’re her own kin.”

“Oh don’t worry, its totally fine with me. Not the first time that a mare’s smothered my little brother with affection every now and then.” Goku said, patting Applejack on the shoulder before she turned to the other mares. “Though…I have to say, I am pretty impressed.”

“Impressed?” Rarity asked quizzically, tilting her head to the side. “Impressed by what, dear?”

“By the fact that your little sisters accepted my little brother so quickly.” Goku explained, making each of her friends’ eyes, minus Twilight’s, widen in surprise. “Back in Canterlot, my little brother had a very hard time making friends who not only wanted to be with him, but would accept him for who he was. Mainly because of him being so shy and being harassed because of that.” she held up her hooves to keep them from saying anything. “Now, don’t take this as me accusing your little sisters or anything, especially yours Fluttershy, but all I’m saying is that I expected them to be a bit more reluctant to be friends with my brother, and think that he was a little weird in the process.” She finished lamely, looking away sheepishly.

For a few moments, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack and Rainbow Dash didn’t say anything, just staring at the tan Thestral mare. blankly, before looking at one another. After another minute of silence passed, they all burst into fits laughter, making the three sisters jump in surprise.

“Um…is something funny?” Snowflake asked, blinking a few times as she regained her composure. “Why’re you all laughing?”

“Y-you honestly think, ha-ha…that those fillies, would even think, about bullying somepony, let alone calling them weird?!” Rainbow Dash asked between laughs, looking like she was going to pass out from laughing so hard. “Are you, are you bucking kidding me, G?!”

“Why that is just absolutely absurd darling!” Rarity added, brushing some strands of her indigo mane out of her face as she calmed herself down. “My little Sweetums would never think about doing that to anypony! That would simply just be unbecoming of her as a lady!”

“The same goes fer mah lil sis!” Applejack nodded, giving a flick of her tail as she snorted. “The day that she even thinks about bein’ mean t’ somepony, is the day that Ah tell her that she can have extra apple fritters b’fore dinner An’ she doesn’t act like she’s on a sugar rush. That’s not Ah was raised, that’s not how Big Mac, Anna Blaze, Annie, Jubilee, an' Honey Blossom were raised, an' that’s certainly not how Apple Bloom was raised either. ”

“The same goes with me Applejack. My little Loo-loo is the kindest, sweetest little filly ever.” Fluttershy declared softly, yet firmly, as she put a hoof to her feathered chest. “I’ve known ever since she was a baby, and I know for a fact that she would never say or do anything mean to anypony.” “That’s just…that’s just not who she is!”

“Yepperooni! If I know those fillies, I know that they are some of the bestest most fantastic little fillies that anypony could ever meet!” Pinkie Pie said happily, popping up from above as she looked at each of the three mares with wide cerulean eyes. “I can Pinkie Promise you that your cutie of a little brother has found friends that will be with him for a lifetime!”

“Oh…is that so…?” Goku asked as she blinked a few times, very surprised at how much of a positive light that her friends were making their younger sisters. She looked back at the foals, who looked to be playing a game of tag. “Then I suppose that my brother’s in good hooves with those fillies then?”

“Yer darn tootin’!” Applejack replied, stomping her hoof down firmly.

“Absolutely…” Fluttershy said sweetly, giving the tan hybrid mare a wink.

“Without a doubt, darling!” Rarity replied with a warm smile.

“Totally!” Rainbow Dash grinned, hovering on her back as she waved a magenta hoof in the air. “If anypony dares give your brother trouble, he just has to give the signal and she will incinerate their asses in ten seconds flat!”

“You know, due to her coming from your family and having a big sister like you, I wouldn’t put it past her to do just that.” Midnight murmured softly “Then again, it may not be a good idea to have her give third degree burns to ponies that try to be mean to our little brother.”

“Heheheh, don’t worry she wouldn’t actually set them on fire if that’s what you’re wondering.” Rainbow Dash said reassuringly as she landed and flung an arm around the beetle black Thestral’s back. “She would just give anypony who tries to mess with her friends beating of their lives if they rile her up just enough.”

“Yeah…that ain’t exactly helpful information, RD.” Applejack said bluntly, deadpanning. “And, frankly…that’s basically th’ same thing ya jus’ said jus’ a moment ago…”

“Yeah well, you understand the point I’m trying to make right?” Rainbow Dash asked, glancing over at the tangerine Earth Pony. Applejack just rolled her eyes in response, muttering something under her breath as she flicked her tail out.

“Well, either way, if you say that he’s in good hooves with them, we’ll take your word for it.” Midnight shrugged, giving Rainbow Dash a soft smile. “After all, I’m eager to see just what kind of trouble they’ll get themselves into…”

“So am I, and something tells me with a group of friends like that, they’re bound to get into a lot of adventures.” Goku said as she looked over at the foals once again, seeing Sheton playing patty cake with Scootaloo. “And they are going to be big.”

At that moment, all nine mares’ ears perked up to hear the sound of loud thumping that seemed to echo about the Town Square. They all turned to see Mayor Mare standing at the top of the stage stomping her right hoof down continuously to get everypony’s attention.

“Looks like Mayor Mare’s ready to announce the start of the celebration.” Twilight murmured softly, her voice an undertone of excitement as she silently observed the scene from afar.

“Wait, she’s starting?! Now?!” Fluttershy cried, her wings flaring out and nearly knocked Rarity and Pinkie Pie off their hooves. “Oh my goodness, my bird friends! They’ve been waiting for me to come all this time! They must be wondering where I am! I gotta get up there right now!”

With that, she took off into the air with a single wing beat as she soared across the Town Square and dove in between one of the curtains far above the stage. A couple of minutes went by, before the buttermilk Pegasus popped out with her birds in tow, all of them hurriedly getting into position, and just in time. Just as Mayor Mare finished her hoof stomping and everypony went silence the sound of horn instruments and the birds harmonized, yet slightly hasty singing took their place, as Mayor Mare began her announcement.

“Fillies and gentlecolts, as the Mayor of the most peaceful town in Equestria, it is my most wonderful pleasure to announce the start of the annual Summer Sun Celebration!” She said happily, her voice echoing throughout the large building as everypony cheered. “In just a few short moments, we will all witness the glorious magic of the sunrise, and celebrate this day, as the longest day of the entire year!”

‘Isn’t that the truth absolute truth’ Goku thought with a chuckle, looking at each of the symbolic Sun clothes of fabric hanging from above the crowd. ‘I don’t think I can remember a day that was longer back in Canterlot. Then again, those days did sometimes feel like they had dragged on forever’

“And now, I could love to introduce to each and everypony here, the ruler of our whole land!” Mayor Mare continued, looking about ready to burst with excitement. “The very pony that raises the Sun and the Moon every single day, the good, the kind, the generous, the wise, Goddess of the Sun and Moon herself, and the very bringer and keeper of harmony! Fillies and gentlecolts, please stomp your hooves together for the one and only, Queen Celestia Daybringer!!!”

With that, the birds all began to singe again as Rarity, who at some point, had come up to the stage, slowly pulled back the curtain. As the deep magenta cloth slowly pulled back, a pure white light shone out from behind the small space behind them, shining as bright as the stars outside. Everypony shielded their eyes from the incredible brightness that the light emitted from the small air booth, waiting for it to dime. Thankfully, they didn’t have to wait for very long, as the light slowly dissipated, until it disappeared completely. When it did, each and every pony was met with a sight that took their breaths away.

To say that the newcomer was a sight to behold would’ve been saying that the very Sun that shined all across Equestria was nothing more than a simple bulb of light. Or that or that the streams of water that flowed through the forest was but a mere trickle of water running down a rocky dirt path. The mare that stood before everypony in the Town Square could only be described as a goddess in a mortal pony’s clothing.

Just as it had said in the Story of the Two Sisters, she was an Alicorn, with a coat that practically glowed in the light of the Moon. It was as if she was a star that had come down to the earth, wanting to bask everything and everypony in all of its glory. Her mane and the skirt of her tail far exceeded the length of even Goku’s, literally flowing like gentle waves crashing onto the shore of a beach. Both of them sparkling in a way that made it seem like she had little stars planted in them, though that probably may have been the case.

If that wasn’t enough to leave ponies gawking, her mane and tail skirt were also changing colors every few seconds. The very same colors that could be found in a rainbow, very much like Rainbow Dash’s own mane. Each and every color was there; ruby red, sunset orange, soft yellow, sea green, cerulean and midnight blue, indigo and violet. There was also a stash of magenta and pale lavender pink, the latter possibly being what her mane and tail color was before it gained its new form. Her eyes were a light pale pinkish magenta, which shined like glitter with a millennia’s worth of warmth, kindness, love, and wisdom. Both of her eyes were shadowed a very strong cerise, which contrasted beautifully with her own eyes.

Another part of the Alicorn that looked to be just as breath taking as her hairstyle and facial features were her wings. As they slowly opened, they stretched to a vast wingspan that made every single pony’s jaw drop to the floor, and a certain colorful tan and cyan Pegasus slightly envious. They took in each and every single feather that was perfectly groomed and preened, with not a single one out of place, each holding the same color that was flashing through her mane. There were also deep reddish orange ones at the very bottom, the same with her tail feathers just above her tail base. They could also see, right next to where her wing thumb claws were, what looked like to be two large pure golden circles that would’ve been mistaken for eyes shadowed black.

She was dressed in a magnificent suit of regalia, a large portion of it implanted on her chest, have a glinting mulberry purple diamond-like gemstone in the very center. The Alicorn also had a set of golden horseshoes, that did nothing to stop the mare’s long flowing fetlocks from dragging behind her. There was also a large crown that was nestled at the top of her head, having the same gemstones as the one on her chest. That was also where her regal horn could be seen, stretching out longer than a mare’s spine. To add to the finishing touch, the Cutie Mark of a golden Sun glowed on both of her pure swan white flanks. Both of them looked like they were real suns, as if the very Sun itself had decided to bless her with its symbol. There was no doubt that the mare in front of everypony was Queen Celestia Daybringer, Goddess of the Sun, Guardian of the Day, the Alicorn of Light, and the Ruler of all Equestria.

The cheers that exploded throughout the Town Square would’ve made even a dragon go temporarily deaf as every pony went into a frenzy. Earth Pony’s stomped the ground with all the strength their legs would allow, Unicorns ignited their horns light up the whole interior of the building, and Pegasi looped around in the air, going at speeds that left colorful trails in their wake. All the while Celestia watched with a smile on her face, that kind expression never leaving her, even as she slowly lifted a hoof to silence everypony. It wasn’t even three seconds after she did so that everypony abruptly went quiet, as if the sudden outburst that they had didn’t even occur. It lingered like that for a few moments, everypony staring at the swan white Alicorn excitedly, waiting for her to break the silence. Eventually she did, and when she spoke, her voice carried an air of kindness, warmth and motherliness that was could only be described as heavenly.

“Hello my little ponies, and thank you all for having me here in tonight.” She said happily as she slowly closed her majestic wings. “It’s so wonderful to see so many of my subjects’ precious little faces this time of night.”

Everypony began to cheer again, albeit much more quietly this time as they gave more stomps to the ground with their hooves. As quickly as they had started, they stopped, not wanting their Queen to have to waste a single moment of her time by silencing them once more.

“I have to be honest with you everypony, when I was told that the Summer Sun Celebration was going to be held in a place like this, I was nothing short of surprised. I never would’ve expected for something as important as this to be held in a place so, well…none-glamorous.” Celestia continued, putting a covered hoof to her muzzle to stifle her giggles as everypony laughed at her little joke. “Regardless, that doesn’t make the town that you’re all living in now any less of a wonderful place to be in, let along host such a big even such as this. To be honest, I could use some relaxation in a town like this. Heaven only knows that I most certainly need it.”

“With the amount of duties that she has, she definitely need it.” Goku whispered to Twilight, who was standing just next to her. “Am I right Twi?”

The magical protégé giggled back. “Mhm.”

“Anyway, I’m not going to spoil the moment by talking about my daily stresses of a Queen.” Celestia said with a light snort as she gave a wave of her hoof,. “I would like to thank you all once again for having my on this momentous occasion, I can’t wait to spend this glorious day with all of you!” she spread her wings once more and raised her chin up higher, as if preparing to take flight. “Now, without further ado, the Summer Sun Celebration BEGIN!!!”

With that, a pure golden magical aura that shined as bright as the Sun enveloped the Queen’s horn, as her head rose. As he horn sparked to life, a blast of magic burst all throughout the room, covering everypony in a type of aura that made it feel like they were all being covering in a warm blanket. At that moment, all eyes caught the sight of the Moon lowering over the horizon as the sky began to lose its inky black color. It soon began to change and slowly gain a deep sunset orange, which slowly grew brighter with each second that passed by.

Everypony watched in awe as an all too familiar light began show slowly grow over the horizon, making the sky go brighter and turn from its temporary sunset orange. It then morphed into a dark blue that was slowly growing paler, making the clouds pop out and become visible. Golden light shined the through the windows of the Town Square, filling the whole building with glorious brightness that could not be put in words. As the Sun finally appeared, It let all eyes inside the Town Square see it in all of its radiating glory.

For the longest moment, everypony just stared wide-eyed at the very object that gave Celestia her name while it shined down on all of them. it was as if the very Sun welcoming each and every one of them to the even that had now begun. Then they went into another loud burst of cheering as they stomped their hooves, lit their horns, and flew about the air, very much like they had just a few minutes ago. This time, the swan white Alicorn didn’t even try to stop them, for she too felt like joining her subject. It was only thanks to a millennia’s worth of training that she was able to restrain herself from acting like foal who had gotten their Cutie Mark after years of searching, though the temptation was still there. With a soft giggle, she stretched their wings out to their fullest span as she lowered her upper body, preparing to fly down to her subjects.

Unfortunately for the Sun Goddess, she never got the change to even lift her hooves off the floor beneath her. For at that moment, everything in the whole Town Square, went black and became shrouded in darkness.

Queen Celestia and everypony else watched, as an inky blackness suddenly shot out in front of the large glass windows of the building, completely obscuring the light that was shining outside. The interior of the Town Square was instantly covered in a pitch-black darkness, causing everypony to cease their cheering, looking around the building in confusion.

“Hey! What gives?!” Rainbow Dash shouted angrily as she shot into the air, her wings giving angry flaps. “Who turned out the bucking lights?!”

“Ah don’t know RD. Ah don’t know why everythin’ went so dark all of a sudden…” Applejack replied, squinting her eyes as she tried to see all around her. “…and Ah don’t think Ah want to know, either.”

“It’s magic.” Twilight said suddenly causing Goku, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie to turn to her. “An incredibly large amount of it, too. I can feel it all around the Town Square, both inside and outside. It’s powerful, at least on par with Queen Celestia’s own. I don’t know and who it is that’s emitting it, but I do know one thing.” A feeling of dread formed in the pit of the lavender Unicorn’s stomach as she flattened her ears against her head. “It can’t be good.”

“Oh! Oh! Is it a guessing game?! I love guessing games!” Pinkie Pie squealed as she bounced in place. “Is there somepony hiding outside?! Are they waiting to give us a nice big surprise?! Oh, if they are I’m sure that it’s going to be BIG!”

“Pinkie Pie, I hardly think that whoever made the whole Town Square go as dark as night would want to surprise us at this very moment. Especially with everypony looking like they’re going to go in a panic. Not to mention they also have the Queen herself to face if they were just trying to scare us.” Goku deadpanned as she looked around the crowd, her keen eyes and ears picking up the sound of whimpering and ponies beginning to shake. “Still, you do have a point. I have feeling that whoever is doing this is going to give us quite the scare, and we are not going to like it one bit.”

“Took the words right out of my mouth, Goku.” Snowflake murmured, as she took a protective stance next to her younger sister. “Honestly, I’d like to meet the pony who’s doing this and give them quite the talking to about why he decided to interrupt one of the most important events in Equestrian history.”

“We can think about that later, Snowflake.” Midnight said tentatively as she draped a wing around both her younger sisters. “For now, let’s just let Queen Celestia handle this…I’m sure that whoever is doing this will come quietly and this whole mess will be over…I hope.”

“Remain calm, everypony. There must be a reasonable explanation for this.” Mayor Mare said, doing her best to calm down the crowd of ponies. At that moment, she caught a glimpse of light out of the corner of her eye, causing her to look up and see Celestia igniting her horn, making a bright golden aura emit from it and light up the entire interior of the Town Square. “My Queen, can you please tell us what is going on?”

“Hmmm…I’m afraid that we have an uninvited visitor here in our midst, Miss Mayor.” The swan white Alicorn replied, making everypony down below gasp in surprise and slight fear. “Fear not my little ponies, I will not let anything happen to you. Follow Mayor Mare’s and remain as calm as you can, I will make sure you are all safe.”

It seemed that this assurance was all that everypony needed from their Queen, for they all ceased their murmuring and went silent, yet there was no mistaking the nervousness, fear and anxiety emitting from each and every one of them. The foals were especially scared, and everypony felt their hearts ache when they heard the terrified whimpers and cries coming from them near the stage where Mayor Mare currently was.

“W-w-what’s g-going on?” Scootaloo whimpered, looking around the darkness with fear in her eyes. “W-why is everything so dark?”

“Ah don’t know, but Ah don’t like it one bit.” Apple Bloom replied as she pressed herself up against her friend, as if trying to assure her she was there. “Queen Celestia raised the Sun just a minute ago! There’s no way that night could’ve came back that fast! Her horn wasn’t even lit!”

“Do you think that there’s somepony trying to attack us?” Spike asked worriedly as he stood close to Crescent Shield, who draped a wing over the Kirin colt.

“Pffft, please! As if there would be somepony wanting to attack us right now!” Fire Flash snorted, not looking to be worried in the slightest. “Even if there were, they’re not going to get the chance! Queen Celestia’s right here with us in this very building! Anypony who tries to mess with us, will have to get past her first unless they don’t want to get their asses kicked!”

“Yeah…you do have a point there.” Sweetie Belle murmured nervously, leaning into Sheton as he rubbed her back comfortingly. “Still, who do you think it is?”

“I don’t know, but I think we’ll be safe.” Sheton said softly, trying to comfort his new friends as best as possible. “The Queen said it herself, she would keep us all safe and I believe her. She’ll find whoever’s doing this and deal with them like any Queen would.”

“Yeah, you’re right Sheton.” Crescent Shield said with a nod of agreement. "Queen Celestia will be able to fix this, and everything will be okay."

Right at that moment, there was a loud thumping sound, followed by the sound of wood cracking as the whole building gave a violent shake, as if an earthquake was happening right beneath everypony’s hooves. They all gave out cries of surprise at this unexpected movement, and were about to question it amongst themselves, only to jump and let out cries of surprise as they heard the all too familiar sound of dust and small bits of debree falling to the hard-sleek floor. This caused everypony to shoot their eyes up to the ceiling, realizing that whoever had supposedly trapped them inside was right above their heads, and they weren’t the only ones to notice it either. Queen Celestia had both seen and heard the falling bits of wood much faster than they did, and her gaze immediately snapped up to the roof, now knowing just where her uninvited guest was.

“Who is there?! By order of the Queen of the Equestria, I command you to show yourself at once!” She shouted, her warm motherly tone all but tossed aside. It was replaced with a more commanding and authoritive one, one that didn’t fail in making Twilight cower under it. The swan white Alicorn’s voice boomed throughout the Town Square and rendering everypony as silent as mice as they stared back up at her. When Celestia got no response, her pale lavender eyes narrowed as she gave a stomp of her hoof, before speaking again. “I will not ask again fiend! Who is there, and why have you interrupted such a wonderful event such as this?! If you do not show yourself this very instant, I will come and seek you myself!”

Her command was answered by the sound of the roof giving another, much louder crack. This time, instead of just small splinters and dust, a large piece of wood fell and landed on the floor with a loud clank. Ponies closest to it, gave cries of surprise as they shuffled back, some of them bumping into one another as they attempted to get away from the spot. All eyes once again went up to the ceiling, silently waiting for something else to fall and hit the ground. All they got however was another chorus of silence.

It was at that moment, that Celestia decided that she was done waiting for the unknown intruder to reveal themselves. If they weren’t going to come and show their faces, then she would take the matter into her own hooves. “Very well then, it seems that I have no other choice but to find you myself.” She said calmly as she spread her wings once more and prepared to take flight.

Then, everything immediately went to Tartarus.

The swan white Alicorn had barely taken a full flap of her wings, before their was a loud explosion that nearly made her ears ring, as the whole roof o the Town Square gave into some unknown powerful force. The Queen covered her eyes with a foreleg as clouds of debree, looking as thick as the large chunks of roof falling from above, filled her vision, effectively blocking her view from what was going on down below. It certainly did nothing to block her hearing however, for her ears could pick up the sound of large chunks of wood and debree falling down with enough force to make it sound like they were large boulders coming down from a mountain top. She felt her heart fill with fear at the cries and screams of terror, and pain of everypony, mare, stallion, and foal down below, making her realize that there were some unlucky victims to the destroyed roof.

“What in the name of-?!” Goku began, only to stop as she began to cough up dust. “What the hay just happened?!”

“Ah think the entire roof jus’ caved in!” Applejack replied, using her Stetson to fan the dust out of her face. “Are any o’ y'all okay-WHOA!”

The farmer was cut off when she felt somepony slam into her, causing both of them to fly through the air and crash to the ground. The action came just in time to avoid a large boulder sized chunk of roof from landing on top of them. Applejack scrambled to her hooves, and once she got her footing, she looked down to see Goku and Twilight lying on the ground just in front of her. The tangerine mare also saw Pinkie Pie, who was standing over the tan Thestral and lavender Unicorn.

“Whew, that was a close one!” she cried, her voice shaky as she looked at Applejack, Twilight and Goku with wide eyes. As both mares got up, she and Applejack couldn’t help but notice that Pinkie Pie’s sudden change in color. Her once bright bubblegum pink fur was now a pale lavender purple, and her brilliant raspberry pink mane and tail were now a deep violet. “Are both of you alright?! That was one big rock!”

“Yeah…we’re okay…thank you for saving us Pinkie Pie.” Goku replied slowly, giving her wings a ruffle as she gave a couple more coughs. Her eyes suddenly widened, as she looked around the dust-covered area, unable to see her sisters or Twilight anywhere. “Wait where are Snow flake, Midnight?! I don’t see them anywhere!!”

“We’re here!” the voice of Midnight cried out as she and Snowflake suddenly flew into the scene, instantly landing by their youngest sister’s side. “Are you three okay?”

“We’re fine, Pinkie Pie shoved us out of the way before we could get flattened.” Twilight replied, as she lit up the area with her horn. “Do any of you know why the roof caved in all of a sudden? We’ve never had this happen before since I moved here to Ponyville!”

Before any of the mares could reply, the thick clouds of dust surrounding them suddenly picked up speed as it blew all around them. They all shielded their eyes with their wings and hooves in an attempt to keep it from getting into their eyes. All except Midnight, who wrapped her giant wings around all of them and pulled them close to her to prevent them from being blown away. This went on for a few moments; the only sound heard being the blow of the dust and the cries and screams of everypony inside the building. Then, just as quickly as it had started, it stopped, and the everything suddenly went deadly silent.

Slowly and cautiously, the six mares opened their eyes and pulled away from each other, and were greeted a sight that made their hearts stop. The whole Town Square being littered with large piles of debree, and ponies left and right crying and screaming in terror and agony. While some of them most of them looked to be just disheveled and shaken up, a majority of them had been unlucky victims to the destroyed roof. They were either lying on the ground injured, being catered to by other ponies, or where trapped under the large pieces of the wooden roof. Some were trying to lift them up and pull the ponies out from under them, though they weren’t having much success. Goku felt a shiver go down her spine as she saw pools of an all too familiar red liquid form around some places where ponies could be seen laying. The stench carried in the air and filled her sensitive nostrils with its metallic stench, letting her know that some were more gravely injured than others.

Fortunately and unfortunately for them, they didn’t have to look at the gruesome scene for long, as a loud neigh suddenly boomed throughout the Town Square. It caused everypony to jump and covered their ears at the sheer volume that emitted from it, as if somepony was carving into their eardrums. This went on for several agonizingly long moments, which seemed to go on for a millennium for some, before it receded, leaving a loud ringing in everypony’s ears. They looked up to the source of the sound, wondering if it was the intruder that had interrupted their celebration with the Queen. What met each of their eyes made all the color drain from their faces and nearly made them all pass out from fear.

The being that hovered above all the mayhem and destruction could only be described as the stuff of the darkest and most terrifying nightmares. Not only that, but they was, to the extreme shock and disbelief of many, and Alicorn. One that was absolutely monstrous-looking, and the complete opposite of Queen Celestia. Even though she was very high up in the air, everypony could see, just by her physic alone that it was a mare. She had a coat that was blacker than the very pits of Tartarus itself, as if she had been dipped into a whole pond of inky blackness. Her mane and tail skirt, like Celestia’s, looked ethereal and appearance only it didn’t have the various multi-colors that appeared from them every few seconds. They looked as if they were cut from the very essence of outer space itself.

A majority of her mane and tail skirt had blue auras that had blue white, and pink and red twilights shining from it, with the edges and tips being inky black. They could both be seen trailing behind her in one giant cosmetic ethereal tornado, which went all the way up to the Sun, currently being blocked by the Moon. Her wings were stretched out in an unbelievable wingspan, and while they were covered in feathers, there was no mistake that her wings were that of a bat’s. They both held the same ethereal color of space as her mane and tail, having long dagger-like claws at the end, with the membranes going all the way down to her tail fins. The etherealness could also be found in her hooves, which were cloven, like that of a deer’s, having the same flowing fetlocks as Celestia’s own. Lastly, to top off her terrifying appearance, she had the Cutie Mark of a large indigo blotch that ran all the way down to her knees, with a beautiful crescent Moon in the middle of the blotch.

The sin black Alicorn let out another echoing neigh as her wings flapped in, yet powerful motions, her glowing eyes boring into the petrified eyes of everypony in the Town Square. They watched in silent terrified and fascinated shock as the Sun completely vanished in the ethereal tornado leaving only the Moon floating in the air. With another, much harder flap of her wings, the mare shot down towards the crow of ponies, who all screamed and galloped away as she slammed into the ground. Large chunks of earth were sent flying through the air from the giant crater that she left in her wake, enveloped by thick dust clouds. The dust completely obscured the Alicorn from view for a moment, before it was blown away by a single flap of her gigantic wings. When it was gone, she just stood there, letting everypony see her in all her naked, yet terrifyingly beautiful glory.

Nopony said a word as the mare looked around, meeting the eyes of each and everypony in the building. They all stared straight back at her, bodies quivering as if they were being frozen over in ice on the coldest of days. After sixty whole seconds of unending silence passed, she finally spoke.

“Well, well, well…if it isn’t my dear beloved subjects of Equestria…it’s been so long since I’ve seen all of your precious little sun-loving faces.” She said, her voice incredibly silky, yet filled with iciness that made everypony shiver. As a small, yet feral smile making its way to her face, allowing everypony to see the vampiric fangs adorning her mouth. She glanced back up behind her, seeing the Moon bask her in its beautiful glow as it floated in the sky, which was back to being its inky black. “I’m so glad that I got rid of that cursed abomination. I had forgotten how much I hated just seeing that thing.”

“Twilight…” Goku began, her voice surprisingly calm and level despite the situation that they were in. “Is that who I think it is?”

“Yes…i-it is!” Twilight replied her legs shaking like leaves blowing in the wind as she stared at the large Alicorn. As much as she didn’t want to believe it, there was no mistaking who the pony before them was. “It’s the Dark Queen, Nightmare Moon!!!”

“Wait, that’s the famous ‘Mare of Darkness’ that everypony keeps talking about?” Rainbow Dash whispered. “I…I thought that she was just some urban legend…”

“So did Ah, sugarcube. Honestly, when Ah heard ‘bout Nightmare Moon, Ah didn’t think that there was any way that a pony like that could exist.” Applejack nodded, her own eyes as wide as the cyan mares. “It looks like Ah was wrong…all o’ us where.”

Snowflake gulped. “Indeed...”

“Aww, what’s the matter, everypony? Too scared to say anything your Queen of the Night after a millennium on the Moon?” Nightmare Moon cooed in a voice that was so sweet it was sickening, as she took in the terrified faces of all the ponies and foals in the Town Square. “I must admit, I'm a bit hurt. I expected all of you to be a little bit more excited to see me again…I guess it was a foal’s hope to wish for that…”

Suddenly, the sin black Alicorn noticed a flash of color out of the corner of her eye, and she looked over to the left only to freeze at what she saw. Her turquoise draconic eyes caught Celestia standing on the booth above the stage down below, her lavender eyes wide and mouth slightly agape. Nightmare Moon froze as her eyes widened in shock, having not expected to see the swan white Alicorn in the Town Square. Eventually, the shock passed just as quickly as it had come, before the darker Alicorn’s lips curled back, fans glistening in the moonlight as her face twisting into a snarl.

“Well…if it isn’t Queen Celestia Daybringer Solaris herself.” Nightmare hissed in a barely audible whisper, her voice carrying a unfathomable contempt. “I must admit…I didn’t expect to see you here. Then again, I really shouldn’t be surprised, since this is the one day where everypony gets to spend the day with you and bask in your precious light.” Her eyes flashed as she let out a low ominous growl. “And it’s also the night that you banished me to my beautiful Moon and let me to rot there for countless centuries!”

“Nightmare Moon…the Goddess of the Black Moon and the Ruler of Nightmares. So you’ve finally returned from your prison at last.” Celestia said slowly, her own eyes narrowing as she regained her composure. “Tell me…what brings you here this time of day? Or to be franker, this time of night? That is what you want me to say, isn’t it? Since this is the night time?”

“Oh spare me your false pleasantries, Celestia! That is the last thing that I want to hear from a pony like you!" Nightmare Moon snapped as she stomped her hoof, leaving large cracks in the crater beneath her hooves. “You and I both know why I’m here! Or have you been so swept up in all of these ponies basking in your precious light that you’ve forgotten what happened that day so long ago?!”

‘That day? Is she talking about the night Queen Celestia banished her?’ Goku asked, watching the confrontation from afar with narrowed eyes. As soon as that thought crossed her mind, she almost facehooved herself. ‘What am I thinking of course they are! It was just said by Nightmare Moon just a second ago that Queen Celestia was the one who banished to the Moon! It’s no wonder why she’s so pissed off at her!’

“No…I haven’t. I have not forgotten that day at all. Even after a thousand years, I can still remember that day as if it was only yesterday.” Celestia murmured as she lowered her head, her pale magenta eyes closing for a moment. “I can still remember the exact words that you said to me; how you would defeat me and rule Equestria in eternal night, and after that…came the bloodshed.” Her face scrunched up ever so slightly as the memories of the battle from so long ago played through her head like a record. “I still remember the screams of the ponies that transpired during that battle, even now. I can hear them as clear as day, even after I had defeated you in battle…and I will no doubt continue to hear them for the rest of eternity.”

As quickly as her grief filled expression came, it vanished as the swan white Alicorn opened her eyes, looking down at Nightmare Moon with fiery determination. “Some say that it was a miracle that I managed to defeat you at all, and it probably was. Even so, I was still able to stop you from forever plunging this word into darkness and ruling it with an iron hoof and a cruel heart!” She flared her vast wings as her horn ignited in its bright golden glow. “You may have finally escaped from the Moon, but that does not mean I will let you continue on your plan of Eternal Night! I have defeated you one before and saved countless of innocent lives, and I can most certainly do it again Nightmare Moon!”

Rather than being scared or intimidated, Nightmare Moon gave a low, yet sinister laugh. It slowly grew in volume, the icy sound echoing Square and making everypony tremble with fear. “Dear sweet Faust the years of being the only Queen in Equestria really driven you insane, haven’t they? I’m not surprised, since you are the one who everypony adores the most, and the only one who’s really known to finish off your enemies. Despite the stories saying that both you and dear little Luna both fought to protect this land from evil doers like me.” Her turquoise eyes narrowed as the grin on her face gained a twisted edge. “However, you forgot on little thing, dear sister."

“Oh?” The swan white Alicorn asked, raising a color changing eyebrow. “And what is that, Nightmare?”

Without warning, the sin black Alicorn suddenly morphed into a stream od ethereal stream of smoke and shot towards Celestia. She went at such a speed that not even Rainbow Dash would be able to keep up with taking everypony completely off guard. Celestia only had time to widen her eyes and gasp, before she felt Nightmare Moon collide with her, sending both of them flying up into the air and crashing into the wall. Immediately afterword, Celestia felt a sharp searing enter her chest burst out her back, causing her to let out a hard cough and a metallic taste flowed into her mouth. Confused, she looked down, only for her eyes to slowly widen as she saw the entire length of Nightmare Moon’s horn impaled straight through her chest.

“You don’t have your precious Elements here to help you against me.” Nightmare Moon finished in a barely audible whisper. Ignoring blood that dripped down her head, she added, “And since they’re not here to help you against me, that means you won’t be able to withstand this.”

Before Celestia could even attempt to say a word, Nightmare Moon’s horn ignited as she sent a powerful surge of magic coursing through her. Celestia screamed was her whole body was charred form head to hoof, as if somepony had put her in an electric chair and turned the power up to full capacity. Pure white volts of electricity could be seen dancing all around her body as the Nightmare Moon continued pouring her magical energy into Celestia. The sin black Alicorn relished in the cries of agony emitting from the mare as she did so, along with the screams of horror from everypony down below as she did so. After a few more moments, the mare stopped, letting Celestia slowly slide down her horn and fall to her side with a resounding thud.

“Awww, you poor thing…couldn’t take the thunder, could you?” Nightmare Moon asked in a sickeningly sweet voice. “Of course not…after all, you could never truly strike down your own sister.”

“QUEEN CELESTIA!!!” Twilight screamed, horror plastered on her face as she watched her mentor fall. Midnight, Snowflake, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Goku were not too far behind her as they adorned similar reactions. Any screams or cries they let out were drowned out by that of everypony in the Town Square.

“Oh no…” Goku whispered, her golden eyes going with fear as Nightmare Moon turned around to face all the ponies in the building.

“Well, that takes care of that.” She said with a satisfied smirk as she gave a ruffle of her wings. She then held out a covered hoof, giggling as a single drop of blood fell off her horn and fell on it. “Oh dear, it appears that I’ve got Celly’s blood all over my horn.” Leaning, she ran her tongue across her blood covered hoof, shivering in ecstasy at the taste. “Hmmm…such a pleasant taste.”

“WHAT THE HAY DID YOU DO TO OUR QUEEN, YOU BITCH?!” Rainbow Dash yelled, her wings flared angrily as electricity danced through her body. With a hard stomp of her forehooves, she took to the air, only for a quick-thinking Applejack to grab her tail at the last second.

“Whoa there, RD! Now’s not the time ‘t’ be losin’ yer head!” The cowpony shouted through a mouthful of prismatic tail. “If ya try t’ fight her, she’s gonna take ya out as fast as she did th’ Queen!”

“I don’t give a rat's ass! She just killed the Queen, and I’m not gonna let her get away with that!” Rainbow Dash shouted, flapping her wings even harder. “You hear me?! When I get up there, I’m going to rip that damn horn off your head and shove it right up your black ass!”

“Oh what’s the matter? Afraid that your dear Queen is dead?” Nightmare Moon cooed, giving the cyan mare a smirk. “Don’t worry, I just…relieved her or her duties, so I can take her place as the next and only Queen of Equestria.”

“Relieving Queen Celestia of her duties? Is that what you really think that you’re doing right now?” An angelic and angry voice said from behind the sin black Alicorn. Nightmare Moon looked to the source and meet the gaze of two blazing golden orange eyes; the pupils blazing a pure golden white. Both eyes seemed to burn through Nightmare Moon's own eyes like two raging twin fires, courtesy of Fluttershy. The buttermilk Pegasus glared at her with all the rage that she had, hovering in front of the sin black Alicorn like an enraged Honey Bee. “What kind of a Queen would stab an innocent pony in the chest and pass it off nothing? You should be ashamed of yourself! What would your mother say if she saw you like this?!”

Nightmare Moon’s face twisted into another snarl, her eyes blazing in as she glared right back at the mare in front of her. Before Fluttershy knew what was happening, she found herself hitting the floor above as a large covered hoof slammed into her barrel. The blow knocked the wind out of her as she coughed up a small bit of blood, a scream of pain leaving her as her eyes bulged. Fluttershy’s eyes returned to their normal teal color as the dark Alicorn drove her right hoof deeper into her barrel, causing even more pain. Nightmare Moon then reached out and yanked on her necklace, making Fluttershy look into the other mare’s draconic eyes.

“You foolish little foal…you dare talk like that in the face of royalty? You dare try to scold me as if you’re my own mother? Who I have not seen for millennia? If I weren’t so happy to finally be freed from by prison, I’d have frozen your little bird friends and shattered them into thousands of little pieces!” She hissed through clenched serrated teeth, smiling in twisted satisfaction as Fluttershy looked back up at her in fear After giving her a rather hard stomp on the chest, Nightmare Moon took flight and hovered a few feet above the buttermilk Pegasus. “As for your earlier comment, of course that’s what I’m doing. After making me live in her shadow, taking the pony that I loved, and imprisoning me on the Moon for countless centuries, it’s the least that I could do for my dear sister.” Her eyes narrowed. “Speaking of which, she probably didn’t tell you exactly who I am did she? Would you like to take a guess, or would you like me to engrave the answer in your little sun loving skull?”

“Hokey S-S-Smoke?” Pinkie Pie squeaked, her voice just above a whisper. “W-w-what about Q-Q-Queen M-Meanie? O-o-or B-B-Black S-S-Snooty? M-Maybe t-t-those n-names?”

The Nightmare Moon’s ears perked up, and her turquoise eyes looked down to meet the terrified white ones of the Earth Pony. Pinkie let out a squeal of terror and hid behind Midnight, who draped a bat wing over her protectively as she bared her fangs at the Alicorn. Relief washed over Pinkie Pie like air being let out from a deflated balloon when the sin black Alicorn’s gaze moved away from her.

“Does my crown no longer count now that I have been imprisoned for an entire millennium?” Nightmare Moon asked, looking down at Fluttershy. With a snort, she flew over to Rarity, who backed up until she felt her rump hit the railing of the booth she was standing on, shivering as she felt the ebony Alicorn’s ethereal mane brush up against her chin. “Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs clearly painted on the Moon before I came back?”

“I DID!!!”

Nightmare Moon, Rarity, Fluttershy, and just about everypony else in the Town Square jumped in surprise at the unexpected shout that had mitted from somewhere in the crowd below. All eyes looked over to see Twilight standing in front of her friends, looking up at the mare with defiance in her eyes. “I was the one who saw the signs, and I know exactly who you are! You’re the legendary Mare on the Moon!”

“In other words, Nightmare Moon Nocturnis!” Goku added, baring her canines. “The Goddess of the Black Moon, Ruler of Nightmares, and the Queen of Darkness!”

The moment those words left her mouth, everypony let out gasps of shock and disbelief, looking back up at the ebony Alicorn with even more fear in their eyes. Rarity and Fluttershy were also just as terrified, the latter especially, as she now realized just who she was dealing with. She inwardly chastised herself for her stupidity in thinking that scolding her would have any effect on her, especially when the lives of her animals were at stake.

“Oh my…looks like there’s somepony who does remember me.” Nightmare Moon said as she looked down at the lavender Unicorn with interest. “I suppose you also know why I’m here then?”

“You’re here to shroud all of Equestria into Eternal Night!” Goku replied, stepping right next to her friend as she flared her bat wings. “Well, we’re not going to let that happen! If you think that you’re going to succeed in this giant scheme of yours, you have a whole other thing coming Nightmare!”

This caused the ebony black Alicorn to laugh, amusement clear on her face as she looked down at the tan Pegasus with half-lidded eyes. “Is that so? Well, you’re welcome to try, though I don’t think you’ll get very far. You’ll be lucky if you manage to take even one of my attacks and survive it, let alone live from it.” With another chuckle, she flared her wings as her ethereal mane and tail began to grow and expand in size and length. “Know this little ponies! There will be changes around here now that I’m back! Even more so, now that your dear Solar Queen is no longer able to continue her duties! I certainly hope that you all enjoyed this day young ones, for it will be very last day you’ll ever see! From this moment forth, the night, will last, forever!!!”

With that declaration, a loud evil laugh escaped the ebony black Alicorn’s lips as her mane and tail shot up into the air. It formed a giant ethereal tornado that shot out of the Town Square and into the night sky, expanding over the town. It also struck down from below, slicing and stabbing into the floors and buildings along with large bolts of ethereal magic. This was enough to send anypony who was too close flying across the building, along with the debree that accompanied them. Groups of ponies finally regained control of their bodies and began to wildly gallop around and try to find a safe place to hide or escape to. Foals screamed and cried as they huddled close together, doing all they could to avoid the dark Alicorn’s wrath.

If that wasn’t horrifying enough, fire suddenly ignited from some spots where the lightning had struck. It spread all around the Town Square like a wildfire travelling across a falling forest or jungle. It trapped anypony that tried to get out of the building, and caused clouds of smoke to rise up from the flames. The smoke slowly made its way out of the Town Square and into the night sky, allowing anypony outside to see that the building was now on fire. Through it all, Goku her sisters, and friends all stared on in mounting terror, each of them sharing on undeniable thought.

The Dark Queen had returned.

Author's Notes:

Yeah, uh...not exactly a whole lot of stuff that really needed to be changed in this chapter here. As with the last one, changing a few paragraphs, changing a few sentences, and making some interactions last a bit longer and shorter than necessary; along with changing the description of our infamous Dark Queen as of yet. This is probably the quickest that I've ever edited any of my old chapters, though that's probably because there wasn't really anything in this chapter that needed to be edited too much while I was looking through it, other than a few grammars. Well, either way, I'm glad that I could get it back up again, and while I'm pretty sure I won't have much to edit in the next chapter, I think I can say there'll be more additions to it...maybe.

Well, thats all for now! Next up, Queen Celestia and the future Element Bearers are going to be having a little talk about Nightmare Moon...and just how close the two of them are.

Chapter 11 - Explanations

Fear was not something that Goku felt often, especially in situations where it felt like the appropriate thing to feel. Even when she was just a little filly, there hardly any times where Goku felt scared or terrified. This would come off as pretty unusual for most ponies that knew her, unless they were Kirins like her that is. All her life, there was close to nothing that could scare the tan Pegasus in any way. Even the scariest and most scarring of all horror stories would get nothing more than a shiver from Goku. Other times, she would be left more fascinated than terrified by the things she would be told by ponies. The only times where Goku felt even the slightest trace of fear was when any members of her family, or anypony else, was in danger. Especially if that pony happened to be her little brother or any of his friends however few that there were.

Unfortunately for her, this was one of those times.

Nightmare Moon’s malicious laugh could still be heard echoing throughout the burning Town Square as lightning continued to strike down from the night sky. It took out large chunks of earth as ponies all around tried to get away from the mare that had taken down their beloved Queen. The flickering flames on the ground below danced all around them, threatening to burn anypony idiotic enough to get too close. Smoke seeped into the mouths of ponies that got lost on its thick grey mist, causing them to go into a huge coughing fit as they tried to soak up fresh air. Unfortunately, it only made their lungs fill up with even more smoke as if floated out of the building and out into the atmosphere.

The sounds of foals near the front stage screaming and crying could barely be heard over the thunderous strikes of lightning. The swirling tornado of Nightmare Moon’s mane and tail looming over them and the Town Square and casted them in its ethereal shadow. All the while, the Thestral Kirin sisters and their friends all watched with horrified gazes, and gaping mouths. They would’ve been the next victims, had it not been for a loud powerful, yet familiar voice booming throughout the Town Square.

“GUARDS! PUT THAT FIRE OUT! DON’T LET IT CONTINUE TO SPREAD THROUGH THE BUILIDNG!” Zephyr shouted over to th Solar Guards behind him. “THE REST OF YOU, COME WITH ME SO WE CAN SUBDUE NIGHTMARE MOON!”

Goku, who was the first to snap out of her terrified state, whipped her head around to the royal blue stallion. “Zephyr?!”

“What is it Goku?!” Snowflake asked, looking over at the younger mare. “Who do you see!?”

“I-it’s Zephyr! I heard his voice form somewhere in the crowd!!” Goku replied. “He’s inside the Town Square!”

“He’s what?!” Midnight shouted, her cat-like eyes widened. “What is he doing here?!”

“He must’ve been sent here with the other guards that were here in the Town Square by the Queen.” Twilight guessed, staring up at the stallion as he flew through the air. She suddenly let out a gasped as she watched him stop just feet away from Nightmare Moon. “Oh no…I…I think he’s gonna try and fight Nightmare Moon!”

“He’s WHAT?!” Rarity yelled, her eyes bulging. “Is he insane?! Does he really believe that he stands a chance against the Mare on the Moon?!”

“I have no idea, but whatever he’s planning, I’m not going to let that bitch get away with stabbing the Queen!” Rainbow Dash shouted, snorting hard through her nostrils as her eyes flashed angrily. She once again attempted to fly at the sin black Alicorn and give her a sock to the face, but Applejack was able to keep her from doing so. “Goddammit, let me go already Applejack! I wanna give this mare the what for after what she did to Queen Celestia!”

“Ain’t gonna happen Rainbow Dash!” Applejack growled back through a mouthful of prismatic tail. “Ah understand yer anger, but loosin’ yer noggin’ an’ jus’ rushin’ in ain’t gonna help right now! So take a breather an’ calm down b’fore a drive mah hooves int’ yer skull an’ knock ya out!”

Rainbow Dash was about to retort, but the sound of chirping lightning cut of whatever comment she was going to make. They all looked up to see four Solar Guard Pegasi hovering in the air, all of them just feet away from Nightmare Moon. Multiple colorful auras surrounded their bodies as their eyes glowed the same color, lighting, wind and fire surrounding each of them. Zephyr hovered in between them, his own eyes glowing as he raised his right foreleg, waiting to give his soldiers the signal.

“Oh, how cute. My dear sister’s precious lovers of the Sun are going to try and stop me.”Nightmare Moon smirked as she hovered in the air. “Well, you’re welcome to try, but I doubt that you’ll get very far.”

“FIRE!” Zephyr shouted, swinging his foreleg down as the four Pegasi unleashed their attacks. A swirl of fire, lightning, and wind burst out from their wings, coming together in a unified attack that seemed to make the attack all the stronger. It dove down towards Nightmare Moon, who continued to smirk even as the attack hit her head on in the air. A loud explosion rocked the Town Square as those closest to the five guards looked up at the scene in front of them, wondering what had happened. Zephyr and his other four stallions stayed suspended in the sir, waiting for any sign of the sin black Alicorn to attack them from the smoke.

“Is that it?” One of guards asked after a moment of silence. “She didn’t even try to stop the attack; did she seriously think that she’d be able to withstand an attack of that caliber?”

“Of course not you little foals!”

All five Pegasi jumped at the silky and icy voice that made itself known through the smoke, before it was suddenly blown away. Zephyr and the rest of his guards’ eyes widened upon seeing Nightmare Moon still hovering in her spot, not looking to have any injuries on her whatsoever.

“What in the word?!” Another Solar Guard gasped. “She doesn’t even have a single scratch on her!”

“Impossible!” A third one exclaimed, hovering back a bit. “How was she able to withstand an attack of that caliber?!”

“How you ask? Simple, because it is not the first time that I’ve been hit with an attack like that you meddlesome fools!” Nightmare Moon replied, letting out a rather regal snort. “I’ve been hit with moves like that they no longer even phase me! I’ll be honest, I was almost expecting you all to make a unified attack like that! And now that I’ve been hit with it, I think I can say that was probably the least painful attacks that I was hit with!”

“Dammit…!” A fourth guard hissed, his ears flattening against his head. “I seriously thought we’d be able to get her down with that. At least long enough for us to restrain her…but it looks like that’s not going to happen.”

The fifth and final guard turned to Zephyr. “What do we do know Captain?”

“Here’s one thing that you all can do." Nightmare Moon said as a turquoise aura of magic appeared around her. "You can all stay right there and DIE! REQUIP!!! TARTARUS'S WHEEL!!!"

Before anypony could do anything, the aura around Nightmare Moon exploded, swirling in thick wisps of magic that threatened to blow away all of the Solar Royal Guards. This continued on for a few moments, before the light eventually died down, letting the guards see the sin black Alicorn again. When they did however, they were completely unprepared for what they saw next.

Nightmare Moon, was standing on the booth without any regalia on just moments before, was now adorned in armor what made her look like she was a warrior from the very bits of Tartarus. From her chest, to her back, all the way down to her hooves, the crimson armor stretched, looking as red as the blood she ripped form Celestia's body. The upper part of her armor consisted of a large breastplate that stretched all the way across said, chest, to her shoulders, down to her upper back and her hips. The Alicorn's waist consisted of decorated plate feathers that looked like that of feathers ending in a long ruby red skirt, with a set of crimson horseshoes adorning all four of her hooves. On both of her wings, were large sets of crimson wings blades that let the wing claws stretch out, with metallic scarlet red feathers running down her bat wings. To top of her terrifying appearance, a tiara, even larger than the one than Celestia wore, rested atop her head, also having a crimson color and with a crimson crescent moon resting at the top.

"What in the...how was she able to do that?" One of the guards with Zephyr asked, his lower lip quivering as his entire body shook. "She was only invisible for a few seconds...how was she able to adorn armor so quickly?"

"Why you ask? Well, since you're so shocked by me doing it, I suppose that it's only fair that I tell you." Nightmare Moon replied, looking up at the five guards with a fanged smirk. "This magic that I'm using is all Requip Magic, one of the long lost magical abilities belonging to many of the ponies, or rather, the Magic Mages, that live in the so called Guilds of Equestria. It allows anypony that uses it to change any weapon they have into anything that they'd like, even the magic inside said weapon. There's also Requip Magic that will allow ponies to adorn into suit of armor that'll increase any type of magic, sense, or ability that they have...like the one that you're seeing here."

"Requip...Magic?" Another guard asked himself, confusion clear in his voice. "I don't think I've heard of that kind of magic before."

"I didn't think that you would, you meddlesome little mortals. Only those that are apart of the Guilds, those secret organizations that Celestia and her naive little sister have allied themselves with know of magic like this." Nightmare Moon said, giving a dry snort. "Allow me to give you a little demonstration of it...the power by behind the all famous Magic Mages of Equestria!!!"

Rearing up on her handles, her horn ignited in a flare of bright turquoise magic, and a large flock of blue wing handled swords, doted in crimson auras appeared out of thin air. Two larger ones appeared on either side of the sin black Alicorn, while the others floated around her as if they were a flock of hummingbirds hovering in midair.

"No way..." The third guard said, his jaw coming unhinged. "She created all of those swords out of thin air! just like that!"

"Not even our Queen is able to do that!" A fourth and final guard added. "Just how powerful is this mare!"

"Powerful enough to take down your precious Queen with one strike, like I did just now." Nightmare Moon replied smugly, flicking her tail skirt. "And how that she's out...you're next! Scattering Crows!!!"

Faster than anypony could blink, the azure swords nightmare Moon had created all shot off towards the five Solar Guards. Zephyr’s keen senses allowed him to dodge the attack before the swords connected, though he was cut in his armor a few times. The other stallions with him, weren’t so lucky, and the royal blue stallion suddenly found his ears being filled with the agonized screams of his troop. He watched in horror as they all got stabbed in random places, and while none were hit in the necks or heads, Zephyr could tell some of the injuries they sustained would be fatal.

“Oh no!” Midnight gasped, a horrified look in her eyes. “She just every last one of those soldiers down!”

“And with just one strike…” Snowflake added, her voice lower and calmer but by no means any less terrified. “…just how strong is she?”

“I…I can feel her power level. It…it’s absolutely crazy!” Goku replied, her golden eyes peering right up at Nightmare Moon. She took in the sight of the turquoise aura surrounding her, and could not stop the shiver that went down her spine. “It’s even higher the Queen Celestia’s own!”

“Whoa, seriously?!” Pinkie Pie gasped, snapping her head over to the tan Thestral. “Queen Moonie is really that strong?! How can you even tell?!”

“We can all detect one another’s magical power levels Pinkie Pie.” Twilight replied, keeping close to the party pony. “We don’t even need to use things like our horns to do it. We just have to use our own inner magical power to do it…and I can feel Nightmare Moon’s too. Its’ so high that I can’t even describe it in the most accurate of words. I don’t know what’s going to happen next, but I do know one thing…Zephyr is in big trouble right now!”

‘No way…she took out all of those soldiers, just like that! And with just one attack!’ Zephyr thought to himself, staring at the down at the fallen guards. He shivered upon seeing the growing pools of blood surrounding them, even as they tried to rise to their hooves. ‘I’m gonna have a harder time with this than I thought…’

“Well, now that I’ve gotten them out of the way…” Nightmare Moon said, locking her eyes right into Zephyr. “…there’s just you little hatchling!”

Flaring her bat wings, she took off towards Zephyr, ready to stab him in the same manager as she did Celestia. Zephyr however, was one step ahead of her, having recovered quickly enough to see her incoming attack on him. He effectively moved to the side before bringing his right up to Nightmare Moon’s chin and slamming it onto her when she was within range. The force, combined with the armor covering Zephyr’s hoof, was enough to stop her midflight as she let out a surprised cry of agony. Not wasting any time, Zephyr then used that same hoof to punch Nightmare Moon in her chest, before spinning her around and bucking her in the stomach. The sound of cracking ribs filled Nightmare Moon’s ears as she spat out blood and flew back from the stallion. At the last, she was able to stop just short of crashing into the booth where Celestia still laid, and flapped her wings to keep herself from falling.

“You seriously didn’t think that you were going to get the jump on me that easily, did you?” Zephyr asked, flexing his neck. “I saw that attack coming before you even began to plan it; it’s going to take more than a surprise attack to get past my eyes.”

“You little insolent pest…!” Nightmare Moon hissed, wheezing slightly as she glared at the Solar Guard. “You actually struck me!”

“Yes, I did. Why’re you so surprised by that?” Zephyr asked, raising an eyebrow. “You seriously thought that I was just going to let you kill me without putting up a fight? Sorry Nightmare, but you’re barking up the wrong tree here. You’re gonna have to do a lot better than that if you want to at least one good hit on me.”

The sin black Alicorn bared her fangs at the royal blue stallion for a moment, before her lips curled into a smirk. “Oh, so you want me to try harder hm? Well, in that case…why don’t we try this?”

Before Zephyr could blink, Nightmare Moon vanished from view in a swirl of blue magic, taking the young stallion aback slightly. He quickly composed himself and looked around, the garnet orange aura surrounding his body heightening his senses and keeping him on high alert.

A second later, he felt a presence behind him and he spun around just in time to block a hoof strike from Nightmare Moon. He winced as the force of the mare’s blow bent and cracked his leg armor, only for it to happen again as Nightmare Moon aimed it his face with her other foreleg. Grinning widely, the sin black Alicorn bared her fangs and lunged for Zephyr’s neck, fully intent on draining him of his life liquid. The royal blue stallion was having none of it, and reeled back just as Nightmare Moon’s fangs grazed his throat. They snapped shut with a loud, sickening crack of her teeth as Zephyr kneed her in her chin, before delivering an uppercut to her face as he flipped back in midair. Flaring his wings, he flew away from Nightmare Moon as wind began to swirl around him.

“Sky Pegasus: Wind Slicer Wing Attack!” He shouted, swinging both of his wings out in front of him causing two large slices of wind shot out from them. As Nightmare Moon righted herself in the air, the attacks struck her right in the chest and the stomach, causing her to scream out as blood flew out. Her wings faltered slightly as she fell from her spot in the air, but managed to recover enough to keep herself from falling.

“Why you disgraceful little pony!” Nightmare Moon shouted, glaring up at Zephyr as she held her wounds. “You almost sliced me open!”

“Well, that’s what you get for taking out my fellow guards and friends!” Zephyr lowly snarled back, baring his teeth as his eyes flashed. “Now, are you going to surrender to use peacefully and forfeit the fight? Or are things going to have to get ugly for the both of us?”

Nightmare Moon’s eyes widened slightly at these questions, having not expected Zephyr to be asking her of all ponies to surrender to a battle. She continued to stare up at the stallion for a few moments, before letting her head fall and laughing.

Zephyr having not expected this reaction tilting his head. “What’s so funny?”

“Oh nothing, just the simple fact that you think you can take on somepony with a power of my magnitude!” Nightmare Moon replied, grinning up at the Zephyr. “Do you really think that you stand any change against me?”

“…No, I honestly don’t.” Zephyr replied after a moment of silence. “I know that I’m significantly weaker than you, be it in my Adrenaline or Ascension form, and there’s a very likely chance you kill me on the spot before I’d know what happened.” His eyes narrowed as the aura around his body grew even brighter. “Even so, that doesn’t mean that I’m going to let you escape here without trying to get past me. I’m a Solar Guard, the most Elite force in Equestria’s history, and as long as I’m still breathing, I will protect my fellow ponies at all costs!”

“Hmhm…so you’re going to protect everypony here form a divine being like me?” Nightmare Moon asked, clearly amused by Zephyr’s declaration. “How interesting…in that case, let’s see if you can protect your precious sun lovers, by protecting yourself!”

In the blink of an eye, Nightmare Moon once again transformed into a stream of ethereal space-like mist, before shooting straight towards Zephyr. The next thing the royal blue stallion knew, he felt the wind being knocked out of him as it struck him right in the stomach. There was a loud crack as his golden armor shattered like glass crashing to a hard floor as his eyes nearly bulged out of his sockets.

A glob of blood flew from his mouth as the mist flew above him and dove back down, slamming right into his back. He screamed out as he felt pain flare up his spine and throughout his body as his armor shattered even more. As he fell towards the ground, he felt something grab him by the tail hoist him back up, and let him spiral through the air. Just as Zephyr’s stomach faced the ceiling, Nightmare Moon returned her normal form and ignited her horn, black lighting crackling around hit as she smirked down at the royal blue stallion.

“Black Trinity Thunder Swords!!!” The sin black Alicorn shouted, shooting down large twin lightning coated slashes with her larger swords. Zephyr whinnied in agony as the slashes struck him in the chest, cutting into his armor and sending massive volts of electricity all over his body. With another scream, he exploded in a haze of smoke, magic and lighting, the rest of his armor shattering as it scattered across the air like golden snowflakes.

“ZEPHYR!!!” Midnight screamed, her expression full of utter horror as she watched the Solar Royal Guard and her friend fall from the air. Flaring her bat wings, the beetle black Thestral shot into the air and speed towards the stallion, catching him just as he hit the ground. “Zephyr?! Zephyr are you okay?! Please, speak honey, speak to me!”

Zephyr coughed violently, groaning as he opened his eyes, looking into the worried navy-blue ones of Midnight. “Ugh…M-Midnight? I-is that you?”

Snowflake and Goku immediately raced to his side. “Are you alright Zephyr? Are you able to move?” The former asked, her voice laced with worry.

“He probably shouldn’t, that was a real nasty hit that Nightmare Moon had dealt him.” Goku said, looking over Zephyr’s charred body. “I don’t know if he can even move right now.”

“W-wanna bet?” Zephyr asked, rolling over on his stomach as he groaned softly. Ignoring the pain flaring throughout his body, he slowly and shakily got himself to his hooves, the three mares aiding him in doing so. “Sweet Faust that was a powerful attack…I thought that I was gonna explode back there for a minute.”

“Well, it was a good thing that it was only your armor that got destroyed instead of you.” Goku murmured, looking down at the piles of shattered golden armor. “It looks like that armor was a lot more durable than I thought it was.”

“Yeah well, that’s the least of our problems right now.” Zephyr grunted, looking back up at Nightmare Moon. “We’ve got other more pressing matters we need to deal with.”

“What’s the matter little hatching, could feel the thunder?” Nightmare Moon asked, letting out a cold icy laugh. “Well that’s too bad, I was hoping for more of a challenge from somepony that’s supposed to be a part of Equestria’s most elite force. It looks like you’re still just a rookie with no idea as to what he’s doing.”

“Don’t you dare talk to Zephyr like that!” Goku shouted angrily, the intensity in her voice, making Zephyr and her other four siblings flinch. “He’s one of the best elite guards ever to join in Queen Celestia’s Solar Royal Guards! There’s a reason why he’s third in command of that very same guard, because he has the power and the brains to lead that very same elite force!”

“Oh, really now? Well he’s doing a very poor job if showing it if that’s even remotely true!” Nightmare Moon retorted, clearly amused by the tan Thestral mare’s words. “ Then again, I supposed I shouldn’t really be surprised, given that it was my dear sister that’s been leading them all this time. If this is what her guards have to offer, then it’s no wonder that they fell under my power so easily.”

Goku’s cat-like eyes narrowed, her bat pony canines gleaming as she curled her lips back into a snarl, her ears flattening. “Oh, trust me, you have no idea how powerful that Zephyr can be if you give him the chance to really show off. Unfortunately, he’s not going to be able to use that power for a while, given that stunt that you pulled just a minute ago.” She flared her feathered bat wings, the golden yellow membranes gleaming as brightly as her canines as she glared up at the sin black Alicorn. “Though of you want, I’d be more than happy to show you that in another way…that is, if you feel like taking me!”

“So you’re going to take your little friends place and try to take on the Queen of the night hm?” Nightmare Moon laughed, raising an ethereal eyebrow at the younger mare. “I admit, that does sound rather interesting. I can feel the magical power flowing through your body even now. As wonderful as a challenge that I believe it will be, I think that I’m going to pass for now.”

“What?” Snowflake asked, surprise washing over her face.

“Yes, I feel that doing it here won’t really be that much of a good idea, given that there are so many ponies here.” Nightmare Moon replied, gesturing to the whole Town Square, which was now devoid of fire. “Plus, there’s too much screaming and yelling, and this place isn’t one where I’d really do battle with anypony.”

“Really now?” Goku asked, still in her fighting stance. “What’re you suggesting then?”

“If you want to fight me so badly, then you and your little friends should at least be willing to go through the trouble of finding me.” Nightmare Moon replied, her mane and tail floating behind her as her crimson armor gleamed. “I’ll give you a little hint; it’s at the old castle where me and my dear sister used to rule before she banished me to my beautiful Moon. One that I’m sure was abandoned over the last millennium.”

‘The old Castle? Is she talking about the abandoned Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters?’ Goku thought, mulling over Nightmare Moon’s words. A second later, her eyes widened as a small gasp escaped her, her tan fur paling a bit. ‘No…no bucking way! She can’t mean the abandoned castle that’s in…there!’

Nightmare Moon, seeing the look of horrified recognition on the tan Thestral’s face, let out a low chuckle, her smile widening slightly. “I see you’ve managed to figure out just where I want to meet you for our little showdown. In that case, I’ll leave it to you to find out where it is, if you’ll be able to find it due to where it is. Oh, and feel free to bring your sisters and friends with you as well. It’ll make the incoming fight all the more entertaining if I have all the more foolish mortals coming to challenge me…and their demise all the sweeter to extract on them.”

With those words, the sin black Alicorn let out another bone chilling laugh, before turning into a cloud of mist and zooming the Town Square’s double doors. Around that same time, Rainbow Dash finally managed to get her tail out of Applejack’s jaws, the latter unable to keep her at bay any longer. The cyan mare immediately went for the doors, Nightmare Moon’s misty form still in her sight as she attempted to pursue her. Right as she was about to crash through the doors, Rainbow found herself trapped in a pale light grayish orchid aura, effectively freezing her in midair. Snapping her head behind her, she saw Twilight standing just below her, with her horn ignited and alight with magic.

“Twilight, what the buck are you doing?!” She demanded as she struggled in the lavender Unicorn’s magical grasp. “Let me out of this damn aura!”

“No Dash! Not until you calm down!” Twilight replied, her tone stern as she glared up at the athlete. “I know that you’re upset about what Nightmare Moon had done to the Queen; we all are! But losing your head and just recklessly charging in isn’t going to help any of us! You’re only going to get yourself killed if you keep doing what you’re trying to do!”

“What, so you’re telling me to just sit here and let that monster get away with stabbing the Queen right in front of us?!” Rainbow Dash shouted, yelling the last part out as her magenta eyes blazed brightly. “Not gonna happen Twilight! I’m not doing any calming down until I make Nightmare Moon pay for harming the Queen! Now let me out of this goddamn magic bubble!”

“RAINBOW DASH!!!” Goku suddenly yelled, the power in her voice making the cyan mare stop in her struggling. “What did Twilight just tell you?! With the way that you’re acting now you’re only going to make it that much easier for Nightmare Moon to kill you like she nearly did to Queen Celestia! The one thing that works against you in battle while fighting an enemy is losing your head and letting your anger and emotions get the better of you! That’s exactly what you’re doing right now! So, take a breath and calm down, alright?!”

“I’d listen to Goku if I were you Rainbow Dahs.” Snowflake said as she, Midnight and Twilight walked over to the three mares. “I know that you’re upset about that, but losing your temper and charging in recklessly will not help her right now. We need keep level heads, stick together and find some way to solve this mess.”

“Snowy’s right, Dashie! It’s not going to help if we all have big frowny faces!” Pinkie Pie said, her fur, mane and tail turning back to its normal color. “What we should be doing is turning that frown upside down as fast as we can! By that I mean a making sure that that big black meanie pants doesn’t take away the Queen Celly’s beautiful Sun forever!”

“Please Rainbow Dash, just try to calm down.” Midnight said, looking at the mare with a pleading look. “Don’t worry, you’ll be able to get your shot at her eventually. For now…please don’t do anything rash. Besides, there are other ponies who need our help right now.”

Rainbow Dash’s mind briefly flashed back to Fluttershy getting attacked by Nightmare Moon, and that made the rage in her mind cool instantly. After a moment of silence, which she used to think about her friends’ words, she let out a sigh and she lowered her head. Her wings flaps slowed down for a second time, letting her body go slack in Twilight’s magical grasp. “Fine…I’ll stay here.”

“Thank you Dash, I’m glad that you’re doing the smart thing right now.” Twilight said, setting Rainbow Dash down on the ground. “Don’t worry, we’ll make Nightmare Moon pay for hurting Queen Celestia…for now, I think we should focus on what’s happening right now.”

“Yeah, you’re right.” The cyan mare sighed dejectedly, still somewhat angry as she stared at the ground. “Still, I’m gonna make that mare pay when I see her again. You can mark my words on that one.”

“Trust me Dash, we believe you.” Applejack said dryly, before looking over at Goku. “Alright, G, ya got any ideas as t’ what we’re gonna do now? We’re in a mighty tight pickle barrel right now, and Ah ain’t exactly sure as t’ what we’re supposed t’ be doin’ right now.”

“Well, for starters, we’re going to help these ponies in the Town Square.” The tan Thestral replied, her eyes flashing as she looked around at the interior of the building. “Applejack, Pinkie Pie, you’re going to find Sheton, Spike, and the fillies and make sure that they’re all okay.”

“Okie Dokie Lokie!” Pinkie Pie replied, giving a sharp salute.

"Y'all can count on me G." Applejack replied, giving a firm tip of her hat.

Goku then turned to her older sisters. “Snowflake, Midnight, you’ll aid Mayor Mare in helping anypony that got injured in the destruction while I get the girls together.”

“Whatever you say little sister.” Snowflake said with a firm nod.

“Rainbow, you two are with me.” Goku continued, looking over to the prismatic maned mare. “We’re going to go and get Rarity and Fluttershy and make sure that Queen Celestia is okay, and then we’re going to figure out how to stop Nightmare Moon. Though not before we check on the Queen first. It looked like she had taken a real nasty hit up there.”

“No kiddin’…” Applejack murmured, feeling a shiver go down her spine at the sight of Nightmare Moon’s horn going right through the Sun Queen.

“What about me?” Twilight asked, walking up to the tan Pegasus. “What do you want me to do?”

“What do you think?” Goku asked, looking at the lavender Unicorn with a small smirk. “I want to go to the library and find some way that we can all stop Nightmare Moon. You’re the smartest one here out of all of us, besides me, so I’m sure you’ll be able to come up with a plan to figure out how we can do that.” She raised an eyebrow at Twilight’s wide-eyed expression. “You can do that, can’t you?”

“I…y-yes, I can! You can count on me, Goku! I promise, I’ll find whatever I can that I think can help us!” The magical protégé sputtered after a moment of trying to regain her composure. With a strong lash of her tail, she turned on her heels and galloped away. “Good luck to you girls! Meet me back at the library when you’re all through here!”

“We will! Be careful out there!” Goku called back as she watched the lavender Unicorn run out the door, and into the night. With a light sigh she turned to Zephyr her sisters and the rest of her friends. “Are you going to be okay down here Zephyr?”

“Yeah, I’ll be fine. My internal magic will work in getting rid of these bruises, so you don’t have to worry about me having to be sent to the hospital.” The royal blue stallion replied, giving a little snort. “As a matter of a fact, I’m gonna head over to Ponyville Urgent Medical Care and see if I can get any doctors and nurses over here to help the injured.”

“Ya sure about that sugarcube?” Applejack asked skeptically, raising a golden eyebrow. “This town is pretty big, and it’s got a lot o’ places where yer sure t’ get lost. Maybe ya should have somepony who knows this place come with ya t’ make sure ya don’t feel like yer goin’ through a maze.”

“I appreciate that miss, but I’m going to have to decline.” Zephyr nodded, giving a slight wave of his hoof as his bruises began to heal. “I’ve been here plenty of times before, and I pretty much know this town like the back of my hoof. So I won’t have any problem finding it even if it has grown larger over the past decade and a half. I’ll be okay on my own trust me.”

“Alright then Zephie, if you’re sure.” Pinkie Pie said, giving a little shrug. “Just try to make it back as soon as you can okay? I’m no doctor, but I can tell just by looking at these poor ponies that they’re going to be reeeeeeeally party pooped if they don’t get any help soon.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll be back here before anything major happens…I didn’t join the Solar Royal Guard just for my strength and brains.” Zephyr said, chuckling slightly as he smiled at the cyan mare. “Alright, I’m going now, good luck here girls. Be sure to wish me some luck too!”

With a flick of his tail, he spun around and galloped towards the door, exploding through it as he tore his way into the town. Goku and the other mares watched him as he made his way through the town, going into the direction of Ponyville Hospital, before the former turned back to the others.

“Okay, is everypony clear on what their supposed to do?” She asked, earning nods from all five mares. “Alright, let’s move!”

With that, the six ponies split up, Midnight and Snowflake heading off to assist any injured ponies, and Applejack and Pinkie Pie going in search of the foals. Goku and Rainbow Dash both took to the air, flying passed the clouds of smoke that were beginning to dissipate, and coming up to the upper booths. They flew over to the booth that where Fluttershy was, who was curled up in a ball with her hooves to her chest, being tended to by Rarity.

“Goku! Rainbow Dash! Oh, thank goodness you’re here!” The alabaster Unicorn cried, relief flowing through her voice as she held Fluttershy’s head in her hooves. “The poor dear is in so much pain! I don’t know what to do!”

“Calm down, Rarity. We’re here, everything is going to be fine.” Goku said as she walked over to the two mares, kneeling down in front of Fluttershy. “Fluttershy? Fluttershy, it’s us, Goku and Rainbow Dash. Are you okay?”

“Ugh…Goku? R-Rainbow Dash?” the buttermilk Pegasus wheezed softly as she lifted her head, her pain filled teal eyes looking straight into the golden ones of the tan Pegasus. “Oh, t-thank Fust you’re h-h-here-ah!”

“It’s okay Fluttershy, don’t move.” Goku said softly, taking the Pegasus’s right forehoof in her left. “It’s okay, just show us where it hurts.”

With some difficulty, the buttermilk Pegasus removed her hooves, allowing the tan Thestral to see her feathered furry chest and her barrel. Goku leaned in for a closer look, only to reel back in surprise a second later at the deep bloody hoof imprints in both of them.

“Sweet Shenron’s Dragon Fist …” she whispered, putting a hoof to her mouth as she leaned in again. “How hard did she stomp on you?”

“Shit, those looks like some real nasty hits.” Rainbow Dash added, shivering when she saw the blood. “Are you okay, Fluttershy?”

“Honestly, I feel like as if I’d been stomped on by Harry.” Fluttershy wheezed as she let out a grunt of pain. “I don’t think these marks are going to heal for quite a while…even with all of my medical supplies.”

“I think I can help you with that, young one.” A familiar motherly voice said from behind the four ponies, making them all jump and whirl around to the source. Their eyes popped out of their sockets when they saw a concerned Queen Celestia standing behind them.

“Queen Celestia!” Rarity cried, shooting to her hooves. “Y-you’re…you’re standing!”

“What the hay happened to your injuries?!” Rainbow Dash added, her magenta eyes scanning all over the swan white Alicorn’s lower chest. Just a few minutes ago, she had witnessed Nightmare Moon’s horn was piercing right through her chest, seeping with Celestia’s life fluid and dripping from her mouth. The cyan mare had seen the ebony Alicorn remove her horn from the Sun Queen’s chest, and let her fall to the ground, leaving her completely motionless. There was no way that she was supposed to be moving right now, let alone standing up.

“I’m sorry if it’s a lot to take in my little ponies. It’s not every day that you see a pony able to heal themselves with just a simple flare of magic.” Celestia said sympathetically. “Then again, I am an Alicorn, with a millennia’s worth of useful healing spells in my grasp.”

“Erm, yes, that makes sense.” Rarity gabled, shaking her heat to clear her shock away. She let out a gasp as her gaze shot down to Fluttershy, who was rubbing her head. “Oh, I’m so sorry, darling! I completely forgot that I was holding you!”

“It’s alright Rarity…I know that you didn’t mean it.” Fluttershy replied, smiling gently at the alabaster Unicorn. Her eyes then trailed over to Celestia, who was walking towards her. “Y-your highness…what happened to your wounds?”

“Do not worry about that right now, Fluttershy. It is your own injuries that you need to worry about.” Celestia replied softly, as she inspected the smaller mare’s injuries. “Goodness me, it appears that Nightmare Moon has left you with some rather…deep marks, hasn’t she? Not to worry, I have just the thing for that.”

Without another word, her horn lit up in its golden yellow glow, and enveloped Fluttershy in its beautiful aura. The Pegasus jumped at the feeling, but soon relaxed, finding the sensation to be very soothing and comforting, as if she was being held in the loving embrace of her mother. She closed her eyes as she felt Celestia’s magic do its work, feeling the pain where Nightmare Moon had struck her slowly begin to recede. The tightness in her chest slowly began to disappear, allowing her to breath more easily. A minute later, the magical aura disappeared with a sharp ‘poof’, allowing Fluttershy to look down at her chest. Her eyes widened in amazement when she saw the hoof imprints on her chest and her stomach were gone, with nothing, not even a scar remaining.

“There we are.” Celestia said, not looking the least bit winded. “Is that better?”

“Y…y-yes, much better. Thank you, your highness.” Fluttershy replied softly, giving the swan white Alicorn a grateful smile. She slowly got to her hooves, her roseray swaying as she found her equilibrium, before giving a ruffle of her wings. “Oh, I feel much better now. Whatever you did to me really did the trick.”

“I’m glad you’re feeling better.” Celestia said sweetly, happy that she was able to relieve one of her subjects of any pain. “Those must’ve been some really nasty hits for it to hurt that much.”

“Yeah...they were.” Fluttershy murmured, as Rarity rubbed her back comfortingly.

“Um Queen Celestia, Fluttershy, not to interrupt the sweet and tender moment or anything, but…” Goku said, gently tapping the Alicorn on her shoulder“…I think we have some bigger problems to worry about right now.”

These words brought Celestia and Fluttershy sharply back to reality as they both looked at Rainbow, then at the chaos down below. Immediately the warm expressions on their faces faded, soon replaced with ones of fear and worry as they watched the panicked frenzy from above.

“Dear Faust…to think that this is what happens right when I’m going to partake in the most glorious celebration with my beloved subjects.” Celestia whispered, silently taking in the chaos down below. “I suppose that not everything goes to plan…even in important events like this.”

“Um yeah about that…” Rainbow Dash began, hovering over to the Queen with a grave expression. “Would you mind explain to us what the buck that was back there?!”

“Rainbow Dash!” Rarity said sharply, giving the cyan mare a reprimanding glare. “I understand that you’re scared and confused at the moment, but that is no way to talk to the Queen!”

“No Rarity, it’s alright. I know that Rainbow Dash did not mean anything by it.” Celestia said as she raised a covered hoof. “She just wants to know what is happening right now, and I think I’d be best if it did. However, I don’t think that it’d be best to explain it here. I’m afraid that there’s too much mayhem for us to have a quiet conversation.” She looked back at the other mares, seeing there were only four of them with her. “Where are the rest of your friends?”

“Oh Midnight and Snowflake are helping Mayor Mare with whoever’s been injured.” Goku replied, gesturing down to the bottom. “Pinkie Pie and Applejack are searching for my little brother and the rest of the foals, and Twilight is back at the Golden Oaks Library, trying to find some way to stop Nightmare Moon before she shrouds all of Equestria in Eternal Night. Do you need to see them, too?”

“Yes, I think I’d be best if I have all of you with me to explain what’s happening, so I don’t have to keep repeating myself.” Celestia replied as she walked over to railing. “First things first, we have to find your sisters and the rest of your friends.”

“Good idea. I think Twilight can wait just a little bit longer while we help my sisters, Applejack and Pinkie Pie.” Goku nodded as she took to the air. “Come on everypony, let’s get to it!”

“Right!” Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Fluttershy all nodded as they and Fluttershy all followed Goku down to the bottom, Celestia following close behind.

The sound of hooves galloping, and books being thrown and hitting ground could be heard all throughout the Golden Oaks Library as Twilight Twinkleshine Sparkle worked herself into a frantic and anxious frenzy. She ran about the large tree house, magic ignited as she levitated numerous books out of their engraved bookshelves and flipped through the pages in less then a few seconds, before tossing them to the side when she was unable to find anything useful. Books could be seen scattered all over the floor, either alone or in large piles as the lavender Unicorn continued to desperately scan through them.

“Come on, come on, come on! Where the hay are you, you stupid book?! I know I had it hear somewhere.” Twilight cried with frustration as she continued to look through the bookshelves. After a few more minutes of scanning through the books, she gave up and threw the ones she had in her magic off to the side. She ignored the thumping sound they made on the wooden floor as she fell on her haunches and slammed her forehooves onto it. “Ugh, this is not good! How can me and the girls ever hope to stop Nightmare Moon if I don’t have the book to the bucking Elements of Harmony?! Goku’s counting on me to find something to stop her, and I can’t even find a simple book that will specify how to do it! Ugh, what am I gonna do?!”

Right at that moment, she heard the door to her tree house burst open with a loud bang, causing her to jump in surprise. She spun around just in time to see a prismatic blur zooming straight towards her. Instinctively she ducked, watching as it crashed into the giant wooden horse head sitting on the table that was in the center of the room. As it fell to the floor with a loud clatter, the multi colored streak slammed into one of the wooden walls, causing the books in the shelves closest to it to shake violently.

“Rainbow?!” Twilight cried out in surprise, having recognized whom it was the moment she saw the multicolored streak. She watched, mouth agape as the cyan mare struggled to get her hooves from out of the wall. “Why did you barge into my house like that?!”

As if to answer her question, her ears picked up the sound of multiple hooves thundering from outside, before coming into her home. She once again turned around to see the Thestral Kirin sisters and the rest of her friends, with Sheton and the fillies, Crescent Shield and Spike trailing behind them.

“Twilight/Big Sis!” They both shouted in unison as they galloped up the lavender Unicorn.

“Crescent! Spike! Oh, thank goodness you’re are alright!” Twilight cried joyfully, wrapping her forelegs around both foals as she nuzzled the top of their foreheads. She looked up at Goku, who was standing in front of the group. “What happened? If everypony in the town Square okay?”

“Me, the girls, and Celestia all helped Mayor Mare try to keep everypony from going into a panic and help any of those who were injured. Applejack and Pinkie went to look for the foals and see if they were alright too. Thankfully, they weren’t injured, crushed or burnt in any way.” Goku replied calmly, her expression formed into a grimace. “I wouldn’t say that many of them are okay, or even fine but…they do have some help that’s soon to arrive. Queen Celestia sent Zephyr over to Ponyville Urgent Medical Care to get some help, so they have a chance at least.” Her face brightened somewhat, though her eyes still held some uncertainty. “We were able to bring somepony else back with us, though.”

“Who?” Twilight asked quizzically, and right at that moment, a loud gasp to as she saw Celestia slowly enter the library. The moment she did, she released Crescent Shield and Spike, shooting to her hooves and bolting towards the swan white Alicorn. She leapt into the air and spread out her forelegs, slamming into her so hard that Celestia almost lost her footing and fell to the floor.

“Queen Celestia!” She wailed as she nuzzled Celestia’s neck, tears running down her cheeks. “You’re here! I’m so glad you’re okay!”

“There there…it’s alright my faithful student.” Celestia said soothingly, leaning down and nuzzling the top of Twilight’s head. She ignored the cold feeling of the lavender Unicorn’s tears that dampened the fur on her neck as she wrapped a vast wing around the smaller mare. “I’m sorry that you and your friends had to see that. I can only imagine how terrified you must’ve felt when you saw me get impaled.”

“I was…it all happened so quickly. She moved so fast that I wasn’t able to keep track of her…” Twilight whimpered, hugging her mentor tighter. “…a-and when I saw her horn go through your chest, and your blood…I-I…I just…”

“Shhhhhh.., don’t worry, it’s okay. It’s over now, I’m alright now.” Celestia whispered, stroking Twilight’s mane in a motherly fashion. After a few moments, she gently lowered Twilight back to the ground, slowly unfurling her wing form her back as she used it to wipe the tears from the mare’s eyes. Once the lavender Unicorn calmed down, the Solar Queen looked back at the rest of her friends. “Thank you all for coming. I was hoping that I’d get to meet all of you under different circumstances. Unfortunately, it seems we’ll have to put that on hold for now. I had Goku gather the rest of you here because I wish to discuss a matter of great importance to you, which has to do with what happened at the Town Hall earlier.”

“Yeah, Ah think we all want to know about that, yer majesty.” Applejack said, running a hoof down Apple Bloom’s back. “Jus’ what in tarnation happened back there? One minute we were all waitin’ fer yer arrival, watchin’ you raise th’ Sun, an’ gettin’ ready to celebrate the year’s longest day. Then the next the whole Town Hall roof caves in like a giant thunderstorm an’ this monstrous lookin’ pony comes declaring that the night will last forever!”

“I must agree with Applejack, your grace. I was certainly not expecting her to just barge in like a barbarian and interrupt such a marvelous event!” Rarity chimed in, using her left hoof to rub Sweetie Belle’s back comfortingly. “I mean, did you see the way that she looked at all of us?! That had to be the most horrifying sight that I have ever seen!”

“Yeah! I’ve never felt so scared in all of my life!” Pinkie Pie cried, giving a light shiver. “Who was that meanie pants of a mare?! And why did she look like an Alicorn?!”

“Yeah, the only other Alicorn that I’ve ever seen and heard about is you.” Twilight said softly, her mind still trying to grasp what she had seen in the Town Square.

“Plus, by the way you were talking to each other, it seemed like you knew each other personally. Would you care to explain to us about that?” Fluttershy asked quizzically, raising a cherry blossom eyebrow. She suddenly shrank back and retreated behind her mane, thinking she may have overstepped her boundaries. “Um…if you don’t mind doing so that is.”

All of a sudden, a giant multi-color feathered bat wing flared out in front of the mare’s, effectively silencing they’re ongoing questioning. They all looked over at Goku, who was standing just off to the side looking at all of them sternly.

“Calm down everypony.” Goku said calmly, yet firmly as her voice resounding about the tree house. “I get that you’re all terrified and want to know what’s going on, but we’re not gonna get anywhere if we keep bombarding the Queen with questions, especially ones she may not be okay with answering.” Her golden eyes glanced up at Celestia, who was looking off to the side, the slightest flash of pain visible in her pale magenta eyes. Once she was sure that everypony had calmed down, the tan Pegasus folded her wing and made full eye contact with the Queen. “Sorry about that, your majesty. We were just a little shaken up about what had happened that’s all. Please, take as much time as you need explaining the situation.”

“Um, you guys!” All eyes turned to see Rainbow Dash, who was still stuck in the wooden wall. “Before you go on and do that, would somepony mind getting me out of this bucking wall?!”

“Rainbow! Please watch your language!” Rarity barked, putting her hooves over Sweetie Belle’s ears. “Can you not see that there are fillies and a colt here?!”

“Jeez sis, what the heck happened to you?” Fire Flash asked, holding back a giggle. “Were you trying to make a pair of wooden peek holes, so you could spy on Twilight?”

“Oh buck off, Fire Flash!” Rainbow Dash shouted, blatantly ignoring Rarity’s admonishment as she continued to struggle in a vain attempt to get her hooves free. With a cry of frustration, she snapped her head back to her friends glaring at them expectantly. “Seriously, is anypony gonna get me out of here?! I can already feel my hooves starting to get sore!”

“That’s what ya get fer bargin’ into Twi’s house like that.” Applejack said smugly. “Honestly, Ah can’t even begin ‘t’ count the number ‘o’ times ya did this! Maybe this’ll teach you t’ actually knock instead of just chagrin’ in like a bull after a cloak of red.”

“Well excuse me for not finding the common courtesy to knock on somepony’s door before asking them if they found a way to save all of Equestria from as sadistic psycho murdering bitch!” Rainbow Dash snorted, glaring daggers at the farmer. “Now, can somepony please get my hooves free form here?!”

At that moment, a teal aura enveloped the prismatic maned mare, courtesy of Crescent Shield igniting her horn. With as much gentleness as her telekinesis would allow, she slowly began to pull Rainbow backwards, who winced in pain as she felt the strain on her hooves. After a few anxious moments, a small pop was heard, as Rainbow’s hooves were pulled free from their wooden prison.

Crescent Shield gently levitated Rainbow over to the rest of the group, and gently set her on the ground, before letting her out of her telekinetic grip. The moment she did, the cyan mare flared her wings and take to the air, not trusting herself enough to let her hooves touch the ground.

“Thanks, squirt…” Rainbow mumbled, giving the ocean blue filly a small thankful grin.

“Your welcome!” Crescent Shield said softly with a sweet smile on her face. It soon vanished and was replaced with a more concerned expression. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah…just a little sore in the hooves, that’s all.” The cyan mare replied, gently rubbing her hooves to sooth the pain. “Ugh…I’m gonna feel that for a week.”

“That’s what you get for not asking to come in.” Rarity huffed as she gave Rainbow a disapproving look. “Like real lady would.”

“Shut up.” Rainbow growled, giving the alabaster Unicorn a slap in the face with her tail. “I am so not in the mood to hear your shit.”

“Anyway, now that that’s over with…” Goku said as she raised her voice slightly, giving the three mares a warning glare, before turning back to the Queen. “Please, proceed your majesty, whenever you’re ready.”

“Thank you Goku. I must admit, I too am still a bit shaken up by what happened. However, I believe I’ve collected myself enough to explain.” Celestia replied, giving the tan Thestral mare a thankful smile. She let out a deep sigh, before slowly sitting herself down on her haunches, her flowing tail skirt wrapping around her like a cat getting ready to take a nap. “Now before I begin, let me ask you all something: How many of you know the tale of the Mare in the Moon?”

“The tale of the Mare in the Moon?” Applejack repeated quizzically, giving a title of her head. “What the hay kind of story is that?”

“It’s the ancient tale that dates back to the earlier centuries of the Queen’s rule.” Goku answered, her academic side kicking in at Celestia’s question. “Me, Snowflake, Midnight, and Twilight used to read it sometimes whenever we went to the Canterlot Library when we were fillies.”

“Yeah, it tells of how a mare named Nightmare Moon had threatened to overthrow Celestia and shroud Equestria into everlasting darkness.” Twilight added, memories of the story flashing back into her mind. “Fortunately, Queen Celestia was able to defeat her and bring peace to Equestria once more.”

“Seriously?” Applejack asked, blinking a few times. “Did that really happen t’ the Queen?”

“Yes Applejack, everything that Twilight and Goku have said about the story of the Mare on the Moon was true.” Celestia nodded to the farmer. “However, there is one little detail that was left out. One that I believe will give you all a better understanding of what’s going on.”

“Well, what is it?” Rainbow Dash said impatiently, her eyebrows furrowing as her nostrils flared. “If you know why that freak came here and tried to bury everypony in the Town Hall alive, then just come out and say it already!”

“Rainbow! Don’t be so rude to the Queen!” Fluttershy scolded firmly. “We all want to know why all of this is happening, but like Goku said, we’re not going to get any answers if we keep putting pressure on the Queen! Now sit down, take a breath, and calm down. You’ll get your answers soon enough if you just be patient, alright?”

Rainbow recoiled at the stern glare given to her by the buttermilk Pegasus, seeing a faint flash of orange dance about her eyes. After a moment, she let out a sigh as she sat on her rump, crossing her forehooves as she furrowed her brows. “Fine…”

“Thank you.” Fluttershy said softly, before turning back to the Queen. “I’m sorry about Rainbow Dash your majesty, she’s just a little stressed at the moment.”

“Thank you Fluttershy, and don’t worry, there’s nothing to be sorry for. I wouldn’t expect any of you to not at least be somewhat anxious and stressed out by something like this.” The swan white Alicorn replied, giving both Pegasi a forgiving smile. “Now, where was I? Oh yes, I assume you all know about my history. Being the ruler of Equestria, bringer of harmony, and the raiser of both the Sun and the Moon, correct?” At almost everypony’s nod, minus Twilight and the Kirin siblings, she let out another breath and said, “Well, that’s not entirely true…at least not the last part.”

“What do you mean, Queen Celly?” Pinkie Pie asked innocently. “You’re the most powerful pony in all of Equestria! You have the power to raise the Sun and the Moon all on your own! That’s what my parents always told me and my sisters anyway! How can anypony else accomplish something like that?!”

Applejack nodded in agreement. “Pinkie Pie has a point. Fer as long as me, mah brother an’ sisters can remember, the only one Alicorn who’s ever been known to bring day an’ night was you, yer highness.” She scratched the back of her head as she let out a sigh. “No offense, but Ah have a real hard time believin’ that anypony other than you can do somethin’ like that.”

“I’m not surprised that you think that, Ms. Applejack. Due to how long I’ve ruled Equestria on my own, as an Alicorn no less, it would only make sense that ponies would find it hard to accept that there was another pony just as powerful as me.” Celestia nodded, not looking the least bit offended by Applejack’s comment. “The sad truth is, there was, and still is, another pony who is on par with my strength. Somepony that I failed to save a very, very long time ago.”

“Whatever do you mean, your highness?” Rarity asked perplexedly with a tilt of her head, wondering where this is going. “Who could you have possibly failed to save during your extended reign?”

“While it is true that I did raise the Sun and the Moon for over a millennium, at the same time, I wasn’t the only one to do so. Nor was I the only ruler of Equestria since the first day it happened.” Celestia explained, gaining everypony’s attention. “For those of you who don’t know, before I stepped up and took my title as Queen, I had a sister.”

A quiet gasp escaped Fluttershy as her left forehoof lifted off the ground to cover her mouth, her teal eyes widening in shock. Most of her friends weren’t that far behind her, letting out gasps of their own while their jaws dropped. The only ones who didn’t seem shocked were Twilight, Goku, her sisters, and her brother, though Twilight did have a look of surprised realization on her voice. Celestia noticed this, but before she could question their protégé on her lack of shock, Rarity broke the silence.

“I…I’m sorry your majesty. I’m not sure if I heard you right.” She stuttered, regaining her composure after a few seconds. “I could’ve sworn that you just said that you had…a sister.”

“That’s exactly what I said.” Celestia said softly, never once losing her composure. “I had, and still have, in a way, a sister.”

“Wow really?! So, besides that scary pony that we saw back at the Town Hall, there’s another Alicorn jus’ like you?!” Apple Bloom asked, leaping out of her sister’s embrace as she stared at the swan white Alicorn with wide eyes. At Celestia’s nod, a large smile spread across the sun yellow filly’s face as she bounced in the air. “That’s so amazin’! I never knew that you had a sister to rule alongside ya! Congratulations your highness!”

“Hmhmhmhm, thank you little one. It’s been quite a long time since ponies have congratulated me for getting to be a big sister. Her name is Luna by the way, in case you were wondering. Perhaps if things go as planned tonight, you all may be able to meet her and possibly become friends.” Celestia chuckled, smiling down at the sun yellow filly. “Though I must warn you she has a very…uniqueappearance, so you may be a bit taken aback. For now, I think I should get back to why Nightmare Moon is here and how I know here, while also explaining me and my sister’s history.”

Twilight’s lips pursed in preparation. ‘Here we go…’

“For the last few millennia or so, long before even the peaceful town of Ponyville came to be, Luna and I were the ones to rule all of Equestria, keeping any enemy forces from trying to take over the land. As the Queen of the Sun and the ruler of the day, I was in charge of watching over the ponies during the day. While Luna, being the Queen of the Moon and ruler of the night was in charge of watching over the ponies during the night.” Celestia said, shifting to the side slightly and pointing to the sun symbol on her flank. “Luna and I were both quite efficient in doing these tasks, and sometimes we even took the liberty of doing each other’s royal duties if the other was not able to. There were many trials ahead though, and many foes that we had to defeat to make it to where we did. There were times that we felt like we couldn’t continue on, me being the main one. You do tend to think that after a whole three thousand years of ruling.”

She gave a little chuckle at these words, followed by Goku and a few of her friends before the swan white Alicorn continued. “Despite our doubts and insecurities, we managed to push through, and before Luna and I know it, we both managed to create a land of true peace and harmony. We loved our subjects, and they loved us, and for a time, life was perfect. So perfect in fact, that my sister and I didn’t think that it could get any better.” Her smile slowly fell as she sighed sadly. “Alas, it was not meant to last forever, for darkness came and reared its hideous head once again in the most horrible way possible, coming in the form of my own subjects.”

“Your own subjects?” Applejack asked. “What do ya mean by that, your highness?”

“As I have said before, thanks to the many victories and challenges that we have overcome during our thousands of years in this land, the ponies of Equestria looked to us for protection and . They loved us more than anypony that they’ve ever meet in their lifetimes.” Celestia explained, looking over at the farmer. “However, there were some ponies who loved one Queen more than the other, possibly a bit too much for when it came to Luna.”

Fluttershy tilted her head. “Why is that your majesty?”

“For as long as me and my sister can remember, all the ponies of Equestria have loved one part of their lives more than the other. While they basked and played during the day, they shunned and slept through my dear sister’s night. Never once did they stay up to see the moon she controls, or the stars she brought out when the day ended, and the night began.” Celestia said, looking out the window of Twilight’s tree house. “Because of this, my sister felt that our subjects loved me more than they did her, instead of loving us both equally, due to both of us working together to make Equestria into what it is today.”

“Oh my goodness, that sounds positively dreadful.” Rarity said gravelly. “I’m assuming that didn’t bode well with your poor sister.”

Celestia nodded, looking back at all the ponies in the room. “It also didn’t help that there were ponies whispering behind her back about her, and the Lunar Guards that served her. They saw them as ponies who were not fit to protect the kingdom and not worthy of being called a Queen, since they usually didn’t see her unless she was with me. They called her a monster, a menace, an unholy manifestation of an equine, every vile thing you can think of.”

Celestia then closed her eyes as her brows furrowed. When she spoke again, her voice had a slight undertone of darkness. “Some even said how she was a demon from Tartarus working in the shadows, planning to overthrow me, with her, “abomination of guards”, by her side, so she could take the throne for herself as the only Queen in Equestria.”

Everypony, four Thestral Kirin siblings all let out shocked gasps, their eyes going wide at this revelation as Celestia once again looked back down at the floor. She could practically feel the disbelief and horror radiating off of them thanks to their combined magic, due to them all being in the same room. For a few moments, none of them spoke, silently taking in what the Queen had said to them about how her sister was treated by their subjects. When the information finally sunk in, a soft and timid voice spoke up.

“I…I can’t believe it. All those ponies, they really said all those horrible things about Q-Queen Luna?” Sweetie Belle asked disbelievingly, her wide emerald eyes staring into Celestia’s pale magenta ones. “T-that’s…that’s horrible! Why would anypony say something so cruel?!”

"Yeah! It's not like Queen Luna did anything to them. She didn’t give them any reason to be afraid of her!" Spike shouted indignantly with a stomp of a hoof as he snorted through his nostrils. "What gives them the right to treat to her like that?!"

“They were afraid of her, simple as that.” Celestia replied, giving the Kirin colt and Unicorn filly a sympathetic look. “Ponies fear something, or somepony, that they cannot understand, and can act on that fear in many ways. My sister just so happened to be the victim of that very same fear, and what came along with it. It ate away at her, tore at her heart, and caused her so much pain. It soon came to the point where she practically shut herself out from the world and everypony in it. Every time me, or anypony tried to help, she would push them away and demand them to leave her alone. If they didn’t, they’d face her wrath, and while she never physically harmed them, they were given quit a scare.”

A light shiver went down the Sun Queen’s spine as she said this. Her mind recalled the many days and nights where the Lunar Guards and servants would try to comfort their leader. Only to utterly fail as a result of being scared out of their fur. “It went on for months on end, with no stop in sight. It just kept coming and coming, and my sister was pushed further and further to her breaking point. I didn’t think that it could get any worse than that.” Her face suddenly darkened again, causing Twilight and a few of her friends to take a few steps back. “That is until it appeared…the foul creature Miasma.”

“Miasma?” Rarity asked, tilting her head to the sight. “Your majesty, if I may ask, what is this…Miasma?”

At that moment, a soft voice made itself known within the group.

“I-it’s not exactly a what, Rarity. I-it’s more of a who.” Sheton said softly as everypony’s heads turned to him in surprised, minus Twilight and his sisters.

“You know who Miasma is, little one?” Celestia asked, a look of surprise on her face.

“We all do.” Crescent Shield said as she and Spike came on either side of Sheton. “Miasma is known to be one of the most dangerous creatures of all the history of Equestria. It’s said to have come from the very pits of Tartarus itself, representing every dark thing that Equestria is not known for.”

“Miasma is known to have a form just like that of a pony, having the abilities of all three Pony Tribes, despite the fact that she doesn’t totally look like on.” Spike explained, a light shiver going down her spine as she hugged herself. “The reason she’s called a nightmare, is for a much more…well, scarier reason.”

“Miasma is known to draw power and feed off of the negative emotions of ponies, be it anger, hatred, sadness, depression, jealously all those types of emotions. In other words, the stronger those emotions are, the more powerful it becomes. It continues to feed off of the pony that’s suffering and being tormented by those same emotions, until their nothing more than a shell of their former shelves.” Sheton added quietly. “However, there’s still one more thing that Miasma needs to do to become completely whole."

“W-what’s that?” Scootaloo asked, afraid of what she was going to hear. “W-w-what else d-does she n-need.”

“In order to reach the full height of her power, she needs the body of the pony she’s trying to take control of." Sheton explained. "So she tries to coax them into letting her use their body, filling their minds with lies, false promises that their pain will stop.”

“After that…the victim is no more.” Twilight concluded, her mane shadowing her eyes. “They’ll be forever lost in the very darkness that they gave into, while Miasma uses their body how they see fit.”

The silence that followed was only broken by the sound of almost everypony’s slow, quiet, yet audible breathing. None of them said a word as they tried to comprehend what they had said about the creature that Celestia had mentioned. After another long moment of nopony speaking, sudden burst of laughter broke it, causing everypony’s heads to turn and see that it as Applejack.

“T-that was a good one, ya’ll. That was a real nice joke ya pulled on us there, heheheh.” She said with a smile that was clearly forced. “There’s no way that somethin’ like that could exist, right yer highness?” She asked, hoping that the swan white Alicorn would agree with her. When her expression didn’t change, the farmer’s smile faltered. “R-right?”

“I’m sorry Ms. Applejack, but I’m afraid that it is anything but a joke. Everything that those little ones have said about Miasma was spot on, and it was the truth.” Celestia replied regretfully, looking the Applejack right in the eyes as the farmer’s eyes widening with horror. “Miasma does have the ability to gain power off of ponies negative emotions, and take control of their bodies. Many ponies have fallen victim to it…and Luna just so happened to be one of them.”

She bit her lip, squeezing her eyes shut tight as she tried not to cry. “She tried, to force Miasma away from her, not wanting to be in more pain than she already was. Unfortunately, it was a battle that my dear sister was destined to lose…her negative emotions were too much for her to handle. By that point, she was willing to do just about anything to stop the pain and the heartache…and so…she finally gave in. She eventually became a creature of nightmares, the very same monster that the Tale of the Two Sisters said she’d become. The one that I banished to the moon of one thousand years…and the one that you all saw at the Town Square.”

By the time she was finally finished, nearly everypony in the tree house had looks on their faces that ranged between shock, horror, and sadness. They were at a complete loss for words, unable to come up with anything that could properly explain what they were feeling. Nor could they explain the deep seeded pity and sympathy that they felt for their Queen. They didn’t need to, for Celestia could see it by merely looking into their eyes, and she felt her heart fill with sympathy for them. She wished that she didn’t have to dump her sister’s onto them like that. However, she felt that it was necessary in order for them to fully understand why everything that happened was happening, and for her plan to work.

A loud sniffle suddenly broke the silence snapping Celestia out of her thoughts. She looked up to find the source and saw Scootaloo looking up at her with a single watery indigo eye. Before anypony could do anything, the little Pegasus bolted towards the Queen wrapping her forelegs and wings around her in a hug.

“Q-Queen Celestia! I-I’m sorry! I’m so sorry that all that happened to your sister! She didn’t deserve that! She didn’t deserve to have all those horrible things done to her, especially not her Thestral Lunar Guards!” She whimpered as she nuzzled Celestia’s upper chest, her body quivering. “I-I can’t believe p-ponies would say all those, t-those…m-mean things! W-why would they d-do that to somepony who only wanted to be loved just like y-you were?!”

Smiling sadly at the little filly, Celestia lifted a hoof and wiped away her tears. “As I have said before little one, they were scared of her and what she would become. I know that does not excuse them for how they treated her, but…they were afraid of her.” She gently put a filly’s hoof to her chin and lifted her head to look her in the eyes. “I do thank you for your kind words though. It’s been quite a while since I’ve heard somepony speak of my sister so highly. You must be quite a fan of her’s, hm?”

A deep blush made its way to Scootaloo’s face as her ears flattened. Slowly pulling herself away from the swan white Alicorn’s winged embrace, she looked down at the ground and poked her hooves together. She then felt a warm wing wrap around her and pull her close, causing her to look up and see Fluttershy standing next to her.

“Well, Loo-Loo had learned about some of yours and Luna’s history in school. About how you both came to be the rulers of Equestria and…she got curious.” Fluttershy explained, looking down at her little sister warmly. “She wanted to know more about Queen Luna especially, since she thought she was pretty, and loved the nighttime like me and her do, and the creatures that resign in it.”

“Is that so?” Celestia asked, looking down at Scootaloo with a raised eyebrow. She giggled when she saw the filly timidly recoil under Fluttershy’s wing when her gaze fell upon her. “Well if that’s the case, then you two are going to get along pretty well. I’m sure she’ll be quite happy to meet somepony who loves the night and its inhabitants as much as she does.”

“Oh I bet she will.” Fluttershy nodded with a chuckle, looking over to where Sheton was. “And she’s not the only one either.”

“Wow, that was quite the explanation that you gave us, your majesty. I never would’ve thought that you of all ponies would actually have someone related to you, let alone being as powerful as you.” Rarity said softly, a somewhat bewildered expression plastered on her face. “Though I will agree with the others. It wasn’t fair that your sister had to go through, and I’m sorry that she had to go through something so revolting.”

“Same here, and I’d also like to thank you, for explaining how Nightmare Moon came to be, and what it’s capable of.” Twilight added, her expression morphing into determination. “Now that I’ve heard the tale, and how your sister turned into Nightmare Moon, I know more than ever how important it is to save her. Especially since there’s one more pony that we have to save!”

“Um, Twilight darling, not that I don’t admire your determination, but how in Equestria’s name are we supposed to do that?” Rarity asked quizzically. “For one, we don’t know where that dreadful creature that’s taken control of our Majesty’s dear sister is. Two, even if we did, we don’t have any of the resources needed to get to our destination or to defeat her. You do realize that we are all going against a creature form Tartarus and an Alicorn, do you not?”

At this statement, Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes and gave a ruffle of her wings. “Yeah, I think we all got that, Rares. What happened at the Town Square can definitely back up that claim…but do you realize that we come from six of the awesomest, most powerful clans in all of Equestria?” Upon hearing this, Goku looked over at her with a raised jet-black eyebrow, causing the cyan mare to recoil and quickly correct herself. “Sorry…make that seven.”

“Er…yes I suppose you have a point there, dear.” Rarity murmured, her face flushing in embarrassment. “Still, this isn’t some ordinary or minor danger that we can deal with on our own! This is on a completely different level! It will take all the combined power we have just to slow Nightmare Moon down! Even then, we still won’t know how to cure Queen Luna of the monster that plagues her!”

“Ms. Rarity does have a point. It is going to take all of your combined power to have even the slightest chance of stopping Nightmare Moon in succeeding in her plan.” Celestia said, nodding in agreement. “Which is why I know of the perfect backup tool that you can all use at your disposal.”

“You do?” Twilight asked, having a feeling that she knew what her mentor was talking about. “What is it?”

“Twilight, I’m sure that upon reading the story of the Tale of the Two Sisters, you, Goku and her sisters all know of the weapons that I used to defeat my younger sister and banish her to the moon, do you not?” Celestia asked, looking at her student and the three Kirin sisters expectantly.

“The Elements of Harmony…” Goku whispered as recognition clicked into her eyes. “The Six Gemstones of Harmonia.”

“Th’ Elements o’ what now?” Applejack asked, a look of perplexation on her face.

“The Elements of Harmony; also known as the Elements of Friendship.” Snowflake repeated softly. “They are six ancient and legendary gemstones that were created by the very creator of pony kind, Lauren Faust, the Goddess of the Ponies, long before the three Pony Tribes united, each of them representing one aspect known to friendship. It is said that they are the most powerful weapons in all of existence, completely on par and able to match any dark forces of evil that are thrown at it. Legend has it that they were made specifically for vanquishing all evil and keeping peace in Equestria…along with spreading the magic of friendship all throughout the land.”

“I see…and it’s these ancient weapons in life that keep Equestria free from strife?” Rarity asked, earning a nod from the mountain blue Thestral. Then a thought struck her. “Wait, if these weapons were made by the Goddess of the Ponies, then why can’t you use the elements yourself, your majesty? Can’t you use it yourself since you’re a goddess as well?”

“Well, yes the Queen can do that if she so pleases. That way, she can save Equestria on her own without us needing to assist her very much if things get too dangerous. Unfortunately, there’s one big problem with that.” Midnight said sadly. “While it’s true that anypony, even a goddess, can use the Elements of Harmony at will, there is a major setback to that. In order for them to work and reach their full power, there has to be a pony that represents more than one of the aspects of friendship. Furthermore, there has to be at least one other pony in order to make the Elements work. No single pony can use the Elements of Harmony on their own, not even a goddess.”

“It is true. That is the number one weakness of the Elements that I did not learn until it was too late. That they would be rendered useless if just one pony used them, especially of they were used by force. It was a lesson that I had to learn the hard way the night that I banished Luna to the Moon.” Celestia sighed with a nod of her head, giving the beetle black Pegasus a reassuring look. “Now that Luna and I are no longer connected to the Elements, thanks to me angering them by forcing their power on my sister, I’ve had to defend Equestria without their power to help aid me, all the while trying to find ponies that would take my place as Elements’ new bearers.”

“Let me guess...” Goku began, her expression calm, cool, and collected. "You want us to be new the bearers of the Elements of Friendship?"

“Y…yes, I am.” Celestia replied, lowering her head for what seemed like the fifth or sixth time that night. “I know that I am asking a lot from you all, and this is so much to take in at once. Believe me, I’d be in the same position if I were any of you and one of you was the ruler instead of me, but…you must understand.”

She looked at them with pleading eyes. “My sister’s life, and fate of all of Equestria hangs in the balance now that Nightmare Moon is free. It is crucial that the Elements of Harmony are found by those who both have the tributes to friendship that they each represent, and are willing to be their new wielders. It is the only way that they can work against the evil that plagues this land now, and any other forces of evil that will come in the future. I won’t force any of you into this if none of you feel that you can do it yourselves. The last thing that I want to do is to risk my precious little pony’s lives in the face of danger, but time is of the essence right now. Just know that if you do, me and everypony else would be eternally grateful to all of you for it. So I ask not just as the Goddess of the Sun, or Queen of Equestria, but as a fellow pony, will you help protect everypony, help me save my sister, and all of Equestria?”

The whole room went totally silence after that, one that none of the mare’s on the room replied to immediately. They all stayed where they were looking at one another, silently contemplating whether or not they should accept their Queens offer of helping her stop Nightmare Moon. As well as being the new bearers of the most powerful sources of magic ever known to pony kind, Goku especially. One on hoof, she knew that if she and her friends did accept their Queen’s offer, they would also run the great risk of potentially not only losing the fight, but also their lives as well.

On the other hoof, if they didn’t accept Celestia’s hoof in aiding her in taking down the infamous Mare of Darkness, then she would have to deal with her all on her own. Sure, she may have the help of her Solar Guards, but that probably wouldn’t help much. Plus, if the battle between Celestia and Nightmare Moon was anything like the Tale of the Two Sisters said it was, then they would stand little to no chance against the dark Alicorn’s might. Not without their own powers and the powers of the Elements at their side.

As these thoughts raced through Goku’s mind, it became all too apparent to her what she and her friends had to do in order for all to be safe. Upon seeing the thoughtful looks on her friends and her sisters’ faces, they were all thinking the same thing as well. While none of them new what the future held for them if they agreed to the Queen’s offer, they certainly knew one thing; their lives would never be the same again.

While this was happening, Celestia continued to silently sit, waiting patiently, for at least one of the mare’s to respond to her request. She studied their faces closely and intently, and it was only thanks to a millennia’s worth of practice that she knew that they were thinking about whether or not they would accept her offer. For single moment, a small part of her believed that none of them would be willing to put their lives on the line to save Equestria, especially since the enemy they were facing was a member of the most powerful, and rarest, species of equine in the world. As the silence continued to grow, that little voice in the Sun Goddess’s head continued to grow, pushing her to believe what she feared more and more as her hope slowly began to die.

Just as she was beginning to believe that they weren’t going to help her, she felt a warm and gentle hoof firmly place itself on her shoulder. She lifted her head and meet the eyes of Goku, staring back into her own with a fiery determination that matched that of the very Sun that she raised. Before the swan white Alicorn could say anything, the tan Thestral spoke up first.

“Queen Celestia…” She began slowly. “We’d be honored to help you save Equestria from Nightmare Moon’s terror and save your sister.”

Celestia paused, her pale lavender eyes growing wide as she stared at the tan Pegasus with her jaw slightly agape. “You…you will?”

“You bet yer boot’s we will!” Applejack nodded, coming up to the swan white Alicorn with a wide grin. “Ah admit, Ah was a little apprehensive about steppin’ in an’ and helpin’ stop that pony. Once you explained everythin’ in full however, Ah can now see just how important it is t’ do so.” A stern expression of determination came to her face as she adjusted her hat over her eyes. “As a member of the Apple family, and the Titan clan, Ah’m willin’ to do whatever it takes t’ ensure that mah family is safe. If that means helpin’ you in savin’ yer sister, Equestria, an’ becomin’ th’ new bearer of these Elements, then Ah’m willin’ t’ do jus’ that!”

“Yeah! Me too, your highness!” Rainbow Dash said confidently, her magenta irises flashing a bright yellow. “Nopony’s gonna just come into Ponyville, attack our Queen, and expect get off without a nice good plot kicking! The least those assholes deserve is a nice good sock across their bucking face!” A wide grin made its way across the cyan mare’s face, her magenta irises flashing a bright yellow. “Like I’ve told many ponies before, I never leave anypony hanging for whatever bucking reason! That is the way of the Wisps! Always has been, always will be!”

“As vulgar as the way Rainbow Dash had put her rather loyal statement, I completely agree with her.” Rarity said, a warm expression on her face as she locked eyes with Celestia. “I can’t even begin to imagine all of the pain and heartache that you went through after losing your sister. I certainly wouldn’t how I’d feel or what I’d if that were to happen to my dear little sister…” she looked down at Sweetie Belle, who was looking up at her with a sweet smile. After giving he a quick kiss to her forehead, she turned back to the Solar Queen. “Queen Celestia, I too will assist you tonight. Both in the safety of Equestria and freeing your sister of the monster that has her in it’s vile clutches. I will to anything that you ask of me in order to do so, and if that means resorting to more…hooves on tactics, then so be it.”

“Hey! Don’t’ forget me, girls! I’m in coming to this party too!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed excitedly, bouncing up and raising her right foreleg as if she was a filly in a classroom. “I want save the day, the Sun and Queen Celly’s little sister just as you guys do! This party can’t be complete without Ponyville’s number on party pony in it! heeheehee!”

“I’m not really one for fighting…at least, not when there are other options at hoof for us to settle disputes.” Fluttershy admitted softly as she looked at the ground, gently pawing at it with her right forehoof. A few seconds later, she sighed and looked up at the Queen with determined teal eyes. “Still, if it’s the only way that I can protect my friends, my family, and Scootaloo…then I’ll do it!” she said firmly, the crimson eye on her roseray giving a momentary glow.

“So will I, your highness.” Twilight added, walking up and standing just next to Goku. “As a member of the Twinkleshine Sparkle clan, I’m willing to do whatever it takes to ensure all of Equestria is safe from evil. Even if it means being the next bearer of the very weapons that the Goddess of Ponies herself created to protect this word.”

“Whatever you want us to do, we’ll do it.” Snowflake said as she and Midnight all came to stand beside their youngest sister. “As members of the Kirin clan, it’s our duty to make sure that our family and all other inhabitants of our land are safe. That includes any other places that is not of the place that our clan and everypony else’s came to be.”

“Mhm!” Midnight nodded, giving Celestia a gentle smile. “No matter who it is, we’ll always be there to keep them from harming the innocent!”

“Hey, don’t forget about us!” Fire Flash cried as she shot up into the air. “We’ll help too!”

“Yeah!” The other foals shouted in unison.

Celestia didn’t say anything for a minute or two, just staring silently at all the ponies that were all looking back at her warmly. Throughout the entire time she explained to them the reason about the dark Alicorn returning to Equestria, she honestly thought that they would be too afraid to be up to the task. Especially since this was somepony with power that was very easily on par with her own, if not even at a higher level. Against all her expectations, that didn’t seem to be the case here. What she was seeing where not ponies who were wanting to hide away inside her homes to avoid the wrath of Nightmare Moon. What she was seeing were ponies who were willing to fight to ensure Equestria was safe along with all in it. Ponies that would change all of Equestria for the better, including the one who she saw leading them.

“Thank you…thank you all. You have no idea how much this means to me. For you to put your lives on the line like this to save all of pony kind...no words can express my gratitude to you.” Celestia said after a long stretch of silence, her expression one of sheer gratitude. “If you make it through this, I swear to you, I will do everything within my power to make sure that you are all repaid in full.”

“That won’t be necessary your highness.” Goku said casually with a wave of her hoof. “We’re just doing what anypony would do, helping a pony in a time of crisis. That’s a good enough reward for us.” She giggled, the adorableness behind it melting everypony’s hearts. “Besides, we still have the Summer Sun Celebration to look forward to after this. I’d say that’s an added bonus to our hard work, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Hmhm, yes…I suppose you do have a point there, Goku. Still, don’t hesitate to ask me for anything if you change your mind. As with the many other heroic ponies I have meet in my lifetime, I don’t allow any good deed to go unrewarded.” Celestia advised with a chuckle as she rose to her hooves. “Alright, I believe that we’ve spent enough time resting and recovering, and it is time to take action. I trust that you all know what to do now that I have properly explained everything to you?”

At these words, everypony gave the swan white Alicorn firm nods. She let out a relieved sigh as a gentle smile formed on her face. “Then I wish you all the best of luck on your quest for the Elements of Harmony.”

“Wait, you’re not coming with us your majesty?” Twilight asked in bewilderment.

“I’m afraid not, my faithful student.” Celestia said sadly, looking at her protégé sympathetically. “I must make a trip to Canterlot City, back to my castle so that I can prepare for the upcoming battle that is soon to come. I will also be sending my Solar Guards here to watch over the residents of Ponyville while you’re gone, for I have a feeling they’ll need all the protection they can get. I’m sorry, but you will have to search for the Elements of Harmony on your own.”

“On our own?! All by ourselves?!” Twilight repeated, her violet eyes widening in fear and panic. “Queen Celestia, we can’t do that! We don’t even know where the Elements are located! Even if we did, we have no idea how we’d to get there, especially if we don’t have a map!”

“Well, we may not have any maps that show all of Equestria, but you certainly do Twilight.” Goku pointed out, smiling at the lavender Unicorn. “Besides me, you are the most organized and prepared out of the nine of us. There has hardly been anytime where you have not been prepared for something. So I highly doubt that you of all ponies don’t have anything as useful as a map at your disposal.”

“Your friend speaks the truth, Twilight. If there is anypony who is prepared for anything no matter how trivial it may seem, it’s you.” Celestia said, nodding in agreement. “Plus, there is also the book to the Elements of Harmony that I let you take on the day that you moved here to Ponyville. That’s another even more useful tool that you can use at your disposal, since it explains where the Elements are, wouldn’t you agree?”

Twilight didn’t reply to her mentor’s question. Instead, her ears flattened as she lowered her head and nervously pawed at the ground with her hoof. This took everypony by surprise, and they couldn’t help but voice their curiosity on it.

“What’s matter, Twilight?” Fluttershy asked softly, her face morphing into one of concern. “Is there something troubling you?”

“Um…no…I mean—well…yes. You see, your Majesty…” Twilight began nervously. “I…don’t know where the book is.”

Celestia blinked, wondering if she had heard the lavender Unicorn correctly. “I’m sorry?”

“I don’t know where it is.” Twilight repeated, her voice slightly louder. “I know that it’s somewhere in these bookshelves, but I can’t really remember exactly which shelf I put it in. I’ve looked in every last one of them, even before you guys came, but haven’t really been successful, as you can see.” She motioned her hoof to the large piles of books that littered the floor. “It’s somewhere in these shelves, I know it is, but…I just don’t know which one.”

“Is this what your looking for Twilight?” Pinkie Pie’s cheerful bubbly voice asked from behind Twilight. The moment she laid her eyes in the bubblegum pink Earth Pony, she felt them nearly bulge out of their sockets. Her whole body whipped around along with her head as her jaw dropped in complete disbelief at what she saw. There, clutched in Pinkie Pie’s forehooves, was a book that Twilight recognized all too well. The very same book that held the key needed to stop the pony that was now free from its millennia long prison.

“The Reference Guide to the Elements of Harmony!” She cried, joy, happiness, and relief filling her voice all at once as she galloped over the Pinkie Pie. Twilight moved so fast she slammed into the Earth Pony, sending her into one of the bookshelves. “This is it! This is the book that we need to help us find the Elements of Harmony!” She snapped her head over to Pinkie Pie, who was picking herself up from off of the ground. “How in the world did you find it?!”

“Heehee, silly filly! Didn’t you look up at the letters above the shelves?” Pinkie Pie giggled as she bounced back over to her friends. “It was under E~!”

At these words, Twilight paused. She looked up at the bookshelves, taking notice of the large letters that were engraved in each of them. Once Pinkie Pie’s words fully sank into her mind, an embarrassed blush made its way to her face as she weakly murmured, “…Oh.”

“So, this is the book that will help us find what we’re looking for?” Rainbow Dash asked as she flew up next to Twilight and looked at the cover of the book. “Those Element things that the Queen was talking about?”

“Indeed, Ms. Dash. It will tell you everything that you need to know about the Elements of harmony” Celestia nodded as relief washed over her at the book being found. “Though I must warn you, you may a bit taken aback by exactly where the Elements are located.”

Fluttershy suddenly froze, a large knot forming in the bit of her gut as she slowly looked over at the Queen. A bead of flowed down her face as her heartbeat quickened in rate as her pupils contracted slightly.

‘No…don't tell me the Elements are where I think they are.’ She thought, giving an inaudible gulp. 'She can't possibly mean that they're in...there of all places!'

“Whaddya mean by that, yer highness?” Applejack asked perplexedly.

“I’m sorry Ms. Applejack, but I am afraid that I cannot explain. I have wasted too much time doing so already. I must get back to Canterlot to alert the guards of what has happened, so you’ll have to see for yourself.” Celestia said softly as she ignited her horn, covering it in a gentle golden yellow aura of magic. As she did so, she looked down at Goku, Twilight and everypony else with a motherly smile as she said, “Son Goku Kakarot Shenron…I leave the search for the Elements of Harmony in you and your friends’ capable hooves. Good luck, and please…be careful.”

With that, she closed her eyes as the magic around her horn glowed to the point where it covered her whole being. Then, in a flash of pure golden yellow, the Queen was gone, leaving Goku and her friends alone in the library.

“Well…that was quite the regal exit the Queen graced us with, wasn’t it?” Rarity asked after a short silence.

“Well, she is the ruler of all of Equestria. Everything about her is regal, including the way she exits.” Snowflake giggled. “I’d expect no less from the most powerful pony in existence.”

“You’ve got that right, Snowy!” Pinkie Pie giggled. “I gotta admit though…I am reeeeeeeally excited to see Queen Celly go into battle! I’ve heard stories about her fighting in all the battles and wars in the past by my parents, but I never thought I’d actually get the chance to see it with my own eyes!” A rather adorable squeal escaped her lips as she trotted in place, her mane and tail giving little bounces as she did so. “Ooooh, I just know that’s gonna be so AMAZING!!!”

“Ain’t that the truth.” Applejack chuckled as she gave an amused shake of her head Pinkie's antics. “Anyway, what does the book say ‘bout where these Elements Twilight?”

“Oh, right! Hold on, just give me a couple of seconds.” Twilight replied, snapping out of her embarrassed and returned her attention to the book. Igniting her horn, she encased the Reference Guide in a brilliant raspberry aura and began to frantically flip through the pages. A few seconds later, she stopped in a specific part of the book and began to read. “Ah, here we go! The Elements of Harmony are known to be the most powerful weapons in all of existence, made by the Goddess of the Ponies, Lauren Faust herself. It is said that they are the most powerful sources of magic known to all pony kind, containing power unlike anything ever seen by anypony anywhere, other than the Creator herself. They are the one and only weapons known to withstand against any source of evil. Along with that specific purpose, they’d also keep everlasting peace and harmony in the world.”

“As if we didn’t just find out about that already…” Rainbow Dash murmured dryly

“Don’t interrupt her darling, she’s trying to read.” Rarity said quietly, holding a hoof to her lips. “We are in a library after all…more specifically Twilight’s library.”

The cyan mare snorted softly, but said nothing as she looked away while Twilight continued to read. “According to the Creator herself, there are six Elements of Harmony, but only five are known to exist, Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Honesty and Loyalty. Nopony knows where the sixth Element, the Element of Magic is, but it is said that it can be activated if the rest of the Elements are there with it. There has also been a saying that, while not officially proven, there is seventh Element of Harmony existing as well.”

‘A seventh Element? Now that’s something even I wasn’t expecting…’ Goku thought, both her and everypony else’s eyes widening at this revelation. ‘I wonder…does the Queen know there’s a seventh Element? I’ll have to ask her about it once this is all over…’

“The last known location of the Elements of Harmony was said to have been in the Castle of the Two Royal Sisters. They have been known to still remain there, unused and undisturbed for the last thousand years, and still do to this very day.” Twilight read, bringing Goku out of her thoughts. “While nopony has ever been there, it is said that abandoned castle is located in what is known as-”

As her eyes trailed down to the last few words, Twilight abruptly stopped reading as her voice caught in her throat. Her eyes slowly widened as the color in her face slowly began to drain, her pupils shrinking to mere pinpricks.

“Twilight, what’s the matter darling?” Rarity asked, pulling herself out from under Fluttershy’s wing and putting a hoof on her friends’ shoulder. “You were about to tell us the location of the Elements. Why did you stop?”

“Yeah, you look like you’ve seen a Windigo or something.” Rainbow murmured, earning her a glare from Fluttershy. “What? She does!”

“No, no…no no no no no! It just can’t be!” Twilight cried as she backed up, her magic going out and letting the book fall to the floor. She only stopped when she felt her rump bump against one of the bookshelves. Her body shook is if she had just come out of a snowstorm, her lower lip quivering in terror. “It’s not possible…it’s just not possible! There’s no way that the Elements can be located there of all places!”

“Now what in the hay or ya talkin’ ‘bout, sugarcube?” Applejack asked quizzically, looking at the lavender Unicorn with a raised golden eyebrow. “Ya jus’ said that the Elements ‘o’ Harmony ‘re located in the two Queen’s abandoned castle. What could be so scary ‘bout it’s location that it makes ya look like yer ‘bout ‘t’ be trampled by a herd ‘o’ fightin’ bulls?”

Goku, who was also curious and concerned about Twilight’s sudden change in demeanor, walked up to the book. Her eyes scanned through the pages, rereading what Twilight had, before coming to the bottom. When she read the last few words, she couldn’t help but let out a gasp as her eyes slowly widened, letting out a low, “Oh dear...”

'Oh goodness...I'm right aren't I?' Fluttershy thought to herself, biting her lip as her wings ruffled. 'The Elements really are located in there!'

“What is it, Goku?” Midnight asked gently, taking notice of the grimace forming on her youngest sister’s face. “Did you find what Twilight was looking at?”

“Yeah, think I did...along with the reason why Twilight is so freaked out.” The tan Thestral replied, looking up at her sisters and friends with a grave expression. “It’s true that the last known location of the Elements of Friendship is in the Castle of the Two Sisters. However, the location of the castle itself is what scared Twilight. According to the book, Queen Celestia and Queen Luna’s castle is located in the one place that nopony’s ever gone to, or ever come out of.” She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, before looking at the others with an expression full of seriousness and slight fear. “The castle is in…the Everfree Forest.”

Author's Notes:

Well, there you have it folks, the 11 chapter of the Elements of Harmony down and out for all to read! I admit, this one took bit longer to do, probably because in the past one I was focusing a bit more on the timeline that focused on the main story of My Little Pony, at least that's what I felt, and I wanted to add more scenes of Zephyr, just like I did in this chapter, however short it was. Not only that, but because I believed that this chapter was a bit too long for my taste, and it could've been more better done if it was in a two parter, especially for what I'm about to put it it for the next chapter. As for the rest of the chapter...I can see that it was a bit too wordy and the explanation about Nightmare Moon's origins stretched way too long for anyone that was reading it. So I decided to shorten it up a bit, along with cutting it off at the spot where Goku had told all of her friends just where the Element of Harmony will be located. What that'll hold, I won't spoil, but l'm pretty sure that all of you are going to like just what I have in store before things really go down. As for the techniques that Nightmare Moon had used against Zephyr and the other guards, that was Requip Magic, the very same type of magic that Erza and Bisca use from Fairy Tail, only I stuck more tom the framers side since I felt that it would be more interesting. Not that I'm saying that Bisca's magic isn't cool but...you guys know what I mean by all of this.

Anyway, that's it for today; tune in next time for the next chapter! With this one, it won't be one of the ones that I'll be rewriting, at least not entirely, though I will say that I have quite the surprise in store for you all.

Chapter 12 - Formation of the Super Seven

Far away from the catastrophe taking place in the Town Hall, quieter and slow pacing events were happening in a place on the north eastern part of Ponyville. In a secluded and more peaceful area of Ponyville, laid a large building that looked to be made for treating the sick and the injured. It didn’t quite look like a hospital, but the plus sign hanging at the very top of the building gave a big indication that it was one for such purposes. It was divided into three separate parts with the outer left and right parts of the building having five windows each. A pair of windows could also be seen in between the main entrance and the two outer parts of the building, with three on top of the entrance. At the very bottom of the building were two large double green doors, and at the very top of the building was a large white plus sign with pink hearts in the corner. Standing over fifty feet away from the building was that very same pus sign, showing all that didn’t look at the building first that it was a hospital. This place was known as Ponyville General Hospital, one of the best hospitals found anywhere for anypony that needed help with anything life threatening.

In the interior of that very same hospital, very little activity could be seen going on inside, with only a few or so doctors or nurse moving about the hospital. The sound of clopping hooves and small bits of chatter was the only thing that could be heard inside of the building, otherwise all else was very quiet. The area of the hospital that was the quietest was the one where ponies would usually wait at the front for treatment, critical injuries, birth control tests, illnesses, or anything minor or major. It was also the place where one of Ponyville General Hospital’s most efficient nurses could be seen going through the last routines for her night.

Sitting at the front desk, rummaging through a series of notes at her desk, was a young Earth Pony mare that looked to be in her mid-twenties. She had a very pale light gray coat that was whiter than a winter snowfall, looking to actually be red instead of gray. The mare had an amaranthish gray mane and tail that was a shade lighter than Fluttershy’s, her mane tied in a neat bun, while her tail dragged behind her. Her eyes were a brilliant shade of sapphire blue, and a nurse’s cap could be seen resting atop her head. A roseray could be seen hanging from the collar around her neck, and her Cutie Mark was of a large plus with small pink hearts in the corners. This mare was Nurse Redheart Kindheart Rosario, one of the top nurses of Ponyville General Hospital and the best one in said hospital.

Redheart let out a soft sigh as she straightened the papers in her hooves, relief washing over her as she finished going over the last files for the night. It had been a particularly tiring day for the nurse, and she was more than looking forward to having some time to kick and finally get some rest form all of the labor that she had earlier today. There wasn’t really anything major or important that went on today if Redheart was being honest with herself. It was one that went at a pace that she liked, and allowed her to think about her problems without anything else clouding her mind. Despite that, she still felt like she was drained of energy, which made her all the more excited for her to leave as soon as possible. The fact that the Summer Sun Celebration was taking place that very same day only added to the Nurse’s excitement. Topped with the fact that her three sisters would be there with her made her just want to throw the papers aside, grab her sisters, and run right out the door.

As tempting as that was however, Nurse Redheart knew that wasn’t the most rational option, and she’d be seen as somepony to who didn’t really take her responsibilities seriously. So, she resigned to just organizing the last of her papers, wait for her sisters to come out of their respective offices, before leaving to spend the rest of the day with each other. Unfortunately for her, she’d have to wait a little bit longer for that to happen; maybe even longer. For in just a short while, she’ll find herself in the most terrifying situation she’d ever been in, in her entire life.

Another sigh escaped Nurse Redheart as she put the last of her papers inside the drawers next to her desk, somewhat carelessly shutting it closed. Inhaling deeply, she stretched her forelegs and her neck as she arched her back, the sound of bones readjusting in place filling her ears. A few moments later, she let her body go slack her mind going into a buzz for a sometime before it died down and she came back to her senses. Just as she sat back up, she heard a multitude of hoofsteps coming from the hallway from the right of her desk. The scent that the ponies carried was all that Redheart needed to know that it was her fur sisters, Tenderheart, Sweetheart, and Snowheart. Slowly, she sat up in her chair, brushing her mane away, and couldn’t help but smile warmly at the ponies in front of her.

Like Redheart, the three mares that stood in front of her front desk were Earth Ponies, each of them sporting the same cross-like roseray hanging from their necks. Their appearance however, were an entirely different story, and one of them even had a clear difference in physic. The first mare had a pale light grayish cobalt blue coat, and a grayish mulberry, and light grayish mane and tail. Her eyes were a tender set of pale light grayish heliotrope, and her Cutie Mark was a pure red plus sign with dark pink hearts that the corner. This shy looking mare was Tenderheart Kindheart Rosario, the third sister of the Heart Sisters.

The second Earth Pony was a rather chubby mare, not to the point where she didn’t look attractive, but in a way that still made her very appealing to none-picky stallions. She had a pale light grayish orchid coat, with brilliant cornflower blue eyes that shined with mirth and sweetness. Her cutie mark was of a pure white plus sign with light pink hearts that the, and she also had a white nurses cap at the top of her head. This chipper and bubbly looking mare was Sweetheart Kindheart Rosario, the youngest sister of Redheart’s group of sisters.

The third and final earth pony had a pale shade of apple green fur that looked to be yellow, with a pale light grayish ceruleanish streaked cornflower blue and tail. Her eyes were a moderate harlequin iris color, holding a combined air of strength and kindness that seemed to radiate off of her. Her Cutie Mark was of a pure white heart with pale brown hearts in the corners of them, and a nurse’s cap was also resting atop her head. This authoritive, yet gentle looking mare was Snowheart Kindheart Rosario the second sister of the four mares.

“Well well well, I see that you’re just about ready to close up for the night Redheart.” The last pony said, her voice sensual and smooth. “All of that work that you’ve been doing today finally catching up to you?”

“Hello to you too Snowheart.” Redheart said dryly, smiling in amusement at her sister as she leaned forward. “I see that you’re as chipper and as socially active as ever…I take it that you and the others have finished your shifts?”

“Yep sure have sis!” The second mare said cheerfully, giggling as she grinned jovially. “And we all finished it up as quick as a jiffy! We even had some extra time to spare before we came here to see you!”

“Oh, you did?” The pale light gray mare asked, raising an amaranthish gray eyebrow. “Just what were you doing in that time, may I ask?”

“Keeping our dear little Sweetheart from stuffing her face full of sweets in the cafeteria.” The first mare replied, smiling tenderly at the second mare. “When I was leaving from my shift, I caught our sister trying to sneak some snack away from the kitchen and the food booths. It was a good thing that I was there, otherwise she’d be looking even more chubby than she was before!”

“Hey, it’s not my fault that I like to eat so much!” The second mare, Sweetheart, cried indignantly. “It’s just…something that I can’t really control, something that none of us can control! So don’t go getting on my case about eating so much when you three all do the same Tenderheart!”

“That may be so Sweet, but there’s one significant difference between your way of eating and our way of it.” Snowheart said, gingerly running a hoof down the chubby mare’s chin. “We have the tendency to eat foods that’ll help us keep the beautiful shapely figures that we have right now. You on the other hoof, tend to throw the cautions about keeping your body in check out the window, which is why you don’t look like we do right now.”

Sweetheart flinched, her ears falling lip as she gained a puppy dog expression. “A-are…are you calling me…f-f-fat?”

“Snowheart!” Redheart exclaimed sharply, leaning up on her desk as she glared sternly at her second eldest sister. “That was very uncalled for! You didn’t have to put it like that; you know how Sweetheart feels about ponies mentioning her weight, especially if its from one of us. You take that back right now this instant!”

“You misunderstand me big sister.” Snowheart said, her smiling gaining a slight apprehensive edge to it “I was just merely pointing out how Sweetheart gets carried away with keeping that adorable chubby belly of her’s full. I didn’t mean anything mean by it, just saying how she sometimes gets carried away with wanting to have a full stomach.”

“That may have been what it seemed like to you, but it wasn’t what it sounded like to us Snowheart.” Tenderheart said, running a hoof down a sniffling Sweetheart’s mane. “And it certainly did its job in making her feel like she’s not attractive.”

“Exactly, which is why I want her to say that she’s sorry, and take back what she said about Sweetheart being careless about keeping herself healthy.” Redheart said, her tone softer, yet still having a firm edge to it. She turned back to Snowheart, and her eyes narrowed as they gave off a bright orange glow. “Now…go on Snowheart.”

The pale green yellow mare flinched, shrinking back a bit at her eldest sister’s stern look. “R-right, I’m sorry sister…” She turned back to Sweetheart, who looked a little bit calmer, but still having a somber expression. “I’m sorry Sweetheart, I didn’t mean what I said the way that I said it. I never mean to make you think that you weren’t attractive, and I’m sorry if I made you feel that way…can you forgive me?”

“Y…yeah, I forgive you Snowy.” Sweetheart replied, wiping at her eyes as she looked at her older sister. “I…I-I know you didn’t mean anything by what you said; it just caught me off guard that’s all. Just…try not to say anything like that again okay?”

“Yes of course sister, I’ll be sure not to sound so, erm, brass next time.” Snowheart said, giving the chubby mare a kiss on her forehead. She then turned to Redheart, who had looked much calmer than she had a few moments ago. “Anyway, Redheart, have you finished everything up here?”

“Yes Snowheart, I have. All of the patient’s files are in order, they’ve been given their daily checkups, and any sicknesses and illnesses they may have are being treated are have been treated.” Redheart replied, giving a small smile. “Everything’s been taken care of, and I’m already to get on out of here for the Summer Sun Celebration.”

“Wonderful.” Tenderheart smiled, one of her ears flicking. “I can’t wait to get over to the Town Square and socialize with the Queen. Of all of the places that I thought that the Summer Sun Celebration would be held, I never believe that she’d hold it here.”

“Me neither, but that doesn’t mean that it’s going to be any less fun!” Sweetheart added, giving a little bounce of excitement. “Oh, I can’t wait to get over to that building and eat all of those wonderful sweets! I can almost taste them on the tip of my tongue!”

“Yes, yes, we know Sweetheart, you want to stuff yourself until you explode.” Snowheart chuckled, patting her sister on her head. “I swear, your stomach would make a bottomless pit seem to have a bottom.”

“Yes, it is, and by the time the Summer Sun Celebration is over, her chubby little stomach will be even chubbier.” Redheart said, her tone slightly teasing as she smiled mischievously at the grayish orchid mare. “Speaking of which, I’m really starting to get hungry. What do you girls say we go on ahead and head off to the Town Square? All of those checkups, organizing, and tending to the foals have made me quite hungry, especially after that long needed sleep that I got.”

“Took the words right out of my mouth Red! I thought you’d never ask!” Sweetheart chirped, her eyes sparkling as she smiled happily. “Well what’re we waiting for girls?! Let’s go!”

Right at that moment, the double doors to the hospital room exploded open, the force behind it causing a powerful gust of wind to blow right into the library. All three of the Heart Sisters jumped and let out cries of surprised, shielding their eyes form the blast of wind that blew their manes and tails away. when it died down, the four mares all turned to the source of the wind, only for all of them to gasp when they saw Zephyr standing just inside the hospital entrance.

“Oh…thank Faust, there are still nurses here.” The royal blue stallion said to himself, letting his head drop. “That means…I was able to make it just in time.”

“Oh my goodness! Sir are you okay?!” Tenderheart asked, running over to the stallion and inspecting his disheveled form. “Are you hurt anywhere? What happened to you?”

Zephyr shook his head, placing a gentle, yet firm hoof on the cobalt blue mare’s coat. “I’m afraid that my injuries are irrelevant at the moment. I need all of your help with something very important right now, and you’re the only ones who can help me with it.”

“Before we go onto that, do you mind telling us who you are?” Snowheart asked, raising a cornflower blue eyebrow. “We really didn’t expect to have anypony else coming to visit this hospital, especially since this is supposed to be our day off for the Summer Sun Celebration.”

“My name is Zephyr Dragon Shield Shenron, Third in Command of Queen Celestia’s Solar Royal Guard Day Branch.” Zephyr replied, making all four mare’s eyes widen in shock. “As of the Summer Sun Celebration, I’m afraid that it’s going to be postponed for a while after what just happened.”

“Postponed?” Sweetheart asked, a bit of disappointment coming to her face as she sulked slightly. “Why? What’s happened?”

“I hate to but this so bluntly, but there’s no proper way to prepare any of you for this, so I’m just going to come out and say it.” Zephyr replied, drawing in a deep breath. “The Town Square…has been invaded.”.

“Invaded?!” Redheart asked, her eyes widening in shock. “What do you mean invaded?”

“Exaclty what I said, invaded.” Zephyr replied, walking closer to the four sisters. “It happened so suddenly, that none of us were prepared for it. An unknown enemy had suddenly broke into the Town Square, destroying the roof in the process! They wreaked havoc inside of the building and almost destroyed it with the power they wielded! It was only thanks to me and the rest of my fellow soldiers that we were able to keep it from being burnt to the ground, but…the citizens…they weren’t so lucky.”

Tenderheart’s blood ran cold. “W…w-what do you mean by that?”

“A majority of the citizens have been critically injured in the invasion.” Zephyr replied after a moment of silence, grimacing at the looks of horror on all four mares faces. “Thankfully, none of them have been killed, but a majority of the ponies in the Town Square have sustained injuries that’ll be life threatening if something isn’t done soon. That’s why I came here as quickly as I can, so I can get your help in helping them.”

“T…the Town Square nearly been destroyed and the p-ponies in it are nearly d-dead?!” Sweetheart cried, her plastered on her face as her hindlegs shook. “A-are…are there any foals inside of there too?”

Zephyr flinched as he looked off to the side, and that was all that Sweetheart needed to answer her question. Before the grayish orchid mare could freak out or go into a panic attack, the Solar Royal Guard quickly continued. “Unfortunately, yes, there are foals inside of the Town Square, however, we don’t exactly know of their fate at the moment. They disappeared sometime after the unknown invader came inside of the building. We have no idea where they could be inside of the Town Square at the moment.”

“Oh, now that’s horrible!” Snowheart cried, a hoof flying to her face. “The poor dears must be so scared! We have to go over there and help them!”

“W-what should we do?!” Tenderheart asked, looking in between her sisters, before her eyes settled onto Redheart. “R-Redheart, do you have any idea of what we should do?”

The light grayish white mare said nothing, still in her current position as she stayed stock still, not moving a single muscle. Her head was lowered, her bright pink bang shadowing her eyes as a brilliant blue aura surrounded her body.

“U-um…R-R-Red?” Sweetheart asked timidly, taking a step back from the sight of her sister’s Earth Pony Adrenaline Aura. “A-are you okay?”

“…Captain Zephyr?” Redheart asked calmly, slowly lifting her head and locking her eyes straight into Zephyr’s. “You said that there are ponies inside the Town Square, right? Just about how many are there?”

Zephyr shrunk back slightly at the Earth Pony mare’s slight change in attitude, but answered her nonetheless. “I’m not sure…there were a lot of ponies that were inside the building, and I noticed that a majority of them had run out of the Town Square. Thankfully, the ponies that escaped were uninjured, and though I can’t say the same for the ponies inside, I can’t exactly say just how many there are at the moment.”

“I see…if that’s the case, then there’s only one thing that I can think of that I can help both of us in this situation.” Redheart said to herself as she turned to Tenderheart. “Tenderheart, can I trust you to take care of whatever wounds that Captain Zephyr has?”

“E-er, um…yes?” Tenderheart replied tentatively. “W-what’re you going to do?”

Redheart’s eyes flashed even brighter than the aura surrounding her. “I’m going to activate Secret Code Red: Operation Inhabitants.”

Snowheart, Tenderheart, and Sweetheart’s eyes nearly fell out of their sockets at the words that their eldest sister just said. Zephyr, who was being tended to by Tenderheart, sporting a look of confusion, looking in between the four sisters.

“S…Secret Operation Inhabitants?” Sweetheart asked after a long stretch of silence. “You mean the Secret Operation Code where all Doctors and Nurses are called to go where large groups of ponies are held in one place?”

“The very same one.” Redheart nodded, her expression not changing. “From what Captain Zephyr just told me, there are quite a lot of ponies that need to be tended to. And while I’m pretty sure that not everypony will be inside the Town Square by the time we get there, I’d rather not take any chances at not having all the doctors and nurses in this hospital there.”

“A-are you sure that’s a good idea Redheart?” Snowheart asked. “Not that I’m against the idea, but…that seems pretty excessive. I mean…like you said, we don’t know how many ponies are in the Town Square that needs to be tended. So, we don’t know if we need all the doctors and nurses here to go over there.”

“That may be so, but at this point, there isn’t really any other option at this point.” Zephyr replied firmly, glaring sternly at the pale green yellow mare. “There are countless of ponies that need your help right now, so much so that you shouldn’t care about exactly number! If I were you, I would take my chances and bring every single available doctor and nurse you have with you, even if it’s not many! The lives of the citizens of Ponyville are at stake, and if you care about their safety, especially that of the little ones, then you’ll take as much extra help with you as you possibly can before it’s too late!”

Zephyr panted slightly after that, his orange garnet eyes boring right into Snowheart’s moderate harlequin ones, making the mare shrink back slightly. He held that powerful gaze for a few moments, a small, yet spine chilling draconic growl leaving his throat as he continued to glare at Snowheart. A few seconds later, his expression softened, and she turned back to Redheart and the rest of her sisters.

“I’m sorry about that Nurse Redheart” He said, giving an apologetic and respectful bow. “I didn’t mean to yell at your sister like that.”

“No, it’s alright, I can see why you were upset by what she said.” Redheart said softly, holding up a hoof as she glanced at her younger sister. “That being said, I hope she and the rest of my sisters realize the gravity of the situation at hoof right now, and what needs to be done.”

“Y-yes, we do sister.” Snowheart said, her ears falling limp. “What do you want us to do?”

“Well, firstly…” Redheart said, turning to Tenderheart and Zephyr. “…Tenderheart, you’re going to stay with Captain Zephyr and helping him with any injuries he may have. Even if they happen to be disheveled wings, help him with it. Once he’s properly healed, you go accompany him back to the Town Square.”

“Of course, whatever you say big sister.” Tenderheart nodded gently, before turning to the larger Pegasus stallion next to her. “Come with me Captain, we’ll help you get those wings in proper shape in no time.”

“Thank you…” Zephyr nodded, leaning into Tenderheart as she guided him down the hallway. ‘I hope we can make it in time.’

“Sweetheart, Snowheart you two go into your offices and get your medical supplies, and everything else that you’ll need.” Redheart said, plopping down on all fours. “This is going to be our biggest operation, so we’ll need anything that’ll help us right now.”

“O-okay, we’re on it big sis.” Sweetheart said as she galloped down the hall, Snowheart in tow.

As her three sisters went to their respective tasks, Redheart let out a sigh and shook her mane away. Looking down under her table, she locked eyes with a red button that had what looked to be a dark red button that was just below her desk. Behind it hung, the sign, ‘Secret Code Red: Operation Inhabitants. Use for major emergencies only.’, which let all nurses and doctors who happen to be where Redheart currently was, to only press the button if absolutely necessary.

‘Well, looks this is one of those times…dammit.’ The nurse thought to herself, blowing her bang away from her face. ‘I was hoping to finally get some relaxation at the Town Square, and maybe play with a few of the foals there while we were all at it. It looks like fate has other plans for me tonight I suppose.’

With another intake of breath, Redheart lifted her hoof and slammed it right up into red button, and immediately the sounds of beeping sirens went off all over the hospital. Redheart’s ears flattened from the sudden loud noise, but she ignored it, never losing her focus as she spoke into the speaker next to the red button.

“Serect Code Red! Secret Code Red: Operation Inhabitants is under way! This is not a drill! I repeat, this is not a drill!” She said, her voice echoing about the hospital through the speaker. “Secret Code Red: Operation Inhabitants is now commencing! All doctors and nurses report to the front desk immediately!”

The silence that followed in the Golden Oaks Library, was only broken by the ticking of the clock near the ceiling. Nearly everypony stood stock still as they all stared at Goku with wide eyes, looking as if they were all paralyzed in place. None of them said a word, trying to process what their friend had just said, unable to believe the words that came out of her mouth. Eventually, they snapped out of it, and when they did, Rarity was the first one to shatter the ice.

“I…I-I’m sorry darling, b-but could you r-repeat that p-please?” Rarity asked, giving the tan Thestral mare a shaky smile. “I could’ve s-sword that you s-said that, t-the Elements a-are in the…E-E-Everfree F-Forest…”

“Yes Rarity, that’s exactly what I said.” Goku said firmly, her expression not changing. “The Elements of Harmony are indeed in the chaotic wilderness of the Everfree Forest.”

Before anypony could speak, Goku flipped the book around and showed the open pages over to the rest of the mares and foals. All of them, minutes Fluttershy and Twilight, gathered around and took a deep look on the page that said the Element’s location. Each of their eyes widened further, and they all backed away, lost in their own thoughts.

“I…I-I can’t believe it.” Scootaloo squeaked, her whole body shaking on the spot. “T-the Elements of H-Harmony a-are really i-in t-the Everfree forest? T-the wildest, untamed, m-most unpredictable and dangerous forest known to all pony kind?! Said to have been created by the God of Chaos Discord Konton himself?!”

“The very same one, sweetheart.” Goku replied softly. “In case you all didn’t know, I had read about the Everfree Forest before, sometime while I was still living in Canterlot as a filly. It told of how the Everfree Forest had emerged sometime after the defeat of Discord, and how it grew around Celestia and Luna’s old castle. It also told of the many wild beasts and creatures that all appeared in it sometime after the forest was given life.”

“Ah…can’t believe it. Who would’ve thought them Elements would be located in…that forest o’ all places.” Applejack breathed a lost expression on her face. “Out of all the places that I expected them to be, the Everfree Forest was the last place that I would expect them to be.”

“Yeah, same here.” Rainbow Dash nodded, still trying to get over the shock herself. “I mean, who would think to look there?! I didn’t even know that the Queens had even been in that there, let alone lived in it until now!”

“Well, Queen Celly did warn us that we would be a bit taken aback by where the Elements were.” Pinkie Pie pointed out. “Although, I have to admit; even I wasn’t expecting the Elements to actually be there!”

“I was.” Fluttershy pipped up, making everypony turn to her. “While I was listening to Twilight explain the what the Elements of Harmony are, I got a, um, sinking feeling in my gut that the Everfree Forest was the place that we were going to be searching for the Elements. I even suspected it when the Queen said that we may not like where we were supposed to look for them.”

“Y-you did?” Twilight asked, shakily getting back to her hooves. “H-h-how did you m-manage to guess t-that?”

Fluttershy looked over at the lavender Unicorn. “I could sense it even before she even said it. I could tell just by her body language, that the place that she was going to tell us where the Elements were, was one that we were not going to like. I have a knack for reading ponies body language to a certain point, where I can tell what they’re feeling. So, I had a pretty good idea as to what Queen Celestia was going to say about the Elements Location. I could even sense it coming from you Twilight, when you started to panic when you saw the Elements location, something told me that it was going to be in the Everfree Forest.”

Snowflake narrowed her eyes at the buttermilk Pegasus. “Fluttershy, darling, not that I’m trying to accuse you of anything, but…I get the feeling that there’s more to it.” She said softly, yet skeptically. “Is there something that you’re not telling us about all of this?”

“Snowflake!” Midnight chastised, glaring sternly at the mountain blue Thestral. “How could you say something like that? Fluttershy would never hide something from us about the one thing that our sister and her friends are supposed to be looking for! Especially in a place that none of us have ever been into before!”

“No Midnight it’s okay.” Fluttershy said, holding up a hoof to stop the beetle black Thestral in her scolding. “You see, I had a feeling that Queen Celestia was going to say that we should look in the Everfree Forest for the Elements of Harmony. Because…it’s not entirely uninhabited by ponies.”

A look of confusion made its way to Goku’s face. “What do you mean by that Fluttershy?”

The veterinarian paws at the ground, her mane spilling over her face. “I…I never really told anypony this, because I didn’t really want to get rallied with questions and accusations. But, since you’re all here, I-I feel like I can tell you.”

“Tell us what dear?” Snowflake asked. “What is about the Everfree Forest that you want us to know?”

“W-well…you see, I…I, um…” Fluttershy said, running a hoof down her mane as she attempted to form words into her mouth. She glanced over at Scootaloo, who was gave her a silent gesture to continue, before she finally spat it out. “I…I live in the edge of the Everfree Forest.”

“You…you do?!” Midnight asked, her eyes widened in shock as both her sisters gasped. “You actually live on the edge of the words most dangerous wildernesses?”

“Eeyup, she most certainly does.” Applejack replied, giving a little snort. “Ah’ll be honest, when Ah first saw Fluttershy again, Ah didn’t really believe that she’d have the guts to set up a home in a forest as crazy as that one. No offense t’ her, but somepony would have t’ be crazy to even think about livin’ anywhere near someplace like that.” The farmer rubbed the back of her head. “When she took me t’ her home and showed me her backyard, she took me through the woods in it and…well, Ah saw it. All o’ them giant trees and that freaky magic it forest gives off. After that, Ah, uh…never really went that far int’ Fluttershy’s backyard again.”

“Well I for one, did believe our dear Fluttershy.” Rarity said curtly. “I did not see any reason as to why she would lie, let along joke about something as big as living near somewhere as horrid as the Everfree. Anypony that would be brave enough to admit something like that, and be so serious about it can’t possibly by lying through their teeth.” The alabaster Unicorn shrunk back a bit at Fluttershy’s stern glare. “N-not that I’m saying that the Everfree really is horrid, nor are any of the creatures in it…but, it just makes me feel that way. B-but you understand what I’m trying to say right darling?”

Fluttershy said nothing, just continuing to frown at Rarity with that stern disapproving look in his eyes. At some point it hardened even further as her eyes gave a faint bright orange glow, making Rarity flinch.

“R-right of course.” She said weakly, looking off to the side. “I’ll just…be silent now.”

“Wow Fluttershy. I…I never thought that you’d chose to live near the Everfree Forest of all places.” Goku said, regaining her composure. “Then again, considering you’re a mare that likes to keep her privacy and likes to be around animals, I can see why.”

“Well, I sure can’t!” Rainbow Dash said crassly, frowning down at Fluttershy. “I know you like your little animals and being around nature and all Fluttershy, but come on! Don’t you think that this is stretching a little bit? You’re living right next to what has to be considered the most dangerous of all wild places! The Everfree Forest spans from here, all the way to the edge of Foal Mountain, over it, and spans even further to Hollow Shades, and all the way down Baltimare and Fillydelphia! There are so many different animals in there that can pop out of there and snag one of your animals and even your sister! What if something happens over at your place and Scoots is there in the middle of it and you’re not able to keep her safe?”

“Dash, I am well aware of the risks that I’m taking in living so close to a forest that can kill a pony before they can really venture into it.” Fluttershy said firmly, locking her stern glare right onto the cyan mare. “I am also aware of what the animals in that same forest that pose many different dangers should Scootaloo be caught in the middle of it. I’m not stupid, nor am I naïve in what I’m doing, and I know exactly what I’m getting myself into.”

“I didn’t say you were-”

“I wasn't done speaking.” Fluttershy said sharply, effectively cutting off the other Pegasus and making her flinch. “And it is because of those same reasons that I’m living so close to the Everfree Forest. So, I can learn all that I know about it, and the animals that live there, and what dangers they may possess. That way, when I do confront front them, I’ll be more prepared for those same dangers, so the chances of me surviving will be heightened. I’m also passing on those very same things onto Scootaloo, so she will also be prepared to face them on her own, should that day come that her friends won’t be able to, should they not be able to.”

Twilight blinked, a look of surprise coming to her face. “You…you are?”

Fluttershy nodded. “I am. I admit, I did decide to live near the Everfree Forest, so I can learn about the animals that live in it, rather than the ones we already know. However, the other reason was the one that I just explained, because these animals are on an entirely different level than the ones that I’m sure all of you know.”

She stepped far away enough so that she was facing all of her friends and the foals. “There are prides of lions the size of Appleoosan Buffalo, with the wings of a dragon and tails of a scorpion, able to breath fire like an actual dragon if they wanted. Draconic and demon-like cats, with the teeth of a Saber Tooth Cat, happy to eat the meat of any plant eating creature after they sliced their throats in half. Raptors the size of houses, that have the ability to control weather like Pegasi do, and are able to snatch large animals off of the ground. Bears larger than the biggest Rhinos with long muscular tails, wings of bats, and mouths full of acidic poisonous saliva that will melt the very meat off your bones with a single bite. Multi-headed snake like sea beasts, that’ll happily gobble you up after they’ve drowned you, lurking deep beneath the swamps, able to breath fire and acid. Large cave dwelling bat-like and den dwelling dog-like creatures that live in groups bigger than any lion pride, ready to snatch you up the second the sun sets and strip you down to bone until every last bit of flesh is gone, and eat your own bones afterwards. Wolves made of wood that’re more than happy to chase you down to the ends of the Everfree itself, and able to go into another form entirely. Felines that run and fly across the plains and skies of the Everfree, looking for prey to chase down from the ground or the air, and don’t even get me started about the dragons that live there too."

Nearby, nearly all of the foals gasped, their eyes widening at the last thing that Fluttershy had just said. They huddled close to one another, their little bodies shaking as they stared up at the buttermilk Pegasus in shocked terror. The only ones who weren’t were Scootaloo, Sheton and Spike, who just looked at them with looks of sympathetically.

“D…d-d-dragons?!” Sweetie Belle squeaked, her leonine tail tucked between her legs. “T-there are r-really dragons inside of the E-Everfree Forest?!”

“Yes Sweetie, there are…many of them than even I can care to count.” Fluttershy nodded, frowning softly at the alabaster filly. “The Dragons in the Dragon Lands and Dragon’s Lair are scary enough, but the ones in the Everfree…are on in an entirely different level. So much so that you really don’t want to meet them unless you know for sure that they won’t harm you, which is highly unlikely.” She looked off to the side. ‘And that’s not even getting started about all of the Everfree animals’ counterparts that’re in the pony free continent of Marelaska or the Forbidden Jungle. I’m so glad that we don’t have to find the Elements there…now that would be really bad.’

“Gosh…Ah knew that y’all would be facin’ a few critters here an’ there when we get int’ that forest, but…land sakes!” Apple Bloom said, looking like she was going to faint. “Y’all have t’ face that many critters, from th’ ground, water, an’ in th’ air?! Ah’m feelin’ dizzy jus’ thinkin’ ‘bout all o’ that, an’ ya ain’t even in th’ forest yet!”

“Same here darling.” Crescent Shield nodded said, using a wing to fan her face. “It looks that our sisters’ work is a lot more cut out for them than we thought it would be.”

“Yeah, we sure do.” Goku said, picking at one of her canines. “Still, as dangerous as the animals in the Everfree Forest are, we really shouldn’t let that deter us. Don’t forget, that all nine of us come from the Secret Seven Clans of Equestria, so that means that we have a much bigger chance in the Everfree than anypony that’s not. Another thing is that one of us has plenty of knowledge about the animals in it, and can tell us what we need to do to ensure nothing to grave happens. One more thing, is that three of us are Thestrals and Kirins, both having powers very equivalent to that of dragons. So, there’s an even bigger chance of us to emerge from the Everfree alive, even if one of us where to go inside there.”

“That…that’s a very well speculated thought there Goku.” Twilight said, a thoughtful look on her face. “Seven of us are from clans, one of us has adequate knowledge of the Everfree, and three of us are Thestrals with the powers of dragons! If we combine all of those traits and accessories, then the risks of us not being able to escape the Everfree Forest will be lowered I think we may have a chance to pull this off!”

“Yeah, we just might be able to!” Pinkie Pie nodded, giving an excited giggle. “You know, I’ve never actually been inside the Everfree Forest myself. I’ve only been told stories by my parents back when I was living on the farm, and Mr. and Mrs. Cake when I moved to Ponyville. So, I never really knew for sure what it was like being inside there.” A wide grin made its way across her face she started bouncing in excitement. “Now I get to experience it for the very first time, and after everything that Fluttershy said about it, I’m even more excited! So many places and animals that I’ve never seen before in my life with all of these super-duper crazy abilities?! Oh, it’s gonna be so much fun!”

“Pinkie Pie, I hardly see what’s going to be fun about getting eaten by so many different creatures in a forest that nopony would dare set hoof into.” Rarity said flatly, sending a deadpan look to the bubblegum pink Earth Pony. “But, I do agree with what our dear Twilight has said. With the power we have, and what Fluttershy knows about the Everfree Forest, I think it can be said that we do have a chance at getting back here as soon as possible.”

“Oh yeah! I’m so ready to kick some Nightmare Moon plot to the end of Equestria!” Rainbow Dash grinned cockily, shooting her right forehoof into the air. “Come on everypony, let’s do this thing!”

“Wait a second!” Twilight cried, encasing the cyan mare in a brilliant raspberry aura to prevent them from taking off. “We can’t just go rushing off, girls. We need to come up with a plan before we take any action. Like where we’re going to enter the Everfree, which path we’re going to take to the Castle of the Two Sisters, and which path we’re going to take back.”

“Not only that…” Midnight said. “…we’re also going to need somepony whose experience in dealing with dangerous situations, and able to hold their own against anything. Somepony from let’s say…the Royal Guard and such.”

“Oh…” Goku said, one of her ears twitching as she blinked. “Well, in that case, we don’t get have Zephyr come with us? He’s from the Solar Royal Guard, and the Third in Command of the entire Day Branch. Not to mention he’s a Kirin like us, and can be really levelheaded and smart when the moment calls for it, and his strength only adds to it. So, I think he should be the one to come with us to give us some extra protection.”

“Uh, are you sure about that G?” Rainbow asked skeptically. “No offense, but that guy didn’t really seem all that strong to me. I mean, sure he was able to last longer than all of those other guards, but like them, he was taken down with just a couple of hits. Is he really the one that you want to come with us to let us know of any danger?”

The next thing Rainbow knew, Goku’s tail was lashing out and wrapping tightly around her neck, as if it was a lasso around a bull’s neck. With a surprised and slightly choked cry, she was yanked down to the ground and forced to look right into the eyes of the tan Thestral.

“Rainbow Dash, I will have you know that Zephyr Dragon Shield Shenron is one of the most elite Solar Guards in the entirety of Queen Celestia’s Day Branch.” She said firmly, her angry cat like golden eyes looking right into Rainbow’s magenta ones. “There is a reason why he is named Third in Command of that very same branch, because he has what it takes to lead, to fight, and to do all that he can to protect his comrades and the innocent. He has the skills, and brains and the level head to do it, and more than enough power to protect both himself, and those around him. Besides my parents, me, my sisters, and eventually, my brother, he has more power than any of us combined than you have in your own two hooves, and if you saw the power than he shows during training, you wouldn’t dare say what you did just now.”

Goku towered over Rainbow Dash, her ears pinned as she bared her fangs at the other mare. “He may have been taken out with just one or two hits, but that was only because Nightmare Moon lucky! I can guarantee you, that the next time he meets Nightmare Moon, he’s going to stand a much better chance against her, even if she is an Alicorn! Now, I’ll let what you just said about Zephyr slide just once, but only because your first impression wasn’t the best thanks to Nightmare Moon treating him as if a mere toy. However, the next time you have anything to say about him, save it until after you’ve seen him in action, or else your fur is going to be a much lighter color of blue. Is that clear?”

Rainbow Dash paled. “C-crystal!”

After giving her another hiss, Goku unwrapped her tail from Rainbow Dash’s neck, allowing her to go free as the latter backed away fearfully. Taking a deep breath, she turned to Twilight and the others with a far softer expression. “Anyway, yeah…I think that Zephyr should be the one to come with us and protect us in the Everfree. No offense to the other Royal Guards but, I’m not exactly as comfortable around them as I am around him. I’d feel a lot safer if it was him and him alone that went in with us while we find the Elements.”

“Same here; besides Goku, her family, my parents, Crescent Shield, Spike, and Moondancer, Zephyr was one of the only other friends that I ever had while living in Canterlot.” Twilight nodded. “No other pony besides them has made me feel safer and more protected, and I feel like it will be really essential in this situation.”

“Are you sure that it’s not because you wanna have your coltfriend around you more?” Rainbow Dash teased, smirking at the lavender Unicorn. “Or maybe because you wanna use the Everfree to have a little night of-”

“Don’t you dare finish that sentence!” Twilight cried, her cheeks rapidly heating up as she glared daggers at the Pegasus. She took a deep breath to calm herself before turning to the others, ignoring Rainbow Dash’s snickering. “Anyway, is there anypony here that objects to this idea?”

“Of course not darling.” Rarity replied, smiling comfortingly at the librarian. “You’re just taking every measurable precaution to ensure that we all survive the dreadful adventure that’s about to take place. So, if you feel that we should have one of the Queen’s Royal Guards come with us, then we shall not object to it.”

“Thank you.” Twilight nodded, looking back over at the three Thestral Kirin sisters. “So, which one of us is going to get him? It’s only been twenty minutes since we left the Town Square and came here, and he may still be over there.”

“I will.” Midnight said, raising a hoof up. “I’m one of the fastest ones of the group, and I know where Ponyville General Hospital is. So, I should be able to get over there and back in record time.”

“Alright then, I’ll leave it to you, big sis.” Goku nodded, before facing Snowflake. “Snowflake, are you going to go with her.”

The mountain blue Thestral shook her head. “No, I’m going to be staying here and look after the foals. As much as I want to go with you little sister, the Queen left you seven specifically in charge of finding the Elements of Harmony. So, I’ll leave it to you to search for them, along with Zephyr.”

“Wait a minute!” Apple Bloom suddenly cried. “Ya mean y’all are jus’ gonna leave us here?! We said wanna help too!”

“Yeah! Can’t we go with you?” Sweetie Belle pouted, looking up at Rarity with pleading emerald eyes. “We wanna help you guys protect Ponyville too!”

“Ah’m sorry Apple Bloom, but that’s jus’ not an option.” Applejack replied firmly with a shake of her head. “While Ah don’t doubt that you an’ yer friends would be a helpin’ hoof under other circumstances, this is somethin’ that we’re gonna have to do ourselves. Besides, th’ Queen did say that there were six, maybe even seven Elements o’ Harmony that needed to be found, ‘n’ there are only seven of us that ’re needed. No offense to you Snowflake, Midnight.” She said, glancing over at the two older Kirin siblings, before looking down at her little sister with a sympathetic expression. “Sorry sugar foot, but yer jus’ gonna have to sit this one out.”

“I’m afraid that Applejack makes a fair point, Sweetie Belle.” Rarity nodded, putting a hoof on her sister’s shoulder. “The situation is already bad enough as it is, and its not going to help us in the slightest if you and your friends put yourselves in danger like this.”

“Same goes for you, Fire Flash.” Rainbow Dash added, crossing her forehooves and giving the crimson filly a soft, yet stern expression. “We appreciate you and your friends’ loyalty to us and wanting to help stop Nightmare Moon, but that really isn’t a good idea. Besides, you saw what happened back at the Town Hall, didn’t you? She made the entire roof cave in and took Queen Celestia down with a single blow, and only reason she was able to do that was because she took the Queen completely off guard! Is that really somepony that you want to tango with? Even if you’re all ridiculously strong for foals your age?”

Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Fire Flash didn’t say anything to this. They just looked at one another, silently contemplating their big sisters’ words as the three mares let what they said sink in. After a full minute of silence, they each hung their heads in defeat, their ears flattening against their heads.

“Yeah…yeah you guys are right. We can’t fight her, even with the powers that we have at our disposal.” Fire Flash sighed, pawing at the ground with her hoof. “We just...we don’t want to sit around and not do anything while you go off to fight and save the world. I mean, just because you guys can defend yourselves doesn’t mean that we can’t! We can fight, too!”

“Mhm… I-I know that we’re just fillies a-and we’re not that experienced in fighting other ponies.” Scootaloo muttered softly, looking up at her sister with her single visible violet eye. “S-still…w-we want to do something…a-anything to help you and your friends big sister…i-instead of just…d-doing nothing.”

“Oh Loo-Loo…come here sweetie.” Fluttershy cooed softly, bringing her little sister into a warm embrace. “I’m sorry that we have to leave you like this so suddenly, and I think that’s its very sweet that you want to help us. Though, I think that Rainbow, Rarity and Applejack have a point…it’s far too dangerous for you all to come with us, especially into the Everfree forest. You and I both know the dangers that it holds, and I pretty sure that the last thing we both want is for you and your friends, Sheton especially to experience that, right?” she asked, looking over at the stormy grey colt.

Scootaloo looked into her big sister’s gentle teal eyes with her one visible eye, before looking over at Sheton and the rest of her friends solemnly. The former gave her a sympathetic expression as her ears flattened against her head. “No…I-I don’t.” she replied quietly.

“Awww don’t give us those faces girls. I know that you and your friends wouldn’t put my little brother in danger like that. I’m very touched that you want to help.” Goku said sweetly. “Be that as it may, I’m going to have to agree with your sisters on this one. I’m sure that you all are very powerful little fillies and can hold your own, but I think you, your sisters and I can all agree that is something way out of your league. So, I think it’d be best if you all just leave this to us and keep yourselves out of trouble, okay?”

“Okay…” Spike said as each of them, minus Sheton, looked down at the ground dejectedly.

“Although…” The tan Thestral continued, making the fillies looked back up at her again. “Just because we don’t need your help our mission, doesn’t mean we don’t want your help at all. If you really do want to help us, I suppose there is something you can do.”

“Really?!” All six foals said in unison as they perked up, their dejected faces being replaced by excitement.

“Goku, what are you doing?” Twilight asked slowly and suspiciously.

“I couldn’t help but notice how well you all got along with Sheton when we met each of you. That’s probably the fastest that I’ve seen him warm up to foals his age. I also found it pretty cute how you all said you were gonna be the best friends you could to him.” Goku said slyly, making four of the five fillies blush. “Because of that, I would like to make a request to you. While we’re gone, I want each of you to stay here make sure that my little brother is safe. It’s not that I think he’ll get himself into trouble or put himself in danger, at least not intentionally. It’s just that, for whatever reason, danger has a way of coming to him when he least expects it to. So, I’m trusting you to make sure that nothing severe happens to him while I’m gone. Can you do that for me?”

For a few moments, the fillies didn’t say anything, just looking up at Goku with wide eyes as she waited patiently for their response. After a moment, they all smiled and gave her vigorous nods, all of them crowding around Sheton.

“You can count on us, Goku!” Apple Bloom replied, eagerly. “We promise, we’ll do whatever it takes to make sure yer brother’s safe! Y’all can count on that!”

"Yeah, and while you're all away, me and Crescent Shield make sure that nothing in the library gets destroyed!" Spike nodded, holding his head up high and giving a sharp and rather adorable salute. "We know how much Twilight loves all these books, and she'd be devastated if even one of them was destroyed!"

“Yeah, she totally would.” Rainbow whispered to Pinkie, making the other mare giggle.

“Shush you.” Rarity admonished quietly.

“So you'll look after my book while I'm gone, will you?" Twilight chuckled dryly, giving her assistant an amused look. "Alright Spike, I'm gonna hold you do that. You are a pretty tough little colt for your age, so I’m positive you can handle yourself. As for you Crescent Shield..." She turned to her little sister, who looked back up at her curiously. "Make sure that Spike doesn't set any of the books on fire while you and the other foals are here with Snowdrop and Midnight, okay? You and I both know he has the tendency to burn them by accident due to him having such and enhance sense of smell. So, be sure to keep my books intake, okay honey?

"Heehee, okay!" The ocean blue filly replied sweetly as Spike's cheeks flushed pink.

“It…it’s not my fault that my sense of smell is so strong.” Spike pouted, his chubby cheeks puffing out as he flicked his tail. “It’s just…something we Kirins have tha we can’t control that’s all. It’s not like I destroy the books on purpose.”

Crescent Shield giggled, planting a kiss on the Kirin colt’s cheek. “I know you don’t Spike, but you know big sis. She doesn’t want to take any chances when it comes to things like her books being destroyed. Don’t get me wrong, she knows you never want to ruin her books, but, you know how it is. Like you said, it’s one of those things you can’t control, which is why Twilight is taking extra precautions to make sure things like that don’t keep happening.”

Spike said, leaning into Crescent’s touch as she affectionately rubbed his head. “Yeah, I know…still, I just feel like I’m being accused of something that I don’t mean to do.” He admitted softly, looking down at the ground dejectedly.

“I know you do Spike.” Twilight cooed. “And we’re sorry if me or Crescent are making you feel that way. Look on the bright side, you may have knack for lighting my books on fire, but you make up for sweetness and being a real cutie!”

At this, Spike’s dragon-like ears perked up as a cute smile came to his face. “I think so too~!”

“See?” Twilight giggled, gently tugging at Spike’s cheek. “Absolutely adorable!”

“Well then, I guess that take care of that.” Goku chuckled, before glancing down at her little brother. “Alright Sheton, big sister’s going to heading out soon with her friends. Be a good little colt and try to stay out of trouble, and to do whatever big sister Snowflake and Midnight say, okay?” She said in a firm, yet gentle tone.

“O-okay sis…I-I-I will.” The stormy grey colt squeaked, giving his big sister a small nod. Suddenly, he galloped over to her and wrapped his forelegs around hers. “Just…please…p-please come back to me alive, big sis. I love you...”

“I love you too sweetheart, and don’t worry. I will come back.” Goku said softly, wrapping a wing around Sheton. After giving him a kiss on the forehead, she slowly broke away from him and turned to face her friends. “Now, is there anything else that any of you need to do before we go? I don’t want to rush any of you, but time is really not on our side right now.”

“Well, there is one thing Ah’d like to do.” Applejack replied, raising her hoof into the air. “Do any of ya mind if we make a quick stop to the barn b’fore we meet up with Zephyr an; head into th’ Everfree Forest? It’s not gonna be fer very long, Ah jus’ need to grab a couple more essentials as all. Ah have a feelin’ we’re gonna be needin’ it.”

“We can do that, just as long as we head straight to Everfree Forest afterword. The sooner we do that, the better.” Goku replied somewhat hastily, earning a quick nod from Applejack. With that said, she looked to the rest of her friends with the same face of fiery determination as she shouted, “Alright everypony, let’s go!”

“Yeah!” They all shouted in unison.

“Good luck you guys!” Fire Flash shouted to the mares. “Show Nightmare Moon who’s boss!”

“You know it Flash!” Rainbow Dash shouted back, as the mares took off into the night.

‘Don’t worry Queen Luna; we’re coming to save you! Just hold on a little bit longer!’ Goku thought as she and her friends made a beeline for Sweet Apple Acres. 'I swear, if it's the last thing we do, we will free you from Miasma's grasp!'

Author's Notes:

Okay, now, the main reason that I had rewritten this chapter is because I saw that the last time that I had done it, it went far too long for my tastes. Most of it was going on about the explanation that Celestia was giving about Nightmare Moon's origins and her connection to her, and how it is that the Dark Queen came to be. The rest of it went onto showing just how the Main Seven was going to handle their journey into the Everfree Forest, and whether or not they were going to go in their alone or have somepony go in their with them to increase their chances of survival. When I went over that scene, I felt that it should be split into another chapter, and have a different name that would show just what that chapter was going to be about, which is exactly what I did here.

Anyway, the reason why I decided to add that little scene with the nurses to have some buildup before we get to that actual part of this chapter. That scene was more or less a bit of a challenge, since I've very rarely been to any hospitals for serous injuries or anything like that, so that was probable the toughest part of the chapter while writing this. I will say this though, Nurse Redheart really needs more screen time, because there are so many stories that show why she's such an amazing nurse, even though we've only seen her a few times out of the whole entire series! Besides the many things I wished for in Season 9 I really hope we get at least one episode of Nurse Redheart, otherwise, the 9th season is not going to feel quite as thrilling as I know it's going to be.

Well, that's all for now! Next time we're going to be making revisit to Celestia in Canterlot City...with an extra scene of her darker counterpart.

Chapter 13 - Rise of the Light and Dark Armies

While Goku and her friends were preparing for journey into the wilds of the Everfree, another event was taking place. In Canterlot City, on one of the many floors of the Royal Canterlot Castle, laid a room bigger than any other section in the building. It had enormous windows that looked to be made from the shiniest and most beautiful of crystals, all of which having art pictures and paintings dating back to ancient times. A large row of pillars lined both sides of the hallways, with the ceiling having beautiful ancient fabric cloths hanging from above.

At the far end of the room, stood an enormous chair with a small stairway leading to it, the lower parts of the chair having little waterfalls and pots of purple flowers on either side. Behind the throne, were two large blue clothes, one having the picture of the land, while the other had that of the air and the sea, with a large glass symbol of the sun hanging from above. This room was known as the Royal Throne Room, the largest room known to be located inside the Royal Castle of Canterlot City. It also belonged to that of the Sun Goddess Queen Celestia Daybringer herself.

The Throne Room wasn’t like any of the other rooms in the Castle; this was a room where everypony would get to see the Queen herself whenever she had the time to. It was for just about anything, be it business, discussing things like trade, peace treaties or alliances. Or it could even simply be for some one on one time with Celestia, something that very few ponies had the luxury of doing.

Or course, that wasn’t to say that there weren’t any guards here, like the countless others set up around the castle. Although, there were usually one or two lined up at the doors, with a long line of them set up down the hallway. There were rarely times where Celestia had the guards all lined up in the exact same place, ready to obey their Queen’s every command. The only times that this happened was during times of a major crisis or when danger was lurking just around the corner. Those time was where every ounce of their strength would be needed to face a deadly foe threating their beloved land. This, much to a certain Sun Goddesses’ dismay, was one of those times.

Queen Celestia loomed over her throne like a Bald Eagle perched over a treetop as each and every single guard gathered in the Throne Room right in front of her. All of the were split into groups that allowed them to be told apart. The first of them were the Solar Guards each of them set in what looked to be the heaviest set of armor anypony had ever scene. All of them were sported with swords and spears that looked to be made from the sharpest of metal. Those that were stallions looked buff and muscular, while the mares, looked to be more lithe, slender and feminine. Despite that, they looked to be just as strong and intimidating as the stallions, looking as deadly as they were elegant. A fearsome combination of strength and speed as one may say as expected in the most elite forces of Equestria.

The second group of guards looked to be just as, if not even scarier, then the ones in front of them, and for very good reason. Unlike the Solar Guards, they were not suited in the same golden armor made for them by Queen Celestia. Their armor that was a darker shade of black and purple, looking to be sharp and pointy, especially on the heads, which had what looked to be fins, while the horseshoes had blades. Some of their coats were a shade or two darker, and cat-like slitted eyes that seemed to shine in the darkness of the Throne Room like a firefly in the night.

Like the Pegasus ponies, all of them had wings, however they did not have the beautiful and majestic feathery texture found on Pegasi. Their wings were twice as big as their Pegasus counterparts, looking to be leathery, like that of a bat’s, yet at very muscular and sharp, giving them the appearance of Bat Ponies. Upon closer inspection, it could be made apparent that they actually were bat ponies, or Thestrals, as their more commonly known. The wing thumbs looked to be sharper than machetes; the edges looking like they could slice through somepony with a single swipe.

Large fluffy looking tufts of fur could be seen on the tips of their ears, adding some semblance of cuteness to their rather dark and frightening appearances. Poking out from the corners of their mouths, looking to be sharper than kitchen knives, were a set of curved fangs. All of them looked to be more than capable of piercing into and ripping out the throat of any living being, eve that of a pony, should they be provoked. These mysterious looking ponies of the night were known the Thestrals, elusive, secretive, and the long thought to be dead followers of Queen Luna Nightwalker herself.

The last group of ponies huddled in the Throne Room, standing at the far right of both the Solar and Lunar Guards, was another group of ponies, all of them being Pegasi. Unlike the last two groups ponies, they were not dressed in either the bright or dark colored suits of armor like the other Pegasi, Unicorns, Earth Ponies or even the Thestrals. They had tight leather black, purple, and yellow uniforms, with a set of flashing yellow goggles to match, with strong athletic frames that looked to be made for quick swift movements, and it did not look like it was restricted to just flying either. This group of ponies were known as the Shadowbolts, another formidable group that was founded by Queen Luna, which also long thought to have faded into ancient times countless centuries ago.

Celestia stared down at all three groups with an expression that remained unreadable, while they all stood to attention, lookin directly back at her. Despite their still postures, the swan their curiosity, confusion as to why they were called here could be sense by the Solar Queen. She could understand why, for this was something that she would not normally do unless it was an emergency, and after what happened at the Town Square, this was the case for one. Despite their nervousness, Celestia knew that she didn’t have any other choice on the matter, and that it needed to be done. This was a matter of the utmost importance, and she could only hope that they would not lose their nerve by what she was about to have them do.

With a soft sigh, Celestia raised a hoof, abruptly silence any murmuring from the ponies down below. Once she was sure they were all quiet, she finally began to speak. “Thank you all for coming my little ponies. I must admit, I did call you all on such short notice, and I apologize if I was interrupting anything that you were doing. To be honest, I wish that I could’ve called you all here on less than urgent circumstances.” She lowered her head as her ears pinned back against her head. “Alas, it seems that fate has other plans for us today…”

At these words, another chorus or murmuring broke through the crowd, all of them wondering just what all the fuss was about. This lasted for a few more minutes before one Solar Guard, this being a Unicorn with greenish brown fur and a silvery mane and tail raised a hoof.

“Um, your Highness…if I may ask, with your permission of course?” The stallion said, earning a nod from the Sun Goddess. “Why is it that you have called us and…them, here today?” He gestured to the Lunar Guards and the Shadowbolts standing next to them, sending them a nervous glance as he did so.

“I have called each and every one of you here for a matter that is of the greatest and utmost importance. One that is possibly greater than any other time that I have called you here.” Celestia replied her lavender eyes scanning each Guard inside the Throne Room. “Before I get into that, I must ask you that you keep as calm and composed as you possibly can. What I am about to tell you may get you all a bit…anxious, if not fearful for your very lives.”

The swan white Alicorn paused, taking a moment to let everypony voice their confusion at these words to one another, before she spoke again. “Not too long ago, while I was in Ponyville, I was just about to begin the annual Summer Sun Celebration and celebrate with my little ponies. Unfortunately, I was not able to, for somepony invaded the Town Square, and attacked me without warning, nearly eliminating me.”

As soon as those words left the mare’s lips, the group of Solar Guards let out loud gasps as they stared at up their Queen. Their eyes widened, and their jaws unhinged, unable to believe what they had just heard her say. The Lunar Guards on the left looked just as taken aback, having obviously not expected to hear this, but they were much more composed than the Solar Guards. The Shadowbolts looked to be the most shocked even though didn’t look like in their goggled and masked faces, though their captain looked a bit more composed.

At first, they believed that she was pulling a humorous prank on them, since, to them at least, it was virtually impossible for somepony as powerful as Celestia to fall so easily at the hooves of somepony else. Upon seeing her solemn expression however, they could see that what their Queen had said was anything but a joke, but something told them that that wasn’t the only shock they were going to get.

“Y-your Majesty…is this true?” Another Solar Guard, this one being a mare, asked tentatively, a disbelieving look on her face. “W-were you really attacked by somepony?”

“Yes, I’m afraid that you all heard me correctly. I was attacked without any provocation at the Town Square in Ponyville.” Celestia said sadly as she put a hoof to her chest. The memories of being stabbed through the chest, electrocuted, flew through her mind, but she cleared it form her head. “As much as I’m ashamed to admit it, I wasn’t able to do anything to stop it, or the destruction that she unleashed afterwards. Believe me when I say this, she left quite a bit of it in her wake, more than I can probably even count. I assume that you are all wondering just who it was that attacked me, are you not?”

None of the guards or Shadowbolts in the Throne Room responded, though many of them did give small nods. Celestia closed her eyes and lowered her head once more, letting out another sigh as she opened her eyes and addressed everypony once more.

“I will tell you, but before I do, let me just say that the pony who attacked me is the reason why I have the Lunar Guards and the Shadowbolts here. For I feel that they will all be much needed for what is to come, especially considering just who they’ll be up against.” The Queen replied, as she began her explanation. “First off, how many of you are aware of the event that took place over one thousand years ago? The day of the Lunar Eclipse?”

At these words, many of the ponies, the Lunar Guards and Shadowbolts especially, gave visible flinches as they all started to shift uncomfortably. Celestia could tell just by reading their body language, that they knew all too well what the Lunar Eclipse was. It was the day that Queen Luna, the Lunar Guard and Shadowbolts’ beloved leader had given into her pain and despair and surrender to the demon that plagued her. Thus leading her to transform into one of the most terrifying villains ever to be known to pony kind.

It was the day that the allied Solar and Lunar forces were divided into two sides, and forced to fight one another. A day that was considered the most destructive, brutal and bloody battle ever to be known in Equestrian history, one that would forever scar the face of Equis. It was also the day that the Goddess of the Moon and ruler of the night was imprisoned onto the very orb that gave the mare her name. The very same one that had now escaped and now controlled once more.

“Yes your Majesty, we do. We know of the Lunar Eclipse, and what came along with it.” Another pony, this one being a Thestral stallion, said softly. “It was the day that our dear beloved Queen of the Night was taken from us by that…blasted demon Miasma Shadowstalker. The very same one that turned our Queen into that monster known as Nightmare Moon.” After taking a moment to collect himself, he looked back up at Celestia curiously. “Why is it that you ask? Is there something about it that we don’t know?”

Celestia gave a slight pause, running a hoof through her ethereal color-changing mane a=s she addressed the Lunar Guard. “Yes, as a matter of a fact there is. I’m sure you all have heard the stories and tales of how I had defeated Nightmare Moon with the Elements of Harmony. Of how I had banished both her and my sister to the Moon for all eternity, correct?” A frown formed on the swan white Alicorn’s face as each of the ponies nodded. “Well, that’s not entirely true. There is actually an old saying on that event, or rather, a prophecy. One that ponies believe is only a myth. It is said that one the thousandth day of the thousandth year, Nightmare Moon’s time on the Moon will come to an abrupt end. The stars scattered all about the cosmos would gather together and aid her in her escape from the Moon. They will take her all across the fragments of outer space, and back to the planet of Harmonia. Where she will extract her revenge, and try to take over the land once more.” She looked down at her front hooves. “My little ponies, I am here to tell you, that prophecy has come true.”

The moment those last words left her mouth, each of the guards went as still as the very castle they were in. For a moment that seemed to stretch on forever, all of the ponies just staring at their Queen as if she had said the world was about to end. That Lunar Guards and Shadowbolts looked just as, if not even more flabbergasted by what the Sun Goddess had said, and they wondered if they had heard her right. Celestia said nothing, just looking down at her guards with a composed expression, showing them she was not joking around. Eventually they did, and when one of them spoke, this being a Shadowbolt Pegasus stallion. When it did, it sounded like he had seen the one thing he feared the most in his nightmares.

“The…the prophecy has…c-come true? M-my Queen, are you meaning to tell is that N-Nightmare Moon has…returned from her imprisonment?” He said with a stutter, his eyes widening with just the slightest bit of fear. “By Faust...if that’s true…then that means…”

“Yes my little ponies.” Celestia said as she raised her head and spread her vast wings, already knowing what the guard was about to ask before he even asked it. “The Lunar Eclipse has begun once more, and Nightmare Moon Nocturnis has returned.”

Complete, utter, and deafening silence was all that could be heard throughout the entire throne room. Many of the guards and Shadowbolts could be seen shaking slightly as they looked to one another, speaking in hushed tones and quiet whispers. Only their leaders looking be in control, yet even they looked to be scared. Celestia took in all their terrified expressions as her own features softened once more. Lowering her head and folding her wings, she let her posture became more relaxed, before continuing to speak.

“I see that you all are very terrified of this, since it’s been over a thousand years since it had last happened. I do not blame any of you in the least for feeling what you are feeling now. Why wouldn’t you be afraid? Anypony would, especially when the one pony who took my sister had threatened to shroud all the land in Eternal Darkness.” Celestia said with a slight chuckle. It lasted for no more than a few seconds before it was replaced with a frown as the swan white Alicorn looked each of her guards in the eyes. “Be that as it may, I am afraid that I must ask you all to bury that fear away deep inside your hearts. It is not just your lives that are at stake her, but also the lives of your supposed families, me, and just about every other pony here.”

She slowly rose form her throne and slowly began to make her way towards the stairs, her mane and tail skirt flowing behind her. Her hooves made soft thumping sounds as she kept her gaze locked on everypony in the Throne Room. “I am asking all of you, not just, as your Queen, or as this lands ruler, but as a fellow pony, to swallow whatever fear you have, and rise up together. To be prepared to protect not only yourselves, or the ones you love, but this very land itself. So that you may all live to see and fight another day, and right to free my sister from the darkness that plagued her and bring her back into the light? Are you all prepared for fighting, not for yourselves, but your loved ones, me, and my dear sister?”

As she made her way to the bottom of the stairs, Celestia flared her majestic wings taking regal, and rather intimidating, posture. “Are you prepared to face what may be the most powerful, dangerous, and deadliest foe that has ever come to pass, and protect those you love? So that they can all live to see the Sun rise once more, even at the potential cost of our own lives?” The swan white Alicorn asked, looking each and every one of her soldiers straight in the eyes.

For a few moments, none of the guards said anything, apprehensive expressions on their faces as they fidgeted on the spot. Celestia could practically feel it radiating off of them, along with what she thought was a small sense of hope, as she waited for their response. A small part of her expecting them to decline the offer, to back out of what she was assigning them to do, instead of agreeing to fight. It was the same thing she asked Goku and her friends to do back at the Golden Oaks Library when she offered them the choice to becoming the next bearers of the Elements of Harmony. This theory was proven wrong, when the guards’ fearful expressions wore off replaced by ones of determination as they all stood to attention.

“Queen Celestia, we’d be more than happy to assist you into bringing down the monster that took your sister. We’re also more than prepared to fight by your side if that’s what it takes.” One Solar Pegasus Guard said with sharp salute. “That is what you trained us for after all.”

“I believe you mean, what her and her sister have trained us for?” A Lunar Guard asked dryly, looking over at the Solar Guard. “All misinterpretations aside, I do have to agree with you. As loyal as we are to our beloved Queen Luna, that does not mean that we’re not prepared to fight alongside her sister should the moment call for it. Isn’t there a rule stating in the Royal Guard Rule Book that no group of soldiers should obey the other Queen unless one of them is out of commission or unable to take charge?”

“You’ve got that right, buddy!” A slightly raspy, masculine voice said from the far back as a Shadowbolt Pegasus stallion with a dark brown crimson streaked mane took to the air. “It doesn’t matter which one we’re following! Anypony who messes with either of the Queen’s, is going to have to answer to us! Nopony messes with the Queens when we’re around! Am I right guys?!”

“Yeah!” Many of the other Shadowbolts replied, giving the mare hoof pumps and pats on the back as the guards all gave nods of agreement.

Celestia looked over at all the ponies in front of her, a small, relieved smile plastered on her face. She slowly folded her majestic wings back to her sides as her lavender eyes shone with gratitude. “Thank you…you have no idea how relieved I am to hear you all agree to help me go through with this. I figured that you would be discouraged when I told you just what we’d be up against. It seems I underestimated just how dedicated and loyal you all are, a grave mistake on my part. Who knows? If things go according to plan, my sister will be saved, and you’ll get to see your Queen again after so long.” She looked over at the Lunar Guards and Shadowbolts with fondness as she said this. Taking another deep breath, her expression became serious once more as she spoke one more, her voice echoing across the Throne Room.

“Solar Division Captain Shining Armor Twinkleshine Sparkle! Lunar Division Captain Moon Blade Ketsuekikiba! Shadowbolt Captain Violet Fire Kindheart Rosario! All of you, please step forward!”

Once those words were spoken, one pony from the Solar division stepped forward, while another from the Lunar Division, and the Shadowbolt flock flew from their respective parties. All three of them stood within a few hooves’ length of the Queen, giving brief bows to her, before holding their heads held high, waiting for her orders.

The first pony standing right in the middle of the group of three was a Unicorn stallion. He had a coat that was paler than the brightest of snow covering the highest mountain peak, with just a tinge of grey. His mane and tail skirt were long, a deep sapphire blue color with moderate and phthalo blue streaks in them, covered by a large helmet. His eyes were a deep shade of moderate cerulean, and his Cutie Mark was that of a large sapphire blue shield with a large six-pointed purple star, with three smaller grayish blue stars floating above it. He wore golden and yellow armor that looked to be in the shape of a saddle, with a hole at the back for his long leonine tail to move freely about. Right in the center of his chest, was the same six-pointed star as the one on his shield Cutie Mark. This stallion was known as Shining Armor Twinkleshine Sparkle, the Captain of the Royal Solar Guard Division.

The second pony standing at the right of the stallion looked to be a Bat Pony, with some slight differences. It was another stallion, a coat that was even whiter than the Unicorn stallion’s, almost frighteningly so. It shone so much that it seemed to glow in the light of the Moon, giving him the appearance of a ghost that had rose from its grave. His mane and tail skirt were long, just centimeters away from touching the ground, looking to be blacker than the deepest and darkest of underground pits. His eyes had the deepest color of red ever discovered, and when they were looked into, it was like staring into an endless sea of blood. His wings were huge, looking to be much stronger than those of the Lunar Guards, with the membranes stretching all the way down to his rump and tail fins. The Cutie Mark of a sword covered in a purple starry mist could be seen shining on his flank, and a set of dagger-like fangs could be seen poking out of his mouth, looking to be as longer than the other Thestral’s. This stallion was known as Moon Blade Ketsuekikiba Murasame, the Captain of the Royal Lunar Guard Division.

The last pony, standing at the left of the Unicorn stallion, was a Pegasus mare, and a rather beautiful one. She was covered in the same dark purple uniform as the other Pegasi sitting in the far back, indicating that she was a Shadowbolt. That did not however, leave anypony clueless as to what her fur color was, since her whole face and head was clearly visible looking to be black than ink. Her silky black mane and tail were very long, settling into a small pile next, with deep indigo highlights right at the tips and edges. The mare’s eyes were a beautiful golden yellow color, which seemed to give a slight shin. They looked strong, bright, radiant, and held an air of kindness, gentleness, and assertiveness that would’ve made Fluttershy either extremely proud or extremely jealous.

Her wings were as big as the Thestral’s, with a combination of inky black and indigo feathers, with her tail feathers, poking just out of her suit. Unlike the Unicorn and bat-winged stallion, her Cutie Mark could not be seen, being covered by her dark purple and black suit, though nopony really questioned it. Like Moon Blade, she also had a roseray hanging from her neck, with a blood red eye in the center, attached to her dog-like color, and a long chain. This mysterious, yet beautiful looking mare was known as Violet Fire Kindheart Rosario, the Captain of the elusive Shadowbolts.

“How may we be of service, your Highness?” Shining Armor asked respectfully, his deep voice rumbling from out of his throat.

“As the three of you are already aware by now, you are by far the top three strongest ponies here. More than capable of handling even the toughest of foes. Because of that, I have chosen you three to be the ones to lead your fellow soldiers and have them help you follow the task that I am going to assign you with.” Celestia replied, looking at each of them intently. “Captain Shining Armor, I want you and your troops to head down to Ponyville and keep the ponies there safe from any harm that may come to them. If there are any that are wounded and in need of help, feel free to have your best medics assist those that needed. I would also like you to have your most trusted soldier send some of your troops in the Everfree Forest to me and my sisters abandoned castle. It is to assist another group that I have sent in to find the Element of Harmony, so they can defeat Nightmare Moon.”

“As you command, your highness.” Shining Armor replied, giving a bow to the Solar Queen.

“Captain Moon Blade, I want you and your troops to assist Captain Shining Armor and his group in any way that you can. Have some of your troops patrol the skies so they can alert you of any danger that may come above. I would also like you to have one of your own soldiers lead his own batch of troops into the Everfree Forest to do the same thing as well for the ones who’ll defeat Nightmare Moon”

“As you wish, your Majesty.” Moon Blade replied, his voice low and refined as he too took a bow.

“Captain Violet Fire, you and your will take to the skies and head straight to the Everfree Forest as well, and assist the Solar and Lunar Guards that will be there.” Celestia before giving a slight pause. Her eyes widened slightly, as if she had remembered something important, before looking down at Violet Fire “Oh, and while you are at it, I would also like you to send one of your fellow Shadowbolts up to Cloudsdale and give note to Wonderbolt Captain Spitfire on what is going on, and see if you can get her and her troops to assist in protecting Ponyville as well.”

“It shall be done, my Queen.” Violet Fire replied, her tone softly and gently as she also gave a bow.

“Does everypony understand what they are now supposed to do?” Celestia asked, looking around the room one final time. She was given a chorus of nods, and the swan white Alicorn let out a deep exhale. “Good. You are to leave immediately, for there is no time to waste. The sooner we get to the Castle of the Two Sisters, the better, now go!”

Not needing to be told twice, the Guards, and Shadowbolts all filed out, leaving Celestia to stand in her Throne Room in silence. After another few minutes, she let out a sigh as she looked out the window at the now blank Moon floating in the night sky. She stared at it for a time, as if trying to see the black blotch that used to be there, before making her way towards the exit of the Throne Room.

‘So…it’s finally happened, hasn’t it, Luna? The day that you would return and try to take over the land once again…and extract your revenge against me.’ The swan white Alicorn thought as she closed her eyes for a few moments in reminiscence, before it morphed into one of determination. ‘Fear not sister, I may have failed to save you a millennium ago, but that doesn’t mean that I will fail a second time! I’ve taken all the necessary precautions I needed to ensure that history does not repeat itself.’

She looked up at the ceiling at the many fabric made symbols of the Sun and the Moon made for her, feeling a small stab of pain go through her chest. ‘It won’t be long before Elements are reawakened, and you are finally freed from Miasma’s grasp at last. After that, I’ll finally have you back by my side once more.’

With that goal set in mind, Celestia exited out of the Throne Room, encasing the giant entrance doors in an aura of golden yellow magic. With a loud resounding slam, she shut the doors behind her, leaving the Royal Throne Room in complete silence.

As the Solar Queen prepared for the destructive battle that was soon to come, another event was taking place in one other area. Unlike in Ponyville or Canterlot City however, it was in a place that nopony had ever inhabited for the last millennium. It was an environment that nopony dared to step inside, due to the many dangers that it held. Unlike the many towns and cities that adorned Equestria, this was a forest, and not just any type of forest either. It was a forest unlike any other that had ever been discovered before, one that only the brave, or the foolish, or the experienced would dare set hoof in. One that would make any other wilderness, other than one, look like a wonderland in comparison.

The Everfree Forest.

This forest was not like any of the other wild places found in any other part of Equestria, or in any other place beyond that. The Everfree Forest was a wilderness unlike any other, filled with many different animals, and even plants that would more than likely kill a pony on first sight. It was a forest with trees looking bigger than they should be, with dense bushes and woodlands that would easily be used as a hiding place. The animals roaming through the bushes, skies, and plains of it had many different strengths and abilities that made them fiercer than the other. All around it, the weather was unpredictable, changing in ways that would be catastrophic for any towns and cities that would be in it. That, and the wild and chaotic magic that the whole forest gave off gave anypony that walked in the forest the feeling of being watched. It was for these reasons alone that nopony entered it for any reason, and had their children stay away from it as best they could; least they be eaten or lost, or potentially die in the forest.

These reasons mattered very little to the pony that could currently flying through the trees, the ones that were at a normal height other than the behemoths. Her misty mane and tail billowed behind her as her bat wings flapped silently through the air. Her draconic eyes shine brightly in the near pitch-black darkness of the forest, the Moon being the only thing giving any light to the forest whatsoever. Her fur, blacker than any sin, seemed to merge perfectly with the shadows of the Everfree as she glided her way through them. Her bat-like ear took in any sounds of any animal that was sent her way, from roars, to bellows, to ear piercing screeches, and chirps and bleats of any nearby plant eaters.

“I can see that this place hasn’t changed in the slightest the last time that I’ve been here.” Nightmare Moon said to herself, her fangs glistening as she smirked to herself. She closed her eyes and let herself feel the magic flowing throughout the jungle-like woodlands. “Hmmm, yes, I can feel the magic flowing through this forest quite nicely. I can certainly see why that little Lunar Queen of a mare liked being around it and why her meddlesome sister didn’t. It’s just so wild, so raw, so…dark and bloodthirsty; exactly my cup of tea if I do say so myself. No wonder Celestia couldn’t stand to be anywhere near it whenever they did travel through here. Hmph, only goes to show just how much of a weak mare she was inside, unlike her dear little sister.”

Laughing to herself, Nightmare Moon gave another few hard flaps of her wings, pulling herself higher into the air and going past the giant trees. It didn’t take very long before she found herself at the very top of the forest of giant trees, allowing her to see the fast number of trees and the mountains beyond. As she looked up, she could see the night sky glittering with the stars that were twinkling above her. Right in the middle of the sky, the Moon cast her in it’s pure white glow, bringing a warm comforting feeling to the Alicorn. A peaceful expression made its way to her face, a content sigh leaving her as she closed her eyes in relief. It didn’t leave her face for a few moments, even as the sound of screeching birds and the clapping of thunder echoed about the sky above her.

“My, this forest has grown quite a lot in the last thousand years, hasn’t it?” The sin black Alicorn murmured to herself as she looked around the air. “It wasn’t quite this big when I was still here, with nowhere near this number of animals. Of course, with a magical and chaotic forest like this, I suppose I can’t really expect it to not grow at least this large. It would seem that these dear creatures have gotten quite busy after me and my sister had left.”

In the midst of her observation of the giant forest around her, Nightmare Moon noticed out of the corner of her eye, a large and somewhat demolished building. At first, she didn’t recognize it, but as it began to come into view more, something clicked inside of her mind.

“No way…it can’t be!” She said as she observed the building. “That can’t possibly be the castle that I’m looking for!”

As Nightmare Moon flew closer to the ruined building in front of her, she could see that it was indeed the castle she was trying to find. This castle being the thousand-year-old abandoned Castle of the Two sisters, the castle that Queen Celestia and Luna once shared with one another. The castle looked, for the lack of a better word, in utter ruins, yet still looked to be standing, despite nearly all of it being gone. A large portion of the castle missing with one two smaller towers on either side that were still on peek condition, even after all the time it was left behind. Thick coats of algae were growing on random parts of the castle, and a few or so trees could be seen growing around it from the inside and outside. Some distance away from the castle, was a large dirt trail that led to a fallen bridge that was supposed to have connected to the other split part of the earth. Said bridge however, was nowhere in sight, looking to be hanging right into the pit that separated the castle form the rest of the forest surrounding it.

“Oh dear, it would seem that me and my sister’s old castle has taken some damage while we were gone.” Nightmare Moon muttered, a frown coming to her black muzzle. Her eyes scanned around it, taking in the cracks, holes and destroyed towers that were no longer in sight. “It looks like I’m going to have to use more or my magic to fix it than I thought…oh well.”

Shrugging to herself, Nightmare Moon folded her wings halfway and descended towards the edge of the ground where her castle was. Spreading them out, she hovered in the air for a few moments before landing on the ground with a soft crunch of the grass. She exhaled her nostrils and walked over to the castle, using her magic to open the large double doors, which allowed her to see the inside of the old castle. Her turquoise eyes were greeted with the sight of the large hallways, and the multiple rooms adoring the sides of it. There was also old paintings and ancient art of the Sun and the Moon hanging off of the sides of the hallway. At the far end of the hallway, was a single large door, having torn fabric and broken windows of the Sun and the Moon on either side of the door and above it.

Nightmare Moon stared at the pictures and windows with an unreadable expression for some time. As if trying to contemplate whether she was happy to see pictures of her Moon, or upset that the symbols of the Sun were there also. As she walked down the hallway, she looked around at the fabric pieces that had the same pictures that had the signs of what use to be a castle belonging to two sisters. A look of revulsion came to Nightmare Moon’s face as she took in the sights of the Sun and the Moon rising with one another, as if merging day and night with each other. Just seeing such pictures gave the mare half a mind to just ignite them on fire and burn them until there wasn’t a trace of them left. To erase any trace that Celestia had left the day she and Nightmare Moon had clashed, and the former had banished her to her beautiful Moon, and left her to rot for one thousand whole years.

‘Get ahold of yourself Nightmare, now is not the time to be worrying over such trivial things.’ The sin black Alicorn thought to herself, giving a slight shake of her head. ‘You have far more important matters to attend to…like getting rid of those meddlesome mares that my sister sent to stop me, eliminating her, and taking my place as the rightful Queen of Equestria.’

Snorting, Nightmare Moon opened the door to the old Throne Room with her magic and walked inside, taking in the sight of the gigantic room inside. She looked around at the large walls having the large clear windows on either side, and the twin thrones sitting atop the stairs at the room’s far end. Finally, she looked up at the roof, which was devoid of the large encasement of glass that used to be there when the castle was still in peek condition. As she walked towards them, she sensed an incredibly powerful surge of magic just beneath her feet, making her freeze in place. The fur on her neck bristled as she bared her fangs, her draconic eyes slowly training down to the floor beneath her. A huge square lid could be seen under both of Nightmare Moon’s bare forehooves, encasing the one thing that had given Celestia the upper hoof in their fight. The seven weapons that led to Nightmare Moon’s imprisonment to the Moon for countless centuries, and would soon be used to stop her once more.

“So…my sister’s precious Elements are still here, are they?” Nightmare Moon asked herself, stepping away from the lid in the floor. “How surprising, I would’ve expected her to take them with her after she defeated me. It would seem that I was wrong in that factor…perhaps she hasn’t always relied on them to finish the job after all. It would seem she has grown some backbone over the last thousand years. Still, I wonder just how intact they are after all this time.”

Curiosity peeked, Nightmare Moon ignited her sword-like horn with magic and encased the lid in an aura of turquoise magic. She encased the square lid in the same aura and pushed it open revealing something large to be inside of the hole. Nightmare Moon pursed her lips and encased the large objects inside of the hole in the floor. With little to no effort, she pulled whatever was in the floor out into the open, making the ground rumble and shake as she did so. When the object was pulled out into full view Nightmare Moon took a few steps back to take a good look at it, and felt her eyes widen in shock. Towering above her was a large pillar having vines on either side of it, with long metal arms, each one going higher than the last. At the end of each those metal arms, sat large spheres holding the craving of gemstones in the middle of them. In the very center of that same pillar, was an even bigger pillar that had the engraving of a star, the only gemstone that seemed to have any type of shape out of the others.

For a moment or two, Nightmare Moon stood rooted in place, staring wide eyed at the large spheres sitting on the giant pillar before her. Out of all the things that she expected to find underneath the Element’s Secret Chambers, this was the last thing she believed that she was going to see. The weapons that Celestia had used to win against their fight going from their beautiful gem like appearances, to nothing more than large dusty spheres of cement. Once the sight fully sunk in, Nightmare Moon blinked, icy chilling laughter erupted from within her.

“Oh my Faust, is this really how lazy you have gotten, Celestia?!” Nightmare Moon exclaimed, nearly toppling over in her laughter. “I knew you were naïve, but now I can see that you are just plain idiotic! I would’ve thought that you were at least a bit smarter than that; leaving the Elements in such poor condition where they can so easily be destroyed!” After several more seconds of cold icy laughter, Nightmare Moon composed herself, and looked back up at the seven spheres with a wide fanged grin. “This makes my job so much easier, especially those seven little mares are the ones who’re going to be looking for it. Oh, I cannot wait to see the looks of utter despair on their faces when I shatter the Elements right in front of their eyes! Oh, this is going to be so much more fun than I thought it would be!”

Letting out another laugh, Nightmare Moon flew over the encased Elements to the two thorn chairs sitting at the top of the stairs in front of her. She eyed them for a moment, as if trying to figure out just what she was going to do with them, while going about with her plan. Draconic eyes glowing brightly, she ignited her horn, and fired off a large beam of magic at both of them, demolishing both chairs in the process. Smiling in satisfaction, she from the destroyed chairs and walked over to the Element Pillars that were still standing out on full display. She encased it and the Elements and pillar the were sitting on and lowered them back down into the floor, flipping the lid back over them with a loud clank.

“There, that takes care of that little problem.” Nightmare Moon said to herself as she stood just in the middle of the Throne Room. “Now for the next part…I don’t know if this’ll be able to work or not, given how much power this’ll take. Then again, I’ve had over ten centuries perfect this, along with so many other spells, so I think it’ll go off without a hitch.”

Closing her eyes, the turquoise aura of magic surrounded her, lighting up the entire room as it did so. It grew larger and more powerful in strength, the same streaks of it flowing about the room as clouds of dust swept all over. This went on for a few moment, Nightmare Moon’s aura growing in intensity as she prepared to unleash the power behind it. Suddenly, her draconic eyes snapped open, and with a neigh that echoed about the entire castle, she reared up and slammed her forehooves down.

The effect was immediate.

The millisecond that Nightmare Moon’s hooves touched the ground, a wave of magic washed over the floor, along with the entire room. The dusty stone-grey grounds and walls of the old throne room turned into a beautiful bright icy blue color that was smoother than silk. Cracks in the floor vanished, replaced by smooth and cool icy floors, looking to be see through. Broken and demolished windows torn away replaced by new ones having pictures of a nocturnal landscape, with the Moon hovering high above them. Behind the sin black Alicorn, a brand-new throne was being made, replacing the two ones that she had just destroyed.

The other rooms, hallways, and the exterior of the castle was also being repaired as well, other than the old throne room Nightmare Moon was currently in. The old fabric and imprints of the Moon were replaced were new icy glistening ones, while the ones of the Sun were demolished and disintegrated. Even the floor was given a beautiful gleaming white and blue color, with a giant crescent moon in the center. Outside, the large and small towers and smaller sheds were also being repaired, becoming much bigger. The castle itself also grew in size, becoming twice as big as the Castle of the Two Sisters, consisting of different twilight colors, with a few parts of it being blue and black. It grew so large that it could easily be seen across the wide-open plains outside of the castle, and the glow it gave off thanks to the Moon made it easily spotted. To top the appearance of the new castle off, a long icy white trail slithered across the ground. It went from the double door entrance, all the way down to where the bridge was, where a large icy bridge formed, replacing the old one.

Back inside the newly reformed Throne Room, Nightmare Moon stood in place, the curled bang of her ethereal made shadowing her eyes. She made no other movements, nor did she speak a word as the aura of power around her slowly vanished. Her mane and tail floated behind her as her eyes slowly opened, taking in the newly made sight of her castle. Another smile came to her face as she took in the new castle’s beauty, everything looking to be to her liking.

“Oh my…that turned out even better than I thought that it would.” Nightmare Moon said jovially, as she ruffled her wings. She looked up at the newly fixed roof, and smiled up at the large icy lantern having numerous crescent and full moons on it. “I’ve that picture in my head for so long of what I wanted my own castle to look like, and now, after a thousand years, I’ve finally done it. Now, all that’s left is to create my little dark army. I have no doubt that my sister will be coming here with her own, so I think that it’s only fitting that make my own for her.”

Closing her eyes, Nightmare Moon ignited her horn an in aura of magic, but instead of it being in the color of her eyes, it was the color of her fur. She lowered her head and let the tip of it touch her floor, letting the magic spread all throughout it. Thick wisps and blotches of solid black magic began to rise from the floor, as if they were corpses rising from the grave. They slowly began to take forms and bodies, distorted at first, but soon ones that belonged to that of an equine, almost twice the size of one.

Fur, manes, tails, and eyes of many different colors began to form on them, only there’s were far darker. One other thing drastically different about this army shadow ponies was that they had appearances like that of a Thestrals, except more sinister looking. Their wings were bigger, lined with larger curved claws, their fangs were not too far off from that of a saber tooth cat’s, and their ears were actually that of a bat’s designed for special hearing. Some of them even had horns, rivaling Nightmare Moon’s and length, and were curved in the same sinister fashion as Sombra’s. Their leonine tails lashed behind them like whips as they let out hisses that could freeze even the warmest blooded of creatures. Their fangs gleamed as bright as their armor as their glowing slitted eyes stared back at their Queen, who stared back at all of them fondly.

“My dear Nightmare Army children, it is so wonderful to see you all again, even if it has been a rather short time.” Nightmare Moon cooed, as if she were speaking to a group of young foals. “I honestly never thought that the day would come where you’d all be able to shine along with me. It would seem that fate has other plans for all of us, as it did with my freedom from by beautiful moon.”

The army of bat winged Nightmare Ponies all let out a chorus of hisses as they all stared back at their Queen in utter adoration. Their fangs stuck out like twin pick axes as they all smiled at her, their bat ear twitching every so often.

“Now my children, before we get down to business, there is something that I’d like to ask you all.” Nightmare Moon said, holding a hoof up to silence the hissing and murmuring. “Do any of you know what I have called you here for?”

A stretch of silence washed across the Lunar Throne Room, with all of the Shadow Ponies looking at one another in confusion. Nightmare Moon watched on in amusement as they tried to contemplate just what their Queen, or rather, their mother, had created them for.

“Of course, you wouldn’t. Only a select few of you know of the mission that I plan to give you all by this day’s end. For those of you who don’t know, you may have forgotten about it. No worries about that; allow me to tell you so you can make more sense of what is going on.” Nightmare Moon said, lowering her hoof as she cleared her throat. “Over a millennium ago, I had tried to take back my place as the ruler of this land, after somepony that I had once considered by family betrayed me. We ruled aside one another for countless of centuries, vanquishing foe after foe and keeping peace in the land that you know find yourselves in now. It was a peaceful time, until our dear subjects started to turn against me, and this pony that I use to rule with did nothing to help me. She let me wallow in my pit of despair, and did nothing to protect me from the wrath and the prejudice of my subjects, never noticing what was happening to me until it was too late. This pony, is Queen Celestia Daybringer, my dear, and soon to be dead, sister.”

The moment those last words left her mouth, the entire Nightmare Pony Army went dead silent, their gleaming draconic eyes staring back widely at their Queen. The sin black Alicorn watched them all intently, seeing the recognition that was slowly coming to their faces. As quickly as the shock came, it was replaced with looks of fury and anger, which was reflected off of the sinister black aura radiating form off of their bodies.

“Yes, my dear children, it was my very own sister that betrayed me, and left me to rot at the hooves of our, or rather, her, adoring subjects. Worst of all, she saw it happen right in front of her eyes, yet she did nothing to help me, her own sister. She only offering measly words of encouragement that did nothing to help me in the predicament that I was in, and by the time she realized just how far gone I was, it was too late.” Nightmare Moon explained as she closed her eyes, memories from over one thousand years ago swimming across her mind. Letting out a ground rumbling growl, she opened her eyes and looked back up at her Nightmare Army. “I didn’t think it could get any worse than what it was all those centuries ago. All the constant backlash, accusations, and attempts to attack me and even take my life, and being looked at as if I was a demon from Tartarus. All of it was so horrible, so much so that I didn’t think it could get any worse…and then, one day, it did.”

Nightmare Moon’s lips curled back, her pure white vampiric fangs gleaming in the darkness of the new Throne Room, as she began to shake. Her eyes squeezed shut for a moment as she snorted so hard that blue fire flew from her nostrils.

“Pushed to the brink of insanity, and on the very edge of madness, I had finally managed to find some semblance of happiness that I had tried to grasp for so long.” Nightmare Moon said, her voice softening as she looked down at the ground. “It was so wonderful, so blissful. It was at such a degree that I had completely forgot about everything around me, and focused only one that one thing that made me so happy. The one thing that brought a smile on my face and brought my heart more joy than any admirer of my night. I was so consumed with joy that I did not see my sister plotting my behind me back to take it away, and by the time I realized it…it was too late.” Her head rose up, and all of the Nightmare Army actually flinched back at seeing the furious, and absolutely anguished look on their Queen’s face. “I happened so unexpectedly that I was unable to stop it, and I have no idea of when it happened either. By the time I realized that had happened and who had done it, there was nothing that I could do about it…and that happiness that I felt, the one that I finally had after so long, was gone. It was whisked away like a mere speck in the wind just like that…which is why, Celestia must pay, and she must fall!”

Nightmare Moon suddenly flared her wings, sending out a powerful gust of wind throughout the room as she stood tall and proud in front of her magical army. “For too long, Celestia done me wrong, and evaded punishment that should’ve been inflicted when she began to turn against me. She has taken away all the love and respect that I should’ve gotten as well and kept it all to herself. She has ignored my cries for help, left me at the mercy of those who hated me, put her own subjects before me, and taken away the small inkling of happiness I thought that I would always have. Now on this night, she will finally face retribution for her crimes, and pay for all the suffering she has let be inflicted upon me. Tonight, this battle will mark the dawn of a new Era my children; the Era of the Darkness, the awakening of the Full Moon, and the rise of Eternal Night!”

A multitude of screeches and draconic roars broke out form inside Nightmare Moon’s Throne Room as the sin black Alicorn’s Nightmare Army went wild. The sinister aura surrounding their bodies grew and vibrated with intensity as their power went about uncontrollably. Nightmare Moon once again raised a silencing hoof, and just like that, all was quiet, and the Nightmare Army went silent once more.

“I am glad that you wish to aid me in this plot for revenge and my rise as the new Queen my children, this certainly pleases me a great deal.” Nightmare Moon praised raising an eyebrow down at her army. “I must honestly admit, I was never expecting you all to get this riled up, but I most definitely understand where you’re all coming from. You are all my precious creations after all, so that means you share everything with me; my powers, my memories, my feelings…even my hatred towards Celestia and her wretched day.”

At the last few words, the bat winged, saber fanged magic manifested ponies all let out more hisses and growls. Their eyes gleamed brightly as their tails lashed out, some stomping on the ground while others horn’s gleamed, looking ready to fire off powerful spells. Thankfully, any unnecessary damage to Nightmare Moon’s new Throne Room was prevented by the sin black Alicorn herself, who stomped on the ground a couple of times. They all stood to attention again, waiting for any orders that their Queen was going to give them.

“Now then, I believe that you should all go and prepare yourselves for the battle that is soon to come my dear children.” Nightmare Moon said sweetly, honey dripping from her words. “In the meantime, your dear mommy’s going to get ready herself. I have a feeling that it’s going to leave quite a scar on this forest…in more ways than one.”

Bearing wide and sinister smiles, each of the Nightmare Army ponies gave nods of obligement before they all began to give of sickly black auras. One by one they each sunk into the ground, leaving large holes of blackness in their wake, before they disappeared as well. Soon, there was no trace of their existence anywhere in the Throne Room, and Nightmare Moon was left there in complete silence once again.

“Well, that went much better than I thought that it would. For a moment there I didn’t think that I wouldn’t be able to pull it off, but it seems that I managed to pull it off without a hitch.” Nightmare Moon said, letting out a sigh. “Now, just one more thing…time to let my dear little children out to play…”

The aura of black magic appeared around her horn once again as she touched the smooth blue ground. Seven pits of pure blackness appeared, and six figures slowly rose from them, all of them having the shape and forms of ponies. They were covered in aura so dark that it was nearly impossible to identify them, but as they faded, it the appearances soon became crystal clear. A moment later, Nightmare Moon deactivated her magic and lifted her head to face the seven ponies in front of her, looking pleased at what she saw.

Five of the six ponies that were standing in front of her were Pegasi, with the last one being an Alicorn, very much like Nightmare Moon was. Although they matched each other’s height and size, but there were some significant differences that deeply contrasted them form one another. Several of the ponies were covered in suits that were black almost all over. There were also the outlines of a rather beautiful multitude of stars, just like the ones found in the Milky Way Galaxy. It was as if they were wearing the very galaxy itself, due to how the Pegasi’s suits seem to twinkle brightly in the room.

Where their masks were, they were shade a deep midnight blue, also having the same stars within the larger part of the suit, with the same being where their hooves were. In between those two colors, where a line of pure white stars going around their necks, and hooves, preventing the colors form merging into one another. Right where their Cutie Marks were supposed to be, was the symbol of the Milky Way Galaxy, with a golden white star right in the middle.

Another thing that was noticeable about the five Pegasi was the dark and vibrant colors of their manes, tails, and muzzles that stuck out from within their suits. The first one, in the middle, was a mare, with a royal blue mane and tail and a light blue coat, and deep peru red eyes that were lighter than Moon Blade’s. The second pony at the right side of her was a stallion with a spikey cyan mane and tail, with streaks of white in the center of the. His muzzle was very pale grey color, with what looked to be a scar on the left side of his mouth, and he had a pair of sea green eyes. The third pony on the left side of the first one was a mare with a deep shade of bluish-purple fur, a lighting shaped bluish violet mane and tail. Her eyes were a very pale lavender, and there even looked to be volts of electricity dancing about her mane and tail. The fourth pony next to the second one was a mare with pale violet fur, and a somewhat wavy pale pink mane and tail with white streaks, and deep ocean blue eyes.

The fifth pony at the far right of the third pony was a stallion with greenish gray fur, along with a bit of a goatee formed under his chin. He had a silvery cyan mane and tail, the tail looking like it was shaped like a tornado, and he had a set of gleaming emerald green eyes. The sixth and last pony, the Alicorn, was also adorned in attire, but unlike the six Pegasi, it was a set of deep silver regalia with sapphire blue gems. She had the same sin black fur as Nightmare Moon’s, with two gleaming turquoise orbs of the almighty dragon. One significant thing that set her apart from Nightmare Moon, was that her mane and tail skirt were a flowing indigo color, and her muscular wings were adorned with feathers. To top her appearance off, she had the Cutie Mark of a dark purple shield with a white crescent moon, and a purple plus sign just in the center of the moon.

“Hello, my dear children; it is so wonderful to see you all again.” Nightmare Moon said softly, looking down at the six ponies fondly. “I must admit, even though it was a mere short time since we had last spoke, it is so wonderful to see your precious little moon loving faces” She locked eyes with the sixth pony in front of her, her smile faltering slightly. “Especially yours, my dear little Nyx.”

The smaller sin black Alicorn, now referred to as Nyx, smiled up at Nightmare Moon, her own vampiric fangs mirroring the larger mare’s own. In a soft voice sweeter than silk, holding a bit of timidity, she replied, “It’s good to see you again too momma. I have to say, you weren’t exaggerating when you said that it was going to be a wild ride back to Equis.”

“Indeed, it was. I apologize if I made you feel nauseous my dear.” Nightmare Moon said, running a black hoof across Nyx’s cheek. “My overexcitement had gotten the better of me when I finally sensed that I was going to be free from my Moon. I was in such a rush that I did not think about how that rise would be for you and the others, so I’m sorry if I made you feel nauseous.” Her eyes trailed over to the five Pegasus ponies behind them. “Especially you five, Captain Nightshade, Stratus, Blueball Blitz, Starry Skies, and Charger.”

“My Queen, please don’t apologize. You made us specifically for the trials of speedy flying and fast pace training.” The first mare, Nightshade, said gently, giving a bow to her Queen. “As a matter of a fact, I’d say that the ride you brought us on was quite fun. It gave us a rather high and exhilarating feeling that I enjoyed quite a bit.”

“Totally!” The third pony replied cheerfully, taking to the air and smiling unnaturally widely at the sin black Dark Queen. “That had to be the rest fly through the galaxy that I ever had Queen Moonie! I’ve had a lot of fun flies through the universe with you, Captain Nighty, Nyx, and all the other Galaxy Star Bolts, but that last one really too the cake! I don’t think I’ve ever went that fast since you first made us.”

“That’s because there hasn’t been anypony that’s as fast as you before our dear Queen’s exile to her beautiful Moon.” The fourth pony, Starry Skies, said smoothly. “Now that she’s free, she was able to give us the chance to see just how quickly she can move.”

“That she has.” The fifth pony, Charger, nodded as he smirked at Starry Skies. “No offense to Captain Nightshade, but the speed that we saw Queen Moon go at after she got free, makes me feel like we’re still newbies in training.”

“Well, it certainly sucks to be you Charger.” The second pony, Straus, snorted as he stared blankly at the other stallion. “That just say that you need to get more training in after we’ve finished what the Queen will have us to. If you can’t get your ass out of your head and focus on the game, then you can just leave this group, ‘cause you’ll only slow us down.”

“Straus!” Nyx cried, snapping her head over to the pale grey stallion with a glare. “That was a very mean thing for you to say! You know just like the rest of us that Charger works and trains just as hard as the rest of us, even when during the nights we’re having fun! You take that back right now, or else!”

“No, it’s alright Nyx.” Charger said, holding a hoof up. “Don’t mind Straus, he’s just being an asshole, as per usual.”

“Yeah, and always taking things too seriously.” Nightshade added, shooting a sideways glare at Straus. “Looks like I’m going to need to give him another talk about learning to loosen up and be just a little bit nicer.”

“And just how many times have you had that talk with him Captain Nightshade?” Starry asked. “More times than we can even count since we first meet out Queen on her Moon all those centuries ago. No disrespect but, what makes you think that he’s going to actually take it to heart now?”

“Because he’s in a land where a majority of ponies treat each other kindly.” Nightmare Moon replied dryly, smacking Straus’s muzzle with her tail skirt. “And if he wants to be treated the same way, I expect him to do the same to our subject after we overthrow my sister and I become Equestria’s new Queen. Otherwise, Nightshade can simply beat it into him.”

“Well said my Queen.” Nightshade nodded, grinning evilly at Straus. “Otherwise, me and the others can simply beat it into him.”

“Oh, oh! I call first dibs on the first strike!” Blueball said, shooting her hoof up in the air. “The last pony to get it was Captain Nightshade, and she promised that I’d get a turn next time to give Straus a nice good pummeling!”

Nyx’s ears flattened. “Um, is that really necessary, Captain Nightshade? Not everything has to be solved with raising our hooves.”

“True, but there are just some ponies who need a lot more than simple words to get them to change if they want things to be better for them.” Starry said gently with a shrug. “You saw it yourself my dear Nyx…if words won’t help, then maybe some tough love will.”

“By tough love, you mean pulling Straus through the universe at unimaginable speeds, sending him into the Moon with wind slices, electrocuting him until his fur was black, and shooting him away from the Moon with tornados?” Nyx deadpanned, frowning deeply at the pale violet mare and the rest of her team. “That’s your definition of, ‘tough love’?”

“Of course, and ours us much more durable and tolerable than yours Nyx, no offense to you sweetie.” Nightshade cooed, winking at the indigo maned Alicorn. “While yours is just as, if not more effective, it wouldn’t really do well with us if our dear Straus was looking like he had stared into the eyes of the Death Goddess Selena herself.”

Straus snapped his gaze over to his captain, his teeth bared. “Are you calling me a crybaby Nightshade?”

“Of course not my dear Straus.” Nightshade replied as she pat the stallion on the head, ignoring the death glare he gave her. “I’m just saying that if our dear sweet Nyx here gave you her famous Nightmare Glare, you wouldn’t really be of much help in accomplishing our Queen’s goal in ruling all the land in Eternal Night.”

“Yeah!” Blueball nodded, sparks of electricity dancing across her mane and tail. “And we wouldn’t have you there for when we’re known as the world’s best flyers in all the land!”

“You mean the universe’s best flyers?” Charger asked, raising an eyebrow at the bluish violet mare. “There’s a reason why their called the Galaxy Star Bolts Blue. So, wouldn’t make sense if we were known as widely as the very galaxy we were named after?”

Blueball paused, mulling over Charger’s words for a moment before giggling. “Oh yeah, I would make more sense if I said that instead. Sorry Charger, my silly little noggin wasn’t smart enough to think of that, hmhmhm!”

“Assholes.” Straus growled, crossing his forehooves. “You are all a bunch of bitchy assholes.”

“Says the one whose acting like an asshole himself.” Starry retorted, smiling cheekily.

“Oh goodness.” Nyx sighed, shaking her head as she looked at her ‘mother’. “Those five never change, even after the last nine hundred years on the Moon. I wonder if they’re going to stay like this even after we’ve one against your sister momma.”

“Well, I for one hope that they will. It wouldn’t be the same if they didn’t act as they are now, even after we take the land as our own.” Nightmare Moon giggled, patting the smaller Alicorn on the head as if she were here actual child. “As is the downside for ruling over a kingdom my dear Nyx; you’re just going to have to work with some ponies that you don’t like. Even if they’re ones you’ve known for as long as you can remember. At least with them, you’ll be more use to their antics, and won’t be as annoyed as anypony else would.”

“Yes, you’re right about that momma.” Nyx sighed, smiling back up at Nightmare Moon. “Still, it feels like I’m watching over a group of foals who just won’t grow out of their foalish ways.”

“You and me both.” Nightmare Moon stated dryly, earning a giggle from Nyx. “Anywho, now that you’re all here, there is something that I wish to discuss with you all. It concerns whether or not I’ll be able to win against Celestia and get rid of her retched day once and for all.”

“What would this me, your Majesty?” Starry asked, tilting her head to the side. Just before Nightmare Moon could reply, the pale violet mare added, “This wouldn’t have to do with those mares that we saw back in that library, would it?”

“Still as sharp as you have always Starry…I’m impressed.” Nightmare Moon praised, making the smaller mare blush and look away. “Well, since you’ve guessed it, it’s only fair that I confirm it; yes, it has to do with the seven little mares that we all saw earlier. Apparently, they’re planning to make a trek into this very forest to try and take me out by themselves instead of my sister.”

“They’re what?!” Nightshade asked, unable to hold back a fit of laughter. “That’s what they were doing when we saw them in there? Trying to come up with a way to stop us, let alone you, the strongest being in all of existence?!”

“I would appear so my dear Nightshade. My dear sister is sending somepony else to do her dirty work, as per usual…she really hasn’t changed over these last thousand years.” The sin black Alicorn replied, not sharing in Nightshades amusement. “However, this is not what concerns me as if yet…it’s rather what these ponies are going to use to try and stop me.”

Blueball blinked curiously. “What’s that Queen Moonie? What could those ponies use that’ll stand any chance of even sending you to the ground?”

“These.” Nightmare Moon snarled, igniting her horn and making the square lid in the middle of the floor open up. Nyx and the Galaxy Star Bolts watched as the pillar holding the Elements rose form the ground and presented itself to them. “You all recall how Celestia had defeated me with what I said was, the Elements of Harmony correct? Well, what you see here are the very same weapons that was used that fateful day. And those seven ponies you saw are coming to this forest to use these weapons that you see here to defeat me once and for all.”

“Really? These large spheres of stone are what those ponies are gonna use to beat you?” Straus asked, frowning as he looked at the seven spheres. “No offense your Highness, but I don’t really see anything special about these things. They just look like ordinary orbs to me.”

“Don’t be so easily swayed Straus, your eyes can deceive you sometimes, so it’s best if you don’t always trust them.” Nyx advised, running a hoof down the seventh spear. “They may not look like it, but these spheres have incredible amounts of magical power within them. I can feel just by looking at them. If these are the same things those ponies are looking for, then we have to do what we can to make sure they aren’t brought back into their original forms.”

“That is exactly right my dear Nyx, which is why I want all of you to do just that.” Nightmare Moon nodded. “I have the familiar gut feeling that it’s going to take quite some time for those young mares to get here. So, in the meantime, I want you all to train yourselves to the best extent of your abilities for the battle that is yet to come. For I foresee that it is one that is going to need every single ounce of your strength and intellect if you want to win.”

“You can count on us to do that your Majesty. Nopony is going to try to stop your plans of ruling and our plans of being known as the best flyers in Equestria.” Nightshade said firmly, nodding to her Queen as she gave her a salute. “if you don’t mind me asking though, I would like to know something. Just how powerful are those ponies, if you want us to train as hard as we did back on the Moon?”

For a moment or two, Nightmare Moon didn’t reply, choosing to close her eyes and go into what looked to be like a meditative stare. Nyx and the Galaxy Star Bolts all stared back at her, patiently waiting for her to reply as silence loomed over the room. After what seemed like forever, she opened her eyes, and stared into all six of their own with the most intense look they’ve ever seen.

“I’m not going to go into too much detail, but I will say this.” Nightmare Moon said. “From what I felt form their magic power, they’re about as powerful as the members of the clans that I told you all about. The ones that me and my sister allied ourselves with in our time building Equestria into what it is now.”

Nyx and all the Galaxy Star Bolts’ eyes widened upon hearing these words, none of them having been prepared for their Queen to say them. They stayed like that for some time, processing the words that Nightmare Moon said as she herself waited for them to respond. Eventually, they snapped out of their induced states, and Nyx was the first ones to break the silence.

“Everypony, I think we should be heading outside to the back of the castle now.” She said softly, yet firmly. “If these ponies really are this powerful, then we need to get down to training as soon as possible.”

“Right, already on it Nyx.” Nightshade nodded, before turning back to Nightmare Moon. “If these nothing else that needs our assistance Queen Moon, we’ll be going now.”

“No, there’s nothing that I need you and your team for right now; you may leave.” Nightmare Moon said, walking over to her throne. “Although Nyx, I will need to see you again sometime later, so be sure to come when I give the signal, alright dear?”

“Yes momma.” Nyx replied, giving a respectful bow before they all flew out of the Throne Room. As the doors closed, Nightmare Moon once again lowered the Elements back into the ground, and sat on her throne. A bright light engulfed her entire body, vanishing a second later as Nightmare Moon was revealed once more. Her once naked form was now adorned with azure blue armor going down to her lower stomach, which also adorning wing blades. Her hooves were adorned in azure horseshoes, while her horn had a pure white crown having a crescent moon at the top, with a smaller blood red one right in the center of her head. To top the new attire off, a long indigo cape flowed about, attached itself to either of her shoulders.

“Ahhhhh, now that’s much better…such fitting attire for the future ruler of Equestria.” Nightmare Moon said to herself. “Now all that’s needed to do is wait for you and your little ponies, dear sister, and the battle that is soon to come. I swear, I will finish you off this time, and once you’re gone, your Sun will fall…and my Moon will rise.”

Author's Notes:

Well everypony, there you have it, the specialized edited chapter of number 13, all up and ready to be read! For this chapter, there wasn't really anything to be changed other than the over extended sentences and thee overly long speeches with Queen Celestia and the explanations of the incident in Ponyville. The main reason for editing this chapter and changing it to the way it is now, is because, since I had Nightmare Moon be the main character here, there should be more scenes of her, which is part of the reason why I have her a scene in this chapter, the other part being because I wanted to show scene between the Galaxy Star Bolts like I did the last time I wrote them, along with bringing a certain black Alicorn filly that all seem to love to write about, and I love to read about when I get the chance!!! Looking over this, I think this went along nicely...I even had this in my head while I was writing about this chapter the first time, but I just had so much on my mind that I just simply wasn't able to flush it out. Now though, I was finally able to, and I can definitely say that I couldn't be more happier that I was able to.

Now, before I conclude this Author's Note, I just want to say that I'm going to be doing some research on the techniques that I plan to give the Main Seven, along with Celestia and Nightmare Moon/Luna, and all the other characters that I have in this series, both main, and background, with some being the same, while others are different. This is one of the main reasons why I added the Fairy Tail tag to my stories, because...I feel that Fairy Tail and My Little Pony blend quite nicely, especially both show just how powerful friendship can be. Even if the latter explains it in a more specific sense rather than adventurous sense, despite the fact that I plan to make this story pretty adventurous. Updates will may be going along slower than they are right now because of this, but I'll try to make some updates on my progress with the bios and the stories whenever I can.

Well, that's all for right now, I'm gonna take some time off before I go into the Main Seven's bios and this story's chapters once I get my brain working again. Faust knows how fried it is right now, and how fried it will be by the time this is all over!!! Next time, the girls will be traveling into the Everfree and take a rather terrifying ride through the sky, by the master of said sky!!!

Chapter 14 - The Feathered Raider

The light sound of crickets chirping, and the loud crunching of leaves were the only things that Goku her friends, and Zephyr could hear as they trekked through the Everfree forest. The only thing that they could see was thick foliage, and large trees that practically crowded all around the girls as they walked in almost complete and total darkness. The Moon was the only light to guide them through the forest, yet even that was somewhat obscured by the trees from above.

They could hear the sounds of chirps, hoots, screeches, howls, and even roars of the animals all around them. This put most of them slightly on edge, and filling their minds with the thought that they may run into one of them and get attacked at any moment. Each and every one of them could feel the humid, misty, and almost foul air rolling off of their fur. It seeped it’s way to their nostrils, causing a couple of them to scrunch up their noses at the slight in the sensitive nerves in their noses.

Out of all these sights and sounds however, there was one thing about the Everfree that really unnerved them. So much so that even Goku was unable to keep from her fur from standing on end and her guard to be raised. Raw, untamed, and absolutely wild levels of magic could be felt emitting all around the Everfree, coming up in amounts that were so large and so powerful that it outclassed Celestia’s. It was probably even more powerful than both of them combined, so much so to the point where one would say that it felt…chaotic. If it were another group of that was sent to retrieve the Elements of Harmony, the magic emitting from this forest would make them feel like they were being suffocated. The girls were feeling something very similar to that right now, and probably wouldn’t have been able to take it had it not been for their own large amounts of magic. Though, something told them that the magic inside of them wouldn’t stay contained for very long, and when it was released, it would be let out it with a nice loud bang.

“So uh…girls?” Zephyr asked tentatively after a long stretch of silence, deciding that he should try and break the tension. Much to his relief, it seemed to do the trick, for the girls seemed to relax somewhat, with a couple of them even turning to him curiously. “I know that this may seem like a stupid question, but…have any if you been inside the Everfree Forest before?”

“Eenope, not a day in mah life sugarcube.” Applejack replied bluntly, giving a firm shake of her head as she trudged her way through the bushes. “This place gives off a really, really bad vibe that Ah jus’ can’t but mah hoof on fer some reason. Ah’m amazed that Granny Smith an’ th’ others even let me go in her with y’all, even though she seemed pretty against it, despite th’ Queen orderin’ us to.”

“I have actually.” Fluttershy murmured softly. “It wasn’t for anything major really. The only times I ever went into the Everfree was when one of my animal friends got lose and wondered off too far from my cottage, leaving me to follow their tracks and get them back out before they got eaten or lost.” She explained, looking up at the trees surrounding them, seeming to be lost in thought at the moment. “During those time, I did encounter some of the animals in here, and while things didn’t escalate to violently…let’s just say we both parted ways with more than a few scratches and bit marks.”

‘Is that the only reason?’ Goku thought, looking over at his fellow flyer with a jet-black eyebrow raised.

“Whoa, wait a second.” Zephyr said, looking back at Fluttershy. “You mean to say that you actually wentinsidethe Everfree Forest?”

“She sure has Zephyr! I never would’ve expected Fluttershy of all ponies would be brave enough to go in a place like this! That’s just not something that I see her usually doing!” Pinkie Pie replied, before gaining a thoughtful look on her face. “Then again, her cottage is just on the edge of the Everfree Forest, so I really shouldn’t be all that surprised! I haven’t been inside it though, but I always did wonder what it’d be like to be in a spooky forest such as this!”

“Well I for one, have never even set hoof in here!” Rarity replied hotly, cringing in disgust when she stepped into a pile of mud. “I mean, look at this place! This is not place that I would even consider living in for whatever reason! It’s too humid, too dark, and just too…too…icky! I could not stand to spend even a single day in a place like this, ugh!”

“For some reason, I believe you.” Zephyr murmured dryly. “I can tell just by looking at you that this is the last place you want to be in, and you’d rather be in a spa soaking in a nice steam room.”

“Precisely!” Rarity nodded. “Finally, somepony knows what I’m going through!”

“I’m pretty sure you all know what my answer is going to be.” Twilight said, using her magic to light their way through the forest. “I’ve lived in Canterlot for most of my life, and while I know about the Everfree, I’ve never set foot in it before, even during my visits here to see you all. I’ve only heard stories about it from my parents, brother and teachers. Like what kinds of creatures inhabit it and how it was created. So far, everything I was told about this place is pretty bad…especially about the type of magic it holds.”

“That’s an understatement of the century, Twi.” Rainbow Dash said, rolling her eyes as she hovered above the group. “The things about the Everfree Forest aren’t just bad, they’re absolutely crazy! Everything about it is just completely unnatural, the way it looks, the animals, the amount of magic…even the weather itself! I’m all for going on awesome adventures and pulling off dangerous stunts, but seriously! Even I wouldn’t wanna do any of that here!”

“I’m not surprised none of you would want to be in a place like this.” Fluttershy said quietly, looking at each of her friends. “This place holds many dangers that ponies that aren’t of our caliber are not able to handle. It’s so unpredictable and unreal in so many ways, that some ponies just can’t even comprehend how a forest like this can even exist. Of course, everypony knows that it was created by Discord, though it’s not really known for sure whether or not he, or somepony else created the animals that lived in here. I know one thing…each and every single creature here is dangerous in their own right, and this forest alone is dangerous enough as it is, with the animals only adding to it.” Her wings ruffled as she brushed some foliage out of her face. “And I have the scars to prove that theory.”

“So you were actually attacked by the beasts here?” Zephyr asked, watching as Fluttershy nodded silently. The royal blue stallion looked the mare up and down, unable to see any markings on her buttermilk yellow fur. “I don’t really see any scars on you.”

“Oh, that’s because my furs grown over them over the years, and none of them have been severe enough to be permanent.” Fluttershy explained, smiling sheepishly. “Why? Do you wanna see them?”

Zephyr quickly shook his head, a small blush coming to her face. “Oh no no, that’s fine! I don’t really want to see the scars! I was just, um…wondering why you didn’t have any scars if you had any run ins with any Everfree animals.”

“Are you sure you’re weren’t just asking so you can get a look at Fluttershy’s curves and ass?” Rainbow Dash asked, grinning teasingly at Zephyr. “You don’t have to be ashamed, it’s alright to be interested in a mare, especially ones that’re as hot as Fluttershy, especially me.”

“Y-you know that was so not what I was talking about!” Zephyr replied, stuttering slightly as his cheeks turned even redder. “I-I was just wondering what kind of scars Fluttershy had when she said she had faced the animals in this forest before.”

“Uh-huh, sure you were Zephyr.” Rainbow said, clearly not buying Zephyr’s truthful statement. “That just sounds like an excuse to cover up you wanting to get a look under Fluttershy’s tail and see what kind of package she has.”

Zephyr froze, his ears pinning as he glanced up at the cyan mare. “It…it is not!”

“Alright, that’s enough Rainbow Dash.” Twilight said firmly, putting a hoof on the royal blue stallion’s shoulder. “Zephyr’s on mission to protects while we’re in the Everfree, and the last thing he needs is you teasing him and filling his thoughts with ones of wanting to rut us into the ground.”

“What?” Rainbow Dash asked, raising a prismatic eyebrow at Twilight. “What’s wrong with stallions like him having thoughts about mares like us? I just said there’s nothing wrong with him thinking that, since we’re all pretty hot as hay.”

“I never said that Zephyr was never allowed to have such…fantasies about mares.” Twilight said, her own cheeks gaining a red tint. “I’m just saying that now isn’t really the time to be prying in that particular subject. We have a mission to do right now, and we can’t have anything distracting us from it.”

“Awww, come on Twilight, no need to be such a party pooper.” Pinkie Pie cooed. “Everypony needs to a good laugh every now and again to all of those icky feelings out of the way. All Dash is doing is trying to lighten the mood that’s all. What’s so wrong with that?”

Twilight glanced over at Pinkie Pie. “There’s nothing wrong with that Pinkie! I just…don’t want us to get too far off track on what’s really important right now. The more time we waste goofing off, the more time that Nightmare Moon has to come up with some sinister plan to succeed in her original plan in bringing Eternal Night to Equestria.”

“Oh Twilight, is that what’s bothering you darling? You don’t think that we’re taking this mission seriously enough?” Rarity asked, giving Twilight a soft look. “Listen, I know that you’re worried about what may happen if we don’t stop Nightmare Moon, we all are. Don’t get us wrong, we understand just how important this mission is, just like we understand how much we need to take it seriously. Be that as it may, we’re not trying to think about it too much, because it’ll only serve to make us even more worried and not really be able to focus. If that happens, the chances of us completing this mission will lessen.”

“Rarity’s right Twilight.” Goku nodded, putting a feathered bat wing around the other mare’s back. “As much as I get why you’re so intent on stopping Nightmare Moon, you shouldn’t let even that be the focus of our mission here. In order of that to happen, we have to focus on our own survival, and that means making it through this forest until we reach Queen Celestia and Luna’s old castle. So for now, why don’t we focus on our survival before we confront and fight Nightmare Moon, that way, we’ll still have a chance to stop her instead of getting killed here?”

Twilight blinked staring at Goku for a few moments as she thought over her words. She then smiled and let out a little chuckle. “Yeah, you’re right…I didn’t think of that. I’m sorry about that Goku.”

“Don’t be sorry honey.” Goku said softly, kissing Twilight on her cheek. “You’re worried and anxious and that’s okay, all of us are. We’re just saying that you shouldn’t let that get to your head, especially at a time like this. Good thing you have us to keep that smart little head of yours from going insane like you’ve seen a plate of cheese quesadillas.”

“Yeah, I sure do.” Twilight smiled back, before it shifted into a frown. “And I do not freak out over cheese quesadillas! They’re just so…cheesy.”

“Which is exaclty why you shouldn’t be so scared of them.” Zephyr said softly, patting Twilight on her head. “They’re nothing but delectable sweet tasting crust covered sandwiches full of smooth creamy cheese that spread all over your tongue when you bite into them.”

“What’re you trying to do, make us hungry?” Goku snorted. “Because if you are, then it’s starting to work.”

“Oh no, I’m just pointing out why there’s no reason to be scared of such foods.” Zephyr said, winking at Goku. “And why there the one of the best things that you could ever eat!”

“Maybe for you, but it’s not that way for me!” Twilight huffed, pouting up at the royal blue stallion. “I find it absolutely inconceivable that I would like something that I have a phobia of; let alone eat! It’s just…impossible! It’s scientifically impossible for that to have even a remote possibility of happening!”

“Whatever you say Twilight, whatever you say.” Goku shrugged, letting out a little giggle. “Still, you never know…maybe one say you’ll get over your phobia and gather enough bravery to try a quesadilla, and find it to be quite satisfying.”

“The say that I try a single one of those…cheesy items…” Twilight said, shivering slightly. “…is the day that Spike tells me not to freak out over big tests and I don’t threaten to burn the scales off of his body.”

Pinkie Pie burst out laughing. “I can totally see something like that happening! Especially since I’ve seen it happen over a dozen times before!”

“Same here Pink.” Applejack nodded, letting out a chuckle of her own. “I’m amazed that Spike hasn’t tried t’ get away from Twi ‘cause o’ her lil’ episodes! Ah swear that boy has th’ patience of a saint!”

“That’s an understatement.” Rarity snorted. “No offense to you Twilight, but I don’t think I could handle that many episodes with you. Even if it meant that I could get in contact with one of the most successful nobles in Canterlot City.”

“None taken Rarity.” Twilight sighed, smiling sheepishly. “Honestly, even I’m impressed that Spike hasn’t decided to just kick the bucket with me yet. I really expected him to snap and let me know that he had enough.”

“Yeah well, you, me and Zephyr all know Spike, Twilight.” Goku giggled. “He’s too much of a sweetheart to let you know something like that. Especially since he’s been subjected to it all of his life, along with your own little sister. Plus, with how many times that’s happened I’m pretty sure it’s not really bothering him…at least nowhere near as much.”

“Yeah, you make a point there.” Twilight said, letting out a giggle of her own. “It’s funny, I’m the eldest one there and I’m supposed to be the one keeping them calm, yet they’re the ones keeping me calm.”

“Totally, I can literally smell the irony there.” Zephyr chuckled. “While some ponies would find it weird or funny, we’re not surprised. He is your Number One Assistant after all and Crescent is…well…”

“Twilight’s Number One Crescent Moon?” Pinkie Pie guessed innocently. Upon seeing all of her friends raised eyebrows, she pouted. “What? The first part of her name is Crescent, and there is such a thing as a crescent moon, isn’t there?”

“Yeah, sure Pinkie.” Rainbow Dash shrugged, chuckling. “Whatever you say.”

“You know what…I think that has a nice ring to it.” Twilight said, thinking over Pinkie Pie’s words before smiling. “I think I’m gonna start calling Crescent that from now one…something tells me that she’ll like it a lot.”

“Oh, Ah bet she will.” Applejack smiled. “An’ Ah bet that Spike’s gonna be even more thrilled, cause he’s not going t’ be th’ only one being called something having ‘Number One’ in it.’”

“I think so too~!” Goku concluded, doing her best childish imitation of Spike. This earned her multiple fits of laughter form just about all of her friends, including Zephyr, the tension lifting from the group the more they did. By the time the laughter ended, the eight ponies suddenly found themselves outside the thick tree grove, and onto a long flat cliff edge. They could not stop the awe enveloping them as they took in the vastness of the wilderness.

“Wow…” Zephyr breathed. “This place is just…just huge!”

“Ah’ll say.” Applejack nodded. “Ah’ve been in a lotta forests in mah lifetime, and a lot o’ them ‘r pretty big, but…land sakes! Ah don’t think Ah can properly explain jus’ how big this place is.”

“Well, Rainbow Dash did say that the Everfree Forest spans from Ponyville, all the way to Foal Mountain, Fillydelphia and Baltimare.” Twilight pointed out. “Still I have to agree, even I wasn’t expecting this place to be so large.”

“Me neither.” Goku said softly, walking ahead of the group to get a closer look. She closed her eyes and flicked her ears back and forth, inhaling the open air around her. “I have to say one thing though, even though this forest is supposed to be scary and chaotic, I can’t help but see just how beautiful it is.”

“Oh, I’m so happy you think so.” Fluttershy said, smiling sweetly at the tan Thestral. “Many ponies that haven’t entered think that it’s horribly to look at, but I don’t see it that way. All wildernesses are beautiful in their own right, and the Everfree Forest is no exception.”

“You…actually find this place beautiful Fluttershy?” Rarity asked, looking wide eyed at the buttermilk Pegasus. “But…this is the Everfree Forest! A place full of vicious beasts, untamable weather and vegetation that is dangerous in their own way! How can a place like this have any kind of divinity or semblance of beauty?”

“I know it may seem difficult to understand Rarity...” Zephyr said, looking back over at the alabaster Unicorn. “…but ponies like me, Goku and Fluttershy just have this eye for noticing things about nature that we can help but find amazing. Sure, it may seem brutal, scary, and even violent and bloody at times, but…despite that, we can’t help but find an inner sense of beauty about nature that we can’t help but find captivating.” He looked back out at the forest, takin giant trees, streams of water, listening to the sounds of the animals roaming about. “To us Shenrons, Rosarios, Nightstalkers, and anypony that has an eye or love for nature, it’s just the most amazing things we can discover…something we just can’t help but see over and over again.”

“Well…I can’t really see anything cool about it, but…if that’s how you guys feel, then I guess it’s cool with me.” Rainbow Dash said, staring at the three flyers before shrugging. “Still, I really don’t wanna waste all of this time sight-seeing, I wanna kick some Nightmare Moon ass! And we’re not going to get anywhere with that if we stay here looking at the trees all day!” She looked over at Twilight, who was rummaging through a saddlebag she had with her. “Hey Twi, you’ve got that map there with you?”

“Yes Dash, I do…just give me a couple of seconds.” Twilight replied, continuing to rummage through the left saddlebag. A moment later, she pulled out the map, and spread it out for everypony to see as she scanned over the map where the Everfree was. “Alright, we’re on the spot where the trail to the Castle to the Two Sisters is supposed stop here, and is supposed to go another way from this edge. If I’m positive, then we’re supposed to go left down this edge, and cross a river and follow the trail from down there.”

“Wait a sec, so we gotta go all the way down th’ side o’ this mountain?” Applejack asked, looking over at the lavender Unicorn. “How long is that gonna take?”

“Well, from what I can see of this map, not too long.” Goku replied, looking at the map inspectingly. “Although, it still may take us sometime for us to go down here by walking, so we can save it if we run. Or we can even carry each other in flight, that way we can save some time trekking down this mountain.”

“Hmm…I think that sounds like a good idea darling.” Rarity said, smiling at the other mare. “I certainly wouldn’t want to waste all that time walking down form this mountain. All that will accomplish is getting my poor hooves getting covered in more icky muck.”

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. “Of curse you’d want to go flying for that reason. Seriously Rares, what is so wrong about getting your hooves covered in dirt?”

“Because Dash, there is nothing more revolting then getting your well hooves, or any part of your beautiful frame covered in such a disgusting thing such as dirt.” Rarity replied, frowning at the cyan mare. “I know you’ll never be able to understand this darling but, it’s just the way it is for mares like me! Having even a single speck of dirt anywhere our bodies that carry any beauty is just simply the worst, possible, thing for us!”

“Which is exactly why you’re so up for us going by air and by land down this mountain.” Goku said teasingly, giggling at the glare that Rarity sent her way. “Anyway, if all of you are down for it, then that’s what we’ll do. Like Twilight said, time is of the essence, and we’ll need to get to the Castle of the Two Sisters as quickly as we can.”

“Exactly what I said.” Twilight said, folding the map and putting it back in her saddlebag. “Hey Zephyr? Are you up for this plan to? Zephyr?”

Upon getting no response from the Solar Guard, Twilight looked over at where Zephyr was, and saw him standing just several feet away. The lavender Unicorn’s eyes widened slightly when she saw him looking up into the sky, a concentrated expression morphed into his face.

“Um, Zephyr?” Twilight asked softly. “Is there something the matter?”

This time, Zephyr did respond, but he didn’t look over and acknowledge Fluttershy or Twilight in doing so. When he spoke, his voice was edged with the upmost seriousness.

“You guys…” He began, his tone catching nearly all of them off guard. “…I think we had better get a move on right now. I get the feeling that we’re about to be jumped.”

Goku’s ears perked. “What do you mean Zephyr? I don’t see anything around here.”

“I mean…” Zephyr said, glancing over at his fellow Shenron. “There’s something headed this way.”

“There is? What do you see?” Rainbow Dash asked, her guard going up. “Is that Nightmare Moon bitch coming to finish us off?”

Before Zephyr could reply, all the mares jumped at hearing a loud clap of thunder erupt from into the sky. They all looked up just in time to see flashes of white dance across the sky for a split second before they vanished, as if they weren’t even there.

“W…what was that?!” Applejack asked, calming down a bit. “Is there a storm comin’?!”

“I hope not.” Rarity frowned, one of her hooves going to grab her mane. “That is the last thing my poor mane and tail need right now. If they get soaked in any kind of rain or get burnt by any lightning, I’ll be ruined!”

“It doesn’t really look like there’s a storm coming.” Rainbow Dash replied as she squinted her eyes. “At least, not form where I’m standing. What do you think Fluttershy?”

Fluttershy didn’t say anything, but she did go up to where Zephyr was and look out into the sky with him. As she did so, another stronger clap of lightning resounded across the sky, and a gust of wind began to pick up. Just a second later after that, a loud bird-like call resounded across the air, one that made Fluttershy’s neck fur stand on end.

“What…in the world was that?” Goku asked, picking at one of her ears. “That sounded like a bird of some sorts.”

“I don’t know, but I’ve never heard a sound like that before!” Pinkie Pie replied, her body shaking a bit. “That sounded like a gurgling of some sort, you know when somepony’s about to spit out a huge mouthful of mouthwash?”

“Yes Pinkie, we know what that sounds like.” Twilight said, her face scrunching up slightly. “Still, you make a good point, that definitely sounded like a bird of some sort. Fluttershy, you said that you know many of the animals here and what kind they are? Do you know what we heard just now?”

“…Yes, I know exaclty what kind of bird that we heard just now.” Fluttershy replied, backing away from the edge of the floored cliff. “And we need to get out of here, quickly!”

“Why?” Rainbow Dash asked. “What sort of bird is coming here?”

“There’s no time to explain!” Fluttershy suddenly shouted, making Zephyr and the rest of her friends jump. “We just need to get off of this cliff edge as quickly as possible!”

“Whoa there girl, jus’ simmer down fer a second.” Applejack said, trying to calm the buttermilk Pegasus down. “We’re gonna leave in a sec, jus’ tell us what’s comin’ t’ get us b’fore we head off.”

Suddenly, a third burst of thunder, followed by the crack of lightning exploded in the air, both of them coming in almost perfect synchronization. Not even a second later, a powerful gust of wind picked up as a loud ear-piercing screech echoed about the atmosphere. All eight ponies looked up, and froze when they saw a gigantic cloak of dark blue clouds heading their way, bolts of lightning striking down from it.

“Whoa, there really is a storm coming!” Pinkie Pie shouted holding a foreleg in front of her face. “How did it get here so fast?! I’ve never seen any clouds move that quick before!”

Zephyr, who was staring at the approaching ‘storm’, noticed something on it that made it seem off to his keen eyes. When he was able to make out what he was seeing, he let out a fearful gasp, and turned back to the others. “Girls, we need to get out of here now! Fluttershy’s right; whatever that is, that is not a storm!”

“Y-you know what it is too?!” Fluttershy asked as the wind grew even stronger. “How did you guess?!”

“No time to explain!” Zephyr replied as he grabbed Twilight’s hoof and pulled her along. “That storm that’s coming for us isn’t a real storm! It’s really a-”

That was as far as the royal blue stallion was able to get before another terrifying screech sliced through the air. Then, in a flash of white, a huge bolt of lightning descended down towards the girls at speeds that not even Rainbow Dash was able to anticipate. Rubble and chunks of earth exploded all about as it struck just inches away from the ponies, scattering them about the air before they landed in a heap.

“Oooooh…is everypony ok?” Twilight asked, sitting up as she looked at her friends. “What was that just now?”

“I-it was the b-bird that I saw just now!” Zephyr grunted, struggling to get to his hooves. “It shot a bolt of lightning at us the second it saw us!”

“It did what?!” Applejack shouted. “How in th’ hay was it able t’ do somethin’ like that! It wasn’t anywhere near us for it t’ be able to!”

“Um…Applejack…” Goku said slowly, her voice tinge with slight apprehensiveness as she pointed upward. “…I think you may wanna save that question for later.”

Following the line of the tan Thestral’s gaze, Applejack, Twilight, Zephyr, and the other mares all looked up in the sky, and felt themselves free at what they saw. There, hovering in the sky with lightning dancing about its body, was the biggest raptor any of the mares have ever seen in their entire lives. It was easily the size of one of the houses in Ponyville, maybe even twice that size, with a wingspan to match. It was mostly a mixture of dark green and blue in color, with its legs, stomach, and base of its tail and neck being a deep sandy yellow. Just a few inches above the base of its neck, was a deep orange stripe, with a greenish blue mask going vertically across it’s piercing yellow eyes. Its talons were twice the size of a full-grown stallion, and it had a wingspan stretching over fifty feet long. Its tail feathers reached over twenty-five feet, and it had a large thick feathery crest atop its head, the upper half being the same greenish blue color as its face markings.

“What the…” Rainbow Dash stammered, her eyes bulging. “What in the buck is that?! Is that some kind of raptor?!”

“Yes, it is a raptor, but it’s not just any kind of raptor!” Fluttershy replied fearfully, scrambling to her hooves. “That raptor is a Shinomōkin!”

Applejack frowned at the buttermilk Pegasus. “That thing is a what?”

“A Shinomōkin, Applejack.” Goku translated slowly. “It’s type of bird of prey that takes residence in the skies and the trees of the Everfree Forest, and is the biggest raptor to ever exist! It’s the size of an airship with a wingspan of over fifty feet long, with a twenty-five-foot-long tail span to boot! It has claws that are capable of carrying a full-grown stallion away, and any animal even bigger than that, able to snap their spines with a single chomp of its beak!”

“My word, it can really do that?” Rarity asked, a shiver going down her spine. “But…it doesn’t even have any teeth!”

“It doesn’t need any teeth Rarity.” Zephyr said grimly, his wings spread in preparation. “All the Shinomōkin needs is its powerful jaw muscles and the sharp edges of its beak to snap the spine of their prey. Its curved upper beak is also designed for ripping and stripping the meat of their prey from their bones, and once they get you in their mouths or beaks, they’ll never let go.” His eyes glowed as his ears flattened. “Not unless you make them that is.”

“Oh wow, that sounds like a really scary bird!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. “Then again, it looks scary already, and everything you just said makes it even scarier!”

“If you think that’s scary, then it’s nothing compared to just what else the Shinomōkin is capable of.” Fluttershy said gravelly. “Its main power is the Everfree weather that’s known to cause the Everfree Forest to go out of control. It can control the lightning within the clouds, and caused wild drills of wind that can wipe out an entire clearing of trees. On occasions, they can even cloak themselves in fire, burning everything in their path as they do so.”

“Land sakes, are you serious Fluttershy?” Applejack asked, eyes wide with disbelief. “This overgrown varmint can really control lightning, wind, and fire?”

A fourth burst of thunder cut off whatever Fluttershy was going to say as the Shinomōkin let out another screech, giving its wings a violent flap. It’s golden eyes gleamed as it glared down at Applejack scornfully, lighting dancing around its entire feathered body.

“I don’t think he liked you calling him that Applejack.” Pinkie Pie whispered to the farmer. “This is why you shouldn’t keep calling animals something that they’re not. I always did tell you that it was going to come back and bit you in your tushy later.”

“Not if I can help it.” Zephyr declared firmly. “Listen girls, I want you all to get away from here as quickly as you can. I’ll take in this raptor while you guys get down to the cliff.”

“Are you nuts?!” Rainbow Dash shouted incredulously. “There is no way that you can take this thing on your own! Let us help you!”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t let you do that.” The royal blue stallion said, shaking his head. “I’m a member of the Royal Guard, and it’s my duty to protect those in danger. Right now, you’re the ones that’re in danger, and I need to keep you all safe.”

“As chivalrous and selfless as that is darling,” Rarity began. “We’re not damsels in distress that need to be saved by a white knight. We are just as much as capable of fighting and defending ourselves as you are.”

“And that’s exactly why I want you all to leave!” Zephyr retorted. “If you all waste your time trying to fight this raptor, you’re only going to be wasting the energy that you’ll need to fight Nightmare when you meet her! If that happens, she’ll have the advantage over you, along with whatever other creations that she has waiting in store for you.” He looked back at them sternly. “Now get out of here girls, that’s an order!”

“But Zephyr-” Twilight began, only to flinch when Zephyr slammed his hoof on the ground.

“I SAID LEAVE!” He yelled, the authoritive power in his voice making them all freeze. “THAT’S AN ORDER OF A ROYAL GUARD! WHEN WE GIVE YOU AN ORDER, YOU’D BETTER FOLLOW IT!”

A short stretch of silence reigned over the cliff edge for a moment as Zephyr stared hard at the seven mares behind him, who looked hesitant to leave the stallion behind. Goku looked her fellow Shenron right in his eyes, seeing the unwavering resolve in his eyes, along with the hidden pleas behind them. A moment later, she let out a sigh, before she turned around and began to trot off, using her wings to push the girls along.

“You heard the stallion girls.” She said firmly. “Let’s go, we’ll leave this bird to him!”

“You can’t be serious!” Rainbow Dash shouted. “You’re really going to let him fight that thing?!”

“If I didn’t think he’d be okay I wouldn’t.” Goku replied sharply. “Besides, there’s no convincing Zephyr when he gets like this. Once he sets his mind on something, nothing we say or do will get him to change his mind.”

“But if we leave him behind, he’ll-” Twilight began, only to be cut off again when Goku placed a hoof to her mouth.

“Look, we’re not going to be able to stop him Twilight! We just gotta have faith in him!” Goku snapped, the harshness in her tone making Twilight flinch. “Besides, he makes a good point, if we waste our time here, we’ll only waste the power we’re trying to save stopping Nightmare Moon! He’s giving us a chance to do that for as long as we can, and I’m not gonna let you guys waste it!” Turning away from the lavender Unicorn, she spread her wings and flew off. “Now let’s go!” She ordered, the tone in her voice leaving zero room for argument.

The rest of the mares stayed where they were, torn on whether to stay and help Zephyr fight, or follow Goku and continue their journey. They once again locked eyes with Zephyr, and one look in his eyes told them he wasn’t going to let them stay here. Reluctantly they followed Goku, and Twilight, after giving Zephyr one last worried glance, took off after her friends.

Smiling in satisfaction, Zephyr looked back at the Shinomōkin, only to see the bird flying past him and soaring straight towards the eight mares. Thinking quickly, he flew in front of the giant raptor as a garnet orange aura surrounded his body. Spreading his wings, he summoned lightning all around his body before he shot a large bolt at the Shinomōkin. It struck the bird right in its chest, sending it flying back as it screeched out in pain. Flapping his wings, Zephyr, flew up to the bird and bucked it right in its large face, sending it crashing into the ground and causing a large dust cloud to envelop it.

As Zephyr landed on the ground, the Shinomōkin burst out form the ground and took to the air, screeching in rage as it glared down at Zephyr. Its whole body chirped with lightning as its golden eyes burned into the royal blue stallion’s, who stared back unflinchingly.

“Sorry big guy, but I’m not going to let you get to these girls so easily!” He shouted as he lashed his tail out. “If you want to get to them, you’ll have to go through the one and only Golden Azure Dragon himself!”

Screeching in retaliation, the Shinomōkin screeched at the Solar Royal Guard and dived down towards him, fully intent on him impaling him with its beak. Zephyr snorted and ascended into the air, his cloak of lighting chirping loudly as he let out battle neigh. The raptor and Pegasus both met in a midair clash that send lighting shooting everywhere, their screeches and whinnies echoing about the mountain edge.

Author's Notes:

Out of all the chapters that I felt could've had a better change, this chapter was the one that I felt needed the most change, especially with the first thing the girls encountered when they trekked into the Everfree. In the last chapter, I had showed that the girls were all being electrocuted by a large storm cloud, which, looking back, I felt was pretty stupid, especially since the first time I saw the Everfree, there wasn't really any out of control weather. As a matter of a face, in the battle that I had wrote with the Wonderbolts, Shadowbolts, and Galaxy Star Bolts, they were pretty much displaying their own control of the weather, which I can see is what made them so frightening and superior to the Wonderbolts. So, since this was a place where a multitude of wild beasts could easily eat you, I decided to change it hear, and make the first creature the girls encountered appear in the least likely thought way; at least in their minds. There's going to be a couple of changes to that for the other Everfree animals as well, and there'll also be one or two others creatures that the girls encounter before reaching the end of their journey. That's gonna take some time to do, but I will say that the girls and Zephyr will find themselves in quite a pickle.

Another thing that I changed, or rather, added to this, is the name of the giant raptor that appeared on Season 8's Episode Molt Down. I mean, let's be real people, even if the word is changed, I think it'll still be pretty hard for people to tell the difference between an actual giant raptor and an actual rock if the latter's name sounds the same. No offense to Hashbro, but, I found it pretty silly to name the bird that tried to eat Spike something after something we see on a daily basis. So, I decided to give it a different name that will not only easily tell it apart, but has a better ring to it, and make it all the more scarier when it's said in English translation.

Well, that's it for this chapter, next time we'll be doing a revisit to Ponyville to see how everypony is taking the sudden invasion. After that, we'll be seeing what our dear Dark Queen is up too.

P.S. Shinomōkin is the Japanese translation for "Death Raptor"!!!

Chapter 15 - A Beetle Black Rescue

As the seven mares ran for their lives through the Everfree Forest, their wooden companions in hot pursuit, things in Ponyville were finally starting to calm down and get back under control, for the most part. Even though Nightmare Moon was no longer there to attack the citizens, there was still some panic and mayhem going on back in the Town Square. Smoke could be seen still rising out from inside the destroyed building at rather high quantities, even though the fire inside the building was long put out. Rubble and debris either clung feebly or fell from some parts of the building every few minutes, looking ready to fall down on ponies that were unlucky enough to be standing under them, and the large hole that was blasted through the front center of the roof was still displayed for all to see.

Things were certainly looking bad on the outside, due to the level of demolishing that the Town Square had suffered, but on the inside, things were looking to be much, much worse.

The sounds of panicked ponies could be heard all over interior of the Town Square as they tried take in all that had happened, along with helping those that were still in dire need of assistance. Some ponies were still doing their best to help the injured get out from under the weight of the destroyed roof, some of which looking to be a lot worse for wear. Doctors and Nurses could be seen running left and right, trying to tend to the ones who needed the most help. At the same time, trying to aid the ponies that needed urgent care as quickly as possible, even though it was apparent they wouldn’t be able to get to all of them. Foals were huddled closely to their parents and elder siblings, their wide eyes watching the events unfold in front of them as their young minds tried to desperately to understand it. It was a truly dark and terrifying time for all in that building, but none were more scared than a certain beetle black mare.

Midnight panted heavily as she reached down and lifted a large piece of wood from up off of the pile that she was currently standing on. She lifted it just over her head and held it there for a few seconds, before she threw it across the air. Midnight then whirled around and bucked some lighter pieces of wood off of the pile with all the strength she could muster. This made it shake and causing some of the ponies who were also standing on it and assisting her to start to lose their balance.

“Jeez Midnight, what the hay’s gotten into you?” A mint green Unicorn asked in bewilderment as she raised an eyebrow at the large Pegasus mare. “I get that you’re worried about the foals trapped under there, but could you take it easy? At the rate you’re going, you’re gonna cover this whole floor in giant splinters!”

Midnight abruptly paused in her digging and spun her head around to face the Unicorn her fangs gleaming. Her navy-blue eyes glowed as she gave her a sharp glare, causing the other mare to take a step back. “Take it easy? Take it easy?! How in the bucking Tartarus am I supposed to take it easy when there are foals trapped under here?! Did you not see it fall down on them when the roof got caved in?! Because I sure did! Who knows how many of them are injured?! They could have cuts and bruises, or broken limbs, or worse! With all of that, you’re seriously telling me to take it easy?!”

“She does make a great point Lyra.” A light beige Earth Pony mare said as she shoved a piece of the roof away from her. “There are foals trapped under here with no way out, possibly on the verge of suffocating in there. If somepony doesn’t get them out soon, they could pass out, or worse-die! I think Midnight has every reason to be scared, and I also think it’s high time you did the same, instead of taking apart on piece at a time!”

“I didn’t say that Midnight shouldn’t be worried Bon-Bon!” Lyra shouted indignantly. “I’m just saying that she shouldn’t let herself get so worked up to the point where she won’t know what to do! Ponies don’t think rationally when their under stress you know!”

“True, but Midnight isn’t under that much stress, nor is she letting that stress get the better of her.” Bon-Bon inquired. “She’s focused on getting those foals out of them as quickly as possible, and not listening to you telling her to calm down. Which, I might add, is not helping in the least.”

“What?!” Lyra cried, her jaw dropping in shock as she gave Bon-Bon a pout. “How am I not helping?!”

“Well for one, you’re distracting her from doing her job, and two, you’re preventing me from helping her.” The beige Earth mare deadpanned, before turning her back to the mint green mare. “Now, less talking, more digging!”

“But Bonny-”

“Now, Lyra, or you’re not getting any of me after this is all over.”

With a groan, Lyra rolled her eyes and trotted back up to the pile of wood and began levitating some pieces off of it, before tossing it behind her.Nothing more was said between the three mares as they continued their frantic digging through the pile, the sound of wood tumbling and crunching resonating on their ears. Clouds of dust began to rise from their activity, making them cough up some and their eyes start to water, but they ignored it and continued on. The only thing that mattered to them was saving the young live trapped beneath their feet as quickly as possible, before they paid the ultimate price for being the unlucky victims of the events that occurred.

At some time during their digging, Midnight caught site of a small hole just a foot or so away to from her. As she leaned closer to it, her keen ears picked up the sound of what seemed to be voices inside. Her heart skipped a beat as her whole body began to fill with renewed hope. Had she and the others finally found the foals?

“Girls wait, hold it!” The beetle black mare shouted, holding a hoof out to stop Lyra and Bon-Bon from digging any farther. Both mares looked up at her, confusion etched on their faces as they stopped what they were doing.

“What is it Midnight?” Bon-Bon asked, noticing the mare’s posture. “Do you hear something?”

“I think so…” Midnight replied as she leaned in closer to the hole, listening in as best she could. After another moment of silence, she stuck her muzzle in and called out. “Hello?! Is anypony down there?! We’re here to get you out of this hole!”

The beetle black mare pulled her head away and waited a few moments for somepony to reply back, only for nothing to come out. Frowning, Midnight leaned her head in to call out again when a voice, sounding much younger than her, shouted from inside the hole.

“Y-yes, we’re in here! All of us are!” The voice of a filly replied, her voice echoing from inside of the hole. “Are you here to rescue us?!”

“Yes sweetheart, we are!” Midnight replied, happy that the foals were still alive and well. “Just stay wherever you are okay?! We’re going to get you out of there as quickly as we can!”

“Okay, we’ll stay!” The filly replied, with just a tinge of worry in her voice. “Could you hurry up, though?! It’s getting kind of hard for us to breathe…and my leg is stuck under the wood, so I can’t stand up!”

‘Oh dear…’ Midnight thought, a sense of dread filling her stomach as she bit her lip in worry. Eyes narrowing, the beetle black mare whipped her head around to Lyra and Bon-Bon. “Lyra, do you think you can use your magic to help me widen this hole?”

“I’m, yeah I think so…” Lyra replied slowly as she stared at the Pegasus mare. “Why? Did you find the foals?”

“Yes,” Midnight nodded calmly. “I just heard a foal from inside there. I don’t know how many there are, but I’m guessing that there are a lot. From the way that one of them spoke to me, it sounds like things aren’t looking good in there either.”

“Well, I don’t know if I’ll be able to remove all of it but.., I’ll give it my best shot.” Lyra replied as she climbing over to the hole. “Hey Bonny, are you pitching in too?”

“Are you kidding?” Bon-Bon replied incredulously, looking at her Unicorn companion as if she was crazy. “You know well that I’m not backing out from a situation like this, especially if it involves the lives of foals! I may not have wings or magic, but I certainly have the strength do my part!”

“Of course, you do. You are an Earth Pony after all.” Lyra replied with a smirk as Bob-Bon got on either side of her and Midnight.

Alright everypony, on the count of three, we’re gonna widen this hole as best we can!” Midnight replied, earning nods from the other two mares. “One…”

“...Two…” Lyra murmured.

“...Three!” Bon-Bon shouted as she grabbed the edge of the hole and pulled with all her might. At the same time, Midnight did the same while Lyra used her magic to help them out.

The sound of the wood creaking and crunching once again filled the air as all three mares pulled with all their might. While Lyra and Bon-Bon did their very hardest, a majority of the progress was made by Midnight, due to her greater size and strength, and her Thestral heritage. Each of the mares could feel the sharp edges of the wood pierce and even start to dig into their hooves, along with sweat starting to form on their heads, but they kept going. The need and desire to save the foals overriding their own safety and putting their well-being in the back of their minds.

Eventually, all three mares stopped in their task and took a moment to catch their breaths, letting their bodies recover from the effort. After a few more moments, Midnight rose from her sitting position and slowly walked over to the now much bigger hole. kneeling down, she once again stuck her head inside and began searching for the foals.

“Can any of you hear me down there?!” The beetle black mare asked. “If you do, can any of you come into the light? Where I can see you?!”

Midnight then fell silent, listening out for any kind of response from any of the foals inside. Her ears picked up the sound of what looked to be whispering from inside, some seeming to be frantic and on edge, said they were hesitant to come forward.

Figuring that they needed some reassurance, Midnight went to try to call down to them, when she noticed something moving in the shadows,. She didn’t have to wait for very long, for just a few moments later, a young colt stepped out into the light. It was a Pegasus colt with a brown coat that was just a shade lighter than chocolate, and a long two toned orangish scarlet red mane and tail with streaks of whitish tangelo in both of them. His eyes were a bright shade of amber red with what looked to be a hint of yellow, with his wings and tail feathers having a combination of his fur, mane, and tail color. A beanie with little helicopter bars could be seen resting on his head, and his flank bore no Cutie Mark.

“I-I’m here...I came here like you told me to.” The colt said in a slightly raspy voice as he looked up at Midnight nervously. “Are...are you the one here to rescue us?”

“Yes sweetheart, I am.” Midnight replied, keeping her tone as gentle as possible as she smiled down at that colt. “Don’t worry, I’m not gonna hurt you or any of your friends...me and everypony here are only here to save you.”

“You promise?” The colt said, lightly pawing at the ground lightly.

“I promise.” Midnight replied soothingly as she gave the colt a sweet smile. “Now, can you do me a favor and step away some so I can get inside. I don’t want to fall on you when I do.”

“O...okay.” The colt replied as he raised an eyebrow at the beetle black mare. “Why? Are you a big mare?”

“You’ll find out soon enough honey.” Midnight replied as she shifted her body in preparation. Before she went inside, she looked over her shoulder back at Lyra and Bon-Bon. “Girls, I want you to listen to me very carefully. I’m gonna go inside and get all the foals rounded up, and when I do, I want you two to stand right here and be ready to lift them out. Okay?”

“Got it.” Bon-Bon said with a curt not of her head.

“You can count on us Middy!” Lyra said with a grin. “Good luck down there!”

Smiling warmly at the mind green Unicorn and tan Pegasus, Midnight gave a small nod before turning her attention back to the foals inside the wood pile. Shifting her body, she slowly stuck her hind legs inside and started to lower her body inside the widened hole, taking care not to let herself be stabbed or struck by the sharp edges.

When she was hanging from her forehooves, she looked down to see how far the ground was from her hooves, and to her relief, it was only a foot or so away from her hind hooves. Sucking in a sharp breath, she let herself fall from the edge, while spinning her body around in midair and landing on all four hooves with a loud clang.

“Huh...that was...easier than I thought it would be.” Midnight murmured as she gave a little shake of her body. Once she composed herself, her gaze focused on the light brown colt, who was staring back up at her wide eyed.

“Wow… you’re so big!” He breathed as he took in Midnight’s features. “And…you’re a Thestral too!”

“Hmhmhm...yeah, I do like big for a Thestral don’t I?” Midnight giggled as she ran a hoof through her navy-blue mane. “I was born bigger than most foals, so I get comments about my size and physic a lot. It doesn’t help the fact that I’m a Thestral as well, despite the fact that my wings are feathered.”

“Huh...that must suck pretty bad huh?” The colt said with yet sympathetic frown.

“Sometimes...but it doesn’t bother me that much...I’m used to it.” Midnight replied softly, a bit taken aback by how calmly Button was taking her appearance. “Now, why don’t we go find your friends hm? I’m sure they must be very scared right now.”

“Sure! Follow me, I know just where they are!” The colt replied as he turned tail and started trotting back into the darkness. “My name is Button Mash Kyuketsuki...and I’m her with my mom and my older brother!”

‘Kyuketsuki...now that’s a clan name I haven’t heard of before…’ Midnight thought, raising an eyebrow at the colt’s last name as she replied back. “Nice to meet you Button Mash...my name is Midnight Thunderstorm Nightstalker Shenron, and I live here with my siblings!”

“Midnight...I can totally see why you’re called that!” Button Mash said, looking back at the beetle black mare as he took in her fur color. “You totally have the color to match!”

“And I can see why you were named Button!” Midnight chirped, smiling as Button gained a blush of his own. Right as she said that, she felt something soft make contact with her left forehoof, and a split second later a loud cry of pain emitted through the darkness.

“Oh! Watch where you’re stepping Button!” The voice of a filly shouted as the appendage was yanked out from under Midnight’s hoof. “Not all of us have that super special night vision like you do!”

“Uh, that wasn’t me Dinky…” Button Mash replied slowly, his amber eyes gleaming in the darkness. “That was Midnight, the mare who came to rescue us.”

“Midnight?” Dinky asked, her voice tinged with confusion. “Who’s Midnight?”

“Um…that would be me dear.” Midnight replied softly, reach out and touching what felt to be the filly’s shoulder, her keen eyes helping her see the image of numerous foals grouped up somewhere in the darkness. “Are you alright? Are you or any of your friends hurt?”

“No, we’re fine. Well, most of us are fine, one of us is hurt pretty badly.” Dinky replied, looking back up at the mare as best she could. “Um, could you come a little closer, we can’t really see you.”

I’m standing right in front of you sweetheart.” Midnight giggled, gently running her hoof along the filly’s mane. She lifted her head and looked at the other foals nestled together. “Um, excuse me everypony, if any of you are Unicorns, could you light up your horns please? So, I can see you better?”

Not even three seconds after she said that, a golden yellow aura of magic appeared just in front of Midnight, causing her to snap her eyes shut for a few seconds, before slowly reopening them again. After taking a few moments to adjust to the light, she looked down to see a grayish violet Unicorn filly, the one she had been touching, looking back up at her with her big innocent amber golden eyes.

“Is that better?” Dinky squeaked, giving her leonine tail a few swishes.

“Yes, much better. Thank you for that dear.” Midnight replied kindly, giving Dinky a pat on her head. “Now, you said that one of your friends was injured...can you show my where they are?”

Oh, that’s right! I can’t believe I forgot!” Dinky exclaimed, shooting to her hooves. “Come on, I’ll show you where she is!”

With that, the filly turned tail and galloped off through the large group of foals nestled next to her. They each parted away from Midnight to give her room to walk through the, and a couple of them couldn’t help but gaps in awe at her appearance, much to her amusement. When she caught up to Dinky, she saw a sight that made her freeze in place and a loud gasp escape her throat.

“Midnight?” Melon Cake asked, her multi-colored staring up at her un surprise. “Is…that you?”

“Oh my goodness, Melon Cake!” The beetle black mare gasped, her hooves flying to her mouth as she stared at the filly in horror. “What happened to your leg?!”

“The wood…it fell onto it.” The filly replied, her face scrunching up a bit. “I saw it falling towards Dinky and pushed her out of the way, but I couldn’t get away.” She looked back at her leg, flicking her tail off to the side so Midnight could get a clear view of it. “Dinky Lily, and the others tried pulling me out, but the wood is just too heavy. I really think that my leg is broken.”

“Oh dear, that doesn’t sound too good.” Midnight said grimly, walking over to the filly to get a closer look at her leg. Upon closer inspection, she could see that the wood had most definitely pierced into the filly’s skin, and judging by the small amount of blood leaking out from under the leg, it was in there for quite some time. While Midnight didn’t know the exact extent of the damage, she knew that she needed to get that leg out, or else the damage would only grow.

Knowing what she needed to do, she stepped away from the filly and addressed the other foals surrounding her. “Um, okay…can I have everypony’s attention please? I have something I need for you all to do?”

“What is it Midnight?” Button Mash asked curiously.

“I want you all to step away and get into a group on the left side of me.” Midnight said gently, her tone like that of a teacher giving instructions on an assignment to their class. “I’m gonna stay here and lift this wood up so I can get…” she paused, realization dawning on her that she didn’t know the filly’s name yet. With flushed cheeks, the beetle black mare turned to look at the filly. “I’m sorry dear, but could you tell me your name? I didn’t quite catch it…”

“Melon,” The filly replied sweetly, giving the mare a small smile. “Melon Cake Smoothie!”

“Right thank you sweetheart.” Midnight replied, turning back to the foals around her. “Anyway, I’m gonna lift this pile of wood off of Melon’s leg and get her out from under it before there’s any more damage done to it. While I’m doing that, I want you all to stay as far away as possible, because I don’t want this wood falling on any of you, okay?”

“Wait, you’re gonna life the wood up?” Dinky asked in confusion, but nonetheless did as the mare asked. “How are you gonna do that? No offense Ms. Midnight but…your um…a Thestral, not an Earth Pony.”

“Hmhm, I know I am sweetie... I may not be an Earth Pony, but I’m a lot stronger than most ponies. As you can plainly see…” The beetle black mare said motioning to her frame with a hoof. “...I think we I’ll be able to lift this off of Melon just fine.”

Without waiting for any of the foals replies, Midnight turned her attention to said soft green filly, who was looking back up at her with those wide heterochronic eyes. She set herself on her haunches and lit her hooves under the wood on either side of Melon Cake, hunching her body in preparation for the task at hoof. “Alright, I’m gonna try to lift this off of you Melon...it’s probably gonna hurt, but I want you to try and bear it as much as possible, okay honey?”

“Okay…” Melon Cake replied, bringing a hoof to her muzzle, not breaking eye contact with Midnight. “I’m ready...do it.”

Midnight gave a short nod, giving the filly a small kiss on her forehead before clenching on the wood with her hooves. After taking a few deep breaths, she hunched her forelegs, and began to slowly lift the wood.

Melon Cake winced and bit down on her right foreleg, suppressing the urge to cry out in pain as she felt the wood being lifted off of her leg. She could feel the sharp jagged points in her legs slowly being pulled out, causing pain to radiate throughout her whole left leg. The other foals behind them watched with wide eyes and slack jaws, amazed that level of strength the beetle black mare was displaying, even though she wasn’t an Earth Pony. Melon Cake could feel her leg slowly being lifted into the air the more Midnight lifted the wood, but didn’t try to pull it back down, fearing she’d injure her leg more. Thankfully, she didn’t have to do anything, for just a few seconds later, her leg broke free and fell back down on the hard marble floor. As soon as it did, the Earth filly wasted no time in crawling away from her confinement, allowing Midnight to lower the wood pile back down.

“Wow...that was so awesome!” Button Mash exclaimed, his yellow and red eyes shimmering in amazement. “I didn’t know that you were so strong!”

“Thank you know Button...it wasn’t really anything special really,” Midnight said with a small smile. Brushing some of her mane out of her face, the Pegasus looked back down at Melon Cake. “How are you feeling sweetie?”

“I feel a lot better, thanks a bunch Midnight!” The soft green filly chirped, glancing down at her leg. “My leg does hurt a little though...ouch.”

“Here.., let me take a look at it.” Midnight said softly, setting on her haunches and inspecting the filly’s leg. There was a jagged large cut that went down the left leg, just a few inches away from her hoof, with blood coating the green fur. The cut wasn’t all that deep, and it certainly didn’t look like it had reached the bone, or even tore through the much of the muscle. By the way that Melon moved it, Midnight figured that it wasn’t that serious, and could easily be treated by a nurse or a doctor.

“Hmm...it doesn’t look like it looks too serious to me.” The beetle black mare replied, pulling away from the filly. “Though, I’m gonna take you to go see a nurse or a doctor so they can take a look as your leg.., just in case.”

“Okay, I understand.” Melon Cake replied, brushing some of her mane out of her face as she smiled at the beetle black Thestral mare. “Are you gonna carry me out?”

“Yes, but not yet.” Midnight replied with a shake of her head. I’m gonna get the rest of your friends out before I get to you. I don’t wanna damage you’re leg any further than it already is, so just wait here for a few moments okay?”

“Okay!” Melon Cake squeaked, a sweet smile forming on her face. “Thank you for saving me!”

“Hmhm, you’re welcome sweetie.” Midnight replied as she gave the filly a pat on the head. She then got on her feet and walked over to the hole from where she had come inside and spread her wings, setting her right one on the ground stretching the left on from outside of the hole, and setting the end on the edge. Midnight then looked back at the foals, who were all looking back at her curiously. “Okay everypony, I want you all to climb on to my back and climb out of the hole from here. There are a few ponies out there who are waiting to pull out when you do, and they’ll take care of you from here, okay?”

“Okay!” Button Mash, Dinky, Lily and all the other foals replied, giving eager nods.

“Lyra! Bob-Bon!” Midnight shouted from inside the hole. “I found the foals! I’m gonna have them climb out of here, and I want you pull them out and help them find their families okay?!”
,
“Got it!” Both mares replied in unison.

With those words, Midnight turned her attention back to the foals and beckoned them closer to her, and one by one, they all began to climb up her wing, into her back, and climb up her other wing, out of the whole and into the waiting forelegs of Lyra and Bon-Bon. Midnight couldn’t help but smile when she heard the joyful cries and cheers of the foals and parents when they found each other, happy to finally be reunited after what seemed like forever apart. She was sure that she was gonna be getting a lot of thanks from the elder siblings and parents of the foals she just rescued, but she was sure she could handle it.

Taking a deep breath, Midnight turned her attention back to Melon Cake, who was waiting patiently at her side. Folding her wings at her sides, the beetle black mare trotted over to the soft green filly, before asking sweetly, “Alright Melon, are you ready to go?”

“Uh-huh!” Melon Cake replied as she sat up on her haunches.

“Alright then.” Midnight nodded, turning around and sitting down on her rump. “Go ahead and climb on!”

“You got it!” Melon Cake chirped as she slowly got up from the floor. She balanced herself on three of her legs, taking care not to put any weight on the one that was injured. Slowly and gingerly, she climbed up into Midnight’s strong back, taking a moment to marvel in the softness of her fur, before nestling herself quite comfortably on the mare. “Okay, ready when you are Ms. Midnight!”

“Alright honey, and please, no need to add the formalities...you can just call me Midnight.” The beetle black mare cooed as she walked back over to the hole. She reached up with both of her forehooves and prepared to jump, but not before she turned back to look at the filly resting on her back. “Melon, sweetie, do you think you could hold onto me tighter for just a bit? We’re gonna go on a bit of a ride.”

“Okie dokie lokie!” Melon Cake chirped as she grabbed on tightly to Midnight’s mane. Giggling at the filly’s imitation of Pinkie, Midnight hunched her legs down and jumped out of the hole at lightning speed. Melon Cake squealed in surprise as they both shot out of the hole and air, much many ponies that were close by completely by surprise. When they were out, Midnight spread her wings and flapped them to keep her and Melon airborne, before slowly hovering down to the ground away from the pile of wood.

“Wow, that was so awesome!” Melon Cake exclaimed, her multicolored eyes sparkling. “You’re a really strong mare, Midnight!”

“Oh, it was nothing really…” Midnight protested softly with a small blush on her face. “I just had a little boost of strength that’s all…I’m just glad that I was able to get you and your friends out of there.” She giggled and looked back at Melon Cake with a small smile on her face. “Now, why don’t we go find somepony to look at that leg of yours, hm?”

“Yep!” The soft green filly replied, still clinging tightly to the beetle black mare’s mane.

As the mare and filly made their way through the crowd of ponies, they looked around to see if there was anypony, be it doctor or nurse, who looked to be free to take a look at Melon’s leg. So far, none of them looked like they had any spare time for her, and even looked like they would lose it if they were given another patient. As much as Midnight wanted Melon to be taken care of, the last thing she wanted was to make things worse for the doctors and nurses to the point where nopony would look at her, so she kept a respectable distance, although with great reluctance.

“Gosh, there are a lot of ponies who need help…” The beetle black mare said, her ears flattening against her head. “At this rate, I don’t think we’ll be able to find anypony willing to see you.”

“I’m not really surprised, there are a looooooot of ponies that hurt after that big scary mare came in here.” Melon Cake replied, a shiver going down her spine. “I mean, did you see how much of the roof came down when it exploded?! I had a feeling that something bad was going to happen! I felt it right on the tip of my tail, but I didn’t think it’d be that big of an explosion! Still, it’s a good thing I sensed it was about to happen, even if it was a bit late, or else Dinky would’ve been the one under that wood instead of me, good thing for my Melon Sense huh?”

“Yes, it’s a good thing that you-” Midnight began to say, before she stopped short, the filly’s last words catching up to her. “Wait, what did you just say?”

“Hey Midnight, look!” Melon Cake suddenly exclaimed, pointing a soft green hoof forward. “I see a nurse inside the crowd!”

“You do? Where?” The beetle black mare asked as she followed the line of the filly’s hoof. Her eyes to widen when she saw Nurse Redheart amongst the crowd.

“Oh my...I can’t believe I didn’t notice her…” Midnight said dumbly, her eyes blinking in confusion. “There are so many ponies that I couldn’t see her in the crowd.”

“Well I certainly did!” Melon Cake giggles. “I know that white coat anywhere!”

“Do you know what nurse?” Midnight asked, looking over at the filly.

“You bet!” Melon replied with a rapid nod. “That’s Nurse Redheart, one of the medical ponies back at Ponyville General Hospital! She’s the best nurse ever, and she’s always ready to help anypony, be it mare, stallion, or foal, and I know that she’ll be happy to look at me!”

“This isn’t the first time you went to see her, is it?” Midnight asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Uh-uh, but I can tell you that it’s always awesome to see her when I do Midnight!” Melon Cake squeaked. “She’s just so kind and sweet and caring, and always gives me such delicious candy when she’s done with me! Trust me when I say that there is no other nurse or doctor like her, or her sisters!”

“I see…” Midnight said slowly, looking back from the filly to the nurse. “I’m assuming that she’s the one I should go to?”

“Yep!” Melon Cake nodded eagerly. “And if you ever have an owchie, then she Nurse Redheart, Sweetheart, Tenderheart, and Snowheart are the ones you should go to kiss the pain away!”

“Alright then,” Midnight sighed as she made her way over to the nurse. She gently weaved her way through the crowd of ponies, making sure she didn’t make them trip and lose their footing, or step on those that were lying on the floor. When she got within reach, she reached over and gently tapped the mare on the shoulder. “Um, excuse me miss?”

“Yes, how can I help yo-sweet Celestia!” Nurse Redheart began in a low soft and polite tone as she turned to face Midnight, only to let out a cry of surprise when she saw her, jumping so hard that she lost her footing and fell on her rump. Midnight took a few steps back, her ears flattening against her head as she gave the nurse her space to recover. The snow-white mare put a hoof to her pink and white fluffy chest, taking deep breaths to calm herself as her rapidly beating heart slowed. After a few moments, she slowly got back on her hooves, taking her clipboard back in her right foreleg, and straightening her mane.

“I...I’m sorry I did that. You just took me completely by surprise.” Redheart said, giving the beetle black mare a sheepish smile. “I was not expecting you to be…to be a…”

“Thestral?” Midnight finished for her, her fangs gleaming from her small smile. “That’s okay, I didn’t mean to scare you. I should’ve been more vocal instead of seeming like I was stalking you.”

“No, it’s okay, really. I was just caught off guard as all.” Redheart said reassuringly. “Anyway, what can I help you with?”

“I, um, found a filly that was trapped under a pile of wood with some other foals. When I got her and her friends out, I noticed that her leg looked to be broken.” Midnight explained. “Her leg had been under the wood of the same pile that I had found the foals in, and I think it may be broken.”

Right as she said that, Melon Cake peeked her head from the side of Midnight, a bright smile on her face as she looked a Redheart. “Hiya Nurse!”

“Oh! Hello Melon Cake, I didn’t expect to see you here.” Redheart replied, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of the soft green filly. Eventually, her expression softened and looked at the filly with a kind smile. “I’m assuming you’re the one that needs to be looked at?”

“Yes ma’am! Though it’s not one of our regular checkups this time…” Melon Cake replied, her tone shifting from bright and cheerful to sad and solemn. To emphasize her point, she lifted her injured foreleg into view for Redheart to see, which prompted a loud gasp from the nurse.

“Oh my goodness, that looks pretty bad.” Redheart said worriedly, trotting over and inspecting the soft green filly’s leg. She took it ever so gently in her hoof, making sure not to cause her any pain. “Does it hurt?”

“A little bit.” Melon replied softly, flicking her tail some. “I can still stand, but I don’t think I can walk all that good.”

“I see…” Nurse Redheart murmured, looking back up into the filly’s multicolored eyes. “Well, if that’s the case, then I think I can easily treat this. If your leg isn’t all that broken, then I’m pretty sure that I can fix your leg.”

“Really?!” Melon Cake asked, her eyes widening in excitement as the mare nodded.

“Mhm, and if you behave like all those other times, I’ll give you a lollipop as a little reward.” Redheart replied sweetly as we winked at the filly. “Does that sound like a good deal?”

“You bet!” The soft green filly chirped, giggling as Redheart bopped her on the nose.

“Hmhmhm, well alright then.” The snow-white mare smiled, before looking up at Midnight. “Thank you for bringing Melon to me, ma’am. I’ll be sure that she gets well as soon as possible.”

“Alright then, I’ll leave her to you.” Midnight nodded, shifting to the side as she let Melon climb off of her back and settle herself onto Redheart’s. “It was wonderful seeing you again Melon, get well soon okay?”

“‘Kay!” Melon giggled as she rode off with Redheart and into the crowd. “It was great seeing you again Midnight! See ya later!”

“By sweetie!” The beetle black mare called back as she bid the filly farewell. She watched as Redheart and Melon Cake melted into the crowd until they were both out of sight. A moment later, she let out a sigh and headed for the double doors of the Town Square.

“What a sweet little filly...she really does remind me of Pinkie Pie She murmured as she trotted past the other ponies in the building. “I guess I should go check up on Snowflake and the foals…and make sure they’re alright.”

Just as the beetle black mare was about to reach the doors, she noticed a pale grayish magenta aura enveloping both of them. At first, she thought that it was Twilight, but as she detected the magical presence from outside, she realized that it wasn’t Twilight. Midnight also felt that there was more than one magical presence there, a lot more than one.

Fortunately for Midnight, she didn’t have to wonder who it was for the giant door slowly opened, their creaking causing everypony else to turn to them. When they were fully opened, they were given the full view of the ponies outside and who it was. Many looks of shock, happiness, joy, and utter relief were found in all of the ponies’ eyes, including Midnight, whose hoof flew to her mouth when she saw who it was.

“It, it’s you.” She whispered, locking eyes with the alabaster stallion standing in the doorway. “You’re actually made it!”

Shining Armor grinned, his golden armor gleaming as he gave a flick of his leonine tail, the tip of his horn glinting slightly along with it. With a slight chuckle, he walked inside, his fellow soldiers following behind him as he stopped just in front of the beetle black Thestral. Using his magic to take off his helmet, he put it to the side before addressing the larger mare.

“Hey there Midnight, sorry to keep you waiting.” He said, his deep voice warm and friendly as he gave his tail another flick. “Now that we’ve got the pleasantries out of the way, you mind telling me just which ponies here need our help?”

Things in the Golden Oaks Library had been quiet for the ponies nestled inside, a far cry from how things were like in the Town Square. The sound of the clock’s soft ticking could be heard all around the main room of the castle as Sheton, Spike, Crescent Shield and their four friends sat in a circle in the middle of the wooden floor of the main room. A majority of them had their muzzles stuck into various books and magazines of the sort, while a couple kept to themselves, lost in their own thoughts. Snowflake kept watch over them, while at the same time looking out the windows and keeping a lookout for any danger that may come their way. A few more minutes passed by before she slowly hovered down to the ground and in front of the group of foals.

“How is everything down here?” Snowflake asked as she approached the colts and fillies. “How are you all holding up?”

“We’re holding out okay, more or less.” Fire Flash replied as she laid sprawled out on the floor. “I’m just so bored right now! There is practically nothing for any of us to do here!”

“Oh, don’t say that Fire Flash…” Scootaloo said softly, looking up from a what seemed to be an animal book she was reading. “I know it may not seem like much, but there are plenty of things that we can do here in Twilight’s library. We can look at different types of books, we can play chess, we can look at the maps, and even use her telescope to look out at the stars! Those seem like fun things to do, right?”

“Yeah, for youand the othersmaybe, but definitely not for me!” Fire Flash replied, sitting up and glaring at the alabaster filly. “I’m not one for all of that egghead stuff that Twilight likes, I’m one for none stop action and adventure! That is exactly what our sisters are experiencing right now and that’s the exact kind of thing that I want to do right now! But no, we’re stuck in here while they go off on some awesome adventure to defeat some super evil mare!

Fire Flash snorted as she stomped her hooves on the floor in frustration. “I get they’re just trying to keep us safe and we’re only foals, but still! I just wish that they’ take us more seriously sometimes and stop babying us! We’re not normal foals and we can fight just like them, so we should be able to join them on whatever cool adventure they’re going on!”

“Ah know what ya mean Flash.” Apple Bloom sighed as she gave long sigh. “Mash sis is the same way with me...treatin’ me like a little baby even though Ah ain’t one no more. Why, just earlier this mornin’ while Ah was helpin’ her buck the apples, she but a helmet on top of the one Ah was already wearin! Sayin’ somethin’ like, “It’s just a precaution to make sure that th’ other helmet on mah head wouldn’t break in any way.” Hello?! The apples even don’t weigh that much to break a helmet of that magnitude! So how in the hay could a helmet, let alone two, break from an apple fallin’ on ‘em?!”

“I know how you girls feel.” Spike frowned as he folded his forelegs. “Twilight is always having me do extra chores around the library, on top of the chores that I already have! By the time I’m done, she then makes me participate in one of her projects as a test subject, not even caring if I’m exhausted or not! She’s my big sister and I love her, but with the way she treats me, I sometimes wonder if she really sees me as that...other than her Number One Assistant.”

“Same here Spike.” Crescent Shield said sympathetically, rubbing the emerald green Kirin’s back with a hoof.

“Oh, d-don’t be like that e-everypony.” Scootaloo said softly. “I don’t t-think we should g-give our sisters s-such a hard t-time...I-I-I know that t-they, um...smother us from t-time to time, and it m-may seem like a l-lot but...t-that’s just to show how m-much they c-care. T-t-they don’t want a-anything to h-happen to us a-and they just w-want to m-make sure that w-we’re safe. T-they know that we’re g-going to have t-to go off on our own s-someday...a-and they just want to make every m-moment with us last.”

“Pfft, that’s easy for you to say Scoots!” Fire Flash snorted as she gave a sideways glance at the bright orange filly. “Your sister practically smothers you all the time, and out of all of us, you’re the only one who doesn’t seem to be bothered by it! I’ve seen how she treats you at your home whenever we go to your house to have a sleepover or something, and it’s almost as if you’re still a baby in her eyes! I’m amazed that you didn’t confront her about it at this point!”

“W-well, of course i-I don’t,” Scootaloo meekly as she started twiddling with her forehooves, hiding behind her long indigo mane. “B-because, I-I’m g-genuinely not b-bothered by it. S-she’s always been there for me when I really needed her, a-and she’s always given me advice so...the least I could do for her is, well...is this.”

“Hmph, well whatever, I’m certainly not okay with it.” Fire Flash huffed as she crossed her forehooves. “Just you guys wait, one of these days I’m gonna show my big sis that I can look after myself, and that I can be just as awesome as she is! Once she sees that, she’ll have to let me and the rest of you come with her and help her on any of her awesome adventures that she like to go on with the rest of her friends! Nothing else would be more exciting as to be able to do something like that! Am I right Sheton? Sheton?”

The crimson filly turned to look at her new friend when he failed to answer her, only to give a little jump of surprise at what she saw. The stormy grey colt was facing away from them, his long tail wrapped around himself and his large wings folded at his sides. His head was lowered and facing the ground, his mane spilled over his face and his fedora shadowing it.

“Sheton?” Snowflake asked softly, putting a hoof on the young colt’s shoulder. “Are you alright, dear?”

Sheton, upon feeling the gentle touch on his shoulder, snapped out of his stupor with a shake of his head, before turning to look up at the mountain blue Pegasus. Seeing the worried look in her face, his ears flattened against his head as a frown appeared on his face.

“Oh, I-I’m sorry Snowflake…I’m just…” He began as he slowly got up from the floor and faced the mare. “I’m just worried about the others.”

“You’re worried about Goku aren’t you?” Snowflake asked gently, despite knowing the answer.

“Yeah...I am.” The stormy grey colt admitted, a small frown forming on his lips as he started to shake slightly. “I’m afraid...that something might happen to her and the others...and that they may not be able to come back. I-I know Goku promises me that she’d come back to me alive, a-and I believe her especially with her friends there…but…” He started to sniffle, his emerald blue eyes welling up with tears. “I’m afraid that she may not be able to keep it. T-that she’ll get killed somehow...and if that happens than I...I…”

The stormy grey colt trailed off, unable to finish his sentence as the dark thoughts of his sister began to overwhelm him and cloud his mind. Letting out a whimper, buried his face into his forearms, the tears in his eyes beginning to roll down his cheeks and stain the fur. Spike, Crescent, and the other fillies all looked at him with saddened, yet sympathetic expressions on their faces. Most of them unable to come up with anything to say to comfort the colt and sooth his fears, other than Scootaloo, who went over and hugged the colt. Despite this, that didn’t stop Snowflake from getting up and walking over to her little brother, lifting his head up and wrapping both her forearms around his neck, resting her chin on his head. Sheton stiffened at the sudden contact, but nonetheless he relaxed into it. wrapping his own forelegs around her waist, he rested his head into her fluffy chest as she rocked him back and forth.

“There, there, Sheton, it’s okay...there’s no need for you to cry.” The mountain blue Pegasus cooed as she stroked the stormy grey colt’s mane. “I’ll admit, you’re not the only one who’s worried about Goku and her-well, our friends. As a matter of a fact...I’m worried about her too.”

“You...you are?” Sheton asked, looking up at her with his teary eyes.

“Mhm...I’m afraid that something can and will happen to either her, or her friends in that forest. Whether it be getting caught in the severe weather, attacked by the animals, or just getting lost with no way to get out. Each minute that passes by while they’re that forest, these thoughts plague my head, and I find myself wanting to go into the forest and find her.” The mountain blue Thestral explained, letting out a sigh as she ran a hoof through her cumulus mane. “However, as much as I want to, I’m not going to. You know why dear?”

“W-why?” Sheton stuttered as he wiped away his tears.

“Because I have faith in her.” Snowflake replied in a soft yet firm tone, making Sheton pause. “I believe that she’ll not only succeed in her mission and win in the fight between Nightmare Moon, but that she’ll be able to do all of that and make it back alive. If there’s one thing that I know that Goku is known for, it’s that she never breaks a promise to anything or anypony that she meets. Each and every time she’s made a promise, she’s always went through with it, unless it was completely unnecessary, and I have no doubt that she’ll keep this one.” Her expression softened into a gentle smile as she brushed Sheton's mane away from his face. “So I’ll ask you Sheton...can you do that for me? Can you do your sister a favor and have just a little bit more faith in Goku? For both me and her?”

“Y-y-yeah...I-I-I can...sorry about that Snowflake.” Sheton nodded, letting out a light sniffle as he smiled up at Snowflake. “S-sorry about that...”

“Hmhmhm, that’s okay dear. Everypony let’s their fear cloud their judgment from time to time.” Snowflake chuckled, giving the stormy grey colt a kiss on the forehead. “You were just worried for your sister that’s all, just like me...though, I wouldn’t be too worried. Goku’s a lot tougher than she looks...as with the rest of the girls.”

“Heh, you got that right Snowflake!” Fire Flash smirked as she flew over to them. “I mean, no offense to your sister, but Rainbow Dash is one of the toughest ponies I know! I swear, she can handle anything that’s thrown at her no matter what or who it is! I have not seen one time where my sis hasn’t been able to handle anything, be it on her own or with anypony else, so I have no doubt that she’ll be able to handle this!”

“Don’t forget about ours Fire Flash.” Apple Bloom said sternly. “Yer sister ain’t th’ only one whose tough an’ all. Need Ah remind ya that my sister, Sheton’s sister, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Crescent Shield’s sister are also there in that scary lookin’ forest with yours?”

“Ahem.” Spike said, crossing his forehooves.

“Sorry.” Apple Bloom winced. “Crescent and Spike’s big sister.”

“Yeah, I know that.” Fire Flash pouted. “All I’m saying is that Rainbow Dash is tough in her own right. Not that your sisters aren’t tough but…well, you know what I mean.”

“Yes, we know Flash, your sister’s a special case when it comes to toughness.” Sweetie Belle sighed. “You’ve told us that over a million times now. You don’t need to keep reminding us every time we see here.”

“I know, but I’m just making sure that none of you forget it.” Fire Flash said cheekily, roughly ruffling Sweetie Belle’s mane. “And when we’re all full grown like they are, I’ll make sure you don’t forget about my toughness too!”

“Oh jeez, I can already picture that morphing in my head.” Crescent moaned, anime tears streaming from her eyes. “I am so not looking forward to that.”

Spike ears flattened. “Me neither…”

“D-don’t worry everypony.” Scootaloo suddenly piped. “I-I’m sure t-that Ms. Goku, Rainbow Dash, a-and everypony else w-will be fine i-in the E-Everfree Forest. T-they have e-each other, a-along with M-Mr. Zephyr w-with them. P-plus, Q-queen Celestia said t-that she’d send her a-army out into t-the forest to h-help them, s-so they have e-every change of s-surviving.”

“Scootaloo’s right.” Sheton nodded, looking more positive than he did a few minutes ago. “All of our sisters are powerful in their own right. And with all of them working together as a team, they can conquer anything, right Snowflake?”

“Of course, darling.” Snowflake said, happy to see her brother not so scared anymore. “And if you all do the same thing, I have no doubt you’ll win against anything or anyone threatening you.”

“Heehee, thanks Snowflake!” Spike chirped, his draconic tail wagging like a puppy’s. “Hey, do you think maybe we’ll get our chance to fight some bad guys someday.”

“Oh, I don’t doubt it Spike.” Snowflake chuckled, patting the amethyst Kirin on his head. “While I don’t think that’ll be for at least another several years or so, I’m sure that you’ll be facing your own enemies someday. When you do though, be sure to give them everything you have, and show then why nopony messes with the secret protectors of Equestria.”

“You bet we will!” Crescent Shield squeaked. “I don’t care who it is, whether it’s Nightmare Moon or anypony else, they’re not gonna mess with us or our town! If they do, we’ll make certain that they face the repercussions!”

“Uh-huh!” Sheton nodded, his fangs flashing as he grinned. “If Nightmare Moon wants a challenge, then we’ll give her one! We make be a lot weaker than her, but we’ll take on whatever she has up her arsenal! And whatever that is, whether its ghosts, vampires, zombies, or even manifestations of Nightmare Moon, we’ll send it right back to her twice as hard! Am I right guys?!”

“Yeah!” The other foals exclaimed as they high hooved each other.

Snowflake said nothing, watching with a small smile as Sheton and all the other foals laughed and conversed with one another. Despite the amusement and joy she felt, she couldn’t help but get a weird feeling in her gut. One that made her smile falter slightly and her expression become slightly confused, something that Spike took notice of.

“Snowflake?” He said tentatively. “Is there something wrong?”

“Oh, it’s nothing sweetie.” Snowflake replied, looking back over at the amethyst Kirin. “It’s just, I have a really weird feeling in my gut. Like something big is about to happen soon, and it’s going to happen here.”

Spike’s reptilian eyes widened slightly. “You mean like some big attack shot at us by Nightmare Moon?”

The mountain blue Thestral paused for a moment in her attempted response, Spike’s words striking something deep within her. As her ears pinned back, she looked back out the window of Twilight’s library, and at the Moon shining down from above, along with the twinkling night sky.

“Something like that dear…something like that.”

Author's Notes:

Alright, for this chapter, a majority of it wasn't really needing any changes for the most part, other than the fact that Midnight didn't recognize Melon Cake and was just meeting her. Since I had her and her siblings meet her along with Pinkie Pie in Sugarcube Corner back in chapter four, I remembered to change that otherwise people would get pretty confused, and that would really mess this chapter up. Another thing that I added in there was Shining Armor and his half of the Solar Guards making it to Ponyville to access the situation, something that I believe I should've done after writing that one chapter of the conversation between him and Spearhead when I was first writing this. Well, now I've done it, and I feel that this is going more smoothy, though I know I have a lot more to go, and things are only just getting started form here.

The biggest change for this chapter was with Snowflake and the foals, and just what was happening while they were in Twilight's Library. In the last chapter, I had added a part where Derpy came to the library all blooded and beaten, explained that there were Timberwolves in the town, and Snowflake battled one that managed to get in. It was going well when I wrote that first part, but after writing the ponyville and Timberwolf battle six times, I realized that I was dragging it out for way too long, especially after getting some feedback from one of my followers. So I took that out and saved the battle for later, and while it won't be with the Timberwolves or any of the other animals in the Everfree, it'll be something ten times more terrifying.

Well, that's all for this chapter, next time we're getting another look back on Nightmare Moon, any how Zephyr and the Main Seven are handling their feathery adversary.

Chapter 16 - Birth of a Nightmare

The sounds of the animals and the billow of the weather was the only thing that Nightmare Moon heard as she sat atop her nocturnal throne. Her entire Throne Room was nestled in almost complete and utter darkness as it and the entire castle radiated with power. The presence of darkness and fear could be felt all about the throne room as the sin black Alicorn leaned in her chair, her mane and tail skirt, floating from either side of her. Her eyes were closed, and her posture was relaxed, almost as if she was in a form of mediation, when in actuality, it was the exact opposite. Nightmare Moon was currently in a stated deep thinking, allowing herself to be taken back to a time where she was not the being that she was now. Where she was not Nightmare Moon, the Black Moon Goddess, the Queen of Darkness and the Nightmare Harbinger, but a time where she was somepony else. That somepony being Queen Luna Nightwalker, the Goddess of the Moon, Queen of the Night, Protector of Dreams, and the Slayer of Nightmares.

The Lunar Queen remembered it all like it was yesterday, where she was nowhere near the callous wrathful, and bloodthirsty being that she was in the Town Square. Before she had turned into the being that she was, she was once a ruler, just like her sister Celestia. Only her task was not to rule and watch over the day, but the night that she found so beautiful and so sacred, just like she was. Nightmare Moon, or rather, Luna’s duty, however, was a different from her sisters; unlike Celestia, she did not stay awake during the night to watch over the ponies. After all she was a pony herself, and ponies did need their rest and their sleep, even ones as mighty as an Alicorn. This, to the surprise of many, is where Luna did her work, and that was to watch over the ponies of Equestria while they slept.

To many this may seem very, very odd, if not downright creepy, somepony looking into their own dreams and knowing just what they dreamed about. Even Luna herself thought that she was invading ponies from time to time whenever she entered the Realm of Dreams, but it’s not like she really wanted to. In fact, she wanted nothing more than to let ponies have their nightly dreams without anything or anypony to bother them from it. However, Luna was the Queen of the Night for a reason, and it was her sworn duty to keep ponies safe in their dreams from the nightmares that they have from time to time. It was the main reason why she had the power to enter into the Realm of Dreams, so she can to just that. As a bonus, she also guided ponies in the right direction, while at the same time, letting them make decisions on their own in order to help them grow. It was no wonder that she had gotten the nicknames, the Dream Protector and the Nightmare Slayer, because she did exactly that.

Despite the ups that were given for having such a power granted to her by who knows who, there were also some downs that came along with it. Luna had no idea when it had started, or how it had begun, but ponies had begun to whisper and talk to each other about things that involved the Lunar Queen herself. They believed that she couldn’t hear what they were saying about her, but thanks to her acute hearing, she was able to hear them as if they were literally whispering right in her ear. To say the least, Luna did not like what they were saying about her, and, being one that spoke her mind, didn’t hesitate to make it clearly known to said ponies. It never ever escalated anywhere near to anything major, but the ponies that were speaking such ill and fowl things about her were more careful about just where they spoke of it after that.

At first, Luna believed that would be the end of it, and that ponies would be more careful about what they said about her. As the years went by however, things slowly grew worse in ways that Luna felt were just downright unthinkable. The ponies that were whispering behind their back began to practically voice their opinions of her out loud whenever she or her sister were in court, or at a royal meeting or summit. Whenever they were at simple things like parties or weddings, ponies would either ignore her, or try to get as far away from her whenever she tried to socialize with them. Those that didn’t ignore her, would spew venomous and hateful words and accusations at her for reasons she could not fathom. There were even a few times where she was almost attacked by a few ponies, and it was only thanks to her Lunar Guards that none of them were successful. Although, a couple of them did end up nearly getting killed trying to protect their Queen.

From then on, things began to go downhill even more so than they already were, and it became apparent to Luna that no matter what she did, she wouldn’t be accepted like her sister was. So, she began to seclude himself from basically everypony around her, only allowing her sister and her Lunar Guards to be around her. Unfortunately, event that began to change, for her guards soon began to become afraid of her themselves, having seen what their Queen was going through and how it was affecting her. They tried their best to comfort her and be there for her, but nothing that they did had much effect, and soon, they became targets of her anger and sorrow that was inflicted upon her. As for Celestia, she was there for her sister, but nowhere near as much as she was supposed to be given what was happening. The Solar Queen was much too caught up in her worshipping subjects and her duties, not having any time for her younger sister so she could see the pain she was in.

Due to this, Celestia and Luna’s relationship had begun to take a downward spiral, and they found themselves fighting with each other more often than not. Luna kept trying to reach out to her sister to help her, to get her to see what she was going through and how their subjects were treating her. However, Celestia either brushed it off with some helpless statement, or just let it slide entirely, which only made things even worse between them. It soon grew to where they were barely speaking to each other, and growing even more colder towards one another, not being anywhere as open as they usually were. All of that, however, was nothing compared to an incident that turned out to be the straw the broke the camel’s back. The one that would not only push Luna to her breaking point, but would bring the Royal Sisters to clash for the very first time. It was also at that time that the Nightmare, Miasma, was finally let in by Luna, after slowly chipping away at her steel walls for so long. In her state of anger, despair, and grief, Luna accepted the dark being, if only to make her sister pay for taking away the most precious thing that anypony could ever have.

Luna could still remember the time where she had let Miasma in, after rejecting her for so long, and filled her with a power that not even she had ever felt in her long existence. She could remember the rush of power and magic that consumed her as Miasma took over her. The feelings of liveliness that she felt while slowly going through her new transformation, the feeling of fury and hatred when she saw her sister in their old Throne Room. The explosion of power as she went through the final phases of her transformation of Nightmare Moon, and the pain she inflicted upon Celestia when they went hoof to hoof for the very first time.

The fight that had transpired was one that couldn’t be put in any type of proper words, which only explain that much further how amazingly destructive the battle was. The two sisters threw everything they had at each other, form magical blasts, to wind slices and are currents, to fatal blunt force blows that split the very earth they walked on. They held nothing back, and neither did their Solar and Luna Divisions, who, once fellow brothers in arms, were now forced to fight against each other. It was certainly a battle that all would remember as one that would last for countless centuries to come, possibly till the end of time. Despite how evenly matched they were, Nightmare Moon was the one that clearly had the upper hoof, and she took her time in tossing Celestia around as if she was a ragdoll. Unfortunately for her, she had forgotten one very important lesson in battle, one that would ultimately lead to her losing. Always watch out for any trick your enemy may have, and never, for any reason, underestimate them.

That was a lesson that Celestia had taught her the hard way when they fought shorty after Nightmare Moon came to be. The Solar Queen had thrown everything in her arsenal at her corrupted sister, parring against any and all of Nightmare Moon’s attacks, despite the clear advantage that the former had. Just when it looked like Nightmare Moon was about the triumph, Celestia pulled one last move on her. One that would get her sent to the Moon that she hoped to once control, and make her go through a pain that not even Nightmare Moon herself would inflict upon anypony. It was after that happened, that Nightmare Moon made a vow to do all that she could to make Celestia pay for what she had done to her. That the swan white Alicorn would feel every single bit of pain she felt, both in their fight, and on the Moon.

Nightmare Moon slowly opened her draconic eyes, the turquoise orbs gleaming softly in the darkness of her Throne Room as she sat in complete silence. She breathed in slowly and softly, trying to keep herself calm and composed as the memories flooded her mind. As they continue to swim through her head however, she found herself letting out a low yet blood freezing snarl from deep within her depths. The memories of being one upped by Celestia was enough to leave a foul taste in her mouth and a tight feeling in her chest. It also didn’t help the fact that she was also partially to blame for her own loss, having not taken the fight as seriously as she should’ve done. The more Nightmare Moon thought about it, the more angered she became, the emotion clouding her mind more and more. Rising from her dark throne, the sin black Alicorn reared up and slammed her forehooves on the floor, making the entire room rumble and shake.

“Ugh, all of these memories are doing nothing but drive me up the wall right now! I don’t know why I’m even thinking of them at a time like this! Those were not the most pleasant times for me, not at all. Losing to that goddamn light loving Alicorn and her meddlesome daughter.” The sin black Alicorn hissed. “I cannot believe that I, a Nightmare, the most powerful being in all of Tartarus could have such a thing happen to me. Oh, what a cursed time that was for all those centuries ago. I’ll have to make sure that it doesn’t happen again, especially to my dear subjects and Galaxy Star Bolts, or my little Nyx.”

“Keep what from happening to me momma?”

Nightmare Moon jumped at the sudden, yet familiar soft and silky voice that made itself known in her Throne Room. Looking up, she saw the ebony black form of Nyx, standing just in the center of the floor, looking at her Queen and ‘Mother’ with a curious look on her face.

“Nyx…what are you doing here?” Nightmare Moon asked still slightly surprised. “I didn’t call you to the Throne Room; how were you able to get in her undetected.”

The ebony black Alicorn smiled sweetly. “I used concealing magic to mask my presence when I came in here. I didn’t want to interrupt whatever you were doing in here. Speaking of which, I felt your magic going a little wild while I was outside with the Galaxy Star Bolts, so I came in here to see what was wrong.”

“I see…of course you could sense my magic so easily. I created you with my magic after all, so there isn’t any reason for me to be surprised that you sensed it.” Nightmare Moon said with a chuckled. “Still though, you could’ve at least knocked on the door before you came in dear. I would’ve known that it was either you, the Bolts or my Nightmare Army coming to see me for something, and I would’ve known that it wasn’t an enemy.”

“I know…I’m sorry Momma, I didn’t mean to startled you.” Nyx said, her ears flattening as she pawed at the ground. “I was just coming to see what was going on here when I sensed your magic going a little wild…and the castle shake.”

“You…you felt that?” Nightmare Moon asked, her eyes widening slightly. “You actually felt the castle shaking?”

“Mhm…I felt it all the way outside of the castle, and I even saw it shake too.” Nyx replied sheepishly. “I knew there was only one pony that could’ve made something like that happen, so I came back inside to see what was wrong.”

“I…I had no idea that I caused that much of a ruckus.” Nightmare Moon said her cheeks turning a slight shade of pink. “I must’ve given them all quite a fright. I’ll have to apologize to them for that later.”

“Don’t worry, I can take care of that for you.” Nyx said, walking over towards the larger Alicorn. “Right now, I want to know if you’re okay.”

Nightmare Moon opened her mouth to tell Nyx that she was fine, that there was nothing that she needed to worry about. The look in the ebony black Alicorn’s eyes however, stopped her from doing so, and her raised eyebrow didn’t help matters either. Nyx didn’t need to say a single word to let the Dark Queen now that trying to lie to her was not going to work. A long moment of silence had passed with the former thinking to tell the latter what she was thinking about in her moment of solitude, before a sigh left her. With a somber expression, she turned and walked back to her throne, her steps slow and quiet.

“No, my dear daughter, I am not okay.” Nightmare Moon said softly, her voice nearly at the point of a whisper. “As a matter of a fact, I am far from okay…I am the exact opposite of okay even.”

“You’re not?” Nyx asked her worry growing. “Well what’s bothering you?”

“Everything.” The larger mare growled. “Everything from the time that me and my kind had first ruled over this land, to the time we were defeated, to the time that I was banished to the Moon. I swear, each and every time I think I have everything planned out for me to be able to achieve my goals, these meddlesome ponies always have some other trick up their sleeves!”

“I’m afraid that I don’t really understand Momma.” Nyx said perplexedly. “What do you mean by that?”

“My dear Nyx, do you remember of the time where I was defeated by my sister and banished to the very Moon you were born on?” Nightmare Moon asked, spitting out the word ‘sister’ with an undertone of venom. “About how she had betrayed me after doing something so callous and cruel to me that it led to us clashing for the first time since we have been ruling?”

“Yes, I do.” Nyx nodded. “You told me of how you and Celestia fought after she had taken something precious away from you, and you wanted to make her pay for it. Along with all of the times that she’s rejected you and didn’t help you when you really needed it.”

“Exactly my dear daughter…and that is exaclty what is bothering me as of this moment.” Nightmare Moon clarified, looking away from the smaller Alicorn. “Ever since my banishment to my beautiful Moon, it had been eating away at my thoughts, at my very soul. I wanted nothing more than to fly back down that sun loving land and eradicate my sister the second I saw her again. That way, she’d pay for what she had done and to me all those centuries ago!”

“Um, didn’t you already do that back at that tower?” Nyx asked, tilting her head. “You stabbed her right in the chest you, me, and the Galaxy Star Bolts saw her fall within your mindscape.”

“Yes, that did happen,” Nightmare Moon nodded, turning back around to face Nyx. “However, I know my sister better than anypony in this entire planet. She may be naïve at times, but even she has a few tricks up her sleeve when it comes to things like that. No doubt she used a self-healing spell to close the wound before it became too severe…typical.” She paused and looked at Nyx with a raised eyebrow. “That reminds me, you also saw her in the library with all of those mares and foals with your own eyes. Did you somehow forget that she was there along with the rest of them?”

“No Momma, I didn’t.” Nyx replied sheepishly, shaking her head. “I felt Celestia’s power still going strong even after you had stabbed her, meaning she was still alive. What I was asking was since you had, um, skewered her through the chest, was that your means of revenge against her.”

“Oh, I see…forgive me, it appears that I did not understand your question Nyx.” Nightmare Moon said apologetically. “In a way, yes, that was revenge against my sister for all that she had put me through. However, that was just a mere sting compared to what I’m going to inflict upon her. Along with every other adoring subject that loved her precious sun for the last millennium that I have been away.”

“Didn’t you already plan that Momma?” Nyx asked, raising an eyebrow. “I mean, you created an entire Nightmare Army of Earth Ponies, Unicorns, and Pegasi, all having your abilities and magical techniques. With the power they have, they should be more of a match for any armed forces that Queen Celestia may have coming along with her.”

“Precisely, my little Nyx. Each of the members of my Nightmare Army have powers equivalent to mine, more than capable of handling all of those measly Solar Guards that Celestia has.” Nightmare Moon said, nodding in agreement. “However, I don’t just mean them, I also mean those meddlesome little ponies that I saw at that little celebration that was planned for my dear sister. I saw the way that they were acting, how they were all so excited to see Celestia’s shining Sun bask them in its shining glory, completely ignoring a Moon, especially since there were banners of it all over the building.” A hiss left the Dark Queen’s throat. “How dare they, putting up display of my beautiful Moon when none fo them were paying attention to it or even admiring it! If they think that the Sun is all powerful, they are going to be in for quite the surprise when I bring the full might of the Moon upon them tonight! And when I do, they will rue the day they chose my Moon over my sisters Sun instead of admiring both!”

“Oh, I see. I think I get it now.” Nyx said, nodding apologetically. “I’m sorry Momma, I guess I didn’t really understand what you meant either.”

“Do not worry Nyx, it is alright…mother was just having a little rant and she needed some time to get it out of her system as all.” Nightmare Moon said, smiling gently at the smaller mare. “Although, there is one other reason that I had made my army so powerful, because it is not just Celestia’s guards that are coming to battle. She is also brining my dear guards here as well.”

The indigo maned Alicorn gasped in shock. “C-Celestia’s bringing your guards too?! But…that can’t be right! Aren’t you supposed to be the one to command the Lunar Guards?!”

“Yes dear, I am, but due to some unfortunate circumstances while me and my sister were still ruling together, we had decided to do some improvising.” Nightmare Moon explained patiently. “We had created a law for all Royal Guards both form the Solar and Lunar Division, stating that if either one of us is out of commission, then they are to follow the orders of the Queen that is in commission. That way, there is still a Queen to keep the Royal Guards in order and prevent it from spiraling out of control…” She looked off to the side. “Along with our Ariel Flight Teams.”

“Flight Teams?” Nyx repeated, before realization hit her. “Oh, you mean the Shadowbolts?”

“Yes Nyx, the Shadowbolts; the Flight Team that I founded long before my banishment to the Moon.” Nightmare Moon nodded. “Even during my banishment, there has not been one day that I haven’t thought about my dear Lunar Guards, and my Shadowbolts. I wonder how they’ve been doing even after all of this time…no doubt being influenced by my sister into loving her day more than my night. I bet that they’ll be so happy to see me when the final clash between me and my sister commences…them along with my dear Shadowbolts.”

“I think so too Momma.” Nyx said, walking over and nuzzling the larger mare under her chin. “I’ll bet they’ll also be happy to hear that you’ll rule in the night that you, me, and all of them love so much. I’m sure that they’ll even be happy that you’ll be there to save them from Celestia’s clutches, and take them back under your wing.”

“Oh, I do not doubt it my little Nyx.” Nightmare Moon cooed, running a hoof through her ‘daughter’s’ mane. “Oh, I can almost picture the wonderous joyful looks on their faces when I have them all with me again. Once I do, we can take Celestia and all of her forces together, then nothing will stop any of us from achieving our goal in ruling this world in the night we love so much.”

“Oh, I can’t wait Momma!” Nyx squealed as she trotted in place. “I can’t wait for all the things we’ll get to do once you become new Queen! We can go stargazing, go flying through the sky and the forest, get up closet to all the animals in the forest, and maybe even see if there’s any other Thestrals here in the kingdom! Oh, maybe we can even go flying in the galaxy like you me, and the Galaxy Star Bolts used to do when we were little!”

“Oh, do not worry my little Nyx, we will get to do all of that, and so much more, and I’ll personally make sure you get a front row seat for them all.” Nightmare Moon cooed. “After all, you are to be my future heiress to our nighttime kingdom.”

The smaller ebony black Alicorn nodded eagerly, sticking her tongue out playfully. “I most certainly am! I wanna be just like you Momma! A strong, kind, wise, and fair ruler who’ll do all that’s necessary to keep the kingdom of the night and the subjects safe! That, along with showing everypony why the night is even better than the day!”

“That’s my sweet little filly!” Nightmare Moon beamed, wrapping her forelegs and bat wings around the smaller mare. She planted a kiss on Nyx’s forehead, before pulling away from the now giggling filly as she grinned down at her. “Do not worry my dear, we will not have to wait long, soon all that we hate about this land will be terminated, never to be seen again. Once we do, we will the only ones to reign true supreme over this land, and our reign will last forever!”

“Yay!” Nyx squeaked, rushing over and hugging her ‘mother’ around her neck. “I can’t wait! I know it’s going to be so amazing!”

“As do I Nyx, as do I.” Nightmare Moon nodded, chuckling as Nyx pulled away. “First things first though, we will need to get rid of the ones that won’t play any part in our new kingdom.”

“You mean the ponies that we say at that town?” Nyx asked, ceasing in her excitement. “Or the ones that’re coming here now?”

“Both actually…those seven mares that are probably in the forest right now will be one of the many I will purge. I am a patient mare though, so I will let them come to me…it will happen soon enough.” Nightmare Moon replied smiling. “As for those other ponies, I think I have something in store for them that they will find quite terrifying.”

“Really?” Nyx asked quizzically. “What’s that?”

Nightmare Moon said nothing, merely continuing to smirk as she motioned for Nyx to step away from her. Wordlessly, Nyx did as she was told, and watched as her ‘mother’ lowered her head to the icy floor, a purple aura surrounding her horn and body. Nyx watched as the aura floated down her horn and onto the floor, where it became a large purple swirl that soon morphed into a large sphere. Nyx’s draconic eyes widened as it began to take the form of a pony, first sporting legs, then a head, muzzle, and ears. A flowing mane and tail emerged from behind its head neck, and rump, before a horn appeared on its forehead wings sprouted form it’s back.

“N…no way!” Nyx breathed, staring into the purple starry creature’s, now visible, pure white eyes. “Is…is that the…the-?!”

“Yes, my daughter, indeed it is.” Nightmare Moon nodded, amused by Nyx’s expression. “The most powerful magical being that I have ever created…the Tantabus.”

“The Tantabus…” Nyx repeated, slowly looking back over at her ‘mother’. “A-and, you’re going to unleash that, upon the town?”

“Why yes, of course I am.” Nightmare Moon said as if it was plainly obvious. “You honestly didn’t think I’d try anything less efficient, did you?”

“Oh, n-no of course not Momma!” Nyx replied quickly, holding her hooves up. “I-I just, well, didn’t expect you to bring out the Tantabus for something like this. I thought that maybe you’d bring it out for when we fought Celestia and her forces.”

“That…would be a better option, I do admit.” Nightmare Moon paused for a moment, before shrugging her shoulder. “However, as I have said before, I feel that that town where my sister was should get a little dose of what I plan bring upon those who oppose me. What better way than to bring out my all-time favorite pet? Plus, I have already created my Nightmare Army, so, adding the Tantabus into our fight with Celestia would, to me at least, be a bit much. Plus, I feel like we should keep them occupied for a bit before their new Queen makes a grand entrance and makes things as they should be. Wouldn’t you agree my dear Nyx?”

“…Yeah, I supposed you have a point there, Momma.” Nyx nodded, running a hoof tentatively down the Tantabus’s neck. “Still, to have the Tantabus of all things coming after them…I can only imagine how scary that’ll be for them. They’ll have a considerably tough time dueling with him, that’s for sure.”

“Indeed they will Nyx, indeed they will.” Nightmare Moon nodded, before walking up to the Tantabus. “Hello there, my dear little pet. It’s so wonderful to see you again. I’m sorry if I made the ride from our Moon rather uncomfortable.”

The Tantabus said nothing, leaning into its master’s touch as she rubbed the top of its head in a loving manner. It leaned its head into her armored chest as Nightmare Moon cradled its head, one of her wings running down its back while it let out what seemed to be a purr.

“Hmhm, well, I am glad to see that the trip down here has not affected you in any way.” Nightmare Moon chuckled, cupping the Tantabus’s face. “I hate to ask this of you so soon, but Momma needs you to do a little something for her. Do you think you are up for the challenge?”

The Tantabus’s ears perked, and it gave what looked to be a nod as it let out another purr. Its flowing tail whipped behind it in excitement as its white eyes let out a gleaming shine.

“Good boy, I am so happy that you still have the energy for just about anything after a hard ride like that.” Nightmare Moon beamed, not noticing the blush on Nyx’s face. “Now, there is a town of ponies that have grained my nerves quite a bit that has something quite big to do with my sister, something having to do with that precious Sun of her’s. I want you to go to that town and show them that the Moon is just as worthy of admiration and respect as the Sun is. You can use it in whatever tactic you like, and, as I’ve always said…don’t hold anything back.”

Closing her eyes, Nightmare Moon leaned in and pressed the tip of her horn against the one of the Tantabus, turquoise magic shining through it. It swam across the ethereal purple creature’s body and enveloped it in its beautiful blue light, including its eyes. This went on for a few moments, with Nyx silently watching in silent awe all the while. A few seconds later, the blue aura vanished, and Nightmare Moon pulled away, the glow around her horn fading.

“Do you understand what you need to do, my dear pet?” Nightmare Moon asked, looking right into the Tantabus’s pure white eyes. The creature slowly nodded, its eyes giving off a faint blue flash as the sin black Alicorn smiled in approval. “Excellent…now, go on my dear, the sooner we get this plan started, the sooner we can begin our creation of a new Era.”

Letting out one last purr, the Tantabus nodded slightly faster this time, leaning in and giving Nightmare Moon another nuzzle, to which she happily reciprocated. It then turned to Nyx and nuzzled her as well, making the filly giggle as she planted a kiss on where its nose was. With that out of the way, the Tantabus spread its wings and took to the air, crashing right through the roof thanks to the speed it was going. Nyx jumped in surprise, scrambling away as large pieces of the roof fell to the ground from the hole the Tantabus created, while Nightmare Moon just calmly looked on.

“Um, Momma…was that really necessary to let him leave out the window like that?” Nyx asked dumbly after a long moment of silence. “He just left a hole in the roof!”

“Oh Nyx, you know how our dear little Tantabus can be at times like this.” Nightmare Moon giggled, smiling in amusement at Nyx. “Once he gets excited about causing mayhem and destruction, there’s almost nothing that can stop him from controlling himself.”

“Well, yeah but, he literally just blasted right through the roof!” Nyx repeated, pointing up at said hole. “Couldn’t he have just teleported away and melted into the ground and left out of the castle that way?”

“Maybe, but this isn’t an actual pony that we’re dealing with my dear Nyx. This is a creature made out of my magic able to do things of his own will, unless I say otherwise.” Nightmare Moon replied, giving a wave of her hoof. “Besides, this isn’t any ordinary castle I have created anyway. I’ve made this castle to be able to withstand any kind of damage, and if it actually is breached, it can repair itself in the blink of an eye.”

Suddenly, as if to prove her point, the large whole in the roof began to close up, repairing all the broken icy crystallization and turning back to its former beauty. Nyx’s eyes widened as amazement once overtook her as the hole ultimately fixed itself in just moments.

“Amazing…” Nyx replied, unable to say anything else.

“Indeed Nyx, it is. I admit, this is something that took me quite a long time to master, but I eventually managed to get the hang of it.” Nightmare Moon nodded, her chest swelling with pride. “And one day, you too will be able to use this technique, and save yourself so much time in repairing.”

“Yeah, I know.” Nyx replied, looking over at her mother with an admiring smile. “You really are the most amazing pony ever Momma!”

Nightmare Moon giggled, affectionately ruffling Nyx’s mane. “That I am, dear. That I am.”

Author's Notes:

This was a rather...short chapter to be honest, not something that I usually did with all of my other chapters, since I usually like to keep them nice and long. I guess I decided to make some changes here for once...for this chapter, I decided to do something similar when I wrote the flashback between Celestia and Luna when I wrote that chapter of how the latter had turned into Nightmare Moon. Only with this one, really wouldn't have a flashback, and it would focus on the meaning of chapter, or what was going to be shown in said chapter, which you all have no seen. That and I wanted to get some time show Nightmare Moon situations and her thoughts and feelings on this whole scenario, along with some one on one time with Nyx. I had another part of this chapter that I was going to add, but after some contemplation, I decided to at it into another chapter after this one, partially because of how long I had made the title and because I felt that for once, I won't make the chapters so long. Don't worry, the next chapter should be coming out soon, but as for the ones that I'm going to be writing as a whole and not have them be repasted...that may take a bit longer.

Chapter 17 - Talons of Death

The sound of Zephyr’s neighing echoed about the mountain side as he flew about the air, his garnet orange aura coating his entire body as he ascended towards the Shinomōkin. The giant bird screeched as it descended towards him, its yellow eyes flashing as it stuck opened its massive beak, prepared to swallow the Solar Royal Guard whole. They repeatedly collided in midair, their wings, hooves and talons beating, swinging, and slashing at each other, as they fought for leverage over the other.

“Lightning Pegasus Head Spear!” The royal blue stallion shouted, the lighting coating his body chirping as he slammed head first into the giant raptor’s chest. This sent the larger flyer shooting back and spiraling across the air as lighting struck it all across its body. It rolled across the air as it slammed into the all of the mountain side, leaving a large whole in its wake.

“I’m not done yet big guy!” Zephyr shouted as a large orb of lightning coated his left hoof. “Now take this! Lightning Pegasus Hammer!”

Shooting his left hoof out, Zephyr shot a large drill of lightning down where the Shinomōkin was in the mountain side, still submerged in the smoke. Just as it began to clear, the attack struck, causing an explosion to appear as lighting tore through the side of the mountain, driving the raptor deeper inside. Zephyr remained in his position in the air, waiting for any sign of the bird to come out of the smoke as it cleared away, revealing a giant hole. Just as Zephyr thought that the bird was down for the count, it suddenly burst out of the debree, using its giant wings to clear away the remaining smoke.

“So, you’re still up after all that are you?” Zephyr asked, a small grin coming to his face. “I have to admit, you’re pretty tough, a lot tougher than I thought that you’d be.” He let out a slight chuckled. “Then again, you are an animal of the Everfree Forest, so I guess I shouldn’t really be surprised.”

The Shinomōkin said nothing, just letting out another screech as it spread its wings and took to the air, meeting Zephyr in the exact same hovering position. The raptor and Pegasus stayed in that position for a time, staring into each other’s eyes as they waited for one another to make a movie, thunder clapping across the sky all the while.

At some point, Zephyr broke the stare down and looked off into the direction of where Goku and the rest of her friends had galloped off. Despite their absence, their scent could still be smelt lingering around the area, thanks to the royal blue stallion’s hyper sensitive nose. ‘Goku, Twilight and the others must be already down the hill by now. Two of them are Pegasi, and two of them are half Pegasus by the looks of it. So, they should be able to use their Pegasus magic to get down the mountain faster, while carrying the others. Odds are they’re already reaching the end and are waiting for me to catch up. Looks like I’d better wrap this up before it drags on.’

The screeching of the Shinomōkin brought Zephyr out of his thoughts and he whipped his head in front of him to see the raptor flying towards him. He ducked just as the raptor swung its large talons at him, taking the stallion somewhat by surprise. Zephyr hadn’t expected it to use its talons in a manner other than trying to pluck him out of the air or stab him. It would appear that these Everfree animals were a lot more intelligent than he gave them credit for.

‘Looks like these big guys are as smart as they are tough.’ Zephyr thought, moving to the side to avoid a stab to his chest by the Shinomōkin’s talons. Reaching out with his hooves, he grabbed the Shinomōkin by its right leg and began swinging it around in the air. He let go after a few moments, and let the giant bird fly away as he flew after it. At the last moment, when he was within range, he spun around and kicked the giant bird square into its back. This caused the Shinomōkin to arch it, so much so that Zephyr was able to grab its beak and flipping it around in the air, sending it diving down to the ground.

“I’m not finished just yet!” Zephyr shouted, giving a hard flap of his powerful wings as he dove down under the giant raptor. “Lightning Pegasus Thundering Hoof!”

Faster than the Shinomōkin could even blink, it felt the wind get knocked out of it as Zephyr slammed his hoof into its stomach. The royal blue stallion hit it so hard that a large glob of blood left its mouth as it went rocketing up into the air. As it hovered high above the giant trees, Zephyr delivered the final deciding blow.

“Lightning Pegasus Neigh!” He shouted, shooting out a gigantic breath of garnet orange lightning at the giant raptor. He watched as it enveloped the giant raptor, who only had enough time to widen its eyes before its whole word was swept into orange. The Shinomōkin screeched in agony as the electricity ripped through its body, burning its feathers all over its body. With a final explosion of power, the giant raptor flew through the sky away from Zephyr, vanishing into the towering trees.

“Well, that went a little better than I expected it to be; I hope I didn’t hurt him too bad.” Zephyr sighed in relief, the garnet aura around his body vanishing. “I have to admit, that was kind of a fun fight. Nice good way to get some good experience in with these guys…can’t wait to see the other animals here.”

With a sigh, he turned around and looked over at the spot where his seven escorts were last seen, and he hovered down to where it was. Lowering his head, he inhaled the scent left behind by the mares after they had left him to fight the Shinomōkin. To his relief, the scent was still very fresh, making it really easy for him to be able to detect where they were going.

‘Alright, I got their scent.’ Zephyr thought, as he righted himself. ‘They’ve probably gotten much farther away from me by now, but their scent is still strong, so I’ll be able to easily track them form here. Hopefully nothing’s happened to them by the time I get there, Twilight especially; or else Queen Celestia’s going to fry my ass.’

Flicking his tail, Zephyr spread his massive wings and took off into the air and flew down the trail where Goku, Twilight, and her friends had taken to get down the mountain. Unbeknownst to the Solar Royal Guard, the Shinomōkin had already recovered from his last attack, and was tearing through the giant trees after him. Not too far away from the approaching Pegasus and raptor, Goku and her friends could be seen galloping down the mountain, unaware of Zephyr or the Shinomōkin hot on their tails.

“How are you holding up girls?” The tan Thestral asked, looking back at the mare running behind her. “Any of you getting slowed down back there?”

“We’re just find Goku.” Fluttershy replied. “We haven’t really been running for that long, and it’s only been a few minutes since we’ve separated form Zephyr.”

“Yeah!” Rainbow Dash nodded. “We have plenty of gas left in the tank for anything, even if it means facing off against any of the things in this forest!”

“I really wish that we didn’t have to run so much!” Rarity whined. “This is already messing up my hooficured even more than it already is. Can’t we just go with Goku’s original plan and fly down the mountain instead?”

“A good as an idea as that is Rarity, we’re going to have to hold off on it for right now.” Twilight said, looking sympathetically at her fellow Unicorn. “We don’t know whether or not Zephyr was able to defeat the Shinomōkin, or if it’s broken away from him and is coming after us. As much as I wanna go back and help him, we can’t risk turning back right now. So we’re just going to have to trust him to take care of that raptor himself.”

“Well said Twilight, glad that you’re seeing just how big the risks are if we go back, especially against something like that.” Goku smiled. “Now that I think about it, even if we did try to stay and fight with him, I’m pretty sure he would’ve forced us to leave anyway. Besides, we do have a mission that we need to do, and that is a lot more important than fighting a giant house sized raptor.”

“True, but I would’ve loved to see that fight if we were able to!” Pinkie Pie added. “It would’ve been awesome seeing Zephie smack that giant bird around!”

Applejack snorted, rolling her eyes. “Yeah, sure it would...fer y’all and Dash maybe.”

All of a sudden, Goku let out a scream, and she came to a dead stop in her galloping, her large feathered bat wings spreading out wide. As she slid, each of her friends that were running behind her ran into her wings, stopping them dead in their tracks as if they slammed right into a wall. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, who were flying above the group, came to a stop and looked back at the five other mares below them.

“Goku what’s the matter?” The former asked, her tone laced with concern. “Why did you stop?”

“Girls, don’t look now…” Goku began, not moving an inch. “…but we’ve reached a dead end.”

Taken aback by this statement, the four mares looked down form over Goku’s powerful wings and looked down at where Goku had stopped. They all gasped when they saw they had indeed at the end of the path that they were running on. Not only that, from where they were standing and hovering, it was a very, very, verylong drop down below that would’ve been fatal, which was only made all the more apparent by the large jagged rocked down below.

“Whoa nelly.” Applejack breathed. “Now that is one have of a long drop-down t’ them rocks.”

“Indeed.” Rarity gulped, looking over at Goku. “I’m so glad that you stopped us when you did, that would’ve been quite the nasty fall.”

“I think ‘nasty’ is too nice of a way of putting it Rarity.” Rainbow Dash said, staring down at the rocks. “You guys would’ve been gutted like fish if G hadn’t stopped you, if we hadn’t been here to catch you.”

“Well, either way, we’re going to need to find some other way to get down this mountain.” Twilight said, putting a hoof on Goku’s shoulder. “And that means, going with Goku’s original plan.”

“Oh, oh! You mean that we’re actually going to be taking rides on you guys!” Pinkie Pie asked, her eyes wide excitement. “Yaaaaay, I call dibs on Dashie!”

“Of course you would pick me of all ponies, Pinkie Pie.” The cyan mare snorted as she gave a roll of her eyes and a flick of her tail. A fanged smirk soon spread across her face as she turned to face her, spreading her large and powerful prismatic feathered wings wide. “Still, I think it’s kinda sweet how you picked me of all ponies to show you what it’s like to fly like a Pegasus. Now you’re gonna see it first hoof, and I promise you that it will be totally awesome!”

“Heehee, I don’t doubt it!” Pinkie Pie chirped sweetly as she leaned in and nuzzling Rainbow Dash on her cheek. She then wrapped her forearms rather tightly around her neck, causing the Pegasus to gag a little. “Oh, and don’t worry about me falling off. I’m gonna hold on reeeeeal tightly to you, so feel free to go as fast as you want!”

“T-thanks!” Rainbow Dash wheezed, her voice strained as she fought against Pinkie’s powerful grip.

“Ahem, if ya’ll are done actin’ like a couple o’ cows goin’ at it in th’ fields, we’ve got a mission t’ return to.” Applejack said bluntly, grinning in amusement at the heated glare sent her way by Rainbow Dash. Shaking her head, she walked over to Goku, who had her legs lowered slightly, allowing her to climb onto her back and wrap her forelegs around her neck. “Alright Goku, Ah’m on. Ya sure ya can handle carryin’ me sugarcube? You know Ah can pretty heavy for most ponies t’ carry.

“Don’t worry about it Applejack, it’s fine. Goku’s always up for helping my friends in any way, even if it means carrying them.” Twilight said, giving the farm mare a reassuring smile. “Plus, Goku’s half Thestral, and they’re known for being inconceivably strong, so she should have no problem carrying both of us.”

“Yeah AJ, and besides, I’ve given Sheton rides on my back ever since he was a baby, and I’ve certainly carried things on my back that’re a lot heavier than even Midnight.” Goku added as she gave Applejack a sly grin. “Besides, compared to all the other things that I’ve had to carry, you and Twilight are as light as feathers.”

“Um…okay. If ya say so.” Applejack replied, blushing at the compliment she had received. Meanwhile, from behind the other five ponies, Fluttershy and Rarity were having a silent private discussion.

“Now Fluttershy, are you sure that you’re okay with carrying me?” Rarity asked, giving the buttermilk Pegasus a worried expression. “I don’t want to put too much pressure on you, dear, and I understand if you don’t want to. I can always wait here while you take Twilight if that’s what you’d like.”

“Oh Rarity, what kind of a question is that?” Fluttershy asked giving the alabaster Unicorn a slight frown. “I’d be more than happy to help you over the slope, and I don’t mind at all if you want to ride on me too. It’s not like I haven’t given ponies or animals rides on my back before.”

“I know but still! You said it yourself that you’re not very much of a flier, and how you’d rather be on the ground than in the air. That is unless it was for training purposes.” Rarity continued, still seeming unsure. “I don’t to put you through that fear of being so high up in the air.”

“Rarity, look at me.” Fluttershy said softly, yet firmly as she took the alabaster Unicorn’s face in her hooves. “I appreciate that your looking out for my personal feelings and not want me to get scared of being high in the air, but I can assure you, I’m going to be alright. I’ve spent these last four years training myself, not only in my abilities, but to get over my fear of being high in the air, and so far, it’s worked!”

She released Rarity’s face as her expression softened, a gentle reassuring smile coming onto her face. “Trust me, you don’t have to worry about me getting anxious or anything while I’m up in the air. I promise you; I’m going to be just fine, okay?”

Rarity stood in silence for a few moments as she stared into Fluttershy’s teal eyes, looking for any sign of doubt or uncertainty behind their gentle gaze. All she found behind them was the same kindness and motherliness that they were always known for, along with a determination that outmatched any flame. This let Rarity know that this decision was hers’ and she was going to stick by it. Eventually, the alabaster Unicorn gave a sigh of defeat and gave into the Pegasus’s request.

“Very well dear…if you truly feel that this is what you want to do, then I won’t stop you.” Rarity said softly, giving Fluttershy a small smile. “Besides, you seem very adamant about doing this anyway.”

“That I am Rarity.” Fluttershy said, giggling slightly as she turned around, letting her rump face Rarity. “Now, shall we proceed?”

With those words, Fluttershy slowly turn around in a circle, her backside facing Rarity as she slowly spread her angelic wings, something that Rarity couldn’t help but feel a bit, or rather, really, jealous of. She lowered her hindlegs, allowing the alabaster Unicorn to slowly walk up to her and climb onto her back and wrap her forelegs around her neck. As Rarity did so, she took a moment to feel the softness and warmth emitting from the buttermilk Pegasus’s fur and her aura, causing her to be overcome by a wave of comfort and safety, and settling whatever fears and worries that she had. Once she was sure he friend was comfortable, Fluttershy regained her footing, turned around, and trotted over to the others, looking as if she didn’t have any trouble carrying Rarity at all.

“Alright, is everypony ready?” Goku asked, looking on either side of her. “This is gonna be a pretty long flight down, and I don’t want anypony who scared of heights to get cold hooves.”

“Well, it’s not like we have anything to lose. Plus, we’re on a bit of a hurry here.” Twilight somewhat hastily. “Feel free to give the signal anytime you’d like Goku.”

Right at that moment, a loud explosion burst out from behind them, causing the seven mares to jump and spin around to see who it was. Their eyes widened when they saw a large pillar of smoke in front of them and large piles of rubble scattered about the ground. Before they could figure out what it meant, Zephyr suddenly burst form the smoke, stopping just a few feet away from the mares.

“Zephyr!” Twilight shouted, relief flowing over her at the sight of the royal blue stallion. “You made it back!”

“Girls we need to hurt and get away from here quick!” Zephyr shouted; slight panic etched onto his face. “The Shinomōkin’s right on my tail!”

“Wait what?!” Rainbow Dash reeled back, nearly making Pinkie fall off of her. “What you mean it’s coming after you?! I thought you took care of it!”

“That’s what I believed too! I had shot it all the way into the trees of the Everfree Forest with one of my most powerful attacks!” Zephyr explained, quickly. “I even saw him get blown away from me by my last attack in the process!”

“Well, it looks like it wasn’t enough.” Fluttershy asked. “If the Shinomōkin was able to withstand one of your strongest attacks, then it looks like it was stronger than you thought.”

“Understatement of the century.” Goku snorted, shaking her head. “Anyway, we don’t have time to worry about that! We’ve got to get off of this mountain before-!”

An enormous clap of thunder cut off whatever Goku was going to say, and a loud screeched prompted them to turn around and see the Shinomōkin soaring towards them. As it got closer however, the girls and stallion noticed that it was covered from head to talon in a large mass of golden yellow lightning, and that its beak was open. A bright yellow light grew from within its mouth, and the eight ponies immediately knew what was going to happen.

“JUMP!” Zephyr screamed, having already taken to the air just before finishing that order. The girl didn’t need to be told twice, having already jumped off the edge of the mountain just before the Shinomōkin unleashed its attack. With a loud screech, the giant raptor shot a huge bolt of lightning form its mouth, striking the very same spot the ponies were. It was completely obliterated, sending large chunks of the mountain side scattered about the air, some of them hitting the ponies that were currently flying away from it.

Undeterred, the Shinomōkin changed its course and flew after its prey, eager to devour each and every one of them. Opening its beak, it shot off a multitude of lightning bolts at the eight ponies, determined to shoot at least one of them down from the sky. Zephyr, however, was about to give it any leverage, and countered the incoming attacks with ones of his own.

“Not so fast! Lightning Pegasus Thunderbolt Flock!” Zephyr shouted, swinging his wings outward and shooting large spear-like bolts of lightning. They all countered and stopped the Shinomōkin’s own breath attacks in midair, causing multiple explosions to ring out in the air.

“Holy shit!” Rainbow Dash shouted, her eyes widening at the attack form the raptor. “Did you guys see that?! It just completely destroyed that spot we were just on!”

“Yeah Dash we sure did!” Applejack replied, clutching tightly to Goku. “An’ Ah’m so glad that we got away from that varmint! If we stayed there fer even a second longer, our gooses would’ve been cooked!”

“Applejack!” Pinkie Pie shouted, her eyes widening. “I said not to call him names like that! Do you want him to slice you apart like a birthday cake?!”

“Applejack’s right, that was a really close call back there.” Twilight said, hugging Applejack from behind. “Now all we have to do is try to figure out how to get away from that thing before it tries to electrocute us again.”

Rarity, who was riding Fluttershy, heard the roar of thunder from behind her, making her fur stand on end. Even though she knew that the Shinomōkin was right behind them, she was unable to help herself in looking behind her to see what was going on. A gasp of terror escaped her as her pupils shrank to pinpricks.

“Um, Twilight, darling…” She said shakily, her entire body trembling. “…I think you may want to hurry that up a bit.”

“Uh, whaddya mean Rarity?” Applejack asked, one of her eyebrows raised.

“She means THAT!” Zephyr replied, his leveled voice ending in a shout that made the mares turned to look at him. They saw him pointing upward, and when they all looked up, they felt their jaws drop upon seeing the Shinomōkin going through a stunning transformation. Its entire body was being enveloped into a large cloak of stormy grey clouds, flashes of white lighting appearing out of them. It covered every part of its body, from its beak, to its head, its wings, legs, all the way to its tail feathers, leaving no trace untouched. As a final touch, two orbs of pure yellow replaced its eyes, and grew almost twice as big as it was before.

“Oh no, what is it doing now?!” Goku groaned, her bat ears pinning back.

“I have no idea Goku!” Pinkie Pie replied. “It looks like it’s turning itself into a giant bird shaped storm cloud! I could be wrong though, but it looks like that’s what it’s doing!”

“No Pinkie Pie! That’s exactly what it’s doing!” Fluttershy clarified, her expression one of clear panic. “And it’s about to send a rain of lightning down on us!”

“It’s going to WHAT?!” Rarity yelled, her eyes widening in horror.

The roaring of thunder brought the eight ponies’ attention and they all looked up to see the cloud covered Shinomōkin hovering above them, lighting dancing all about its body. With a loud screech, it unleashed its shower of lightning upon its quarry, all of them giving loud ear-splitting cracks as they appeared. Goku and the other screamed as they frantically began to dodge and evade the bird’s attack, watching as the giant trees below them, destroying them in the process.

“What the buck is going on with this bird?!” Rainbow Dash shouted angrily. “I mean, I know that this is the Everfree forest and all, but come on! I wasn’t expecting any of this!”

“I have no idea Dashie, but this is just amazing!” Pinkie Pie squealed, seemingly oblivious to the danger she and her friends were currently in. “I mean, did you see the way how that bird struck the slope like that and how strong its attack was?! It’s even trying to strike us down without even trying to touch us itself! How cool is that?!”

“Pinkie Pie, I can hardly see anything ‘cool’ about any of this right now?!” Rarity snapped harshly as she glared at the bubblegum pink Earth Pony. “Can you not see the situation that we are currently in right now?! We are being chased by a bird of prey that could very well swallow us all whole if it wanted to, trying to strike us down as if it was the weather itself! Tell me, just what is ‘cool’, about something like that?!” The alabaster Unicorn used her magic to grab at her mane and tail and pull them closely to her. “Not only that, but there’s also the potential risk that my beautiful mane and tail skirt will get absolutely ruined! There is simply not a greater tragedy than that!”

“Seriously?! That’s what you’re more worried about?!” Rainbow Dash shouted incredulously, taking a moment to look over at Rarity in disbelief. “You just said that our asses are at risk of being this thing’s dinner, and you’re more worried about your damn hair getting dirty?! Are you bucking kidding me right now?!”

“Well of course I am!” Rarity replied sharply with a snort, giving the cyan mare a frown. “A lady must always make herself look presentable, even in the face of danger! Something that you wouldn’t know anything about, Rainbow Dash, humph!”

“That is a load of bull-”

“Girls, that’s enough!” Fluttershy shouted, her voice surprisingly loud in the rumbling thunder. “We don’t have time to argue about this right now! We need to find a way to get away from this Shinomōkin before it-!”

The sound of lightning cracking cut Fluttershy off, and she looked behind her to see a large pure yellow bolt of lightning zooming down towards her. Her friends all screamed her name, but they were just too far away from her to move her out of the way, and could only watched as the bolt soared right at her. Just before it struck, Zephyr appeared out of nowhere and knocked her out of the way just in the nick of time, taking the full brunt of the attack himself.

“ZEPHYR!!!” Twilight screamed, her expression one of utter horror as she watched the stallion get electrocuted. His agonized screams echoing about the sky as the Shinomōkin’s lightning ripped at his body from the inside out. The sound of an explosion rang through the air mere seconds later, and Zephyr fell out of the sky, a large mouthful of blood flowing from his mouth.

“Hold on sweetie, we’re coming!” Goku shouted, flapping her bat wings hard as she ascended towards the falling stallion. The others followed closely behind her, with the giant raptor diving down after them, still in its stormy cloak of lightning.

“Hold on Goku, I got him!” Fluttershy shouted, diving down ahead of the group. She tucked her angelic wings on either side of her after giving them a powerful flap, allowing her to dive down at a faster speed. When she got within range, she shot her hooves out and grabbed Zephyr around his barrel, wrapping her forelegs around him. Once he was secure, she spread her wings, allowing the air to carry her back up and join the others in flight once more.

“Alright, way to go Fluttershy!” Pinkie praised. “Good on you for saving Zephyr from getting skewered!”

“Yes, but we’re not out of danger yet dear!” Rarity said, pointing behind her. “We still have our adversary chasing after us! And it doesn’t look like he’s going to be letting up anytime soon!”

“Well, it looks like we’re going to have to make him go away!” Rainbow Dash shouted, her eyes glowing as a magenta body began to appear around her body. “Don’t worry you guys, I’m going to take care of this!”

“NoDash!” Twilight shouted, using her magic to stop the mare in midair. “Didn’t you just see what happened to Zephyr?! He just nearly got murdered by that Shinomōkin just a few seconds ago! I’m not going to let you do the same thing; this is not the time to go playing the hero!”

“Well then, whaddya suppose we do Twilight?” Applejack asked. “All we’ve been doin’ is flyin’ away from this varmint, an’ it’s not really workin’ fer us! All we’re doin’ is makin’ ourselves targets fer him an’ that fancy lightnin’ o’ his, an’ it doesn’t look like he’s goin’ t’ give up so easily!”

“Then we’re going to have to make him give up!” Goku declared, her eyes narrowing as they approached a large grove of trees. “Come on guys, follow me!”

With a strong flap, the tan Thestral shot right into the trees, the others flying close behind her with Fluttershy carrying their motionless guard as they all tore through the trees like a flock of arrows. Their ears picked up the sounds of screeching and lightning striking trees and branches cracking and falling, and the strong flapping of wings. None of them needed to look to know that the Shinomōkin was still behind them, and they knew they needed to lose it, or else they’d be fried and fed on for its lunch, or dinner.

“Goku, I hate to sound rude, just what are you thinking?!” Rarity asked. “What’re you trying to accomplish by entering the forest?!”

“What do you think I’m doing?!” Goku asked, looking over at the fashionista. “I’m trying to gain enough distance from this bird so we can hide somewhere in the trees and shrub without him seeing us do it!”

“Are you sure that’s going to work?” Rainbow Dash asked, obviously in doubt. “That bird’s flying through this forest pretty fast, and he’s literally destroying the trees just by flying into them. I don’t think hiding in the trees is going to help anything.”

“Not unless we hide in a tree grove that he’s not trying to destroy.” Fluttershy said, looking over at the cyan mare. “The Shinomōkin has the most excellent vision of any raptor, but it’s only able to detect things that are in a clear view. If things like rocks and trees are blocking its view, then it’ll be very hard for them to keep track of their quarry. So Goku made the right choice choosing the trees as a means of trying to escape, even if the Shinomōkin is, um, destroying them.”

“Exactly, which is why I had chosen to do this in the first place.” Goku nodded, smiling thankfully at Fluttershy. “Plus, at this point, I really don’t have any other options other than to fight this bird, which would more than likely be suicide for us. Especially with the incredibly big task that we have right now.”

“Goku’s right everypony.” Twilight nodded. “It’s best for us not to even try to contemplate fighting the Shinomōkin, no matter the chances that we have for winning. We should just continue to try to fly it until we find a chance to lose it, so we can continue on our mission to find Nightmare Moon.”

“Good idea Twilight!” Pinkie Pie nodded. “Let’s just keep our eyes on the pri-WATCH OUT!”

Everypony whipped their heads back just in time to see a huge bolt of lightning shoot down towards them, the size being big enough to electrocute all of them at once. They were just barely able to evade the attack as it slammed into the trees and the ground below them, sending branches and chunks of dirt everywhere.

“Okay,” Applejack said, a slight tinge of annoyance in her voice. “Ah am really startin’ t’ get annoyed by that now! How long do we have to keep goin’ ahead o’ this thing?!”

“Not for much longer!” Rainbow Dash shouted; her eyes squinted. “I think I can see a clearing from up ahead of here!”

“Yeah, me too!” Goku nodded, her cat-like eyes seeing farther ahead than the athlete. “And we’re almost there! Just hold on for a little a bit longer girls! We’ll be home free soon!”

No other words were said after that; the only thing that the seven mares were focused on were getting away from the giant lightning and cloud coated raptor chasing them. Goku, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash’s riders held on tightly to them as the three flyers flew as fast as they could, with the tan Thestral pulling ahead. The Shinomōkin’s chirping lighting and loud screeching still bounced about their ears as it kept up the chase, even as the ponies got father away. After what seemed like miles of flying, they broke out of the trees, finding themselves in a large clearing with a huge streaming river.

“Oh thank goodness, we finally made it!” Rarity exclaimed, breathing out a huge sigh. “We escaped that retched creature!”

“Not yet Pinkie, we’re not out of the woods yet.” Twilight cautioned. “We may be out of the sight of the Shinomōkin, but like Goku said, we still need to find someplace to hide before it comes out.”

“Alright then, so where you do suggest that we go?” Rainbow Dash asked. “There aren’t any places here in this clearing, and like Fluttershy said, because of that we’ll be spotted pretty easily. I think we should try to go for those trees on the other side of this river.”

“That was pretty much my idea from the start, but thanks for the reminder Dash.” Goku said, looking at the cyan mare with slight annoyance. “Plus, we’ll also need to find someplace to let Zephyr get some rest too. He took a real hit when he saved Fluttershy, and we’ll need to make sure nothing happens to him while he’s recovering, otherwise he won’t be able to continue on with us.”

Fluttershy looked like she was about to say something, but an explosion of lightning and trees prevented her from doing so. They only had time to see the Shinomōkin diving towards them at break neck speed, and scream at the sight, before the giant bird attacked. White hot pain tore through their bodies as the giant raptor swept them all in a world of grey as it electrocuted all of them on the spot, Zephyr included. Their screams rang through the air as they were carried through the air over the river, the Shinomōkin soaring over it as it continued to mercilessly strike the mares trapped within its transformation.

All of a sudden, a pain filled screech escaped its mouth as a huge bolt of golden lightning tore from out of its back and under its stomach. It halted its flight back into the forest as more bolts of lightning shot out of its body, emitting even more agonized cries. It flapped around wildly, trying to shake whatever had gotten in or onto it and get rid of the source of lightning that wasn’t its own, but to no avail. With one final burst of lightning, a massive whole opened up inside the transformed bird, and it went back to its original form, allowing the eight ponies to fall out.

The eight ponies had just enough time to see the giant bird that they were slowly getting father away from flying off into the night, looking clearly injured from the unexpected attack. Then, in an instant, there was a mighty splash as they all hit the river below them, unable to stop the harsh coldness that washed over them, before everything went dark.

Author's Notes:

Aaaaaand this is the part of the chapter that I said that I was going to be taking out of the last one and put into the next one, which is this, because I felt that I was going to be too long. In the last on, I had the girls getting electrocuted by a giant storm cloud which was obviously not the giant bird that was currently chasing them through the skies, which, to me, was something that was a very bad idea from the start. I don't know what I was thinking at that time, but that last idea was just wrong in my eyes when I was looking back on it, especially when writing this one. Oh well, that bits over now, I've learned from my mistake, and I'm certainly going to be more careful when doing this like that from now on, and not letting the scenes drag on for so long.

Oh, and I case you guys are all wondering about Zephyr's techniques, I decided to take a lead out of the book of the Dragon Slayers from Fairy Tail and give Zephyr and all other Pegasi, and Thestrals attacks similar to theirs. Don't worry, I'll be giving the Unicorns and Earth Ponies their own different attacks, Twilight, Rarity, Applejack and Pinkie Pie included, though its going to take some time for me to do that...I'll have to make the bios like the one of Milky Way that I put one the 31st blog. So you may be getting updates a bit slower from here on out after the next couple of chapters, or maybe even before that...I don't know, we'll have to see.

Anyway, that's all for now; next time we're getting a look back into the citizens of Ponyville, with an invasion in a much different version than the last one I wrote.

Chapter 18 - Invasion

“How’re you holding up there, Mom?” Amethyst asked, her eyes filled with concern as she watched her mother get tended to. “Are any of those burn marks or bruises still hurting you in any way?”

Derpy who was laying down on a stretcher nestled on the floor, looked up over at her eldest daughter. A reassuring yet pained came smile onto her face as she brushed some of her mane away. “Oh, don’t worry about me Ame, I’m not hurting anymore. Well, not anywhere as much as I used to twenty minutes ago-ow!”

“Oh, I’m sorry, it looks like I wrapped that bandage too tightly.” Sweetheart apologized, smiling in embarrassment. “It’ll try to be gentler next time, it’s little hard for me to try to adjust the straps properly.”

“That’s alright Nurse Sweetheart. You just caught me off guard that’s all.” The silvery grey mare replied, smiling sweetly at the nurse. She then looked back down to her chest fluff, where her youngest daughter Dinky, was currently nuzzled into it. “Aww, there’s no need to be scared muffin, mommy’s okay, so there’s no reason to keep crying.”

Dinky sniffled, hugging her mother tightly as she nuzzled deeper in her chest fluff. “I…I-I can’t help it momma! W-when I got trapped under that roof, I-I was so scared t-that I wasn’t going to get out, a-and that I’d n-never see you or A-Amethyst again. I was s-so happy that I w-was able to e-escape and when my b-big sister came to g-get me. B-but…when w-we went s-searching for you, you were…y-y-you were…!”

Derpy looked down at the young filly with sympathy, knowing exactly what her youngest daughter was talking about, and why she was so upset. About twenty minutes prior to Midnight rescuing Dinky and the other foals from their wooden trap, she and Amethyst had gone to search for their mother within the Town Square. They had somehow lost her in the attack that Nightmare Moon had unleashed upon the ponies and the building, and were frantic in finding her before too much time had passed. It didn’t take long for them to find her, but nothing could’ve prepared for them for finding Derpy all put buried alive under rubble and wood, lying in a growing pool of her own blood. Amethyst had all but ripped her mother out of the pile and rushed her to the nearest nurse, pleading with them to help her mother before she bled out in her magical grasp. In the midst of her panicking, both Amethyst and Dinky had temporarily forgotten that Derpy had her self-healing was at work.

“Hey there Dinks…it’s alright, there’s no need for you to keep on crying.” Amethyst Derpy's eldest daughter, said softly, putting a hoof on her little sister’s back. “Mom’s alive and she’s getting help right now…she’s getting it by some of the best nurses in Ponyville. So, don’t worry, she’s going to pull through this. You know that she never kicks the bucket that easily.”

“Damn right I don’t, now while two of my most precious muffins are in danger.” Derpy nodded, nuzzling Dinky atop her head. “Besides, I’m not even anywhere near that old yet; I’m only about thirty-two years old after all.”

“Wait what?” Nurse Sweetheart asked, pausing in her patching of Derpy’s wounds. She looked down at Derpy with a look of complete shock on her face. “Y-you’re really thirty-two years old?!”

“Mhm, I sure am, and a proud mom at that!” Derpy said cheerfully, flashing another smile at her fellow Rosario. A look of perplexation soon came to her face as she tilted her head at the look of shock Sweetheart had. “Why is that so shocking?”

The chubby Earth Pony quickly composed herself, blushing as she sheepishly said, “Oh, I’m sorry, forgive me for that Ms. Derpy. It’s just…well, I know that you have children and all, but, you don’t exactly look at the age where most ponies would normally have foals.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Amethyst asked lowly, narrowing her eyes. “Is there something wrong about how young my Mom looks?”

“N-no of course not!” Sweetheart protested, shrinking away slightly at the magenta purple Unicorn’s look. “All I was saying that thought your mother was younger than she looked until she actually said her age.”

“Now Amethyst, be nice to the Nurse, you know she didn’t mean what she said the way you thought she did.” Derpy reprimanded firmly, before turning back to Sweetheart. “Sorry about that Nurse, my eldest daughter can be pretty protective of me. Anyway, what made you think that I was younger than I actually was?”

“W-well, um…” Sweetheart said, a pink tint coming to her face. “…i-it was because of um, h-how attractive that you looked.”

Dinky’s ears perked at this, and she pulled her head away from her mother’s chest to shoot her wide-eyed look at the Nurse. “What?”

“Y-yeah, I thought your mother was younger than she looked because of how attractive she is.” Sweetheart repeated, her blush turning darker. “I’m not really surprised, since I can see that she’s a member of the same clan that me and my sisters are. Still though, even for us, she does look young. Not that there’s anything wrong with but you know what I mean.”

“Oh, I know exaclty what I mean Nurse Sweetheart, we clan ponies are known to look a lot younger than we actually are. Even ponies that are older than me, so I’m not all that surprised that you thought I was younger, even if I have foals.” Derpy said sweetly, a bit of slyness in her voice as she smirked at the Earth Pony. “As for me being attractive...I’m no Sapphire Shores or Countess Coloratura, but I can pick up a few stallions and mares here and there. And I’m sure that you could do the same if you try hard enough.”

“Mom, not in front of Dinky!” Amethyst groaned, frowning at her mother. “You know that she isn’t old enough to even be hearing that type of stuff yet.”

“Oh, and you’re saying that you don’t do the same with Dinky yourself?” Derpy asked, glancing over at her eldest daughter with a raised eyebrow. “Whose bright idea was it to bring one of her bang buddies home one time and decided to ‘get it on’ while Dinky was still awake?”

Dinky giggled as Amethyst’s mouth snapped shut, a deep blush coming to her face as she looked away. “Touché…”

“It’s okay big sis, there’s no need to be embarrassed. I kind of figured that something was going to happen between you and your friend, so I went up to my room to so you two could have some privacy.” Dinky said, winking at her sister. “Though, could you at least wait until I’m actually asleep before things go crazy? All of the thumping and screaming kept me up for a while the last time you did that.”

“Dinky!” Amethyst hissed, making the grayish violet filly giggle again.

“Oh, me? G-getting a mate?” Sweetheart stuttered, stopping in her tending to Derpy’s wounds. “I-I…n-n-no, I could never think of getting together with somepony, let alone a stallion! Nothing against mares that’re into the same gender but…I really don’t see any of that happening.”

“Now why would you think that?” Derpy asked, frowning in dissatisfaction at Sweetheart’s lack of confidence. “There are plenty of stallions out there who’re into cute chubby mares like you, not just the ones that’re…well, fit like me.”

“Yes, Derpy I know, not all stallions go after mares that’re shapely and big butted and busty like you are.” Sweetheart said dryly, her eyes running along the mailmare’s shapely figure through the bandages. “That’s not what’s keeping me from finding a mate. It’s just…I don’t really have the self-confidence to find anyone that I see a future with, least I mess up on it.”

“And what do you think is going to make you mess up on getting together with somepony?” Amethyst asked perplexedly. “From where I’m standing, you look like a sweet mare who has a realsweet tooth that any rationalstallion would fight to be with, even if you’re a bit on the chubby side.”

“Hmhm, yeah…just a little bit.” Sweetheart giggled. “As for the sweet tooth thing…well, let’s just say if you found out how deep that depth goes, you’d at least see one problem I have that stops me from finding a mate.”

“So? You like to eat a lot of candy and other sweets; there’s nothing wrong with that.” Dinky said, getting up and walking over to the larger mare. “I don’t see how that’s any reason for you to not find somepony who you like. If there’s somepony you like, than go for that pony, and if they like you back than that’s even better! It shouldn’t matter what either of you look like. If you both like each other and want to be together, then that should be all that matters, right?”

“That’s exactly right muffin.” Derpy nodded, smiling proudly at her daughter. “So, don’t worry about how you look or how much of a sweet tooth you have. Anypony, mare or stallion, who’s willing to look past that and see what’s on the inside, and not take advantage you, are good for you in any book, including mine. The fact that you like each other and want to be with one another is what should really matter.”

Dinky looked over at her mother, sweat dropping slightly. “Um, yeah…that’s kind of what I just said momma.”

“Yeah, you’re right, all of you. Thank you for that sweetheart, that was very sweet of you to help me.” Sweetheart said, smiling lovingly down at the filly. “Maybe I should see if I can find somepony who doesn’t mind my chubbiness and my sweet tooth. Ponyville’s a pretty accepting town, and there are a lot of ponies who’re single. I just don’t know if I’ll be able to muster up enough confidence to do it.”

“In that case, why don’t I help you there?” A sultry and sensual voice asked from behind Nurse Sweetheart. The grayish orchid Earth Pony let out a loud squeak, jumping in the air so hard that she fell right into top of Derpy with all her chubby weight. Dinky jumped back as Sweetheart fell on top of her mother, who emitted a cry of surprise and pain at the sudden weight on her. The young Unicorn whipped her head around to see Cloud Kicker and Blossomforth, the former in the process of laughing her ass off.

“Oh my Faust, that was rich!” The persian blue mare giggled, hovering with her belly facing the roofless sky. “The squeak that she let out…that was so good!”

“Auntie Cloud!” Dinky shouted, her surprised happiness at seeing her aunt washed away with sheer annoyance. “What did you do that for?!”

“Awww, don’t give me that look little Dinks.” Cloud Kicker said, grinning down at the filly. “I was just having fun with your sexy as momma and her cute chubby fillyfriend. No need to get mad about something like that.”

“Now Cloud Kicker, that is not what Dinky meant and you know it.” Blossomforth said, crossing her forehooves as she glared disapprovingly at her friend. “You just scared that poor nurse half to death, and made her fall on top of Derpy! What were you trying to do, make her more hurt than she already was?”

Before Cloud Kicker could reply, Sweetheart got to her hooves and faced the other two Pegasi. “Sweet merciful Faust, you almost gave me a heart attack back there! I honestly didn’t here you either of you flying behind me! Are you’re wings full of soundless feathers or something?”

“Oh, you give me too much credit Nurse Sweetheart.” Cloud chuckled. “I’m just that good at being stealthy when it comes claiming my hot and sexy piece of ass prizes.”

“Yeah, I think you made that abundantly clear when you made Nurse Sweetheart fall on top of me.” Derpy muttered, cringing as she stretched her back. “Still though, that was pretty mean Cloud Kicker. The poor dear nearly had a heart attack from that stunt you pulled.”

“I know little sis, I know. I couldn’t help myself. It was just really cute and funny seeing her all scared like that.” Cloud Kicker admitted guiltily. “I’m sorry about that Nurse Sweetheart.”

“It…it’s okay dear, I’m not hurt or anything.” Sweetheart replied, calming down. “But, you did make me fall on Derpy…so I think you should also apologize to her too.”

The persian mare did just that. “I’m sorry Derpy, I hope I didn’t reopen your injuries.”

“No, you didn’t, but you certainly made them hurt more.” Derpy replied, deadpanning slightly at the other Pegasus. A second later, her chipper smile returned as she added, “But it’s okay, I’ve felt an even worse type of pain before while training with my daughters and my clan, so this doesn’t really hurt all that much.”

“Really?” Blossomforth asked, raising a watermelon eyebrow. “Not even as much as being trapped under a large pile of roof?”

“Nope!” Derpy chirped, grinning widely as Blossomforth sweat dropped. “Compared on the training I went through honing all of my abilities; this is only like being trampled by a buffalo!”

“Somehow, that doesn’t make us feel any better.” Cloud Kicker replied as she too sweat dropped. “But I’m glad to see that you’re doing better little sis.”

“Anyway…” Derpy continued, her smile faltering. “…are you both okay? Neither of you got hurt during that break in, did you?”

“By some miracle, we managed not to get burnt or crushed by the fire or the broke roof.” Blossomforth sighed, flicking her tail. “I can’t really say the same for everypony else in here though…all of them are hurt pretty bad.”

“That’s an understatement.” Amethyst snorted. “I’m having an even harder time believing who it was that made all of this happen. To think that somepony who I thought was a myth was real this whole time. I know I saw her with my own eyes, but still…it’s just so…”

“I know how you feel big sis.” Dinky said softly. “I had a hard time believe it too but…you can’t really deny what your own eyes seen. We all saw her as clear as day, right in front of us.” She snuggled back up to her mother. “I really hope I don’t see her again, or else I might really faint from terror this time!”

“Don’t worry muffin, that’s not going to happen.” Derpy cooed, wrapping a foreleg around her youngest daughter. “As long as momma’s here, she’s not gonna let that mare come anywhere near you. She’s going to have to get through me to get to you if she has any plans on harming you.”

“Same with me Dinks.” Amethyst murmured, leaning in and kissing her sister on her forehead. “I’ll be damned if anypony’s gonna hurt my little sis and get away with it, and anypony that does is gonna get their asses bucked up!”

“Big sis, language!” Dinky chastised playfully, earning a burst of laughter form Derpy, Sweetheart, and Cloud Kicker.

Blossomforth, who was also giggling at Dinky’s scolding of her sister, looked up into the pitch-black sky at the twinkling stars lighting it up from above. A half-lidded expression came to her face as she continued to star at the night sky, slowly becoming captivated in its beauty, feeling herself relaxing somewhat. Although she’d never admit it to anypony, not even to Cloud Kicker, she personally liked the night a lot more than the day unlike most other ponies. That wasn’t to say that Celestia’s day wasn’t beautiful in its own right, but there was just something about the nighttime that really made her feel at home, especially in Ponyville. Even if it was brought back much earlier than it was supposed to by a being that she never thought she’d met in pony, it made her feel comforted every time she saw it take over the sky.

The pinkish grey mare was so enraptured by the nighttime sky and the stars floating within it, she almost didn’t notice something move out of the corner of her eye. Her blue eyes glanced over to where she was seeing the movement, and they widened slightly upon seeing a large right light shining in the sky. It glowed brighter than all of the other stars scattered around it, and, for some reason, that really perplexed her and almost scared her.

“Hey Blossom, what’s with that far off look?” Cloud Kicker asked, throwing a foreleg around the Rosario. “You thinkin’ about any kinky ideas you want to try out with me?”

“W-what? No of course not, don’t be ridiculous!” Blossomforth replied, snapping her now red face over to the persian mare. “I-I was just, um…looking out at the stars, and I noticed one of them looking out of place.”

“Out of place?” Cloud asked, raising a golden amber eyebrow. “What the hay do you mean by that?”

“I mean that.” Blossomforth pointed up at the ever-growing light in the sky. “That one right there; I don’t know what’s up with it, but it looks like it’s getting closer to us.”

Blinking in confusion, Cloud looked over to where Blossomforth was pointing and jumped slightly at seeing the brightly shining light in the sky. As she continued to stare, she began to notice the light changing color, and also, much to her further surprise, even changing shape. It was at that moment Cloud Kicker began to realize that something was wrong; that what she and her friend was seeing, was in fact, not a star.

“Um, Blossomforth…” The Kiba Lycona finally said, her voice tinged with slight worry. “I don’t think that’s a star up there.”

“It’s not?” Blossomforth asked, looking at her sex obsessed friend with surprise.

“No, it isn’t. Whatever that is, that’s not a star, or a shootingstar.” Cloud replied. “What kind of star gets that close, changes color, and shifts shapes?”

“W-what?” Blossomforth asked, her heart skipping a beat. “What’re you talking about?”

“Yeah, you heard me Blossom.” The persian blue mare nodded. “That so-called star that we’re seeing is actually not really a star at all.”

“C-Cloud, you’re not making any sense!” Blossomforth stuttered. “What in Natura’s name are you talking ab-t?!”

A loud earth-shattering boom abruptly silence the pinkish grey mare as she, Cloud, Sweetheart, Amethyst, Dinky and Derpy all let out screams of surprise. The rest of the ponies in the Town Square weren’t too far off as the ground beneath them shook violently from the outside. It was so strong that the ones that were standing lost their footing and fell, either to the ground, and onto one another, as a bright light flashed across the windows. The ones closest to the windows covered their eyes to prevent themselves from being blinded from the painfully bright flash, relief washing over them when it slowly receded.

“W-what the…what the buck was that?!” Dinky squeaked, clutching to Derpy tightly. “Did you guys hear that too?! I couldn’t have been the only one!”

“No muffin, I definitely heard it.” Derpy replied, too stunned to scold her daughter for her language. “And whatever it was, it was really loud...”

“Oh, it was certainly loud alright; it almost made my eardrums burst!” Amethyst said, rubbing at one of her ears. “There’s something else though…I can sense an incredible source of magic power from outside.”

“You can?” Cloud Kicker asked. “What is it?”

“I don’t know, there’s just something insanely powerful just outside that door, where Captain Shining Armor and some of his troop is.” Amethyst replied, her muscles tensing. “It’s unlike anything I’ve ever felt before. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say that the level of power is on par with…her.”

It took less than a second for the others to figure out what she was talking about, and they all froze up in fear.

“Oh no, you don’t mean-!” Blossomforth said fearfully, her words getting caught in her throat as she began to panic. “Don’t tell me that Nightmare Moon is back here to finish us off?!”

Before Amethyst could speak, the doors to the Town Square exploded open, the force behind it so powerful that the doors were torn off their hinges. The figure of Shining Armor and a few of his other fellow guards could be seen flying inside, a huge beam of pure white magic having all of them in its grasp. The Hooves Family, Cloud Kicker and Blossomforth all watched with wide eyed horrified expressions as the Solar Guard Captain crashed into the stage, a huge cloud of smoke enveloping him.

“Whoa! What in the hay was that?!” Cloud Kicker shouted, reeling back. “Was that Captain Shining Armor?!”

“I…I-I think so.” Sweetheart replied, her voice shaking slightly. “B-but what just happened outside? Why did he just come flying through the Town Square like that?!”

At that moment, Dinky let out a scream, making her mother, sister, aunt, Blossomforth, and Sweetheart all snap their heads towards her. The petrified filly had a shaky hoof pointed forward, looking as if she had seen something from her most terrifying of nightmares. They followed the line of her hoof, and felt the color drain from their faces upon seeing the large purple form of the Tantabus slowly stalking inside of the building. It’s curved sword-like horn glowed in a pure white aura as its eyes burned into the ones of practically everypony in the room, its magical power holding them all in place.

“Wha…” Sweetheart breathed. “What in the name of all that his holy or natural isthat thing?!”

“That’s exaclty what I’m thinking right now.” Blossomforth replied, her tail tucking. “But I can tell just by looking at it, that it is not friendly!”

“Of course it’s not friendly!” Dinky cried. “It just blasted Captain Shining Armor through the doors! How can something that does something like that be friendly?!”

Right at that moment, Shining Armor burst from the rubble of the stage that he was thrown into, his horn alight with a glowing pale magenta aura. Without missing a single beat, he fired a beam of magic at the Tantabus, only for the creature to create a large shield and block it with ease. It soon retaliated by firing off several magical blasts of its own, to which the alabaster stallion countered by firing off a flock of magical beams of his own. The attacks collided with one another, creating a cloud of smoke that washed over both the Solar Captain and the ethereal creature, taking them from everypony’s sight.

“I can’t believe it; he’s actually trying to fight that thing!” Amethyst exclaimed. “Does he think that he stands a change against it?! That things so much more powerful than he is!”

“W-well, he is a Royal Guard, so it’s his duty to keep us safe.” Sweetheart pointed out. “Still though, I can see your point. I can feel that things power level even from all the way over here.”

“Everypony stay back!” Shining Armor yelled, his voice echoing about the Town Square. “I don’t want any of you to get caught up in this! It’d be best if you stay as far away from me and this thing as possible!”

No other words were said after that as Shining Armor fired another powerful beam at the Tantabus, striking it right in the chest and sending it tumbling across the floor. Seeing its foe down, Shining Armor galloped towards the creature, intent on finishing it off as quickly as possible. All of a sudden, the Tantabus shot to its feet and unleashed a powerful kick to Shining Armor’s chest, sending the stallion flying away and crashing to the floor. As he hoisted himself to his haunches, he was just in time the Tantabus forming a large white orb of magic, before it fired the attack right at him.

“Solid Form Magic: Shield!” Shining Armor shouted, forming a shield in the shape of his Cutie Mark right in front of him. The defensive move came just in the nick of time, and everypony watched as it collided with shield, making a shockwave burst throughout the Town Square.

“Nice try, but you’re going to have to do more than fire magic at me if you want to get at me you manifested bastard!” Shining Armor growled slowly stepping forward while keeping his shield up. “I’m not known as the Captain of the Solar Royal Guard for nothing!”

With a moderate cerulean aura surrounding his body, Shining Armor vanished and reappeared by behind the Tantabus, kicking it in the back of its head and sending it skidding away. He reappeared above the Tantabus again and slammed both of his forehooves on the back of the creature’s head, driving it deeper into the ground. Grabbing its flowing tail, Shining pulled the Tantabus out of the ground and threw it towards the door, igniting his horn again.

“Rapid Fire!” Shining Armor shouted, shooting off a multitude of beams at the Tantabus, striking all over its solid form in midair. The Tantabus suddenly sported a pair of wings, both of them flaring to their fullest span as it stopped itself once Shining’s attacks stopped. With a single flap, it cleared the distance between it and Shining in just a second, nearly making the alabaster stallion unable to stop incoming horn attack. It was only thanks to Shining’s trained senses that he was able to block the attack with his own gleaming horn, the collision so strong that sparks appeared in the air.

“Okay, I have to admit, you almost had me there.” Shining grunted, feeling his hooves slid across the floor due to the Tantabus’s powerful wing flaps. His eyes glowed as he lashed his leonine tail out. “Still, you’re going to have to do better than that if you want to get the drop on me! Shining Flash!”

Punching the Tantabus away, Shining Armor blasted it with a huge beam of telekinesis at the creature, sending it flying across the Town Square and towards the door. Just as it was about to fly out, it suddenly shot all four of its hooves out and grabbed at the walls, keeping itself from flying out.

“Oh no you don’t!” Shining shouted, baring his teeth as bright cerulean lightning appeared around his body and traveled up his horn. “You’re not pulling that trick on me!”

With a loud crack that threated to spit everypony’s eardrums, the lightning made its way into Shining’s magical attack and head right towards the Tantabus. An explosion rang out as it struck the creature, causing it to lose its grip on the walls of the door due to the amount of magic the lightning contained. With one final push, Shining Armor blasted the Tantabus out of the Town Square and back out into the streets, the attack vanishing moments later.

“There, that should keep him down for a while.” Shining Armor said, rubbing at his horn. “It looks like I had put more power into that attack than I had thought.”

A groan from his left caused Shining to turn to see a Pegasus stallion, who had been lying on the ground, slowly pulling himself to his haunches and coughing blood. The stallion had moderate tangelo fur that looked to be a cross between brown and orange, with a light phthalo moderate blue mane and tail, the main being covered by helmet. His eyes were a brilliant cyan, and his Cutie Mark was of three wickedly sharp spears that were crossed by the ends.

“Spearhead, are you alright?!” Shining Armor asked, holding his friend up. “Come on, speak to me!”

Spearhead, after letting out another cough, quickly put a hoof on his Shining’s shoulder, stopping him in his panic. “Whoa Captain, take it easy there! I’m still kickin’; I’m not kicking the bucket right this second!”

“Oh, thank Faust…” Shining sighed, calming down. “…For a minute there I thought that you were down for the count. Can you get up?”

“Sure I can Captain; I’ve been trained to be able to withstand attacks like this.” Spearhead replied as he, pulling himself on his hooves. Giving flick of his tail, he shook the debree off his armored body. “I just didn’t expect it to be as powerful as that.”

“Neither did I…I’m glad you were at least able to take the full brunt of the attack.” Shining nodded, looking over at his other fallen soldiers. “I can’t really say the same for some of the others though.”

“Well, at the very least we have the others who’re fighting those things outside.” Spearhead said somewhat dejectedly. “Although, they’re not quite as prepared for it as the guards form the Lunar Branch are, let along Captain Moon Blade.”

“What, what did you say?!” Shining asked, his eyes widening. “There are more of those things?!”

Spearhead, seeing the look of horror on his Captain’s face, grimaced. “Yes, there are…while we were on the other side of the Town Square, I noticed more of those creatures coming in front the sky. I also noticed some of the Lunar Guards fighting them from above, so they must’ve seen them first, since they were scouting for any danger from above. I had come to let you know, like I did a few minutes ago, but, well…”

The tangelo Pegasus trailed off, letting his captain figure the rest of the situation out on his own as a short silence reigned over the building. Shining Armor said nothing, his mind grasping the full danger of the situation they were all in as he took in his friends’ words. His ears suddenly perked at the sounds of explosions, and he looked up to see the figures of even more of the Tantabuses, and the Lunar and Solar Guards duking it out. A sharp breath made its way into Shining Armor’s throat as he watched the exchanges, and at that moment, he knew that they needed to really be on their guard.

“Captain?” Spearhead asked, snapping the alabaster stallion out of his trance. “Are you alright, you’re spacing out there.”

Shining Armor blinked, shaking his head before looking back at Spearhead. “Y-yeah, sorry, I was zoning off for a bit. Spearhead, are you able to fight?”

“Well, I’m able to move, and I can still use my magic, so yeah.” Spearhead nodded, tilting his head at his Captain. “Why, do you need me to stay here and look after everypony.”

“Along with any of the other soldiers who’re able to fight, yeah.” Shining nodded, glancing back over at the other fallen guards. “I’m going to try to keep that thing at bay, and when I feel like I have enough time, I’m going to put up a shield that’ll keep them from getting in here. I’m sure some of our guards and Captain Moon Blades guards will come and help us, so I don’t have to worry about fighting alone.”

“You sure you’ll be okay out there, Captain?” Spearhead asked, somewhat hesitantly. “Those things are pretty powerful…I can sense it even from how high they are. No offense, but you might be biting off more than you can chew.”

“And you’re saying you haven’t on any of our missions?” Shining rebutted, causing Spearhead’s mouth to snap shut. “If I didn’t think I’d be okay out there, and wouldn’t win, I’d be more afraid to do so. However, I don’t really have any choice right now, besides, there are ponies all around us that need somepony to keep them safe, even if it means our lives are on the line. We swore that oath the moment we became a member of the Queen’s Royal Guards, and I’m here to do just that, even if it means being pummeled to the ground.” A small grin made its way to the Unicorn stallion’s face. “I didn’t make it into the Royal Guard and become Captain because I was afraid of not surviving, or biting off more than I can chew. And I know you didn’t either, so isn’t it a bit hypocritical of you to be worried about me being over my head when you’ve done the same thing?”

Spearhead stared at his captain for a moment, before letting out a chuckle. “Heh, yeah, I suppose it does…I’d expect no less from one of the most stubborn ponies in our part of the Royal Guard.” He sighed, giving a ruffle of his large wings. “Alright then, have at them Captain Armor; I’ll be sure to make sure nothing gets in here while you’re out there throwing down.”

“I’m going to hold you to that.” Shining said, giving a nod. “And if any of the other boys and girls are able to fight alongside you, just tell them my plan and things should be good.”

“Sure thing Captain.” Spearhead as he and his Captain gave a hoofpump. “Good look.”

“Right back at you.” Shining said back, grinning back at Spearhead before he raced towards the entrance of the Town Square. Unaware to either stallions, Derpy, Dinky, Amethyst, Sweetheart, Blossomforth, and Cloud Kicker had all heard their conversation. By the time it was over, each of them were sporting looks of terrified shock, unable to believe what they had just heard.

“Did…did you guys here what they were saying?” Blossomforth asked. “Please tell me that I wasn’t the only one who heard it!”

“No Blossom…you didn’t.” Cloud Kicker murmured. “And right now, I’m having a hard time believing the bullshit that I just heard right now.”

“Well, don’t think you’ll have any choice but to believe it aunt cloud.” Amethyst sighed, staring up at the battle ridden sky. “Cause we just heard it, and seen it, with our own eyes.”

“Oh dear, this is quite the predicament that we’re in, isn’t it?” Sweetheart asked, looking in between the three Pegasi and two Unicorns. “What do you thinks going to happen?”

“No idea, but I will say this.” Derpy said firmly, extending a wing Amethyst in with her and Dinky. “None of those things are going to harm either of you as long as I’m here. Any of them that do will find out the real reason why I was given my nickname Derpy.”

“Oh momma…” Dinky cooed, nuzzling into her mother’s chest fluff.

“Wait, Derpy isn’t your actual name?” Sweetheart asked, surprise taking over her facial features. “It’s just a nickname?”

“No, my little sis’s actual name is Ditzy.” Cloud replied. “But she’d rather be called Derpy instead of her actual name. She doesn’t mind if you call her Ditzy, but she’d really rather prefer if you call her Derpy instead.”

“Really?” Sweetheart asked, tilting her head curiously. “Why doesn’t she want to be called by her birth name.”

Blossomforth frowned slightly. “Let’s just say that after a particular incident that happened with Dinky’s eldest daughter, ponies learned not to mess with her foals while Derpy was around.”

“Oh… I-I see…” Sweetheart said, her face paling slightly. “W-what happened in that, um…incident?”

“You don’t want to know.” Amethyst replied, a shiver going down her spine as her tail tucked in between her legs. “Trust me…”

Author's Notes:

Well, there you guys! The 18th chapter of The Guardians of Harmony Rise of the Dark Queen! For this chapter, I think this is one that was made almost off entirely form the top of my head to follow with some scenarios in the other old chapters that I'm planning to put back inside of this. Now, in chapter 14, I had planned an invasion of Timberwolves from the Everfree Forest and battling almost everypony in Ponyville along with Sweet Apple Acres, something that, looking back now, was an utterly insane idea, other than their newly evolved forms that I had thought up of. I really do not know what was going through my head when I had done the but...well, I had done it, and I've learned from my mistake, so I'm certainly not going to do something as stupid as that again. This new invasion that I planned is, in my opinion, much better, especially since these are beings that're just as capable of thinking and functioning like the ponies are, along with being able to use magic, instead of just trying to bit, smash, and swap.

Also, for anypony whose curious about the techniques that Shining Armor had used, they were leaves that I took out of both Levi Mcgarden and Vegeta's books, and made them similar to either of there attacks; Shining Armor's Solid Form Magic Shield is the Equestrian version of one of Levi's Solid Script Magical attacks, while his Shining Flash attack is his version of Vegeta's Final Flash that he used on Cell in Dragon Ball Z Kai. I've thought these off of the top of my head, though it took me some time to try to think of them, and it may take a bit longer to make some similar techniques that I could give the Main Seven, the Background Ponies and the Villains like the ones in either Dragon Ball and Fairy Tail, and, depending on how smoothly it'll go, it may make my updates go a bit slower. The next chapter may come a bit quicker though, but I'm going to have to change a lot of things in it though, but, I think I won't have too much trouble...I hope.

Well, that's all for now everypony; next time we're going to be taking a little look at the Main Seven's time at Sweet Apple Acres...along with the Apple Family getting a surprise, yet very unfriendly visit to the farm.

Chapter 19 - Apples in Action

As Shining Armor, Spearhead, and the rest of the Solar and Luna Guards did what they could to protect Ponyville form the Tantabus invasion, things at Sweet Apple Acres had not changed in the least. It had remained as calm and as quiet as ever since Goku had left with her siblings and the Apple Family Reunion had ended and they had all left. Hardly a single sound could be heard from inside the barn and the house on Sweet Apple Acres, other than the sound of the wind blowing softly from outside.

Some distance away from the house and the barn, Granny Smith could be seen roaming through the apple trees on the east side of the orchard, the Moon shining down on her and casting a beautiful glow to her already glowing physically young form. Her white stocked hooves made soft contact with the grass beneath her, making it momentarily give way under the pressure before springing back up in one of her hooves lifted off of the ground, as if they weren’t even stepped on to begin with. The cool air blew into her, making her collar, mane, tail, and Stetson blow in rhythm with it, along with her bangs, obscuring her sunset orange eyes somewhat, which never broke away from what was ahead of her. She let out a sigh as she lifted a hoof to brush one of her faded, yet smooth yellow bangs out of her face. The Earth Pony took a moment to let her hoof run through the silky softness before releasing it and letting her hoof fall back down to the ground.

As the mint green mare slowly trudged through the orchard of apple trees, she let her mind wander to the events of what happened earlier today, and the reason why she was out here now.

“Alright so...lemme see if Ah got all o’ this ‘ere straight.” Granny Smith said slowly as she put a hoof to her forehead. “Y'all ‘re tellin’ me that a millennia year old villain that Queen Celestia defeated some hundreds o’ years ago came back and invaded the Town Hall, attacked the Queen, and nearly killed everypony inside. Then, y’all meet up in that young filly Twilight’s library t’ talk ‘bout how those whole things gonna be dealt with an’ why Nightmare Moon is ‘ere, an’ now she’s sendin’ y’all t’ the Everfree Forest t’ get these ‘ere Elements, o’ Harmony things, so y’all can defeat Nightmare Moon yourselves, and restore day once more?”

“Eeyup...that pretty much sums it up Granny.” Applejack said with a shrug. “Ah know that it may seem like a lot but...that’s what’s happenin.”

The mint green mare slowly nodded slowly closing her eyes as she lowered her head, her expression completely unreadable as she slowly swayed in her rocking chair, her sun yellow shadowing her eyes. Some of the other Apple family members had similar expressions, while others gave their sister and her friends looks of skepticism, obviously having a hard time believing what the tangerine mare was saying. That wasn’t to say that they were thinking that she was lying, because they knew she wasn’t, just that they had some trouble taking her words in and trying to understand them.

“Um, Applejack, sugar bun…” Honey Blossom said slowly and tentatively as she raised a hoof and ran it through her braided mane. “Not that Ah’m makin’ a liar outta ya ‘r anythin’ but...Ah’m kind o’ findin’ all o’ that hard t’ believe.”

“Yeah,” Jubilee nodded, a small frown forming on her face. “Ah mean come on AJ...a pony that’s supposed t’ be nothin’ more than a livin’ legend suddenly appears in Ponyville, takes the Queen down, and claim that they’re gonna shroud off o’ Equestria in Eternal Night? Real tough pill t’ swallow there, little sis.”

“Eeyup.” Big Macintosh and Scarlet said in unison.

“Heh heh heh...yeah, Ah know. That is a lot t’ take in at once.” Applejack said sheepishly as she rubbed the back of her head, a pink tint making its way to her cheeks. “T’ be honest, Ah’m still tryin’ t’ take it all in mahself, especially with all that’s happened lately…”

“It’s okay Applejack, I completely understand how you’re feeling.” Fluttershy said comfortingly, wrapping a foreleg around the farmer and pulling her close. “There’s no reason for you to feel embarrassed about how you’re feeling about all of this. If you want my honest opinion, I’m still trying to wrap my head around the whole situation too. With Nightmare Moon returning, the Queen sending us to get the Elements of Harmony from the Everfree, and the Queen herself going to prepare her guards for battle...I never really had time to really take it in. Still, that didn’t mean I wasn’t going to accept it, so I decided to just go along with it, and think about it later.” A gentle smile came to her face as she looked into Applejack’s eyes. “So how about you do the same? That way, you won’t be so bothered by trying to figure all of this out, and you’ll have plenty of time to do so later on!”

“Ya know what? That actually sounds like a real good idea.” Applejack replied, giving the buttermilk Pegasus a small smile. “Thanks fer that sugarcube. Ah guess with all that’s happened...mah minds been flyin’ all over th’ place. Ah suppose Ah do need to jus’ go with th’ flow with all o’ this. Like how Ah’ve always done ‘ere on th’ farm.”

“Heeheehee, that’s the spirit AJ!” Pinkie Pie giggled as she bounced over to the farmer. “Just like Fluttershy said, sometimes you just have to go with the flow and accept what’s happening around you, even if you don’t really understand it or can’t explain it with words! That’s why I’m so accepting of things like this, because I don’t think about them at all!”

“With you Pinks, I’d definitely believe that.” Rainbow Dash smirked as she glanced over at the bubblegum pink Earth Pony.

“Of course you don’t dear…” Rarity said with a roll of her eyes, before she turned to face the Apple Matriarch. “Pinkie’s antics aside, this is the reason why we are all hear Mrs. Smith. To explain to you why we’re heading off into the Everfree Forest under the precise order of our Queen. That and, Applejack couldn’t handle not letting you know or any of her family know where she’s going. She didn’t want to worry any of you anymore than you already were, so she thought that by doing this, she’d ease your fears somewhat.”

“Did she now? Well, t’ be fair, Ah wasn’t really all that worried ‘bout her. Ah figured that she was with her friends, that she’d be fine, since they’d be there t’ keep her safe. ‘Specially that darlin’ Pegasus filly over there.” Granny Smith replied, glancing over at the cyan mare, who promptly blushed and looked away. “Still, Ah appreciate ya comin’ here an’ wantin’ t’ let all o’ us know that you were still alright Applejack...you’ve certainly put mah fears t’ rest fer th’ time bein’.”

“Uh, thanks Granny…” Applejack mumbled, pulling her hat over her eyes as her blush grew slightly deeper.

“Yer welcome sugarfoot.” The mind green mare replied with a gentle smile. It soon faded as she faced Goku, who was sitting right in the center of the circle. “So Ah’m assumin’ that y’all ‘r gonna be headin’ into the Everfree then?”

“Yes.” Goku replied, speaking up for the first time since the talk had started. “We had originally planned to head in there as soon as we had gotten everything settled and figured out how we were gonna get there, but Applejack wanted to grab a few things before we left.” The tan Thestral turned to look at the farmer who was looking down at the floor. “Speaking of which, Applejack, what was it that you wanted to get? I hate to rush you but, we’re running a bit slow on time, and as its already been shown, it’s not really on our side right now.”

“Huh? Oh, r-r-right! Thanks fer the reminder G, Ah guess Ah got sidetracked there…” Applejack stammered, giving a little shake of her head as she got to her hooves. “Granny, do you ‘re anywhere else know where mah boots are? Ah was plannin’ to bring ‘em along with me, along with mah rope.”

“They’re in th’ closet where we keep our other boots and coats fer whenever it rains.” Granny replied, before giving her granddaughter a perplexed expression. “If ya don’t mind me askin’, why do ya need ‘em? It’s not like there’s any rain clouds comin’ anywhere near th’ town an’ all-”

“No, Granny. Not those kind o’ boots.” Applejack interrupted as she lifted a hoof. She slowly set it down, before staring at her grandmother right in her eyes. “Those, boots.”

The Apple Matriarch paused, taking a moment to take in her granddaughters’ words, before recognition clicked in her eyes a split second later. She and Applejack stared at each other for a moment sharing a private conversation with each other while Goku and everypony else watched silently, waiting for the mint green mare’s response. After another moment, Applejack gave a light nod, and Granny Smith leaned her head back, closing her eyes for a moment, before reopening them, and turning to her other grandchildren.

“Anna Blaze.” She began, making her eldest granddaughter turn to her in attention. “Ah want ya t’ take Applejack down t’ th; cellar an’ get her those special boots that we keep down there fer special occasions. You remember where they are right?”

“Mhm.” Anna Blaze murmured softly with a firm nod.

“Alright then.” Granny Smith nodded, before turning back to Applejack. “You go on ahead with Anna Blaze Applejack. She’ll show ya where the boots are.”

“Right, thanks a bunch Granny!” Applejack replied with a grateful smile, before turning to her eldest sister. “Come on Anna, let’s get those bad boys outta the cellar! Ah have a feelin’ that Ah’m gonna be usin’ ‘em a lot today!”

“Mhm!” The scarlet red mare said with a smile, before she and the smaller tangerine Earth mare galloped off out of the living room and towards the door.

As the two mares made their way towards the barn outside, Goku let out a long sigh as she ran a hoof through her extended mane, before brushing it out of her face. She stared down at the floor for a few moments before glancing over to her left to where Twilight was sitting, only to pause at what she saw. The lavender Unicorn was laying down on the rug, her head lowered to the point where her head shadowed her eyes and her tail wrapped around her body. Goku, sensing that something was wrong with her friend, got up from the floor and walked over to the librarian.

“Hey...hey, Twilight? What’s the matter?” The tan Thestral asked softly, putting a tri-colored hoof onto Twilight’s shoulder and gently shaking it. “You’ve been pretty quiet since we got here...is something wrong?”

“Huh?! Oh, sorry!” Twilight replied as she gave a slight jump from Goku’s contact. “I, I didn’t mean to space out like that...I’m just...I’m just thinking as all.”

“Thinking? About wha-” Goku asked, only to stop short as a look or recognition clicked in her eyes a second later. “Oh wait...I think I know...you’re thinking about the fact that Queen Celestia has a younger sister, aren’t you?”

Twilight sighed softly, running a hoof through her sapphire blue mane. “Yeah, I am...I didn’t really think about it much at first, since we were trying to figure out how we were gonna get to the Elements of Harmony while we were in the Everfree Forest. But ever since we left the library and came here...it’s been the only thing that I’ve been able to really think about. Queen Celestia Daybringer Solaris, the most powerful pony in Equestria, the immortal ruler of all the land, and the Goddess of the Sun, having a sister? I don’t see how that is even remotely possible!” The lavender Unicorn suddenly sat up, her sapphire eyebrows furrowing as an indignant expression came to her face. “For as long as I’ve known Queen Celestia, I have not once discovered any evidence, be it on a whim, by accident, or just by dumb luck, stating that she has any other family member, besides my old foalsitter Cadence! No books, no notes, no history, not even anything symbolic stating that there was another Queen that used to rule alongside her, let along the fact that she was her sister! The only thing I had to go by was that story of ‘The Mare on the Moon’, but up until what happened at the Town Square, I didn’t really believe it was actually true!”

She sighed in irritation, bringing both of her forehooves to her temples as she rubbed them in an effort to soothe the headache that was coming in. “I just…I just can’t wrap my head around it. How can the Queen actually have a sister, who’s not only a ruler and an Alicorn, but a goddess just like her? How just...how?”

“I hear ya there Twi…” Rainbow Dash said with a shrug of her shoulders. “I’ll admit, I had a pretty hard time believing all of that stuff that the Queen was telling me and the rest of you guys. About her having a sister and all...but, I wasn’t really gonna focus on it too much, so I decided to just roll with it. I don’t really bother with all of that egghead stuff anyway, that’s more your thing.”

“Of course it would be for that reason.” Rarity snorted. “Typical…”

“I can see why you’re thinking that Twilight.” Goku said softly, walking over and sitting next to the lavender Unicorn, and draping a giant wing around her back. “I mean, besides me, you’re the one whose known Queen Celestia for the longest time. You practically know everything about her, how she looks, how she speaks, how she teaches...hay, even how she makes her own tea whenever she has a little get together with our families! I’d figure after all that time you’d know all there is about the Queen, so the fact that you can’t grasp the fact that she has a sibling who is like her in every way is of no surprise to me.” She chuckled. “If I’m being entirely honest, even I had just the little bit of trouble trying to grasp the concept or trying to believe it myself, unlike you and most of the others.”

“Just a little or a lot?” Twilight deadpanned, glancing over at the tan Pegasus.

“Just a little.” Goku chirped, giving the lavender Unicorn a sweet fanged smile, the latter giving a roll of her eyes. “Even so, this is the Queen that we’re talking about, the raiser and goddess of the sun, the immortal ruler of Equestria as you so kindly stated, that’s telling is all of this. If it was any other pony telling us this, I’d be having some serious doubts, but since it’s the Queen telling us...I’m willing to believe it. She’s never ever lied to us before, so what reason would she have to do so now? Especially since a villain that was thought to have been a mere myth suddenly appeared out of nowhere?”

At these words, Twilight paused, her expression morphing into one of thoughtfulness as she took a moment to mull over what the sexy Thestral had just said. On one hoof, she still couldn’t quite grasp the concept that Queen Celestia, her mentor and mother-figure, the one pony she knew as a filly, better than anypony, actually had somepony related to her, and a sister no less. Even after everything the Queen had told her and the rest of her friends, from her relationship with Luna, to their history, to how she had lost her, her mind was still unable to make sense of it all, and the more she thought about it, the harder she found it to believe.

One the other hoof however, Goku did make a big point on something, and that something was the fact that Celestia had never ever lied to her in her entire life about anything. She was entirely truthful about everything no matter how trivial, serious, or embarrassing it was, and while she didn’t leave anything out, she did try to lay it down gently, as to not come off as not caring about how anypony, let alone her own protege, was feeling. That was one of the many things that Twilight admired about her mentor, besides her kindness and generosity, and it was the fact that she was entirely honest with her about anything they talked about or shared. Thanks to that, she couldn’t help but agree with Goku about Celestia being truthful about her having a sister, and having no reason to lie, especially after what happened at the Town Square. So what reason did she have to doubt her mentor, especially since the infamous ‘Mare on the Moon’ turned out to be real?

“You’re right Goku...you actually make a very excellent point there. Queen Celestia’s never lied to us, let alone me, about anything. Even when she told us all of that stuff at the library I know that she wasn’t lying! I could precisely tell!” Twilight exclaimed as she threw her hooves in the air. “I’m just...really shocked, you know. The Queen’s told me a lot of unbelievable things, and out of all the thing I expected her to tell me, what she told us back at the library was the last thing on that list.”

“Yeah, the same with us.” Goku chuckled as she rubbed her feathered bat wing up and down Twilight’s back comfortingly. “It doesn’t really matter anymore. What’s had happed at the Town Square happened, there’s nothing that any of us, even me, can do to change it. The best thing we can do is move forward and focus on the task at hoof, because that’s the only available option that we have right now? Wouldn’t you agree?”

“Yeah...that seems like the best thing to do right now.” Twilight replied with a sheepish nod as a blush came to her face, earning a giggle from the tan Pegasus.

Right at that moment, the door to the Apple family household burst open, causing some of the mares inside the living room to jump and a majority of the ponies resting there to jolt awake. Their fear and nervousness were quickly put to rest however, when they saw that it was only Anna Blaze and Applejack, who had just returned from their brief trip to the barn.

“Alright everypony Ah’m back!” Applejack said, adjusting the rope that was fastened around her barrel. “Sorry ‘bout havin’ t’ make ya wait like that...apparently findin’ those boots were a bit harder than we thought.”

“Don’t worry ‘bout it sugarfoot. Ya found ‘em, so that’s all that matters.” Granny Smith replied casually with a wave of a hoof. “Good work Anna Blaze, fer helpin’ yer sister find them boots. Ah have a feelin’ she’s really gonna need ‘em like she said.”

“Mhm!” Anna Blaze nodded, giving her grandmother a sweet smile.

“Oh Applejack! Those boots are just simply divine!” Rarity suddenly gushed, her sapphire eyes sparkling as she leaned in and inspected the flames on the jet-black boots. “I’ve never ever seen flames so detailed, so articulate, and so...so realistic! It’s like I’m staring into an actual batch of fire even though it’s not real!” She looked up at the farmer, who was staring back at her with a bemused expression on her face. “Do you think maybe sometime after this is over, I could borrow just one of those boots for a new fashion line?”

“Uh...yeah, sure Ah guess. Jus’ as long as Granny’s okay with it.” Applejack replied dumbly, taking a moment to regain her composure. “Jus’...make sure that you don’t actually put ‘em on Rares okay? Ah don’t wanna have a repeat o’ what happened the last time they were carelessly put on without any idea how to control th’ magic inside ‘em.”

“Oh but of course dear! I give you my word that I’ll never do any such damage or cause any with those magnificent appendages.” Rarity replied, gently running a hoof through the silkiness of one of the boots. “I am curious about one thing though...who was it that had the audacity to bring destruction with boots such as these?”

“Take a wild guess.” Applejack replied, the slightest bit of sarcasm and amusement as she glanced over at Goku.

“Alright Rarity that’s enough...you’ll have plenty of time to make a new dress for your next line after all of this shit is over.” Goku said as she put a hoof on Rarity’s shoulder. “Right now, we have a much more important task that we need to take care of.”

“Right, of course…” The fashionista replied solemnly as her hung her head.

“Alright, let’s go everypony. We’ve wasted enough time as it is. Queen Celestia’s probably already sent her guards out into the Everfree Forest to find us, so we need to get there now.” Goku said firmly, earning quick nods from each of her friends. As they all made their leave, the tan Thestral stopped and looked back at the Apple family, making direct contact with Granny Smith. “Oh, and Granny Smith, in case you’re wondering about Apple Bloom, she’s alright. She’s at the Golden Oaks Library with Sheton and the other foals, and Snowflake and Midnight are both looking after them.”

“Ah see...thank you fer tellin’ me that darlin’.” The mint green mare replied, a look of relief flashing across her face for just a fleeting moment, before it disappeared. “Y’all be careful out there ya hear?”

“We will Granny Smith, and don’t worry, I’ll make sure Applejack get back here in one piece.” Goku replied with a firm nod, before turning back to her friends. “Alright everypony, let’s go!”

“Right!” They all replied in unison as they flew and galloped out of the front door of the Apple family household, before a raspberry aura coated the front door and slammed it shut.The silence that followed after the seven mares had left, was only broken by the soft sound of Granny Smith slowly rocking in her chair. After what seemed like an eternity of silence, the mint green mare slowly sat up from her rocking chair and made her way across the living room.

“Hey, Granny?” Scarlet asked, looking her grandmother with perplexity. “Where are ya goin’? Are ya goin’ after Applejack an’ th’ others?”

“No hon’, Ah ain’t.” Granny Smith replied softly, not sparing the Pegasus a single glance. “Ah’m goin’ out t’ the orchard. Ah...Ah need some time t’ mahself.”

“Oh...okay…” Scarlet murmured, looking down at the floor. “Ah see…”

“Do ya need us to look after th’ house while yer gone?” Jubilee asked, causing her grandmother to pause in her walking.

“Actually, if y’all could do that, that would be a real load off o’ mah back.” The mint green mare replied as she looked back at her grandchildren. “Big Mac, Anna Blaze, can y’all take over th’ farm too?”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac nodded.

“Mhm.” Anna Blaze replied.

“Good, Ah appreciate yer devotion.” Granny Smith said, giving the four other ponies a grateful smile before she looked away. With nothing more to say, the Apple Matriarch made her way to the door, opening it with a loud creak before closing it with a gentle click, leaving the others in silence once more.

Granny Smith gave a soft sigh through her nostrils as she lifted a hoof to pull her Stetson away to the back of her head as her eyes slowly looked up at the full moon basking her whole orchard in a light glow. Her teeth chewed and gnawed at the pieces of grain that were in her mouth as the wind softly blew on her mane, resting her back against the tree she was sitting back on as her legs rocked back and forth. As the thoughts of the discussion she and her family had with Applejack and her friends continued to run through her head, she looked up at the pitch-black night sky, watching as the stars danced and twinkled through the cosmos. The mint green mare suddenly caught the gaze of one particular star, which seemed to glow brighter than all the others around it, and as she continued to stare up at it, a feeling of sadness washed over her, her heart aching in her chest.

‘Bright Mac, if you an’ Buttercup can hear me up there, know that Ah really need both o’ yer help right now. One o’ yer darlin’ granddaughters is ‘bout t’ go off with ‘er friends an’ face a pony threatenin’ cloud all o’ Equestria in forever lastin’ night, and she might not make it back.’

Her ears flattened against her head as she looked down, holding a hoof to her chest. ‘Ah’m scared...Ah’m scared that it might happen again. That Ah’ll lose somepony else that Ah care ‘bout so much...an’ Ah don’t know if Ah can go through that again.’ She looked back up at the sky, and her heart skipped a beat as she noticed the star that she was looking at glowing even brighter. ‘Please sugarfoot...please, please watch over yer daughter and her friends fer me. Ah already lost so much in mah life. Ah lost mah ma an’ pa, mah eldest little Apple...Ah lost yer pa...an’ Ah lost you two, an’ mah seventh grandfoal. Ah can’t stand t’ lose anymore o’ mah family. If Ah do...Ah don’t know what Ah’ll do. So please...please look after her, along with th’ rest o’ her friends.’

Holding back a fresh batch of tears, Granny Smith inhaled and let out a slow shaky breath to settle her nerves and soothe her aching heart. It was obvious she did not want to remember the painful memories of her past, least she and collapse in a crying fit. It had been quite a long time since she had shed any tears, having not cried since losing her youngest son and daughter-in-law. Thinking about them at this moment, along with the few other ponies she had known and loved in her younger days, made her want to just curl up into a ball and cry all over again, but she wouldn’t, not now. She would be strong, if not for her sake, then for her deceased son and his mate’s, along with the rest of her surviving grandchildren, Applejack especially. They’d need all the love and support they could get, and she’d be damned if she sat here in a puddle of her own tears instead of giving them just that.

After taking a few more moments to ensure that she was calmed down, Granny Smith slowly sat up from her position on the tree, spitting out the grains in her mouth as she did so. As she got to her hooves, she readjusted the Stetson on her head, before looking over to the left, at the house and barn up the while from where she currently was. ‘Guess Ah probably better head back up t’ th’ house…’

Flicking her tail, the mint green mare began her trek back to the house, the thought of getting some more R&R etched firmly in her mind. She had just barely ten feet away from the tree she was sitting against when ear sensitive ears picked up a strange sound ringing through the air and echoing through the orchard. She paused in her walking as she flicked her ears back and forth, wondering if she had misheard the sound, only to be proven wrong a few seconds later when it sounded again.

‘What in tarnation is that?’ Granny Smith thought, flicking her ears pack and forth. ‘It sounds like rumblin’ coming from th’ sky. That can’t be right though…there weren’t supposed to be any storms scheduled today. Didn’t that Dash filly already clear ‘em?’

Suddenly, she noticed a bright shining light emitting from where the house and the barn were, taking the mind green mare by surprise. Before she could contemplate it, a loud explosion rang out, the force behind it so powerful it actually made the ground shake a bit. A moment later, a huge thick gust of wind emerged from the trees like waves rising from an ocean, flowing down the orchard with at speeds of a freight train. Granny Smith had just enough time to gasp before she was swept up in the dust and blown through the air, unknowingly crashing into a nearby tree.

“Ugh, w-what…what in tarnation?!” Granny Smith said to herself, pushing herself up. As she got to her hooves, she shook the dust off, and shorted out any that got into her nostrils. “What in the Sam Hell was that?!”

At that moment, the mind green mare heard another explosion, this one being a much softer but also power enough to where she could see another light from where her house was. All of a sudden, she heard a blood curdling scream ring out and echo all across the orchard, causing her to freeze in place. Granny Smith’s eyes, widened with horror, pupils contracted as every single vein in her body froze, recognizing that scream very well. Just as quickly as that scream came, it stopped, and before Granny Smith even realized it herself, she sprang into action.

With a burst of speed that would’ve impressed even Rainbow Dash, Granny Smith shot from the tree she was resting at, the force of her bound leaving deep dents in the ground and causing a gust of wind to shoot behind her. Her hooves pounded the ground with each frantic and fearful stomp she made, her mane and tail blowing behind her as if they were flags being waved in the air as she made a beeline straight for her home. She shot through the orchard like an arrow through the air, using her braided tail for balance as she made razor sharp zig zags across the trees. Dust was picked up behind her hooves, and had it not been for the thick thread of string that was hanging around her neck and tied to either sides her Stetson, it would’ve very well fallen off the second she took off. Even if it did, she wouldn’t have given one flying feather about, for the only thing that mattered to her at that moment, was getting back up to that house as fast as she could.

After only just several minutes of running, which seemed like miles to Granny Smith, she finally made it up the western side of the hill and near the house. The mint green mare put in another burst of speed in her sprinting before she made a giant leap and landed right in front of the house, her tail facing whatever was behind her. When she finally stopped, she spun around her and looked directly in front of her, only to nearly reel back at the sight that she saw in front of her.

Hovering above the Apple Family Household, engaging Scarlet and Jubilee in an all-out brawl, was a Tantabus, a good head taller than Celestia. It was a shining emerald green in color, with eyes of pure golden, and an enormous set of wings along with a long curved sharp horn. Said horn was being used to blast powerful beam of magic at the Pegasus and Earth Pony mare, who were effectively dodging its attacked as they retaliated with ones of their own.

“Jubilee! Scarlet!” Granny Smith shouted, her mane blowing wildly from the battle. “What th’ hay is going on?! What is that damn thing?!”

“We don’t know Granny, it just came shootin’ in outta nowhere like some meteor!” Jubilee shouted, leaping away from a magical blast aimed at her. “There was jus’ this huge explosion that we heard from outside, an’ when we came out, we saw this huge crater!”

“When we went to go check it out, this varmint appeared!” Scarlet added as she shot a blast of lighting into the Tantabus’s face. “We don’t know why it’s here ‘r what it is, but all we do know is that it’s tryin’ t’ attack th’ farm!”

Granny Smith’s eyes darkened as she looked at the giant Tantabus. “It’s what?”

“Ya heard us Granny!” Jubilee said, doing multiple backflips as she avoided the incoming wind slices from the Tantabus. “Just a moment ago it tried t’ obliterate the barn, an’ it was only thanks t’ Scarlet deflecting the attack that it’s still intact! But we’re afraid that it might try t’ do it again!”

“Not on mah watch it ain’t!” Granny Smith said, stomping a hoof. “Hold on girls, Ah’m comin’!”

Giving a hard snort through her nostrils, Granny Smith charged towards the Tantabus, her sunset colored eyes gleaming in the darkness as her Stetson fluttered behind her. When she got a reasonable distance away from the house, she skidded to a halt, rearing up her hind legs. The Tantabus, seeing the Earth Pony mare about to attack, flared its wings and took to the air, but Granny Smith was one step ahead of it

“STOP RIGHT THERE YA STARRY VARMINTS!!!” The mint green mare screamed as she slammed her forehooves onto the ground with all her might. Not even a fraction of a second after she did so, the earth beneath her hooves shook and rumbled with the equivalent of an earthquake from the very core of the earth. Large cracks appeared on the earth and made their way towards Scarlet and Jubilee, looking as if they were a mob of snakes slithering through the ground looking for any unlucky victim to bite.

“Uh-oh, looks like Granny’s throwin’ down!” Jubilee exclaimed, looking over at her twin sister. “Let’s clear th’ way sis!”

“Don’t need t’ tell me twice!” Scarlet grinned as she took to the air. “Go on Granny, lay it on em!”

“Who said that Ah was fightin this varmint alone?!” Granny Smith asked, not taking her eyes of the giant Alicorn-like creature. “He tried t’ attack our farm, an’ as th’ keepers o’ this farm, we need t’ show him that we ain’t gonna take it! Earth Make: Vine Snare Trap!”

Without warning, a grove of large vines burst out from the ground and made their way towards the Tantabus, who looked like it was taken completely off guard. It tried to fly back from them, but the giant vines were able to coil around it and hold it in place in midair. With its movements limited, Granny Smith raced over and ran up the vines, channeling the magic into her hooves to keep her from falling.

“So, ya think ya can just try t’ demolish mah farm an’ get away with it?!” Granny Smith snarled as her nostrils flared. “Well you’ve got another thing comin’ partner! Earth Make: Hammering Hoof!”

With her right hoof glowing, Granny Smith punched the Tantabus right into its stomach, the force letting the aura of energy surrounding her to blast out of its back and into the air. To her great surprise, she ended up being bounced back and slammed right into the ground, leaving a large crater in her wake before skidding away from the creature. Spitting out the dirt in her mouth, Granny Smith looked up in time to see the Tantabus preparing to fire off a blast of magic down at her, intent on blowing her away.

“Earth Make: Wall!” Granny Smith shouted, slamming her hooves down again making a large wall of earth appear in front of her. The defense tactic came just as the magical bolt was about to hit the mint green mare, and it hit with incredible force. Large clouds of dust swept through the front yard of the farm as the magical bolt tore into the earth wall, with Granny Smith still behind it. She gritted her teeth as she continued to channel her magic through the Earth Wall, said wall giving off an orange glow, though cracks could be seen appearing within it.

“Hold on Granny, we’re comin’!” Scarlet shouted, folding her wings as she dived down towards the Tantabus. “Lightning Pegasus: Divulsion Hoof!”

The mint green Pegasus struck the Tantabus right into her head, stopping it in its magical attack and keeping Granny Smith’s wall intact. Flying to the side of its head, she swung her right leg and slammed it into the side of the Tantabus’s cheek, snapping its head to the side. Scarlet then flew in front of the Tantabus, her eyes flowing as her wings chirped with as much crimson red lightning as her hooves.

“Lighting Pegasus: Twin Wing Hammer!” She shouted, clapping her wings and shooting her hooves out, combining all four bolts of lightning into one large bolt. It struck the Tantabus tight in its chest, sending sparks of lighting all around its body and causing it to distort. The vines that Granny Smith had made were also victims of the attack, and the lightning tore through them all the way until they reached the ground.

“Whoa nelly!” Granny Smith shouted, leaping away from the incoming lightning as it practically obliterated her wall. “Sweet Faust Scarlet, watch where yer strikin’ with all o’ that lightin’! Ah almost got cooked into a fritter from that!”

“Oops, sorry Granny!” Scarlet replied, smiling sheepishly as the lightning around her vanished into thin air. The smile was soon wiped off her face when she felt a shadow loom over her, and she looked behind her just in time to see the Tantabus’s hoof sailing towards her. It slammed right into her, sending her right into the ground and causing dust to explode into the air, her pain-filled scream echoing across the air.

“Scarlet!” Jubilee shouted, watching with horror as her twin sister was sent into the ground. A look of rage took over her face as she snapped her faze over to the Tantabus. “Oh, yer gonna pay fer that one.”

The pale orange mare stomped on the ground, and a large thick vine burst out from behind the giant ethereal creature, wrapping around its left hind leg. Its golden eyes widened as it the vine wrapped around its leg, and hoisted it up into the air, before slamming it back down onto the ground, causing it to shake. Jubilee repeated this process several times before she lifted the Tantabus again and spun it around in the air. She soon stopped and let it go, before stomping her hooves down on the ground again, and pulling out a huge chunk of earth ground. Whirling around, she kicked it into the air, before leaping onto that same rock and riding it towards the Tantabus.

“Take this!” Jubilee cried, sticking her hooves into the flying chunk of earth and covering both of her forehooves in it. With her eyes and forelegs glowing, she brought them both back in preparation for a powerful strike. “Earth Make: Armored Hoof Punch!”

When she was within range, Jubilee struck the Tantabus right in its stomach with her left hoof, causing it to stretch out and envelope it a swarm of orange energy. Leaping off of the rock, she struck with her other forehoof, driving even more of her Adrenaline Mode Energy into it. As she drove herself into the creature, she could feel herself about to be stretched back, and she took her forehooves away, replacing them with her hind hooves. Using the combined power, Jubilee leapt away from the Tantabus, flipping around the air before landing hard, leaving deep trails of dirt in the ground. She watched as the Tantabus crashed to the ground, leaving a large crater of its own was it was enveloped by dust and orange energy.

“Heh, that should keep him down fer a little bit.” Jubilee said, smirking at the downed Tantabus before looking over at her grandmother. “Are you okay Granny Smith?”

“Ah’m more concerned about Scarlet over here.” The mind green mare replied, gingerly pulling her granddaughter out of the ground. “Are y’all okay sugarfoot? That was a real hard hit that ya got there.”

“That’s an understatement Granny.” Scarlet replied, rubbing at her jaw. “It felt like I was head butted by a bull at a rodeo ring! Only with this thing it was like ten ‘r twenty times harder!”

“Ah believe that completely.” Jubilee said, looking over at the deep dirt trail left in Scarlet’s wake. “Ah’m amazed that yer even able to stand after gettin’ hit that hard.”

“Well, Ah am an Apple, an’ we are supposed t’ handle any damage thrown at us.” Scarlet said dryly, shaking the dirt and the dust off of her body. Granny Smith the handed the Pegasus her, hat, and she accepted it gratefully. “Thanks Granny…are th’ two o’ y’all okay?”

“Yes Scarlet, the both o’ us ‘re fine.” Granny replied. “A lil’ bit shaken up from seein’ that thing an’ almost gettin’ electrocuted by yer lightnin’, but fine.”

“Ah don’t understand. What is that thing even doin’ here in th’ first place?” Jubilee asked, both herself along with her sister and grandmother. “It jus’ came’, an’ started attackin’ us outta th’ blue. Ah really wasn’t expectin’ that, even more than what Applejack, Goku an’ their friends had told us about the Town Square.”

“That’s what Ah’m wonderin’ as well.” Granny Smith nodded, looking over to the spot where the Tantabus had fallen. “Ah’m also tryin’ t’ figure out how that thing has so much magic power in it despite us throwin’ it around like a rag-doll.”

“That’s what Ah’m wonderin mahself…me and Jubilee felt that varmints power even before he crashed down her on the farm, an’ he’s hardly even used it.” Scarlet said skeptically. “Ya think it might have somethin’ to do with what we were told ‘bout this Nightmare Moon fella? Ah know it may seem crazy but, that’s what Ah’m thinkin’ at least.”

“…There’s not really anythin’ that can prove it, but that’s a good theory. Ah guess Applejack an’ her friends new enemy decided to leave us a lil’ partin’ gift before she left.” Jubilee said as she gave a shake of her head. “Jus’ our luck….”

“Well, we can ask AJ an’ her friends ‘bout it after they’ve returned from their mission.” Granny Smith said, straightening up. “Right now, we need t’ focus on protectin’ th’ farm an-”

The Apple Matriarch was cut off when she and her granddaughters heard an explosion form where the Tantabus was, and they looked over to see it hurdling towards them. All three of them had just enough time to gasp before the creature struck Granny Smith, biting her right in her shoulder. The pain and the shock form the impact took the mint green mare completely by surprise as she and the Tantabus flew back, before the latter took to the air.

“Granny Smith!” Jubilee and Scarlet yelled as they watched their grandmother go airborne with the Tantabus.

Granny Smith screamed out in agony as she felt the Tantabus’s razor sharp teeth deep into her shoulder, nearly making the bones in it crack. Clenching her teeth, Granny Smith reared her right hoof back, covering it in an orange aura before letting collide with the side of the large creature’s head. The force was enough to make the Tantabus let go, allowing Granny Smith to fall towards the ground, only for the Tantabus to go diving after the mint green mare. Granny Smith pursed her lips and covered both of her hooves in an aura of orange, fully prepared to smack him across the air.

“Bring it on ya nightmare varmint!!!” Granny Smith yelled, punching the Tantabus right in its face with her left hoof, before delivering a side kick to its side. She grabbed the Tantabus’s tail and swung it down towards the ground, only for the Tantabus to shoot a bolt of magic at the mint green mare. It slammed directly into her stomach and sent her upward, where the green Tantabus flew up and met her, its fang filled mouth stretched into a grin.

The next thing Granny Smith knew, she was being given a series of slashes and stabbing kicks by the Tantabus’s cloven hooves, along with its long-curved horn. She did her best to defend, but most of them managed to get through, leaving her with quite a few bruises and slashes in the process. With one final punch, the Tantabus sent Granny Smith falling towards the ground, and made the descend faster by shooting blast of magic that got her right in the her back, before she crashed to the ground. The Tantabus moved in to finish her off, its horn alight with magic, but before it could, another fighter came onto the scene.

“GET THE HAY AWAY FROM MAH GRANDMA!!!” An unexpected voice screamed as Honey Blossom came flying into the scene. She spread her wings wide whipped them back, holding them back for a few seconds as lightning continued to dance around them, growing more intense by the second. With a loud battle cry, she shot her wings forward, slamming them both together as a loud clap echoed throughout the sky, sending a large barrage of lightning hurdling straight up towards the Tantabus at breakneck speed. It slammed right into it, causing it to fly away in the opposite direction and distort in midair for a few moments. It eventually managed to get itself together, and it flared its wings, and took off towards Honey Blossom, who was more than ready for a midair combat. As they dulled, Scarlet dove down towards the ground, landing right next to her grandmother’s crater.

“Are you alright Granny?!” The redhead asked, helping her grandmother up. “Now that really had to hurt back there! That thing nearly drove you six feet under the ground”

“More like halfway into the ground is more like it, but yeah, Ah’m okay.” Granny Smith said, flicking her tail before looking up where Honey Blossom was. “Honey Blossom Sweet Apple Titan! What in th’ hay do ya think yer doin’ you filly?!”

“Whaddya think Ah’m tryin’ t’ do?! Ah’m tryin’ t’ save all o’ yer hides from this critter!” The scarlet red mare shouted back, blocking a magic blast with an aura unfused wing. “All o’ y’all were gettin’ yer flank kicked out there by all o’ them wooden varmints! Ah couldn’t jus’ sit by and let y’all get torn apart!”

“That wasn’t yer decision t’ make young filly!” The elder mare said in a low yet firm tone.

“Maybe not,” Said another deeper voice, causing Granny Smith to look behind her and see Anna Blaze and Big Mac standing just inches away from her. “But weren’t you th’ one who told us that no matter what ya said, and what ya did, it’s up t’ us t’ protect not only each other, but all o’ those around us that we consider family? We’re doin’ jus’ that, so there ain’t no reason fer ya get upset with us.”

The Apple Matriarch shook her head, letting out a sigh as she, straightened the collar around her neck. “Yeah, Ah did say that. Still I wish that y’all at least told me that y’all were comin’ out’ wantin’ t’ help me.”

“We know...we’re sorry Granny.” Anna Blaze said softly, her ears flattened against her head as she went over to her grandmother. “Are you okay? Ya look really beat up…”

“Ah’m okay sugarfoot...more or less at least.” Granny Smith replied as she leaned against the much larger mare as she did so. “Ah jus’ got mah ass handed t’ me by that large starry lookin’ varmint over there, a lot more than Ah thought it would. Ain’t never seen anything like but, it certainly is strong.”

“Eeyup, it certainly is.” Big Mac nodded, blowing some of his long mane from his face. “Me an’ anna could feel its strength from all th’ way inside th’ house. We figured that y’all might need some help, since ya looked like ya needed some.”

Granny Smith opened her mouth to respond, only to jump when she saw a red blur shot past them and slam into the ground. None of them needed a second to realize that it was honey Blossom, and they wasted no time rushing to her side. They pulled her out of the crater she was in and inspected her, relief washing over them when they saw that she didn’t have too many severe injuries.

“Oh dammit, now that really hurt!” Honey Blossom cursed, glaring up at the Tantabus. “He’s a lot stronger than Ah thought he’d be.”

“He sure is.” Anna Blaze nodded. “Even with Granny, Jubilee, and Scarlet all goin’ off against him, he’s still managin’ t’ hold his own against them. He’s gonna be a real tough one t’ beat, that’s for sure.”

“Eeyup, he sure is.” Granny Smith nodded, adjusted her Stetson. “Which is why we’re gonna have t’ all combine our strength if we wanna take this thing down. Its already caused enough damage tryin’ t’ take out our house an’ th’ barn; Ah ain’t gonna let it keep goin’ on if Ah can help it.”

Right at that moment, Big Macintosh’s ears perked, hearing the sound of what seemed to be chirping, causing him to look up into the sky. His emerald eyes widened as he saw the source of the sound, and a somewhat relieved expression came to his face. “Um, Granny…Ah don’t think ya may have t’ worry ‘bout that.”

The Apple Matriarch looked over at her only grandson. “What’s that supposed to-?”

A large navy-blue lightning bolt suddenly shot out of nowhere and struck right into ground, just feet away from the Apple Family. Huge clouds of dust and piles rock shot out from the earth, going on all directions as the wind from the force of the blow blew the dust right towards the four mares, showering them and obscuring their vision from what, or who, had just come onto their farm. As the dust began to dissipate, each of the Apples could all faintly see bright flashes of navy-blue lightning going about in all directions, and flashes of even brighter light shooting throughout the whole area. The more the dust cleared, the less lightning came from the figure that was standing right in front of the four mares, and when it finally faded away completely, they could clearly see who it was that had come to their rescue.

“Midnight!” Honey Blossom exclaimed, a bright smile coming to her lips as a look of relief came to her face.

“Midnight?!” Jubilee repeated, a confused look making its way to her face. “What the hay is she doin’ here?!”

“Ah have no idea…but Ah’m glad she did.” Granny Smith replied, a thankful smile coming to her lips as she brushed her bangs out of her face. “And somethin’ tells me that she’s not ‘ere t’ jus’ t’ give us a helpin’ hoof.”

“Well, whatever the reason…” Scarlet grinned, flicking her braided tail skirt as she watched the beetle black mare electrocute the Timberwolves. “She couldn’t have come at a better time.”

Midnight flared her bat wings and took to the air, her eyes glowing and hooves sparking with navy blue electricity as she collided with the Tantabus. Her hooves tore through it as if it was made of nothing more than scrap paper, causing an explosion to emit throughout the clearing as the Tantabus exploded into smaller particles. As it began to put its body back together, the beetle black Thestral spread her enormous wings, and pulled herself back, shooting both of her hooves out together as she opened her mouth.

“Lighting Thestral: Thunder Twin Pistol!” She shouted, the lightning in her hooves shooting out as if they were guns. The lightning cloaking her body joined the lightning in her hooves, and they shot through the air almost faster than the blink of an eye. A loud crack emitted into the air as it struck the Tantabus, who tried to block the attack, only for it not be fast enough as it sent it away from the large Thestral. With a powerful flap of her bat wings, Midnight took off towards the creature, her eyes blazing, and fangs bared.

“Lightning Thestral: Electric Hoof!” She shouted, swinging her lightning coated leg down on the Tantabus’s stomach. Its pupiless eyes bulged as the attack struck it, sending it diving right down towards the around. In a flash of blue lightning, Midnight reappeared under it, sending several slices of lightning at the Tantabus and sending it high into the air. She vanished again and appeared a good distance away from the Tantabus, inhaling a large breath into her equally large lungs.

“Lightning Thestral: Neigh!” She shouted, letting out a huge lightning filled neigh that crashed through the sky. The attack enveloped the Tantabus completely, sending it high into the sky as it exploded in the air, the particles of its body scattering all about.

“There…that should keep him away from Granny Smith and the others for a while.” Midnight said softly as she let out a sigh, letting the lightning disappear from her body. Sighing, she turned to face the four Apple family members. “Are you girls alright? I made it here as fast as I could!”

“We’re doin’ just fine honeybun.” Honey Blossom said reassuringly, giving the beetle black mare a grateful smile. “Granny Smith on th’ other hand...and lookin’ too good…”

“What do you mea-OH MY GOODNESS!” Midnight began to ask, only to let out a shriek of horrified shock as she took in the sight of Granny Smith’s bloodied state. “Granny Smith, what in the name of Celestia happened to you?!”

“Whaddya think happened sugar?” The mint green mare deadpanned as the beetle back mare rushed over to her. “Ah got a nice good beatin’ from that varmint that ya jus’ blasted into oblivion. He left me a good few number o’ scars to emphasize the point. As y’all can see…”

“Are you going to be okay?” Midnight asked worriedly as she stared at the open wounds covering the mint green mare’s body.

“Yeah, Ah’ll be fine sugarcube...yer clan ain’t th’ only ones that ‘re specialized in all o’ that fancy self healin’.” Granny Smith said with a smirk holding out her left foreleg. Midnight’s eyes went wide as she watched steam rise from out it. “As y’all can plainly see.”

“Oh, right...I forgot about that.” Midnight said dumbly as she watched the Earth Pony’s wounds begin to close up.

“Anyway, why’re y’all ‘ere on the farm?” Granny Smith asked raising a faded yellow eyebrow at the larger mare. “Not that Ah ain’t grateful t’ ya fer lendin’ us an extra hoof, but Ah wasn’t really expectin’ ya t’ come back t’ th’ farm today…or at all fer that matter.”

“Oh yeah, that’s right! I almost forgot why I was here!” Midnight exclaimed, recognition coming to her eyes a split second later before they looked down at the smaller and older mare with the most fearful look Granny Smith had ever seen. “It’s horrible Granny Smith; you know that large creature that you were all just fighting?! There are more of them, and they’re all invading Ponyville!”

“WHAT?!” All of the Apple Family, minus Big Mac, exclaimed in unified disbelief as Granny Smith’s eyes bulged.

“THERE ARE MORE O’ THEM THINGSINVADIN’ PONYVILLE?!” Jubilee screamed, her jaw dropping and pupils contracting. “THE VERY SAME ONE THAT YA JUS’ SENT FLYIN’?!”

“Yes! There’s a multitude of them invading the town fighting the guards that Queen Celestia sent there!” Midnight replied with a frantic nod. “I was coming back from the Town Square to go check on Snowflake, my brother, Apple Bloom, and the rest of the foals, when I saw them coming in from the sky! I tried to get past them, b-but it was no use, s-so I came here to get your help!”

Granny’s gut twisted into a painful knot at the mention of her youngest grandfilly. ‘Oh no…’

“So you just left Apple Bloom, yer sister the foals t’ deal with those varmints on their own?!” Scarlet exclaimed in disbelief as she gave the beetle black mare a look of anger. “What the hay’s wrong with you?!”

“I-I’m sorry! I didn’t want to leave them there!” Midnight whimpered as she took a few steps back. “I tried my best to get to them, b-but they were just too strong and fast! I-I didn’t have a choice!”

Scarlet didn’t say anything more after that, choosing instead to smack her hoof into her face and shake her head, giving a long and hard snort through her nostrils. As she turned away from the beetle black mare and struggled to calm herself down, Jubilee broke the silence.

“Sorry ‘bout that Midnight...she’s just a little ticked off that ya left Apple Bloom t’ fend fer herself against them things. Don’t worry though; based off o’ what ya said, them are there in the town, so Ah don’t think we need to worry too much” Jubilee said softly, giving Midnight a comforting smile. “Jus’ give Scarlet some time she’ll come around.”

“O-okay...if you say so.” Midnight stammered as Honey Blossom pulled her into a brief, yet comforting hug.

“Ah can’t believe it. First, that thing comes onto th’ farm, an’ now there are even more o’ them invadin’ th’ whole town?” Scarlet murmured as she looked down at the ground, an expression of fear and anxiety morphing onto her face. “This is jus’ crazy! First th’ Sun disappears, then the Town Square gets destroyed, then all of these weird Alicorn lookin’ things come trying to wipe us all into oblivion?!This is turnin’ into th’ worst day ever!”

“Yer tellin me...an’ here Ah thought that Ah was gonna get a nice day o’ rest an’ relaxation with y’all and the rest o’ the family. Now look where we are, fightin’ through thick an’ thin t’ make sure that we don’t get eaten an’ our farm gets destroyed.” Jubilee looked at her grandmother, who was standing off the side a few feet away. “What’re we gonna do Granny?”

The mint green mare didn’t reply for a few moments, instead just staying where she was as she kept her head lowered, her bangs covering her face and shadowing her eyes from view. The other four mare stood there staring at her, waiting silently and anxiously for her response as the wind blew past them and made their manes and tails ruffle slightly.

“Ah want all o’ y’all to listen t’ me very carefully to what Ah’m about to say ya hear?” Granny Smith asked, lifting her head up and staring at the other mares. “Ah have somethin’ that Ah need each o’ y’all t’ do fer me.”

“What is it Granny Smith?” Midnight asked curiously. “Do you have a plan?”

“Kind of. Though, if ya want mah honest opinion, it’s a pretty stupid idea if ya ask me.” The mint green mare said as she gave a shake of her head. “Alright, here’s what Ah want y’all t’ do; Scarlet, Jubilee, Honey Blossom Ah want y’all do stay here an’ guard th’ house, an’ make sure that that starry varmint doesn’t get anywhere near it. Between yer Earth Pony and Pegasus magic, those lil’ doggies ‘re gonna have quite th’ hard time gettin’ past y’all, though may have to up yer anti if ya want to keep him at bay.”

“You got it Granny!” Scarlet replied, as she gave her grandmother a firm salute.

“Anna Blaze, Big Mac…” Granny Smith continued, turning to face the scarlet red twins. “Ah want you t’ go straight down t’ th’ barn an’ make sure Fritter an' her youngin's are okay. Th’ two o’ them, yer th’ strongest outta all o’ yer siblin’s, both physically an’ magically, so it’d make things much easier fer us an' them if y’all were there at th' farm.”

“Whatever ya say Granny.” Big Mac nodded, before turning to his twin sister. “Come on Anna, let’s git t’ Fritter b’fore that thing does.”

“Mhm.” Anna nodded, spreading her wings and following her bother as he took flight.

“Midnight, yer stayin’ here and keepin’ may grandfoals safe from that varmint.” Granny Smith said, gently tugging at the chain attached to the beetle black mare’s collar. “Out of all o’ us, yer th’ strongest, especially since yer half bat pony an’ dragon. So ya shouldn’t have that much of a problem keepin’ mah family safe as best as ya can.”

“Well, technically, I’m full a full blooded Thestral in this form, and unless I go into my Kirin form, I’m can’t really be considered a cross between them.” Midnight asked sheepishly, scratching at one of her cheeks. “What’re you going to do?”

The Apple Matriarch smirked at the larger mare, before looking back in front of her at the outskirts of Ponyville from up the hill. Her eyes narrowed as they gave a glow in the moonlight, another strong wind coming in to blow at her mane and tail.

“Ah’m gonna protect th’ town that Ah raised.”

Author's Notes:

There...wasn't really a lot for me to change in this particular chapter to be honest, other than the fact that this chapter would focus mainly on the Apple Family. Like I said in the last chapter, I'd also give a little piece of what happened while the Main Seven were on Sweet Apple Acres, and what took place during that time. Other than that, along with Midnight coming in a different fashion, and Anna and Big Mac all coming into the scene in a somewhat different way, I think that was all that I had changed. For those of you who were wondering about Apple Fritter, I'll make that point made later on in the story, though I'm going to have to think up that scenario along with the one in Ponyville to still keep things somewhat the same like in the last version of this story. Oh, and as for the technique, the ones that Scarlet and Midnight used as similar to the ones Zephyr used against the Shinomōkin in chapter 17, while Jubilee's are very smilier to Gray Fullbuster's back in Fairy Tail with his Ice Make Magic, sorry if you weren't quite able to make the connection with it.

Anyway, I think that's if for now. Next time, we're going to be going back to Zephyr and the Main Seven, and their terrifying encounter...with an assassin!!!

Chapter 20 - The Striped Assassin

The first thing that Zephyr felt as he began to regain his consciousness was a comforting feeling of warmth and softness. It enveloped his entire being and put him in a state of relaxation that made him want to want to stay asleep, even though it was much more. He shifted in whatever position that he was in to get more of the warmth embracing him, and it seemed to return it, much to his silent delight. Reaching out with his forehooves, he wrapped them around the warm and soft object, and nuzzled deep into it, inhaling its sweet scent, which seemed to be that of flowers. He suddenly found himself enveloped by even more of the comforting feeling, and a purr seemed to make its way out his lips, signaling his love for whatever he was feeling.

“Oh my, it looks like he’s finally starting to come to girls.” A soft gentle, yet familiar voice suddenly said. “Zephyr sweetie, are you okay?”

Zephyr’s ears flicked, somehow recognizing the gentle voice despite still somewhat being in his unconscious state. He shifted again in the warmth he was in and hugged it even tighter, even going so far as to try to wrap his wings around it. When that didn’t work, he just settled into cuddling into it, letting out another purr in the process.

“Hmhm, it looks like he is darling, but he doesn’t really want to let you go.” Another more melodic voice. “The poor dear is just far too comfortable with you holding him like that.”

“Well can you really blame him?” A third more raspy voice asked. “He just got blasted by that giant raptor after he took the hit for Fluttershy. I know for a fact that could not have felt good in anyway.”

“Well, we did see him get electrocuted while we were chased by that varmi-er…large raptor.” A fourth voice with a southern drawl murmured, seeming to carry an undertone of slight fear for some reason. “Ah’m amazed that he even managed to survive that t’ be honest…it looks like them guards are a lot tougher than Ah thought.”

“Well, like Goku, Zephyr is a Kirin, and they are known for being able to take beatings.” A fifth more intelligent voice said softly, carrying undertone of worry. “Still, even I’m amazed that he was able to take such a devastating attack. For a second I really thought that he was…”

“Yeah, we know Twilight…I had thought that too when the Shinomōkin struck Zephyr. At the very least, I thought that he was going to be out of commission for a while.” A fifth voice, this one sounding smooth and silky. “Thankfully it looks like that’s not the case. The fact that he’s moving at all is a good sign, for both him and us, and as much as I want to let him rest for a bit longer, we’re going to need him up again.”

“Awww, do we have to Goku?” A sixth and final voice whined childishly. “He looks so cute all snuggled up to Fluttershy like that! Can’t we just let him stay like that for just a little longer!”

“I’m sorry Pinkie Pie, but Goku’s right.” The soft gentle voice said sadly. “We’ve been here for over two hours now, and we’ve managed to recover from being shocked by the Shinomōkin. So, I think we should be getting a move on in a little while, though, I think we should have him eat something before we go.”

“Awww, phooey.”

“Don’t worry Pinkie Pie, it’s not the end of the world. I’m pretty sure that we’ll be able to have more moments like this.” The silky voice said comfortingly. “If it’s any consolation, if Zephyr gets knocked out by any of the animals again, I’ll let you be the one to cuddle him this time.”

The childish voice let out a squeal of delight. “Oh wow, really?! You’d let me do that?!”

“Sure sweetie…I could see how jealous you were that Fluttershy got to be the one to do it. So, I figured that you should get a turn if the opportunity presents itself.” The silky voice said, a low giggle coming afterward. “Just as long as you give Twilight a turn afterwards when your done with him.”

“Yes sir, ma’am sir!” The childish voice replied, a giggle of its own leaving shortly after.

“Really Goku?” The intelligent voice moaned, sounding embarrassed.

“Yes really.” The silky voice chuckled slyly. A second later, the sound of hoofsteps made its way over to Zephyr, before the royal blue stallion felt a warm breath right next to his ear. “Zephyr, it’s time to get up sleepy boy. Come on, I know you can hear me.”

Despite the gentleness in the silky voice, the undertone of firmness and authority behind it was enough to get Zephyr out of his state of semi-consciousness. The training he that he received form the military academy to pay attention when somepony’s talking to him added to that, and before Zephyr knew it, he was waking up. He stretched his legs out, while still being enveloped in warmth, before reaching up to his face and rubbing at his eyes. After blinking them a few times, he opened them, and found his vision enveloped in nothing but a sea of soft pink and yellow, making him jump somewhat. Giving another rub at his eyes, he looked around, and found himself staring into the gentle, yet amused teal eyes of Fluttershy, with a smile to match.

“Good morning sleepyhead.” She cooed, a soft giggle leaving her lips.

“Fluttershy?” Zephyr murmured, looking at the buttermilk Pegasus in confusion. He looked around, and saw the other six mares, all of which who were sitting around a large clearing with a fireplace in the center. “W…what’s going on? Why am I, um…snuggled up with you?”

“You mean you don’t remember what happened?” Goku asked, making the royal blue stallion turn to her. “You got zapped by a giant Shinomōkin after you pushed Fluttershy away from its line of fire. After that you just went completely unconscious.”

“No, I remember that, I totally remember that.” Zephyr said, shaking his head. “What I’m asking is, what exactly is going on here? And why am I all wrapped up in Fluttershy’s wings like this?”

“Weeeeeeeell…” Pinkie Pie began. “After you had gotten zapped unconscious by that giant scary bird, it chased us across some of the forest trying to zap us to smithereens as well! We had managed to make it to clearing where were we tried to think up of a plan, buuuuut that giant bird kind of ruined it for us, and caught us all in its big cloudy body! It started zapping all of us, and we wouldn’t ended up as its food if it weren’t for Goku zapping that scary bird back!”

“Wait, you did?” Zephyr asked, his eyes widening at the tan Thestral. “You actually…fought that thing?”

Goku blushed sheepishly. “I wouldn’t say fight per say…” she said hesitantly. “…more like I blasted a hole through that bad boy’s body and created a hole big enough to make us fall out his body and into the river.”

“You…made a hole in the Shinomōkin’s body?” Zephyr asked, staring aghast at Goku. “Did…did you-”

“No, oh Faust no I didn’t!” Goku interrupted quickly. “You can trust me when I say that I did not kill the big boy! The Shinomōkin’s body was made entirely out of lightning and storm clouds and nothing else. So, while my attacks may have been painful, there was no way they could’ve killed while he wasn’t in his normal form.” She bit her lip as she looked away. “Although, I may have given the poor thing a stomach pain that’ll take a few days to go away.”

“For some strange reason, I totally believe that.” Rainbow Dash snorted, grinning dryly as she laughed. “Overdoing things as usual G, haha!”

Rarity struck the back of Rainbow’s head with her tail. “Like you have any room to talk dear.”

“Oh, I see. Well, that’s good at least.” Zephyr said softly, looking relieved. With a sigh, he slowly pulled himself from Fluttershy, cringing as the pain receptors in his body flared up. “Ugh, sweet Faust that aches.”

“Well you did just get zapped by a giant ass bird that could’ve eaten us all whole if it wanted to.” Applejack pointed out. “Ah’d be surprised if that didn’t hurt, or at least didn’t feel really sore…in a painful way.”

“Well, my pain isn’t the only one that I should be worried about.” Zephyr said, eyeing the rest of the mares. “Are any of you girls okay? I know that Shinomōkin got all of you too, so I know that all of you have your own fair share of injuries.”

“Well, we did, but not anymore.” Twilight said, rubbing the back of her head. “When we had all came to, Fluttershy used her healing powers to assist in the acceleration of our healing rate.”

The royal blue stallion snapped his gaze over to the buttermilk Pegasus. “You healed all of their wounds?”

“It’s a special type of healing magic that only members of my clan can use; I call it my Butterfly Cocoon.” Fluttershy replied, getting to her hooves. “Besides the Rosario clan, I come from another called the Tenshi clan, which like my other clan, has the ability to heal wounds by using spiritual energy in a solid form. When I came to, I had encased you, and almost everypony else in an oval case of healing magic and healed your wounds while you were unconscious.”

“You can do that? Zephyr asked in amazement, earning a soft nod from Fluttershy. “Wow, I gotta admit…that is a really cool ability.”

Fluttershy blushed and looked away, her mane partially hiding her face. “Oh, it’s not really anything special to be honest; just something that I can used in dire situations like this.” A look of slight disappointment came to her face as she sighed, before adding, “Though, it is what you may call a double-edged sword.”

“What…do you mean by that?” Zephyr asked, his voice tinged with worry. “It doesn’t have any serious side effects does it?”

“Thankfully no.” Goku replied, easing Zephyr’s concerns. “It just drains an insane amount of Fluttershy’s magical power and leaves her in a bit of a weak state for some time. Plenty of rest and filling your stomach until it bursts will get that energy right back up though, and luckily for us, we’re surrounded by plenty of vegetation.” Her tufted perked as a smile came to her face, her fangs gleaming. “There is one other cool thing about Fluttershy’s healing powers though. It runs off of her emotional energy and what positive or negative emotion she’s feeling. The more positive her feelings are and the more conviction she has, the stronger her healing magic is and the less her magic is drained. However, the more negative they are and the more doubt and worry Fluttershy has…”

“…The more magic is drained out of her and the weaker her healing magic is.” Zephyr finished as he figured the rest out. He looked back over at the veterinarian, who was still looking down at the ground bashfully. “How long were we all out?”

“Well, I was the first one to wake up, and Goku told me that it was a good hour since we had all escaped the Shinomōkin. After she had explained to be the situation, I had used my healing magic to help you and the rest of the girls recover from being electrocuted, which took about fifteen minutes. After that, me and her waited for the others to wake up; first Applejack, then it was Rarity, then Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Twilight, and finally you.”

“Okay, so let me get this straight. We spend a whole hour unconscious after being zapped into unconsciousness while you healed…most of us.” Zephyr said, glancing over at Fluttershy for a moment before looking back at Fluttershy. “Then after fifteen minutes, you waited one by one for us to wake up with me…being cuddled up with you?”

“On a pile o’ big smooth leaves yes.” Applejack nodded, pointing at a large leaf bed behind Fluttershy. “Fluttershy insisted that if she was gonna be keepin’ ya warm, that you’d at least be as comfortable as possible. She wanted to do it fer all o’ us but, well…she only had enough fer one pony.”

“Oh, I see…” Zephyr nodded looking back over at Fluttershy. “Thank you for doing that for me Fluttershy. That was, um…a really kind thing for you to do. Even though I don’t really know why in the hay you’d do that.”

“Why wouldn’t I? You saved me from being shocked to death by the largest bird of prey in all of existence, second only to the Haast’s Eagle.” Fluttershy said, tilting her head. “After such a life-threatening move like that, the least I could do was make you as comfortable as possible. Even if it meant sleeping with you.”

Zephyr’s cheeks flared up into a deep red blush as Rainbow Dash burst out laughing. “Oh, buck Fluttershy! Did you really have to put it like that?!”

“Put it like what?” Fluttershy asked, looking over at the cyan mare. “All I was saying that even if it meant sleeping with him, I would make him as comfy as can be after he saved me.”

“I’m afraid that’s exactly what Rainbow Dash meant darling.” Rarity said gently, a pink tint on her own snow-white cheeks. “Not the fact that you would make Zephyr as comfortable as possible while he recovered, but how you said the way you would do it. You said you’d do whatever it took, even if it meant sleeping with him.” She gave the buttermilk Pegasus a tentative smile. “Don’t you think that sounded just the least bit, um…”

“Sexually graphic?” Twilight finished for her, looking like she was hesitating to say the word. “What Rarity’s trying to say is that when you said, even if it meant sleeping with Zephyr, you made it seem like you would…you would-”

“Wait what?!” Pinkie Pie suddenly cried, her high-pitched voice echoing about the clearing. “That’s what you meant when you said that you’d make Zephie comfy while he was recovering?! That you would butter the biscuit with him?!”

Goku’s eyes bulged as Fluttershy’s pupils contracted, a sharp gasp leaving Zephyr’s mouth a second later. Quickly regaining her composure, the fanged Thestral mare rounded on the pink Earth Pony. “That is not what Fluttershy meant and you know it Pinkie Pie!” She hissed sharply, keeping her voice low as to not attract any unwanted attention in the forest. Ignoring Rainbow Dash’s loud guffaws, she continued. “And keep your voice down! We are in the middle of a clearing, and the last thing any of us needs is for that Shinomōkin to come back! Or any other animal to suddenly come into this clearing and ambush us!”

“What do you mean that’s not what she meant?!” Pinkie Pie asked, frowning confusedly at the blushing tan Thestral. “Rarity and Twilight said it themselves! When Fluttershy said that she’d go as far as to sleep with Zephie to make him comfier, she meant that she’d let him turn her into a creampie! While he was asleep!”

“N-now Pinkie Pie, let’s not get ahead of ourselves here.” Fluttershy said shakily, her own face as red as a tomato. “When I said I’d sleep with him, I didn’t mean that I’d r-r-ride him while he was asleep! I meant that I would-!”

“WHAT?!” Pinkie Pie shrieked, the volume of her voice making everypony cringe. “You mean you wanted to do the dirty with him with all of us watching?! Whoa Fluttershy, I had no idea you were that dirty!”

“PINKIE!” Now it was Rarity’s turn to scold Pinkie. “How dare you say such a think about poor Fluttershy?! That is not was she was saying or thinking at all!”

“Uh, yeah it was!” Pinkie nodded adamantly. “Flutters clearly said that she’d do the stinky if it meant Zephie would feel better from being electrocuted! How could she not mean something like that if that’s what she said right in front of us?!”

Goku snarled warningly. “Pinkie…”

“No, that’s what you said Pinkie Pie.” Applejack said bluntly, snorting in disgust. “And th’ reason that ain’t what Fluttershy had said was because she didn’t mean it like that! Did ya sugarcube?”

“No, that’s not I meant I swear to Faust!” Fluttershy cried, falling to her haunches and covering her face with her forehooves. “I-I mean that I would let Zephyr snuggle up with me if it meant easing the pain he was feeling while he was recovering! I didn’t mean that I was going to touch him without his consent!” She snapped her head over to the royal blue stallion, who was still sporting his deep red blush. “I mean it! I wasn’t going to touch you like that in any way without getting the green light form you!”

“N-no, it’s okay, I believe you.” Zephyr said, fighting to keep his face from heating up any more. “I know you didn’t try to touch me like that. If you did, I would’ve known even if I was-”

“AHA! I knew it!” Pinkie Pie shouted, jabbing a hoof at Fluttershy. “You were planning to pass the gravy with Zephie! You were actually going to do it!”

“NO!” Fluttershy shouted, stomping both forehooves on the ground. “No, I was not!”

“Oh yes you were!” Pinkie Pie retorted, shooting to her hooves. “You just said right out of your mouth, that unless you had Zephie’s green light that you weren’t going to make him stuff you full of his frosting! You said it right to his and our faces, so now we all know without a doubt that you would’ve taken Zephyr while he was sleeping, and rode him until he-”

Anything else that Pinkie was going to say was interrupted when her face suddenly met the dirt ground below, a large lump appearing on the back of her head. Everypony looked on in shock as Goku stood over Pinkie Pie from behind, her left tri-colored hoof raised in the air. Her head was lowered, and her ears were pinned against her head, her eyes shadowed by her mane and a golden aura surrounding her body.

“I think that’s enough crazy accusations out of you for a while.” The tan Thestral said sternly, watching as Pinkie Pie’s eyes swirled around and steam rose form her lump. Letting out a long breath through her nostrils, she turned to the two Pegasi with a softer expression. “I am so sorry you had to hear all of that Zephyr…Pinkie Pie can be a bit of a motormouth at times. I hope that you weren’t too embarrassed by what she was saying…especially you Fluttershy.”

“N-no, it’s alright, I wasn’t really that bothered by it.” Zephyr stuttered, wincing at Pinkie Pie’s cup sized lump. “Though I was just the slightest bit taken aback.”

“Yeah…” Twilight murmured dryly. “Just a little…”

“S-same here Goku.” Fluttershy nodded, taking a calming breath. “I’m not really mad at Pinkie about what she said. In fact, I can see why she thought that in the first place…given the rather, um, compromising position that I had put ourselves in. It did like we were, um…”

“Just finished bucking each other’s brains out?” Rainbow Dash chuckled, earning her a sharp glare from Rarity. Before the latter could defend herself, she got a swift bonk on the head from Goku. “Ow!”

“…Yes, that.” Fluttershy said meekly, squeezing her eyes shut as she felt the urge to crawl under a rock. It was soon washed away when she felt a warm wing drape over her, and Fluttershy looked over to see Zephyr smiling warmly at her. “Thank you…”

“Hey, you helped me have what had to be the most comfortable sleep of my life, so the least I could do I ease your embarrassment.” The royal blue stallion replied with a shrug. He suddenly leaned in and whispered into her ear. “If it’s any consolation, I do think that you are attractive as all living shit. I mean seriously, I don’t think I’ve ever seen any mare as sexy as you.”

Fluttershy’s cheeks sported the deepest blush that night. “Oh, um…t-thank you for that. Y-you don’t look, um…so bad yourself.” She replied, rubbing her left foreleg with her right.

“Alright, break it up you two.” Goku said, making the two Pegasi look over at her. “You can act all lovey dovey towards each other later. We’re a in a bit of a fix her right now…and we need to band together right now and figure out what we’re going to do. First things first though…we all need to stock up and recharge.”

“Um…recharge?” Zephyr asked, raising an eyebrow.

“She means eating.” Twilight emphasized with a slight giggle. “It had been a while since we had last eaten, which was when we were back in my library, and honestly…it wasn’t very much. So, while we were all out, Goku had decided to do some foraging around the forest.”

“Foragin’?” Applejack asked, turning to Fluttershy and Goku. “Ya mean ya actually went int’ th’ trees to find some food?”

“Uh-huh!” The tan Thestral chirped, lashing her extended tail into the shadows of the clearing. With a yank, she pulled out a huge wooden plate that was piled with thick grass, and a multitude of berries. “I had grabbed enough of this to make sure we’re all full until our bellies explode, and we’re not that far from the stream we fell into! So, if we get thirsty, we can just go to that river and drink from there.”

“Whoa Goku, this is a lot!” Pinkie Pie said, amazed at how much Goku had gotten. “This is an even bigger pile than the one of the sweets that I made for your brother! And coming from me, that’s really saying something!”

Rainbow Dash looked over at the pink pony in confusion. “Uh, what?”

“Meet Goku’s brother, gave him some sweets, put a big smile on his face.” Pinkie Pie said, keeping the explanation short and sweet. “Anyway, give me my sweets!”

Rolling her eyes, Goku obliged in taking a wooden plate and given one to each of her friends, Zephyr included, before they all say around the fireplace. They all began to eat the foraged vegetation and fruit, none of them exchanging a word as they took the opportunity to fill their stomachs. About half an hour into the feast, Twilight began to explain the predicament they were now in.

“Alright now, before we do anything else, I think I should point out the main problem we have right now.” Twilight began calmly. “That problem being that we’re no longer on the path we were treading, and we’re officially lost.”

“As if that wasn’t made painfully obvious.” Zephyr murmured, rubbing at his shoulder. “So, how’re we going to be able to find Queen Celestia’s old castle now? Anypony have any ideas?”

“Well, we could fly up into the air scout it out from here.” Rainbow Dash suggested, before looking up into the trees. “Then again, with all of these big ass trees blocking the sky, that’s going to be a pain in the ass to do. Not that I don’t mind getting a few leaves and twigs here and there, but I’d rather not take my chances of painting the ground red.”

“Well, luckily for you guys, I’m a flyer that doesn’t really need to worry about my wings getting messed up.” Goku said, winking at the cyan mare. “Though, you do make a good point…those trees are larger than any other that I’ve ever seen before. So, I guess I shouldn’t try my luck in flying up there, least I either break a wing, or send a rain of branches down here.”

“Good thing we’re not in Marelaska or the Forbidden Jungle if that were to happen.” Fluttershy murmured quietly. “Then we’d really be in trouble…”

“What was that darling?” Rarity asked, batting her eyelashes at the other mare.

“Nothing.” The buttermilk Pegasus said, brushing her mane away. “Anyway, does anypony else have any suggestions?”

“We could try backtrackin’.” Applejack said her voice slightly muffled by the grass that she was currently chewing on. “Goku just pointed out that we’re not too far from the river that we fell in after getting’ away from that giant bird thing. So we could go back to where we had landed and see if we can git back on th’ trail from there.”

“I believe that the bird that attacked us is called a Shinomōkin Applejack; it was said more than several times now.” Rarity said daintily chewing on a few berries and grapes. “And please, don’t talk with your mouth full. It’s unbecoming of a lady.”

“That’s another good idea, except there’s one little problem.” Twilight said, grimacing slightly as she levitated her now burnt saddlebag in front of her. opening a remained of one of the flaps, she pulled out the remnants of their map. “While we were trapped inside of the Shinomōkin, my saddlebag got burnt pretty bad, along with the map Spike gave me. While it’s not totally incinerated, it’s not going to be of much help for us anymore.”

“Well that’s one other plan that’s party pooped.” Pinkie Pie frowned. “And here I thought that it’d be a bit easier for us to keep going on this exciting adventure. Now we’ll never get to keep going on this super-duper fun adventure!”

“…Not exactly Pinkie.” Zephyr suddenly said, making all the mares turn to him. “There is a bit of a silver lining to Applejack’s suggestion to how to get back on the train. That being the stream that Goku had rescued us from.”

“Oh yeah?” Rainbow Dash asked. “What’s so good about that?”

“Thing about it; when we had first appeared in that clearing, there was not a single tree in the river that we had flown to.” Zephyr explained. “Not only that, but since there was no trees, we were allowed to give a full view of the sky above since it wasn’t blocked by the trees. So, I think either me, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, or Goku should go over to that same river and fly over all the trees until they can see the remnants of the abandoned castle.”

“Hmmm…I think that’s a good idea Zephyr.” Fluttershy said, a small smile coming to her face. It was replaced with a perplexed frown as she added, “But…how will be able to spot the castle? It could be anywhere in the grove of trees no matter how hard we look.”

“I don’t think that should be much of a problem.” Goku said reassuringly. “If any of you want, I can go and look for the castle. From that Twilight told me, the old Royal Castle should be big enough for me to spot, even if there are giant trees blocking it. I have pretty sharp eyes, given the fact that I’m a Thestral, so…”

“I think that’s a good idea.” Twilight said flashing Goku a smile that held a bit of worry in it. “In that case, I’ll leave it to you Goku. Just be careful out there okay? From all that Fluttershy told us about this place, there are a lot of dangerous beasts out there, and we really don’t need you getting into a scuffle with them.”

Goku nodded, winking at Twilight as she got up from her position in the fireplace. “Don’t worry Twi, I’ll be alright. If any animal tries to get me, I’ll just show them a good dose of my good old Thestral strength; that way, they’ll know not to mess with me. I’ll be back as soon as I can, and if something happens, just scream and I’ll come right back.”

“You got it Goku!” Pinkie chirped, winking at the attractive mare. “We’ll make sure to scream nice and loud if we feel like we’re in any type of danger.”

“Good, I’m glad to hear that Pinkie.” Goku nodded approvingly, turning tail and trotting away from the fireplace. Just before she vanished into the darkness, she turned to Fluttershy and Zephyr and said, “Oh and Fluttershy, Zephyr, try not to buck each other’s brains out while I’m gone.”

With a sly giggle, Goku spread her wings and took off into the shadows of the forest, leaving two blushing Pegasi and the rest of her friends behind at the campfire. Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash all laughed their asses off while Fluttershy and Zephyr stayed silent, both of their faces burning by the cheeks. The only ones who weren’t laughing were Twilight and Rarity, both of which who were sporting her own blushes, the latter sporting a disapproving frown.

“Well, I would never!” Rarity said hotly. “Of things she could’ve said before parting ways, that was what she came up with? Is she trying to make those two even more embarrassed than they already are?”

“I don’t think so, but if she was trying to make them shyer around each other, then it worked.” Twilight replied, watching as Zephyr and Fluttershy avoided eye contact. “Of course, I kind of suspected she wanted to have some fun with them before she took off…typical.”

“Yeah, well, that is Goku fer ya.” Applejack said, chuckling. “Always wantin' t' make ya red t' the point where yer head looks like it's gonna turn into an apple. Certainly not the first time she's done it, an' it certainly won't be the last either.”

“Yeah...” Rainbow Dash snorted, rolling her eyes. “Probably not.”

Fluttershy giggled at at her friends various reactions and debates over Goku's antics, and was about to say something, only to stop abruptly as if she had been cut off from speaking. The amused expression she had on her face vanished and was replaced with one of complete alert as her ears perked and her eyes narrowed. Her head slowly turned to the left as her eyes flowed and her wings ruffled, her muscles tensing.

“Fluttershy?” Zephyr asked softly, noticing the change in the mare’s body language. “Is there something the matter?”

Fluttershy gently, yet firmly put a hoof to Zephyr’s mouth, silencing anything else he was going to ask as she flicked her ears about. Noticing the unusual actions in their friend, Twilight, and the others all went silent, watching as Fluttershy continued to look around the campsite. She got to her hooves, removing her right one from Zephyr’s muzzle as she turned to her friends.

“Girls, I don’t want to terrify you…” She began softly and slowly. “…but I don’t think we’re alone right now.”

“Not alone?” Pinkie Pie asked. “Is Goku back already?”

“No, she’s not.” Fluttershy shook her head. “If she was, I would’ve been able to pick up her scent. Even more so if there was wind blowing in this direction, and pick up her magical presence, especially since her reserves are so large.” She looked back into the dark shadows of the trees around them. “I’m picking up a powerful source of magic somewhere in these woods, and whatever it is, it is not Goku.”

This made everypony else go on high alert and stand to attention, each of them gaining looks that varied between fear and worry.

“Oh dear…” Rarity said gravely. “…you don’t mean to say that dreaded bird is back do you?”

“…No, I’m not sensing the Shinomōkin anywhere around her. If it was hear, we’d be hearing the flapping of its wings, which is a dead giveaway whenever its hunting.” Fluttershy replied. “I can sense another animal’s magical presence around here, and it is huge.”

“I can sense it too.” Zephyr said, his own ears pinning back. “Everypony be on your guard, if this animal is a powerful as Fluttershy says it is, the we need to be prepared for everything.”

“Don’t need t’ tell us twice hun.” Applejack said, pulling on her fire boots. “After all o’ that shit we got but through with that varmint bird, Ah ain’t lettin’ any other critter here git th’ jump on me again.”

“Shinomōkin.” Rarity hissed sharply, glaring over at the tangerine farmer.

The echoing snap of a tree branch stopped all conversing between the ponies as they looked around the campsite for the new creature. Rainbow Dash was hovering above the group, legs tensed, and fangs bared as her magenta eyes gleamed in the campfire. Pinkie Pie stood in the very middle, her fur, mane and tails shifting between pink and purple as she tried to keep her fear under control. Rarity and Twilight stood off to the left, their horns aglow with magic in preparation of firing, while Applejack and Fluttershy stood to the right, their forelegs planted wide and heads lowered. Zephyr stood at the front, his body alight with an orange aura which glowed as brightly as his eyes, his wings halfway spread, and teeth bared.

“Did anypony else hear that?” Applejack asked, breaking the silence. “Ah couldn’t have been the only one who heard that.”

“No, you definitely didn’t.” Rainbow replied, growling a little. “And I’d really wish that whatever this thing is would just hurry up and come out so I can whip its ass! If it doesn’t, then I’m going to make it come out and make it fight me!”

“Rainbow Dash, calm down!” Twilight hissed sharply. “We’re not supposed to be making any noise right now! We don’t know where this animal is coming from, and your shouting may lead it to where we are! So please, keep your voice down!”

“I have to agree with Twilight, Rainbow Dash.” Rarity nodded. “Your shouting and threatening of this beast are the last thing that we need! And we certainly don’t need you trying to provoke it into coming out, least it eats you first!”

Before Rainbow Dash could go in on Rarity, a snarl broke through the shadows that made both her and everypony else’s blood curdle. They once again froze in place and looked the area, all of them feeling more afraid than ever of the unknown creature. Just as quickly as the sound came, it had immediately gone away, leaving the effect of it savagery on the seven ponies.

“It’s here everypony.” Fluttershy hissed quietly, looking at each of her friends. “Don’t let down your guard for even a moment. If you do, one of you might get-”

The buttermilk Pegasus didn’t get to finish, because before she could, she and everypony else were deafened by an explosive roar that shook the clearing like an earthquake. Two golden and garnet eyes suddenly sliced through the darkness before a large brown blur burst out from the trees and shot itself right at the group. They all screamed and scattered in multiple directions, but one of them wasn’t quick enough, this unlucky victim being Rarity. Fortunately for her, she was saved by Zephyr, who shoved her out of the way just in the nick of time. Just a split second later, he immediately found himself screaming as he felt something sharp clamp down on him between his neck and left shoulder. Before he could even try to get free, he felt himself being dragged back into the forest by the creature, a loud roar leaving it as they bounded off.

“Zephyr!” Twilight yelled as she watched her friend get taken into the trees and bushes.

“Hold on, I’ll go get him!” Rainbow Dash shouted as she flew off into the forest.

“Rainbow Dash wait!” Rarity shouted, just before the cyan mare vanished. Once she was out of sight, Rarity let out a frustrated sigh. “Ugh, I swear, that mare-!”

“D-d-d-did you guys just see that?!” Pinkie Pie cried, her entire body a bright purple. “You guys just saw that too, right?!”

“Yes, and I know exactly what that was.” Fluttershy replied, her eyes narrowed. “What had just popped out was a Doragontora.”

Applejack turned to Fluttershy with a perplexed look. “A what now?”

“GIRLS!”

All six mares’ heads turned to see Goku flying into the scene, a worried and slightly panicked look on her face. As she landed, the tan Thestral looked around the campsite, not seeing Zephyr and Rainbow Dash with Twilight and the rest, which increased her concern.

“Girls, what’s going on?” Goku asked, locking eyes with them. “Where’s Zephyr? Why is he not with you?”

“H-he was attacked darling!” Rarity replied, looking ready to have a meltdown. “W-we were just sitting here at the campfire when something just popped out of nowhere and attacked us! We don’t know what it was, but it got Zephyr and dragged him into the forest!”

“WHAT?!” Goku screamed her eyes widening in terror. “Did it get Rainbow Dash too?!”

“N-no it didn’t.” Pinkie replied, tears welling up in her eyes. “A-after Zephyr saved me and got taken, Rainbow Dash went after the thing that took Zephyr. She was going to try and go save him and bring him back!”

“Wait, so you mean to tell me that you let Rainbow go in there alone?!” Goku asked, a snarl coming to her face as she bared her fangs. “And you didn’t even try to stop her either?! What the buck is wrong with you?!”

“W-we’re sorry, we were just so taken aback that we couldn’t do anythin’!” Applejack said, shrinking away from the tan Thestral's glare. “We didn’t have enough time t’ keep her from goin’ after that varmint that got Zephyr! It all jus’ happened so fast!”

Goku looked like she was ready to berate her friends again, but was stopped when she heard a scream and noticed something burst out from the trees. Her eyes widened when she saw it was Rainbow Dash, and she watched as she sailed over them and slammed into a nearby tree, falling to the ground with sickening thud.

“Rainbow Dash!” The jet-black maned mare shouted as she and the others ran to the fallen mare. “Are you alright, what happened?!”

Rainbow Dash groaned, pushing herself off the ground with her front hooves as she leaned against Fluttershy for support. Inhaling a deep shaky breath, she coughed out a glob of blood that splattered onto the ground and made Rarity reel back in disgust. Holding a hoof to her chest and stomach, she choked out, “T…t-that goddamn cat…got the drop on m-me. I-I almost had him until he h-hit me with his d-damn t-tail club!”

“Rainbow Dash what were you thinking?!” Fluttershy scolded. “I know you wanted to try and save Zephyr but rushing in like that wasn’t the way to go! Do you even know what the animal that you tried to fight was?!”

“N-no, I don’t.” Rainbow Dash snarked, glaring up at Fluttershy. “And I’m assuming that you know what it was?”

“Dashie, Fluttershy had told us of all kind of Everfree animals that she knew of back in Twilight’s library before we came here!” Pinkie Pie said before Fluttershy could reply. “Of course, she knows what it is! Why would she be asking you what you tried to fight if she didn’t?”

The sound of hard galloping caused all of the girls to turn around to the spot where most of them had seen Zephyr get taken. Shock and relief washed over their faces when they saw that it was Zephyr, who was sporting a look of panic. All the mares flinched when they saw a large bite mark on between his left shoulder and side of his neck, along with claw marks on the left right side of his face, left leg, back, and chest.

“Zephyr!” Twilight cried, running towards the injured stallion. “You managed to escape?!”

“Yes, I did, but we’re in real deep shit right now.” Zephyr replied, unable to hide the undertone of panic in his otherwise levelled voice. “We need to get away from this campsite! It’s not safe here anymore!”

“What do you mean?” Rarity asked. “What was it that just attacked you?”

“There’s no time to explain! We have to leave now before it-” Zephyr was cut off when Goku suddenly lunged at him and tackled him to the ground. The movement came just before a large bolt of fire shot out from above the trees and struck the one behind the other girls. The girls cried as it the bark exploded in multiple directions, not enough to make the tree fall but certainly enough to leave a noticeable mark on it. They were all brought out of their stunned states by another snarl, and they turned to the source, only for all of them to flinch at what they saw next.

Slowly hovering down from the trees and bushes, smoke floating from out of its gaping jaws, was what had to be the biggest tiger that any of them had ever seen. Upon closer inspection, the eight ponies realized that the rhino sized beast wasn’t actually a tiger; at least not entirely. It certainly had the legs, tail, torso, and head of the striped feline, but it had the legs of the reptile, with the feet being a mix of both beasts. Its fur was a deep brown, almost to the point where it was chocolate color, sporting jet black strips that seemed to melt into the shadows around it. The cat had a set of deep green spines that went from the top of its head, all the way down to where its hind legs were, and blazing yellow eyes with slitted golden orange pupils. The feline had a vast wingspan that span over twenty-five feet, both the ends and thumbs, along with its paws, lined with long curved white claws, and five-inch-long sabers protruded from its mouth.

“Sweet Faust above!” Rarity cried. “What unnatural abomination is that?!”

Fluttershy, who was also staring in shock at the creature, whispered, “Doragontora…”

Twilight looked over at Fluttershy, having not entirely heard what she had said. “What did you say Fluttershy?”

“She said its a Doragontora.” Zephyr replied, standing in front of the girls. “From what I had read about on creatures of the Everfree, the Doragontora is the famed dragon tiger of it.”

“A what?!” Rainbow Dash yelled in shock. “You mean to tell me that things a cross between a tiger and a dragon?!”

“Yes Rainbow Dash, it is.” Goku replied. “The Doragontora is considered to be the largest living tiger ever to exist in the Everfree Forest, with the Manticore being a close second. It has the strength and power of a dragon combined with that of a tiger’s speed and agility, despite the cat’s own power as well, making it a deadly adversary. It has claws that are strong and sharp enough to cut through the toughest bark on trees, with jaw power that can crush a pony’s skull and even shatter it in one bite. It also has a large spiked tail club that’s made entirely out of bone, which it uses in fights with other Doragontoras, strong enough to permeantly cripple, or even kill another animal. Its most dangerous weapon is the fire power that it has, and its able to fire it off like a missile, quicker than most other dragons, aside from the Night Fury.”

“Night Fury?” Pinkie Pie repeated quizzically. “What the heck is a Night Fury?”

“Ah’m sure Fluttershy will have plenty o’ time t’ explain it t’ ya later sugarcube.” Applejack said, before Fluttershy could reply. “Right now, we gotta skedaddle!”

Right as she said that, the Doragontora roared again and leaped at the ponies with speed that took them by surprise, Zephyr being its main target. He was ready for it though, and delivered a swift back hoof to the draconic feline’s face, sending it flying off to the other side. He ducked when its tail club came zooming towards him, and he ducked just as it smashed into the burnt tree behind him.

‘Damn that’s a powerful club it has there!’ He thought, watching in silent shock as the tail club smashed through even more of the tree. ‘Normally I wouldn’t worry about any creatures tail in a fight, but it looks like I’ll have to make an exception with this one.’

Zephyr turned back to the Doragontora just in time to see it flip around in the air before landing back on its feet, its eyes piercing right into his. It gave another roar before it flapped its wings and leapt at him again, its large clawed paws out ready to slice. When it was within reached, it swiped at Zephyr with those same paws at a speed that Zephyr couldn’t help but be impressed by, though it was enough to catch him off guard. When he saw an opening, he rushed under the cat and delivered a punch right to its stomach, before whirling around and kicking it away from him. It was able to quickly recover and flew at the stallion, lashing its tail out and striking him it his side, the spikes drive into his skin and fur. Zephyr grunted as the attack hit him, before he collided with a tree, the force of the impact nearly making him throw up as bark rained down on him.

“Damn, this is kicking my ass like it’s nothing…!” Zephyr said to himself, looking up at the beast through his mess of a blue and yellow mane. “It looks like I’m going to have to up the ante if I wanna beat this thing.”

Pushing himself to his hooves, he concentrated on conjuring up more of his magical energy, the aura around his body glowing and swirling as he did so. With a whinny, he flew at the giant Doragontora and stuck it right in its face, before delivering a reign of punches on the feline, sending it farther away from the girls. With one final kick, Zephyr sent the cat spiraling into the air, before a coated himself in blazing golden flames.

“Fire Pegasus: Flaming Vortex!” He shouted, blasting a large flickering stream of flames up at the Doragontora. It enveloped the cat in a sea of yellow, emitting a painfilled roar from it as it flew out of the flames and fired off its own attack. It fired off large, yet fast bolts of fire down at Zephyr, who flew about the campsite and managed dodge them even in his injured state. The last one hit just inches away from his face, before he once again leapt into the air and ascended towards the Doragontora.

“Fire Pegasus: Fire Bullet!” He shouted, shooting both of his forehooves out and shooting multiple bolts of fire at the draconic feline. It soared around the campsite, either evading or deflecting the fire bullets, before descending towards Zephyr, claws once at the ready. It once again delivered agile swipes at Zephyr, and he was able to avoid most of them, but one of them manage go get him in his barrel, causing him to falter. The Doragontora, seeing its chance, spun around and slammed its tail club into Zephyr again, sending him flying away and crashing into another tree. Wasting no time, the cat moved in for the kill, but Zephyr wasn’t about to make it that easy for him, which was proven by his next move.

“Fire Pegasus: Scorching Neigh!” He shouted, drawing in a breath and sending a large wave of flames at the Doragontora, who didn’t have enough time to evade the attack. It didn’t need to though, for it used its draconic wings as a shield against the flames, before dispersing them. A look of shock came to Zephyr’s face, leaving him open for the Doragontora to make the final strike to end his life. Unfortunately for the hungry feline, it wouldn’t get that chance.

“Oh no you don’t!” Rainbow Dash shouted, flying in and slamming both of her hind hooves into the cat’s face, sending it flying in the other direction of the clearing. “I’m not going to let you lay one more paw on Twi’s coltfriend, you hear me?!”

The Doragontora snarled at the cyan mare, and flew at her to attack, but was stopped when a giant drill of flames came at it from its right side. It roared in pain as it was engulfed in them, feeling the even hotter flames burn at its fur and heat up its scales. With a growl, it flared its wings and made the flames disappear, before turning to where they had come from. Its eyes glowed as they laid on Applejack, who’s own eyes were glowing as she stood in front of Zephyr along with Rainbow Dash.

“Y’all must be really stupid if ya think we’re jus’ gonna sit by an’ let ya eat our bodyguard.” She said, letting out a snort as her fire boots became alight with flames. “Did ya forget that we were here too, ya bit scaly fur-ball?”

“He obviously did darling.” Rarity said as she and Pinkie Pie came trotting up to them, the latter’s sword horn glowing. “He didn’t even bother paying attention to us while he was roughing up poor Zephyr. He should really learn not to ignore others that’re around him.”

“You got that right Rares!” The latter huffed, her fur turning slightly red. “It was even more mean of him to try to surprise us! And not in the good kind of scary way!”

“Indeed, and in doing so, he made Zephyr jump into the line of fire to save you Pinkie, getting him hurt just when he had recovered.” Fluttershy concluded, her eyes glowing a faint orange as she and Goku came hovering down. “The poor baby really can’t seem to catch a break, can he?”

“You have no idea Fluttershy.” Goku said calmly, yet firmly, her fangs gleaming as she snarled at the Doragontora. “And now that he’s here in the Everfree with us, he’s bound to get even more unlucky breaks. We’ll have to make sure that doesn’t keep happening, won’t we?”

“Yeah…” Twilight nodded; her eyes narrowed as her horn gleamed. “…we will.”

“G-girls…” Zephyr stuttered, fighting back the urge to cough up blood. “W-what’re you doing?”

“What does it look like we’re doing sugarcube?” Rainbow Dash asked simply. “We’re helping you; it’s as simple as that.”

“I know that you’re a guard and all dear, we were by no means ordered to not help the ones to protect us.” Rarity added, turning around and winking at the royal blue stallion. “And you have done a fine job of that so far.”

“Rarity’s right.” Twilight said, smiling at Zephyr. “You’ve done enough protecting and saving for us for right now. So let us do the protecting and the fighting this time while Fluttershy helps you get patched up again. And when you’re ready, you can come and join in, but only after you’ve gotten all better.”

“N-no, you can’t…!” Zephyr protested, wheezing as he coughed up a bit of blood. He started to fall towards the ground, only for Fluttershy to capture him in her forehooves, caring not for the blood that got on her fur. “Y-you can’t fight right now! W-we’re not even halfway to the abandoned castle!”

“And that’s a reason not to defend ourselves against any creature that’s trying to make a meal out of us?” Goku asked, the tone in her voice making it seem like she knew the answer. “Sorry Zephie, but that ain’t gonna fly. We’re not just going to sit by and let ourselves get killed, and any animal here that does will have to take us down first. Plus, our Adrenaline and Ascension Modes aren’t the only things that we have stored up. Did you forget that, besides you, we’re all from the Secret Clans of Equestria?”

Zephyr paused at this, allowing the words to sink in as he took in all of the determined looks in each of the mares faces. He could tell just by looking into their eyes that they weren’t going to budge from this no matter what he said. As he laid back against the tree, he couldn’t help but ask, “How…do you know that you’re going to be okay? How do you all know that you all won’t end up like I did just now?”

“Well, fer one, we all outnumber this varmint, seven to one.” Applejack replied calmly. “Two, we’re all pretty powerful in our own right, so it’s gonna be a pretty tough for this lizard cat to fight us all alone. Three…” She looked back at Zephyr, giving him one of the most reassuring smiles he had seen on anypony. “…it’s the honest truth.”

No other words were said between the other mares and the fallen guard after that, and the former turned to face the Doragontora, who was looking to be waiting for them to make a move. A long stretched of silence washed over the clearing for what seemed like hours, before Goku suddenly let out a leonine roar, signaling the others to attack. Somehow, they were able to get the message, and in almost complete unison, they charged the Doragontora, each of their bodies surrounded by auras of Adrenaline. The giant draconic cat roared and flew at them, its own body glowing with power as they clashed in the next round.

Author's Notes:

Well, here you are everypony the newly revived and completely revised 20th chapter of the Guardians of Harmony! Out of all of them, this is one of the chapters that I believe that I the most fun writing and the easiest time with, probably because the words poured out of me and the picture that I had put up of said cat when I was writing this on my Word Doc. Now, I don't know exactly how I'm going to end the fight in the next chapter, or if I'm going to be going back to the residents of Ponyville and see how they're handling the Tantabus invasion, but I'm going to be try to get to that part after some brainstorming for what I'm going to do for the next chapter, along with what and who I;m going to be putting into it. For now, I hope you guys enjoy(ed) this chapter, cause this one be the only Everfree fighter the girls encounter as Fluttershy so kindly stated in chapter 12...things are just getting started!!!

Chapter 21 - An Honest Heart

The chilly wind echoed about in Violet Fire’s ears as she and the rest of her team flew through the Everfree Forest, her wings giving no sound as she flapped them. Her inky black mane and tail flowed gracefully behind her; the violet tinge nestled in the middle giving off a beautiful glow in the light of the full Moon. Her yellow goggles and the roseray hanging from her neck glinted in the light while her flight suit melted in the darkness of the giant trees that she and her team were flying through. Her sensitive ears took in the sounds of the animals roaming within the forest, her nose and magic taking in and taking in the different scents and wild untamed magic that the forest had within it. Her four teammates flew silently behind her, staying close to their Captain as they ducked and swerved their way through the tree branches.

“How are you all holding up back there everypony?” Violet asked, swiveling her ears back as to be able to hear her team. “Are all of you doing alright?”

“We’re doing just fine captain.” The pony on the left side of Violet replied, her voice calm and serious, yet gentle. She was a Pegasus mare with a deep stormy grey coat, a shade darker than Sheton’s older coat, with a long jet-black mane and tail with silvery grey streaks in them. Her eyes were a piercing sky blue in color, and her whole body was adorned with a Shadowbolt suit with a pair of goggles of her own. “We haven’t detected any strange activity around the forest yet, nor have we sensed the magic of the ponies that we’re supposed to be protecting.”

“Awww, that sucks! I was so wanting to fight some of these bad boys here in this forest!” The pony on her right side, this one being a stallion, said dejectedly, his voice slightly raspy, yet smooth. He had a light brown chocolate coat, with an even darker mane and tail skirt, with crimson streaks in them, and violet slitted eyes. He had a large set of bat wings with gleaming red membranes, and a glistening set of fangs poked out of his upper lips. Tail fins protruded from out where the base of his tail is, and he too was adorned in a Shadowbolt suit. “I wanted to be able to get some nice ass kicking in for when we pull that Nightmare out of Queen Luna!”

“Fast Tracks, we know how anxious you are to see our Lunar Queen again, but do you really think that’s a good idea?” A third Pegasus mare asked perplexedly. Like the second mare, she had a gray coat, only it was slightly lighter, and her mane and tail were entirely black with no highlights in them whatsoever, and her eyes were two gleaming orbs of ruby red. “All of the animals here aren’t like the ones anywhere else here in Equestria. They’re on an entirely new level of capacity, and if we run into any of them, it may but us on a major delay.”

“Lightning Shadow is right Fast Tracks.” Another mare said sweetly, this one sounding younger than all the others. She was a Pegasus mare with a light gray goat that looked to be whiter than gray, with a deep orange and jet-black mane and tail. Her eyes were a deep azure blue, and her Cutie Mark was a pair of clef symbols in the shape of a heart. “W-we’ve already wasted enough time with me going to Wonderbolt HQ and sending a message to Spitfire about what was going on in P-Ponyville. I-if we end having to help you from getting eaten by any of the animals here, the ponies we’re searching for might have something terrible happen to them, a-and that’d be really bad.”

“Blue Skies has a point, Fast.” The second mare nodded. “It’d be a major hindrance on us and our travelers if we wasted time trying to satisfy your unquenchable thirst for battle. It’d be an even bigger waste of time if you even think of trying to get under out tails at a time like this.”

“Hey! I do not try to get under your tails, and you know it Storm Shadow!” The Thestral stallion, Fast Tracks protested, frowning at the stormy grey mare. “Why the buck do you keep going on about that?!”

“Because each and every time you do win a fight, you get very sexually stimulated and driven.” Violet replied teasingly. “Not that any of us mind but, it’d be a really bad time for all of us if that were to happen Fast.”

“Oh, come oooon girls!” Fast Track whined, pouting hard. “You all know what I can’t help myself when I become like that! That’s just how I am; why do you all hate me for that?! I’m a bucking Thestral, and we’re all sexually active and driven practically all the time, especially after a good fight, okay?!”

“Oh, you misunderstand us Fast Tracks; it’s not that we hate you for being so sexually driven like any other typical Thestral. As a matter a fact, we think it’s kind of cute that you’re giving so much attention to the other mares back at HQ.” Blue Skies said, smiling at the chocolate brown Thestral. “It’s just, where we are now, and with what’s going on, I’m sure the last thing that we, or our new saviors need is to see you trying to rut all of us into the ground, hmhmhm!”

“I-I…I…no I’m not!” Fast Tracks said, stuttering a bit as his face heated up. “I’m not trying to screw you guys into the ground! We’re literally flying through a giant ass forest right now!”

“What Bright means, is it wouldn’t do us a whole lot of good if you gave into your inner sexual urges and try to take one of us right here and now.” Violet explained patiently. “Not that I’m saying that you’d let that happen but…you can get what I’m saying, right?”

Fast Track sighed, rubbing the back of his head. “Yeah, I get what you’re telling me V. Still, it feels like you guys are patronizing me for being so sexually attracted to you guys.”

“We’re sorry Fast Tracks, we didn’t mean anything cruel by what we were saying.” Bright said gently, flying over and rubbing Fast Track’s back. “All we’re saying that it may not be the best idea for you to break from the team and find any animals to fight.”

“True.” Storm nodded. “And if that happens, depending on the animal you’ll fight against, it will leave you so pent up and sexually frustrated that just a single look towards us will lead to us being plowed until none of us can even fly.”

“Oh, for the love of bucking Faust, you guys are just…” Fast Tracks said, looking like he was going to snap at them. A second later, he deflated and just let out a sigh. “You are all real assholes, you know that?”

“Maybe we are, maybe we’re not.” Lightning Shadow said sweetly. “But, that’s why you love us, the same way we love you for being so fearless and energetic…and thirsty for us mares.”

Fast Tracks stared at Lightning for a moment or two, before he chucked, a fanged grin forming onto his face. “Alright, you got me there Lightning.”

Violet giggled at the antics of her teammates, unable to help but find it amusing how they were bickering with one another. The Shadowbolt Captain was so caught up in the humorous scene, that she almost didn’t notice she was heading towards a tree branch. With a rather graceful amount of swiftness, she flew over the branch, before adjusting herself in the air.

“Whoa, are you alright there, Captain Violet Fire?” Blue Skies asked, a bit taken aback by her Captain’s lack of focus. “You looked a bit zoned out there.”

“On, its nothing sweetie…just enjoying how much you’re all bickering behind me.” The ebony black mare replied, smiling at the blush that appeared on Bright’s face. “It always makes me feel as if I’m at home back at HQ under Queen Celestia’s castle, and makes what we’re going to do a little easier for me to do.”

“O-oh, it does? Well, I’m glad that we were able to lighten the stress of the situation off your shoulder’s Captain.” Blue Skies said with a slight stutter. “It really makes me happy that you’re able to relax a bit in situations like this.”

“Hmhm, I’m glad to hear that honey. I never like it whenever any of you are under the weather for any reason.” Violet said gently. “It really does make me happy that you guys are able to keep yourselves from getting overly worried or stressed about any scenario like this.” Her smile then fell, replaced with an expression of worry and motherly concern. “Be that as it may…are you okay?”

Blue Skies jumped, an expression of surprise coming to her face as she stared at the older Pegasus. “Um…what do you mean Captain Violet?”

“I think you know just as well as I do Blue.” Violet replied matter of factly. “You’re worried about your twin sister Crimson Skies, aren’t you?”

The flinch that the light gray mare gave was all that the ebony black mare needed for her suspicions to be confirmed about the former’s behavior. The rest of the latter’s teammates, all having her what their Captain had said, turned to look at Blue Skies, the chatter cutting short as they focused on her. The young Shadowbolt mare looked from her Captain, to Fast Tracks, Storm and Lightning Shadow, and back to Violet, who was looking silently back up at her. For a second, she considered just playing off her concerns as nothing, but the look in her Captain’s eyes told her that wouldn’t work, especially on her of all ponies. Blue struggled internally for a few moments, before finally letting out a dejected and defeated sigh.

“Yes Captain, I am.” She finally admitted. “I’m really worried about Crimson Skies and what you had her do before we left our underground HQ for the Everfree Forest.”

“You mean the task of her notifying what’s going on to Captain Spitfire and the rest of her team back at Wonderbolt Headquarters?” Violet Fire asked knowingly.

“Oh really?” Lightning asked, her tone softening. “Is that what’s worrying you Blue?”

“Erh…I…yes.” Blue replied, struggling for a minute before admitting the truth. “I’m afraid that the little mission that you had my sister go on isn’t going to go as smoothly as you believe it is Captain Violet.”

“What makes you say that?” Fast Tracks asked. “We may be on entirely different squads, but little Crimson is still a bolt like the rest of us. She’ll be able to handle any storms that’ll come her way if she finds herself running into them.”

“I don’t think that’s quite what Blue meant Fast.” Lightning said skeptically. “What I believe tht Blue is trying to specify that she’s worried about how the meeting between her sister and the Wonderbolts are going to go.”

Less than a second after those words were said, recognition came to Fast Tracks face, before it grimaced into a grim expression. “Ooooh, right…that.” He said, inhaling through clenched teeth as he glanced back over at Blue Skies. “I’m sorry Blue.”

“No, it’s okay Fast Tracks, you didn’t mean anything bad by it.” Blue replied softly, holding out a hoof. A sigh left her mouth as she locked eyes with Violet Fire, a frown adorning her lips. “Listen Captain Violet, I’m not trying to criticize you or anything but, was a really a good idea having my sister of all ponies send a notification to Wonderbolt Headquarters and Captain Spitfire?”

“I’m afraid that I’ll have to agree with Blue on this one Captain.” Storm replied, keep her tone from sounding judgmental. “I’m not really criticizing you for making your decision, but, I don’t know if it was the best idea to send Crimson Skies to see Spitfire about something as out of the blue as Nightmare Moon returning from the Moon.”

Violet Fire’s ears flattened against her head, a sheepish smile coming to her face as she laughed nervously. “Okay, maybe that wasn’t the best idea for me to do that, but with everything that was going on, Crimson was the first one that was available. The rest of the team were either looking after headquarters or getting ready to go to Ponyville, and I, um…sort of picked her in the spur of the moment.” She sighed as she turned to look back at the trees in front of her. “I know that she and you are still somewhat rookies, but…I didn’t really see anypony in the team available for going to see Spitfire. Plus, I saw this as a way to help your sister with building her assertiveness and confidence, so…”

“I know I know; those are accurate reasons for you to have sent Crimson Skies to see Spitfire and let her know about what’s going on.” Blue nodded, closing her eyes temporarily as she let out another sigh. “Still though, I can’t help but feel about how Spitfire is going to take seeing my sister in her Headquarters, and part of a group of flyers that are her biggest rivals.”

“Odds are, Spitfire’s probably going to roast the poor girl alive.” Fast Tracks suggested. “Or at the very least, make her feel like she’s going to be melted.”

“Fast Tracks!” Lightning Shadow scolded, glaring daggers at the light brown Thestral.

“What? It’s not like Spitfire’s a saint or anything.” Fast Tracks asked, giving the light grey mare a confused frown. “You, me and all the other Shadowbolts both know how Spitfire is about us even thinking of stepping food on their grounds. It’s bad enough that her cadets have to deal with her over the top anger problems, but for somepony has cool and none-confrontational as Crimson Skies to go meet her in pony. The poor girl will be extremely lucky if she leaves from Wonderbolt HQ with a burnt Shadowbolt suit.”

“I hate to say it, but Fast Tracks is right.” Storm nodded, a small frowning coming to her calm and collected face. “While Crimson Skies may not be related to me, I can’t help but be just as worried as Blue about what Spitfire will do to Crimson if their meeting goes south.”

“Of course that would be the case Storm, given how protective you are about my sister.” Blue said dryly. “Because if Spitfire, or any of the other Wonderbolts even harmed a single hair on her head, I’d drain them dry of their blood and magic, while you’d reign lightning upon all of their headquarters until nothing is left.”

“Exactly.” Storm Shadow nodded, keeping her eyes forward. “Which is why I think I should’ve been the one to go to Wonderbolt Headquarters instead of Crimson Skies.”

“Yes, that would’ve been a better choice now that I think about it. You’d be more than capable of asserting yourself around somepony like Spitfire.” Violet Fire nodded. “At the same time though, like you said, if things did go south, something is bound to happen. Something like you sending down a shower of lightning and thunder upon all of Spitfire’s headquarters.”

“Um, I pretty much just said that already Captain.” Blue said, sweat dropping. “Didn’t you just hear it?”

“Yeah I did, I was just giving Stormy here a little example of what I think will happen if I sent Storm Shadow over to Wonderbolt Headquarters.” Violet replied as she winked at the whitish light grey mare, who just sweat dropped even harder. “Regardless, I can totally understand your worries about your sister Blue. To be honest, even I’m a bit concerned about how Crimson will be able to handle this, and if she’ll be up to it or not.”

“Seriously?” Fast Tracks asked, raising an eyebrow. “Then why aren’t you as worried as us and Blue are?”

“Because, I know that there are two Wonderbolts that’ll keep Spitfire in line and protect our sweet little Crimson Skies.” Violet replied slyly with a wink. “Those two coming in the forms of Soarin Tenshi and Fleetfoot Hyorinmaru.”

All four of the other Shadowbolt’s eyes widened at these words, indicating that all of them knowing those two names very well. They looked over at one another for a second or two, before looking back at their Captain.

“Soarin and Fleetfoot?” Blue asked, still in a state of surprise. “You mean the Soarin Tenshi and Fleetfoot Hyorinmaru? The two best Wonderbolts to ever come out of the academy aside from Spitfire Fenikkusu?! Those?!”

“The very same ones.” Violet nodded, smiling cheekily. “The teammates of Spitfire herself, thus making them the best thus making them the best team out of the entire Wonderbolt squad. At least, when it comes to skills and managing to keep a level head in situations like this.”

“What do you mean by that?” Blue asked, tilting her head.

“I believe what Captain Violet Fire is trying to emphasize is that since Fleetfoot and Soarin are one of the most levelheaded ponies on Spitfire’s team, they’ll be able to keep Spitfire from losing her composure.” Lightning replied, voicing Blue’s perplexation. “Spitfire is known to become particularly hotheaded at times, to the point where she loses control. Even with all of the training received to control her anger…”

“Understatement of the century.” Fast Tracks grumbled, crossing his hooves.

“…So, our Captain believes that Fleetfoot and Soarin will be there with Spitfire should she decide to go off on Crimson Skies or do anything to her.” Lightning continued. “Most of us happen to know Soarin and Fleetfoot quite well, and they’re actually quite nice ponies if you give them the chance, even if Fleetfoot can act a bit, well…motherly.”

“Precisely.” Storm Shadow nodded, agreeing wholeheartedly with her own twin sister. “And that’s exactly why they’re one of the few Wonderbolts that I trust to be around Crimson Skies, let along the rest of us. Unlike a majority of the Wonderbolts, their one of the few who hold no hostility towards us, which is why I have no problem working with them should the moment call for it.”

“Mhm, and that’s exactly why I’m not as worried about Crimson meeting with Spitfire, because I know that Soarin and Fleetfoot will be there to keep her safe.” Violet Fire concluded, looking back at Blue with a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry too much Blue, you’ll sister will be safe as long as Spitfire’s teammates are there with them both. She even thinks of trying to hurt your sister, Soarin will bring divine judgment upon her while Fleetfoot will freeze her in her tracks!”

“Um…alright then Captain; I’ll take your word for it.” Blue murmured, giving off another sweat dropping. “You seem to know what you’re doing, like you always do so…I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt.”

Violet Fire giggled again, and was about to say something else when her razor sharp sensitive ears picked up noise from in front of her. She snapped her head forward shooting her ears forward as the noise grew progressively louder, sounding like the flapping of wings that were certainly not her own or her teammates. Now on high alert, the ebony black mare stopped dead in her tracks, flaring her wings in a way that made the rest of her team stop as well.

“Whoa, is something wrong Captain V?” Fast Tracks asked, noticing the change in his Captain’s body language. “Why’d you stop all of a sudden?”

“I hear something the flapping of wings coming this way, along with a powerful surge of magic.” Violet replied, her soft voice carrying an undertone of seriousness that made her team stand to attention. “Be on your guard everypony, whatever’s coming is certainly not friendly.”

Right as the Shadowbolt Captain said this, a screech that nearly made all of the Shadowbolts eardrums explode tore through the foliage of the trees. It echoed about the spot the five flyers were in going on for what seemed like forever before it finally receded to where the ponies could properly hear, only for a roar of thunder shook the trees. After making sure that none of them had gone permanently deaf, the Shadowbolts to looked to where the screech had come from, only to pause when they saw white and grey light tearing through the trees.

“What the…?” Storm Shadow murmured. “What in the world is that?”

Lightning Shadow, who had also seen the flashing light, whispered. “Shinomōkin…”

“What?!” Blue cried, snapping her head over to Lightning. “What did you just say?!”

“I-It’s a Shinomōkin! A giant Shinomōkin is headed this way!” Lightning repeated, flying back from the incoming raptor. “That’s what that flashing light is, is the infamous Death Raptor of the Everfree Forest!”

“Oh shit, seriously?!” Fast Tracks asked, his own violet eyes growing wide. “You mean there’s a giant buffalo eating bird about to come and electrocute us?!”

“It would seem so, and it looks like we’ll have to fight him whether we want to or not.” Violet replied, a golden aura surrounding her body as the indigo tinges in her mane and tail began to glow. “Shadowbolts, battle formation!”

No sooner did Violet Fire say those words, a bolt of lightning tore out of the trees heading straight towards the Shadowbolt Captain at break neck speed. Luckily for her, she saw the attack coming before it got even halfway towards her, and with just a single tilt of her head, it soared past her. Just a few seconds later, the trees and branches exploded as an even powerful burst of lightning struck them, and the Shinomōkin came bursting out of the smoke. Its eyes blazed its scary color of golden as it glared down at the five ponies, its curved upper beak and talons glinting menacingly.

“Oh dear…” Storm Shadow murmured, unable to say anything else to describe the direness of the situation they were in. Right after that was said, the Shinomōkin screeched again and flew at the five ponies, who flew back towards it as their midair battle began.

Applejack whinnied loudly as she shot down a giant swirling ball of fire, generated from her boots, down at the Doragontora, who promptly countered it with its own stream of fire. The two attacks exploded in midair, creating a huge smoke cloud in midair that concealed the rest of the mares’ presence, and hiding them from view. The Doragontora snarled and looked all around the smoke, trying to sniff out the girls, the smoke making its eyes sting and water, thus leaving it unable to see. The flapping of wings coming from behind it alerted the draconic feline for the incoming attack, and it spun around just in time to see a lightning cloaked Goku flying towards it.

“Lightning Thestral: Thundering Hoof Stab!” She shouted, shooting her hoof out towards the Doragontora’s face. The Doragontora flared one of its wings out just in time to block the attack, but this did not prevent it from being electrocuted by Goku’s lightning and it roared loudly in pain. Smirking, Goku leapt and did a front flip, sticking her right leg out as it too was coating in gleaming yellow lightning.

“Lightning Thestral: Electric Battle Axe!” She shouted, swinging her right hind hoof down right towards the top of the Doragontora’s head. The attack hit home and slammed the giant hybrid cat’s head into the ground, making a crater twice the size of its head. Spreading her giant wings, Goku took to the air and grabbed the cat’s tail, making sure not to grab onto its spiked club as she prepared to throw the cat in the air.

Just as she began to throw the beast, she felt herself being pulled back and slammed into the ground with the Doragontora. The groan that Goku let out from the impact immediately turned into a scream of agony as the Doragontora slammed its tail club on the tan Thestral with the full force of its tail. It sunk its sharp spikes into her chest and barrel, while at the same time driving her deep into the ground beneath them. Goku coughed up a considerable mouthful of blood as the draconic cat pulled its tail club around the same time it pulled its head out of the ground. It snapped its head around to glare at Goku, who was trying to sit up, only to stop cold when she locked eyes with the Doragontora. Snarling, it raised its head to crush her again, only to be halted when another voice made itself known.

“Solid Form Magic: Slicing Wave!” Twilight shouted, shooting off a blast of wind at the draconic cat, who used its wings to block the attack. It did however, end up getting slammed into a tree to the point where it almost fell right on top of it. it shook the debree of before taking to the air, glaring down at Twilight with hungered anger in its eyes. It flew at her and was about to try to fry her where she stood, when it heard an angry raspy voice from above it.

“Sky Pegasus: Tornado Drill!” Rainbow Dash shouted; her eyes gleaming as she descended towards the giant rhino sized cat. The Doragontora’s eyes widened at the incoming attack, and it leaped out of the way just as Rainbow Dash’s attack hit where it was standing. Large chunks of earth tore from the ground flew about the air, Goku included who screamed out as she landed hard and tumbled across the ground. She hissed out in pain as she pulled herself into her side, only to scream out again as a large earth landed onto her left bat wing.

“Goku!” Rarity cried; her ignited horn gleaming even brighter as she ran over to the tan Thestral. As she got closer to her, she could see the Doragontora flying towards her, having obviously heard her shout, and was now switching targets, going after her instead.

“Oh, you want some of me, do you? Well then, come and get me!” The fashionista shouted, her sword horn gleaming brightly. “Belle Machine Gun: Gatling Gun!”

Before the Doragontora knew it, it was being pelted all over by a flock of mini cyan magical bolts that soared towards it like bullets being fire from a machine gun. They didn’t pierce through, but they certainly made the draconic cat feel as if they were, if the shriek of agony it let out was any indication. As it was flown back, it suddenly felt something hit it from behind, this being Rainbow Dash, who had delivered an axe kick right into the Doragontora’s back.

Seein that Rainbow Dash was now in the fray again, Rarity focused her attention back on Goku, who still had her wing under the large blunder. With as much internal strength as she could muster, she pulled the large earth chunk off of Goku’s wing before asking, “Are you alright darling?”

Goku looked up at with one eye poking through her mane. “Alright? I nearly got crushed by that cat’s tail club, I have puncture wounds in my stomach and chest, and Rainbow catapulted me across the clearing. Does it look like I’m alright Rarity?”

“R-right I’m sorry dear; that was a rather poor question.” Rarity stammered weakly, faltering under the tan Thestral’s sharp glare. She soon formed a glare of her own as she snapped her head to where Rainbow Dash was. “Rainbow Dash, what is the matter with you?! You nearly crushed Goku under all of these boulders you shot out from the ground! Do you have that little control over your attacks!”

“Sorry Rarity, I didn’t see Goku there!” The cyan mare said as she kneed the Doragontora into it stomach, before ducking under a tail swipe. “That giant cat is so big that I couldn’t see anything behind it! Plus, the dust was obscuring my sight, so I didn’t know that she’d be there!”

“Well then, you seriously need to get your eyes checked if you couldn’t see through something as feeble as dust!” Rarity shouted heatedly. “Aren’t you supposed to be the one here with the sharpest sense of sight?!”

“Hey, I don’t have super sensitive sight hearing or smell like Goku does!” Rainbow shouted indignantly, upper cutting the Doragontora in the chin. She watched as Twilight shot off a bolt of electric magic, striking the giant feline right in its side and sending it flying into the other side of the clearing. “You can’t expect me to be able to be able to see everything at! Even I have my limits when it comes to certain things Rares!”

“Not from where I’m standing!” Rarity shouted as she helped Goku to her haunches. “If you were able to unleash an attack like that, then you should’ve been able to see Goku right behind this ruffian while you were coming in to attack him!”

“Look, I was in the spur of the moment, alright?! I didn’t have time to look anywhere else but at this bastard!” Rainbow Dash shouted, baring her fangs down at Rarity in irritation. She ducked in midair as a large beam of cerulean magic shot through the air, courtesy of Pinkie Pie. “If I had known that Goku was there I would’ve stopped and pulled of some other move on this giant fur-ball!”

“Well I hate to break it to you darling, but I don’t believe you!” Rarity hissed. “I’d like to think that you know that poor Goku was there, but just ignored it and wanted to take the spotlight regardless of whether it was taken form you or not! Like you always do!”

Rainbow Dash’s eyes narrowed “Always do?! What is that supposed to-?!”

“Girls, that’s enough!” Applejack shouted landing in between the two bickering mares. “This ain’t the time t’ be squabblin’ with each other like a bunch o’ chicks in a coop! Can ya not see that we’ve got a giant fire breathin’ cat tryin’ to fry us into fritters right now?!”

“Applejack’s right! This is no time for us to be arguing!” Twilight said, a violet aura surrounding her as she stood off against the Doragontora. “We need to get this cat away from us so we can get to the abandoned castle, and keep him from getting to Zephyr! If we waste our time like this, we’ll be making ourselves sitting ducks!”

“Sitting ducks!” Pinkie Pie asked, looking over at Twilight. “Uuuuh, Twilight, do you realize that we’re not actually ducks, right? And I don’t think ducks don’t really sit all of much.”

“It’s a metaphorical way of explaining our situation right now Pinkie Pie.” Fluttershy explained, turning from Zephyr to look over at the pink pony. “Twilight’s just using sitting ducks as an example of how much danger that we’re in right now.”

“Oh, well why didn’t she just say that instead?” Pinkie Pie asked, tilting her head. “That would’ve been so much easier to get if she said something like metaphorically speaking.”

“Pinkie Pie, baby…” Goku sighed, shaking her head. “…just keep helping AJ, Twilight and Rainbow Dash fight the Doragontora. Me and Rarity will be with you in a minute when I my wounds finish healing.”

“Okie Dokie Lokie!” Pinkie Pie winked, before turning back to the fight in front of her. The Earth Pony’s expression then turned to one as serious as a police chief as she glared at the giant cat that was currently battling Rainbow, Applejack and Twilight. With a smile and a tone that was completely out of place with the expression on her face, she said, “Hey there, you big dragon kitty! I’ve got a surprise for you!”

With her eyes glowing Pinkie Pie slammed her forehooves into the ground, both of them glowing bright with blue energy before she pulled them up. With her hooves came a huge chunk of the earth which quickly formed into a cannon, slightly bigger than Pinkie Pie’s own Party Cannon. Pinkie Pie the jammed her forehooves into both sides of it, making the entire earth object glow alight with blue energy.

“She…she just made a cannon out of nothing but the earth!” Zephyr exclaimed in disbelief from inside Fluttershy’s healing oval seal. “Just how in Shenron’s name did she do that?!”

“Well, I’m not entirely sure myself.” Fluttershy replied softly, not breaking away from her healing of Zephyr’s wounds. “Then again, Pinkie Pie’s always had a knack for doing things like this form out of the blue, so it’s best if you don’t question and just accept it as it is. Trust me, you’ll save yourself a massive headache if you do.”

“Ya like it? This is a new special party cannon designed for any situation like this!” Pinkie asked, moving her cannon from side to side. “It’s not as good looking as my actual cannon, but it’ll have to do for now. Get ready, because I’m gonna blow you away!” She snorted as she prepared to fire. “Earth Make: Party Cannon Confetti Flock!”

The attack came almost immediately after it was said; a loud explosion rang throughout the clearing as Pinkie Pie’s earth cannon shot out giant streams of blue confetti up at the giant Doragontora. The cat used its wings to shield itself form the blasts, even as the large flocks of confetti slices into the and membranes of its wings. With a growl, it shot out a powerful gust of wind that actually sliced into to the confetti, but there were some it didn’t manage to get. It let out a roar of pain as they stabbed it in the chest and stomach and sent it crashing right into a tree, blood coating its wings and its coat.

“Nice on Pinkie Pie!” Applejack grinned. “Ya really gave him what for with that move!”

“Well, I did say that I was gonna blow him away, and I did!” Pinkie Pie giggled. “Even though I just blasted him into a tree, so I guess it doesn’t totally count.”

“Well, it’s so going to count once we sent this bastard flying into the other end of the Everfree!” Rainbow Dash smirked, before looking over at Applejack. “Yo Twilight, are you gonna get a hit in or what?!”

“Already on it Dash!” Twilight shouted as she ran towards the Doragontora, her horn glowing with electricity. “Solid Form Magic: Thunderbolt!”

With her eyes glowing, the lavender Unicorn shot powerful bolt of lightning at the giant cat, who used one of its wings to block the attack. Unfortunately for the feline, this only served to make it as a target, and it roared out in pain as the lightning coursed through its body. after gaining some distance between her and the Doragontora, Twilight leapt in the air, the lightning surrounding her being replaced with fire instead.

“Solid Form Magic: Phoenix Flaming Flock!” She yelled shooting off bolt after bolt of fire at the Doragontora. The cat ran across the clearing as the firebolts slammed into the ground and unleashed their containment of flames that were just barely able to reach the beast, burning its fur and scales. When the last one hit, the Doragontora came to a halt and glared up at the Unicorn who was still in the air, before unleashing a flock of flames of its own. Twilight merely countered the with her another flock of firebolts before dodging one of the last ones aimed right at her face.

“Nice one Twilight! You’re really holding your own against this guy, for an egghead that is.” Rainbow Dash praised, her tone turning slightly teasing at the end. After giving a chuckle at the embarrassed look and heated glare Twilight gave her, Rainbow turned to Applejack. “Yo AJ, I think we’ve had our fun with this furball…whaddya say we send this guy flying outta here?”

The farmer nodded, smirking back up at the cyan Pegasus. “You know it RD, let’s end this varmint! Ya ready Rarity?”

“A lady is always ready for anything.” Rarity replied, flicking her tail skirt as her sword horn glowed. “Especially for dealing with ruffians like these!”

“Um, girls, can you not call him that please?” Fluttershy asked politely, yet firmly. “That’s not very nice.”

“Oh, don’t waste your breath on them Fluttershy. You know how those two can get at times like these.” Goku said, lying in the protection of the buttermilk Pegasus’s healing bubble. “It’s best if you just save your scolding of them for after they’ve dealt with the Doragontora and chased him away from the campsite. You can berate them plenty for their insulting of the creatures you and I love so much after all that is over.”

Zephyr gave a cough, gently nudging Goku in her side.

“Sorry.” The tan Thestral winced. “The creatures that you me, and Zephyr love so much.”

“Yes, you’re right Goku. We’re trying to keep ourselves from getting eaten, scolding Rarity, Rainbow and Applejack can come later.” Fluttershy nodded. “Still, that doesn’t mean that I don’t like how they’re talking about the Doragontora. Seeing them or anypony else insult a creature as beautiful as that, however dangerous it is, just unnerves me to no end.”

Zephyr nodded in agreement. “Tell me about it.”

The roaring of flames caught the attention of all four flyers, and they turned around to see a huge pillar of flames swirling around Applejack. The fire boots adorning her legs glowed as they produced fire form the tattoos imprinted on them, thus scorching the ground beneath her hooves. The tangerine Earth Pony’s emerald eyes glowed as her golden mane and floated behind her as her whole body crouched in preparation for an attack.

“Alright y’all time t’ send this giant furball flyin’ back t’ the other end o’ this forest!” She shouted, snorting hard as she stamped her right hoof. “Let’s go!”

“Right!” Rarity, Twilight and Rainbow Dash shouted as they ran and flew at the Doragontora. The giant cat saw them coming and, using its wings and its hindlegs, propelled itself off the tree that it was slammed into, its eyes blazing. With a roar, it fired off bolt after bolt of fire at the mares, but Rarity was more than ready for that move.

“Oh no; you’re not going to get us with that attack again!” She shouted, her eyes blazing brightly as she unleashed her attack. “Belle Machine Gun: Laser Barrage!”

Just like last time, Rarity fire off a flock of magical beams at the Doragontora, only this time, instead of little bullets, they were medium sized lasers. The Doragontora was able to see the attack coming, and instead of blocking, trying to evade them with rather impressive speed and agility. It was able dodge most of them, but some of the lasers managed to slice into its skin and fur, causing even more blood to stain its body.

“That’s some cool agility you’ve got there ya big furball! I gotta admit, you’re pretty fast for being so large!” Rainbow Dash grinned. “Be that as it may, there’s always somepony faster, and that pony is me! Lightning Pegasus: Thunder Spear!”

Bashing both of her hooves together, Rainbow Dash created a large spear made out of lightning, aiming it right at the Doragontora. With surprising arm strength, she threw the spear right at the giant cat, striking it right in the side before it had a chance to react. It roared out in pan as volts of electricity tore through its body, the effect being so powerful it lost its focus in its flight. This left an opening for Twilight unleash another attack of her own, the protege of the Solar Queen wasted no time in taking it.

“Solid Form Magic: Slicing Wind!” She shouted, unleashing a torrent of razor-sharp wind at the giant draconic cat, sending it back up into the air. It roared loudly in pain as the wind sliced into its limbs, chest and stomach, pain overriding its senses as it tried to fight it down. Snarling, it shot out a stream of fire, to which Twilight dodged, letting Applejack take her place. The farmer paid no mind to the flames approaching her, and used her fire boots to repel the Doragontora’s flames, before preparing her attack.

“So ya like breathin’ fire do ya?!” Applejack asked, flames surrounding her as she leapt at the falling draconic cat. “Well then, why don’t ya eat some o’ this?!”

Shooting both of her hooves out in front of her, a growing sphere of fire form in front of both of Applejack’s forehooves, the swirling flames helping with its growth. Her mane and tail billowed behind her, so much so, that the hairbands holding them were burnt off, allowing them to flow about freely as if Applejack’s mane was on fire. The farmer paid little attention to this; her thoughts only focused on defeating the Doragontora before it even tried to get at any of her friends.

With a loud battle neigh, Applejack unleashed her attack, shooting off a huge drill of golden flames right at the Doragontora, who had just crashed to the ground. Just as it got back up, the flames collided into it, sending its whole body ablaze and on fire. It let out another agonized roar as it tried to withstand the scorching fire, which was driving it further and further back into the shadows of the forest. Applejack, however, wasn’t letting up, and kept shooting off her flames at the draconic cat, fully determined to blast it off into the forest even if it meant scorching it alive.

Just when it looked like Applejack was about to win the fight, a loud roar suddenly came from within the flames of her attack, catching the farmer by surprise. All of a sudden, her large drill of flames exploded in all directions as the Doragontora suddenly burst out from them, its entire body coated in bright orange lightning. It roared loudly as it lunged at Applejack, who could only look up at it in shocked disbelief.

“What in tarna-GAH!” She began to ask, only to scream out as she felt the Doragontora’s large claws stab her right into her barrel. They stayed like that for a mere second, before they swung upward, making deep claw marks doing from Applejack’s lower stomach to the farmer’s upper chest. She screamed out in pain as blood flowed form her wounds before she was sent flying away and tumbling across the ground.

“Applejack!” Rainbow Dash shouted in horror, watching as her friend was flown away.

“Hold on darling, I’m coming!” Rarity cried as she ran over to the downed farmer. She didn’t even manage to get halfway before she was struck by a bolt of lightning. She shrieked out in agony as she slammed to the ground, her entire body burnt form nose to tail.

“Rarity!” Pinkie Pie cried, charging up her earth cannon. “Hold on, I’m coming!”

Pinkie Pie had barely finished her sentence before she began firing her party cannon at the Doragontora her confetti blades cutting through the air as they soared at the cat. It stood where it was, letting the confetti blades strike it, only to explode due to the lightning, coating its entire body. It took advantage of Pinkie Pie’s shocked state by letting out a roar a large bolt of lightning shooting out of its mouth and striking right into Pinkie Pie’s earth cannon. Since her hooves were still stuck inside the cannon, Pinkie Pie unintentionally made herself a victim of an electric shock that sent her crashing into a tree.

“Pinkie Pie!” Rainbow Dash shouted, horror taking over her face for a split second before it was replaced with rage. “Why you…you giant lizard cat bastard! You’re going to pay for that one!”

Overcome with rage, the cyan mare shot down at the Doragontora, fully intent on giving it the shock of its life. Just before she reached him, she suddenly found herself stabbed repeatedly by large spikes, courtesy of the Doragontora shooting them out of its tail club. Rainbow Dash screamed out in pain as the attacks hit, sending her flying into a tree as one of the spikes imbedded into the tree and held her there.

“Rainbow Dash!” Twilight screamed out, her whole body freezing as she watched the cyan mare get impaled into the tree. Before she could do anything, she felt something hit the side of her head and send her crashing into a tree, just feet away from Fluttershy, Zephyr, and Goku.

“Girls!” Fluttershy cried out in horror, turning her attention away from her healing of Goku and Zephyr to the scene in front of her. In doing so, she made the oval healing sphere that she made for the two flyers to vanish into thin air, leaving them vulnerable to the Doragontora’s attack.

“F-Fluttershy what’re you doing?!” The former shouted as the latter wince at the cold air stinging his wounds. “Why did you stop your healing spell?”

“Oh, I’m sorry you guys!” Fluttershy replied sending them an apologetic look. “It’s just…Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity and Pinkie Pie had all been struck down by the Doragontora! All of them are down for the count!”

“They’re what?!” Zephyr shouted as he shot to his haunches, his pain temporarily forgotten. A sharp gasp left his mouth as he saw the fallen forms of the four mares. “Oh, Sweet Faust…”

“I can’t believe it…they’re all down!” Goku whispered, looking to be even more shocked than her fellow Shenron was. She snapped her head up to Fluttershy, a look of fear coming to her eyes. “Fluttershy, you’ve gotta get them out of there! If you don’t that cat’s gonna have all of them for a really late breakfast!”

“Right, I’m on it!” The buttermilk Pegasus nodded as she quickly composing herself. “Don’t worry everypony, I’m gonna get you all out of here as fast as I can so I can heal you!”

With those words said, Fluttershy spread her wings and flew over to the girls, Rainbow Dash being the closest one, and began to examine her wounds. One of her hooves flew to her mouth as she got a closer view of the tail club spike imbedded in her, and tears started to build up in her eyes.

"Oh...Rainbow Dash!" She cried, doing her best to fight back a sniffle as the cyan mare panted in front of her. "What in the world happened?!"

"W-what do ya think happened Flutters?" Rainbow Dash asked, coughing up some blood. "That cat took me by surprise and sent my flying like I was going to do to him. I think that should sum up just how much pain I'm in right now..." She looked down at the spike impeded in her stomach. "Especially with this thing inside of me..."

Fluttershy looked down at the spike, wincing at how deep it looked to be inside the mares stomach. While it wasn't really all that large, about the size of a knife, she could tell that it was going to leave a noticeable scar on Rainbow Dash, along with all the others in her wings. Ripping her eyes away, she looked up at Rainbow Dash and asked, "H...how much does it hurt?"

"About as much as getting stabbed with an actual knife." Came Rainbow's somewhat dry reply, her chest slowly heaving up and down. "Anyway, do ya think you can get this thing off of me? It's kind of making my stomach hurt."

"I...I don't think that'll be a good idea Rainbow Dash." Fluttershy said, looking into the other Pegasus's eyes. "I can take the spike out of the tree, but I don't think I should take it out of you just yet. If I try, you might start to bleed out, and I really don't want that to happen."

"Seriously?" Rainbow Dash asked, looking form in between the spike and Fluttershy. "Well damn...that sucks. Alright then, m-maybe you can try to hold onto me while you take the spike out of the tree?"

"Y...yes, I think that might work!" Fluttershy replied, some relief coming to her face as she nodded. "And after that, I can get you over to Goku and Zephyr, along with the rest of the girls, and I can heal your wounds." She glanced down over at the Doragontora who was looking back up at her, as if waiting for her to come face it. "Though first, I'll have to keep him at bay."

"G-good luck down there Fluttershy." Rainbow Dash said, reaching over and putting a hoof on the Pegasus's shoulder. "I'd normally be saying for you to be careful, of even to get away, but...you seem to have the most experience with these animals. So...I'll leave it to you to keep us safe."

"Don't worry Dash, I promise I'll keep you and the other girls safe!" Fluttershy nodded, her teal eyes glowing with a fierce determination. "Then after that, I'll encase all of you inside of my healing oval so I can-"

Whatever Fluttershy was about to say was cut off when a pillar of flames exploded form where Applejack was lying, stopping her in midflight. She watched in awed shock as the farmer slowly stood up from her position on the ground and locked eyes with the Doragontora, who looked to haven expression of surprise on her face.

“A…Applejack?” Fluttershy stuttered, struggling to find her voice. “Is…i-is that you?”

The farmer slowly turned to look at the veterinarian, her emerald eyes glowing even brighter than before. “Who do ya think it is, sugarcube? Some fire maned pony risin’ from th’ deepest depths o’ Tartarus?”

Rarity, who had finally been starting to recover from the electric shock given to her, slowly turned herself over to her side. When she lifted her head to look at the scene before her, her whole body froze as her eyes widened in disbelief. “Apple…jack?” She wheezed, giving out a heavy cough as she struggled to sit up.

"No way...! That's impossible!" Twilight whispered, holding her bloodied head as she sat up against the tree she was sent into. "How is she still standing?!"

“Whoa, AJ…how’re you still standing?” Rainbow Dash asked, looking just as shocked as Fluttershy was. “I…I thought that giant furball knocked you out?”

“I didn’t, it just gave me an extra scar to go with th’ rest o’ mah battle ones.” Applejack asked, glancing up at Rainbow Dash for a moment. Doing her best not to wince at the mare’s puncture wounds, she turned to Fluttershy. “Hey Flutters, can ya do me a lil’ favor? Can ya take Rares a’' RD outta this clearin’?”

“W-why?” Fluttershy asked, still in a small state of shock. “W-what’re you going to do?”

“Whaddya think Ah’m gonna do?” Applejack asked, turning back to the Doragontora. “Ah’m gonna send this varmint flyin’ back t’ where he came from.”

Pinkie, who had been picking herself up from the shock the Doragontora gave her, let out a gasp of fear. "Y-you're going to what?! J-Jackie, n-n-no!"

“All by yourself?!” Zephyr asked in disbelief. “Applejack, with all due respect, and not that I’m doubting your abilities here, but do you realize what you’re saying? I know that you said, and your friends would be alright together, but you saw what had happened didn’t you? That cat sent all of you flying when you least expected it, and took each of you out with one hit! How can you expect to beat him all by yourself?”

“Because, I know in mah heart that I can.” Applejack replied simply, glancing back at the royal blue stallion. “Listen hon’, Ah know what Ah said back then about me, Twilight, Rarity, Goku, an’ RD bein’ okay against this thing didn’t make a lot o’ sense, but really did mean what Ah said. If wasn’t sure that me and the rest o’ us would be okay, Ah wouldn’t have said that it was the honest truth right t’ yer faces. Ah’m a lot o’ thinks Zephyr, but Ah ain’t no liar, especially about things like this.”

Zephyr’s ears flattened. “I…I never said that you were-” He began to say, only to stop when Goku gently laid a hoof on his shoulder.

“Let her finish.” She said, not making eye contact with him. “You were saying Applejack?”

“Thank ya kindly…” Applejack nodded, shooting off a stream of flames at the Doragontora, who was begining to stalk Applejack. As it crashed back into a tree, the farmer flicked her tail and continued on. “…Anyway, like AH said, if Ah didn’t believe that we’d all be okay against this varmint, Ah wouldn’t have said it while lookin’ ya right int’ yer eyes hon’. An’ Ah didn’t mean jus’ me, RD, Twilight, an’ Rares either…Ah also mean you an’ Fluttershy as well, b’cause we were the ones fightin’ against this varmint. Well, at least until Goku got taken out, but ya get what I mean by that right?”

“Yeah, I do…” Zephyr replied, glancing at over at Goku’s bloodied state. “…maybe a little too much.”

“Yeah, I figured you did.” Applejack chuckled. “Anyway, my point is, Ah didn’t just say that we’d be fine jus’ because Ag honest believe we’ll be. Ah said it b’cause Ah know that we’ll be okay, an’ we’re gonna make it outta here, an’ when Ah say somethin’ like this, Ah mean it from the bottom o’ mah heart. Ah am an Apple after all, and we take great pride in hour honesty, as well as our dependability…so when Ah say everythin’ will be okay, it’ll be okay, an’ Ah’m damn sure well gonna prove it. So jus’ sit back with the rest o’ th’ girls an’ let me handle this now, alright?”

For a few long moments, Zephyr, Goku and Fluttershy didn’t say anything, all of them looking deep into Applejack’s glowing eyes as they pierced into theirs. All of them could see, almost feel the pure honesty radiating from them, thus leaving all of them a loss for words on what to say or do. As much as they wanted to stop Applejack, to keep her from getting herself killed, but they found themselves unable to speak as they continued to look into the farmer’s emerald orbs, as if they were keeping them from talking. After what seemed like hours, Fluttershy lowered her head, her mane shadowing her eyes as she quietly spoke up.

“A…are you sure that you’ll be okay Applejack?” She asked softly, despite knowing in her heart what the answer was. “W-will you really be okay?”

“Ah wouldn’t be sayin’ it if Ah didn’t believe Ah would be.” Came Applejack’s reassuring reply, turning back to look at the Doragontora in front of her. “Like Ah said, Ah am many things, but Ah am not a liar by any means.”

Goku frowned at the words. ‘Not a liar by any means huh? Yeah, right…’

Fluttershy stared at Applejack’s back for a moment longer, inwardly contemplating whether out of she should take Applejack’s word or take her out of the clearing. A moment later, she gave a defeated sigh as she glanced over at Rainbow Dash, before looking at back at the farmer. “Alright then Applejack…if you think that you’re going to be safe, then I’ll trust you to fight the Doragontora alone. Just know this…” She looked up and glared sternly at Applejack, her teal eyes flashing orange. “If I see even an inkling of you about to lose to that Doragontora, I am dragging you out of there and dealing with him myself! Am I clear?”

“Clear as crystal sugarcube.” Applejack replied, doing her best not to flinch at the glare sent at the back of her head. “Jus’ you wait; by th’ time Ah’m done with this varmint, it’ll be like he wasn’t even here in the first place.”

“I’m gonna hold you to that.” Fluttershy said firmly. “And afterwards, after I’m done healing you all, I’m going to have a little chat with you, Rainbow, and Rarity about what to call certain individuals and what not to call them.”

Goku raised her hoof up. “I second that!” She said as Zephyr nodded softly.

Applejack shuddered, but gave no other response other than a light nod towards the three flyers. With nothing else to say, the farmer turned back to look at the Doragontora, only to jump when it almost immediately attacked. Gritting her teeth, Applejack’s galloped at the draconic cat as they met in midair, the only thing both of them seeing being a sea of each other’s roaring flames.

Author's Notes:

Well everypony, there you all go, the twenty first chapter of this amazing adventure of the Rise of the Dark Queen this first book of my series! Now, for this chapter, I had looked back on the very first version of this and realized that I didn't really make a scene for the Shadowbolts other than that one scene with Violet Fire and the rest of her team. So I decided to make one for this chapter while having them run into the Shinomōkin that the girls had, which will explain something else in a chapter that I'm planning to put back in this that I had taken out when I had decided to revise this entire thing. Now for the fight between the Doragontora and the girls, I had tried to come up with some way to end it, but I decided to have it go on for a little bit longer, since I'm planning to try and add another scene for the Shadowbolts before they meet the future Element Bearers. Now, I'm not gonna make it anywhere near as long as I did last time with the Timberwolves when I first wrote this, but the next scene having that will have a good chunk of it inside before it ends. The next couple of chapter will be back on what's going on in Ponyville before we get back to the girls, and depending on how things go, those two may or may not be as long as the last few...we'll have to see.

Well, that's all for this chapter; tune in next time with me for when we go back to Ponyville!

Chapter 22 - Sparking Diamonds and Blossoming Flowers

Things had gotten even worse for the residents of Ponyville, and it did not look like it was going to be letting up anytime soon. The few ponies that weren’t in the Town Square were running away screaming and crying from the Tantabuses that were prowling all throughout the town, trying to get at anypony that they were able to catch off guard or chase down. Foals were clinging and to their mothers as the mares held and stood over them protectively, doing their best to keep the Tantabus flock at bay despite the latter being far more magically powerful. This did not deter them though, and they bravely fought on, even as their started to get overwhelmed by the magical beings.

The ponies that weren’t being chased by the ethereal creatures were either trying to escape the ones they were surrounded by or protect the ones that were cornered by them. The sounds of magical blasts, electrical shots of lightning in the air, and the shaking of the ground could be heard all around town. It filled the ears of ponies that were either running or fighting for the lives, letting them know that things were indeed looking bleak, and it’d only get worse from here. For two particular ponies, things were about to get even more worse than they already were.

The sound of hooves beating against the dirt ground in a steady gallop could be heard to those closest to it over the numerous of explosives and blasts resounding around the town in the sky. Amethyst and Dinky ran across the streets of Ponyville, the former keeping her gaze ahead of her while the latter clung to her tightly, her hooves wrapped around her neck. On either side of her, Cloud Kicker and Blossomforth were flying above them, looking all around for any signs of any Tantabus monsters that my pop out and ambush them.

“How’re things up there Aunt Cloud, Blossomforth?” Amethyst asked, looking up at the two Pegasi up above her. “Are there any of those things up there around the roofs or houses?”

“Not that I can see from where I’m standing sweetie.” Blossomforth replied. “I see some of them farther away and a bit close by, but they’re fighting the guards right now. So, we don’t need to worry about any of them right now.”

“Yeah, at least not yet.” Cloud Kicker nodded, her eyes narrowing as they sharply scanned the area around them. “Don’t let your guards down though…any one of them could pop out from any moment, no matter where it’d be. Those things are powerful, much more than the average Unicorn, and certainly a lot more powerful than Twilight.”

“Yeah, I think the pony manifestation back at the Town Square proved that already.” Dinky squeaked fearfully. She looked up at her older sister’s face, her own expression clouded with worry. “Are you sure that momma is going to be okay big sis? I mean, we all saw what had happened inside the Town Square when one of those creepy monsters fought Captain Shining Armor…what if it happens again?”

“It won’t happen Dinky; I swear that to you.” Amethyst replied reassuringly, glancing back at her little sister. “I know it may have seemed like Captain Shining Armor was losing against that creature, but it didn’t look like he was going all out against it. More like he was testing its magic and strength to see just how much magic he needed to use on it, which is why he really didn’t use that much magic until the end. You saw it too, didn’t you little sis?”

Dinky took a moment to think back at the fight back at the Town Square, before recognition set into her mind. “Oh, yeah…you’re right; I didn’t feel him using that much magic. I guess he really was sizing that scary monster up.”

“Exactly.” Amethyst nodded. “Plus, he said that he’d be putting up a barrier around the Town Square in case any of those things try to get inside again, so mom will be safe.” She made a sharp turn onto another dirt road. “What we need to focus on is your safety, and we won’t be able to do that unless we get to Miss Twilight’s library.”

“Are you sure that’s a good place to go?” Dinky asked, an unsettling feeling forming in the pit of her gut. “What if there’s more of those monsters at her library too?”

“Then we’ll try somewhere else that doesn’t.” Amethyst said simply. “And if that doesn’t work, then we’ll go to the one place where I know we’ll be safe, whether those things are there or not.”

Dinky’s ears perked up. “You mean Sweet Apple Acres?”

“The very same one Dinks.” Amethyst nodded. “And with the Apple Family there, I know that we’ll be safe, along with Aunt Cloud and Blossomforth. Though I think we should focus on getting to Twilight’s and try their first until we choose that option.”

The sight of something falling form the sky and landing right in front of them stopped the older Unicorn in her tracks as she, Dinky, Blossomforth and Cloud Kicker scream in surprise. Almost instinctively, Amethyst ignited her horn and readiness for whatever had landed before them and stopped them in their tracks. When the smoke cleared, the magenta Unicorn felt all the blood drain from her face as she took in the sight before her and her sister. Dinky wasn’t too far behind, and let out a scream of terror when she saw what had made her sister stop running, while Blossomforth and Cloud Kicker reeled back in horror.

“Oh shit…” The former whispered, staring wide eyed at the white Tantabus in front of them. “I so did not want to run into another one of these bastards! We just left the Town Square only fifteen minutes ago!”

“W-well, it looks like we were going to have to face them sooner or later.” Blossomforth said as she began to sweat. “T-that doesn’t mean that I’m not terrified though.”

“You and me both Miss Blossomforth.” Dinky whimpered, clinging even tighter to Amethyst’s neck. “What do we do now big sis?”

Amethyst was frozen for a moment or two, not really able to say anything as she stared into the pure red eyes of the white Tantabus in front of her. The blood curdling snarl that it gave off manage to snap the young adult Unicorn back to her senses before she registered what her sister had just said. Taking in a calming shaky breath, she looked back at the younger Unicorn resting on her back, then back at the Tantabus, before looking up at her aunt.

“Hey, aunt Cloud Kicker!” She said, quickly gaining the persian blue mare’s attention.

“What do you need Amethyst?!” Cloud Kicker asked from above.

“I need you to take Dinky and let her ride you instead of me!” The magenta coated Unicorn replied. “I’m gonna blast monster into oblivion!”

Blossomforth’s eyes bulged. “You’re going to what?!”

“Sure thing! Just give her to me when you’re ready!” Cloud Kicker nodded, holding out her forelegs as she hovered down towards them.

Amethyst looked down at Dinky, who was staring back at her with wide terrified eyes. “Dinky, I need you to listen to me very carefully okay? Big sis is going to make all the big bad wolves go away, and while I’m doing that, I want you to stay with Cloud Kicker. She’ll keep you high away from them, alright?”

“W-w-what about you?” The grayish violet stuttered, shivering as if she was in a storm. “What if that monster does to you what the other almost did to Captain Shining Armor?! I don’t want to lose you too!”

“Don’t worry Dinky, big sis will be just fine. I’ll make sure that both of us are fine.” Amethyst said reassuringly, giving the filly a gentle smile. “I promise, nothing will happen to you as long as I’m here. I need you to trust me on that, okay? Do you trust big sis?”

“I do!” Dinky replied immediately with a vigorous nod. “As much as I trust momma!”

“Good, then trust me when I say that I’ll be fine. When I’m done with this thing, I will be right here to get you, and we can all head to Twilight’s library together. Just stay with Cloud Kicker and everything will be fine, okay?” Amethyst asked softly, earning a slow reluctant nod from the younger Unicorn. “Alright, now hold your forelegs out. I’m gonna throw you up to aunt Cloud Kicker. Oh, and try not to scream, okay?”

“Okay.” Dinky squeaked.

With a satisfied nod, Amethyst leaned in and gave a quick, yet loving kiss on Dinky’s head, before she looked up at Cloud Kicker, who was still hovering above them. With a heave, the magenta Unicorn bucked her back legs out and threw her little sister in the air as hard as she could, watching as she sailed through the air. Dinky gave a squeal as she shot through the sky, only to go silent when she found herself in the warm furry arms of Cloud Kicker, who held her as close as she could.

“Whoa there, sweetie! I got you!” The persian blue mare said, looking down at Dinky with a kind smile. “Don’t worry, Auntie Cloud’s not going to let you fall.”

“T-t-thanks…” Dinky stuttered as she slowly looked down, before letting out a terrified squeal a second later. She wrapped her forelegs around Cloud’s chest, burying her face in her chest fluff as she looked down at the ground with one eye. “We’re...really high up here.”

“Yeah, it can be pretty scary up here, can’t it?” Cloud said sympathetically, running a hoof through her mane as Dinky. “It’s not so bad...once you get passed the hovering, speeding, and landing, it’s like second nature to us! Trust me, once you get your wings, you’ll know what it’s like for me, and you’ll love it!”

“If you say so…” Dinky murmured, nuzzling her face deeper into her aunt’s chest fluff. ‘Note to self: Ask momma for flying lessons once I’m able to activate my Pegasus Ascension Mode.’

“A-A-Amethyst…” Blossomforth stuttered. “…Y-you’re not seriously thinking of battling this thing on your own, are you?”

“Of course I’m not!” Amethyst replied, sounding as if she was offended by the pinkish gray mare’s question. “Do you honestly think I’m stupid enough to take on something this powerful on my own? Especially after I felt how powerful it was at the Town Square.”

Blossomforth blushed in embarrassment. “W-well, I, um…”

“Never mind don’t answer that.” Amethyst sighed with a role of her eyes. “Anyway, yes, I am gonna fight this thing, but I want you to give me some backup when it looks like I’m getting overpowered. You’re a really strong mare in your own right Blossomforth so you and I should make a pretty great due together.”

“Wait, you two are going to fight him?” Cloud Kicker asked, hoisting Dinky onto her back. “Wait, what about me?”

“What do you mean, ‘what about me’?” Amethyst asked, raising an eyebrow at the persian blue mare. “You’re gonna go and take Dinky to the Golden Oaks Library and keep her safe there with Miss Twilight!”

“Awww, come on Amethyst.” Cloud Kicker whined, pouting down at the magenta Unicorn. “You mean I’m not going to be here to lay the smackdown on these things?”

“No Cloud Kicker, you’re not.” Blossomforth stated sternly, crossing her forehooves. “Amethyst left her sister in your care, and she expects you to get that poor filly to safety. If you waste your time fighting here, your only gonna put Dinky in danger.”

“Not only that…” Dinky said, tugging at her aunt’s mane. “…but if momma finds out that you’ve been trying to fight while carrying me, she’s gonna get super mad. And you don’t want to see my momma mad when it comes to me deliberately being out in danger.”

Cloud Kicker flinched, her face going pale as images of her little sister giving her furious looks flashed through her mind. She squeezed her eyes shut and violently shook her head, before looking back over at Dinky. “Yeah, you’ve got a good point there, Dinks.”

“That she does.” Amethyst nodded. “So why don’t you go on and get your sex-obsessed ass outta here already? Me and Blossomforth will take care of this thing and meet you at the Golden Oaks Library.”

“Are you sure you don’t need me for any extra backup?” Cloud Kicker asked, before Dinky reached up and tugged on her ear. “Ow!”

“Big sis wouldn’t be saying that if she didn’t know for sure!” The filly replied, sounding slightly frustrated at her aunt’s lack of faith in her sister. “Don’t worry Aunt Cloud, she’s got this! Now let’s go before this scary monster decides to go after us instead!”

“Alright alright, jeez! No need to get all bity about it!” Cloud Kicker snorted, rubbing at her right ear. Sighing, she looked down at Amethyst and Blossomforth, the former having hovered down next to her. “Alright then, I’ll leave this guy you Amethyst…if you think you can take him, then I’ll trust that you can. As for you Blossomforth, you’d better keep my big niece safe and in one piece, or else you are going to be in for one hay of a bucking bang when this is over!”

“Trust me, I intend to make sure Amethyst makes it out of here with as little wounds as possible.” The pinkish gray mare replied, smirking back up at Cloud Kicker. “As for the bang…well, we’ll have to see how tonight goes, and if I’m actually up for it after this.”

Cloud Kicker smirked but said nothing else as she nodded to her best friend and her eldest niece, before turning tail and flying off with a blushing Dinky upon her back. The Tantabus, seeing the two fly off, summoned a pair of wings of its own, and made to fly after them, only for a bolt of brilliant blue lighting to strike it through its side.

“I don’t think so mister.” Blossomforth said firmly, her eyes glowing as she lowered her outstretched hoof. The blue aura surrounding her body grew in power as it became streaks the swirled around her, Amethyst’s own moderate violet aura cloaking her. “If you want to get to them, you’ll have to go through us.”

“Damn straight.” Amethyst nodded, glaring daggers at the white Tantabus. “The only way you’re getting to my aunt, let along my sister, is over my dead body!”

With its pure red orbs for eyes glowing, the bleached white Tantabus screeched and shot itself towards the duo, with Amethyst making the first move. Igniting her horn, the mare shot off a powerful bolt of telekinesis that was just barely blocked by a shield that the Tantabus had put up. With the creature distracted, Blossomforth came up from behind it and soared down towards it, lightning coating her entire body.

“You just left yourself wide open!” The watermelon maned mare shouted before she unleashed her attack. “Lightning Pegasus: Striking Spear!”

Both of her lightning coated hooves slammed directly into the Tantabus’s back driving it deep into the ground and causing a huge hole to be made in its wake. Blossomforth immediately took to the air to fly away from it, only to cry out when an ethereal streak wrapped around her leg and slammed her to the ground. It then pulled her towards where she had struck down the Tantabus, before a bolt of pure red magic struck her and sent her crashing into a nearby house.

“Blossomforth!” Amethyst shouted, before turning back to the Tantabus. “Oh, you’re so going to pay for that one!”

With her horn glowing even brighter aura than it was before, two gleaming moderate purple diamonds appeared on either side of Amethyst. They extended and formed into handles as long blades appeared out form the top of them, thus making them into five-foot-long swords. Purple auras covered both appendages as the young Unicorn shot both out in front of the Tantabus, ready to slice it to bits.

“Solid Form Magic: Diamond Swords!” She shouted, galloping towards the Tantabus, who immediately leapt at her with its own horn extended. Amethyst’s swords clashed with the beasts own curved horn, causing sparks to fly through the air as they fought to push each other back. They separated as Amethyst, swung both swords at the beast, only for the Tantabus to dodged both swords, and swing its wing out, the edge of it formed into a blade. Amethyst’s sharp eyes were able to see the attack coming, and used one of her diamond swords to block to wing, doing the same to the other that was coming from the left of her.

“It’s going to take a lot more than wing blades to get passed these swords!” The young adult Unicorn shouted before swinging both swords outward. “Two Sword Style: Slicing Waves!”

With a loud neigh, Amethyst swung both her swords out in two different angles, sending magic waves slashing right into the Tantabus’s chest. It made now sound as it was hit, but Amethyst could’ve sword she saw a faint flash of red glowing from within its chest before it leaped away from her. Igniting its horn, it shot a few magic blasts at the Amethyst, to which she sliced in half with her swords, before firing bolt of magic of her own, large enough to envelop the Tantabus. Much to her shock it didn’t even attempt to evade the attack, and the moment it vanished, it leapt right at Amethyst, who instinctively leapt back.

“Two Sword Style: Twin Slashing Waves!” She shouted, swinging both sword and sending an ‘x’ shaped wave of purple magic at the Tantabus. It used a bolt of magic to dispel the attack, before it med Tantabus in a clash of swords and horns, generating another shower of spark.

They stayed like that for a moment longer before they both vanished, reappearing in the same place repeatedly, either ducking or dodging each other’s attacks. They clashed both horn and sword as they battled for dominance, occasionally shooting magical blasts at each other. Some of them missed, others connected, while some even ended up crashing into homes nearby, leaving good sized holes in the walls or rooftops. Neither payed any attention to this though, the former especially, the only thing on her being to assure Dinky and Cloud Kicker were safe.

“Lightning Pegasus: Electric Shock!” She shouted, shooting both of her hooves out and sending a powerful bolt of lightning at the Tantabus’s stomach. It was left no time to dodge as it the attack struck home, going right through it in the process as it flew back from Blossomforth. The pinkish gray mare wasn’t letting up unfortunately, and before the Tantabus knew it, the mare was already delivering her next attack.

“Lightning Pegasus: Thunder Axe!” Blossomforth yelled, flipping in the air and letting her left forehoof collide with the Tantabus’s face. Amethyst watched in awe as the older mare sent the creature crashing back into the ground, before she grabbed it and hoisted it into the air.

“Lighting Pegasus: Feather Flock Shock!” The pinkish grey mare cried, shooting her wings out and sending a flock of lightning coated feathers at the Tantabus. They struck all over the beast before exploding in a shower of lightning that covered the Tantabus in a huge thick cloud of smoke.

“I’m not done yet!” Blossomforth shouted, landing on her hindlegs, wings still flared, and shooting her forehooves out in front of her. With her eyes glowing brightly, she summoned a large electric orb of blue, before shouting. “Lightning Pegasus: Electric Explosion!”

With a force powerful enough to shake the ground beneath her, Blossomforth shoot a large drill of lightning that tore through the ground and ripped up the earth. It chirped loudly with lightning as it soared right at the Tantabus, who concurred up another shield to block the attack as it hit. This didn’t deter Blossomforth, and she continued to fire off her wave of lightning even as it began to spread all around her.

“Dammit…this thing is a lot more powerful than I had originally thought it’d be!” Blossomforth said to herself, gritting her teeth. “Looks like I’m going to have to take this up a notch.”

“Mind if I give you a hoof there, Blossomforth?!”

Blossomforth’s ears flicked at the sound of Amethyst’s voice, and she turned around to see the young adult Unicorn galloping towards her. Before Blossom could say anything, Amethyst leapt in the air and landed on both of her shoulders, shooting both swords out in front of her.

“H-hey, what’re you-?!” Blossomforth said, stumbling forward a bit. “What’re you doing Amethyst?! Get off of me!”

“It’s alright Blossomforth! I know what I’m doing Blossomforth!” Amethyst said, as her horn glowed brightly with magic. “Just right there alright?!”

“W-why?!” Blossomforth asked, struggling to keep her balance on her hindlegs. “What’re you going to do?!”

“We’regoing to blow this motherbucker into Kingdom Come!” Amethyst replied, lowering her head as her horn and swords glowed brightly. “Three Sword Style: Triple Magic Beam Cannon!”

With an explosion that almost knocked Blossomforth off of her hind hooves, Amethyst shot out powerful beams of magic right into wave of lightning. The attacks fused together immediately, thus creating a wave of purple magic coated in brilliant blue lightning, growing twice as big as it was before. It created an even deeper trail into the ground as the combined attack slammed right into the white Tantabus, driving the ethereal creature back a much farther distance. It tried to pump more magic into its shield, only for it to begin to crack as the combined lighting and magic of Amethyst and Blossomforth chipped away at it.

“You’re not gonna get away from this one, you asshole!” Amethyst shouted, not letting up in her combined blasts. “Come on Blossomforth, let’s give this bastard everything we have!”

“Right!” The pinkish gray mare nodded, digging both hind hooves into the ground. With a loud whinny, she channeled even more of her magic into her hooves, making her lighting wave as powerful as she could. It certainly did the job as it helped strengthen Amethyst’s own growing attack to overwhelm the Tantabus, who was now looking seconds away from getting blown away. Its shield eventually cracked to the point where it could no longer be supported, and it shattered upon impact, leaving the Tantabus no longer able to defend.

It screeched as the combined wave of magic and lighting enveloped it, sending it flying away from both mares and into the streets of Ponyville. The two mares kept the attack going of a couple moments longer, wanting to make absolutely sure that the creature would be gone for good, and it wouldn’t come back. Finally, their attack ceased, until all that was left was a deeply scorched and torn up trail of dirt.

“We did it…we won.” Amethyst said as she leapt off of Blossomforth and stumbled on her hooves. She panted heavily as the whiplash of using so much magic got to her, all four of her legs shaking as her tail drooped. “Holy shit, that was a big ass amount of magic that I used on that freak.”

“Yeah…same here. I don’t think I’ve used that much magic in a long time.” Blossomforth nodded, chuckling a little as her wings hung limp at her sides. “Are you okay sweetie?”

“Y-yeah, I’ll be fine. Just gotta take a breather is all.” Amethyst nodded as she fell to her haunches. She reached up and gingerly touched at her horn, wincing at the heat coming off of it. “Oh boy…that’s going to take a while to cool down.”

“Well, that’s what you get for using so much magic at one time.” Blossomforth said teasingly, before wincing at the pain in her wings. “Then again, who am I to talk when I’ve used up so much of my magic that my wings are going to fall off?”

“Guess that makes two of us doesn’t it?” Amethyst giggled, giving her tail a few flicks. She then looked in the direction where they had both sent the white Tantabus flying, and her smile fell a bit. “Hey…you don’t think he’s going to be coming, back is he?”

“I hope not; I really don’t want a round two when I still feel sore all over.” Blossomforth replied, slightly whining. “And I haven’t even activated my Ascension Mode yet…if that happens, I might not even be able to walk.”

“Well…with all that’s going on, I don’t think either of us will have a choice in the matter, do we?” Amethyst shrugged. “Those things are incredibly strong, and with how much magic we used in this fight, we may have to go into our Ascension Modes sooner than we’d like. I have a feeling that we’ll need all the power we have if we want to win against these things, let alone live to see tomorrow.”

“I hate to say it, but you may be right.” Blossomforth sighed as she rubbed at her wings. She then looked up at the dirt trail left by their magical attacks, only to pause when she noticed something from within it. “Hey…what’s that?”

Amethyst looked over at the pinkish grey mare. “What’s what?”

“That, there inside of the trail.” Blossomforth replied, pointing forward. “Can’t you see it?”

Raising an eyebrow, Amethyst got to her hooves and followed the line of Blossomforth’s gaze, and she immediately noticed a glint from within the ground. At first, she thought she was just seeing things, but as she got closer, she realized that she wasn’t. Several feet away from the two mares was a large glass-like red orb, giving off a faint glint in the light of the Moon. It was a deep crimson red in color, looking almost as menacing as the once alive Tantabus.

“What the hell?” Amethyst whispered, igniting her horn and bringing the orb over to her and Blossomforth. “What is this thing?”

“It looks like some kind of orb of some sorts.” Blossomforth replied, examining the object closely. “Do you have any idea what it does?”

“Not jack shit…” Came Amethyst’s blunt reply, bringing the orb even closer to her. Pursing her lips, she closed her eyes and brought the tip of her horn to the glass-like orb of red. The contact lasted for only a second and a half, before Amethysts eyes snapped open and she dropped the orb to the ground.

“Whoa what is it Amethyst?!” Blossomforth asked, seeing the shocked look on the younger mares’ face. “What’s wrong?”

Amethyst took in a few shaky breaths, trying to calm herself down as her whole body shook with fright. Slowly, she reached a shaky hoof down at the orb and said, “T-that orb…it has that monster’s magic it.”

Blossomforth paled. “W-what?”

“You heard me!” Amethyst said, making Blossomforth jump. “That orb has that monsters magic contained inside of it!”

“It does?! But that’s impossible!” Blossomforth shouted, snapping her head back down at the red glass orb. “T-there’s no way that something that small could contain something that big and powerful, not unless…u-unless.”

“Unless it was the very source of its magical power and life essence.” Amethyst finished darkly as she glared down at the orb. “The one thing keeping it from dying no matter how much magic we threw at it.”

“Wait, really?” Blossomforth asked, looking back over at Amethyst. “You mean it was this thing is what was keeping that monster alive in the first place? How can you be so sure about that?”

“I had first noticed when I went one on one with that thing.” Amethyst replied, not looking over at the older mare. “When I had slashed it with both of my sword, I cut right into where its chest was, and I saw something red shining from inside of it. I didn’t think much of it since I thought that it was just its body giving off some faint glows or something like that.” Her nostrils flared as she lashed her tail out angrily. “It looks like I was wrong about that…dead wrong.”

“So…you’re telling me that it was this glass that was keeping that creature from being killed off or blown away by any of our attacks?” Blossomforth asked as she connected the dots. “A-and the only reason we even managed to defeat I was because…we found the…c-core of its magic and power?”

“It looks like it.” Amethyst nodded, glancing at the terrified Pegasus. “And if the creature that we fought right now has it, then I’m guessing that all of its other buddies have the same thing.”

“W-well…if that’s the case then we have to let everypony know about it quickly!” Blossomforth exclaimed, taking to the air despite the aching in her wings. “All of those guards and ponies are out here fighting those things, and I know that it’s only going to be a matter of time before they get overwhelmed! We have to find a way to let them all know before that happens!”

“Don’t need to tell me twice...after what we've found out, we're definitely going to need a change of plans.” Amethyst sighed, looking down at the ground in concentration. A minute later, she breathed in a deep sigh, and looked back up at Blossomforth. “Alright, here’s we’re going to do; you can get back to the Town Square from here, can’t you?”

Blossomforth paused, giving Amethyst a perplexed look. “W-well sure…we’ve only left twenty minutes ago. W-why?”

“I want you to go down there and find Captain Shining Armor and any other guards that aren’t in the middle of fighting these space pony things.” Amethyst replied, tilting her head in the direction of the Town Square. “I want you to see if he, or any other guard here can use their magic to amplify their voices to enough of a decimal to where they can talk to the rest of the guards around here and in the air.”

“So that I can tell them about what we had found out about these creatures and how to defeat them?” Blossomforth asked, earning an approving smile and nod from the magenta purple Unicorn. “Okay, but…what about you? What’re you going to do Amethyst?”

“What you do think I’m going to do?” Amethyst asked as if it was clearly obvious. “I’m gonna go see if my little sis and my aunt are okay. I know it hasn’t been that long, but I’m pretty sure tha Dinks is already worrying about me, and I wanna put those fears to rest before she drives Aunt Cloud crazy. That and I want to give her some extra protection; I am her big sister after all.”

“Yeah, that you are.” Blossomforth nodded, giving the younger mare a little amused smile. It turned into a concerned frown as she cupped Amethyst’s face in her hooves. “Just be careful when you’re going to the library okay? I know you’re a strong mare and all, but still…even with the weakness we just found out, those things are powerful. So…don’t engage with them if you don’t feel like you can win against them. If anything were to happen to you, let alone Dinky, Derpy would drain my dry of all my blood!”

“Don’t worry, I’ll watch my back while we’re split. I’m already getting you into enough trouble with my mom by doing this, so the last thing I want for you to look like a ghost. Otherwise, my aunt would find you too scary to bang.” Amethyst said, giggling a bit as Blossomforth blushed. “Speaking of which, you had better manage to make it back to us in one piece too, or else my aunt is going to give me a real earful.”

“Sure thing Amethyst.” Blossomforth replied, leaning in and kissing the younger mare on her forehead, just above her horn. “Good luck.”

Amethyst nodded, and with a brief hug, the two mares separated before breaking off in different directions towards their destinations. As Amethyst galloped towards the Golden Oaks Library and Blossomforth flew back to the Town Square, the two mares had one singular though etched into their minds.

‘Please come back to me alive!’

Author's Notes:

This chapter is one that I can say is downright one of the shortest I have ever written so far, and one of the chapters that I have given a quite significant change to. In the last version of this, I had named it 'Ascension', and showed the scene where Blossomforth and Cloud kicker engaging in a fight with the Timberwolves, with Dinky still with them, while Blossomforth was out in other part of town fighting them. Sometime around that last version of this new chapter, I had Cloud Kicker have Amethyst take Dinky and run from the Timberwolves, while Cloud Kicker fended them off, with Derpy eventually coming to her daughters' rescue, followed shorty after by Shining Armor. And after that, they'd all go straight to Sweet Apple Acres where they'd Snowflake, Midnight Sheton, Crescent Shield, Spike, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders after they had gotten trapped inside the library by the Timberwolves, and saved by Moon Blade and his guards.

For this scene, besides the change in the enemies, I decided to have Derpy stay at the Town Square to recover from her injuries, while Blossomforth and Cloud Kicker went with Dinky and Amethyst to the Golden Oaks Library to see shelter there, unaware that Twilight was no longer there. I also planned to have them separate again, only this time, Amethyst and Blossomforth would stay to fight their Tantabus, while Cloud Kicker took Dinky to the Golden Oaks Library so they can both seek shelter there, while promising that they'd meet up there. Other than that, the rest of the chapter was made entirely from the top of my head, with some obvious differences in the beginning. The next chapter will contain the same thing, although it might not take as much changes as it needed for this.

Now, as for those of you who were wondering about the supposed weakness that I had added inside the battle between that one Tantabus, Amethyst, and Blossomforth, let me help you quell your confusion. If any one as watched Akame Ga Kill, and saw both battles between Mine and Seyru Ubiquitous, and learned about the weakness that former's Imperial Arms has, you'll know why I added that in there, and I I thought that it was a rather appropriate weakness to add. Since Seryu's Imperial Arms is an Organic type of Imperial Arms and can only be stopped by destroying the core, I felt that I should do the same for the flock of Tantabuses. Of course, that won't be the only weakness that they have, especially since Nightmare Moon was the one who created them in the first place, though that won't be revealed until later on in the story.

Well, that's all for now; next time we're going to be seeing a revised edition of the break in in Twilight's castle...only this time, with a couple additional guests.

Chapter 23 - Break In

Spike couldn’t for the life of him figure out why, but for some reason, he had really unsettling feeling inside of his gut. A type of feeling that something was afoot, and that something bad either was happening, or was going to happen very soon. Spike had felt this feeling many, many types before, and each time he confirmed his suspicions, he was always correct, even at time where he wished he wasn’t. Whether it was Twilight being harassed and bullied by other ponies and members of higher class, or him getting in that kind of trouble as well, or anything else, he always got that feeling. In recent years, whenever Spike got it, it was nowhere near as bad as what he was feeling right now, allowing him to think of something else. Now, he had no such advantage, and this uncomfortable knot in his stomach was preventing him from thinking any other thoughts, which made him very uncomfortable.

The young Kirin didn’t know how long he was going to have this feeling, but he hoped that it would go away soon. Otherwise, it would drive him insane to the point where he might burn Twilight’s books, and he knew his foster sister would not want that at all. Luckily for Spike, a distraction came to help him take his mind off of his anxious state, coming in the form of a mountain blue bat winged mare.

“Spike?” Snowflake asked gently, coming up behind the indigo Kirin. “Is there something the matter, darling?”

Spike, who had been sucking on his right foreclaws, pulled them out with an audible pop as he gave a somewhat girlish cry of surprise. He jumped so hard that he shot a good eight feet in the air, before landing face first on the pillow that he was sitting down on. Scrambling to his feet, he whipped around to see the Snowflake towering over him, her fangs gleaming as she looked back down at him worriedly.

“Snowflake, don’t scare me like that!” Spike whined, his muzzle forming into a frown. “For a second there I thought you were somepony trying to jump me!”

“Now why would you think that?” Snowflake asked, raising a brow. “Me, Snowflake, Crescent Sheton and the fillies are the only ones here. There isn’t anypony else here but us, so why would you think that there’s somepony here about to jump you?”

“I…I-I don’t know!” Spike stuttered out, his cheeks heating up with embarrassment. “I don’t know why I thought that b-but…well, I did. I’m sorry, y-you just really took me by surprise.”

Snowflake’s eyes softened, and she reached over and pat the young Kirin on his head. “I’m sorry Spike, I didn’t mean to scare you. You looked really uneasy over by the window over there, and I wanted to know if you were alright.”

“…No, I’m not okay actually.” Spike replied, his draconic pony ears falling limp. “In fact, I’m really…scared right now.”

“Scared?” Snowflake asked. “About what darling?”

“About everything that’s going on right now.” Spike replied, looking back up at Snowflake. “I just can’t believe everything that’s happened today. Just this morning, I was hanging out with Twilight and Crescent Shield, while getting ready for the Summer Sun Celebration. Then, this afternoon, I was helping Twilight and Crescent with their studies and her magic down in the Training Basement, while practicing on my own! Then, you, Goku, Snowflake, and Sheton came back after years of being apart, we have a big reunion party, and we got to the Town Square to have an even bigger one with Mo-er, Queen Celestia!” He took a moment catch his breath as he took in slow steady breaths. “I really thought that this was going to be a fun day, especially with all of you here, and the Queen there most of all! I don’t remember a time where I’ve ever been this excited in my life, until…u-until…”

“Until Nightmare Moon came and, um…interrupted the party?” Snowflake finished for the Kirin a grimace forming on her face.

“More like nearly crushing everypony and painting the ground red with their blood.” Spike said bluntly, crossing his forelegs. “Of all the things I expected, this was not it, and that makes me all the more scared knowing just who it was that started all of this! I never thought that Nightmare Moon would actually be real, let alone come and try to invade the town! Not only that, she had also stabbed the Queen…right in front of everypony…even Twilight.” A shiver went down his spine as he let out a whimper. “And now, Twilight and the rest of the girls are going into the most dangerous wilderness in Equestria, to find the weapons that Queen Celestia used to stop Nightmare Moon? I’ve never been so terrified in all of my life, and not just for myself either!”

Snowflake frowned, walking over and climbing onto the wooden couch next to the window and sitting next to Spike. She wrapped her wing around him and pulled him close, nuzzling the top of his head. “You’re worried about Twilight and the rest of the girls, aren’t you? That none of them will be able to make it out of the Everfree, despite the extra aid sent their way?”

“Well…no. At least not all that much anymore.” Spike admitted timidly. “I-I know that Twilight has her friends to help her, a-and some of the guards that Mo-Queen Celestia sent to aid them, a-and that’s great and all. But…but I…”

“But what?” Snowflake asked, ushering Spike to continue. “It’s alright sweetie, you can tell me.”

“It’s not just them that I’m worried about.” Spike continued, looking up into Snowflake’s cat-like blue eyes. “I’m…I’m also worried about me…a-and all of us too! I don’t know why, b-but…I just have this really painful feeling in me that…something else is going to happen. Something even worse than what happened in the Town Squares, a-and what happened to the…to the Queen, and…and that we’re going to be ones in the midst of it.”

“So, you think that we’re going to be the next victims in whatever that Nightmare Moon has planned?” Snowflake asked, getting no response from Spike. Upon getting no answer, the mountain blue mare sighed and blew her mane away from her face. “I see…well, I can understand what’s making you think all of these thoughts, and made quite a few accurate points. To be honest, I’d be surprised if you weren’t even the least bit worried about your sisters, let alone her friends and yours, though it is sweet of you to be worried about me and my sisters.” She smiled down at the young draconic colt. “Still, I don’t think you really have to worry all that much about us, let alone yourself all that much.”

Spike looked up at her in confusion. “What makes you say that?” He asked, tilting his head in a way that made Midnight want to hug him right then and there.

“Oh, come on honey, you really can’t see it?” Snowflake asked, raising an eyebrow down at Spike. “The answers right in front of you! Even if we were to get attacked by a monster that Nightmare Moon had created, we wouldn’t be that far off, would we? Did you forget that each of us are all from extremely powerful clans, including you?”

“No, of course I haven’t, but what does that have to-” Spike stopped short of his question as Snowflake’s own sunk into his mind. He slowly looked back up at Midnight, as an embarrassed blush coming to his face. “Oooooh…”

“Mhm, exaclty.” Snowflake nodded, grinning slightly. “Now, I’m not saying that you shouldn’t be worried, because you have every right to be. Especially about yourself us, the girls, Nightmare Moon, and whatever scheme she has thought up for us. At the same time, you shouldn’t forget that we’re not entirely defenseless anything that might be thrown at us. There’s reason we’re from the Secret Seven Clans of Equestria, because we are able to do many things that ponies that aren’t from our families won’t be able to do, no offense to them of course.” A blush came to her face as she said this, before she shook it off and continued. “That also includes you Spike, since your basically half pony and half dragon, and you can use both our powers, and the powers of the most powerful being in all the land. So, there’s not really that much of a chance for us to get jumped or anything like that, unless we get caught off guard.”

Spike glanced down at his front feet, watching as they shifted from hooves to claws, before a giggle escaped from him. “Heehee, yeah…you have a point there. Still, I don’t think it’d be a good idea for me to turn into a dragon here of all places. At least where other ponies can see it and have a hugefear of dragons.”

“Well, from the way I see it, you may not have much of a choice baby.” Snowflake shrugged, getting up from her spot on the cushy wooden couch. “Don’t worry though, with the power you have, you shouldn’t have any problem with anypony messing with you. And if they even try to, we’ll be there to have your back, even if you won’t really need it.”

“Yeah, I know you will Snowflake.” Spike giggled, nuzzling the side of the beetle black mare’s neck. “Because I very may well incinerate anypony that gets caught up in the line of my fire, right?”

“No, no, of course not baby.” Snowflake replied playfully, nuzzling the amethyst Kirin’s left cheek. “I’m not worried that you might burn anypony to a crisp. I’m just afraid that you’ll send them on an unexpected trip to Canterlot, that’s all.”

Spike burst out laughing, putting his claws to his muzzle to stifle it. “Yeah, that too! I bet the Queen wouldn’t really be very happy with me if I did that, hahaha!”

“No, she probably wouldn’t; though I think she’d get a good laugh later on.” Snowflake laughed back. “Now, why don’t you come over and hang out with the rest of your friends. I think you’ve saved up plenty of energy after the nap that you had; wouldn’t you agree?”

Spike smiled again, showing off his glistening white fangs as he nodded eagerly up at the beetle black mare. With a smile of her own, Nightmare Moon ushered the Kirin colt off of his cushion and led him over to where Snowflake and the rest of the foals were. All of them looked to be in the process of playing a game of some sort, one that Spike could swear he could remember playing. Spike was about to ask what they were playing, but Sweetie Belle cut him off.

“Spike!” The alabaster filly squeaked. “You’re finally up! I thought you were going to be asleep for the entire game?”

“Yeah well, I couldn’t really sleep all that much anyway.” Spike shrugged. “I had something on my mind that was bothering me, but Midnight helped me with it.”

“Oh, r-really?” Scootaloo asked. “D-did you have a b-bad d-dream?”

“Not really, but I did have a tough time sleeping now at a time like this.” Spike replied, shaking his head. “You know, with the return of Nightmare Moon, Twilight and the girls leaving into the Everfree Forest and…everything else.”

“Oh, I get it…” Crescent Shield said softly. “…is that what was bothering you Spikey?”

“Well…yeah, a lot.” The amethyst Kirin replied, his chipper mood dimming somewhat. “It’s okay though, it’s not really bothering me that much anymore. Midnight made sure to see to it that it doesn’t; I just have to have a little more faith that girls will pull through, along with-”

“You better believe they will!” Fire Flash interrupted, making Spike and the other foals jump in surprise. “Those girls have got to be the most badass group of ponies that I’ve ever met in my life! While they may not be quite as much as my sister, but they’ve definitely got what it takes to knock down anypony who messes with them! I know what whatever monsters in that forest that they’re going against will have their overinflated egos knocked down one hay of a peg!”

“While I admire your optimism Fire Flash…” Snowflake shot Fire Flash a stern look. “…you’d better be glad that Goku and the other girls weren’t here to hear you say that Fire. Because that was quite rude, young filly. Somepony should really teach you a lesson in manners in politeness.” Her eyes flashed as she bared her fangs a bit, making Fire Flash shrink back a bit.

“M-mhm.” Scootaloo nodded. “T-that was also r-really m-m-mean what you said about the animals. I-if big s-sister was here a-and heard you s-say that, s-she w-w-wouldn’t be t-too happy.”

“Eeyup.” Apple Bloom nodded, frowning at the crimson filly. “Yer really lucky that Miss Fluttershy ain’t here t’ hear ya. Or else she’d give ya a nice good dose o’ her Solar Stare.”

“Solar Stare?” Sheton asked, tilting his head innocently. “What’s the Solar Stare?”

“You don’t want to know.” Sweetie Belle whimpered. “Trust me.”

“Yeah well, you guys get the point that I’m trying to make, right?” Fire Flash asked, blatantly ignoring Snowflake reprimanding. “So what if they’re going against a bunch of giant fur balls with super abilities and all that stuff? None of that is going to make bring them down, especially with my sister there with them!”

Snowflake raised an eyebrow. “Um, I think you mean with all of them together?”

“Yeah, that too.” Fire giggled, not noticing the facehoof Crescent Shield gave herself.

‘Of course, she’d forget to mention that important fact.’ The ocean blue filly thought, shaking her head. ‘Typical Fire Flash…’

“Wow Fire Flash, you seem pretty optimistic about all of our sisters escaping the Everfree Forest alive.” Sheton murmured. “Not that I’m saying that it’s warranted, but you don’t seem like the type of filly to show itthis much.”

“Heh, for somepony who I only just met, you’ve got quite the good eye.” Fire chuckled, her grin turning wider as Sheton blushed. “And of course I’m showing so much optimism! I have to since Melon Cake isn’t here to pick up the slack! If she’s not here to keep our spirits up, then whose gonna do what only she can do?”

“Ahem.” Apple Bloom coughed, frowning up at Fire Flash.

“Er, I mean…” The crimson filly blushed. “…what only Melon and Pinkie Pie can do.”

“Well, um…” Spike said, rubbing his claws. “…I could do it if you want Fire Flash.”

Fire glanced down at the amethyst Kirin. “Do what?”

“Keep everypony’s spirits up whenever Melon Cake isn’t here to do it herself.” Spike smiled up at the Pegasus filly. “I never like it whenever Twilight, Shining Armor, Crescent Shield or their parents are all down in the dumps for any reason. So, I always make it my sole goal to bring them back up again and help them feel more better on the inside. If you want, I can take that role instead and help Melon Cake out in lifting everypony up, and showing them that not all can be that bad.”

“Awww Spike…” Crescent Shield cooed. “You’d really do that? For Fire Flash and Melon?”

Spike nodded, his blush deepening as he rubbed the back of his head. “Well, sure why wouldn’t I? I’ve always had a knack for being the voice of reason and wanting to lift Twilight up whenever she’s in doubt, so I suppose I could do the same for the rest of you.”

The next thing Spike knew, he was on the ground and getting the life squeezed out of him by an energetic Apple Bloom. The amethyst Kirin gagged as the sun yellow filly’s forelegs wrapped tightly around his neck, nearly choking him.

“Oh, now that has got t’ be th’ sweetest darn thing y’all have ever done fer us Spike!” Apple Bloom cooed. “If Melon were here right now, there ain’t no doubt in mah mind that she’d be tumblin’ ‘round with ya and squeezin’ the apple cider outta ya!”

“Like you’re doing right now?” Sheton asked dryly, wincing at the strength of the farm filly. ‘So glad that’s not me…’

“Heeheehee, yeah, pretty much.” Sweetie said with a giggle. “Still, I agree with Apple Bloom, Melon would be really happy to hear you saying something like that Spike. No doubt that she’d be grinning from ear to ear if she were here.”

“She sure would.” Fire Flash laughed. “As a matter of a fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if she was here about to bang on the door trying to glomp the shit outta Spike right now!”

No sooner did those words come out of her mouth, all eight ponies’ ears perked up to the sound of the wooden door the library being banged on loudly. They all whipped their heads around to the source of the sound, watching as the door was banged on again, the large wooden appendage giving way ever so slightly to the force of the multiple blows outside.

“Huh...looks like you were right Fire Flash.” Apple Bloom said once the shock wore out. “It looks like Melon Cake really is here right now.”

“Seriously?! I was just joking!” The crimson filly exclaimed, her golden eyes wide with shock and surprise. “I figured Melon would be here, but I didn’t think she’d be here that fast!”

“I don’t know about that. Melon Cake is known to pop up from time to time…but this is new, even for her.” Crescent Shield muttered suspiciously. “Something tells me that it’s not her behind that door.

“T-that’s because it’s not.” Spike said, finally managing to get out of Apple Bloom’s grasp. “I can smell who it is outside of the door, and it’s not Melon Cake.”

Just as the indigo Kirin asked this, the door was banged on a third time, this one much more powerful than the last and actually making some splinters shoot out from it. Snowflake’s eyes narrowed; a frown formed on her face as a sinking feeling forming on her gut. Before she could say or do anything, a loud and terrified voice rang from behind the door.

“Twilight?! Twilight are you in there?! Open the door!” The voice shouted, it’s tone filled with urgency and terror. “Something really bad is going on! Please, open the door, now!”

“Wait a minute…” Sheton said as her eyes slowly widened. “I know that voice. That sounds like...Miss Cloud Kicker!”

“Cloud Kicker?!” Apple Bloom exclaimed as she stared wide-eyed at the stormy grey colt. “What’s she doing here at this hour?!”

“I have no idea.” Snowflake replied, getting to her hooves. “Whatever it is though, she sounds really terrified.”

“U-um, Sheton…” Scootaloo said as Snowflake trotted over to the door. “I-if you d-don’t mind me a-asking…h-h-how did you meet Miss C-Cloud Kicker.”

The bat winged colt smiled at the bright orange filly. “It was earlier today when me and my sisters went to go see Rainbow Dash. Miss Cloud Kicker was at Rainbow’s house with another mare named Blossomforth, and they were watching Rainbow’s house while she was clearing the clouds.” A blush came to his face as he played with his long mane. “They were, um…r-really nice…in their own way, e-e-especially Miss Blossomforth.”

“Oh, s-so you meet M-Miss Blossomforth too?” Scootaloo asked. “Y-yes, t-they’re both v-very kind m-mares, a-and they both l-love interacting with f-foals. M-my sister would sometimes h-have me s-stay over w-with them i-if she couldn’t f-find a f-foalsitter, a-and I’d always h-have such a f-fun time w-with them. E-even Miss D-Derpy would w-watch over me a-along with her d-daughter D-Dinky, a-and…I-I’d always have a b-blast there.” Her ears perked as she tilted her head at Sheton. “S-speaking of which…d-did you meet M-Miss Derpy a-and Dinky today t-too?”

A blood curdling unified scream coming from Crescent Shield and Sweetie Belle cut Sheton off from what he was about to say. It made him jump so hard that he took to the air in a fright, his left wing accidentally smacking Scootaloo in the face. He looked over to where the two horned fillies were and flinched at seeing the horrified looks on their faces. Fire Flash and Apple Bloom weren’t too far off, the formers jaw on the floor and the latter’s face losing all color, while Spike began shiver in place. Unnerved by all of his old and new friends scared expressions, Sheton looked in front of him, only to reel back and slam into a bookshelf by what he saw.

Leaning against an equally horrified Snowflake, chest heaving as if she had just finished running a marathon, was none other than Cloud kicker, looking like she had gone through Tartarus and back. Her amber blonde mane and tail her heavily disheveled, looking like they had both lost a fight with a blender, soaked in droplets of her own blood. Her whole body had deep slashes and cuts all over many of them still fresh and still oozing blood, which was slowly growing into a pile onto the floor and outside of the library. Her large wings were sprawled out, the feathers bent and out of place with some of them looking like they were bitten off, and small pieces of wood and splinters could be seen sticking to various parts of her body, including the ones where the bites and claw marks could be seen. Beside her was Dinky, and while she wasn’t anywhere near as hurt, it could be seen on her face that the young Unicorn was frightened to death.

“Oh, my Celestia! Cloud!” Snowflake cried, holding the bloodied mare by her side. Once she and Snowflake was a good distance from the door, she slammed it shut, ignoring the trail of blood unintentionally left by Cloud in her wake.

“W-w-what the-?!” Fire Flash stuttered as she took in Cloud’s condition with wide horrified eyes. “What the buck happened to her?! Why is she all bloody?!”

“I don’t know, but that’s something I’m gonna try to find out.” Snowflake replied as she slowly rolled Cloud Kicker over and set her onto her back. “Could, honey, are you okay?! What in heaven’s name happened to you?! Why did you come to the library and why are you all torn up?!”

“*cough*, *cough*...Snowflake...*cough*...you’re here…in Twilight’s library?” Cloud wheezed out through her coughing. “W-Where’s…*cough*...where’s Twilight...a-and...the others…?”

“Don’t worry about that dear, I can explain later. Right now, we need to get you taken care of.” Snowflake replied gently, yet urgently as she sat down on her haunches and set the mare’s head on her lap. Once she did so, she turned to the foals, all of them staring in horror at Cloud’s condition. “Kids, I need you to listen to me very carefully to what I’m about to say, and no matter what, I need you to stay as clam as you possibly can, alright?”

Sheton, Spike, Crescent Shield and the other fillies, all trembling from head to hoof, slowly nodded their heads, none of them trusting themselves to speak.

“Sheton, Crescent Shield, Spike, I need you all to help me carry Derpy into Twilight’s room, the same room that you all were in when we had that party with Twilight and the others earlier today.” Snowflake instructed. “Once we get there, I want you three to watch over her while I search for some medical supplies. Whatever happens, make sure she’s safe and do not do o anything until I get up there with you. Do you understand?”

The two colts and fillies nodded hastily.

“Good, now come over here and help me pick her up.” Snowflake ordered, and the three foals rushed over to her. “Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Fire Flash, Scootaloo, you four go upstairs to Twilight’s bedroom and make sure that it’s set.”

“Got it!” Fire Flash said firmly, giving off a salute before she zoomed upstairs.

“Got it! C-come on girls!” Scootaloo stuttered as she, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom all went upstairs.

“Spike,” Snowflake began as she turned to the purple colt, who was trying to lift a part of Cloud from off the ground.

“Y-yeah?” He asked as he looked up at her.

“Does Twilight have any first aid kits stashed around the library anywhere?” Snowflake asked as she slowly got up from off of the ground.

“Oh, yes she does!” Spike replied, his emerald green eyes lighting up in recognition. “Twilight has them stashed inside the basement!”

“Could you be a dear and get a few from down there?” Snowflake asked. “By the looks of these injuries, we’re going to need more than one.”

“Right, got it!” Spike nodded as he turned tail and ran towards the door leading to the basement.

“Alright kids, I’m going to lift her up, are you two ready?” Snowflake asked she looked up at Crescent Shield and Sheton. The ocean blue filly nodded in silent readiness, but Sheton didn’t reply, or even look up at his sister, instead just staring at Derpy’s body in mounting horror. “Sheton...is something the matter?”

“I...I-I-I can’t believe it...look at her…s-she’s so torn up...and covered in so much b-b-blood.” Sheton whispered shakily, watching as the crimson streaks of liquid ran down the silvery grey mare’s body and fell to the floor. Lower lip quivering, the stormy grey colt slowly looked up at his sister his emerald blue eyes becoming glazed over. “Is she...is she going to be, okay?”

“I don’t know, but she definitely needs some help with these wounds.” Midnight replied, before glancing over at Dinky. “Dinky sweetie, what happened? Why is Cloud Kicker in this horrid state?”

Dinky took a minute to calm herself, before she looked up at Cloud Kicker and squeaked, “It…i-it all happened so fast! M-me, my sister, Blossomforth a-and aunt C-Cloud Kicker were h-heading here t-to Twilight’s a-after t-the Town Square was b-broken into again. W-we were heading over here, w-when these big space-like p-ponies came out of nowhere and ambushed us! M-me and Aunt Cloud Kicker escaped while my big sis a-and Blossomforth fought them! I-I thought we’d be safe until we got here, b-but…but we…!”

“You were ambushed by these…space ponies when you least expected it.” Sheton guessed; his suspicions soon confirmed as Dinky shakily nodded. “And that’s why Miss Cloud Kicker looks like this?”

“Y-y-yeah, it is!” Dinky replied, starting to panic again. “S-she was almost k-k-killed when we were coming here, a-and if it hadn’t been for her distracting them at the l-last minute, w-we never would’ve made it here! I-I don’t know what would’ve happen if she was…was…” A sniffle left her nose as she squeezed her eyes closed. “Oh, it was so scary!”

Scootaloo rushed over and pulled the grayish violet filly in her forelegs, wrapping her large wings around her as well. “Shhhhhh, there, there…it’s okay Dinky. It’s all over now; you and Miss Cloud Kicker are here in the library now, and you’re safe here with us. You don’t need to worry about anything coming to get you anymore, okay?”

“Yeah, Scootaloo’s right.” Crescent nodded, walking over and hugging Dinky from behind. “Both of you are alright now. There’s no need to be scared anymore, not while we’re here to keep you safe.”

“Y-yeah…okay.” Dinky whimpered, sniffling as she clung tightly to Scootaloo as the bright orange filly stroked her mane. “T-Thank you everypony…”

“Well, I’m glad to see that you’re feeling better Dinks.” Cloud Kicker chucked, her head still in Snowflake’s lap. She winced as a sharp pain flashed across her chest. “Ow…son of a bitch that hurts! Hey Snowflake, where are those little kiddos with that medic kit yet?”

“Don’t worry Cloud, they’ll be back in just a moment with it; just be patient. You have your Pegasus and Clan magic to help accelerate your healing rate, so we’ll only need the kit to help give you some extra treatment.” Snowflake patiently advised, gingerly running a hoof down the persian blue mare’s bloodied mane. “For right now, would you be so kind as to explain to us why you look like you got into a fight with a pack of Timberwolves?”

Ears flattening against her head, Cloud opened her mouth to speak, but was silenced when she heard a rather loud bang come from the door once more. This time, the sound was not like that of a hoof bounding against it, but it sounded as if somepony where slamming their whole body against it. The uneasiness in the mountain blue Pegasus grew even more when she heard what sounded like scratching and snarling coming from the other end, before it went away all together.

“W-w-what was that?” Crescent Shield squeaked, pressing herself next to Sheton as her little body shook.

“I don’t know…” The Sheton replied uneasily. “Whatever it was, that was definitely nota pony. More like an animal or something like that.”

“R-really?” Crescent Shield asked timidly, glancing over at the young Kirin. “I-is that what do you think it is?”

“Probably…I don’t know.” Sheton said with a small shrug, before looking over at Snowflake. “What do you think it is Snowflake?”

“I have not the slightest clue dear, but I’m gonna check it out.” Snowflake replied as she began make her way towards the door only for something to grab onto her right hindleg. Looking over her shoulder, she looked down to see Cloud clinging onto her right foreleg, looking up at her with a look of absolute terror.

“N-no...don’t go out there Snowflake, please!” She begged; her voice still very wheezy as she clung weakly to the mountain blue Pegasus’s leg. “It’s not safe!”

“Don’t worry Cloud, everything is going to be okay.” Snowflake said gently. “You don’t need to worry about me. I’ll be just fine. Just stay here with the foals and don’t move around too much okay? You’ll make your injuries worse than you do...”

“N-no…! Y-you don’t understand!” Cloud pleaded desperately, but her words went unheeded as Snowflake gently shook her leg out of the other mare’s grip. With little to no strength left, Cloud could only watch as the mountain blue Pegasus slowly headed towards the door.

“Be careful Snowflake…” Sheton cautioned. “You don’t know what could be out there.”

“I will dear, don’t worry.” Snowflake nodded as she stopped just short of the door. Slowly and gingerly, she lifted a snow-white hoof towards the door knob and slowly wrapped it around the metal appendage, her heart beating fast against her chest as she did so. She looked back over her shoulder and met the eyes of Sheton, Crescent Shield, and Cloud, the last of which shaking her head frantically, her golden eyes pleading for her to not open the door. Snowflake took in a deep shaky breath steadying her nerves as best she could for what she was about to do. Once she was sure she was calm enough, she turned the knob, and slowly opened the door, letting the cool night air fly right into her face, neck, and chest the more she opened it.

The mountain blue Pegasus had only opened the door so a few or so inches, before she felt the wooden appendage exploded right into her face first, before it sent her flying into the air and skid across the floor. Quickly shaking off the force of the impact, Snowflake scrambled to her hooves and flared her bat wings out in preparation to face her attacker. When the smoke cleared, her eyes to bulged and her jaw dropped when she saw who, or rather, what her attacker was.

“N-no way…” Crescent Shield stuttered, her golden eyes going wide in absolute disbelief as she took in the sight before her. “Is...is that a...a…!”

“I-It is!” Sheton squeaked, hind legs shaking as his tail tucked between his legs. “It’s a...T-T-T-T-Tantabus!”

The stormy grey colt was indeed right, for standing in front of Snowflake, was a large and fierce looking Tantabus, looking to be cut from the very essence of outer space. It was a deep royal blue in color, having pink, blue and yellow, stars in, with a set of gleaming green eyes adorning its face. It had a long-curved horn, looking a sharp and deadly as a samurai sword, with a fast set of wings rivaling even Goku’s own wings. Lastly, it had a gleaming orb of green like right in the center of its chest, and a flowing mane and tail that billowed behind it.

“Queen Luna send me to the Moon…” Snowflake whispered, her pupils contracting. “Is…is that what I t-think it is?”

“OH NO!” Dinky screamed, scrambling back from the creature now in the library. “THAT’S THE ONE! THAT’S THE ONE THAT ATTACKED MY AUNTIE CLOUD!”

“Tantabus…” Crescent Shield breathed; her eyes wide with terror as she stared right into the hungry eyes of the ethereal Alicorn like pony creature. Snowflake was so taken aback by the appearance of her invader, that she almost didn’t notice it hunch its body, before leaping into the air, heading straight towards her with its mouth agape.

“SNOWFLAKE WATCH OUT!!!” Sheton screamed as he watched the large blue creature fly towards his sister.

Thankfully, the mountain blue Thestral was able to snap out of her stupor long enough to see the Tantabus lunging straight at her. Just as it was about to pounce, Snowflake whirled around and launched her hindlegs out, slamming both of her hind hooves into the Tantabus’s chest, causing it to fly back and crashing to the floor. As the Tantabus recovered from the attack and Snowflake prepared to face it again, the clopping of hooves could be heard from behind her, Sheton, and Crescent Shield. A few seconds later, Spike came up with a large medical kit in his mouth.

Snowflake, I heard screaming! What’s going o-holy hay! It’s a Tantabus!” Spike began to ask, only to reel back in shock and terror and let out a scream of fright as his emerald eyes laid on the wooden canine. Right at that moment, Fire Flash came zooming downstairs.

“Hey! What the hay is with all of the screaming?!” The crimson filly demanded as she looked about the main room of the library. When her eyes landed on the Timberwolf, she instinctively flew back. “Holy bucking hay!”

“Spike stay back. Don’t come any closer.” Snowflake ordered, before she turned to the Fire Flash. “Fire Flash, you, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle go back upstairs, now.”

“What?! But Snowflake what about the-”

“I’ll deal with him myself!” Snowflake interrupted firmly, giving the fillies a stern look. “Now, go back upstairs and-”

“SNOWFLAKE LOOK OUT!!!” Cloud Kicker and Dinky screamed in unison as the former shot a bloodied hoof forward.

The mountain blue Thestral mare spun around just in time to see the Tantabus shoot of a bolt of magic at her, only for Snowflake to duck under it. Cloud Kicker the foals behind her screamed as the attack struck the bookshelf behind them, causing the books to scatter all over the air and fall to the ground. Snarling in anger, Snowflake flew at the Tantabus just as it was charging up another magical bolt and swung her right back wing at the claw ready to strike. A deep slash appeared across the Tantabus’s face, causing to emit a screech as it reared up in what seemed to be pain. Snowflake swung out with her other wing, aiming right for the Tantabus's stomach, but found herself flying back and tumbling across the floor as her right cheek exploded in pain.

“Snowflake!” Cloud cried. “Are you alright?”

“Other than my cheek and jaw, yes.” Came the mountain blue Thestral’s blunt reply as she rubbed at her cheek. She spat out a few lose teeth before pulling herself to her hooves and turning to the foals behind her and Midnight. “Sheton, Crescent, Spike, I want you to take Dinky, and go upstairs with the other girls and stay up there. Do not come back down until we tell you it’s safe, alright?”

None of the foals dared to argue with the older mare; they turned tail and galloped up the stairs, running past the other three fillies. Apple Bloom Sweetie Belle, and Fire Flash all looked back down at Snowflake, only to see the mare looking at them sternly. With one last glance towards the Tantabus, they also galloped up the stairs, leaving Snowflake and Cloud Kicker alone in the main room.

“Be careful Snowflake.” Cloud Kicker cautioned, pressing herself against the destroyed bookshelf. “This thing is strong; practically as strong as his other buddies outside. You two are going to have a tough time fighting him.”

“Tell me something I don’t know.” Snowflake frowned as she stepped in front of the bloodied persian mare. She glared bat wings, a greenish blue aura surrounding her bodies as they activated their Adrenaline Modes in preparation for a showdown.

Just before the Thestral mare was about to strike, a burst of moderate purple magic appeared in between her and the Tantabus, revealing it to be Amethyst. Around the same time, the Tantabus had fire off a bolt of magic at Snowflake planning to blow them away. Fortunately for her, Amethyst was already readying a bolt of magic of her own, and it clashed with the one of the Tantabus’s own. A powerful shockwave of magic burst throughout the library as it sent Snowflake flying back and land right on top of Cloud Kicker. The young Unicorn and Tantabus went on in their magical power struggle for a few moments, before the former upped the ante to decide the fight.

“You get the hay away from my friends and aunt!” She shouted angrily, a powerful pulse of electricity coming around her horn and morphing into her magic. It ran along it and went right into the Tantabus’s own before striking it in the head. This made it cancel out its attack, and it screeched out in pain as the electricity coursed through its body, freezing it in place. Amethyst, seeing another chance, immediately ignited her magic again but this time she added pulses of lightning to amplify her power.

“This is the end for you, asshole!” Amethyst shouted, firing off her attack again while the Tantabus was still rearing up. It struck it right in the chest, into the spot where the glowing orb of green was, shattering it into sparkling particles. Once that was destroyed, Amethyst let her magic consume the rest of the blue Tantabus’s form and sent it out of the library and into the streets of Ponyville. The moment it was gone, Amethyst encased the library door in her magic and shut it with an echoing slam.

“There, that should take care of that bastard for a while.” Amethyst snorted, taking a few recovering breaths. Once she managed to collect herself, she looked back over at Snowflake and Cloud Kicker, reeling back when she saw the latter’s condition. “Holy shit, Aunt Cloud Kicker what the hay happened to you?!”

“I got myself into some grimy shit, that’s what.” Came the persian mare’s dry reply. “Despite that, I’m glad to see what you’re still alive and in one nice piece, unlike me.” A worried look came to her face as she noticed one other pony missing. “Where’s Blossomforth?”

“She’s gone back to the Town Square; we had gotten into a fight with one of those creatures while we were heading here, but we managed to defeat it.” Amethyst replied, holding a hoof up stop her aunt from saying anything. “Speaking of which, there’s something that I need to tell you-”

“BIG SIS!”

Before Amethyst even realized it, she found herself on the floor back first as a violet blur shot out and collided with her. Once she managed to get her barring’s she looked down and saw Dinky hugging her tightly, sobbing into her chest fluff.

“Big sis, you’re finally here!” Dinky cried; her voice muffled as she nuzzled the older Unicorn. “I thought that it was going to take longer for you to make it!”

“D…Dinky!” Amethyst said, temporarily forgetting about what she had found out. She sat up on her haunches and hugged the filly to her. “Jeez Dinks, what’s gotten into you? I get that you’re glad to see me again but keep it together with the waterworks, will you? You don’t need to be crying every time you see me.”

“I think she has every right to cry regardless of the situation.” Cloud Kicker said firmly, casting a stern look at her eldest niece. “Dinky and her friends nearly got crushed under a roof, found her mother in the same state, nearly got obliterated by manifested ponies, and was worried sick about both of you for the past twenty-five minutes.” She crossed her forehooves. “After all that, I certainly would be bawling my eyes out like Dinks is, and I know for a fact that you would be too. Not everypony is ‘tough’ like you are Amethyst, so cut the poor girl some slack and just let her get it out.”

The magenta purple Unicorn flinched a guilty look coming to her face. “R-right sorry…”

“Anyway…” Cloud Kicker sighed. “What is it that you wanted to tell us again?”

“Oh, right.” Amethyst nodded, getting up to her hooves. “I had found something out about the creatures that me and Blossomforth had fought back at the Town Square that you guys really need to know. The ones that also broke in the Town Square and fought Shining Armor before me, Aunt Cloud, Blossomforth and Dinky had all come here. I think it’ll really help you guys in beating these things and not have an outlasting fight with them.”

“We have something about them that we need to tell you too, dear, but it can wait for a few minutes.” Snowflake said, glancing over at Cloud Kicker. “Right now, we need to get your aunt up to Twilight’s room and get her injuries fixed up before they get worse.”

Cloud Kicker’s ears flattened against her head, a look of hesitance morphing onto her face. “Are you sure that Twilight would be okay with that? I don’t want to impose.”

“It’s fine dear. With everything that’s happened, Twilight will understand.” Snowflake said reassuringly, putting a hoof on the persian blue mare’s shoulder. “Once she and her friends are back from her mission, I’ll explain everything to her, and it’ll all be good.”

“Okay...if you say so.” Cloud replied, hesitantly giving in.

“Good. Now, let’s get you upstairs, shall we?” Snowflake asked sweetly as she gently lifted the mare on her back. “Dinky, could you help me carry your auntie to upstairs please?”

“O-okay!” Dinky replied as trotted over and joined the Thestral mare at her side, slinging her right forearm over her shoulder. “Come on big sis!”

“Right behind you Dinks.” Amethyst murmured, trotting over to Snowflakes left side and repeating Dinky’s actions. With a much gentleness as they could muster, they all carried the injured Pegasus mare up the stairs where the foals were waiting. Just before they reached the top, Snowflake looked back behind her at the nearest window down below.

‘I never expected things to get this bad this quickly. First Nightmare Moon appears, and now we have Tantabuses invading the town. I really hope that things get better soon, or we may have a real problem on our hooves.’ The mountain blue Thestral though, a knot forming in her gut as her ears flattened. ‘Midnight, Goku I hope you hurry back, and please...come back to us alive.’

Author's Notes:

I think I can safely say that this chapter had a combination of changes to it, while at the same time still having some semblance of what it was the last time that I wrote it. A majority of the beginning of this chapter was change from what it was last time, with some points changed here and there, such as Cloud Kicker and Dinky being the ones that'd arrive at the Golden Oaks Library, and Amethyst being the next one to arrive in the midst of the fight between Snowflake and the Tantabus. It went somewhat the same way as it did with the Timberwolves, but now it has the Tantabuses in it, and we have a new little face to join the rest of the foals.

I would also like to point out that I had almost added Midnight into this chapter, but I had remembered that I had put her with the Apple Family and was having her help them defend the farm! So glad that I had caught myself nearly doing that at the end of the chapter, otherwise that would've turned out really badly for me...I'm gonna have to watch myself when I do things like that. Don't what to have another series of mistakes like the ones I made making the first version of this story.

Well, that's all for this chapter for now everypony; next time we're getting back to the Shadowbolts and the Main Seven, with the latter having a vicious encounter with a bloodthirsty army!!!

Chapter 24 - Golden Flames

The sound of clapping thunder and chirping could be heard resounding around a certain section of the Everfree Forest as the Shadowbolts fought the Shinomōkin in midair. The giant raptor’s loud screeches tore through the trees and sliced through the air as it swung and struck at the five flyers surrounding it. Auras that matched their eyes color surrounded Violet Fire and the rest of her team as they engaged the giant bird of prey in a flurry of feathers. Their magical infused attacks of lightning, wind, and fire met each other in powerful devastating blows, incinerating leaves and ripping off branches as they all exploded upon impact. As they went higher, their attacks lit up the night sky, making it look like fireworks were being set off, despite the fact that nopony even inhabited the Everfree Forest.

Violet Fire’s goggles flashed brightly as she flew at the Shinomōkin, a golden aura surrounding her body, along with an even bigger cloak of flames. The fire roared and sizzled the leaves of the branches as the Shadowbolt Captain flew through the air and slammed herself directly into the Shinomōkin’s stomach. The raptor screeched in pain as the fire burned at the feathers of its stomach and chest, and it used one of its large wings to fling the ebony mare away. It then lashed out with its razor-sharp talons, ready to impale Violet and slice her open, only for Fast Tracks to intervene.

“Oh no you don’t you overgrown buzzard!” True to his name, the light brown stallion came in fast. He clashed the edges of his wings and the claws with the Shinomōkin’s talons, drawing sparks out of both appendages as they fought for dominance. They eventually separated, and the Shinomōkin struck again, shooting off a bolt of lightning at the Shadowbolt.

“Lightning Thestral: Thunderous Wing Attack!” He shouted, coating his bat wings in bright violet lightning and shooting them out in front of him. The two bolts of violet lightning clashed with the Shinomōkin’s own, and due to their being two on the former’s side, the latter’s attack was cancelled out. As smoke appeared around them, Storm Shadow took this opportunity to hide in the smoke and take the Shinomōkin by surprise and hopefully, catch it off guard.

“Shadow Pegasus: Neigh!” She yelled, shooting off a blast of black essence out of her mouth, shooting it from out of the thick smoke cloud. The Shinomōkin was caught off guard by the attack, but not enough to where it was left unable to defend itself from it. At the last second, the raptor was able evade the attack, and watched as it hit a giant tree.

‘Damn, I was hoping that I’d be able to get him thanks to the smoke covering my attack.’ Storm Shadow thought to herself, pursing her lips. ‘I guess I didn’t strike close enough and he was able to see my strike coming. Then again, Shinomōkin do have keep senses of sight, especially in the dark, so that may have played a part in this.’

The Shinomōkin suddenly screeched loudly, and coated itself in a cloak of stormy grey clouds with lightning emitting form it before flying at Storm Shadow. The dark grey Pegasus saw this coming and tried flying away from the giant raptor, but it was quickly gaining on her. Just as Storm was about to try to fire off another attack, Blue Skies beat her to the punch.

“Sky Pegasus: Crushing Hoof!” She shouted, shooting off a blast of wind form one of her hooves down at the Shinomōkin. The raptor’s gleaming white eyes snapped over to the large orb of wind that was coming its way, but due to the speed the wind attack was coming at, it wasn’t able to do anything. An explosion of wind shot throughout the trees as it hit the Shinomōkin right its side, sending it crashing into a tree as the rest of the wind slice through the air and struck the other trees. Thanks to the cloak of lightning coated grey cloud cloak that the giant raptor was coated in, it destroyed the tree that it was sent crashing in, making it crash to the ground with a resounding boom. The Shinomōkin wasn’t able to get itself out from under the tree in time, and it found itself crushed under the wooden appendage.

“Are you alright Storm Shadow?” Blue asked, looking over at her teammate and friend. “Did the Shinomōkin get you?”

“Thankfully no; I was about to try and blow it back, but thankfully you had stepped in and stopped him.” Storm Shadow replied, smiling slightly at the light grayish white mare. “Thank you for that by the way Blue Skies. I wasn’t quite expecting your interreference like that, but I commend you for coming to my aid regardless.”

“O-oh, well…it wasn’t anything really.” Blue replied, blushing deeply. “I-I just saw you in trouble and about to get, um…eaten. So, I just came in and saved you from becoming the Shinomōkin’s food.”

Lightning Shadow smiled, sweetly and was about say something when there was a huge explosion of wood and flames, following by a powerful screech. All five Shadowbolts looked down to see the Shinomōkin rising from the ground like a phoenix from the ashes, fire replacing the lightning that once coated its body. It glared up at the flyers, its curved beak glinted as its face contorted into a hideous mask before it flapped its powerful wings and ascended towards the Pegasi.

“Maybe we can save the praise for Blue for later! This bird isn’t done with us yet!” Lightning said as deep red wind surrounded her. “We gotta take him out quick so we can get to the ponies that Queen Celestia sent us to protect!”

“Shouldn’t I be the one saying that Lightning?” Violet Fire asked, grinning dryly at the light grey mare. “Then again, I agree with you baby.”

“So do we!” Fast Track grinned. “Come on girls, let’s waste this overgrown chicken!”

“Don’t need to tell us twice.” Storm Shadow murmured as she and the others flew at their adversary.

“Shadow Pegasus: Dark Explosion!” Lightning Shadow shouted, shooting off a large bolt of darkness at the Shinomōkin. It exploded upon impact, sending the Shinomōkin flying through the air, before it righted itself, preparing to retaliate against Lightning. Before it could however, it once again found itself being body slammed into by Violet Fire.

“You should really learn to pay attention to your surroundings sweetie!” She shouted as fire danced around her suited form. “My dear lighting isn’t the only pony here that you need to watch out for!”

Pulling herself away from the giant raptor Violet shot her hooves out and shot a blast of purple flames at the Shinomōkin, only for it to fly above the flaming attack. It looked down at Violet for a moment, before shooting off a bolt of fire at the Shadowbolt Captain, striking her right in her chest. Thanks to the cloak of fire around her, the fire didn’t really hurt Violet, but it did manage to singe her suit somewhat, and make her goggles emit some heat. The ebony mare flinched at the heat in her suit and goggles, but managed to stay focused and met the giant Shinomōkin in a midair clash of garnet and violet fire. Flames and branches caught on fire as the Pegasus and raptor soared about the air, the former’s teammates doing their best to give their captain aid.

“Lightning Thestral: Thunder Drill!” Fast Tracks shouted, descending down form the air and spinning while being coated by purple lightning. He struck the Shinomōkin right in its back, sending electricity coursing through its veins as it faltered in its flight. This left an opening for Violet, and she was able to use that opportunity to attack.

“Fire Pegasus: Whinny!” She yelled, a stream of black and purple fire exploding from her mouth and soaring towards the Shinomōkin. It screeched as its vision was enveloped in purple and black, thus leaving it unable to see one of the other Shadowbolts moving in.

“You still up for more, big guy? Well, why don’t you have some of this?!” Blue Skies said as she drew in a breath. “Sky Pegasus: Neigh!”

A powerful blast of whirling wind tore from the light grayish white Pegasus’s mouth, up at the giant raptor striking it right in its stomach. It nullified a good portion of the flames, draining the Shinomōkin of some of its fire magic and putting it in an even weaker state. It shook off the attack and made to go after Blue, but found itself face to face with the shadow duo.

“Shadow Pegasus: Black Blast!” Lightning Shadow and Storm Shadow both shouted in unison, sending large waves of blackness at the Shinomōkin. They drove the giant raptor even higher into the air, so high that it was hovering well past the trees, unintentionally igniting them on fire.

“Good work team, we’ve managed to drive him up into the sky!” Violet said as her flame cloak continued to dance about her. “Leave the rest to me! I’m going to finish this with one strike!”

Blue Skies looked over at the ebony black mare worriedly. “Are you sure that’s a good idea Captain Violet? What if the Shinomōkin incinerates or electrocutes you or something?”

“Captain V wouldn’t be having all of us stay out of her way if she wasn’t going to end the fight and know that she’d be able to do it Blue.” Fast Tracks chuckled. “Trust me, our Captain has this fight in the bag; she’ll be just fine.”

“Before I do this, I need a little something to help give me a little boost.” Violet said, looking over at Blue Skies. “Blue Skies, honey, do you mind doing me a little favor?”

Blue skies looked over at her Captain, blushed a bit. “Y-yes, what is it?”

“You have efficient control over your affinity to wind, right?” Violet asked, earning a nod from the younger Pegasus. “I need you to send out your strongest blast of wind at the Shinomōkin for me. I’m going to ride it home so I can deliver my final strike to our feathery opponent.”

“Wait, what?” Blue Skies asked, gaining a look of perplexation. “How’re you going to do that?”

“You’ll see sweetheart.” Violet winked slyly. “Go on honey, just do it. Trust me; I’ll be fine.”

Blue Skies stared at her captain for a moment, before looking over at all of her teammates, who were all giving her the same look Violet was. With a sigh, she gave Violet a compliant reluctant nod, before sucking in a deep breath of air.

“Sky Pegasus: Neigh!” She shouted, shooting off as powerful of a breath of wind as she could right where the Shinomōkin was. Upon seeing the blast of wind, Violet Fire smirked as the fire cloak around her grew I strength, before bolts of lightning appeared in it. With a powerful flap of her wings, she took off into the drill of wind, not noticing the jaw dropped look Blue Skies was sending her way. Thanks to the speed that the wind was going, Violet’s own speed was double to what it was mere seconds ago, and she rode the wind blast even after she met the giant raptor right in the air.

“Fire Lightning Pegasus: Electric Inferno Spear!” She shouted as she slammed herself into the Shinomōkin right in the stomach for the third time that night. It was her strongest collision yet, and the combined speed and magic overpowered the Shinomōkin and send it well away from the other Shadowbolts. Flaring her wings out, Violet gave them another strong flap and pulled herself out of th cloak of fire, lightning and wind, letting it send the Shinomōkin flying without her. The ebony mare watched as it soared across the sky its screeches echoing all about as it vanished into the darkness of the trees far beyond her.

“Well, that should be the end of that.” Violet said to herself. “I hope I didn’t hurt the poor baby too bad. He’s probably going to have quite the burnt hide that’ll take a while to heal. Oh well, at least he’s still alive, so that’s a plus I suppose.”

“That. Was. Awesome!” Fast Tracks exclaimed as Violet flew back down to them. “Seriously Captain V, that was so awesome! You just send that giant buzzard flying into space!”

“I wouldn’t necessary say flying into space, but it was quite close to it.” Violet shrugged, before booping Fast Tracks on the nose. “And the raptor is called a Shinomōkin, not a buzzard as you had so casually called it.”

“That was incredible Captain Violet!” Blue Skies said, smiling brightly at the ebony mare. “I have no idea that you could just ride one of the elements of nature like that! How were you even able to do that?!”

“She’s always been able to do that.” Lightning Shadow giggled. “Captain Violet Fire has always had the tendency to use the attacks that that we use to help amplify her own whenever she’s planning to use dish out a devastating blow. None of us have really tried to do it, but Captain Violet loves to use that tactic from time to time; probably because it gives her a real thrill in the heat of the moment.”

“You can most certainly bet that it does.” Violet giggled, patting the light grey mare on her head. “Speaking of which, I have to give you my thanks for helping me in winning against out adversary Blue. Though I have to say, that blast of wind was a lot more powerful than I thought that it was going to be.”

“W-well, you did tell me to give me my most powerful neigh of wind, so…” Blue Skies said timidly, poking her forehooves together. “…I did just that.”

“That you did honey, well done.” The ebony mare said softly, nuzzling the younger mare. “Now, I think we’ve taken care of business here. Let’s get a move on so we can get to our seven brave adventurers…I’m betting that they’re tearing their manes out waiting for us.”

“I’m all up for that Captain…” Fast Tracks said, holding a hoof up. “…but don’t you think we should put the, um…forest fire out? It may not be a good idea to leave it like this, especially since fire does tend to spread pretty quickly in forests.”

“Oh, that’s right; thank you for the reminder Tracks.” Violet said, laughing sheepishly as she brushed her mane away. “Blue Skies, would you be so kind as to do the honors baby?”

“Huh? O-oh, okay!” Blue nodded before she took to the air a good distance away from the rest of her teammates. The young mare summoned a cloak of wind, which grew larger with each second that passed and more magic she produced. Once the wind cloak got to a certain size, Blue Skies spread her wings out and let it explode outward all over the clearing. In a matter of seconds, all of the fire on the ground and trees were extinguished, with a little extra boost to ensure that there wasn’t any leftover fire.

“Well, looks like none of the animals will have to worry about a forest fire.” Lightning mused, looking impressed by Blue’s wind blast. “Well then, shall we proceed captain?”

Violet Fire giggled. “Hmhmhm, yes, we shall Lightning.” She replied cutely, before turning to the rest of her team. “Come on everypony! Let the mission commence!”

Bright orange and yellow flames danced around Applejack in a protective cloak as she slammed into the Doragontora’s stomach, spreading her flames all around it. The feline roared out loudly in angered pain as he swiped at the orange mare, striking her right in her side. She winced at the pain in her shoulder and lower side, but the flames of her boots quickly dispelled the pain allowing her to focus on the draconic feline in front of her. The farmer gave the beast a hard uppercut to the jaw, making the Doragontora’s head snap up as it reeled away from her. At that moment, Applejack felt something hit and stab her in the stomach, this being the Doragontora’s tail club as it sent her flying and crashing across the ground.

“Applejack!” Twilight shouted as she watched the farmer tumble towards them. “Are you alright?!”

“Don’t ya worry ‘bout me sugarcube! Ah’ll end this in a jiffy, Ah promise!” Applejack replied as she quickly got to her hooves. “Jus’ stay back with th’ others while Fluttershy heals ya an’ all come join ya, ya hear?!”

The furious roar of the Doragontora kept Twilight and the other six ponies from saying anything else as it flew at the tangerine Earth Pony. Applejack snorted and once again ran at the beast, her boot flames leaving burnt grass behind her as she evaded the lightning blasts of the giant Doragontora, the spikes on its tail included. At the last second, she whirled around and bucked the feline straight in its face, causing its head to snap the other way, while the rest of its body still moved forward. Unfortunately for Applejack, due to the speed that the Doragontora was going at, the rest of its body fell right on top of the farmer, all but crushing her under its massive weight.

“Dammit, that was a bad move!” Applejack cursed, mentally kicking herself. “Get th’ hay off o’ me ya damn lizard winged furball!”

With a loud yell, Applejack summoned a powerful pillar of flames from under her, sending the giant cat into the air and away from her. Just when the Doragontora was about to collided with a tree, it shook itself out of its shocked and pain filled state. The cat flipped itself around in the air and landed on the tree in such a graceful manner that even Rarity couldn’t hold back her impression by it. It snarled down at Applejack, baring its saber like face at her as it dug it claws into the iron hard bark it was holding onto, while the mare smirked back at him.

“Ah gotta say, fer such a large critter, yer pretty agile on yer feet.” Applejack complimented, flicking her tail back and forth. “Still though, ya think ya can handle this buckin’ bronco b’fore she finally sends ya flyin’ t’ th’ other side o’ th’ forest?”

The Doragontora growled menacingly and roared at Applejack as it slammed its tail club into the tree it was on. It them propelled itself off and descending straight towards the farmer, bright orange lightning coating its body as its tail lashed out behind it.

“Ah’ll take that as a yes!” Applejack shouted, leaping up at the draconic feline.

“Good Faust…Applejack’s not holding back against that cat, is she?” Zephyr asked himself as he watched the fight from inside Fluttershy’s protective healing cocoon. “I know she’s only using the magic in her boots, but still…it looks like she is.”

“That’s because she really isn’t holding back Zephyr.” Rainbow Dash replied, chuckling over at the royal blue stallion. “She’s giving that giant dragon winged bastard a real good ass whooping and showing him what happens when you try to mess with us ponies! That’s what she’s doing!”

“Rainbow Dash, how many times do I have to tell you not to call him that?” Fluttershy asked, glaring sternly at the cyan mare. “I understand that you want Applejack to win, but that doesn’t mean you have the animals of this forest by such cruel names!”

“Why not?” Rainbow Dash frowned. “That thing tried to attack us when we weren’t expecting it! If you ask me, he deserves to get his fur burnt for trying to eat Zephyr, especially since he’s Twi’s foalhood friend!”

“Oh what, so you’re going to get angry at the Doragontora for doing what he was created to do?” The Solar Royal Guard asked with a deadpan expression. “Look, as much as I understand your anger for what almost happened to me, you can’t really get upset at him for doing what many other carnivores would do in his position. I can’t blame him for that, and I won’t. We just happened to camp at the wrong place at the wrong time. The Doragontora saw an opportunity for a meal and, well…he took it.”

“That he did dear.” Rarity nodded. “And now he’s paying the price for it. Though, I would like to think that he’ll be more careful about the, erm…meals that he chooses, least what’s happening to him now, happens again.”

“After what we did to him, I don’t doubt it.” Pinkie Pie said, giving a little giggle. “Still though, I gotta give that kitty props for holding out for this long! If he’s this strong then I can’t wait to see how powerful all of the other Everfree animals are here!”

“Well Pinkie, something tells me we’re gonna find that out pretty soon.” Goku said, frowning slightly. “And we’re not going to like it.”

Fluttershy smiled sympathetically at the tan Thestral. “No sweetie, you’re really not. We’re only just scratching the surface about the power the animals in this forest have. We still have a long way to go before we’re past all of them, and trust me...it’s not going to be pretty.”

Goku groaned, letting her face hit the soft grass beneath her. “Great, I am so excited to find out.” She said, her tone flatter than a wooden floor board.

“Anyway…” Fluttershy sighed. "How’re you all doing inside of there? Is my healing magic doing its work in, um…making you all feel better?”

“Oh, it’s doing just wonderful dear.” Rarity cooed, sighing blissfully. “I can already feel all of these cursed injuries of mine fading away as if they weren’t even here to at all.” She ran a hoof down her mane and tail. “And it appears that’s not the only thing that you’re healing magic is good at doing.”

“That would be the thing you’re most glad about.” Rainbow Dash snorted, rolling her eyes. “I can agree with her on one thing. This magic of yours is really making the pain that cat’s stupid spikes gave me really go away.”

“Yeah…” Pinkie sighed, rolling across the ground on her back. “I feel sooooo comfy right now. I could really get used to this…”

“If I were you, I’d rather not.” Twilight advised, gently nudging the pink pony. “Remember what Fluttershy said; this healing magic of her’s drains a considerable amount of her magic. So, from here on out, I think we should take precaution get as little injury as possible so Fluttershy will be able to replenish her magic through whatever means necessary.”

“Awwww, do we have to?” Pinkie Pie whined.

“Yes Pinkie, we do.” Goku nodded, her tone gentle, yet firm. “We can’t always keep relying on Fluttershy’s healing magic. If we do, she won’t be able to heal us when it’s really needed for the rest of our journey. Plus, we have our own inner healing magic to help us too, especially since all eight of us come from families sworn to protect Equestria. So, you’re just going to have to mare up and accept it honey.”

“Alright, if you say so.” Pinkie sighed. “Still, you can’t deny how cozy this feels. It feels like I’m in my nice cozy bed with Mr. and Mrs. Cake.”

“As glad as we are that you’re feeling so comfortable Pinkie…” Zephyr murmured. “…you may have to get ready for it to end, because Applejack’s fight is about to as well.”

At these words, the six mares followed where Zephyr was looking, and saw Applejack crouched down, flames swirling around her in preparation for an attack. Above her, the Doragontora was hovering in the air, lightning and fire coating its body as it too prepared to deliver the decisive blow to the farmer down below. The equine and feline glared at one another as they waited for each other to make a move so they could get the drop on the other.

“Ah think we’ve had our fun with each other, wouldn’t ya agree?” Applejack said, her eyes glowing brightly. “Whaddya say we wrap this up partner?”

The Doragontora roared back at her in response and took down towards her as its lightning power covered it in a chirping cloak. Applejack didn’t move, but the flames around her fore stronger as she, without warning, reared up in her hindlegs and shot her forelegs straight outward. With a loud battle neigh, a spiraling drill of flames even bigger than the first one right at the cat, who fired of a breath of lightning fused fire. They both clashed in another power struggle that sent thick clouds of dust throughout the camp and beyond. Fluttershy used her wings to cover her head from the dust, not wanting to lose her concentration in her healing of her friends’ wounds. Despite this, that didn’t stop her concern for Applejack, and for just a split second, she wondered if Applejack was really going to be okay.

‘No, don’t you dare start thinking like that now!’ The cherry blossom maned thought to herself. ‘Applejack said that she’d be okay against the Doragontora, and that she’d beat it! She looked you right in your eyes and said she’d do it! You can help her with her own injuries after the fight is over! Just trust her for now!’

For the next half minute, Applejack went on in her fiery power struggle with the Doragontora as they fought for dominance over the final strikes. The former gritted her teeth, her hind hooves digging into the ground as she struggled to keep her footing. The latter continued to hover in the air above her, continuing to fire off its seemingly never-ending stream of lighting flames, its eyes flashing. For a moment, it looked like the Doragontora was gaining the upper hand in the fight, especially with the lightning fused with the flames it was breathing. Then, at the very last second, Applejack turned the tables in the fight.

“AH AIN’T LOSIN’ THIS FIGHT!” She yelled, her eyes blazing as an emerald green aura burst out from under her and went up along with the fire. It fused with the farmer’s own drill of flames and joined them in the power struggle, taking the Doragontora off guard. This gave Applejack the chance to give one final push in her attack, and it completely overwhelmed the draconic cat, enveloping it in the mare’s fire. It roared out in agony as it electrocuted and burnt on all parts of its body, while at the same time send it flying out of the clearing. Applejack continued on with her attack, even as the Doragontora was blown out of sight, and only when she was sure it was well away from the campsite, did she finally stop.

“Heh, looks like he wasn’t able to take the head from this apple.” Applejack said to herself as her flames vanished. With an exhausted sigh, she fell to her haunches as she struggled to catch her breath. “Oh well, at least he ain’t gonna mess with us no more.”

“Applejack!” Fluttershy shouted, making the farmer turn to her. “Are you alright?!”

Applejack smiled weakly at the older mare. “Y-yeah…A-Ah’m doin’ alright sugarcube. Ah’m jus’ really burnt out right now. As a matter of a fact, a feel like Ah’ve had th’ applesauce squeezed outta me fer Applesauce Season.”

“Well, that’s what happens when you use that much magic. Even if it is from normal sources like boots.” Twilight said somewhat dryly, eyeing the burnt grass around Applejack. “I have to admit Applejack; those are some pretty powerful boots that you have there. I didn’t think that they had that much power in them.”

“Well, that’s cause these ain’t normal boots.” The tangerine farmer emphasized, staggering over to her friends and Zephyr. “These boots were specialized by mah family an’ infused with our magic as to where as we can use any o’ th’ elements that we’re connected to. Ya know, like lightnin’, fire, wind, an’ earth, that type o’ magic an’ all o’ that. These fire tattoos on mah boots show that they’re specifically made fer usin’ fire, which is why Ah didn’t bring out any lightnin’, fire, or wind.”

“So, if your boots have any symbols like earth, fire, lighting or wind, you’ll be able to use those elements, besides fire?” Twilight asked, looking marveled. At Applejack’s light nod, the lavender mare looked back down at the boots with fascinated wonder and interest. “Amazing…”

“I wouldn’t get any ideas if I were you Twilight.” Goku said, noticing the look in the other mare’s eyes. “Those boots aren’t made so that just anypony can wear them and use them you know. If you’re an earth pony, a member of the Apple Family, and have an incredible amount of magic, endurance, and control over your magic…using those boots is going to leave you with quite the magic drain. That, and it’ll cause a behemoth of unnecessary destruction…I learned that lesson the hard way.”

“Oooooh, because you’re a Thestral?” Twilight asked, looking at Goku’s bat wings. “And your clan has a good amount of more magic and strength than us ponies do?”

“Eeyup.” Goku nodded, blowing at her mane. “It’d be best of you don’t even try to wear them, let alone experiment on them. Trust me, it will not end well for you, like it did with me.”

“Man AJ, that was totally awesome!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed grinning widely. “You sure did show that damn furball who was boss!”

“Dashie’s right Jackie!” Pinkie nodded. “That was one really wild party that you and that kitty had there! I mean wow, that was just crazy!”

“Heheh, yeah…it sure was.” Applejack chuckled, all but collapsing onto the ground. After a few moments of trying to catch her breath, she looked up at Fluttershy. “Hey Flutters…ya mind if Ah squeeze into this here lil’ cocoon or whatever ya call it?”

“Butterfly Cocoon.” Fluttershy corrected, draping a wing around the larger mare. “As for if you can get in, feel free to squeeze yourself in. Though, you may want to take off your boots before you do, okay? You said before, your boots do contain a considerable amount of magic, and I don’t want it to clash with that of my healing magic. If it does...well, I think you can imagine what will happen.”

“Yeah, good idea.” Applejack said, reaching down and pulling off her boots with her teeth. “Ya mind if Ah set them down next t’ ya while ya patch me up?”

“Sure, I’ll keep them nice and secure.” Fluttershy replied sweetly. “Now, go on and squeeze in there with the others. I’ll have you all fixed up soon.”

Applejack nodded, and without another word, she slowly slipped through the healing cocoon encasing the other six ponies. She gave a sigh of relief as she felt the warmth of the healing magic spread throughout her body, her wounds included. The farmer felt herself beginning to dose off, and would’ve fell onto the grass, had it not been for Zephyr catching her at the last moment.

“Whoa there, Applejack! Easy there.” He said, gently setting the tangerine mare down. “Jeez, just how exhausted are you?”

“Apparently enough where Ah need y’all actin all chivalrous t’ me like Ah can’t set mahself down.” Came Applejack’s dry reply, resting her head in Zephyr’s forelegs. “Still, it feels nice to finally be able to take a breather every now an’ again. Especially after all th’ bullshit we’ve been goin’ through since we’ve came inside o’ this damn forest.”

“Can’t disagree with you on that.” Goku sighed, running a hoof through Applejack’s somewhat messy mane. “Still, the Shinomōkin and Doragontora aren’t the last animals that we’re going to be facing in this forest. From all that Fluttershy told us about these beasts, and the power that they wield…we’re gonna be fighting until we drop, repeatedly.”

“Oh joy…” Rarity groaned, draping a leg over her forehead. “What a divine adventure that will be.”

“Well, we can worry about that later girls.” Twilight said as she leaned against Zephyr’s large frame. “Let’s just focus on getting our wounds healed by Fluttershy. After that, we can start backtracking on the trail that we were on before we were attacked by the Shinomōkin. Goku has an adequately sharp sense of smell, so I’m positive she can retrace our steps while I find where we had last walked.”

The tan Thestral looked over at the lavender Unicorn. “You mean where I had last dragged all of you out of an ice-cold river and pulled onto land?”

“Oh, yeah.” Twilight said sheepishly. “Sorry Goku.”

“Um, Twilight, I had to burst that egghead of a bubble of yours…” Rainbow Dash murmured. “…but I think that’s going to be nearly impossible. You said it yourself, your map and all of our saddlebags were destroyed by that bird! So there’s no way that we can even try to go back to where we were trekking! Even with Goku’s super strong smell!”

Right as those words were said, a soft giggle emitted from inside Fluttershy’s Healing Butterfly Cocoon. They all turned to see Pinkie Pie giggling her head off, holding her stomach as she attempted to keep herself upright.

“Um Pinkie…” Fluttershy said softly, a little taken aback. “…why’re you laughing?”

“Heeheehee~! I’m sorry Fluttershy, it’s just that…!” Pinkie Pie began, trying to get herself under control. “When Dashie said that we had lost Twilight map, I had just remembered something that I had done before we had left! I was so caught up in the fun we were having that it had completely slipped my mind!”

“Ignoring what you said about this trip being “fun”…” Rarity said, snorting. “…would you be so kind as to tell us just what it is that you had forgotten?”

“You remember when Twilight had told us way earlier that our map was burnt up?” Pinkie Pie asked, looking at Zephyr and each of her friends. “Weeeeeeeell…I may have gotten a duplicate just before we had left Twilight’s library.”

“Wait what?” Zephyr asked, his eyes widening slightly. “Are…a-are you saying that-?!”

Pinkie Pie smiled slyly, reaching into her mane with her hoof and digging around in it like she was going through a treasure chest. A couple seconds later, she pulled out a large folded paper and held it out in front of the rest of her friends. “Tadaaaa!”

Twilight gasped, and reached out towards Pinkie, all but ripping the large paper out of her grasp and opening with her magic. After skimming over it for a few moments, she pulled it away and slowly looked over at Pinkie.

“This is…this is the map!” She exclaimed, making everypony else gasp. “P-Pinkie Pie…where did you get this?!”

“Uh, didn’t you hear what I said Twilight?” Pinkie Pie asked, frowning slightly. “I said that I had grabbed an extra map before I we had left your library.”

“B-b-b-but, but, but…how can that be?!” Rarity asked, stumbling over her words. “W-we didn’t see any of you getting anything out of the drawers in the library!”

Pinkie Pie rolled her eyes. “That’s because you guys weren’t looking to where I was. After Spike had given Twilight the first map, I had gotten another one while Spike was giving Twilight the first one. I had a feeling that we may lose the first one in some way, so I had decided to make sure that we’d come a little extra prepared.”

“Pinkie Pie…” Rainbow Dash said slowly. “…that has probably got to be one of the smartest things that you have ever done! You very may well have saved us trying to search all around this damn forest for that old castle.”

“I’m going to have to agree with Dash on this one Pinkie Pie; that was quite the quick thinking that you had done there.” Rarity said, smiling approvingly at the pink pony. It faded away in a few moments later, a small frown coming to her face. “Although, I do wish that you had asked Twilight if you could take an extra map with us before we left. As much as we appreciate you making sure that we were extra prepared, you still could’ve suggested that we bring another map.”

Pinkie Pie’s own smile fell, a guilty look coming to her face. “Yeah, that was probably the smarter option too. I’m sorry Twilight-woah!”

“Oh, thank you thank you thank you Pinkie Pie!” The lavender Unicorn exclaimed, tackling the party pony in a tight hug. “You have no idea how relieve you’ve made me right now! You are a life saver!”

“Life saver?” Pinkie Pie repeated, looking half amused and half confused. “Um, I didn’t really save anypony like Zephyr did to Fluttershy Twilight. I just helped in the fight and brought an extra map along in case we lost the first one.”

“It’s a gif, Pinkie Pie.” Applejack explained. “What Twilight means is that yer savin’ her life by tellin’ her important information.”

“Oooooh I see!” Pinkie giggled as Twilight got off of her. “That makes a lot more sense!”

“Oh Pinkie, you’re such a silly girl you.” Fluttershy said, shaking her head. “So silly indeed…”

“Hey Fluttershy?” Zephyr asked. “I don’t mean to sound like I’m rushing you or anything but, how long do you think it’s going to take for you to heal all our wounds?”

The veterinarian paused, taking a moment to think before replying. “Well, it has been over several minutes since Applejack’s, um, duel with the Doragontora, around the same time that I was healing all of you. Plus, Applejack had just came in, and at the rate we’re going, it may take me about ten to fifteen more minutes to finish up.” She smiled at the royal blue stallion and the rest if her friends. “Although I am a much better mood than I was before, especially after Pinkie Pie had revealed that she had an extra map. So, I’d say that it’ll take a considerably less amount of time, maybe even faster if my mood is heightened.”

“Oh, right!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed “Your magic is powered by the emotions that you’re feeling!”

“That’s right.” Fluttershy nodded. “And the more positive my feelings are, the stronger my healing magic becomes.”

“Is that so?” Pinkie Pie asked, her tone as sly as her smile. “In that case, would you be so kind as to allow me to do that honors of making your positive feelings go sky high Fluttershy?”

“Oh boy…” Goku murmured dryly. “…this should be good.”

Fluttershy giggled, her positive emotions growing even stronger, causing the healing magic she was using to grow in power as well. With a small smile that was even slyer, if not slightly more mischievous than Pinkie’s, Fluttershy replied, “Go for it Pinkie Pie.”

Author's Notes:

Alright, now, before anyone asks me why I didn't entirely go through including the Timberwolves as the next beasts that Zephyr and the Mane Seven go against in the Everfree Forest, I just want to say that while I was writing this chapter, I was thinking about adding the Timberwolves in this chapter. However, as I was thinking about how I should write it while writing this chapter, I felt like it would be more appropriate to add it onto another oncoming chapter. Especially since I had looked back over the first version of it, and saw some parts that I could add back into the story, with some slight changes here and there. Now, I did say that some version of this chapter will remain the same, and some would be different, depending on how much of the chapters will and won't be changed, but I can assure you that there will be some major changes in the much later incoming chapters, especially with the tag of Fairy Tail that I added into this. Speaking of which, for those of you who might want a full explanation about the techniques that I'm giving each of the ponies, let me try to clarify that so you can all understand it better.

For the Earth Ponies, I have them magical techniques that're similar to that of Gray Fullbuster's Ice Maker Magic, so I decided to have the Earth Ponies like Applejack, her family, and Pinkie Pie having the same Maker Magic. Since Pinkie Pie and Applejack are both Half-Pegasus, their Maker Magic isn't limited to the Earth, and they'll be able to use fire, lightning, and wind as Maker Magic as well, like how Gray uses ice.. For the Pegasus Ponies they'll be using the magic that the Pegasi use, which is similar to that of the Dragon Slayers from Fairy Tail, those being Natsu, Wendy, Gajeel, Sting, and Rogue. You guys all saw a good example of that during the Shadowbolt's battle with the Shinomōkin, so you can expect to see much more of that in the future, along with many of the other badass techniques that I'm planning to add from this kick ass anime! For the Unicorns, I'm planning to give them a magic that's like that of Levy's only with them, it won't in the form of words, but in the forms of any kind of weapon that they'd like, like you had all seen with Amethyst when she and Blossomforth were battling the Tantabus. Now, for those of you who may be confused by that, especially since I did the same with with Twilight, let me just say that it's not going to be quite the same thing, despite how they're worded. While the Unicorns are able to use Solid Form Magic, with Twilight, she comes from a clan, on her mother's side, that uses Life Form Magic, somewhat different from the Solid Form Magic that Twilight uses. With her, her entire body turns into the element that she's summoning, while the other Unicorns with the Solid Form Magic will be able to summon solid objects that form into whatever type of weapon that they want. Don't worry though, their attack won't quite be the same, especially when the ascend, like they did in the last chapters. I did at the Fairy Tail Tag for a reason, and I wanna make it as much like Fairy Tail as possible. Oh, and, since I didn't clarify it at the beginning, I don't own any of the Fairy Tail content, or Dragon Ball Z, Attack on Titan, Sonic, Rosario + Vampire, Bleach, One Piece or any anime or game like that.

Well, that's all for this chapter! Next time, the girls are going to find themselves in for a fight that will test the limits of their endurance, with the Everfree Army!!!

Chapter 25 - The Wooden Army

Luckily for Zephyr and the six other mares, Pinkie Pie was able to heighten Fluttershy’s mood to enough of a point where her healing magic worked faster than she said it would’ve taken. The entire time she was healing them, Pinkie Pie made Fluttershy, laugh, giggle, chortle and guffaw, more so than she had ever done so in her life. Goku, Rainbow Dash, Zephyr, and others also played a part in hyping Fluttershy’s confidence and determination rise up so her healing magic could strengthen, and all their wounds could heal faster. Just as Fluttershy had hoped and clarified, her more positive emotions had speed up the process in helping the six mares and one stallion recover faster. In less the half the time that Fluttershy said that it would, all of her friends’ wounds were sealed; to the point where it didn’t look like they had gotten any in the first place.

After their recovery from the fight with the Doragontora, the girls began their backtracking back to the spot where they had last been at. As with last time, Zephyr took the lead for the search, with Goku playing her part in sniffing out the tracks that they had left. Or rather, her own tracks, and the deep wet scent at the other seven had left when she had rescued them from the Shinomōkin. The rest of the girls were honestly afraid to go back to where they had gotten caught by the raptor, believing that it was going to be there again to finish the job. At Fluttershy’s gentle urging however, they mustered up the courage to go back to the center of the pond that they had flown to in the chase. Even so, they all kept a lookout into the sky for the bird, Rainbow Dash especially, not wanting to get taken by surprise again and wanting to get payback on it for nearly getting charred.

“How’re you guys holding back up there?” Goku asked, momentarily stopping in her smelling to look over at the others. “Any of you feeling better than you were a while go?”

“Heh, we sure are G!” Rainbow Dash replied, doing loops around the air. “Fluttershy’s healing magic really did a shitload in getting rid of all those cuts and blood! I can’t remember when they started to hurt like hay when I got them from the cat!”

“That’s not the only thing that it was successful at.” Rarity added, giving a few taps of her mane as she flicked her tail. “It would appear that magic of our dear Fluttershy also plays a part in rejuvenating one’s appearances as well. My beautiful mane and tail are once again shining in their divine beauty! It’s like they were never even damaged or burnt in the first place by that dastardly beasts!”

“Same here Rares.” Applejack nodded, giving a little snort. “Ah still wanna give them varmints a good smack down fer thrashin’ us ‘round like that. They’re lucky that Ah didn’t manage to git mah hooves on ‘em, r’ else a really would’ve tanned their hides with mah boots.”

Zephyr looked over at the two mares. “If you had tried to that, they would’ve no doubt either killed you themselves or at the very least left you really mangled. As much as I understand how you didn’t like getting jumped like that, you still have to remember that these are creature that’re only doing what they’re driven to do. Like how I told you all back at the campsite, all they were doing was being what they were made to be; animals that kept the population of other animals not like them in check.”

“More like try to outshine us by getting us when we least expect it.” Rainbow Dash muttered, crossing her forehooves. “Stupid bunch of feathery scaly furry assholes.”

“What was that Rainbow Dash?” Fluttershy asked in a dangerously calm tone. “Did you say something?”

“Uh, no nothing at all!” The cyan mare quickly replied, straightening up. “Yep, not anything whatsoever!”

Pinkie Pie giggled merrily, immediately making Rainbow Dash sweat. “Oh, there’s no need to lie Dashie! You said the big birdy and kitty were only trying to outshine us instead of just being what they were!” She said, unintentionally letting Fluttershy know what the athlete had muttered. “Oh, and you said they were a bunch of feathery scaly furry a-”

“Pinkie, shut up.” Rainbow hissed, glaring daggers at the pink pony. “Not another word out of you.”

“What?” Pinkie asked innocently. “All I was saying was what you just said; that the big scary animals we faced were a bunch of feathery scaly furry a-”

“PINKIE! I said, shut the buck up!” Rainbow Dash interrupted again, jamming a hoof into the Earth Pony’s mouth. She looked over at Fluttershy, her muzzle stretched out into a not so convincing fanged smile. “Heheheh, don’t listen to her Flutters. I didn’t say anything mean about those ba-, er, animals that you love so-”

“Actually Dash, I think Pinkie said just about enough of what I thought I heard.” Fluttershy calmly cut off, her expression unreadable. Despite the calmness in her face and the softness in her tone, the others could tell she was clearly upset. “Twilight, would you be so kind as to make a mental not to have another talk with Dash, Applejack, and Rarity about what to say and what not so say about my dear animals?”

“I think I’d be more than happy to Fluttershy.” Twilight replied, her tone just a bit too sweet for Rainbow’s comfort. “I also think they all need a good lesson in understanding and not to judge based on certain creature’s actions and what they are. Wouldn’t you agree Zephyr?”

The royal blue stallion nodded, fighting the urge to smirk. “Eeyup.” He replied softly, ignoring the small glare that Applejack shot his way.

“I swear, those three…” Goku murmured to herself, shaking her head as she continued to walk ahead of the group. With a sigh, she dipped her head back down and began sniffing at the ground once more, breathing in the multiple scent of her friends that was left behind in her wake. Despite it having only been a little more than a couple of hours, the scent of the seven ponies that were left behind when she dragged them out of the water was still fresh, so she had little trouble with the tracking. There were also some burnt patches of fur that had been left, so there was that too, though Goku felt that she’d rather not take in that smell. Still, it helped her in backtracking where she had gotten herself and everypony else out of the raging river next to them.

‘Not only that…but there’s also the scent of the Shinomōkin that was left behind.’ The tan Thestral thought to herself, looking into the trees. ‘From what I learned of these animals by Fluttershy, they carry rather strong scents, stronger than any other animals here in Equestria. It can carry on for a long considerable amount of time, so that’s another thing working in our factors.’ Her ears flicked about, causing her earrings to jingle as she listened out for any of the sounds of other wildlife. ‘Still, that also works against us, since these animals have incredible senses of smell, and can track things from a vast distance. Because of that, it won’t be very long before we have another one of the animals hot on our heels; me and Twilight will have to get back on the path soon before that happens.’

“Goku?” Twilight suddenly asked, as if reading the older mare’s mind. “Are having any luck in finding where we had last, um…got dropped off at?”

“If you’re asking if I’m having look in finding where the Shinomōkin let us fall after I had zapped him, then yes.” Goku replied. “The scent that you guys had left along with his is still strong in the air, so its not that hard for me to tell where to go.” Her beautiful face then scrunched up slightly. “Still, both scents mixed together makes for a very powerful combination, and it really gets you got in the nose.”

“Same here; I can feel my eyes starting to water from taking in all of your scents at one time.” Zephyr said as he put a hoof to his nostrils. “Not that I’m saying you guys smell bad, but you know what I mean, don’t you?”

“Oh, don’t worry darling, we’re not offended.” Rarity said dismissively. “Believe me, I know how it feels like to have to smell more than one thing at once. Not a good thing to experience with a nose as delicate as mine, you know, with me being a proper lady an all.” She looked back at the royal blue stallion, a look of curiosity in her eyes. “Although, I am rather curious…just what do we all smell like to you?”

Zephyr paused. “Um…excuse me?”

“You heard me dear, I want to know what we all smell like to you.” Rarity said, flicking her tail skirt at the stallion’s snout. “You said yourself that you can take in all of our scents all at once, so I want to know what each of us smell like from your point of view.”

“An’ why do ya wanna know that?” Applejack asked with a raised brow. “Jus’ what is it about our different scents that wanna know so much?”

“A lady can be curious about how other ponies smell can they not?” Rarity asked, winking. “I’m always sure to keep myself presentable in every way when trying to find a suitable stallion. I’m just wondering if you all do the same.”

“If that’s all you wanted to know then why not just find out yourself?” Rainbow Dash asked, rolling her eyes. “It’s not like you really need to have Zephyr do it for you.”

“A lady can be curious, can she not?” Rarity asked, raising a brow at the cyan mare. “She always wants to discover new things and see if they’re up to her standards.”

“Well Rarity, it looks like you’re going to have to wait on doing that Rarity.” Goku said before Zephyr could do anything. “Because it looks like we’ve finally reached our destination.”

Upon hearing these words, the other stopped and looked over to where Goku was looking, and froze in place upon the sight in front of them. Just across the streaming river in front of them, was a giant gape in the group of trees that they had went through while the Shinomōkin chased them. A majority of the trees were burnt and scorched, with some of the branches having fallen on top of each other, forming into a charred large pile. In the flowing stream, there were even more destroyed branches that ended up stuck at the bottom of the river, which wasn’t really that deep at all.

“Holy Shit.” Rainbow Dash breathed, taking in the shocking sight before her. “That bird really did a number on those trees didn’t he?”

“It does seem inconceivably precise.” Twilight murmured, looking into the path they had went through. “Look at all of those trees…so many of them destroyed and torn apart as if they were nothing more than twigs. I had no idea the animals of this forest contained so much power and magic.”

“Well, we are in Equestria’s most dangerous wilderness. So, it shouldn’t really be that much of a surprise.” Fluttershy said with a sigh as she too inspected the scene. “Each of the animals here are powerful and fearsome in their own way, containing abilities that make them dangerous in their own rights. The Shinomōkin and the Doragontora were only a small taste of what we’re going to be running into, and at the rate we’re going, we’ll end up facing every single creature in the Everfree Forest that I told you all about. And when that happens…” Her eyes narrowed as they glowed slightly. “…there will be bloodshed.”

“Oh, trust me, I don’t doubt that.” Zephyr murmured looking over at his scared shoulder. “I can almost predict which animal that we’re going to be running into next.”

“Um, Fluttershy dear, speaking of which, are you surethat neither of those animals are going to come back and get us?” Rarity asked uneasily. “I know you told us you can let us know if its presence when you detect it but…still, it’s not going to come back, i-is it?”

Applejack sighed irritably. “Rarity, Goku had blasted a hole in that giant overgrown rooster’s stomach so we could fall into this here river, an’ Ah shot that overgrown cat into th’ other side o’ this forest. If either o’ them were comin’ back, we would’ve heard them screechin’ an’ roarin’ their heads off, bringin’ in a ragin’ storm.”

“Yeah!” Pinkie Pie nodded. “Plus, you guys can always reply on my Pinkie Sense to help see if he’s coming back! My tail twitching means that I can sense something falling form the sky, so if that big birdy comes from the sky, my tail will let me know!”

“That too.” Goku nodded. “Thank you, Pinkie Pie.”

“Um, I beg your pardon but…” Zephyr said with a look of confusion. “…what is exactly is the Pinkie Sense?”

“It’s a special sense of Pinkie Pie that allows her to be able to know things are about happen before they can, whether in an instant or later on.” Twilight explained, smiling at Zephyr. “In more simpler terms, it’s her own version of being able to predict the future.”

Zephyr stared at Twilight for a long moment, trying to discern she was kidding or not. When she did not say anything for a full half minute, he asked, “Seriously?”

“Seriously.” Rainbow Dash chortled. “Twi’s dead serious Zephyr; Twilight is not bullshitting you when she’s saying this. Everything she’s saying about Pinkie’s Pinkie Sense has been nothing but the spot-on truth.”

“I know that it doesn’t really make very much sense darling…” Rarity said. “…but those of us that have known Pinkie for as long as we have learned that whenever her Pinkie Sense goes off, it’s best to do what she says.”

“Mhm.” Twilight nodded wholeheartedly. “Trust me Zephyr, I didn’t believe in Pinkie’s Pinkie Sense any more than you did, and I’ve done all that I could to prove that it wasn’t real. It wasn’t until I got crushed by a giant piano, nearly escaping being eaten by a hydra, and turning into a unicorn of fire, that I finally accepted that it was something that made sense.” She glanced over at Pinkie Pie, who was smiling goofily at her. “In its own undeniably randomway.”

“You better believe it is Twilight!” Pinkie giggled, before looking over at Zephyr. “I can break it down for you if you want Zephie! I’ll show you aaaaaaaallthe different phases of it!”

“Well…” Zephyr murmured as he rubbed the back of his head. “I-”

“Great! I’m so glad that you wanna know all about the Pinkie Sense!” Pinkie exclaimed as she bounced over to Zephyr. Before he could say a word, she grabbed his face in both her hooves and hugged it in her huge mass of chest fluff. “Don’t worry, I’m gonna show you every last one of the ropes!”

Zephyr could only grunt in response, his entire face smothered in Pinkie’s feathered chest fluff as he blushed. ‘Seriously? Of all the ways she decides to hug me, she chooses this method?’ he though as he sweat dropped heavily. ‘It’s like she thinks I wanna get a good smell out of her like Rarity wanted me to. This must be how Sheton feels whenever hegets hugged like this by his mom and sisters…’

‘Oh my Faust…poor Zephyr.’ Goku replied, giggling at the blush on the stallion’s smothered face. As she continued to watch the Pinkie Pie run her mouth to Zephyr, her ears picked up a weird sound coming from the other side of the river. She looked over, only to see the huge piles of broken branches and wood in front of her. The tan Thestral looked at it for a few moments, before looked down at the river, right at her perplexed face in the reflection.

“Is there something wrong Goku?” Fluttershy suddenly asked, making the tan Thestral look over at her. The cherry blossom maned mare was looking at back at her curiously, her mouth and chin dripping with water. “You seem to be a little confused there.”

“Hm? Oh, I’m okay Fluttershy.” Goku replied, smiling gently. “I just I heard something weird coming from the other side of the river.”

“Really?” Fluttershy asked, her interest peaked. “What do you think it was?”

Goku hesitated, looking form the river back to the buttermilk Pegasus for a few moments. “I don’t know why, but I could’ve sworn that I heard growling coming from over there.”

“Growling?” Fluttershy asked as she paused. “You mean from an animal?”

“Yeah, that kind of growling.” Goku nodded, one of her tufted ears flicking about. “I know I have hyper sensitive hearing and all, but the magic of this forest is really bucking up with my senses. Maybe not as much as it was earlier when we first arrived, but…still to where I can’t quite make it out, especially with all of this loud noisy water.”

“Is that so?” Fluttershy asked, her eyes narrowing as she looked back at the other side of the river. She gently moved Goku to the side and stood in front of her, staring inspectingly at the path of trees that was obscured by the charred wood. A few moments had passed, and nothing happened that either mare found even remotely out of place, and for a second, both of them thought that it was just their imagination.

That was when both of the mares heard it; a chorus of loud of soul freezing howls that burst through the air and tore through the wind. Goku and Fluttershy froze, along with everypony else as the holes reached them, the raw power behind them making them all completely cease movement. It stopped just as quickly as quickly as it came, leaving the eight ponies reeling at what they had just heard.

“Uh, y’all heard that too didn’t ya?” Applejack asked, looking in between her friends and Zephyr. “Please tell me that Ah ain’t th’ only one who heard all o’ that howlin’?”

“I heard it alright.” Zephyr replied, his fur standing on end. “And I know that is not a good sound.”

Rarity nodded. “No darling, it most certainly is not.”

“Oh boy, my Pinkie Sense is just going wild right now!” Pinkie Pie said, her voice shaking violently due to how much her body was. “Something big and bad is about to happen!”

Just as she said those words, a multitude spine chilling snarls emitted from somewhere in the trees on the opposite side of the river. At around that same time, multiple sets of glowing eyes suddenly appeared from within the trees, like monsters rising from the deepest darkest pits of Tartarus. They burned into the ponies if they were trying to incinerate them on the spot, thus leave them even more terrified. Slowly, like a group of snakes slithering out of burrows in the earth, the creatures made themselves known, and all the ponies gasp upon seeing what they were.

“Mother Natura Almighty…” Fluttershy whispered, her face going pale.

Standing on the other side of the river and standing on top of the charred wood were the biggest, fiercest wolves the eight ponies had ever seen. What was even more terrifying were that they didn’t look like real wolves at all. They had bodies that looked to be made from the strongest of tree bark, acting like a sort of armor mean to help them withstand and hard and sharp blows. Their wooded bodies were covered from their noses all the way to their whip-like tails in thick coats of rich leaves, making them very nearly completely blend in with the thick foliage around them and mistake them for being actual bushes. Sticking out from their leaf covered mouths were a set of razor-sharp canine teeth that seemed to be made from the sharpest of wood, with long curved claw-like wooden paws. Sticking out form where their shoulders were, were two large sets of wood that curved back at the middle, looking to be designed for riding the canines. Lastly, at the end of their tails, were large wooden clubs with multiple smaller, jagged, and even sharper tipped branches were sticking out, swaying slowly behind them.

“Oh shit… oh shit oh shit oh shit oh shit oh shit!” Rainbow Dash blurted. “Not them, no please, anything but them!”

Applejack gulped. “Y-yeah…Ah think it is RD.” She replied, biting her lip. “Them wooden doggies there are Timberwolves!”

“T-T-Timberwolves?!” Rarity repeated, looking like she was going to faint form terror. “What in heaven’s name are Timberwolves?!”

“One of the most dangerous creatures ever to walk the face of this planet.” Zephyr, his ears flattening against his head. Everypony turned to him, and they were surprised to see the cold calculating look on the guard’s face. “According to ancient and modern Equestrian history, the Timberwolf is a creature that was once known to be seen as a myth and legend, said to have come from lands of wilderness that is not that of Equestria, but in this very forest. It was given its name by the fact that they are creatures made out of the very wood of trees that had died, before being manifested into a type of creatures from magic of Discord Konton. They’re known to be the second largest wolf ever to walk this plant, aside from the Dire Wolf, another type of wolf that is said to have come from lands Marelaska.”

“Are y’all serious?” Applejack asked with wide eyes. “That Discord feller made these creatures himself?”

“He did. Timberwolves are said to be fierce, powerful, and tenacious predators, more fearsome than any modern canine walking this earth today, and for very good reason. They share many traits with today’s modern wolves and dogs, only with them, it’s on a completely different level, since they are beings made of chaos.” Fluttershy said, putting deep emphasis on the last word. “When hunting, they can keep up the chase for hours one end, miles even; not stopping until they’ve exhausted their quarry, and the only way that their unlucky victim escape is if they fight back, or are too big and strong for the Timberwolves to take down. Although, Timberwolves are not known to give up very easily…especially when they believe that they can win and succeed in the hunt. When they do have their overwhelmed and surrounded, they’ll come at it from all sides using their combined power and weight to bring their prey down. Then use their long curved wooden claws and razor-sharp teeth to rip them to shreds…and devour them whole.” She finished, her teal eyes narrowing as her wings fidgeted at her sides.

“Whoa, seriously?” Rainbow Dash asked incredulously, having a hard time believing what she was hearing. “They can keep going without getting tired for that long?”

“They can,” Goku replied softly with a nod of her head, feeling her heart beat hard against her ribcage. “At least, that’s what I believed based on the books that I’ve read. Timberwolves are not only known to have terrifying stamina that would put even a normal wolf’s to shame, but they are also known to be incredibly strong and fast, having strength equivalent to that of a Rhinoceros and speed and agility like that of a Gazelle. A terrifying combination I may say…especially for these guys.”

“Oh wow, that is so cool! I’ve never known a wolf, or any doggie for that matter, to be that super-duper awesome!” Pinkie Pie squealed as she bounced in place, her eyes wide with awe and amazement. “I wonder what else they have up their leafy little doggy sleeves of theirs!”

“Something tells me that we’re about to find out very shortly.” Twilight murmured as her body tensed up. “And we are not going to like it…”

No sooner did those words come out of her mouth, one of the Timberwolves, raised its head and let out a howl that pierced each of the girl’s ears like knives. When it stopped, it dipped it’s head down and bared it’s razor sharp fangs in preparation for an attack. With another snarl, it ran towards the river at break neck speed, and with leg strength that would’ve made Kangaroo jealous, it launched itself into the air, sailing all the way over the river. It shot its forelimbs out, spreading open its massive jaws and claws as it dove straight for Rarity, who screamed and tried to get away.

“Oh no you don’t!” Zephyr shouted as he got in between Rarity and the Timberwolf, shoving her out of the way. No sooner did he do so, the wooden canine clamped its jaws onto his right shoulder, its claws digging into his chest and right shoulder. Zephyr shouted and gritted his teeth as he kicked the Timberwolf off of him after they tumbled across the ground. The royal blue stallion shot to his hooves as he flared his wings, digging his forehooves into the ground as he snorted at the carnivore. It snarled back and leapt at him again, and this time Zephyr was prepared for it, spinning around and lifting his hind legs up for a kick. Before he could, the Timberwolf suddenly stopped in midair, before being pulled back and landing right into the river.

“Nice try, but you’re gonna have to do a lot better than that if you want to get at this guy, especially with me around!” Rainbow Dash shouted as the Timberwolves struggled inside of the river. With a snort she turned to look at Zephyr. “You okay there buddy?”

“Not for long I won’t, and neither will you!” Zephyr replied, ignoring the blood flowing from his shoulder, leg, and stomach. “There are more of those things here, remember?! That wasn’t the only one!”

Rainbow’s eyes widened and horrified realization, and she whipped her head back to see the rest of the Timberwolves were on the other side of the river. Before she could run to them, the Timberwolf that she had sent flying earlier suddenly slammed into her and knocked her to the ground. She looked up into its menacingly glowing eyes, feeling her face scrunch up when she caught a whiff of its unbearably foul scent.

“Why you…get the hay off of me you stinky mangy mutt!” Rainbow yelled, kicking the Timberwolf off of her before flying after it.

The Timberwolf that had managed to get across the river headed straight for the other girls, but Goku was one step ahead of them. She lashed her tail out and wrapped it around one’s right hindleg, before spinning around and sending it careening through the air and into the trees, before hitting the ground with a hard thud. It only lay there for a few seconds, but immediately shot its feet again as though nothing happened. It shook off the impact of the attack before turning to the ponies a snarl, it’s tail lashing back and forth like a whip.

“Nice one, G!” Applejack said with a grin, only for to drop it when the other Timberwolves charged at them. Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Twilight screamed as they came, but Fluttershy, Goku and Applejack were not about to let them get hurt.

“Not so fast ya varmints!” Applejack cried as she rushed in to intercept the Timberwolves, just as they lunged at the trio. Thinking fast, Applejack whirled around and shot her back legs out, slamming them both into the chest of a brown leafed Timberwolf that had leapt in the air, inadvertently sending it flying back to where the first one was flown. She spun back around just in time to slam a forehoof into the side of a blue leafed Timberwolf that had been trying to leap on her back, before kicking it away. Fluttershy suddenly stepped in, and allowing her angelic wings to lash out and sharp wind gusts at yellow leafed Timberwolf. They stuck the canine hard in the face, sending it to the opposite side of where Rainbow had sent the last Timberwolf.

No sooner did that happen, a fourth Timberwolf covered in orange leafy fur lunged at her, managing to slam right into her to the ground. It attempted to sink its teeth into her throat in an effort to tear it out, but Fluttershy was going to have any of that. With a mighty heave, she slammed her hind hooves into the Timberwolves’s stomach sending it shooting into the air, wincing when she felt the deep slash marks left on her shoulders and stomach by its claws. As she shot back up on her hooves, another Timberwolf ran past her and leaped towards Twilight, but just as it was about to pounce on her, Fluttershy grabbed its tail in her jaws and pulled back hard. She twisted her head to the side, using the muscles in her neck, and swung the wooden canine around in the air, slamming it into another Timberwolf that were coming for them.

“Ha! Take that ya little wooden doggies!” The farm mare said with a grin as she gave a snort of victory.

“Oh thank you, Applejack! I was beginning to think that I was a goner back there!” Twilight said, giving her friend thankful smile as relief washed over her. “It just came at me so fast that I didn’t have enough time to summon up my magic!”

“No need t’ thank me sugarcube, I was just doing my job in keeping you safe.” Applejack said with a wave of her hoof. She looked down at her shoulders and gave another wince of pain upon seeing the slash marks running with blood. “Though, I am gonna have a few more battle scars by th' time this is all over.”

“Um, you guys! I don’t think we should be relaxing just yet!” Zephyr suddenly shouted from above them as the former pointed a magenta hoof forward. Giving the stallion confused looks, the other mares looked to where she was pointing, and felt the fur on their necks stand on end. More Timberwolves were emerging out of the forest, leaping over the river and slowly making their way towards them, and from the looks on their faces, they were hungry…very hungry.

“Shit…” Rainbow Dash muttered. “We are so screwed.”

“Oh wow! Those are a lotta Timberwolves, and in so many different colors too!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as “It’s like my collection of all of the balloons that I use for parties, except they look like dogs instead of balloons!”

“Pinkie Pie, this is hardly the time for one of your random comments!” Rarity snapped, giving the cheerful Earth Pony a harsh glare. “We are in the middle of the Everfree Forest about to get eaten by these monstrous abominations of wolves and I don’t see any way how we can get out of this!”

“Rarity, I would really appreciate it if you would please stop calling them that.” Fluttershy murmured softly, glancing disapprovingly at the alabaster Unicorn. “I really don’t want to have to use my Solar Stare on you.”

“What’re we gonna do?!” Twilight cried as she stepped closer to the others, all of them huddling together. “We’re completely surrounded!”

“Oh, I’ll tell you what we’re going to do!” Rainbow Dash replied, who looked ready to electrocute the Timberwolves. “We’re going to blast each and every single one of these mutts into firewood!”

Fluttershy snapped her head up towards Dash with wide and panicked eyes, but before she could say anything, Goku dove down in front of all of them. The force of her landing caused the ground to shake beneath her hooves as she flared her giant wings out once more, shielding her friends from the wooden canines. “Like hay we are!” She shouted indignantly.

Before anypony could say or do anything, the tan Thestral pulled her wings back, before she brought together, emitting a powerful clap that echoed all across the small spot they were in, A large and powerful gust of wind to burst from her wings, colliding right into the Timberwolves as they were blown back and sent flying and tumbling across the ground. Some even falling into the river and going downstream, letting out terrified whines all the while, much to Fluttershy’s discomfort, though she kept quiet. Before she could scold her friend however, Goku turned to face each of her and the rest of her friends, her expression nothing short or urgent as she yelled out a single word.

“RUN!”

None of them needed to be told twice as they took off into a fierce gallop after Goku, who made a beeline straight to the forest behind them. The others followed right behind her as Zephyr brought up the rear, looking back every once and a while to keep the Timberwolves from getting past him. They could hear the sounds of the canines howling behind them, as they took off in hot pursuit of the ponies, eager to try and get in a late-night snack.

The chase was on.

Author's Notes:

Before anyone on this chapter who has red the first part of it gets on my case for over extending the battle between the girls and the Timberwolves, as I have said in one of my last Author's Notes, I have learned gradually from that mistake. I did still have the idea of an invasion in Ponyville like in the last time I wrote it but this time, but it was not going to be with the canines, but the the creatures that I had put in the other few chapters and such. So don't worry, I'm not going to try to extended it anywhere near as long as I did, especially with just when I'm planning for the girls to ascend...along with everypony else.

Also, just on a side not, the very ends of this chapter do have the same parts of my last version of the chapter that I wrote containing the Timberwolf encounter. I just changed some little itty bitty parts of it, like whose saving who, who's attacking first, and who it is that's going to lead the others to safety, even though that's supposed to be Zephyr's job, since he is a Royal Guard. Though, with just how much things are going on, and with the girls dealing with animals that can very well literally run them into exhaustion, things don't exactly go according to plan, do they?

Well, that's all for this chapter; next time we're going back to Ponyville and how they're dealing with their own unwanted guests. I'm also going to try to go into depth about how I'm going to make those scenes so...the next update may be a while.

Chapter 26 - Recovery

“How are you holding up there Ms. Cloud?” Sweetie Belle asked, scanning over the persian blue Pegasus’s bandaged body. “Are those injuries still hurting you?”

“No...no they’re not. At least, not all that much anymore.” Cloud Kicker replied as she rested her head against the pillow. “I’ll admit, they hurt like a bitch when I first got here after that fight with the Tantabuses. I’m glad that Dinky didn’t get to hurt by them, otherwise my little sister would kill me for letting her daughter and my youngest niece to get hurt.” She smiled thankfully at Sweetie and the rest of the foals. “Thanks for that again, by the way…for keeping my niece safe.”

“Oh, it was no trouble at all.” Apple Bloom said shyly, a small modest blush making its way to her sun yellow cheeks. “We were jus’ doin’ our part...lookin’ out fer a friend as all.”

“No, I’m serious baby. I’m am feeling a lot better now knowing that Dinky’s safe...and a lot more comfortable too.” Cloud insisted, grinning somewhat wolfishly. “You guys really are a really good bunch of friends that Dinky has you are, especially you there, kiddo.”

Sheton, who was sitting beside Crescent Shield and reading a book with her, looked up, only to see the persian blue mare’s eyes locked onto him. He looked in between his sisters, Spike and the other fillies, before asking, “U-um…are you talking about me?”

“Who else would she be talking about dear?” Snowflake asked amusedly. “I saw how you were protecting Crescent, Spike and Dinky while me and Midnight were fighting that Tantabus. You looked ready to drain it dry of its magic if it came anywhere near them.”

“W-what do you mean?” Sheton asked, stuttering slightly. “I-I wasn’t doing anything! I was just as scared as Spike, Crescent and Dinky were! I was literally right in front of them!”

“True, but that didn’t mean you were terrified for long.” Midnight said, giggling slightly. “Around sometime during the fight, I had noticed that as the Tantabus was getting closer to you and the others, your demeanor did a complete one-eighty. You were from being so petrified to being in full on protective mode against anything that would hurt your friends. I have to admit Sheton, I did find it pretty cute…if not a little bit scary.”

“I…I was?” Sheton asked softly, blinking a few times. He looked in between Crescent, Spike, and Dinky, all of who were nodding in confirmation. “Wow…I don’t really remember that. I mean, I know something inside of my changed and I didn’t feel scared anymore, but…aside from that, everything was just a blur.”

“Well, you did end up getting all angry and ferocious when the Tantabus tried to get us.” Spike murmured, rubbing the back of his head. “I remember you crouching in front of us and opening your wings, while your fangs were bared. You did look…just a little bit scary to be honest.”

“Yeah, just a little.” Dinky nodded, smiling slightly. “You, uh…also ended almost poking me in the eye with the claw of your wing. Just to let you know.”

“I did?! I’m so sorry!” Sheton gushed, reaching over and gingerly examining Dinky’s face. “Are you hurt anywhere; do you have any cuts?”

Dinky blushed at the contact the Thestral colt was giving her. “U-um…no, I don’t have anything that needs bandaging. Your wing just hit me really hard in the face, that’s all.” She said meekly, the smile on her face matching her tone. “T-thank you for being so worried about me though…”

“I have to say kids, you were really good in helping Snowflake and Midnight in helping me fix my wounds, especially you Scootaloo.” Cloud Kicker murmured, running a hoof over one of her bandaged wings. “I know you guys are around eight or nine, but you were pretty efficient in doing this. I have to say…I’m impressed; you look like you might have the potential to be nurses and doctors someday.”

“Pfft, Doctors and Nurses?! Us?! Please! As if any of us would want to have a job like that!” Fire Flash snorted. “I you want my honest opinion, the only one of us who’ll have even the slightest chance of working in all of that medicine stuff is Scootaloo. She’s the one with all the knowledge about animals and stuff!”

“Oh? She does?” Cloud asked, her golden eyes trailing over to the bright orange Pegasus filly.

Scootaloo looked away, a deep blush making its way to her cheeks as she poked her forehooves together bashfully. “Well, um...yes, I do. M-my sister and I live in a cottage that’s right on the edge of the Everfree Forest, s-so she has a lot of animals living with her that she takes care of daily, besides me.”

As the shy filly looked up at Cloud, she noticed the wide-eyed look of horrified shock on the persian blue mare’s face. Not wanting any criticism to be thrown at her sister, the bright orange filly quickly continued. “D-d-don’t worry! I-It’s not those types of animals that she takes care of. A-at least, not all the time since they can take care of themselves, due to them having c-chaotic magic and all. F-Fluttershy takes care of the animals that you’d normally find in the W-Whitetail Woods, l-like Rabbits, Sparrows, Swallows, Ducks, Ferrets, Mice, Small Cats, Weasels, Deer, Elk, Moose, a-and even Bears. I-I think she’s thinking about opening up her very own sanctuary near our cottage sometime too. I heard her mention it a few times to the members of Critter Crew she works with that she sometimes takes me to see, but I don’t really know for sure.”

A small smile came to Scootaloo’s face as that though crossed her mind, before she gently shook it and addressed Cloud once more. “A-a-a-anyway, I do have an advanced knowledge of animals, and not just the ones in my sister’s cottage. I also know about the ones in the Everfree Forest too, like the Timberwolves, Manticores, Cave Demons, Night Furies, Battoookamis...you name it. I have yet to learn more about the animals that aren’t where we are, and I hope to have a talent in taking care of them someday...or at least learning about them. A-and yes, I do hope that I’ll be able to take care of them one day. Though, something tells me I’ll exceed farther than that…”

“Really? You want to work with animals too?” Sheton asked, looking over at Scootaloo with wide eyes. “That’s what I’ve always wanted to do too!”

“You do?” The bright orange filly asked, both of her ears perking up.

“Uh-huh! Back at Canterlot, where I’m still kind of living at, there’s a few Zoos that me and my family like to visit all the time, that have all kinds of creatures! Like Toucans, Spider Monkeys, Wallaroos, and even Bats there too, which are my favorite animal!” Sheton replied with a nod of his head. “I know so much about the animals there, and I really hope that I get to be some part of an animal sanctuary and protection group someday! Oh, and one that involves protecting endangered species, like the bats!”

“Really? Wow, that’s amazing Sheton! You have the same dream that Scootaloo has!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed, looking at the stormy grey colt with a wide sweet smile. “Maybe you two can be part of one of those group together, or maybe even make you’re own sanctuary based on it!”

“Yeah!” Crescent Shield nodded, before a thought crossed her mind. “Or maybe, the both of you could join that ‘Critter Crew’ group that Scootaloo’s sister is a part of!”

“Now, now, you kids, let’s not get ahead of ourselves.” Cloud said as she rolled over and laid on her stomach. “While it’s great that you what you want to do when you grow up, I think it’s safe to say that neither of you are ready that kind of work yet. You still have another six or seven years before you should even think about getting jobs, so you don’t have to rush into adulthood now.”

“Yeah they know that, and so do we.” Spike said as he crossed his forelegs, a small pout coming to his face. “They were just saying that they wanted to do it as a job someday. We all know that we can’t get a job at our age...not that we’d really want to right now anyway.”

“Hmhm, that’s good to hear. I’m sure that none of your sisters or parents would want to waste your foalhoods before you even got halfway, and I sure as hay wouldn’t want my little niece to either. Especially since there are more…pleasurable things for her to experience.” Cloud Kicker giggled, ignoring the glare that Snowflake sent her way. “Until then, why don’t you just stick to being sweet little foals for now and worry about becoming more responsible later, okay?”

“Okay…” The two foals said quietly, looking away from each other and twiddling with their forehooves.

“So Sheton...y’all like learnin’ ‘bout bats huh?” Apple Bloom asked nonchalantly, making the stormy grey colt turn to her. “Ya know...me an’ mah family do have a family of Fruit Bats that like to hang around in our trees on our farm.”

The moment those words left her mouth, Apple Bloom found her whole vision enveloped by two sparkling emerald blue orbs as Sheton shot up in front of her. His transfixing emerald blue eyes were wide as they shine with excitement.

“Really, you actually have Fruit Bats on your farm?!” He cried, a wide smile on his face as he leaned in so close to Apple Bloom that their noses were practically touching.

“Eeyup, a whole flock o’ ‘em, rangin’ from all different colors, an’ lookin’ like th’ very fruits they were named after.” The sun yellow filly replied, smiling in amusement. She used a hoof to gently push him away, if only by just a few inches. “If ya want, after this is all over an’ done, Ah could have one o’ mah sisters ‘r Granny Smith take ya t’ the Western fields an’ have a look at ‘em. We have a lotta them in western fields, and they don’t really bother us. So Ah’m sure that it’ll be a real excitin’ thing fer ya; ya know, since yer half bat an’ all.”

“Really?! Oh, thank you thank you thank you Apple Bloom!” Sheton squealed, bringing the sun yellow filly in a tight hug as he nuzzled his cheek against hers. “I’ve been wanting to see real Fruit Bats for so long! you don’t have any idea how much this means to me!”

“Heheheh...it’s nothin’ Sheton.” Apple Bloom murmured softly, blushing slightly at the hug. “Could, um…c-could ya lemme go now? I-I can’t really breathe…!”

“Um, Sheton…” Scootaloo suddenly said, gaining the stormy grey colt’s attention. “M-me and my sister have b-been at S-Sweet Apple Acres a f-few times t-to see the F-Fruit Bats a-and um, I-I-I learned some interesting facts about t-them. I-if you want, y-y-you can come over t-t-to our cottage s-sometime and w-we can t-teach you a few things a-about the F-Fruit B-Bats.”

This time, it was Scootaloo’s turn to blush as Sheton shot over to her and wrapped his forelegs around her waist. Although, he was gentler with her and didn’t try to hug too tightly, least he hurt other Pegasus foal with her own unnatural strength.

“You can totally count on my being there Scootaloo!” Sheton giggled as he hoisted her up in the air, earning a small squeak from the filly.

“G-g-great...I-I’m excited t-to see you b-back there…” Scootaloo stuttered, the blush on her face as red as Apple Bloom’s mane.

“Alright, we get it! You like bats and you both want to have a job that has to do with animals just like Fluttershy.” Fire Flash said as she grimaced at the display of affection. “You don’t need to be so mushy about it, sheesh!”

At these words, Sheton blinked and looked up at Scootaloo, who was looking back down at him with a scarlet red face, and the tiniest hint of a smile on her face as her single violet eye gazed into both of his emerald blue ones. The Thestral colt then looked at the way he was holding the indigo maned filly, and a blush came to his own cheeks as his tufted ears went limp against his head. Looking away from his fellow flyer, he gently, and veryslowly, set her back down on the ground, before shuffling a good few feet away from her, pulling his fedora over his face.

“Oh, now look what you did, Fire Flash!” Sweetie Belle chastised as she hopped off of Twilight’s bed and trotted over to Sheton. “You just made Sheton feel embarrassed and guilty for hugging Scootaloo! Did you really have to say that?!”

“What?” The crimson filly asked perplexedly. “All I said was that he didn’t need to get that excited! He looked like my big sis whenever another Daring Do book comes out!”

“And yer saying that yer one t’ talk?” Apple Bloom asked flatly, raising a scarlet red eyebrow. “Ah seem t’ recall y’all bouncin’ round like Pinkie Pie on a sugar rush an’ squeezin’ Sheton ‘ere when he mentioned that he’s a fan o’ them Wonderbolts you an’ Dash like so much back at the Town Square.”

Fire Flash’s face heated up at these words, and had it not been for her fur being so red, Apple Bloom would’ve most definitely seen the blush on her face. “T-that has nothing to do with this!”

“Sure...sure it doesn’t.” The sun yellow filly said smugly.

“I’m serious!”

“O’ course ya are.”

“Are you saying that I’m into that kind of stuff?!”

“No, Ah’m jus’ sayin’ that yer a real big softie inside.” Apple Bloom said teasingly with a small smirk on her face. “A real big red super softie.”

“I think so too~!” Spike giggled, both green claws coming to his lips

“Ha! Take that!” Sweetie shouted, pointing a hoof up at the crimson filly.

“Why you-” Fire Flash growled as her golden eyes flashed, the fur on her neck bristling. Before she could make a move on Apple Bloom however, Crescent Shield came to the rescue. “You take that back right now!”

Apple Bloom grinned even wider “Y’all gonna make me Flashy?”

“Maybe I will!” The crimson filly hissed as she stomped over towards Apple Bloom, both of her eyes glowing. Before she could do anything, Crescent Shield came to Apple Bloom’s rescue.

“You guys please! Now’s not the time to be fighting!” The ocean blue filly cried, encasing Fire Flash in an icy blue aura of magic. “Remember, we’re trying to keep Miss Cloud and Dinky safe here, and Miss Amethyst gonna get really mad at us if she finds us fighting like this!”

Then, as if to prove Crescent Shield’s point, Amethyst’s voice came ringing from downstairs. “Kids, what’s going on up there?! Is something wrong with Derpy?!”

“Nope, everything’s just fine Ame!” Cloud quickly replied back. “Fire Flash and Apple Bloom are just having a little debate over who likes your brother, that’s all!”

“No, we weren’t!” Both fillies protested at the same time, both of their faces heating up in embarrassment.

“Miss Cloud…” Sheton whined as he pouted at the mare.

The giggling persian blue Pegasus and the other foals waited a few moments for Snowflake to reply back while they all calmed down. When she did, her voice carried the same tone of amusement as Derpy’s did, with the slightest hint of slyness added to it.

“Well, just make sure that they keep it down okay?!” Amethyst asked, the tone in her voice making Derpy grin wider. “I’m on watch duty, and Ireallywouldn’t want to be distracted by the sounds of Dinky and her friends fawning over their new coltfriend!”

“Duly noted!” Cloud chirped, laughing at the blush on Dinky’s face.

“We AIN’T fawnin’ over him!” Apple Bloom cried with a stamp of her hoof.

“Sure you weren’t.” Sweetie Belle said slyly, causing the farm filly to shoot her a heated glare.

“Oh, don’t you start now too!”

“Start what?” The alabaster filly asked sweetly, batting her eyelashes innocently. “All I was doing was just agreeing with you that you weren’t fawning over Sheton, that’s all.”

“Oh, and yer sayin’ that you didn’t do the same when you met him?” Apple Bloom asked, grinning when she saw Sweetie Belle flinch.

“Y-yeah!” Sweetie Belle replied with a slight stutter, her tail skirt swishing nervously. “I-I wasn’t anywhere near as touchy feely with Sheton when I first met him! not even when me and him got into a tickle fi-” She clapped her hooves over her mouth as she realized what she was going to say, but it was too late. It was said, and everypony heard it loud and clear.

“Ah knew it!” Apple Bloom shouted triumphantly. “You were, weren’t you?!”

“A-Apple Bloom,” Scootaloo began, only to be cut off by Sweetie.

“N-no!” The two-tone maned filly squeaked as she back away from the sun yellow filly, who took a couple steps towards her. “I-I wasn’t fawning over him when he came to the boutique! All we did was play up in my room, and the whole time he was really sweet to me!”

“Admit it!” She demanded, pointing a hoof at her friend. “Y’all were coddlin’ him back at yer sister’s boutique, weren’t ya?! Jus’ like ya did back at th’ Town Square!”

“N-n-no! I wasn’t!” Sweetie Belle indignantly protested, before she gave a pause. “Well...I may have given him a few hugs here and there but-”

“So you do admit it!” Apple Bloom interjected, grinning wickedly at Sweetie Belle. “You like him, don’t you?!”

“How can I like somepony who I just met?!” The alabaster filly asked incredulously.

“She um...does bring up a good point.” Scootaloo said quietly, coming up to Sweetie Belle’s defense. “You can’t really have feelings for somepony only a day after you meet them.”

“Yeah, I mean…” Spike added, giving Apple Bloom perplexed expression. “Where’s the logic in that?”

“See?!” Sweetie Belle cried, pointing in between Spike and Scootaloo.

“Ah knowya can’t like somepony in a day, Ah wasn’t raised in a chicken coop.” Apple Bloom said with a roll of her eyes, before turning to look back at Sweetie Belle. “Ah’m jus’ sayin’ that there may be a few...exceptions, here and there.”

“How many times to I have to tell you…” Sweetie hissed through gritted teeth. “I. Do not. Like. Sheton!”

“Ya most certainly do.” Apple Bloom cooed, grinning widely. “A lot.”

“I most certainly donot!” The alabaster filly shot back. “At all.”

“You most certainly do too!”

“I most certainly do not!”

“Do not!

“Do too!”

“Do not!”

“Do too!”

“DO NOT!”

“DO NOT!”

“DO TOO! Wait...HEY!”

“HA! Ah was right!” Apple Bloom shouted, bouncing up in the air. “You do like him!”

“Apple Bloom!” Scootaloo scolded as Sweetie Belle froze on the spot.

“I...I…that wasn’t...” The alabaster filly stammered, her growing redder by the second as she glanced at Sheton, whose face was just as red. “T-T-That was a cheap shot Apple Bloom!”

Fire Flash burst out in a fit of laughter. “She got you there, Sweets! AB got you really good!”

“Shut up, Fire Flash!” Sweetie Belle shrieked, which sounded more like a squeak as the crimson filly laughed even harder. Sheton, who was also frowning at Apple Bloom, paused upon hearing Sweetie’s squeak.

‘Sweetie Belle just…squeaked!’ He thought as his face went pink. ‘And it was so cute!’

“Oh dear…” Snowflake sighed shaking her head.

Throughout the whole argument, Cloud still lay on Twilight’s bed, watching the whole scene play out in front of her, giving out a few muffled giggles here and there as she watched the foals bicker with each other. By the end of it, she was rolling around on the bed in hysterics, her face contorted with mirth. Her eyes were shut tight as tears flowed from them; her smile so wide that it hurt. She struggled to contain her laughter, least she fell off the bed or reopen her wounds, which were starting to ache a bit under the bandages, not that she really noticed. With each attempt she made, persian blue Pegasus found herself losing the battle, and getting closer the hard-wooden floor waiting for her below.

Just as she had reached the edge of the bed, Cloud suddenly froze, her ears picking up the sound of something exploding from outside of the Golden Oaks Library. Abruptly after that a bright light shined faintly through the window and into the upstairs bedroom. The mirth that the sex-obsessed mare was feeling vanished quicker than it had come as she whipped her head around to the source. She let out a hiss of regret as she used one of her forelegs to shield her eyes from the shining light, everypony else doing the same as a wave of power rush across the room.

“What in tarnation is that?!” Apple Bloom asked. “Is somepony lettin’ off fireworks outside?!”

“I don’t think that was it, Apple Bloom.” Crescent Shield replied. “That considerably too loud to be fireworks. Plus, I just felt a wave of magic reverberate around the library, so that could not have been any fireworks.”

Scootaloo looked over at the ocean blue filly nervously. “W-what do you think it was then?”

“…It was Amethyst’s magic shield.” Cloud Kicker replied, looking up at the fillies and the two Thestral mares in the room. “No doubt about it; I’ve felt different waves of magical power before, and I know that was Amethyst’s just now.”

“What does that mean?” Dinky asked. “Is something happening to big sis downstairs?”

“No baby, there’s not.” Snowflake replied before the filly could do anything. “It just means one of the Tantabus creatures tried to break down Amethyst’s. Or, at least…they ran into it and are now trying to break it down.”

“R-really?” Fire Flash asked, her eyes widening. “Is that why we saw that light a moment ago?”

“Mhm.” Snowflake nodded. “No doubt they’ve noticed the shield Amethyst made, and they believe there’s another group of victims. Which is why they’re trying to break at Amethyst’s shield right now.”

“They’re not going to get in, are they?” Sheton asked, looking up fearfully at his older sister. “I mean, we all saw what happened downstairs, and what how much power those T-T-Tantabuses contained. I-Is miss Amethyst’s shield going to be able to hold out until they go away?”

“Of course it will baby.” Cloud Kicker replied confidently. “Before that sexy ass mare Twilight came to town, Amethyst was the best magic user to ever walk the streets of Ponyville. There was no Unicorn in this entire town that could wield magic as expertly asshe could, or cast as many spells either. She’s conjured up shields before and the one she has in this how now, is sure to hold off against whatever things that might come in. Trust me when I say that.”

“O-oh, don’t worry Auntie Cloud, w-we trust you.” Dinky said reassuringly. “I-it’s just that I’m still s-scared that t-they’ll find some other way t-to get inside.”

Crescent Shield looked over at her fellow horned friend. “Some other way? Like what?”

“I don’t know…” Dinky replied, unable to elaborate. “…I’m just afraid that they will.”

“Well, even if they do, we’re not going to let any of them hurt you!” Spike said cheerfully, wrapping a foreleg around Dinky. “It doesn’t matter how many of those monsters are out there trying to break in! If any of them try to mess with any my friends, or you, I’ll burn all of them to a crisp!”

“Ah second that!” Apple Bloom said, raising a hoof up. “Ah’ll buck them varmints t’ th’ west side o’ the orchard where th’ Fruit Bats are if they even think o’ tryin’ t’ mess any o’ mah friends!”

“Don’t forget me girls; I’ll blast anypony to smithereens before they even try to hurt one of us!” Sweetie added, her eyes glowing as her horn did as well. “Nopony messes with the Cutie Mark Crusaders and gets away with it,nopony!”

Fire Flash nodded. “True that AB, true that.”

“R-really? I-I’m your friend too?” Sheton asked, looking at Apple Bloom. “E-even though we just met?”

“Well yeah, o’ course ya are Sheton.” Apple Bloom replied, smiling at the Thestral colt. “Ah mean, sure, ya having wings, an’ fangs an’ all o’ that stuff, but that don’t mean ya ain’t one o’ my friends. We may have only jus’ met, but th’ rest o’ th’ girls all told me ‘bout their time with ya b’fore we went to th’ Town Square. Anypony that’s kind t’ mah friends an’ not a bully t’ ‘em is a friend in mah book, an’ that there is th’ honest truth.”

A blush came to Sheton’s as a smile of his own came to his muzzle. “W-wow, I-I never really thought of it like that. I-It usually takes a lot of time for somepony to become friends, b-but I’m glad that you think of me that way Apple Bloom.” His fangs gleamed as his smile grew slightly wider, if not a bit shyer. “T-though, if it’s not too much trouble, c-could we maybe take us being friends at a steady pace? I-I haven’t really had that many friends at my school, besides Spike and Crescent Shield, and any time I tried ended in pretty, um…bad conclusions. I don’t really want to take any chances in messing our friend up this time, s-so…maybe we could take it one step at a time? I-If that’s okay with you?” He asked, poking his hooves together as he looked at the sun yellow filly with his big blue eyes.

Apple Bloom’s heart melted upon seeing the puppy dog look on Sheton’s face, feeling her own face forming into a cute frown. Before she could say or do a thing, Scootaloo beat her to it, racing over and bringing Sheton into a gentle hug.

“Yes, of course we will Sheton!” She cooed, running her hoof up and down the back of Sheton’s head soothingly. “I can all see how scared you are about losing any potential friends that you want to have, including us! I also saw how nervous you were about you and I wanting to be friends when you were at my big sister’s college! I don’t want you to ever feel like that about anypony else you want to be friends with, and I know than the others don’t either!” She pulled away from the colt just enough to cup his face in her hooves, causing him to plush. “I promise, we’ll do whatever we can to make you as comfortable with us as possible, and we’ll be the best friends that you’ve ever had! We did the same with Spike and Crescent Shield, and we can do it for you too, even Melon Cake.” She looked at the rest of the foals. “Right everypony?”

“Absolutely!” Crescent Shield nodded. “Me and Spike do need to catch up with Sheton and tell him all about what happened while we were hear in Ponyville. I know that he’s gonna love all of the stories we have about this place!”

“I think so too~!” Spike chirped, doing so in such a way that Dinky could not help but coo to.

Sheton looked around at each of the fillies, taking in the conviction and honesty in their eyes as they all smiled warmly at him, Dinky included. The shy smile on his face slowly grew until he was almost grinning from ear to ear, his teeth gleaming brightly. A giggle escaped him as he leaned back slightly, covering his mouth with his forehooves as he continued to laugh.

“Oh wow, I don’t think I’ve ever laughed this much ever!” He said, adjusting the fedora on his head as he looked at Spike and the other fillies. “Thank you girls, really! I’m glad that you’re all willing to take this slow. I’m really excited for what we’re going to be doing here after this is all over!”

“So are we! This town is really really really fun!” Dinky squeaked, smiling widely as her leonine tail swished back and forth. “There’s so much to do in it, and looks of places for friends to go to together!” She paused, her expression going from cheerful to bashful in less than a second as she rubbed her foreleg. “U-um…s-speaking of which, S-Sheton? C-can I ask you something?”

The stormy grey colt tilted his head. “What is it?”

“U-um…my M-momma t-told me about h-how she met you on the street e-earlier today, a-after she um…almost crashed into you.” Dinky explained, pausing to glare at Cloud as the mare giggled in her hoof. “She also told me about how she planned to introduce you to me a-at the Summer Sun Celebration today, s-since you seemed like r-really sweet colt to her.” She took a deep breath and shook the blush off of her face. “A-anyway…I-I was wondering…d-do you mind if we also be-”

That was all the grayish violet filly was able to see before a hoof gently pressed itself against her muzzle, thus preventing her from speaking. Squeaking in surprise, she looked up to see Sheton in front of her, smiling in a way that made him want to hug him until his eyes popped out of their sockets.

“Yes Dinky, I’d love to be friends with you, along with the other fillies.” He replied, taking his hoof away. “Your mom told me about how you and Amethyst would love to see meet me because of how nice I was to your mom today. Though you can see how that went after what happened at the Town Square.” A sweat drop appeared on the back of his head as he giggled sheepishly, before regaining his composure. “Anyway, yes, I’d love to be friends with you, and maybe your sister if she’s up for it. Just as long as you’re okay with taking it slow with me like the others said they would.”

Dinky nodded eagerly, her cheerful mood returning as quickly as it had vanished. “Sure, we can take as much time as we need to! I know we don’treally become friends in a day, so I’m willing to do this as slow as you want!” Her expression softened as she looked off to the side. “Though, um…do you mind if I, um…give you a hug for accepting my offer to be your friend?”

“O-oh, um…sure, I don’t see the harm in that-wah!” Sheton was cut off from what he was going to say when Dinky lunged at him. She pulled him in a tight hug, her chin resting on top of his head as she wrapped her forelegs around his neck. “Wow, heheheh…you’re really a hugger, aren’t you Dinky?”

“She sure is kiddo.” Cloud Kicker replied slyly as Snowflake smiled fondly at the scene. “The more you get to know her, the more hugs you’re going to be subjected to. And when you two are older…she may want to huge for another more, intimate reason.”

Snowflake glared warningly at the persian blue mare. “And just what reason may that be Cloud?”

“A reason that involves banging, screaming, and a very big banana.” Another voice replied bluntly. “One that my mom will surely stare Aunt Cloud’s eyes out for if she here to hear it herself.”

Almost everypony jumped upon hearing the voice, and they looked over to see Amethyst standing in the doorway, leaning against it casually. She was standing on her hind-legs with her forehooves crossed, glaring daggers at Cloud Kicker as if she tried to hit on her.

“Amethyst!” Dinky squealed, running over and leaping into the elder Unicorn’s embrace.

“Oh, Amethyst. I didn’t hear you coming up the stairs.” Snowflake said. “Are you doing alright there dear?”

The magenta purple Unicorn nodded. “Yeah, I am; I have plenty of Twilight’s books form downstairs, so I’m plenty occupied for right now.” She frowned as she put a hoof to her horn. “Even so, it didn’t help that jolt I felt when I put up that shield…stupid manifested Tantabuses.”

“I don’t blame you; I’m still trying to believe that those things were created by…her.” Cloud said, looking down at her hooves. She looked over at Snowflake, who was sitting on the far side of the bed. “Are you sure that Nightmare Moon was the one who created those things?”

“No doubt.” Snowflake replied, her brows furrowing. “I felt the magic coming from that Tantabus when it broke in here. It had the same dark, icy, and malicious feeling as Nightmare Moon’s had…along with an unquenchable amount of bloodthirst.” Her head lowered so her mane was covering most of her face. “Nightmare Moon was definitely the one who made the Tantabuses; for the specific purpose of laying waste to this entire town. And unless we, and the Royal Guard can stop them, they’re not gonna stop until that happens.”

The whole bedroom went silent when Snowflake said these words, the three mares and the eight foals having various expression on their faces. Each of them was scared in their own rights, not only for themselves and each other, but for those that they knew. Not only for the ones that were in the town trying to keep themselves safe, but for the ones that were currently after the villain that brought all this terror upon them. Despite everything that happened, there were still some of them who were unable to grasp the fact that one of the most feared villains of all time, Cloud Kicker and Amethyst especially. However, that was slowly being chipped away as the night progressed and more Tantabus monsters continued to wreak havoc all across the town. Even so, that didn’t take away the fear and worry they had of what would happen to them and the ones that were out to stop Nightmare Moon. They knew that something needed to give, or else they were not going to survive the night, and something told them that things were only going to get even worse from there.

“Yeah, well, I don’t think it really matters how many of those things are out there.” Spike finally said after nearly a minute of silence. “There are just as many of these Tantabuses as there are ponies, and that means they can totally be knocked down a peg or two!”

“Um, kiddo, I appreciate your optimism…” Cloud Kicker said. “…but I think it’s going to take more than a draconic colt to go up against all those monsters.”

“That’s not what he meant.” Sheton deadpanned. “What he means by there as much of those Tantabuses as there are ponies, they can be fought back against. What I mean by that, is us, since we’re all able to use magic like they can, so we can definitely defend ourselves against them if we need to.”

“Oh, that makes much more sense.” Cloud Kicker said, giggling a bit. “Why didn’t you just say that honey?”

Spike sweat dropped. “Uh…I just did. Didn’t you hear me?”

“Just ignore her Spike.” Amethyst sighed, putting a hoof to her forehead. “My aunt’s always been a bit on the short-minded side. So, if I were you, I wouldn’t waste your breath.”

“Well, regardless of whether Ms. Cloud understands what Spike’s saying or not…” Sweetie said, giving a sigh of her own. “…his point still stands. Just because there’s a flock of Nightmare Moon’s creations prowling all over Ponyville, doesn’t mean that the same can’t be concluded about us. We’re just as powerful as all of them, regardless of whether we’re Royal Guards or not, and while some of us may be weaker than them…” Her eyes glowed as her sword horn did the same, electric sparks of magic emitting form it “…that also doesn’t mean we can’t take on anything thrown from them.”

“Yer darn tootin’.” Apple Bloom nodded, stamping her hoof. “We may jus’ be fillies, but we ain’t any ordinary fillies. Even we can take a sucker punch ‘r two if we can help it; Ah ain’t a member o’ th’ Sweet Apple Titan family fer nothin’.”

“Damn straight.” Fire Flash growled, bashing her hooves together. “Anypony that messes with us, is going to be in world of pain. And if they think they can mess with these colts and fillies, then they’ve got a real ass kicking prepared for them, am I right guys?”

“Yeah!” Sheton, Spike, Dinky, and most of the other fillies exclaimed.

“M-mhm…” Scootaloo mumbled, smiling sweetly.

“Well, look at you little ones.” Snowflake cooed. “Not even fifteen and you are already just radiating with conviction and determination. Your sisters and mothers would be so proud if they were to see this now.”

“Yeah, they sure would. I know that Derpy would be crying her eyes out if she saw my niece wanting to protect her friends.” Cloud Kicker said, letting out a soft chuckle. “Don’t you think so Amethyst?”

Amethyst, who was staring outside of the window just behind her aunt, snapped out of her daze upon hearing her name being called. “Huh? Oh yeah, momma sure would be hugging the ever-living shit out of Dinks if she were here.”

“Um, are you okay there Ame?” The persian blue mare asked, raising a brow. “You seem a little out of it there.”

“Oh, it’s not anything that serious.” Amethyst replied. “I’m just you know…worried about Blossomforth.”

“Oh…you mean about how she might be doing going off against all of those Tantabuses after you and her, well…split up?” Cloud Kicker asked, earning a light nod from her eldest niece. “I see…well, I don’t think you should worry too much. Blossom’s a tough mare in her own right, like all the other ponies and lil’ cuties here in this town. Plus, she has all of those Royal Guards there that’ll happen to drop in on her if she runs into one of those Tantabus things, so I know that she’ll be okay. Who knows, maybe she’s already at the Town Square with my little sis right now.”

“Yeah…” Amethyst murmured, looking back out the window at the Moon from outside of her shield. “…I hope so.”

Author's Notes:

Hmmm...there's not much of this chapter that I can say that I had changed at beginning at the middle of writing this, other than who it was that was being treated for their injuries, this being Cloud Kicker instead of Derpy, and Snowflake and Amethyst being there instead of the former and Midnight, along with Dinky being with the res of the foals. That, along with changing a bit of who said what, with the ending being the only difference to the new version of this chapter, something that I had quite a bit of fun doing. Now, I was going to make this longer and add Blossomforth making it to the Town Square and telling Shining Armor what he had found out about the Tantabuses, but I felt that I should write it into another different chapter, because I have a little plan about how that little journey's going to go down and just how Shining and the rest of the Solar and Lunar Guards are finally going to get the drop on the Tantabuses. This will also follow up on how the Lunar Guards will meet up with Snowflake, Cloud Kicker, Amethyst, and the foals like I had in the twenty first chapter, except in this version, we'll have, Cloud Kicker, Amethyst and Dinky with Snowflake and the other foals.

Alright, that's all for right now, I'll see you guys in the next chapter when its up and ready to be read! While I won't go into what I'm going to do, it will be a much better and well thought out version then what I did the last time I wrote that meeting, because...yeah, that last version was just...yeah, it was bad.

Chapter 27 - Blades of Indigo

The cool air of the newly moonlit night blew over Moon Blade’s ghostly white fur as he soared high over the streets and houses of Ponyville, looking down at the various parts of the destroyed down. His jet-black mane and tail skirt blew in the wind behind him, his Lunar armor shining in the light of the Moon as he soared through the air like a vulture scanning the ground for the body of a deceased creature. His crimson eyes gleamed in the darkness, scanning through the, scanning the town for any signs of the Tantabuses or any other creature that happened to be on the prowl for any pony wandering outside. The bat winged stallion’s wings gave slow gentle flaps as he continued to fly over the town, his ears perked as he listened out for any unusual sound he could pick up.

It had been more than three and a half hours since Moon Blade and the rest of his fellow Lunar Guards had come to Ponyville under the order of Queen Celestia, to protect the Ponyville civilians from the danger of Nightmare Moon. It was even less time since the fight since he and almost the entire Lunar Guard had been in the fight with the Tantabuses that flew their way into the town, and nothing much had happened after that. Moon Blade had to admit to himself, that while he was expecting to encounter some danger in the normal peaceful town, he certainly wasn’t expecting to encounter it the minute they set foot in the town. Especially to the degree that it was, as evident by just how many of the ethereal creatures there were. This didn’t stop him from going to the help of anypony that he had come across, savagely engaging with any Timberwolf that tried to attack him and anypony he was trying to protect.

For the majority of his time in Ponyville, this is what Moon Blade continuously found himself doing; engaging with the Tantabuses, and coming to the aid of anypony that he could, be it mare, stallion, or foal. He witnessed more than a few of them going onto their Adrenaline and Ascension Modes to engage the Tantabuses themselves if he weren’t able to get to them on time, with a few of them being no older than foals. While he knew that a good majority of the ponies in Ponyville were more than capable of defending themselves against a threat, he still held to his duty as a soldier to protect the innocent. Despite this, nothingcould have prepared him for the display of power that the Tantabuses showed when he and his squad had first run into them.

If Moon Blade had thought that things were intense when the Lunar Guards first came to town, then things reallygot crazy when the Lunar Captain fought the creatures. Moon Blade found himself more often than not trying to keep himself from getting his throat sliced open and his wings ripped off, or anything severe like that. There was even on one occasion where he had to go into his Bat Pony Adrenaline Mode just to keep up with the newly evolved canines, who at the time were much stronger than they were before. In the midst of the battle, he had taken notice of a Tantabus that was going after a mare and a couple of her foals.

Despite the surprise and initial shock that he felt, Moon Blade wasted no time coming to the mare and foals’ aid, slicing down any Timberwolf that dared tried to attack them while his soldiers acted as a shield to protect them. As relieved as he was to be able to save them in time, he was more than a little bit bothered that neither of the foals looked away from the battle, as he didn’t want to give them any severe mental scars. Thankfully, they didn’t look to be too disturbed by it, and after assigning a few of his guards with them, the Lunar Captain resumed his duty in protecting the village and the ponies in it.

This is where Moon Blade now currently found himself, soaring over the large village and keeping an eye out for any signs of danger below him. So far, he didn’t see anything that stood out, and as he latched on to his magical detection, he found none that belonged to that of a Timberwolf or any other creature that was out of the ordinary. That meant that the whole village was completely clear, and all the residents were now safe.

‘Although,’ He thought as a frown came to his face. ‘There are the ponies at the Town Square that need to be looked after. Though Captain Shining Armor has that taken care of…plus there are doctors and nurses to help, both from Ponyville and from the guard. Still, what about the ponies back at that farm?’ He looked over at the farm at the south western part of Ponyville sitting atop the hill. ‘Doesn’t look like there’s anything that’s out of place…but I should still go over there and check on it, just to be sure. It never hurts to do some extra investigating before anything else…’

Just as Moon Blade was about to change direction and head over to the farm, his sharp ears picked up the sound wings flapping behind him. Now on high alert, he stopped in mid-flap and whirled around, his ears pinning back and crimson eyes blazing as he bared his fangs at what, or rather, whowas behind him.

“Whoa, take it easy Captain! It’s just me!” Star Chaser exclaimed, holding his hooves out. “I wasn’t trying to sneak up on you and bite your neck, I swear!”

“Star Chaser….” Moon Blade whispered, his eyes widening as his ears perked back up. After he regained his composure, his ears pinned back again as a sigh escaped his lips. “My goodness my dear boy…how many times have I told you not to sneak up on me like that? You just about gave me a heart attack!”

“Eheheheheh, yeah, sorry about that Captain Blade…” Star Chaser replied, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. “I didn’t mean to sneak up on you like that. I thought you had sensed me coming…”

“You mean like the last two hundred times that you did?” Moon Blade asked flatly with a raised eyebrow. “I told you over and over that I don’t like it when ponies come up behind him like that so unexpectedly! What made you like it was okay this time?!”

“Absolutely nothing, that’s what.” Said another, more feminine voice, as Raven Moon came flying up to them a few seconds later. One she reached them, she looked over at her brother with a disapproving frown on her muzzle. “Honestly Big Bro, what were you thinking? You know how the Captain is about ponies sneaking up on him like that. Did you really think that he wasn’t going to flip out the way he did?

“No, of course I knew!” Star Chaser replied, glaring at his little sister. “And I was trying to deliberately sneak up on him! I was just going to tell him that we were able to get the ponies he left us with to safety!”

“Uh-huh, and you didn’t think to maybe shout it out to him or call his name?” Raven Moon asked, raising an eyebrow. “That way he wouldn’t have looked like he was going to tear your throat open?”

Star Chaser opened his mouth to retort, only to close it just a second later as the words died in his throat. He kept glaring at Raven Moon for a moment, before he merely huffed and turned away, crossing his forearms.

“Your sister is right; you know Star Chaser. You really have a habit of sneaking up on ponies when its least expected, which is why so many react the way I just did.” Moon Blade said. “I know that you don’t really mean it, but you really need to do something about it. If you don’t, its gonna get up to the point where nopony that’s not on duty is going to constantly be on their guard for anypony that’s not you trying to come up to them from behind. So, take some time to work on that, alright?”

“Yes Captain…” Star Chaser sighed, shoulder sagging as he hung his head. “Again, I’m sorry that I scared you.”

“Your apology is accepted Star.” Moon Blade said with a slight nod, before turning to Raven Moon. “Any who, is there something that you two need to tell me? Speaking of which, why are you here?”

“Well, I had just so happened to run into my big brother when I was fighting those Tantabus creatures.” Raven replied, gesturing around them to the Royal Guards and Tantabuses fighting. “And no, it wasn’t a coincidence; I saw him getting his lion-tailed ass kicked out there because he looked like was having too much fun. So, I decided to go in there and give him a little reminder in what he should be focusing on.”

Moon Blade raised an eyebrow. “And by doing that, you mean you gave him a nice good-sized lump on his head?”

“Yes.” Raven Moon replied giggling slightly. “And, like always, it did its job of getting that dense head of his back in the game.”

“Only you would think it would.” Star Chaser snorted, rubbing the back of his head. “It also served to give me one hay of a headache for the next five minutes!”

“Yes well, I believe that it’s not any less than you deserve for letting your excitement and thirst for battle get the better of you…again.” Moon Blade murmured. “Keep this up and you’re going to have a multitude of headaches in the future.”
Star Chaser merely snorted. “Assholes…” He muttered under his breath.

“Well, anyway…” Raven Moon said. “…we came to tell you that most of the civlians are either safe in their homes or back in the Town Square. So, there isn’t much of them that we need to see are safe before we go back to the main objective.” She added, gesturing up to the scene right above them.

“I see; good work you two. I’m impressed by your diligence in this mission, even if we are in such a large town.” Moon Blade praised, smiling slightly at his subordinates. It fell as soon as it came and was replaced with a serious frown. “Still though, I’d rather not take any chances in letting those few ponies that are still out and about on the trees run into one of those things when they least expect it. So, would you two-”

“As if we weren’t going to Captain!” Star Chaser interrupted, grinning widely. “Just give us the word and we’ll send those ethereal creeps flying!”

Raven Moon shot her brother an annoyed look. “I think what our Captain was going to ask is we could help him in making sure every last pony in this town gets to safety. Regardless of how little of them there are left.”

“Oh, right.” Star Chaser muttered, faltering for a moment. “That too, sorry Captain.”

“It’s alright Star, just-” Moon Blade said, only to stop as both of his ears perked, his whole body, minus his wings, going still. “Hold on a moment…”

“What’s the matter Captain?” Raven Moon asked. “Is there something the matter?”

The ghost white stallion whipped his head behind him, his eyes narrowed as his magic detector picked up something not too far away from him. Closing his eyes, he used his magic to pinpoint that of the one he had locked on, and locate where it was coming from. Seconds later, he felt another magical source coming from in front of him, this one being much closer away than the first one. His red eyes slowly opened, his bat-like ears pinning back as his lips curled back, a slight grimace making its way to his handsome features.

“Raven, Star, I had just picked up the magic of a pony from behind me.” Moon Blade said firmly, making the younger flyer’s eyes widen. “I would seem that we have another pony that we need to save.”

“Whoa, seriously?” Star Chaser asked. “What the hay are they doing all the way out her all by themselves?”

“I don’t know, but they’re either incredibly fearless or incredibly reckless if they think they’ll be alright out here.” Raven Moon replied, sighing. “Well, let’s go see who it is this time.”

“Aren’t I supposed to be the one to order that?” Moon Blade asked dryly. “Still though my dear Rave, you do have a point there; come on Star Chaser.”

“Don’t need to tell me twice!” Star Chaser smirked as they all headed in the direction of the magic source.

The flapping of Blossomforth’s wings could barely be heard over the sound of explosions and magical attacks being fired all around her. Her watermelon blew behind her as she zoomed through the streets as fast as she could, intent on getting to the Town Square as soon as she could and get to Captain Shining Armor. With each turn she made through the corners and streets, she stopped in her tracks, keeping a sharp eye out for any Tantabuses that may be nearby, or any Royal Guards. So far, there was no sign of either around them, much to the pinkish grey mare’s relief and dismay, thus leading her to continue on her lone journey.

‘This is bad; this is really really bad! I’m not even halfway to the Town Square and I haven’t caught sight of anypony else out here! Sure, there aren’t any of those things out here, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want anypony to be out here somewhere!’ Blossomforth thought as she continued to fly through town. ‘I’m powerful, yes, and I can fight but I can’t do it all of those creatures by myself! They’re loads more powerful than I am, and I need more than myself to save myself from being obliterated by them! Oh, if only I can find at least one pony who can help protect me, that’d be more than enough for me!’

It had been over twenty minutes since Blossomforth, Could Kicker, Dinky, and Amethyst had fought the white Tantabus and split after said fight had ended. During that time the Pegasus mare had been going left and right in search of the Town Square, desperate to get to Shining Armor and his Royal Guards. Throughout her flight, her mind was replaying to the battle, and what Amethyst had found out about the creatures, mainly on how to defeat them. The Royal Guards around town had been fighting with the Tantabuses for over two and a half hours now, and it didn’t look like either side was gaining the upper hoof. She knew that she had to get to Captain Shining Armor and tell him and the other guards what she had found out, or else the destroyed buildings and injured ponies wouldn’t be the only thing they all had to worry about.

Making a soft landing, Blossomforth quietly trotted through the streets, careful not to make a sound that’ll give her away until she was sure what and who was out there. Her beautiful blue eyes glowed, the magic behind them amplifying her vision as they scanned through the dark streets of the town, completely on the lookout for any danger. The mare’s ears were perked as she listened out for anything that happened to be anywhere near her, either waiting to attack her, or bring her to safety. So far, there still was nothing and nopony around her, thus leading the watermelon maned mare to continue onto her trek to the Town Square. As she did so, she began to look around her, at the devastation of the town left by the fight between the guards and the Tantabuses.

“My goodness, so many of the buildings and stands have been destroyed…and all of it in just one night.” Blossomforth murmured to herself. “So much has happened so quickly that it’s almost too much for me to take in. I really hope that something changes soon, or else things will only get even worse.” She paused, looking behind her in the direction of the library. ‘And not just for me either…’

As she began to go around a corner, she immediately picked up the magical presence of a Tantabus that was just behind the house she stopped next to. Every single muscle in her body froze as she went still, the fur on her neck standing upright as she began to sweat. Swallowing the fear that was creeping up within her, she very slowly looked from behind the house, and nearly squeaked when she saw a garnet colored Tantabus, stalking across the streets. The mare immediately pulled herself away and backed up against the wall, doing her best to control keep her breathing under control.

‘Oh dear…oh dear oh dear oh dear! There is another one of those pony monsters just around the corner from me! And here I thought that they were only in the air fighting the Royal Guards that came here!’ Blossomforth thought frantically. She shut her eyes as she took several breaths, all in an effort to keep her nerves under control. ‘Okay, okay, calm down Blossomforth…just calm down, everything’s going to be fine. You just have to get past that creature and make one last break to the Town Square, then you can tell Captain Shining Armor what you and Amethyst had found out, and they’ll finally be able to make those things go away for good! Piece of cake!’

As if to show Blossomforth just how futile that attempt was, a hiss made its way into her ears, and a gasp of fear came out of her throat. She slowly looked over to see the orange Tantabus standing in front of her, its glowing green eyes piercing into her own blue ones with what was an impossible amount of malice. Blossomforth only had enough time to open her mouth for a scream, before she felt the wind knocked out of her by a punch from the Tantabus. The next thig the pinkish grey mare knew, she was spinning and flying through the air, blood coming out of her mouth in a violent cough as she crashed through a house. Blossomforth moaned loudly as she struggled to get up, the wave of pain that course through making her fall back down.

“D…d-damn it! My stomach!” Blossomforth cried, one of her hooves reaching out to rub at her stomach. “I-I can’t even sit up…! How hard did he hit me?!”

The sound of a magic blast interrupted Blossomforth out of her thoughts, and she looked up to see a blast of green magic shooting towards her. Adrenaline coursed through Blossomforth and she flared her wings, shooting up into the air just as the magic blast went through the house. A hiss left Blossomforth as she clutched at her stomach again, but she ignored it as she glared at the Tantabus.

“Lightning Pegasus: Electric Explosion!” She shouted, shooting off another large wave of magic that clashed with a second magical blast form the orange Tantabus. The power struggle went on for a few moments, before they both exploded in midair, creating large dust cloud. A few seconds later, the Tantabus suddenly burst form the smoke, wings flared and its forelegs both stretched out in preparation for a fight.

“Bring it on!” Blossomforth shouted, lightning coating her body as she flew at the Tantabus. She shot her head to the side to avoid punch to the face, to which she delivered to the Tantabuses own face. The Pegasus then elbowed the creature in the back of the head, and went for a kick to the back, only for the Tantabus to lash its tail out and grab it. Blossomforth screamed as she was spun in the air and slammed into the ground, just before a magic blast struck her, sending her deeper into to the ground.

With a screech the Tantabus flew down towards the mare, fully intent on squishing her like a bug, but Blossomforth had other ideas. Inhaling sharply, she rolled herself out of the crater two seconds after the Tantabus slammed into the ground, causing to split in random directions. As the smoke covered the creature, Blossomforth immediately went on the offensive.

“Lightning Pegasus: Thunder Bullets!” She yelled, shooting her hooves out and shooting out multiple bolts of lightning into the smoke. The sound of explosions and screeching filled her ears, letting Blossomforth know that her target was being hit. Unfortunately, she wasn’t able to keep her attack up for long, for a few waves of orange magic burst out from the smoke.

“Oh cra-!” Blossomforth cried before she felt the wave of magic colliding into her and send her tumbling across the ground. Gritting her teeth, she shot to her hooves and squared up to the creature in front of her, only to find it right upon her in an instant. Blossomforth’s left cheek exploded with pain as she was once again sent flying away, but she fought through the pain and fire off another attack at the Tantabus.

“Lightning Pegasus: Whinny!” She yelled, shooting out a blast of magical lightning from her mouth. It hurled towards the Tantabus at lighting speed, and collided with the creature, volts of electricity bursting throughout its body. It some point, it struck at the metallic core centered where its chest would be, causing it to let out an ear-piercing screech before an explosion rang out.

Blossomforth stood where she was, waiting for the smoke to clear so she could determine the state of her enemy. When the smoke cleared, it revealed a darkened crater and there was no sign of the Tantabus anywhere. Alarm bells immediately went off in Blossomforth’s mind, and she looked around for the creature.

‘Oh no…where did it go?!’ She thought as her body tensed. ‘Behind me?! Above?!’

Suddenly, Blossomforth felt a searing pain burst through her left hind leg as something sharp sank into it. She snapped her head down to see the head of the Tantabus, its horn just inches form stabbing her stomach, and its teeth clamped on her leg. Before Blossomforth could try to do anything, a pillar of magic burst out from under them both.

Blossomforth screamed in agony as she was sent shooting into the air, the Tantabus’s waves of magic sending searing pain through her body. When it ended, the mare tried to look down to where the Tantabus was, only to feel and hear a crack from within her chest. She cried out as the creature slammed its hooves right into her chest, before grabbing her hindlegs and spinning around in the air, and throwing her to the ground. Blossomforth hit it with an echoing thud, and had no time to even absorb the pain before the Tantabus landed on top of her.

The watermelon maned mare did her best to get out of the Tantabuses hold, but had little success in getting away from the creature now hovering above her. All four of its hooves were pinned on top of her own, thus rendering her unable to really move, leaving her only able to watch as it ignited its horn. Her lip trembled with fear as the Tantabuses pointed its horn down at her, preparing to blast her head off.

‘Oh no, it’s going to kill me! He’s really going to kill me!’ Blossomforth thought frantically, tears beginning to form in her eyes. She struggled even harder only for the Tantabus to press her into the ground even harder. ‘I can’t move; I’m going to die! Somepony…anypony…please! Help me!’

Just as the Tantabus was about to fire at Blossomforth, a leonine roar burst out from within the streets, freezing the Tantabus dead in its tracks. It looked to the right, only to see an impossibly white bat winged stallion soaring towards it at breakneck speeds, misty purple swords grasped within both of his forehooves. It had no time to try to evade or dodge the incoming Thestral before it was kneed in the face with the force of an oncoming cart.

“STOP RIGHT THERE, YOU HETHEN!!!” Moon Blade bellowed, sending the Tantabus flying away from Blossomforth. With his blood red eyes blazing brightly, he swung his swords out, sending two powerful waves of misty magic at the creature, watching as they collided with his foe. The Lunar Guard Captain watched as the creature crashed into the house, the very same house that it had sent Blossomforth into as smoke enveloped it.

“W…what the…?” Blossomforth wheezed, staring in shock at the stallion before her. “Who…is that?”

“Madam, are you alright?!” Moon Blade asked, his swords vanishing as he rushed over to the downed mare. “Can you stand up?”

Blossomforth pursed her lips, before a few coughs left her throat. “I…I-I think so.” She said weakly, forcing her body to sit upright. She coughed out a glob of blood as she held her stomach, still feeling the pain from the punch within it. “O-ow…my stomach…”

“Don’t worry dear, everything is going to be alright now. I’m here, and I’ll keep you safe from that Tantabus.” Moon Blade said comfortingly, gingerly putting a hoof on the smaller flyer. “I promise, he’s not going to harm you anymore. Not while I’m here.”

“Don’t you mean, not while we’re here?”

Blossomforth’s ears perked at the new sensual voice, and for a moment, she thought that it was Cloud Kicker coming back for her. Turning her head, her eyes widened when she saw Raven Moon and Star chaser hovering in the air behind her and Moon Blade. They widened even further upon seeing the latter was a Thestral just like Moon Blade.

“Well Captain, looks like your little hunch was right.” Raven Moon murmured, staring down at Blossomforth. “There really was somepony here out and about…and from the looks of it, she was getting her cute little ass kicked.”

‘C-cute?!’ Blossomforth thought, her face flushing as her tail flicked. ‘Did she say that my butt was cute?’

“Hey! Just because she was getting her but kicked didn’t mean that she wasn’t reciprocating sis!” Star Chaser exclaimed, glaring at his younger sister. “I mean, look at this place! It clearly shows that they were both getting a fair amount of ass kicking!”

“True but…” Raven Moon said, holding her hoof out. “This mare here looks a lot beat up then the Tantabus. So, I don’t really think that it’s a fair fight as far as I’m standing.”

“Ahem, if you two are done bickering up there…” Moon Blade said firmly. “Could you help me with this young mare while I take care of the Tantabus that I just sent careening?”

“W-wait, you’re going to fight this thing?!” Blossomforth asked as Raven and Star came on either side of her. “A-all by yourself?!”

“I know it may seem crazy, but trust me, our Captain is a lot more powerful than he looks.” Star said, grinning toothily. “He’s faced opponents a lot more powerful in his day, so he won’t have any problem dealing with this starry pony.”

“Tantabus, Star Chaser, it’s called a Tantabus.” Raven Moon corrected casually, throwing one of Blossomforth’s forelegs over her shoulder. “But yes, I agree with you, Captain Moon Blade will be able to handle this creature with no problem.”

Blossomforth coughed again as she felt herself being hoisted onto her feet. “Are…are you sure that your Captain will be okay?”

“I think you should be wondering if this Tantabus will be okay with me here dear.” Moon Blade replied. “I will admit, he’s powerful in his own way, but today, he may meet his match.”

Right as he said this, a ruby red aura surrounded the handsome ghostly white stallion, making Blossomforth freeze in place, along with the other guards. It wasn’t the fact that there was an aura itself appearing on Moon Blade. It was amount of power the pinkish gray mare felt from the aura of Adrenaline Moon Blade was emitting.

‘Sweet Mother Natura almighty…this stallion’s power. It’s absolutely…it’s insane!’ She thought, a bead of sweat rolling down the side of her face. ‘And he’s only in his Adrenaline Mode…just how much power is he emitting?!’

“Yeah, you feel that hot stuff?” Star Chaser asked, gently nudging the mare. “What you’re seeing is out Captain about to throw down, and showing that big Tantabus over there how much he means it.”

“As much as I’d like to see our Captain fight Star…” Raven chimed in softly. “We need to get this mare back to where ever she came from before she gets caught up in this.” The light grey mare looked over at Blossomforth. “Speaking of which…what’s your name baby?”

“B-Blossomforth…” She replied weakly. “…m-my name is Blossomforth Kindheart Rosario.”

“Kindheart Rosario…” Star murmured, his lips pursing. “I see…looks like Canterlot isn’t the only place where Captain Violet Fire’s family is confining in.”

“What?” Blossomforth asked, her eyes widening slightly.

“Nothing, don’t worry about it.” Raven Moon replied. “Come on, let’s get you out of here!”

Before Blossomforth could protest, she felt herself being carried off away from Moon Blade and towards the direction of the Town Square. Moon Blade watched them all go, not taking his eyes off of them until they were out of sight, before turning back to the Tantabus. The stallion didn’t even blink as the monster’s hoof connected with his face, which should’ve sent him flying and skidding across the ground. Instead, all it accomplished was leaving dirt trails in the ground by his hooves, before he came to a stop.

“My my, that was quite a punch you gave me there.” Moon Blade asked, gingerly grabbing the Tantabuses foreleg. “However, that didn’t quite really hurt as much as it should’ve. Here, let me give you a little example.”

Before the Tantabus could stop him, Moon Blade’s right hoof slammed into the center of its face, sending it zooming away from him. He spread his wings and took to the air, watching as the creature burst through, not one, not two, not severalhouses in the process, before finally coming to a stop. Moon Blade flew over to where he had sent the Tantabus, and watched as it burst out form the smoke and flew up at her.

“Oh, I’m sorry, did I make you upset?” Moon Blade asked gently, as if he was talking to a foal he had unfairly upset. “Here, let me make you feel better!”

Shooting his right hoof out, a large ethereal purple sword with a handle as red as his feline eyes appeared in it, looking to be over five feet long. With a strong flap of his wings, he descended down towards the Tantabus, clashing his sword with his opponents horn and making sparks fly throughout the air. The Tantabus shot its wings out in an attempt to slice Moon Blade’s throat, only for the ghostly white stallion to counter them with his own bat wings. This clash of wings went on for a few moments, before Moon Blade flew up and swung his sword down, sending a wave of ethereal purple magic down at the Tantabus. It struck the orange pony-like creature right in its chest, and sending it diving down towards the earth, a large crater left in its wake as it collided with the ground.

“There, that should’ve bounced out your anger there.” Moon Blade murmured, blowing his long silky mane out of his face. “Did that make you feel better?”

All of a sudden, a flock of bright green magic blasts burst out form the smoke and head towards the Lunar Guard Thestral Captain. Moon merely lifted his sword up and blocked and sliced the magic blasts hurled at him, letting them explode behind him.

“I’ll take that as a no.” He murmured dryly, his fangs gleaming as he grinned.

This time, it was the stallion’s turn to hurl down towards the Tantabus before it had a chance to really try to strike again, and they once again met in the air. They blocked and countered each other’s strikes as they clashed swords and horns with one another. Sending magical waves of them in the process, which exploded in midair and sent shockwaves through the streets. The Tantabus fired off another flock of magic blasts at Moon Blade as he soared towards it, but it was all a futile effort. Before it knew it, the Tantabus was feeling Moon Blades sword strike it right in the center of its chest, right where the metallic core was.

“You fought well my worthy foe, but I am afraid that your time is up.” Moon Blade said softly, whispering where the Tantabus’s left ear was. “…and very soon, your Queen’s will as well.”

With those words, Moon Blade swung his sword upward, slicing the Tantabus in half from the chest up in one swift swing. The Tantabus screeched as the core containing it magic and life force was shattered into little tiny particles. Moon Blade watched passively as the creature slowly dissolved into tiny dust like particles, which rose into the air before vanishing in the night.

“Well now…I believe that takes care of that.” The ghostly white stallion said, his sword vanished in a flash of purple mist. “Now I just need to go and check up on Raven Moon and Star Chaser and see if they got that poor mare to safety.” He spread his wings again and took off towards the Town Square. ‘And after that, see where that other power source was coming from…’

Author's Notes:

Alright, for this chapter, I wanted to try to add Moon Blade some of his guards into the picture, since the only time that I did that was in chapter thirteen. I did it somewhat with Shining Armor when he and his own guards came to Ponyville and met Midnight and the others in the Town Square. So I was trying to think of a way that I could reintroduce him again in this story, since I was really failing at that from where I was standing, and only gave him a few or so scenes in the first version of this story. Just a heads up, I was having bit of trouble what to title this chapter so I could explain just what I was trying to do here, and in the end I was able to go with the one that I was trying to make this chapter as. For the next chapter, I don't know if I'm going to keep going a bit longer on what's going on in Ponyville, or head back to the girls, but from where things are now, I think I might go with the latter. I'm gonna have to think on it before I make my decision as to what the right th next chapter on.

Well, that's all for right now; this time I'm just gonna leave you all to guess on what the next chapter will be focused on. One thing I will say, is that it is gonna be quite the rollercoaster!

Chapter 28 - The Trap

Goku’s hooves thundered across the ground and crushed the thick grass beneath her, her extended mane and tail flowing behind her as if it was a flag blowing in the wind as galloped through the bushes and trees of the Everfree. Her friends were right on their heels as they did their best to keep up with her and protect her from all sides from the Timberwolves that were in hot pursuit of them. Rainbow and Fluttershy were soaring through the air above her, looking down below for any of the wooden canines that tried to take a hit at the tan Pegasus or any of their earthbound friends. Rarity and Twilight were in the middle, both of their horns ignited and ready to fire at the wooden canines if they got too close, and Pinkie Pie and Applejack were at the far back, ready to give the Timberwolves a sock to the face if they tried to take a bite at their legs. Zephyr was at the very end, making himself as a shield for the girls should the Timberwolves try to get them from behind or bolt passed him. The wooden canines flanked them at all times, working as a cohesive unit and acting as barriers to prevent the mares from making any side escape into the woods, leaving them only one route to run, leading the deeper into the woods.

“Oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh! I can't believe that this is happening to right now! Twilight exclaimed as she took quick frantic breaths, her violet eyes darting on either side of her, taking in the petrifying sight of the wooden canines chasing them. “We haven’t even been in the Everfree Forest for that long, and we are already being attacked! Oh, why does everything that I plan go downhill in situations like this?!”

“Calm down Twilight, we’re not dead yet! I know that we can make it out of here if we just keep calm and don’t lose our heads!” Goku shouted behind her, not bothering to look over at her friends as she kept her gaze ahead. “Everything’s gonna be alright! Just keep close to me, and don’t run off the trail!”

“Alright?! Alright?! How can being chased by giant beasts in the middle of the most dangerous forest in Equestria possibly be alright?!” Rarity shouted angrily as she glared ahead at the tan Thestral. “We have been running for who knows how long, and not once we have lost these beastly dogs for a single minute! I don’t think that most of us will be able to keep this up for much longer, as it is plainly being seen! Not all of us are Earth Ponies like Applejack and Pinkie Pie you know!” The alabaster Unicorn looked down at her hooves, grimacing at how filthy they looked. “Not only that, all of this running is just ruining my hooficure! I don’t know if I can take any more if this wretched dirt sticking onto me, or any of this foliage getting into my mane!”

“Uh, Rarity, you do realize that you can use that Adrenaline stuff that you, me and the others have to keep going, right?” Rainbow Dash asked, taking a glance back at Rarity as she kept ahead of the group with Fluttershy and Goku. “That’s the whole reason why none of us are getting tired, because we can rely on our adrenaline magic for a huge second wind!”

“And you’re telling me that you’re not even the slightest bit worried about getting torn apart and eaten alive?!” Rarity retorted hotly, snorting hard through her nostrils. “What am I saying, of course you wouldn’t! After all, you’re the dare devil of this little group of ours!”

“Maybe not me, but I’m definitely worried about it happening to one of my friends, especially you!” Rainbow Dash shot back; her magenta eyes gleaming. “Any maybe if you started worrying more about your friends, instead of how you look all the time, then maybe you wouldn’t be so bothered by getting so filthy!”

“Start worrying more?!” Rarity repeated, giving the cyan Pegasus a flabbergasted look before it morphed into one of utter scorn. “Why I’d never-”

“Girls! Now ain’t th’ time t’ be bickerin’ over who should do what!” Applejack shouted, cutting Rarity off as she zipped to the side to avoid the jaws of a Timberwolf. With a heave, she shot her hindlegs shot out, bucking them straight into the chin of the wooden canine and sending him flying. “Have y’all forgotten th’ situation that we’re in right now?! We need t’ find some way t’ get away from these varmints b’fore we become their dinner!”

“Uh, wasn’t that what I was saying to Rarity just a moment ago?” Rainbow Dash asked, looking over at the tangerine Earth Pony.

“Incoming!” Pinkie Pie shouted, leaping into the air at a Timberwolf that had flung itself at Rarity. The pink pony delivered a hard sock to the canine’s face before the fashionista could even fire her magic at it, and she watched as it tumbled across the ground. “Whew, that was a close one! You okay Rarity?”

“I am now darling, thank you for that.” Rarity said thankfully. “Though I admit, that was quite the scare I was given there.”

“Well, from the looks of it, we’re going to get a lot more of those the longer we’re in this forest.” Zephyr said, galloping behind the seven mares. “Then again, we’ve gotten a couple since we had gotten here, so I guess it doesn’t really matter.”

Goku nodded, looking back over at her foalhood friend. “Yeah, good poi-” She stopped abruptly as she noticed a Timberwolf dangerously close to Zephyr. “LOOK OUT!”

The royal blue stallion spun around just in time to see a Timberwolf diving down towards him before landing on his back. Zephyr gritted his teeth as he fought the pain in his back and neck from the wooden canine’s teeth and claws, bucking wildly to throw the canine off. He spread his wings in preparation for another attack only for a blast of magic to strike the Timberwolf in its side and send it off the stallion. “Thanks Twilight!” He said, giving a sigh of relief.

“No problem Zephyr! Just try to keep your eyes peeled more, okay?” The lavender Unicorn advised, looking back ahead of her. “I get that you wanna watch out for danger for us, but it’s not just us you need to look out for! These Timberwolves are also after you as well, and if you get killed, there won’t be anypony to keep all of us safe!”

“Yeah, good point.” Zephyr murmured, before his ears perked up. “Hey look, I can see an opening up ahead!”

Surprised by this revelation, the mares all looked in front of them to see where Zephyr was looking, and sure enough he was right. Just yards away from them, they could see light to an opening that was growing bigger the closer they got to it.

“Hey, he’s right, I can see it too! There’s a way to get away from this Timberwolves!” Goku said, a relieved smile coming to her fanged muzzle. “Come on girls, let’s make a break for it!”

“Aww come on really?” Rainbow Dash whined. “I wanted kick some wooden mutt ass! Are we seriously just going to keep running away!”

“Silly Dashie, these are just little doggies we’re dealing with!” Pinkie Pie giggled. “Besides, didn’t you say back at the library that the only thing you care about is beating that big Moon meanie for what happened to the Queen?”

The cyan mare blushed in embarrassment. “Yeah…good point there, Pinks.”

“Um girls…” Fluttershy said, almost too quietly for most of them to hear as she flew on the right side of Goku. “You might want to take a look around you…”

“What do you mean, Fluttershy?” Twilight asked, looking up at the buttermilk Pegasus in confusion. “Are the Timberwolves closing in on us?!”

“Um, not really.” Fluttershy replied, her voice etched with confusion as her teal eyes darted to either side of her. “In fact, they seem to be slowing down.”

At these words, the rest of the mares looked around them at the Timberwolves that were chasing them, and they immediately saw that Fluttershy was right. From either side and behind them, they could see that the wooden canines were slowly, but surely slowing down, their beeline sprinting turning into steady jogging, letting the mares get farther and farther away from them.

“What in tarnation...?” Applejack muttered; her golden eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “What in the hay is happenin’ with these wolves? Are they really gettin’ tired?”

“Fluttershy, I thought you said that Timberwolves were known for running their prey down until they tired out?! Twilight said, looking over at her fellow Pegasus. “They haven’t even been chasing us for that long! So why are they slowing down?!”

“I-I don’t know...I’ve never seen this kind of behavior before. Timberwolves don’t tire this quickly…” The buttermilk Pegasus replied, a look of confusion etched on her face as she stared at the ground “It takes them a much longer time to even start to get winded...and they rarely give up in a hunt, even when they’re not actually chasing their prey.” She looked over at Goku, who was glancing right back at her, and judging from the look on her face, the tan Pegasus was thinking the same thing she was. ‘Something’s not right here…’

“Well, whatever the reason, I’m not gonna let them get the jump on us just ‘cause they're getting slow or because there’s a way out! I’m goin’ on ahead!” Rainbow Dash said with a shrug, before zooming off ahead of the rest of the group.

“Hey! Wait for us Dashie!” Pinkie Pie squealed, but the cyan Pegasus was already way out of hearing range.

“Ugh, I cannot believe her!” Rarity scoffed as she watched Rainbow Dash fly off. “First, she criticizes me about caring more about my looks, and then she goes off ahead of the group and leaves us here?! There is something seriously wrong with that mare!”

“You and me both…” Zephyr murmured, shaking his head.

With those words, the seven mares and one stallion made one last break through the forest towards the clearing, the Timberwolves getting farther and farther away. Zephyr, in an effort to ensure that they all had some buyed time, shot a few blasts of lightning bolts at the canines, electrocuting some of them on the spot. With that done, he rejoined the girls in the run to the clearing, only to find himself already in the clearing with them. The moment they did, Applejack turned tail and ran back to the entrance, her body glowing with an emerald green aura.

“Earth Make: Giant Wall!” She shouted, slamming her forehooves down on the ground as the green energy spread across the ground. In an instant, a large tall wall of earth and rock burst out from the ground and covered the entrance to the clearing, thus blocking the entrance inside it. Satisfied that the Timberwolves would be kept at bay for a while, the farmer rushed back to where the rest of her friends were in the middle of the clearing.

“Whew, that was a close one! Almost didn’t make it there!” Applejack asked, listening to the snarls and growls of the Timberwolves behind them. “Are all o’ y’all alright?”

“More or less darling…other than the fact that my hooves are covered in all of this horrid dirt!” Rarity replied, wincing as she looked down at her blue stocked hooves. “I’ve never done so much running in all my life! I thought I was going to pass out; I’m so glad that we’ve stopped now!”

“Well of course we’ve stopped Rarity. We got away from the Timberwolves and Applejack made a temporary shield for us.” Fluttershy said, looking over at Rarity with a slightly raised eyebrow. “If they had stopped while they were still chasing us, they would’ve caught up and tried to drag us into the ground and overwhelm us with their pack.”

“Not only that, but due to the commotion that our new guests are making, there’s no doubt that there’s going to be more coming for us shortly.” Goku added, her furry bat ears picking up the sound of the howling of the Timberwolves. “So, I think now would be a good time to figure out how we’re going to get away from them before we become Timberwolf chow.”

“Already on it.” Twilight nodded, trotting back and forth. “Pinkie Pie, do you have that extra map you got from my library?”

“Sure do!” The pink pony chirped, reaching into her mane and pulling out a large map. “Here you go Twily!”

“T-thank you.” Twilight nodded, blushing a bit at the nickname before looking down at the map in her magical aura. “Alright now, from what I can see on this map…we’re in one of the many known clearings of the Everfree Forest, more than several in total. We’re in one of the largest ones, and by the looks of it, it’s the farthest one to the castle of the two sisters.” Her ears went flat at this revelation, but she shook it off as she continued to scan the map. “If we go onto the path that’s on the opposite side of this clearing, and keep straight, we’ll get to a cave that’s nestled in between here and the castle, and after that are some pillars of rocks that we're may have to climb or trek through. We can take some time to rest up there once we’ve finished here, assuming that the Timberwolves don’t make us drain all our resources.”

Fluttershy froze at the last few words. ‘A…cave? Right in between the abandoned castle and where we are belong the rock pillars?’ She leaned in a bit closer to the cave, and broke out into a nervous sweat when she saw it on the map. The Pegasus then gulped when she saw what was up after that, and the next one afterward. ‘Oh…oh dear...’

“After that, we’ll make a bit of a left before coming upon a large raging river that goes on the east and western side of the Everfree Forest.” Twilight continued, pointing to a large river that was shown on the map. “I don’t know how big it is, but form what I’m seeing, we may have to build a ship that’ll let us sail across it. After that…” she raised her hoof up a little further, up to an even larger group of caves. “…is another group of caves that we may have to go through and emerge from the other side.”

“Wait a minute, what you mean we may have to go through those caves?” Rainbow Dash asked in perplexation. “Couldn’t we just fly over instead? That way we’d be able to get to Nightmare Moon a whole lot faster?”

“We can, but then we’ll lose track of the path that we’re set on.” Zephyr replied firmly. “Plus, there’s no telling what kind of other wild beasts might be lurking atop those caves. So, all we’ll be doing is potentially getting ourselves lost and broken off from said path…” He glanced over at Pinkie Pie. “And potentially losing the map that Pinkie Pie had gotten for us.”

“Yep!” Pinkie said cutely. “May wanna stick to the original plan Dashie.”

“Fine, whatever…” Rainbow Dash murmured, crossing her forehooves. “…I still think that it’d be a lot faster to get there if we do that.”

“Maybe, but we still have to deal with the animals here, so even if we do take that route, it’d still take us some time to get passed any animal we may come across.” Goku said, glancing up at the athlete. “And I get the feeling the animals that live in these parts are going to rip us all a new asshole by the end of the night.”

Rarity shot a disgusted look at the tan Thestral. “Goku, language!” She scolded hotly, but soon cowered at the sharp glare the tan Thestral gave her.

“Hush you.” She said softly, her undertone matching her look.

“Goku makes a good point. There’s no guarantee that we won’t face any beasts if we decide to travel atop the caves.” Fluttershy nodded. “So, I think I’d be best if we stuck to going through them instead, since there’s a way out on the other side. Besides…” she winced. “…even if we go atop the caves there’s a good change the animals will hear us, and met us on the other end with a not at all friendly welcome. Or worse, burst out from inside the caves and take us by surprise before dragging us down into the dark depths.”

“Well, when you out it that way…it does sound significantly petrifying.” Twilight a shiver going through her before looking back at the map. “Anyway, after we passed the larger section of caves, we’ll find ourselves in a wide clearing of open plains, and in the center of it, is where the Castle of the Two Sister’s is supposed to be.” Her hoof went even higher to a picture of open plains where a castle was nestled in the middle. “When we get there, all we have to do is travel through the plains and we’ll finally get to the castle. Though from the looks of it, the ground that’s connecting castle to it is split, so we’ll have to cross this bridge to get to the castle.”

“Alright, sounds simple enough.” Applejack said, straightening her bandana. “All we gotta do is just get these lil’ wooden doggies runnin’, an’ we can sail through this ‘ere creek, tunnel our way through these caves an’ just run our way through these ‘ere plains. Shouldn’t have any problem with that.”

“That’s much easier said than done Applejack.” Fluttershy said gravely. “Don’t forget, there’s still a relatively abundant number of animals that we still need to get past. We already had to fight a Shinomōkin and a Doragontora, and both were powerful in their own right. It may not seem like it now, but trust me, we haven’t even gotten halfway yet.”

“Pfft, so what if we didn’t fight all of these creeps yet?” Rainbow Dash snorted. “If we were able to survive against two of them, what’s to say we won’t be able to do the same with the rest of them?”

“Careful Rainbow Dash.” Zephyr advised. “We may have kept ourselves getting eaten a couple of times now, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to stay like that. If you let your overconfidence and arrogance get the better of you, you will be killed.”

“Don’t waste your breath on her darling.” Rarity sighed, tossing her mane. “This is Rainbow you’re talking to. Any helpful advice you try to give her in situations like these will go right out the other ear.”

Goku snorted. “Look who’s talking…” She said quietly.

Right as that was said, Fluttershy’s head, which was lowered as she took a few moments to recover from her frantic flying, suddenly snapped up, as if she had been jolted awake from a peaceful slumber. The buttermilk Pegasus’s ears flicked back and forth, her teal eyes scanning the area as the cool air blew around her ever so slightly. With her brows furrowed, she slowly began walking around the clearing, something that wasn’t noticed by her friends until Applejack spoke up.

“Uh, Fluttershy…?” The farmer asked, raising a golden eyebrow at the movements that the buttermilk Pegasus was making. “What’re you doin’ there sugarcube?”

Fluttershy didn’t reply to the farmers question, choosing instead to ignore her and continue her investigating around the clearing, her eyes and ears listening out for anything that looked or sounded out of place. Her nostrils were flared as she sniffed the air, taking in all the different smells around her as her friends watched from afar, looks of perplexity, curiosity, and seriousness on each of their faces.

“Fluttershy darling, pardon my interruption but...” Rarity asked, somewhat put off by the buttermilk Pegasus’s sudden change in behavior. “What in Equestria’s name are you doing?!”

“Yeah, your acting like those big wooden mutts that were chasing us just a minute ago. What the buck gives?” Rainbow Dash nodded; her face scrunched up into a frown. A second later, she found herself on the ground face first with a huge lump on her head. “OW!”

“Shut it.” Goku hissed, shaking her hoof down at the cyan mare. “Let her do her thing.”

Suddenly, Fluttershy stopped dead in her tracks, her head raised up high and her ears perked up as straight as arrows. Her body went rigid as her angelic wings locked up, her pupils contracting as she paled under her fur, which caused feelings of concern to rise up within her friends. Very, very slowly, she turned her head to face them, a fearful look on her face that set off alarm bells in the other ponies’ minds.

“What’s the matter Fluttershy?” Zephyr asked softly, his voice filled with concern as he stared back at the buttermilk Pegasus. “Did you find something?”

“Everypony…” She said slowly, almost robotically, her voice etched with fear as she stared back at them. “…we need get out of the clearing, now.”

“W-w-why?” Pinkie Pie stuttered, becoming slightly nervous at the buttermilk Pegasus’s tone. “I-Is there’s something the matter? Did you smell more Timberwolves here?”

As if to answer her question, all seven mares picked up the sound of snarling from all around them, sounding so terrifying that it made their blood curdle and chills go down each of their spines. Fluttershy immediately bounded back over to the girls, taking seclusion within the group as they all huddle up together, their backs facing the entrance that they came in from as they looked all around them, wondering how many Timberwolves were with them. They didn’t have to wait long as a multitude of eyes, all of them being various different colors, sliced through the shadows and stared right at the girls, contrasting brightly with the darkness. Not even a second after that, the eyes slowly emerged from the shadows, giving way to large dog-like bodies, ones that the girls immediately recognized. Their shock and fear grew even further when they saw just how many Timberwolves there actually were, and there were a lot.

“By Celestia…” Rarity whispered as her breathing quickened. “Look at how many of them there are!”

“Gosh...Ah knew that this ‘ere forest packed a lot o’ these doggies, but Ah didn’t think that it’d be this much.” Applejack muttered softly, sweat pouring off the side of her brow. “Now Ah’m wishin’ that Ah made a bigger wall.”

“Well…this is the Everfree Forest.” Fluttershy pointed out, her wings partially spreading. “They do hold a multitude of animals in very large numbers. So, it really shouldn’t be that much of a surprise.”

“This is bad! I thought if we got here that we’d be able to escape!” Twilight exclaimed fearfully as she pressed herself closer to her friends. “How can there be so many of them here?!”

“Y-yeah!” Rainbow Dash stuttered, looking around at all of the wooden canines. “I was sure that there weren’t any more Timberwolves up here either! What the hay gives?!”

A loud gasp caused the other mares and one stallion to turn to Goku, only to see her in a state of total shock. Her golden eyes widened to their biggest capacity as her feathered bat wings instinctively flared out and her mouth dropped in horror.

“Um, Goku?” Pinkie asked tentatively. “Are you okay?”

“They tricked us…” Goku whispered, slowly looking over at her friends. “They tricked us into coming into this clearing. This whole time they were playing us!”

“What do you mean it was a trap?” Rarity repeated, giving the tan Pegasus a look of confusion. “What did the Timberwolves do?”

“That’s what Ah wanna know too.” Applejack asked, raising a golden eyebrow at Goku. “Jus’ what in the hay are ya goin’ on ‘bout, G?”

“You guys figured it out too right?” Goku asked, ignoring Applejack’s question as she looked at each of her friends. “All this time, the Timberwolves weren’t trying to catch us or eat us, at least not immediately! They were chasing us through the forest towards a trap waiting for us!”

“They were WHAT?!” Pinkie Pie shrieked as Fluttershy let out a gasp.

“Let me explain,” Goku said quickly, the tone on her voice letting the others know to that she was only going to say it once. “Back at the cliff where the river was the Timberwolves weren’t trying to catch us or take us down! They attacked us and inflicted damage a couple of us sure, but they weren’t really trying to kills us! Didn’t you guys notice how they weren’t going for our vital spots like our necks and throats?”

“O’ course we did.” Applejack replied, glancing down at the claw marks on her shoulders and the ones on her barrel. “Why? What’re you gettin’ at with all o’ this?”

“Goku’s saying that the Timberwolves were trying to get us to run, instead of taking us where we were.” Fluttershy explained firmly. “In the wild, wolves are known for trying yo get their prey to run, which gives them the chance to try to run down their prey until it tires out, and when it does, the wolves will take the opportunity to use their bite to hold onto their quarry, while the others bring it down. Unless their prey is fitter however, it’ll take longer for them to be able to do that, so they’ll just keep up the chase until their quarry begins to tire.” Her face morphed into a grimace as she glanced over at the entrance of the clearing, which was now blocked by the Timberwolves that were chasing them. “Which is exactly what happened back there.”

“Okay, we get that,” Rainbow Dash asked, throwing her hooves out as her tail lashed out impatiently. “But if that’s what they were trying to do, why didn’t they take us out while they were chasing us?!”

“Because that wasn’t there plan.” Goku replied, looking up at the cyan mare. “For the whole time that they were chasing us through the Everfree, not once did they actually try to inflict any serious or fatal bites on any of us, Applejack and Pinkie Pie especially, at the risk of being bucked by either of them! They only nipped and bit at us, which made us move away from them and let the Timberwolves on the other side of us try and do the same thing, especially when we saw certain parts of the path, we were on starting to break up! When we started to head towards the clearing, that’s when the Timberwolves started to slow down and let us go ahead of them, and when we came into the clearing, that’s when they stopped, and let these Timberwolves trap us!” The tan Thestral gestured to the wooden canines. “They wanted us to come into this clearing this whole time, so that we would run into their other packmates that were waiting for us! Not only that, but they also wanted us to come here so they could rely on their added help to take us down, because they could sense how powerful we were!”

By the time Goku was finally finished, nearly all of the mares with her, had locked of shock and disbelief on their faces. All except for Fluttershy, who kept glancing in between them and the Timberwolves, who had, surprisingly, stopped in their advance. It was as if they willing to wait and let the mares try to figure out the tactic that they had planned and used on them before finishing them off. Eventually, everything Goku and Fluttershy explained to them fully sunk in, before they came back to their senses and looked at the Timberwolves in a new light.

“Ah see...so that’s why they never really tried t’ take us down.” Applejack murmured, her emerald eyes narrowing. “They wanted us t’ think that we were gonna get away in this ‘ere clearin’, an’ by the time we realized it, we’d already be trapped with no way out.” The farmer couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle. “Heh...clever lil’ doggies they are...clever lil’ doggies indeed.”

“I can’t believe this…” Twilight muttered, giving an angry shake of her head. “I can’t believe I didn’t figure this out sooner! I should’ve known that this was going to happen! I should’ve known, and now look where we are!”

“Well, it happened, and there’s nothing that can be done to change that.” Zephyr sighed, giving a flick of his tail. “All we can do now is to keep ourselves from being eaten.”

After those words were said, an explosion resounded form somewhere outside of Applejack’s earth wall. They looked around and saw cracks starting to appear from within it, indicating the Timberwolves were trying to break in.

“Uh-oh, it looks like our party guests are getting impatient!” Pinkie Pie said, her eyes widening as she bit her lip. “Anypony have a plan?”

“We already made a plan Pinkie Pie.” Rarity replied, raising a brow at the pink pony. “Didn’t you hear our dear Twilight? We already have a plan as to how we’re going to make it the rest of the way to the abandoned castle. Weren’t you paying attention?”

“Yes, she was paying attention Rarity.” Fluttershy said firmly before Pinkie could reply. “What she was asking, is how we’re going to keep ourselves from getting eaten by the Timberwolves that’re trying to get through Applejack’s earth wall.”

“Oh, right…” Rarity blinked, a sheepish blush coming to her face. “…my mistake, I’m sorry sweetie.”

Fluttershy shook her head, before turning to Twilight and Goku. “Anyway, do either of you know what we should do?”

Goku rubbed her chin with her tri-colored leg, looking at each of her friends intently. As if she was determining their power and just how they could use them. Twilight and Zephyr, seeing the look in the sexy tan Thestral’s eyes, stayed silent as they waited for her to formulate a plan in her mind. Right when it looked like she was going to get interrupted, supposedly by Rainbow Dash, Goku finally spoke.

“Okay, here’s what we’re going to do guys.” She said clapping her hooves together as she took flight. “Applejack, Pinkie Pie, you two are the most physically strongest out of all us and the most connected to the earth, so you should have the best chance fighting them physically, especially since you have the most endurance. Applejack, you’ll take care of the Timberwolves that’re flanking us from behind, while Pinkie Pie keeps them at bay from the front.”

“You got it Goku!” Pinkie Pie nodded, giving a sharp salute as she bounced behind the group a cerulean aura covering her body as she did so.

“Well, Ah was hopin’ t’ fight th’ ones in th’ front instead o’ in the back.” Applejack mumbled as she trotted off, an emerald green aura covering her body. “Still, if ya want us t’ fight th’ ones from behind, then that’s what Ah’ll do.”

“Rarity Twilight, you two will handle the Timberwolves on the sides of us.” Goku continued, turning to the alabaster and lavender Unicorns. “You two are the ones who are able to do actual visible magic, and because of that, you two are the best for fighting at a distance rather than up close. Just don’t let them get too close to you though; I don’t want to have one of you get a broken leg that’ll take more of Fluttershy's magic to fix that she could use helping us fight.”

“Very well then...if I must.” Rarity said with a sigh, a sapphire blue aura surrounded her body as she trotted to the left of the earth wall. “Best of luck Twilight.”

“You too Rarity.” Twilight nodded as she galloped off, her body emitting a violet aura.

“Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Zephyr, you three, besides me, are the ones who’re able to fly and use magic that relates to the weather.” Goku said, looking in at the other three Pegasi. “So, I want the four of you to take to the skies with me so we can fight the Timberwolves from up above. We can also watch out for any of the girls down below should any Timberwolf try to sneak up on them and give them some help should they need it.”

“You got it G!” Rainbow Dash said excitedly as she took off to the left side of the clearing.

“Alright Goku...if that’s what you want me to do.” Fluttershy said as she hung her head. “Just um...don’t rough them up too bad, okay? I know that they wanna eat us but, I don’t any of to use that wanna use that as justification to-”

“Don’t worry Fluttershy, we won’t kill them if that’s what you’re wondering.” Goku said reassuringly, as she gave the other mare a gentle smile. “They may be creatures of the Everfree, but they’re still like any other animal in Equestria. I won’t hold it against them for behaving how they were made to, even if they were created by Discord.” Her ears flattened against her head as she looked off to the side. “Besides, you’d burn my eyes to ash with your Solar Stare if I did so otherwise...”

“Your damn right she would!” Rainbow Dash guffawed, while Zephyr just stared at Goku perplexedly.

“Um, pardon me for asking but…” Zephyr said. “…but what’s the Solar Stare?”

“You don’t wanna know.” Fluttershy replied softly. “Seriously…”

The sounds of the giant earth behind them wall cracking and rumbling broke the three Pegasi and one Thestral out of their thoughts. They looked over to see it beginning starting to crumble, and there were even some wooden lips and heads of the Timberwolves bursting out of the holes. Around the same time the Timberwolves surrounding them began to creep even closer, looking just seconds away from attacking.

“Here they come!” Goku shouted, her voice resounding around the entire clearing. “On my signal everypony!”

Just seconds later, the giant earth wall blocking the clearing’s entrance finally gave way to the Timberwolves, crumbling beneath their wooden paws. Everything seemed to go on in slow motions as they and the rest of the pack went on the attack. Their eyes glowed like blazing lanterns as they wooden teeth and claws cut through the air, their clubbed whipped like tails lashing out behind them.

“NOW!” Goku yelled, throwing her hoof down as if commanding an in-training police dog.

All the other seven ponies automatically went on the offensive, either sending of wing attacks, blasts of magic, or bone shattering kicks. Each of the Timberwolves that were within range of the ponies were wither blasted away, sliced to ribbons, or had their jaws broken by each of their attacks. It was all the more devastating due to the auras of Adrenaline emitting from each of their bodies, amplifying their physical and magical strength. Even so, this did not stop any of the canines form their relentless assault on the eight ponies, and they responded in kind.

The battle between canine and equine had begun.

Author's Notes:

Alright, now before any of you go on and say anything about me deciding how long to make this fight between the Main Seven and the Timberwolves, just hear me out, okay? I have most certainly learned by lesson from extending fight scenes to that level concerning the animals of the Everfree, and have gotten plenty of helpful criticism from a couple of my followers about this. Looking back, I know that the idea of the Timberwolves invading Ponyville while the girls were fighting them was completely and utterly stupid at the time, and this new invasion with the Tantabus creation was much better planned...at least in my opinion. I don't know what the hell I was thinking at the time, but it's best not to dwell on that anymore...this invasion is being newly written, and I'm sure that it's going to go much better than it did the last one.

Now as for the chapter itself, in the last one I had formulated the girls being trapped by the timberwolves, which, now that I think about it, stretched on a little too long for my liking. So, I decided to had some different parts to it to keep it going at a steady pace, such as adding the plan that the girls and Zephyr would have as to how they were going to get to the castle of the two sisters from where they are now.. I had forgotten to add that in this chapter, which is why I unpublished it when I did before anypony could probably really read it...sorry about that. It's all good, now, and, if all goes well, I might get the next chapter up the same day today!

Well, that's all for this chapter; as said the next one will contain the battle of canine vs equine as it was made in the last version. Though its not going to be anywhere near at the scale that I made it then. Seriously I don't know what was going on with me when I did that while I was writing this . Oh well, it happened then, and it won happens again.

Chapter 29 - Canine Vs Equine

“Fire Thestral: Brilliant Flame Blast!” Goku shouted shooting off a blast of scorching fire from her hooves and down at a few Timberwolves that were leaping at her. The huge ball of flame engulfed them and the howls of pain they emitted indicated to Goku that they got hit. Form the way they were running off and the way that the fire burning their wooden bodies, they would not be coming back to the battle field.

“Fire Thestral: Scorching Neigh!” She yelled, shooting off a streaming blast of fire at another hoard of Timberwolves that were coming at her group from behind. Around the same time, another stream of flames joined her owe, fusing together into a larger ball of fire, that blasted the canines away from them.

“Sorry about that Goku! I didn’t mean to disrupt your attack!” Zephyr said, coughing slightly as steam emitted from his mouth. “I saw the Timberwolves coming at you from behind and…well, I just…stepped in out of instinct.”

“That’s okay Zephyr, I appreciate the save!” The tan Thestral replied. “Besides, you made my attack more powerful by doing that! So, it’s a win for both of us!”

“Don’t let your guard down everypony!” Fluttershy shouted from behind them. “There are still a many more Timberwolves that we need to fend off! Not just those couple of groups!”

“You think we don’t know that Flutters?! That do you think we’re going right now!” Rainbow Dash shouted, lightning dancing about her body. “Lightning Pegasus: Electric Slice!”

The cyan mare flared her prismatic coated wings out and swung them out on either side of her, sending large bolts of lightning down below. They struck the Timberwolves head on, making the wood on their bodies burst into thousands of pieces as they collapsed to the ground. The ones that weren’t hit scurried away from the Timberwolves that were, and made to go after Rainbow Dash, only for Fluttershy to intervene.

“Sky Pegasus: Exploding Whirlwind!” She shouted, diving down as she gracefully spun around in the air. The coat of wind surrounding her grew larger the closer she got to the ground, and she flared her angelic wings at the last second. Propelling herself up, she watched as the speeding whirlwind shot down and exploded into the ground, sending sharp gusts of wind at the closest Timberwolves that were there. Fluttershy winced as she watched the wind slices cut right into the wooden canines, emitting cries of pain as they tumbled across the ground.

“I’m so sorry I had to do that.” She whispered quietly and remorsefully to the beasts, holding a hoof to her chest. “Please forgive me.”

“Way to go Fluttershy!” Rainbow Dash shouted, shooting a fanged grin towards her fellow Pegasus. “That was one badass move that you pulled off!”

“Oh, it wasn’t much really.” The buttermilk Pegasus replied, blushing as she ran a hoof through her mane. “I was just acting as the extra eyes for the rest of you here with me.”

“Well, you totally got a real bucking sharp pair of eyes in my opinion!” Rainbow continued, sending an electrified kick to a Timberwolf. “Maybe not as sharp as my eyes, but still good enough to detect shit that’s about to go down.”

A snarl from behind Fluttershy caused her to spin around and see several Timberwolves creeping towards her, with more surrounding her from all sides. Fluttershy paused for a moment, before she slowly hovered to the ground, her wings still spread as she looked around at all the wooden canines. The Timberwolves stayed where they were, waiting to see if the buttermilk Pegasus would make a move on them. When she didn’t, they slowly began to stalk towards her, all of them preparing to lunge at her.

Suddenly, and without warning, Fluttershy’s head snapped up, her eyes going wide as they went from two gentle teal orbs to two blazing golden fiery orange spheres, the pupils becoming pure white. They bore into the gazes of the Timberwolves that were in her line of vision like two twin roaring flames of the Sun. All the fight and determination that they felt inside of them vanished quicker than it had come, as if it wasn’t even there in the first place. Fluttershy gave no visible reaction to their sudden change in behavior, her expression remaining completely unreadable as she stared at the carnivores.

“Now, I’m only going to say this once...you can either leave this clearing and leave me and my friends be, or, you can stay here and risk me turning you all into firewood.” Fluttershy said softly, her voice carrying the same undertone of military-like assertiveness that she had used with the singing birds she was with earlier that day. Her eyes burning with such an intensity that the Timberwolves’ bodies would’ve gone up in flames had she been able to. “Choose wisely...or you’ll be taught quite the lesson.”

Many of the Timberwolves that were caught in the line of Fluttershy’s gaze shrunk away from her, their ears flattening against their heads as they went from offensive and hostile, to fearful and submissive, before letting out whimpers and scattering into the forest, clubbed tails in between their legs. Those that stayed behind reeled back a bit by the change of color in the buttermilk Pegasus’s eyes and the scorching intensity behind them. Still, they were not ready to give up the fight just yet, which let Fluttershy know that they were not all backing down.

“Very well then,” She murmured as the orange glow in her eyes disappearing. “We’ll do this yourway.”

Without warning, the buttermilk Pegasus swung herself in an incredibly graceful vertical arc with her wings still spread. Before the Timberwolves could even realize what was happening, they felt themselves being sliced apart and blown back in all directions. They howled in pain as Fluttershy’s wind attacks sliced deep into their bodies, so much so that a green substance could be seen leaking form their bodies. Just as quickly as the attack came, it stopped, and all of the Timberwolves could now be seen laying on the ground, bleeding as they all writhed in pain.

“I tried to warn you.” Fluttershy murmured, looking at the canines sympathetically before she took back to the air.

“My word…” Rarity gasped, staring in awe at Fluttershy as she rejoined her fellow flyers. “Did you see that? Our dear Fluttershy handled those ruffians with hardly any effort, and with such grace!”

A blast of violet magic Rarity’s head got her to refocus on her predicament as Twilight blasted a group of Timberwolves from behind the fashionista. Rarity screamed in surprise, and slight pain as the bolt sailed across the tip of her horn, causing her to stumble slightly. She looked over to where Twilight was, and saw the lavender Unicorn just feet away from her, her eyes glowing.

“Rarity, pay attention!” She shouted, whirling around sending multiple magic blasts at the canines behind her. “Is now really the time to be spacing out right now?! You were about to get eaten and ripped apart!”

“I-I, I was most certainly not!” Rarity protested, her own horn glowing brightly. “I was perfectly focused on these heathens, even when I wasn’t really facing them!”

“Then why didn’t you turn back to them when they snarled at you?!” Twilight asked somewhat accusingly. “They were right in front of you, and I know that you were able to hear them that close to you!”

Rarity was about to reply, when she heard a growl from behind her, and she turned around to see a large Timberwolf diving at her. she screamed out in fear, and out of instinct, she fired off her horn, sending off a laser like beam of magic that the beast. As it struck it in the chest, Rarity swung her head about, sending the canine flying in the opposite direction. Remembering there were more Timberwolves with her, Rarity whirled her body around and felt her eyes widen when she saw a multitude of wooden spiked clubs sailing through the air, heading straight for her. She screamed in terror before leaping away, feeling them barely grazing her body as they all slammed into the ground. The fashionista continued to instinctively evade the Timberwolves powerful tails, all the while using her magic to shoot at the ones that were planning to shoot at her, least her situation got worse. Eventually, she was given enough time to charge up her horn and fire a long blast of magic at the Timberwolves and send them flying away, but not before one more tried to crush her with its tail club, just barely missing her muzzle.

“Belle Machine Gun: Laser Beam Flock!” The alabaster Unicorn yelled, firing off large blasts of laser like beams at the canines. The power behind her attack, powered by the raging fear and terror within Rarity allowed her attack to be more efficient than she thought it would be. The fashionista watched in amazement as the magical beams sent the Timberwolves soaring away from her, crashing into the trees.

“Oh…oh my, I can’t believe just did that.” Rarity blinked, grinning as she came out of her shocked state. “Take that you ruffians! That’s what you get for messing with a graceful lady like me! Hmph!”

Twilight rolled her eyes at her fellow Unicorn’s antics, before she turned around and focused back on her own hoard of wooden canines. Without giving them a chance to react she fired off a powerful stream of violet magic at them, engulfing them all in its purple color. As she kept up her blasting the canines in front of her, she heard a bark from behind her. Eyes widening and Twilight spun around to see a Timberwolf leap at her and land right onto her back, its claws sinking deep into her sides. Twilight screamed as she felt blood start to flow out of the slashes, but she managed to fight the pain, and used her magic to try to pry the beast off of her.

“Belle Machine Gun: Gattling Gun!” The voice of Rarity shouted, before a flock of cyan bolts of magic flew towards Twilight. To the fashionista’s relief, the bots of magic managed to hit her desired targets, but a couple of them also hit Twilight in the process. The Timberwolf howled in pain as it was torn off of the lavender Unicorn, who crumpled to the ground in a heap.

“Oh goodness!” Rarity cried her hooves flying to her mouth. “Are you alright Twilight?!”

Twilight grunted as she pushed herself onto her haunches. She looked over at Rarity and sent her a weak smile. “Y-yeah more or less…that really hurt when you blasted me though.” The smile on her face immediately dropped when she noticed the Timberwolves beginning to surround her. “Oh no…”

“I’m coming darling hold on!” Rarity shouted as she galloped over to her fellow Unicorn. Her charge was soon halted when a few Timberwolves jumped in front of her, preventing her from being able to get to Twilight. The next thing she knew one of the Timberwolves had lashed its tail out, letting its club strike her in the chest and send her flying into a tree.

“Rarity!” Twilight shouted, before she too felt something strike her chest, forcing her onto her back and into the ground. She looked up behind her to see one of the Timberwolves on top of her, its jaws open in preparation to rip her throat out.

“I don’t think so!” Twilight growled, igniting her horn with electricity. “Solid Form Magic: Lightning Strike!”

A shower of wood surrounded Twilight as she struck the Timberwolf right in its face, sending it flying off of her and into one of the nearby trees. Not wasting a moment, the lavender Unicorn got to her feet and sent off a torrent of lightning strikes at the canine surrounding her. It had the same desired effect with the last one, each of them howling in pain and running off into the woods and away from the clearing.

With her horn still ignited, Twilight spun back around, ready to blast away any Timberwolf that lunged at her from all sides. She didn’t have to wait long before they attacked, some coming at her from the front, while other came at her from the sides. Giving a strong lash of her tail, the lavender Unicorn fired off a few more electrical blasts of magic at the Timberwolves that had come at her from the front, sending sparks of wood flying off of them as they tumbled across the ground. Twilight then swerved and dodged between the Timberwolves that were coming on either sides of her, narrowly avoiding their razor-sharp wooden claws and teeth as they slashed and bit at the air.

“Solid Form Magic: Wind Bullets!” With their backs turned to her, Twilight fired off sharp blasts of wind at the Timberwolves that had their backs turned to her. They howled and whimpered loudly as the attacks pierced into them and sent them toppling to the ground, before staggering back up and racing off into the woods.

“Whew, that was a close one.” Twilight sighed to herself, letting her body relax slightly. A bark from above her put her back on high alert and she looked up just in time for a Timberwolf to jump right in top of her. She cried out as its wooden claws dug into her, leaving deep slashes marks as it pinned her down. Twilight watched as the Timberwolf opened its jaws, its curved teeth exposed in preparation to rip the mare’s throat out.

“NOT SO FAST!” Zephyr shouted, zooming in and slamming into the wooden canine. With a bright garnet aura surrounding him, the royal blue stallion sent a torrent of flames at each of the carnivores surrounding her. “Fire Pegasus: Swirling Flame Pillar!”

Twilight watched in awe as her foalhood friends and protector summoned a large pillar of orange flames around them, scorching the canines surrounding her. Much to her surprise, the fire surrounding her didn’t burn at her skin or wounds, but instead filled her with warmth and enveloped her in a protective cloak. Zephyr, however, wasn’t don’t just yet, having one other trick up in his sleeve to ensure the Timberwolves didn’t come back.

“Fire Pegasus: Scorching Explosion!” The Solar Guard shouted, making the large pillar of flames explode and wash over east side of the clearing, completely enveloping the canines around them. The Timberwolves all shrieked and howled as the flames burnt the wood on their bodies, and they ran off into the forest, leaving the foalhood friends to themselves.

“Thank you Zephyr!” Twilight said thankfully as the stallion helped her up. “I really thought that I was going to get killed there!”

“Don’t thank me just yet Twilight! There’s still a good bunch of these wolves left for us to get past.” Zephyr said, hovering protectively over Twilight. He glanced over at Goku, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, who were still acting as lookouts. “I’m sorry Goku, but there’s been a slight change of plans! I’m staying near Twilight, so she doesn’t get surprised like that again!”

“Don’t worry about it!” Goku said dismissively. “I did say we’d be flying over the others and look of for any surprise attacks! So, you’re still sticking to the plan in a way!”

All of a sudden, the sound of a firing cannon burst throughout the clearing, immediately reaching the ears of the three other flyers. They looked down and saw large orbs of blue magic being blasted throughout the clearing, striking right into the Timberwolves. The strikes were so devastating that the blasts send the beasts through the trees and out the clearing.

“Whoa, look at those blasts!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. “Is Rarity doing this?”

Fluttershy suddenly gasped, and pointed downwards. “No, look!”

The cyan Pegasus and the tan Thestral looked over to the exit of the clearing and saw Pinkie Pie at the front, defending her side of the clearing. However, they could see, much to their shock, that there was a large earth made cannon in front of her. The pink pony giggled and laughed merrily as she fired blast after blast of cannon fire at the wooden canines, while the others just stared at her silently.

“Does…does she really have a cannon made out of earth?” Zephyr asked once he had managed to collect himself.

“Yes, yes she does.” Twilight replied dryly. “Pinkie literally has a cannon made of wood and his condensing her magic in it to create all of those devastating blasts.”

“Pinkie Pie!” Rarity exclaimed sharply. “What where you are firing that thing! Do you know how close that you hit me with that last blast?! You could’ve blasted my tail skirt off!”

“Heeheehee, sorry Rarity, I can’t help myself! This is just so much fun!” Pinkie Pie giggled as she paused in her blasts. A second later, she channeled her magic into her weapon, aiming at the Timberwolves surrounding Rarity. “Earth Make: Cannon Blast!”

With a stomp of one of her hind hooves, she sent off a huge cannon blast right at the wooden canines, enveloping them in her magic. Rarity ducked under the blast just as it hit home, and she watched it soared through the clearing and sent them off into another part of the forest. A few more blasts followed them as Pinkie Pie sent away any other Timberwolf that was trying to get her from any side.

“Land sakes Pinkie, y’all seriously gotta watch where yer aimin’ that buckin’ thing like Rarity said!” Applejack shouted, watching as one of the canons strikes hit dangerously close to her hooves. “Do y’all have cotton in yer ears ‘r somethin’?!”

“Of course, not! Why would I have that?!” Pinkie Pie frowned. “It’s not like cotton will make anything I bake delicious! I’d that have cottoncandy then regular cotton, cause that’s just, blegh!”

“That’s not what Ah-” Applejack protested, only to jump away from a Timberwolf that was lunging at her from behind. She reached out and grabbed its tail, spinning it around and slamming into others that were around her, before going on the offensive.

“Earth Make: Vine Snare!” She shouted, slamming her forehooves down, causing the ground the crack and emerald green magic to pour out. Vines exploded from under it, and lashed out like whips, ensnaring the Timberwolves and yanking them from the ground. They swung the wooden canines within the air and flung them away, high into the trees and a good distance away from the clearing.

“Heh, so long lil’ doggies! Have a nice flight!” Applejack shouted to the canines, a small grin coming to her face. The grin on her face soon morphed into an expression of agony as she felt something stab right into her. Through the graces of Faust, she managed stay on her hooves, but the pain in her back didn’t vanish, even as the tail club was removed from her back by the Timberwolf that it belonged to.

“Damn it…that was a might stupid o’ me.” The tangerine farmer grunted, turning to face the wooden canine that attacked her. “Let mahself wide open t’ that. Looks like Ah gotta fix that…”

Chirping sounds suddenly filled Applejack’s ears, and she looked back in front of her to see a shower of magenta lightning sailing down towards her. The farmer cried out and made a hasty retreat to somewhere safe as the lighting bolts sailed passed her.

“Lightning Pegasus: Lightning Shower!” Rainbow Dash shouted, shooting a flock of lightning down at all of the Timberwolves in Applejack’s section of the clearing. The farmer and athlete both watched as they struck and zapped the Timberwolves, making large chips of wood fly and explode all around them. Applejack and Rainbow Dash both shielded themselves from the incoming wooden shower, not wanting to get stabbed in their eyes.

“Ha, take that ya bunch of mangy wooden bastards!” Rainbow Dash boasted, flying down next to Applejack’s side. “Are you alright AJ?”

“Well Ah was tryin’ to keep mahself from getting squashed int’ apple sauce by them wolves, so Ah guess ya can say Ah ain’t all th’ way alright.” Applejack deadpanned. “An’ it didn’t help that ya had send all o’ them lightnin’ bolts down on me RD.”

“What?! No, I wasn’t!” Rainbow Dash protested. “I was aiming at those Timberwolves because I saw that they were going to eat you! I wasn’t trying to roast you!”

“Ah know that!” Applejack snorted. “Even so, y’all could’ve warned me that you were going to get a hit in yerself!”

“So you’re saying that you didn’t hear the lightning coming your way?” Rainbow Dash asked, raising an eyebrow at the farmer. “I think that was warning enough.”

“Mah ears ain’t as sharp as yers Rainbow!” Applejack growled, a tick mark appearing on the back of her head. “Even if Ah did here ya about strike, that didn’t mean that Ah would have enough time t’ git outta the way o’ bein’ roasted like a fritter! That’s why Ah said ya could’ve warned me before ya attacked!”

“Yeah well, my lightning does make a shit ton of sound when I summon it, so you should’ve been able to hear it.” Rainbow snorted, crossing her forearms. “If not, then you really need to get your hearing checked.”

“Are you sayin’ that Ah have th’ hearing o’ mah Granny?!”

“No, I’m saying that you’re-”

A blast of wind and a torrent of flames soared passed the two arguing hotheads, sharply and rather heatedly cutting off their verbal fight. They both shrieked as a tan and yellow blur shot passed them, burning and slicing at the Timberwolves around them. Applejack and Rainbow Dash watched as Goku and Fluttershy worked in unison, reducing the canines to writhing wood in mere seconds. Without a single word to one another, they hovered to the ground right as the Timberwolves they attacked scrambled to their paws and ran off into the forest.

“Whoa girls…that was awesome!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. “We almost didn’t see you guys for a second there!”

“Yeah…” Applejack nodded as the two flyers walked over to them. “…though ya did almost burn the Cutie Marks off us-GAH!”

Applejack had barely finished her sentence before she and Rainbow Dash were on their flanks, holding their heads that were now sporting huge lumps. They looked up and froze upon seeing Goku hovering over them with her hooves on her hips and face contorted into a sharp glare.

“Of all the times for you two to be arguing, you pick now as a time to do it?!” She chastised; her fangs bared into an angered frown. “Have forgotten the danger that we are currently in right now?!”

“N-no, we didn’t!” Rainbow Dash replied in protest. “I was just trying to explain to Applejack about how she should’ve been able to hear my attack coming so she could dodge it!”

“Ah already told ya, Ah couldn’t hear it, especially with all o’ this other noise!” Applejack shouted, glaring at Rainbow Dash. “Ya didn’t give me a verbal warnin’ RD which is why it took me longer t’ see it comin’! Which is why Ah was sayin’ ya should’ve hollered b’fore ya did it!”

“Oh, so you’re saying that you can’t hear multiple bolts of lightning coming right at you?!” The athlete shouted back, baring her fanged teeth at the farmer. “Is your hearing really that bad?!”

“No, it ain’t!” Applejack snorted, narrowing her eyes. “An’ let’s not forget, Ah got nearly crushed my one o’ them doggies back there! So, Ah think Ah can be forgiven for not bein’ as alert when I as tryin’ to keep mah back from breakin’ in half!”

“As if some lame wooden club can break your back!” Rainbow said rolling her eyes. “It probably wasn’t even all that-”

“That’s enough!” Fluttershy exclaimed sharply, rendering both mares silent. “Look, I don’t know what made you decide that now was a good time to go at each other like to make Manticores over a female, but it is not helping us right now! Me, Goku, and the others are risking out lives just to keep ourselves from being eaten, and you two are here fighting?! What is the matter with the two of you?!”

Both Applejack and Rainbow Dash flinched at the scolding, their expressions going from anger and annoyance, to guild in shame. At that same moment, Rainbow Dash spoke up in an effort to defend herself. “W-we were just-”

“I don’t want to hear it.” Fluttershy said, swiftly cutting the cyan mare off. “Just go back to helping the others and making sure none of you get killed. I’ll talk to you two about your behavior later.”

“As much as I want to bash these two idiot’s skulls in…” Goku sighed, looking over at Fluttershy with a softer expression. “…I don’t’ think we’ll have to wait for very long.”

The veterinarian looked over at the tan Thestral. “What do you mean?”

“Look around you.” Goku said, surveying the battlefield. “The pack of Timberwolves are getting considerably smaller right now. And I’m estimating that within a few minutes that they’ll be gone if we keep going at the pace that we’re going.”

“Yes, you’re right, they are getting smaller…faster than I was thinking.” Fluttershy said, looking over the clearing before turning back to Goku. “Still, you have something planned, don’t you?”

Goku nodded, lashing out with her legs and kicking a nearby Timberwolf in the face and sending it slamming into a tree. “Yeah, I have a technique that I think will wash the rest of these wolves away…but I’m gonna warn you. This technique is going to leave quite the burn in this clearing.”

“Uh, what do you mean by that?” Applejack asked. “Jus’ what’re you plannin’ t’ do?”

“Something absolutely crazy.” Goku replied bluntly, causing Applejack and Rainbow Dash’s eyes to widen. “Hey Fluttershy, do you think you can do a favor for me?”

“What do you need?” The buttermilk Pegasus asked softly and patiently.

“I want you, Rainbow and Applejack to let the other girls and Zephyr know what I’m planning to end this fight in one fell swoop.” Goku explained. “I want you all together them all in the middle of the clearing and have Twilight and Rarity create a shield to protect you all. Trust me when I say this, that it is going to be big.”

“Alright then, you can count on me.” Fluttershy said, staring into Goku’s eyes for a moment before turning to Rainbow and Applejack. “Come on you two, let’s go get the others.”

“W-wait a minute! What about-” Rainbow sputtered, only to freeze when Fluttershy glared back over at them.

“I said…” She said, her eyes giving a soft orange glow. “…let’s go.”

“Yes ma’am!” Both mares said as they scrambled over to where the others were. With that said and done, Goku spread her wings and took off into the air, her golden aura flowing behind her.

The four other ponies, who had noticed Goku take off, watched as she made her way into the sky, her wings making slow yet powerful flaps as her extended mane and tail flew rather gracefully behind her. She soon stopped just above the very top of the trees as she looked down at the clearing below her, staring down at the small glowing dot that was her shielded friends and the multiple eyes that were the Timberwolves. Taking in a deep breath, Goku closed her eyes and raised her forehooves against her head as aura around her body began to glow a brighter shade of gold, making her look like a beautiful golden star. Suddenly a sphere of fire appeared in her right foreleg, before a sphere of lightning appeared on her left one, growing larger the more magic she channeled into them. The tan Thestral brought both hooves together and combined both powers that were now radiating from her hooves, making it even larger than before.

“What in th’ hay is she doin’ up there?” Zephyr asked, squinting his eyes as he tried to get a clear look at his friend.

“I don’t know, but she looks absolutely divine in that pose!” Rarity replied with gush, her eyes sparkling as she took in the rather beautiful sight. “She looks like a beautiful gemstone shining in the light of the night sky!”

“Well, whatever attack she’s going, it looks like it’s going to be big.” Twilight said, her voice carrying some slight apprehensiveness. “Still though, what is she planning right now?”

“Girls!” Fluttershy suddenly shouted as she, Applejack and Rainbow all came running towards them. “I need you all to come over here now!”

“Wait, right now?!” Pinkie asked, a confused frown coming to her face. “Aw, is the fight ending already?!”

“I’m afraid so Pinkie.” Fluttershy nodded. “And it looks like Goku’s going to be the one to do it.”

“What is she going to do dear?” Rarity asked, tilting her head after firing a blast of magic at a nearby Timberwolf. “Does Goku have some sort of plan?”

“We think so, but that’s not all.” Applejack replied nervously. “She wants Twi and Rares t’ put a shield around all o’ us so it’ll protect us from her attack.”

“What she what?” Zephyr asked his eyes widening. “Her attack is going to be that powerful?”

“From what I’m looking right now….” Rainbow Dash replied staring up at the large orb in the air. “…it is.”

As the six ponies conversed, Goku continued to hover in the sky, pumping more magic through her body into the giant electrical wind sphere that she was holding in her hooves, making it more powerful by the second. It continued to grow larger, stronger, and more intense with power as the lightning and wind grew with more intensity and concentration, looking be nothing more than a giant sphere of light from where the others were down below. It eventually got to the point where the sphere was nearly the equivalent of a large air balloon floating into the sky, swirling with wind and crackling with lightning and causing the trees around it to rustle and get drawn into it.

“Alright, I think I’ve got enough power packed into this bad boy.” Goku said with a grin as she looked down at the Timberwolves that were surrounding her friends. “Alright everypony, I’m ready! Put up the shield so I can send those Timberwolves into oblivion!”

“You heard the mare.” Zephyr said softly, his inner Royal Guard looking over at Twilight and Rarity. “Go on and put up the shield girls.”

Twilight and Rarity nodded, motioning the others to come on and huddle together, though it took Pinkie a bit longer to come, not wanting to abandon. her earth made canon. The pink pony eventually sucked it up and bounced over to where the others were and joined with them in the shield that Twilight and Rarity were making with their magic. Upon seein the shield put up, Goku propelled herself upward and shot her forehooves down in a throwing motion, bringing the large lightning and wind sphere with her and sending it diving down to the clearing below her. The others down below watched as it came careening down towards them, the sound of the wind roaring and lightning crackling filling their ears.

“Whoa nelly, looks like Goku released her attack!” Applejack exclaimed, pulling her hat down around her head. “An’ it’s comin’ in hot!”

“Did she have to shoot it down right where we were?!” Rarity whined as she sunk to the ground, covering her head with her hooves. “What if it hits us?!”

“Too late to think about that now!” Rainbow Dash cried, squeezing her eyes shut and gritting her teeth. “Brace yourselves!”

No sooner did those words come out of the lavender Unicorns mouth, the sphere of lightning and fire slammed right into the center of the giant shield that was around the six mares, but it didn’t explode the moment it hit the top. Instead, it flattened and expanded all across the ground, slicing and tearing through the ground and sending rubble, dirt and dust flying everywhere as it headed towards the Timberwolves surrounding the area and beyond the clearing. The wooden canines had no time to react or defend themselves as they were washed in a sea of electrical yellow and roaring red, the electricity and fir coursing and slicing through their bodies as they all gave loud howls of agony their bodies were torn apart from the inside and out. Zephyr and the girls all tore their gazes away and pinned their ears against their heads, both from the blinding light and from the Timberwolves’ howls of agony, as they were zapped and burned beyond recognition.

Thankfully, none of them had endure the constant howling and blazing light for long, for their ears were then filled the sound of explosion resonating all throughout the clearing. The six ponies shut their eyes even tighter as the light shined even brighter, causing them to practically raise their hooves to their faces in an effort to reduce the burning sensation. Eventually, the light slowly began to die down, and all that surrounded the shielded ponies was smoke and dust with no sign of the Timberwolves anywhere.

“Well...that was quite the display wasn’t it?” Rarity asked, blinking a few times as she ran a hoof through her mane. “I didn’t expect Goku’s attack to be that powerful.”

“Yeah…” Applejack nodded, using her hat to fan her face. “Ah literally felt th’ ground rumblin’ beneath me from all o’ that lightnin’.”

“I can’t see here through all of this dust.” Twilight said as she looked around. “Where is Goku?”

Right as that question was answered, the dust that had been surrounding the girls suddenly whirled around them like a tornado before it collided into the shield and broke apart, letting Twilight and the others see the clearing around them. The lush green grass had been torn and ripped from the ground, leaving only nothing but the dark brown soil, and some roots sticking up and about here and there. Large scorched chunks of earth were sitting in random parts of the ground, some them having little volts of electricity emitting from them. All over were wooden parts of where the Timberwolves were, presumably having gone back into the forest

Before the Zephyr and the girls could comment on any of the carnage around them, Goku suddenly shot down in front of them. The ground shook violently and caused even more debree to go flying as she whipped her mane back and forth, giving a flick of her. After taking some time to catch her breath, the tan Thestral met the eyes of each of her friends, a small, yet relieved smile on her face.

“Oh wow! That was a real rush that I had up there! I haven’t unleashed an attack that powerful in a long time!” Goku exclaimed as she brushed her extended mane out of her face. “Are you girls okay?”

“We’re fine, that shield you had Rarity and I put up really did the trick in protecting us from that blast.” Twilight replied as she and the fashionista lowered the shield. “Though I do have to say one thing…that was a relatively impressive blast.”

The tan Thestral giggled. “Heh, it sure was! I did tell you guts that it was going to be crazy, and it turned out just as crazy as it became!”

“Yeah! That was one big blast you did there!” Pinkie Pie added as she bounced around the group. “That was bigger than any shot that I fired from my Party Cannon combined!”

“I agree, but um...Goku…” Fluttershy began, looking at the Pegasus with a slight frown. “Don’t you think you went a little overboard with that last attack?”

At these words, Goku blinked and looked around at the wooden remains Timberwolves that lay sprawled across the field, small electric volts emitting them. The tan Pegasus winced as she noticed a few of them still in the clearing, limping off into the forest.

“Yeah...I agree with you on there, Flutters. I did go way overboard with that move.” Goku sighed as she looked back at Fluttershy with an apologetic expression. “All I was trying to do was to stop them from trying to eat you guys. I didn’t think they’d be hurt this badly considering just what kind of creatures they are.”

“No creature is invincible Goku, no matter how much power they have or who made them into what they are.” Fluttershy said, letting out a sigh. “Still, at least you didn’t kill them...so there’s that at least.”

“Yeah, you didn’t need to worry about that.” Goku said reassuringly as she put a hoof on Fluttershy. “It’s like Twilight said, they were only following their primal instincts, nothing more, nothing less. I’m not gonna kill them over something like that.”

“Um, Goku, as touching as that is to hear you say that” Rarity said tentatively, her expression apprehensive. “…I think we may want to go now. We still have a mission we all need to head off on and accomplish, and if we stay here any longer, we will be the ones killed.”

“Um Rarity, with how much Goku kicked these wolves’ asses, I highly doubt they’ll be coming back for us anytime soon.” Rainbow snorted, rolling her eyes. “Still though, you have a point, we have a Nightmare’s ass that we gotta kick! And the sooner we get there, the sooner we can do just that!”

“Calm down Rainbow Dash, we’re gonna get there eventually.” Applejack interjected; irritation clear in her voice as she gave the cyan Pegasus a look of annoyance. “Not all of us can fly, let alone run as fast as you can! The least ya can do is keep at our pace!”

“Yeah, we don’t need you running off again like you did there.” Zephyr nodded as he began to follow Goku out of the clearing, the others following close behind. He suddenly noticed that one of them weren’t following the tan Thestral, and she looked behind her to see Fluttershy trudging behind them.

“Fluttershy dear,” Zephyr asked, stopping in his tracks. “Are you alright?”

“Huh? Oh um, yes...I-I’m fine.” The buttermilk Pegasus replied, looking up at Rarity with a tired expression as the others stopped and looked over at her. “I’m just...a little tired that’s all.”

“Ya’ll certainly don’t look like yer just tired sugarcube.” Applejack pointed out, her face morphing into one of doubt. “Are you sure yer feelin’ okay?”

“Y-yes, I sure.” Fluttershy replied, struggling to keep up on wobbling legs. “I...I just need to rest for a little bit...t-that’s all.”

Right as she said those words, the buttermilk Pegasus’s hind legs buckled and they collapsed under the weight, causing her to fall flat onto her rump. The others, taking notice of this immediately rushed over to her, their concern for their friend growing.

“Whoa, Fluttershy! Are you okay?!” Rainbow Dash asked, looking down at her fellow Pegasus in worry. “What’s wrong?! Why can’t you stand up?!”

The buttermilk Pegasus stayed silent, letting out deep, long and slow breaths as she struggled to keep herself upright and not black out right then and there. She slowly looked up at the concerned faces of Zephyr and her friends, her vision blurring as she opened her mouth to speak, but the growing exhaustion prevented her from doing so.

The next thing everypony, Fluttershy’s teal eyes rolled in the back of her head as she took in one final audible breath, before she fell to the ground unconscious. Just before she did, she heard the combined sound of her friends calling her name, their terrified voice echoing about the desecrated clearing.

“FLUTTERSHY!!!”

Author's Notes:

Heh, well whaddya know, I actually managed to do it; kind of not really expecting it to take as long as it did, but it looks like I was able to do it. For this one, I just decided to have the battled with the Timberwolves kept into one good chapter, with a few additional parts form a couple of parts form the other chapters of it that I had written. Other than that, along with Zephyr's additional role coming into play within the battle, I can say that this chapter went better than any of the ones I had written about the battle with the Timberwolves. Now, some of you may be wondering what was up about that very last scene in the chapter, but don't worry, all will be explained swiftly and efficiently. For now, we'll be going back on what's going on back in Ponyville with one final building climx with the Tantabus battle before things wind down.

Chapter 30 - Escape

While Zephyr and the girls all recovered from their fight with the Timberwolves, and tried to figure out how to help Fluttershy, the Tantabus fight in Ponyville was still going on. It seemed that the forces on the nightmarish creatures was dimming somewhat, but only by a small amount. Some of the guards that were spread throughout Ponyville had manage to find out the Tantabuses weakness and destroy them on the spot, thus ending their fight. Even so they weren’t really able to figure out what it was before the Tantabuses and the cores disintegrated in the mist, thus leaving them unable to help their fellow guards. Luckily for them, they, along with their captain, were about to get some much-needed news about their adversaries, and how to defeat them for good.

Meanwhile, back at the Golden Oaks Library, Amethyst, Cloud Kicker, and Snowflake, Spike, and the rest of the foals were still secluded inside of the Golden Oaks Library. All of them were still resigned in Twilights room, away from the danger of the Tantabuses that were still trying to get through the shield. Amethyst’s shield was strong, and she knew that it could hold up for long periods of time, but even her magic had its limits. She knew it wouldn’t be very long before they needed to make a hasty get away, unaware of the elusive savior currently on their way.

Spike watched as Amethyst groaned in slight pain as she rubbed the mid-section of her horn feeling a small, yet painful ache coursing through her head. He stared out the window at the flock of Tantabuses that were trying to get through her shield, and dread began to fill his little tummy, making him feel queasy. The mulberry purple Kirin was aware that it wouldn’t be long before the shield finally gave way to the powerful creatures, and when it did, they’d be in real trouble. Spike wasn’t entirely without hope or confidence though, for he knew that he had the adult Unicorn, her aunt and Snowflake there to help them. Though the latter would take a little bit more time to fully recover before she jumped back into the game, and Spike knew it.

Despite this, Spike knew from the last fight that these Tantabuses were not to be taken lightly, a lesson that Twilight taught him about combat. He knew that it was going to take much more than four ponies to go against a whole flock of those creatures. He also knew that it was going to take a considerable amount of power from all of them in order to keep him Sheton, and the other fillies safe from those creatures. That was why Spike made a solemn vow right then and there that he’d do his very best to protect Sheton and the fillies from these monsters, as a both as a Dragon, even though he was only half, and as their friend.

Another groan from Amethyst drew Spike’s attention back to her, and he watched as she leaned against the bookshelf next to the door. Her face was contorted in pain, and from the way that she was rubbing at her horn let him know that the magic she was using was really putting a toll on her. He had seen it happen whenever he and Twilight helped each other with their combat magic in the training room below the library, and effects afterward. So Spike knew all too well how much of a painful side effect that using so much magic would bring. Still, that didn’t help him from wanting to ease Amethyst's pain, and, after a couple of moments of watching her tiredly lie there, he decided to do just that.

“Hey, Amethyst...” He said gently, walking over to the Unicorn mare. “Are you okay?”

Amethyst’s ears perked upon hearing the young dragon pony hybrid’s childish voice, and she looked up to see his reptilian eyes staring back at her. In spite of the pain her head was in, she managed to crack a weak smile towards the Kirin. “Hey there kiddo, good to see that you and the others are still up. As for if I’m okay, well…I am mostly.”

“Let me guess, it’s your horn that’s hurting you from the use of such an abundant amount of magic?” Spike asked, even though he already knew the answer. “And the reason why you’re looking so tuckered out is because it’s beginning to take its toll on you.”

“Sharp as the diamonds on my flank Spike.” Amethyst chuckled, slowly lifting her head up, her mane falling over most of her face. “You totally take after Twilight alright…I can see why you always refer to her as your big sis, like me and Dinky.”

“Yeah well, Twilight did look after me for the last four years that I was here.” Spike said, crossing his forehooves as a soft blush came to his cheeks. “I picked up an abundance of stuff from her, so I’m bound to pick up on things like this.”

“Yeah, you sure are.” Amethyst said, reaching over and gingerly patting the draconic colt on his head. “Anyway, is coming over and checking on me the only thing you came here to do? Or did you want to come over and give me a warm cuddle using that body heat of yours?”

The blush on Spike’s face grew darker as his draconic ears pinned back. “Please don’t tempt me…once I cuddle with somepony, it’s almost impossible to get me to let go.” He admitted bashfully, earning a laugh from Amethyst. “Still, I can’t really stand to see you in pain like this, so I’m going to help ease it!”

“Um Spike…” Amethyst said, somewhat apprehensively. “I appreciate the gesture, but I don’t think burning my body to a pile of ashes is going to help me get rid of this headache.”

“That’s now what I meant, and you know it!” Spike squeaked, his cheeks puffing into a put as he glared at the magenta purple Unicorn. “I was going to go get you an ice pack to help you with that headache. Especially since you’re using so much magic to formulate that shield around the exterior of the library.”

Amethyst’s eyes widened slightly. “S-seriously?” She asked, her pain vanishing slightly at the thought of having something cool atop her head. Another flash from the window broke her out of her stupor, reminding her of what was going on right now. “A-actually that’s okay, you don’t need to.”

“Nuh-uh, don’t even go there!” Spike interrupted, jamming his little hoof onto Amethyst’s muzzle. “I am getting you an icepack to cool your brain, so you don’t pass out! The last thing that we need is for you to lose consciousness because you refused an icepack that’ll help you from overheating, especially with all of those Tantabuses out there! And I will be damned, if I let you or anypony else here die because one of you didn’t accept help when you really needed it!”

With that, Spike turned tail and trotted away towards the kit that he had brought up into Twilight’s bedroom, leaving a speechless Amethyst where she was. A soft chuckle made her look over to see Snowflake sitting with the rest of the foals and boring an amused smile.
“What’s so funny?” Amethyst asked, her eyes narrowing. “Are you laughing because of how shitty I look in this state?”

“Why of course not dear, I’m laughing because of how cute it was to see you submitting to Spike when he offered to help you.” Snowflake replied; her tone too casual for the younger mare’s liking. “Then again, that is our little Spikey for you. Once he sees somepony in dire need of assistance, he’s not going to stop until they accept it.”

“Yeah, I kind of knew that already.” Amethyst snorted as Spike trotted back over with the icepack in claw. “I was given a clear example when he came over to my house for a playdate with Dinky and helped her in making muffins for my Mom.”

“That you were indeed!” Spike chirped, gently setting the icepack on Amethyst’s head. “And that should let you know that no matter what happens, I’m always going to lend a hoof and claw to anypony who needs it! Just like how I’m gonna help Twilight with anything in her library, even if it means making it spic and span! That’s what it means to be a Kirin after all; being there for all who need it, right Sheton?”

“W-well, I’m actually a mix of a Kirin and the Thestral, a-and I haven’t unlocked my Kirin powers yet.” The stormy grey colt replied timidly. “B-but yeah, y-you have a point there, Spike.”

“You know that we didn’t really have to pick up every single thing off of the ground, right Spike?” Apple Bloom asked, setting a few books on the shelf. “I mean, it’s not like Twilight’s really going to care what state her room is in.”

“I know that Apple Bloom. It’s just that with all that’s happened, and everything that may happen, I don’t really want to leave Twilight with any more work than she already has.” Spike replied, his ears pinning back somewhat. “It’s bad enough that she leaves a mess of books in the main part of the library whenever she’s studying, and needs me to help her clean it up. The last thing that either of us to need to deal with a mess that was unintentionally made in her room, let along what’s happening outside.”

“Awww, that’s so sweet Spike!” Sweetie Belle cooed. “I knew that you cared about Twilight, but this is on a whole other level. You really do love her, don’t you?”

“W-well yeah of course I do.” Spike replied, another blush promptly making its way to his scaly face. “B-besides Moondancer, s-she’s my big sis, and I’d do anything for her. I am her Number One Assistant after all.”

“And their cute little brother!” Crescent added, trotting over and hugging the colt. “And my amazing big brother, don’t forget that!”

“Um, I don’t mean to stop this little mushy moment, but…” Fire Flash suddenly said, raising a hoof up. “Who the hay is Moondancer?”

“Huh?” Sheton asked, looking over at Crescent and back at the crimson filly. “Wait, you’ve never heard of Moondancer before?”

Fire Flash shook her head. “No, I haven’t, and I don’t think any of us have either.” She replied, looking over at the rest of her friends, who also gave their own headshakes. “Is she another friend of yours?”

“Well, yeah, but it’s a bit more complicated than that.” Crescent replied, breaking away from her hugging of Spike. “You see, Moondancer is…Twilight’s twin sister, and my other big sister as well.”

“What?!” Apple Bloom exclaimed her eyes widening as she leapt to her feet. “Twilight has another sister?! Ah thought she only had you an’ her older brother as her siblings!”

“Um, Apple Bloom.” Sweetie Belle said sharply, jamming an elbow into her side and pointing at a frowning Spike.

“O-oh, sorry.” She said apologetically. “Ah thought she only had you her brother and Spike as yer siblin’s Crescent.”

“Yeah well, I really don’t…I have another sister who’s around the same age as Twilight.” The ocean blue filly said sheepishly. “Although, me and Twilight don’t really talk about her very often…at least, not Twilight.”

“S-she doesn’t?” Scootaloo asked. “W-why not? D-do they not g-get along?”

“Oh no, they do! They really do!” Crescent replied quickly. “I-it’s just, um…Moondancer and Twilight have a bit of a delicate relationship with one another. Don’t get me wrong, they do love each other as much as any sisters would, but…” She looked down at her wings, ruffling them as feathers shook in response to the movement. “…they do have their difficulties.”

“What do you mean by that?” Apple Bloom asked, tilting her head. “Was Moondancer not as skilled as magic as Twilight is?”

“No, that’s not it.” Spike replied, lying next to Amethyst. “Both Twilight and Moondancer were excellent at magic. So much so that they were both accepted into Celestia’s School for Gifted Ponies and they excelled at everything. They were also very pretty too, and did get a lot of colts, and…y-yeah, they did get a lot of colts asking them on d-dates.” He paused to shoot a heated glare over at Amethyst upon hearing her laughter behind him. “T-the reason why they had their difficulties is because they weren’t born quite as normal.”

“…Oh, I think see.” Sweetie Belle said, her expression slowly softened. She looked in between Crescent’s wings and horn, recognition clicking in her sharp mind. “You’re trying to tell us that Twilight and Moondancer…weren’t quite born the same? Like you?”

The ocean blue filly nodded, her wavy purple mane falling over her face as she lowered her head. “Mhm…and it’s because of that, that Moondancer doesn’t really like to socialize with others. Not unless they’re me, the Queen, Twilight, Shining Armor, Mom and Dad, Spike, or even Sheton and his family. Because they’re the only ones she knows without any wavering doubt who won’t judge her for her appearance and accept her for not only who, but what she was.” She looked up at all of her friends, her golden eyes becoming slightly glazed. “Shining, Mom, Dad, and even Spike and me, have tried all that we could to get her to come out and be more open about herself, but…nothing worked.”

“O-oh…that p-poor m-mare…to have to go through all that, j-just because she wasn’t b-born like a-anypony else here.” Scootaloo murmured, a sympathetic frown on her face as she too caught on. “…t-that m-must’ve been r-really hard on h-her.”

“It was.” Sheton sighed, pulling his fedora over his head. “No matter what we did, Moondancer never opened up to anypony other than Twilight and my family. Not even the few friends that Twilight had back in Canterlot were able to get through to her, so…we eventually left her be, and she and Twilight hadn’t spoken since. Crescent Shield and Spike would sometimes go to Canterlot and visit her in Canterlot whenever they get the chance, and she always welcomed it, along with me. Other than that…she never left the city because of the fear she has of ponies judging her for her…secret.”

“Secret?” Fire Flash asked, a frown coming to her face. “What kind of secret does she have that keeps her from leaving the town she lives in? If you ask me, it just sounds like she’s being a big scardey cat that’s too afraid to make a few friends.”

“That may be what you think Fire Flash,” Snowflake said calmly, yet and firmly. “but for us, Sheton, Spike and especially Crescent Shield, it’s much more than that. Moondancer is a very self-conscious young mare that’s had nothing but discrimination and torment thrown at her all her life, just like Twilight and not just because of her secret either. Believe me, Moondancer has tried her very hardest to open herself up to others, but after being given so much unfair hate and torment from those around her, it’s no surprise that she’s the way she is now. So, I think she can be forgiven for feeling less than motivated to socialize.”

Fire Flash snorted, crossing her forearms as she looked away. “Yeah whatever…it still makes her seem like scaredy cat to me.”

“Yeah well, not everypony isn’t a scardey cat like you Fire Flash.” Spike growled, glaring up at the crimson filly. “Everypony has their own fears and insecurities, Twilight especially, even if it’s something as harmless as making a few friends here and there. So, it’s not any surprise to us that Moondancer doesn’t like socializing very much, and that also doesn’t give you the right to judge others because of that. And the sooner you stop judging others because they’re not like you, the sooner you’ll stop acting like such a jerk all the time!”

Apple Bloom nodded, grinning approvingly at Spike. “Took the words right outta mah mouth.”

“Exactly!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed. “Thank you Spike!”

“Mhm.” Scootaloo mumbled, frowning up at her fellow Pegasus.

“Yeah, yeah, whatever you say.” Fire Flash murmured rolling her eyes. “Assholes…”

“We heard that.” Sheton and Snowflake said in unison, both baring their fangs at the filly.

Suddenly, a bright flash of light blasted its way through the window, burning at such intensity that it nearly blinded everypony, Sheton especially. Cloud Kicker and Dinky, who had fallen asleep at some point, was also woken by the light, both having been facing the window. Cloud was the first to get up she was adjusting her eyes to the light outside. As Dinky groggily came to, it suddenly vanished, followed by the sound of shattering glass.

“Whoa, what in the…?” She groaned as she sat up. “What the heck hay was that?! It felt like somepony had just blared a light right into my damn face!”

“A light? B-by who?” Dinky asked tiredly, still somewhat sleepy. “What’s going on big sis?”

“I-I…I think that was my shield!” Amethyst groaned as she grasped at her horn. Throwing the ice back to the ground, she got to her hooves, a look of grimness etched onto her face. “Those damn Tantabus things must’ve finally managed to get through my shield!”

“They what?!” Dinky cried, her eyes shooting wide open as all sleep left her system. “I-if they did that, then that means that they’re gonna get inside the library!”

“Which means that we’re going to need to make a break for it.” Snowflake added, before looking over at Spike. “Spike, does Twilight’s library have anywhere where we can go and confine ourselves in?”

“U-um, yeah we do!” Spike said, quickly getting into gear. “T-there’s a big training room deep under the library were Twilight and I go to practice our magic. If we hurry and run down there, we might be able to avoid the Tantabuses for a little bit longer.”

Snowflake nodded in acceptance at this, and was about to rally all of the foals with her, when Dinky suddenly shouted, “AUNTIE CLOUD!!! GET AWAY FROM THE WINDOW!!!”

The two colts and six fillies all jumped at the urgency and fear in the Unicorn filly’s tone, and they all turned to her to ask her what was wrong. They didn’t get the chance, for Dinky was already making her way out to the bed, Cloud Kicker encased in a golden aura of magic as she was all but yanked out of it. Cloud only had time to cry out in surprise before something shot through the broken window like a cannonball and slammed into the bookshelf next to the bed. Amethyst, Spike, Sheton, Crescent Shield, and the other fillies gave out loud cries of surprise and fear as they ran for cover, dust obscuring their vision as it spread throughout the bedroom and enveloped all in its path. The sound of books and glass appendages could he heard falling and smashing to the ground as everypony waited with bated breath to see what had crashed through the window.

Dinky fought back a cry of pain as she shook from the sharp pin pricks of pain stabbing into her back from the wood on the floor, all the while fighting the throbbing pain in her head due to slamming it against the wall. She could feel the weight of her aunt on top of her for a few moments before the Pegasus scrambled to her feet. As the dust began to clear, everypony managed to find each other amidst the dust, and formed into one big group.

“Dinky! What the bucking hay did you do tha-?!” Cloud asked indignantly, only for the words to die in her throat when she saw just what had crashed into the room. “Oh shit…”

“O-oh no!” Scootaloo squeaked, latching tightly to Sheton. “N-not again!”

“You have got to be bucking KIDDING ME!!!” Fire Flash all but screamed, her golden eyes flashing as she glared at the red Tantabus now in the room. “Haven’t we had enough of these stupid things already?!”

“How in the hay did it get this high inside the treehouse?!” Apple Bloom asked, backing away as far as she could from the canine. “Scratch that, how did it know exactly where to find us?!

“I-it must’ve been able to sense each of our magic emitting from the interior of the room!” Crescent cried, her whole body shaking. “It’s the only way to explain who it was able to find us here!”

“Well, magic finder thing or not, I’m sick and tired of these things trying to get us every chance they get!” Fire Flash snorted. “I’m gonna show them what we ponies are really made of!”

“Fire Flash, NO!” Sweetie Belle screamed as she shot a hoof out.

Luckily for the crimson filly, Sheton and lunged and grabbed her by the tail before she could even get halfway through the room. With a swift yank, he pulled her into him and grasped her around her barrel before she could even attempt to get away.

“Dammit, let go of me Sheton!” Fire Flash snarled, struggling violently against the younger colt’s surprisingly strong grip. “I’m gonna kick this things’ ass!”

“Not a chance Fire Flash!” Sheton hissed. “You saw how powerful those things were when they came inside the library the first time! I’m not gonna let you get killed!”

At that moment, the Tantabus screeched and fired off a violet bolt of magic at the three mares and foals on the other side of the room. They screamed as the bolt of fire soared towards them, but Dinky immediately, yet instinctively went off the offensive. By pure instinct, she fired off a powerful bolt of magic right at the Tantabus’s own, causing them both to clash. Before anypony knew it, the filly’s magic was eating up the Tantabus’s own, until it hit the tip of the Tantabuses horn, causing it to screech in pain. It staggered back as pain course through its ethereal body, while the ponies in the corner just looked on in shock.

“Wha…what was that?” Dinky said, once she came out of her shocked state. “Did I really just do that?!”

“Heh, you sure did sis; and it bought us some time!” Amethyst grinned, levitating her younger sister onto her back. “Come on everypony, let’s get out of here!”

Snowflake, Cloud Kicker and the other foals didn’t need to be told a second time, as Amethyst whipped the door open and hightailed of Twilight’s bed room. Her friends, Crescent Shield, Sheton, and the other mares not too far behind as they made their way out of the room and away from the Tantabus.

“Whoa, that was a really close call back there! For a second I thought that I was really gonna get blasted into apple sauce” Apple Bloom exclaimed as she struggled to catch her breath. “Thanks a lot for that Dinky, we owe you big time for that one!”

“Y-yeah, I’m glad I could help.” Dinky stuttered, still marveling at what she had just done. “I-I still don’t know how did that though!”

“Me neither, but whatever happened to make you shot off that much magic really saved our hides!” Cloud Kicker smirked. “Your mom is so going to be over the moon when she finds out what you did!”

“I don’t doubt that.” Snowflake nodded. “Remind me to have Twilight and Derpy make arrangements for you to take magic lessons from her.”

The group suddenly found themselves running down the stairs towards the entrance of the library, only for Amethyst to stop them all. There, inside the main room of the library, were several Tantabuses, prowling their way through the interior of the treehouse.

“Oh no, now we’re trapped!” Sheton cried, pulling his fedora down around his face. “What’re we gonna do now?!”

“The...t-t-the balcony.” Spike said, tugging hard on Snowflake’s curly mane. “W-we can can escape through the balcony!”

“Twilight has a balcony in her library?” Snowflake asked, her tone carrying some surprise.

“Yes, I know where it is from here!” Spike replied as he began to back away. “Come on guys, follow me! It’s just down this hallway!”

“Alright kiddo, lead the way!” Amethyst all but commanded, earning a nod from the purple colt as he turned tail and raced down the hallway. As the mountain blue Thestral, the other two mares, and the other foals followed Spike through the upper part of the library, they could hear the sound of the Tantabuses making their way through the tree to where they were. They all knew that it was only a matter of time before the ethereal creatures caught up to them, and they wanted to buy themselves as much time as possible to escape.

Eventually, after just a couple of minutes of searching, the party of eight found themselves inside of another room, presumably Spike’s, by the way it was made and decorated. They didn’t have any time to take it in however, as the young colt made his way to the sliding glass door and practically tore it open, causing the room to shake slightly. He leaped out the door and onto the rather large balcony the others following right behind him as Spike slid it shot with an audible rattle.

“Okay, I got it shut, I didn’t see any of them behind us, so I think we should be safe for a bit.” Spike said urgently, trying to keep himself as calm as possible as he turned to Snowflake, Cloud and Amethyst. “What do we do now?”

Snowflake immediately made her way to the end of the balcony, and took in the side of even more houses stretching from the back of the Golden Oaks Library. Not only that, she could also see it was devoid of any Tantabuses, at least form where she was standing.

“I can see some houses not too far from where we were.” Snowflake finally replied, looking over at the foals. “There’s also a dirt trail leading away from the library to them, so we shouldn’t have any trouble getting to them.”

“A-a-are there any Tantabuses down there?” Dinky asked, taking an apprehensive step back. “If there are I’m not setting hoof off of here.”

“No sweetheart, there aren’t. There’s no need to worry. I don’t see any here from where I’m standing.” Cloud replied, giving her niece a reassuring smile. It soon faded from her lips as she addressed the other foals, her tone calm, yet instructive. “Alright kids, we’re gonna head off of the balcony and make our way to those houses. Those of you that can fly, I want you to carry the ones that can’t, and carry them until we reach the ground okay?”

“Got it!” Fire Flash, Crescent Shield, and Sheton all replied in unison, while Scootaloo stayed silent.

“Wait second…” Cloud Kicker said as she hoisted her sister onto her back. “Where are we going to go if there are more of those things out there? We’re not going to be able to fight them all off with just three of us, and I highly doubt all the foals here will stand much of a fighting chance against them.”

“I’m aware of that Cloud.” Snowflake nodded. “Which is why, once we’re sure there aren’t any Tantabuses where we’re going, we’re going to make a beeline for Sweet Apple Acres. From where I’m standing, none of the Tantabuses have made their way there. So, I’m sure that it’ll be relatively safe for us there.” Her ears pinned back. “It’s the only safe place I can think of to go at this rate, now that Twilight’s treehouse is no longer safe.”

“Yeah, you make a good point.” Cloud nodded, looking back at the foals. “Now that I think about it, that is the best choice. Granny Smith’s been wanting to see little Dinky again fer a while now, and I know her coming to visit will brighten up her day.”

Amethyst chuckled. “Can’t argue with that.”

The sound and sight of a bolt of magic blasting apart the sliding glass door and soaring through the are caused the group to scream out in terror. They looked behind them to see one of the Tantabuses inside Spike’s room, peering at them with its blazing magical eyes.

“Oh no, they found us!” Spike shouted, hopping onto Amethyst’s back. “Come on guys, let’s book it!”

The next thing that the purple Kirin and everypony else knew, there was an explosion as the Tantabus fired off another bolt of magic. This one was more powerful than the first, so much so that it destroyed nearly all of Spike’s entire balcony. He and everypony else spiraled through the air, his keen ears picking up the sounds of his friends screaming in terror and pain, before they crashed to the hard and unforgiving ground. As they slowly regained their senses, Spike took noticed of the other foals lying on the ground in random parts around him, each of them looking to be battered and bruised. He also noticed Snowflake, Cloud and Amethyst standing in front of all of them, their wings flared, and horn ignited, all standing in a protective stance.

“Ugh, Snowflake?” Spike asked as he slowly got up to his feet. “Are you and everypony else okay?”

“Kids, get behind us, now.” Snowflake commanded, not taking her eyes off of the canines in front of her. “If you keep lying spread out like that, one of them will snatch you up. Get behind me, quickly!”

The foals didn’t need to be told a third time. With a great amount of effort due to the pain from the collision from both the Tantabus and the ground, they all got to their hooves and got behind the three mares. All seven of them huddled into a large group and clinging tightly to each other as they watched Snowflake, Cloud and her eldest niece stare down the winged horned creatures

“Sis, be careful...one of them nearly got you back inside the library.” Sheton whimpered as he stared up at his sister. “If even one of them manages to catch you off guard…”

“Don’t worry little brother, I’ve learned from my last mistake. I’m not gonna let my guard down again, or am I gonna give the element of surprise, not that they really can.” Snowflake replied; her ears pinned firmly against her head. “Although, this also means that I’m going to have to take this up a notch.”

“Are you all going to ascend?” Sweetie Belle asked, noticing the auras surrounding their bodies.

“Yes.” Cloud replied. “Don’t really have any other option at this point...except to hope that this move works.”

“Well, by all means go for it!” Fire Flash encouraged. “Besides, I haven’t seen really seen you that much and action, and something tells me that you have a hay of a lot more up you’re wings!”

“Um, I don’t think any o’ them will be able t’ show us how awesome they are Fire Flash.” Apple Bloom said slowly, her eyes focused on the sky.

“Why’s that Apple Bloom?” Crescent asked.

“‘Cause, Ah see a flock of swords headed down right for us!” The farm filly replied, the last three words turning into a shriek of terror as she pointed a white stocked hoof upward.

Snowflake, Cloud, Amethyst and the other foals immediately snapped their heads upward to where Apple Bloom was pointing, and sure enough, a flock of purple swords could be seen shoot down towards where they were. Before any of them could make a move, they shot down all around in a large circle, in perfect unison, as a purple shockwave burst out from the circle of sword, colliding with the Timberwolves and sending them flying back.

“What...what in the-” Snowflake began, but was cut off when she saw a large stallion land in front of her, adorned in dark purple and lavender armor, with no helmet. She instinctively staggered back, nearly crashing into the foals behind her as she took in the sight of the Thestral in front of her. When she got a full look of who it was, however, a sharp gasp let her throat.

“No way…” She whispered as the stallion slowly stood upright. “T-that can’t be-!”

“Moon Blade?!” Sheton cried, his own eyes going wide.

“Well, looks like I made it just in the nick of time.” The stallion replied softly, his voice low and refined. “Though I must admit, I wasn’t expecting to find a few mares and a group of foals in this part of the town.”

“Who…” Amethyst asked, once she was able to find her voice. “Who...areyou?”

The stallion looked over at the magenta purple Unicorn, the two pools of red in his eyes piercing right into her moderate purple ones. “Normally, introductions would be the least of my concerns when it comes to saving another pony, especially if it’s that of a mare. It is what a proper stallion should do, after all.” He grinned, his vampiric fangs glistening in the moonlight around them. “However, since you’re so shocked that suddenly appeared out of nowhere, it’s only fair that I answer your question.”

The ghostly white stallion turned around to face the mare and foals, lifting a plated off and putting it to his chest. “Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Moon Blade Nightstalker Cifer, Captain of the Lunar Division.” Moon Blade said politely, bowing down to Snowflake, Cloud and Amethyst as if they were princesses. “It is lovely to meet your acquaintance, my dear ladies…especially yours, my dear Snowflake.”

Sweetie Belle’s ears perked up at the stallion’s words. “Cifer?” She murmured softly.

“Whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa, wait! Hold on, back up!” Cloud Kicker shouted, her gaze snapping over to Snowflake. “You know this hunk of hotness?!”

Snowflake blushed as Moon Blade chuckled, her cheeks going as red as the Thestral stallion’s eyes. “Er, yes, I do…h-he’s the stallion that became the next Lunar Captain after my mother had retired from it. I-I’ve known him since I was just a filly, thanks to my mother introducing me to him, a-and we’ve sort of bee friends ever since then.”

“I see…no wonder you recognized him as soon as you saw him.” Amethyst replied dumbly, before looking back up at Moon Blade. “If…I may ask...why are you here? How did you even find us?”

“I was sent here by Queen Celestia herself. She had told us of a...situation that was occurring in this rather quaint little town, and had us come down here to see what was going on.” Moon Blade replied, holding his right hoof out as the tip glowing a deep ethereal purple. “I must say, I was rather surprised as to the number of Timberwolves that were infesting this town! I knew that there were quite a few but I didn’t think there’d be this many! The Everfree Forest must be more adaptable than I thought…”

The stallion cleared his throat as the swords surrounding him, Snowflake, and the foals all tore out of the ground and formed into a large aura of magic, which retreated back into his hoof. “As for how I found you...well, let’s just say that I happened to notice you out and about on this part of the town while me and my fellow soldiers were scouring the area.”

“I see.” Cloud replied, a sensual undertone coating her voice. “So, I’m assuming that your hot piece of ass saw what was going on at the library.”

“Well…more or less.” Moon Blade replied, chuckling at the persian blue mare’s rather vulgar compliment. “I had a feeling that something bad was going on in there due to the amount of power emitting from the direction hat I was in. As a stallion who trusts his gut, I just had to come investigate to see what was going on.” His eyes locked on to the foals, who were all staring back up at him with wide eyes, Sheton’s especially. “And I’m oh so very glad that I did.”

“Um, dude, not to be rude or interrupt your little flirting moment,” Fire Flash interjected. “But I would like to point out the fact that there are still Tantabuses here!”

“Do not worry little one, I am perfectly aware that were still technically in danger.” Moon Blade replied calmly stepping away from Snowflake and the foals. “Which is why I must ask you all to please get down on the ground.”

“Why?” Spike asked curiously as the stallion turned his back to them.

“So none of you will get too dirty or messy from what I’m.” Moon Blade replied, his crimson eyes flashing as he glared at the Timberwolves.

Before Snowflake or any of the foals could ask what he meant, the Tantabuses suddenly lunged at the ghostly white stallion, their large wings beating hard as they snarled and screeched. Mood Blade stood where he was, waiting for the creatures to come within range, before he too attacked. He darted off to the left before stopping and diving down under the Timberwolves, flaring out one of his large bat-like wings and letting it slice across the chests of a few of them.

Just a moment later, those few Tantabuses screeched as they felt themselves slowly disintegrating into starry mist. Moon Blade then leaped over their melting forms and flew straight towards Tantabus that were behind the mares and foals, lashing out with his clawed wings and slashing at them. He sliced through their wings as they tried to block him, which earned him howls of pain from the creatures as he and stabbed them through their chests with his wing claws.

All eight ponies watched with wide eyes and gaping mouths as Moon Blade took out the first few Timberwolves with relative ease. They didn’t have very much time to marvel at his skill however, and before they knew it, he was already his way to the other Tantabuses, weaving in and out of their claws, teeth. He used his wings and his armor to block their magical blasts, before going back on offense and resuming to destroying their cores.

Eventually, after what seemed like an endless cycle of slashing and stabbing to the eight spectators, which was only no more than a few minutes, each and every single one of the Tantabuses were beaten. Moon Blade stood over all of them, his head lowered and his large bat-wings spread to their fullest span, allowing all those around him to see his membranes glisten in the moonlight sky. The ghostly white stallion watched as all of the Tantabuses slowly melted and dissolved, giving out their final agonized screeches before vanishing into mist.

“Well...that was quite the quick fight, wasn’t it?” Moon Blade asked his gaping spectators, never losing his warm refined tone. “I honestly wasn’t to go on that quick. Then again, not all battles last very long.”

“Whoa...that was amazing!” Spike exclaimed, his shock giving way to amazement as a wide grin came to his face. “I’ve never seen anypony move that fast before! You took them out like it was nothing, and in such a short amount of time!”

“Well, I don’t like to toot my own horn, as a proper gentlecolt should, but let’s just say that I did learn from the best.” The ghostly white stallion said with a chuckle as he folded his wings. “Are any of you okay? They didn’t try to get at you while I was dealing with them, did they?”

“No, we’re fine!” Sweetie Belle squeaked, giving Moon Blade a sweet smile. “I do have to agree with Spike though! What you did back there was incredible! And you didn’t use anything, but you’re wings to do it!”

Moon Blade chuckled, giving a flex of sed appendages. “Yes well, not everypony needs to use a sword to do the cutting. Another upside to being a Thestral instead of a Pegasus, Unicorn, or an Earth Pony…no offense to any of you young ones.”

“N-none taken.” Scootaloo said softly, giving a ruffle of her wings.

“Anyway, I think that about wraps up things her.” Moon Blade said, bringing the bright orange filly, and everypony else out of their train of thought. “If you don’t mind Snowflake, I would like to have you all escorted safely to wherever you were planning on going. I want to make sure that no unnecessary surprises meet you there on the way.”

“Oh! Um...yes, of course. I don’t mind at all.” Amethyst, using a hoof to brush some of her mane out of her face. “Thank you for saving us by the way...we really appreciate it.”

“It was no trouble Lady Snowflake. Any other proper stallion would’ve done the same thing if they were in my potation.” Mood Blade said with a bow. “Now, do any of you have any suggestions as to where I can take you?”

Cloud Kicker grinned saucily, walking closer to the larger winged flyer. “Well, we were planning on going to Sweet Apple Acres for some R&R once we managed to get far away from our group of pursuers.” She reached up and put a hoof on the stallion’s armored chest, raising her muzzle up to his. “I was afraid that we’d get killed by those Tantabuses, but after you stepped in and saved us so heroically, I feel like a huge weight’s been lifted off my chest. I don’t think any of us can thank you properly for that…especially me~.”

Amethyst groaned, her hoof flying to her face as Snowflake sweat dropped. ‘Are you bucking kidding me?!’

Moon Blade laughed softly, an amused expression on his face at the persian blue mare’s flirting. “Well, like I said, it is a stallion’s duty to safe a mare in distress. So, I did just that…in more ways than one.”

“That you did, which is why I think you should be given the best of thanks.” Cloud Kicker said, running her hoof along Moon Blade’s muscular neck. “So, I was thinking that after this, you can I can take some alone timeon the farm...to properly reward you~.” She wrapped her wings around the Thestral’s neck, pressing her nose against his. “That is, if you’re up or it~.”

All of a sudden, Cloud gave a squeak as Amethyst encased her in her magic and yanked her away from Moon Blade. The Thestral stallion stumbled slightly from the force, but managed to keep his footing as Amethyst bonked her aunt over the head, glaring daggers at the older mare in the process. “Aunt Cloud of all the times that you chose to flirt and get another bang buddy, you chose nowas the time to do it?! Did you forget that we’re are in the middle of a battlefield, or are you that desperate for a release that you go to the first pony you see for a rut?!”

“Of course not Ame!” Cloud Kicker replied, chuckling. “All I’m doing is letting our hunk of a savior know that I plan to reward him in full for saving all our sexy hides. What’s the harm in that?”

“The fact that you looked like you were going to ride him right here and now.” Amethyst replied bluntly. “In front of all the foals no less.”

“I was not!” Cloud Kicker protested frowning back at her niece. “I know the time to get a good bang and a time not too! Besides, it’s not like you have any room to talk! Have you forgotten that time when you had one of your own bang buddies over and you kept little Dinky up all night with all of your banshee screaming?”

Amethyst’s face went red hot with embarrassment. “T-t-t-that has nothing to do with this and you know it!”

“Alright girls, that’s enough. You can rip each other’s tails out after we get to Sweet Apple Acres.” Snowflake said firmly, before turning to Moon Blade. “I’m sorry about that Moon Blade, Amethyst and Cloud can be pretty difficult to be around at times.”

“Oh, it’s quite alright, there’s not trouble at all.” Moon Blade chuckled. “I’ve been around plenty of mares like this in my day, so it’s not really a problem. In fact, it brings a smile to me and remind me of the days when I too was young.”

“Oh, well…alright then, if that’s how you’re taking it.” Snowflake said dumbly. “A-anyway, would you mind taking us to Sweet Apple Acres. I can show you the way if you want…”

Moon Bade held a hoof up. “That won’t be necessary my dear Snowflake. I saw what I believe was a farm when me and my troops all got here, so I believe I will have no problem taking you there.” A fond smile made its way to his face. “Besides, I’d love to catch up with you again; it’s been quite a long time since I last saw you all…especially your brother Sheton.”

“W-wait what?” Dinky asked as she and the other fillies turned to look at the stormy grey Thestral colt. “You know this stallion?”

Sheton blushed, shrinking away as he poked his forehooves together. “Um, y-yeah, I do...it’s kind of a long story.”

“Don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of time to tell them all once we get to the farm.” Moon Blade said, winking at the colt before turning to the other three mares. “Now, shall we get going?”

“Yes, yes we shall~.” Cloud replied, a half-lidded expression on her face. “And after we get there, you and I can get to work on your little reward I have planned for you~.”

Amethyst glared at her, lashing her with her tail and cracking it in the air. “Now while there’s a bunch of little eyes and ears close by you’re not!”

Author's Notes:

And there's chapter thirty, the rewrite of the escape form Twilight's library and their trip to Sweet Apple Acres! Now this one is a mix of both the first written chapter and this new one, since there were some parts that I think were alright to leave in in order to make into what it was now. One of the major things that I had changed was that it was Moon Blade and Moon Blade alone that saved Amethyst, Snowflake, and Cloud Kicker, along with the foals from the Tantabuses instead of him, Star Chaser and Raven. It does make sense, since in the last chapter with them, I had them take Blossomforth over to the Town Square while he had went off to the Golden Oaks library to eventually save them himself.

Now, I was going to have a scene of this and the one with Shining Armor laying a final showdown with the Tantabuses, but from what I can see, that would love extend this chapter a bit, at least from where I'm standing. Besides, there was another scene that I had planned to put in involving the Apple Family in later chapter, but it looks like I'm going to be adding to scenes with that one. Now that I think about it, I may end up doing another one like that before going back to the single scenes. Oh boy, do I have a quite the scenes to write!

Well, that's all for this chapter! Next time, we'll be seeing the final climax of the battle with the Tantabuses, with the Royal Guards leading the final assault!!!

Chapter 31 - Gleaming Shields

The cool night air gave a slight, yet chilling breeze as Shining Armor stood walked about the interior of the Town Square, his golden armor giving a shine in the light of the full Moon. He breathed out a deep sigh through his nostrils, the breeze from atop the destroyed roof making the hair on his helmet and his tail skirt blew gently in the air. His horseshoes and the armor adorning his body made cladding sounds as he trudged his way through the building, observing all the ponies that were surrounding him.

Mothers were with their foals, holding them tightly in their embrace as they did their best to comfort them and wipe away their tears. Close friends were doing what they could to help each other and not break down from the day’s events, and nurses and doctors were tending to the injured, trying to make their procedure’s as painless as possible for them. As he continued to walk, he could hear the murmured of the various ponies he was passing by, mare, stallion, and foal alike.

“Ah, by bucking leg…” A Stallion groaned as he gritted his teeth. “I can barely feel it…damn roof nearly snapped it in half.”

“Well, luckily for you sir, it didn’t.” A Nurse from beside him said calmly, adding ointment and bandages to his wound. “It’s a good thing you have a sturdier body and denser muscles, otherwise, your leg really would’ve broken in half. If you were a Unicorn or Pegasus that is…”

“Yeah, you make a good point there.” The stallion sighed. “Still, that one really hurt.”

“I know it did, which is precisely why I’m here to take the pain away.” The Nurse said kindly, smiling up at her patient. “And if you stay still and don’t focus on it, it’ll go away faster.”

“Whatever you say doc.” The stallion murmured softy.

“Nurse.” The mare corrected patiently, pointing to her hat. “I’m a nurse, not a doctor.”

“Mom…” The voice of a young colt moaned out, his scared tone reaching Shining Armor’s sensitive ears. “Is the Nightmare going to get us?”

“No Button Mash, of course not. She left the Town Square with us inside, so there’s no way she’s going to try to hurt you.” The colt’s mother said soothingly, staring warmly into his eyes. “It’s okay Button, Mommy’s not going to let that big mad Alicorn get you and take you away from me. She’ll have to get through me first!”

“You promise?” Button whimpered, giving a little sniffle.

“I promise honey.” The mare said, pulling her son closer to her. “Don’t worry, everything is going to be okay. Mommy’s staring right here with you, and I’m not going anywhere until I know you’re safe.”

“O-okay.” Button stuttered, snuggling closer to his mother. “It’s just…I’m really, reallyscared.”

“Me too baby,” The mare whispered in her son’s ear. “Me too…”

“Ugh, how long are we gonna have to stay cooped up in this place?!” A mint green Unicorn mare suddenly shouted from nearby. “I don’t know how much more of this I can take! I wanna get out and move around!”

“I don’t like it having to stay in here either Lyra.” A tan Earth Pony mare said from beside the Unicorn. “Though, it’s not like we really have much of a choice, is it? Based on what Captain Shining Armor told us, Queen Celestia sent him and his troops here specifically to make sure we don’t get attacked by anymore creatures that come from the Everfree. Why do you think he put up this large shield and has his soldiers around the Town Square?”

“I know Bon Bon, I know! I get why they want us to stay here, so we don’t run into any trouble!” Lyra complained, letting out a deep sigh. “It’s just…I really don’t like the fact that we have to stay in the very same places that Nightmare Moon nearly killed us. I mean, what if she comes back here again to finish us off?”

“Lyra, you saw what happened yourself. Nightmare Moon practically turned into a stream of mist and shot out of the Town Square after wiping out those guards. It was obvious that she wasn’t interested in us, even if her last stunt, nearly got us all killed.” Bon Bon pointed out, giving a little shiver at her last sentence. “Anyway, the point I’m trying to make, is that Captain Shining Armor and his Guards are here for the specific reason that she may come back, and even if she does, they’ll all be here to fight here off. Not only that, but some of them, besides Captain Shining Armor himself, are from seven of the most powerful clans in existence. Add that to the fact that they’re from Queen Celestia’s Royal Guard, and you can see that Nightmare Moon is in for one tough battle.”

Lyra paused, mulling over what her friend had just said, before she gave another sigh. “Er…yeah, you do have a point there...and we do have Queen Celestia here with us, like you said. Even if Captain Shining Armor and his soldiers can’t defeat her, she can do it, right?”

“Of course,” Bon Bon said comfortingly, giving the mint green Unicorn a small smile. “And when that happens, I’ll be here right by your side all the way.”

“Thanks Bonny.” Lyra said gratefully, snuggling up to the tan Earth mare. “I don’t know what I do if I didn’t have you here.”

“Hmhmhm, that’s what best friends are for.” Bon Bon giggled, wrapping a hoof around friend as the both nuzzled each other.

Shining Armor tore his gaze away from the conversing ponies around him, not wanting to hear anything more that constantly reminded him of the situation that was at hoof. He had gotten enough more than enough of that back at the Royal Throne room back at Canterlot City when Queen Celestia had told then Nightmare Moon returned, and that the world was endanger by her hoof once again. It didn’t help when she told him, his soldiers, the Lunar Guards, and the Shadowbolts that she had sent seven ponies out into the Everfree Forest to retrieve the only weapons known to defeat her, and he had a sneaking suspicion that he knew which of the seven ponies that the Queen had sent. He wanted to believe with any fiber of his being that Queen Celestia did not send his little sister out into a place like the Everfree, and that she sent some random ponies out to retrieve the Elements of Harmony instead.

Unfortunately for him, the private talk that he had with his leader to confirm his suspicions ultimately threw those thoughts out the window.

Shining Armor gritted his teeth as his ears pinned firmly against his head, his leonine tail giving an angry lash. He could not fathom what the Queen was thinking sending Twilight out to retrieve the most powerful weapons known to ponykind in the most dangerous wilderness in the world. Shining Armor understood why she saw potential to be something great in his little sister, her being one of the most powerful Unicorns in existence, even at such a young age. He even admitted himself that Twilight being taught by the Queen herself was a good idea. Since he wanted nothing more than for his sister to make something of herself, even if what she was doing now wasn’t quite on her mind.

Even so, he just could not come to terms with why Celestia sent Twilight into a place she never set foot in, and had her go up against a pony that she only ever heard of in stories. While he had no doubt the mare could defend herself, Shining still couldn’t help but think that she may not be up for what the Queen wanted her to do. He hoped to the high heavens that his sister would be able to make it out of there in one piece, otherwise, he didn’t know what he’d do.

Well, at least she had her friends to help her and back her up, so that was a plus.

The alabaster stallion was so caught up in his conflicting thoughts that he didn’t see where he was going, nor did he see that he was about to bump into somepony until he was too late. He let out a an ‘Oof!’, when he felt himself collide with somepony, and nearly stumbled to the ground when he stepped on something that felt eerily similar to a pony’s leg. The cry of pain that he got from that move only a second later only proved his suspicions as he took a few steps back.

“Oh, sorry about that. I wasn’t-” Shining Armor began to say, only to pause when he saw who he had bumped into. “Spear Head?”

“Whoa, easy there, Captain!” The moderate tangelo Pegasus stallion said, holding up a large hoof to stop the stallion from coming any closer. “No need to get so worked up, take a breather and chill. You almost trampled this little filly here.”

“Trampled? What are you-?” Shining Armor began to ask, but once again stopped in mid-sentence when he looked down at what, or rather, who, Spearhead was pointing at. His eyes widened when he saw a soft green Earth Pony filly with a darker leaf green mane and tail, sitting next to Spearhead, currently holding one of her hind legs.

“Owww, now that really hurt.” Melon Cake groaned, rubbing her right leg with a hoof. “I really don’t wanna have to bandage this one.”

‘Son of a-!’ Shining Armor cursed in his mind as he facehoofed himself. Taking a deep breath, he looked back down at the filly apologetically. “I’m so sorry there, kiddo. I didn’t look where I was going. Are you okay?” He asked, speaking as kindly and gently as he could.

Melon Cake lifted her head up at the alabaster stallion, her heterochronic eyes looking into his deep sapphire blue ones, which widened in slight surprise at seeing her own eyes. Before he could comment on it though, the filly smiled sweetly at him and nodded her head rapidly.

“Yeah, I’m alright mister! You just surprised me as all!” The soft green filly replied, giving a dismissive wave of her hoof. “Don’t worry, my leg wasn’t broken! It’ll take more than that huge hoof to break this filly’s leg, hmhmhm!”

Shining Armor chuckled, unable to hold back a smile at the filly’s sweet, optimistic and upbeat attitude despite the whole situation. It managed to take his mind off of what he was thinking and take away some of the anxiety and stress, even if it was for just a moment.

“Heheh…well, I’m glad that I didn’t hurt you too bad.” Shining Armor murmured as he gave the filly a gentle smile. It soon turned into a confused frown as he noticed the new look on Melon Cake’s face. “Is there something wrong kiddo?”

“No, it’s just...I’m pretty sure that I’ve seen you somewhere before.” Melon Cake replied, staring up at the alabaster stallion intently. She put a hoof to her chin, racking her brain for any memory of the she had of the stallion standing in front of her. A moment later, a rather loud and long gasp left her throat as her heterochromic eyes widened, recognition shining within them.

“Wait…are you…?” The soft green filly began, looking up at Shining Armor. “Shining Armor Twinkleshine Sparkle?! The Captain of Queen Celestia’s Royal Guard?!”

The alabaster Unicorn took a step back, having not expected that question to come from the filly, who was looking up at him with sparkling eyes and a wide smile plastered on her face. He soon got over his initial surprise, regained his composure, and said in a friendly, yet amused tone, “Why yes, I am Shining Armor Twinkleshine Sparkle, leader of the Royal Guard. I’m assuming that you’ve heard of me?”

“Heard of you?!” Melon Cake asked, looking at Shining Armor as if he had grown a second head. “You’re known all around Canterlot as the most powerful Unicorn and Royal Guard that anypony’s ever seen since Shooting Star the Cosmetic! Everypony that doesn’t live in Canterlot has only heard about you in newspapers, and until now, nopony has ever seen you in pony!”

“Well, that’s only because I hardly ever appear on towns and cities unless it’s for Royal Duties or trying to stop somepony from terrorizing communities.” Shining Armor replied with a shrug. “Other than that, I’m usually just in Canterlot on patrol, or in my office, not really on some important mission or anything…until now.”

“Well, I think it’s awesome that you get to go on a top super-duper secret mission! Not only that, your mission is here, in Ponyville, which makes it even more cool!” Melon Cake squealed as she trotted in place, all while balancing herself on three legs. “Oh! Oh! Do you think I could get your autograph before you leave?! Pretty pretty pretty pretty please?!” She pleaded cutely, looking up at the alabaster Unicorn with big puppy dog eyes.

Before Shining Armor could reply, Nurse Redheart suddenly came trotting up to them, and when she saw Melon Cake, a relieved smile came to her face.

“There you are Melon Cake; I was wondering where you had run off to around her.” The snow-white mare said, her tone matching her expression as she stood in front of the soft green filly. “Didn’t I tell you to stay with the rest of the foals? Your leg is still healing, and it’s a little too soon for you to be walking around right now.”

The soft green filly frowned, her ears flattening against her head as she looked back up at Redheart’s soft, yet stern expression. “I’m sorry Nurse Redheart, I wasn’t intending on running off. I was with the others like you told me, but…I really really wanted to meet the Royal Guards! This is the first time I’ve ever seen them so close and I really wanted to say hi!” She replied sadly, her tone filled with guilt and shame.

Nurse Redheart’s stern expression softened at Melon Cake’s saddened, unable to stay upset with the filly as she gave her explanation. With a sigh, she shook her head and gave the filly a small smile. “I know you did dear, and I’m very sure that they would’ve liked wanting to talk to you. Be that as it may, you have to understand that these ponies have jobs to do, and that’s to protect the ponies around them. With the jobs they have, I doubt that they have time to make conversation with anypony, much less a young filly like you.”

Melon Cake stared up at Nurse Redheart, before looking back at Spearhead and Shining Armor, who looked back at her with amused expressions on their faces. She quickly tore her gaze away and looked down at the ground, a pink tint making its way to her cheeks.

“Yeah, you do have a point.” She finally said as she pawed at the ground. “Sorry Nurse Redheart.”

“It’s alright Melon. Just make sure you ask and tell me or the others where you’re going before you go running off like that alright?” Nurse Redheart asked, her tone like that of a mother gently chiding their foal. After getting a nod from the soft green filly, the snow-white mare picked the filly up and hoisted her onto her back, before looking at the two guards. “I’m terribly sorry for the interruption sirs…I didn’t know that she was going to try to go and meet you. She has the tendency to do that with ponies who look and sound important.”

“Oh, it’s quite alright ma’am.” Spearhead said casually, waving a hoof dismissively. “It’s no trouble really…it’s not every day we get a day off just to sit down and talk with somepony in a non-serious situation. If anything, this little squirt made our jobs a little bit more pleasant.” He emphasized the point by ruffling Melon Cake’s head with a wing, causing her to giggle cutely.

“Yeah,” Shining Armor nodded, giving the filly another gentle smile. “I’m glad to see that somepony’s trying to stay optimistic at a time like this.”

“Hmhmhm, well I’m glad to hear that she was able to relieve some of your stress.” Nurse Redheart chuckled, glancing over at Melon Cake with an amused expression. “Well, I think I should take my leave. There are some foals that I think could use Melon’s optimism to help brighten up their damp moods. You two have a good evening.”

“You two ma’am.” Spearhead replied, giving a light nod to the snow-white mare. “See you Melon Cake, it was really good talkin’ with you, hon’!”

“You too Mr. Spearhead!” The soft green filly replied sweetly as Nurse Redheart trotted off. “Bye Captain Shining Armor!”

“See ya Melon!” Shining Armor replied, giving a wave to the filly as she and Nurse Redheart merged into the crowd. “Heh, that was a real sweet kid, huh Spear?”

“You’re telling me.” The moderate tangelo Pegasus chuckled, turning his head to look at the other stallion. His smile soon faded when he saw the troubled look on his captain’s face. “Is there something wrong there, Captain?”

“Oh…no, it’s nothing Spearhead.” Shining Armor replied, not meeting Spearhead’s eyes as he pursed his lips. “I’m alright, really…”

Spearhead’s brilliant cyan eyes narrowed, his ears flattening against his head as a frown formed on his face. He knew, without even having to figure it out, that his captain was lying through his teeth, as evident by the troubled expression on his face and the frown formed on his lips. The Pegasus stallion had a sneaking suspicion of what was troubling Shining, but he decided to ask just to be sure, being sure to choose his words carefully.

“Captain, I know you. I can tell when you’re being honest, and when you’re faking it, and right now, you’re really faking it.” Spearhead said softly, yet firmly, getting no reply form the alabaster Unicorn stallion. Another moment of silence passed, before Spearhead sighed and asked the one question he knew was one his captain’s mind. “You’re worried about your sister, aren’t you?”

Shining Armor flinched, shutting his eyes as he gritted his teeth, effectively confirming the moderate tangelo stallion’s suspicions. He turned his head to say something to his fellow soldier, but stopped when he saw the look on Spearhead’s face, and the words ultimately died in his throat before he could even say them. The two stallions looked into each other’s eyes for a few moments, before Shining looked away, letting out a sigh in the process.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Spearhead asked suggestively, holding his hoof out. “You know I’m here to listen, even if we are on duty right now.”

Shining Armor’s eyes glanced over to look at Spearhead’s offering hoof, before he shot his gaze back down at the floor, wondering whether or not to voice his worries. Eventually, he gave another deep sigh and gave in, unable to hold it in any longer.

“I just…I don’t understand.” The alabaster Unicorn began, his tone soft, yet filled with confusion and worry. “I don’t understand...why all of this is happening.”

“Why all of what is happening?” Spearhead asked. “Why Nightmare Moon is here after spending over a millennium on the Moon by Queen Celestia’s hoof?”

“Heh, I wish it was only that. I can see why Nightmare Moon’s here, due to wanting to get revenge against the Queen for sending her to the Moon.” Shining Armor replied, letting out a bitter laugh. “I can even see why she sent somepony out into the Everfree Forest to retrieve the Elements of Harmony, since they’re the one thing that’s known to be able to defeat her and free Queen Luna from the Nightmare’s grasp.” His bitter smile turned into a hard frown as he locked eyes with Spearhead. “What Idon’t understand is why she sent Twilight, my sister of all ponies, to go and do it too?!”

“Well, why do you think she did it?” Spearhead asked with a shrug. “From what you told me; Twilight is the only pony who knows just as much about Nightmare Moon as Queen Celestia does. Not to mention that she’s been talking about what would happen if Nightmare Moon were to return, and wanted us to be prepared should Nightmare Moon return.” He paused, his eyes widening as another possible explanation entered his mind. “Or, maybe it’s because Celestia believed that Twilight would be the one to be able to find the Elements and defeat Nightmare Moon, along with the other ponies she was with. You know, due to her being more powerful than the average Unicorn and coming from the seven known clans of Equestria. Maybe it’s because of those reasons that the Queen sent Twilight to retrieve the Elements, or just that one reason alone, whichever one.”

Shining Armor stayed silent as Spearhead continued to speak, silently mulling over what he had just said and the reasons he gave as to why Celestia sent his sister to find the Elements. He had to admit, it did make sense; Twilight having more magical power than many other known Unicorns, besides him, and both him and Twilight coming from tribes and families not like that or normal ponies. Thanks to this, and the training that he and Twilight had in honing their abilities, they were much more powerful than that of most Unicorns, and were more than able to handle their own, whether alone or in groups. This gave Shining Armor a small spark of hope that his sister would be okay, and she wouldn’t come out as hurt as he believed she would be. Even so…

“Yeah, you do make a good point there, Spearhead.” Shining Armor finally said, his worried face softening a bit as he gave a slight nod. “Twilight is powerful, hay just as much as powerful as I am even, and she can really kick flank if she puts her mind to it, something she’s an expert at doing.” He sighed again, his ears pinning against his head. “Still, as powerful as she is, how can the Queen think of sending her into the Everfree Forest of all places?! The one wilderness that’s known to be more dangerous than any other that, you, me, or anypony else has been in! Do you know how dangerous the creatures that live in that place are said to be, and what they’re capable of doing to a pony?! The only ponies that I know that’re able to survive, let along thrive in that place are the Thestrals of Hallow Shades! I get that it’s the location of the Elements and all that, but how can the Queen expect Twilight to be able to take on all of those creatures, even with the help of her friends and the extra guards she sent after them? Especially since most of them, including her, have even been there before?!”

“Shining, if the Queen knew what she was doing by sending Twilight out into the Everfree Forest to retrieve the Elements, do you really think that she wouldn’t send her ponies that knew what to expect from someplace like the Everfree? Even if they themselves have never set foot in it?” Spearhead asked with a raised eyebrow, making Shining Armor pause. “I bet the reason why she sent some of the Solar, Lunar Guards, and the Shadowbolts after Twilight and her friends, is because she knew that those specific ponies would be able to protect them because they knew what the creatures of the Everfree Forest were capable of. Take the Shadowbolts for example; when they were working for Queen Luna, before she was banished to the Moon, they used to train in various areas that were considered to be dangerous, even more dangerous than where the Wonderbolts trained! That includes the Everfree Forest, though it was only in certain parts that were considered to be the least dangerous. Even now they’re known to train with each other and with new recruits that their captain happens to find, and thanks to that, they know what to expect whenever they do go in there for missions like this.”

He reached out and put a hoof on Shining Armor’s shoulder, making the alabaster stallion look up at him again. “Also, if I recall, even Queen Celestia herself has been known to take some of our most brave and fearless soldiers out into the Everfree to train them against the weather and animals that inhabit it. So, I’m pretty sure that’s why she sent practically half of the Solar and Lunar Guards out to the Everfree while she sent the other half, including you and me, here, to protect Ponyville. Wouldn’t you agree Captain?”

Again, Shining Armor said nothing to his fellow soldiers’ explanation, finding once again that he indeed had a point. He had known Celestia ever since he was a colt, before and after he had become the Captain of her Solar Royal Guard. If there was one thing he did know about her, it was that she was not stupid. not by a long shot. She would never dare send anypony that she cared about out into danger if she didn’t know for certain if they would make it back.

Another thing he knew about the Queen was that she would most certainly never send anypony out somewhere as dangerous as the Everfree if they didn’t know what to expect from it and how to defend themselves from anything they came across. If she didn’t believe that Twilight and her friends wouldn’t be able to find the Elements and defeat Nightmare Moon, then what other reason would she have to even have her set hoof out there in the first place. Not a very good one he assumed, and Celestia most certainly wouldn’t have sent all of those guards after them if not for the same reason, along with the fact that they knew what the Everfree is like first hoof. Plus, with the amount of guard she had sent there after the mares from both divisions, he assumed that his sister and her friends would have a pretty hard time getting singled out.

Shining Armor sighed for what seemed like the fifth time that day looking up at Spearhead with a small smirk. “Spearhead…you always know just what to say to put my mind at ease. Honestly I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t have somepony like you on my squad.”

“Hey dude, somepony’s gotta be the voice of reason here. Luckily for you, I happened to be the very pony to do just that.” Spearhead chuckled, lifting one of his hooves for his Captain to hoof bump. He then threw his massive foreleg around the alabaster Unicorn’s neck, just under his helmet. “Don’t you worry captain, Twilight is a real tough mare, that I can tell. Don’t you worry, she’ll be back here with the rest of her friends before you know it!”

“I’m gonna hold you to that.” Shining Armor murmured, gently elbowing Spearhead in the side as both stallions chuckled.

A bright flash of light emitting from outside immediately drew the two stallion’s attention to the destroyed door in front of them. Shining Armor gave a grunt of pain as a jolt of pain pulsed through his horn from his shield being bumped into, but managed to fight it back.

“Well that was a surprise.” Spearhead said dumbly. “What do you think it was?”

“Probably one of those damn monsters again.” Shining Armor growled, eyes flashing. “You stay here and guard everypony in here. I’ll take care of this one myself.”

“You sure about that?” Spearhead asked. “From the way your shield was hit, it sent a really had hit through your head. At the rate you’re going, you might pass out.”

Shining Armor stopped in his trotting, and looked back at Spearhead with a deadpan stare. “Spearhead, I have received wounds that should’ve cripple me for life, and I came out of those scenarios just fine. I think I can handle a few headaches here and there.”

Spearhead chuckled, spinning his namesake in his hooves. “Good real point there, Captain. Still, try to be careful okay? Wouldn’t want your fillyfriend Cadence to baby you all over again about your injuries or try to get you to screw her because of how radical you look with your scars.”

“Don’t you dare bring Cadence into this!” Shining Armor shouted, a tick mark forming on his head as his eyes went comically white. With a guffaw form Spearhead, Shining Armor turned tail and stomped away, cursing profanities under his breath as he made his way outside the entrance of the Town Square. A lock of bafflement and rock replace his annoyed expression as he saw Raven Moon, Star Chaser, and Blossomforth outside of his shield.

“What in the buck?!” He gasped. “Raven, Chaser, what the hay are you all doing here?! And who is that pony with you?!”

“We can talk about that later Shining!” Raven replied. “Just open up the shield so we can get this mare out of here!”

“Yah come on man, open up!” Star Chaser shouted, bucking at the shield. “We haven’t got all night!”

Snapping back to his senses, Shining Armor ignited his horn and created an opening just big enough for the two Pegasi and one Thestral stallion to fit through. Once they were in, the opening disappeared, and Shining ran over to the three, his eyes widening at the slight of Blossomforth.

“Wait a second…I know you!” Shining exclaimed. “You’re that mare who was here just half an hour ago! What happened to you?!”

Blossomforth peered up at the Royal Captain through her watermelon mane. “I went to take a daughter of a friend of mines somewhere safe, and I had found out something really important about the monsters your facing right now. I would’ve comeback here sooner, but I ended up running into a few of those things, and had to fight them, but luckily, Captain Moon Blade and his two troops here saved me and took me back here.”

“Wait, Captain Moon Blade?” The alabaster stallion asked. “You mean Moon Blade Nightstalker Cifer? The Captain of the Lunar Guard with the ridiculously perverted personality?”

“Yeah, that’s the stallion who saved me.” Blossomforth replied, raising a brow. “And what do you mean by perverted?”

“You don’t need to worry about that honey.” Raven said quickly, glaring at the larger stallion warningly. “I think what you should worry about is telling him what you told us.”

“Yeah, it’ll help both Spear’s Captain and our Captain finally put an end to these things for good.” Chaser nodded, grumbling. “And we can finally get some R&R time.”

“Tell me what?” Shining asked, looking down at Blossomforth. “What did you find out?”

Blossomforth sighed as Star and Raven carried her inside the Town Square. “Okay so, while I was coming back here, me and my friend’s daughter, Amethyst had ended up fighting one of those creatures. In the midst of the fight, we had found out something about them that may help you finally defeat them for good.”

Shining’s eyes almost bulged out of his skull upon hearing this. Before either pony know what was happening, he was grabbing Blossomforth by her shoulders and shaking her. “You do?! If that’s true, then you have to tell me right now! The lives of all of the ponies in this town are at stake!”

“Whoa whoa whoa! Chill out Captain Armor, you’re hurting the girl!” Chaser said, ripping the older stallion away from the mare with little effort. “Are you trying to make her more injured than she already is?!”

“No, it’s okay, he’s just anxious that’s all.” Blossomforth said, putting a hoof on Chaser’s shoulder before looking back at Shining. “Okay, so, you know how each of those creatures have these lights glowing where their chests are?”

Shining Armor paused, his mind going back to his first fight with one of the Tantabuses. “Yeah, I do…what about them?”

“Apparently those glowing lights aren’t a trick of the eye.” Blossomforth explained. “They’re actually metallic little cores that help those monsters maintain their forms, even as we cut and slice them apart. It’s what kept them from being able to be really beaten and destroyed, and unless we destroy those cores, those creatures are just going to keep coming and coming.”

“Wait…what?” Shining asked, taking a few moments to process what Blossomforth had just said. “That was what kept me from getting rid of these bastards? Some damn hidden core inside of them?”

“Uh…yeah…” Blossomforth replied nervously, sweating a bit as she noticed Shining’s left eye twitch. “…that was, u-um…what kept the fight dragging on for so long…and why most of you guys are using so much of your magic.”

For a moment, Shining Armor said nothing, his head slowly lowering as his bangs shadowed his eyes, a moderate cerulean aura surrounding his form. Raven and Star, sensing the impending rage quit about to commence, immediately pulled Blossomforth away from the Solar Captain. Spearhead, who was close enough to hear what was said, also backed away, already knowing what was about to happen next.

“So, let me get all of this straight…” Shining said darkly, the aura around his body growing stronger as his mane and tail skirt floated in midair. “…We’ve been fighting these…bastards for who knows how bucking long, and the only thing keeping them going were these bucking little metal cores they had tucked inside of their bodies? And all we had to do was destroy them, and they’d be gone for good?!”

“Uuuh…y-y-yes!” Blossomforth squeaked. “T-that’s pretty much summing up what I’m saying.”

Shining Armor said nothing after this, his whole body making no movement whatsoever as his Adrenaline Mode aura continue growing. Then without warning, his head snapped up, allowing the three flyers in front of him to see the look of fury morphing onto his handsome face. With his eyes blazing and his horn crackling with magic, let out a loud growl of primal rage, before he vanished in a flash of magenta magic.

“Um…where did he go?” Raven asked, looking at Blossomforth and her brother. “Why did he just disappear like that?”

“I’ll tell you why.” Chaser replied, grinning widely. “Cause Captain Shining’s going to kick all of those ethereal asses!”

“By himself?” Blossomforth asked, remembering when Moon Blade and came and saved her from being killed. “Shouldn’t he have at least some of his guards to aid him?”

“Nope!” The voice of Spearhead said confidently, causing the three flyers to turn to him. “I can assure you that Shining’s gonna be just fine. Especially now that he finally knows how to defeat all of those ponyish creatures.”

“How you know that?” Blossomforth asked doubtfully. “How do you know that Captain Armor will be able to beat them with nopony nearby to help him?”

All of a sudden, the ear-splitting sound of shattering glass resonated throughout the entire building. Everypony looked up and saw that Shining’s shield had shattered thus leaving the whole Town Square open for any Tantabus attack. Just as light blue Tantabus came into view, a giant blast of magic enveloped it before the form of Shining Armor zoomed passed them, a see-through pair of Pegasus wings sprouting from his shoulders.

“That’s how.” Spearhead replied, grinning smugly.

Shining Armor whinnied loudly as he soared right at the light blue Tantabus in front of him, driving his horn right through its neck. They both took off together, soaring away from the Town Square, before the Tantabus morphed into a light ethereal stream and reappeared behind the Solar Captain. it fired off a blast of magic at the stallion, only for Shining to Spun around and use one of his Pegasus Adrenaline Mode wings to swat it to the side. He then retaliated with his own magic blast which sent the Tantabus flying back as he flew towards it.

“Solid Form Magic: Lightning Bolts!” He shouted, pointing his horn forward and shooting a giant bolt of magic at the Tantabus. It struck the ethereal creature all over and caused it to morph continuously as it let out a screech of pain. It fired off a flock of magical bolts, but Shining Armor summoned a large shield to block them all as she closed in. With an enraged neigh, he ignited his horn again, only this time, it was wind instead of lightning.

“Solid Form Magic: Wind Slice!” He shouted swinging his head and sending a slice of wind at the Tantabus with his horn. It struck the creature right in the chest, here he could see an orange light emitting from it. The moment it struck, it let out a screech even louder than the last, and actually faltered in front of the Solar Captain. It flew away from the stallion as it attempted to recover from the attack, allowing Shining Armor and opening.

“Heh, looks like I finally managed to hit a mark!” He said, a small grin coming to his anger filled face. “Well in that case, allow me to deliver you another one!”

With those words, Shining Armor ascended into the air, before flying down towards the Tantabus, who evaded the stallion just in time as he released another wind magic. The stallion glared up at the Tantabus, before firing more sliced of wind up at the creature, who did its best to not let them hit it anywhere near the chest. As it focused on evading, it didn’t notice Shining Armor fly up towards it, his horn pointed straight upward with another spell. The moment the horn made contact with the Tantabuses back, it was set aflame, emitting another screech as the air lit up with orange light.

“Holy shit!” Star Chaser exclaimed. “Captain Shining is really giving him the what for now!”

“No kidding.” Raven Moon murmured, her expression forming into a grimace. “He had just found out one of the simplest ways to defeat an enemy, after hours of fighting. After all of that, I’d probably be releasing all of my rage on that Tantabus too. I almost feel sorry for it…almost.”

“Same here.” Blossomforth nodded softly.

Spearhead smirked, walking over to three flyers and wrapping his muscular forelegs around their necks. “Yeah well, one thing is for certain my dues; things are finally going to turn in our favor. And by the end of the night, we’ll have fought off one of the biggest invasions anypony has ever seen in who knows how long.”

“No doubt about that.” Star Chaser grinned, giving a hoof bump to Spearhead.

“Solid Form Magic: Fire!” Shining Armor roared, channeling more magic into the flames and causing them to grow brighter than they already were. The screeches that the blue Tantabus was giving out let Shining Armor that it was feeling the pain, and he was loving every second of it.

With another neigh, he shot the Tantabus up with the pillar of fire before soaring up and meeting it as it stopped in midair. He gave it a hard punch to the face with one of his large hooves, before kneeing the creature right in its stomach. He then did a front flip and sent an axe kick crashing down onto the beast’s head, sending it diving down towards the earth. Just as it was about to hit the ground, Shining Armor suddenly appeared above it and bucked it right back into the air. Raising his head, up, he fired off another, slightly smaller bolt of magic, aimed right at the Tantabuses chest, striking it clean through. Another loud howl of pain escaped the Tantabus, as it writhed in the air, unaware that Shining was about to deliver the final blow.

“Oh, I’m sorry, looks like I was a little too hard on you there!” Shining Armor shouted with a hard snort. “Don’t worry, I’m gonna put you out of your misery right now!”

With a stomp of his hoof, Shining Armor’s combined Pegasus and Unicorn Adrenaline Modes swirled around each other as he fired up his horn with a combination of wind and electric magic. He waited just long enough for the Tantabus to refocus its attention onto him, and the moment it did, the Solar Captain delivered the finishing blow.

“Solid Magic Form Lightning Pegasus: Lightning Thunder Spear!” He bellowed, shooting off the attack with all the magic his Adrenaline Modes would give him. He watched as it shot up right towards the Tantabus and cloak it in a sea of magic and lightning. It screeched its loudest yet as the metallic core hidden within its chest slowly cracked and eventually shattered, leaving its master completely at Shining’s mercy. With one last throaty bellow, the blue Tantabus vanished into the lightning coated bolt of magic, before it too disappeared.

“That should take care of him…finally.” Shining murmured to himself as his rage slowly began to subside. “Hopefully I won’t have to see him again, or any of those other monsters when this is over.”

With those words, Shining slowly trudged back into the Town Square, his tail lashing behind him as he met with Spearhead, Star Chaser and Raven Moon. Almost immediately they surrounded him, and bombarded him with compliments and questions.

“That was absolutely awesome Captain Shining!” Star Chaser grinned. “You totally whipped that Tantabuses ass up there!”

“I agree, I’ve never seen you go into that much of a rage quit before.” Spearhead chuckled, crossing his forehooves. “Though, I can see why; since you know…you’ve finally found out how to finally beat these things.”

“About two and a half hours late mind you…” Shining Armor snorted as he took deep harsh breaths. “…well, at least now we have a way to be able to get rid of these things.”

“That you do, and after they’re gone, you us, Spearhead and Captain Moon Blade don’t have to worry about them anymore.” Raven Moon nodded, glancing over at Blossomforth. “Especially you honey.”

The pinkish grey Pegasus nodded, sighing with relief. “Yeah, no arguments there. Still, I hope that Amethyst, Dinky and Cloud Kicker will be able to hold out at the library for just a little bit longer. If not, then they’re gonna be in serious trouble.”

“Well then, we’re just going to have to get rid of these…Tantabus things as quickly as possible before that happens.” Spearhead said, walking over to Blossomforth. “For now, we need to get you two nurse or a doctor; those bruises and cuts your adorning are pretty nasty, and might get worse if they don’t get treated.” He gently put Blossomforth’s right foreleg around his neck. “I’ll take you to them, don’t worry.”

“T-thank you.” Blossomforth said sweetly as she let the larger Pegasus carry her away.

“Well, now that that’s settled…” Shining said, turning back to Raven and Chaser. “…what’re you all planning to do? Are you going to stay here, or are you going after your Captain?”

“Normally we would…” Raven replied. “…but, I’m pretty sure that our Captain will be fine. If we were worried that he wouldn’t be alright, we would’ve been going after him by now.”

“Yeah, besides, I think it’s better if we stay here for now.” Star Chaser added. “At least until all of these Tantabuses are gone. Our Captain is patient, so I think he can wait a little longer.”

“Alright then, in that case, I have a plan to finally end this little power struggle, and I know just how to get it started.” Shining Armor replied, igniting his horn. “Though I’m gonna warn you, this is going to be loud, so you may want to cover your ears.”

Realizing what was about to happen, Star Chaser and Raven Moon both covered their ears as Shining Armor turned away from them. He trotted back to the entrance of the Town Square and stood just outside of the building in preparation for what he was about to do. Taking a deep breath, he let out a command; one that resounded through the entire town.

“ATTENTION! ATTENTION ALL SOLAR AND LUNAR DIVISION GUARDS!!!” He bellowed, the power behind his magically amplified voice echoing throughout the town. “THIS IS CAPTAIN SHINING ARMOR TWINKLESHINE SPARKLE HERE WITH AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE!!!”

Author's Notes:

Okay, now, for this chapter, a majority of its is a somewhat revised chapter of the 24th one in the first version of this story; you know, Spearhead and Shining Armor talking with each other about the latter's concern about Twilight going into the Everfree Forest to retrieve the Elements and what not. Other than that part of this whole chapter, the rest of it was written entirely from my own head, which includes the part of Shining Armor having his little rage quite moment on the Tantabus. Now, I was thinking about having Star Chaser and Raven Moon go and head after Moon Blade, but I decided to have them stay at the Town Square since Shining is going to need a few helping hooves to finally eliminate the Tantabuses, especially of at least one of them are Thestrals. Another scene that I was planning to add was the one with the Apple Family, but after some speculation, I decided that would at that in another two part scene, with the second scene going back into our other main and OC characters. I'm still trying to figure out how to start it, but I know that it's gonna be as thrilling as all the other chapters like this one as well!

Well, that's all for now everypony; stay tuned for the next chapter involving the final fight with the Tantabuses and a revisit to our dark lord. Depending on how the next chapter goes and how I'm going to write it.

Chapter 32 - Wings of Thunder and Hooves of Earth

Midnight let out a loud battle whinny as she shot a giant bolt lightning, watching as it soared at the green Tantabus faster than any of the three ponies could even blink. The chirping sound it gave filled both their ears, but the latter no time to even search for the lightning bolt before it struck its side full force in its face. It went flying away from the beetle black Thestral, landing in a heap, just as a large wave of wind shot out at it a few seconds after the large lightning bolt. It slammed into the ethereal creature, sending it even further away from the Apple Family Household and almost tumbling down the slope.

Quickly shaking off the attack, the Tantabus got to its feet and soared high above Midnight, firing of a magic blast that sent her crashing to the ground. Midnight grunted as she pulled herself out form the crater, and looked up just in time to see the Tantabus about to fire off another blast. Thinking fast, Midnight wrapped her massive wings around herself in order to block the attack, but Honey Blossom came to her rescue.

“Earth Make: Sphere!” She shouted, slamming her hooves down as she stood in front of Midnight, both her eyes flashing. Sunset orange energy swept around the two mares before a large gate of earth appeared and formed into a giant sphere. The Tantabus’s attack slammed right into the shield, but the energy coursing through it prevented from being able to crack into the earth shield. Before it could do so, Scarlet suddenly came in, her whole-body crackling with multi-colored electricity.

“Lightning Pegasus: Thunder Wing Attack!” She shouted, swinging both wings outward and letting them hit the Tantabus right in its face. This disrupted the attack it aimed at Midnight, allowing both mares to escape its vision as the creature turned its attention to the mint green Pegasus. It snarled and flared its wings, making a beeline for her, but it suddenly hunched over as it felt something it where its stomach was.

“Earth Make: Armored Hoof Punch!” Jubilee shouted, driving her right hoof into the Tantabus’s stomach and causing it to shoot high into the air. She landed back onto the earth for just long enough to propel herself upward both of her eyes blazing. Whirling around, she lashed out with her hind legs and kicked with all her might in the stomach, sending it even higher into the air. as it ascended, Scarlet appeared above it, shooting a bolt of lightning into the Tantabuses back, which sent it crashing down to the earth.

The Tantabus screeched as it shot to its hooves, flaring its wings as it shot into the air at the mare, but it didn’t get far. Without warning, vines shot out from the earth and wrapped around the creature holding it in place. The beast struggled with all its might, but the attempt was futile, and the Tantabus found itself in an even tighter grip by the vines. Th creature was so engrossed in trying to get itself free, it didn’t notice Jubilee running up the wings, both of her forehooves covered in earth-like armor.

“Hey now, don’t go jus’ focusin’ on them! Ah’m here too ya starry varmint!” Jubilee shouted as she leapt off one of the vines, soaring towards the Tantabuses stomach. “Earth Make: Armored Hoof Barrage!”

Before the Tantabus knew it, the pale orange was repeatedly punching it right in it stomach, both of her hooves nothing more than a massive blur. The vines encasing the giant creature only added to its suffering, though they did loosen up with each punch that Jubilee laid into it. With a loud battle cry, she delivered one final punch to the Tantabus, sending a wave of orange energy through it. It was so powerful that it actually ripped up the vines that she had summoned, and she watched as the Tantabus was sent soaring into the air. As Jubilee fell towards the earth, Scarlet suddenly soared down and caught her grandmother, gently laying her down on the earth as they watched the Tantabus soar away.

“Whoa Jubilee that was really somethin’!” Scarlet said, hovering away from her twin sister. “Ah’ve never seen ya deliver that many punches that fast before!”

“Heheh, well, Ah used t’ do that a lot back then…At least t’ those that were stupid enough t’ mess with mah family, an’ could take a real beatin’.” Jubilee chuckled, stretching her legs. “By the way, ya know that Ah would’ve been fine if ya hadn’t caught me, right?”

“Ah know, but Ah didn’t wanna take any chances.” Scarlet replied. “Ya saw how fast that thing blasted its magic at Midnight an’ Honey Blossom before she came in. What’s t’ say that he wasn’t gonna fire at you when ya least expected it.”

Jubilee paused for a moment, before giving a nod. “Fair point…Ah probably would’ve been blasted into apple sauce if that happened. Even so, Ah probably could’ve been able to make mahself a shield t’ help me block it.”

Scarlet gave a nod of her own. “Yeah, that too.”

“Are both o’ y’all alright?” Honey Blossom asked as she and Midnight flew over to the two mint green mares. “We saw Jubilee fallin’ after she sent that thing flyin’ off!”

“Don’t worry Honey, we’re okay.” Jubilee said reassuringly. “What Ah wanna know is if y’all ‘re okay. That blast that was shot at ya looked pretty darn powerful an’ it looked like that it would’ve broken through your sphere.”

“Yes, we are. It’s a good thing that Honey came and saved me. Otherwise my wings would’ve been really messed up.” Midnight said as she shot a thankful smile at Honey, who gave her a warm smile in return. “I did a quick check up on Big Mac and Anna Blaze back at the barn, and it looks like that they’re doing okay too.”

“Wait ya did what?” Scarlet asked, looking at Midnight with wide eyes. “How in the way were ya able t’ do that?”

“I’m a Thestral, and we have enhanced senses; to the point where it can even be considered supernatural.” Midnight explained patiently. “It allows me to hear, see and smell things from a considerable distance much farther than any other pony, even a Pegasus can. Even from this distance, I can see Big Mac and Anna Blade guarding the farm.” Her cat-like blue eyes shot over to where the barn was, and she could see the form of Big Mac standing outside the barn, with Anna Blaze peering out through a window. “And it looks like they’ve been watchin' the fight this whole time…along with a few others.”
“Who?” Jubilee asked, before it clicked. “Wait, ya mean Apple Fritter an’ her foals?”

“It looks like it.” Midnight replied softly. “I can see a yellow Earth Pony mare with a green mane and eyes peering through the window. Along with what looks to be a teenage Pegasus filly with purple eyes and a Stetson…and a couple of younger foals as well.”

“Aw shucks…Ah was hopin’ that they wouldn’t see this.” Honey Blossom winced, her ears falling limp. “Looks like we’re gonna have t’ answer a lotta questions that Ah really don’t wanna ask right now.”

“Well, there ain’t no getting’ ‘round it now.” Jubilee said, snorting as she looked up at the Tantabus. “Though, if ya wanna jus’ go an’ get it outta th’ way now, then let’s git rid o’ this varmint b’fore it really decides t’ kill us and destroy th’ barn!”

“Don’t need t’ tell us twice.” Scarlet replied, flaring her wings. “Ya ready Midnight?”

The beetle black mare nodded, spreading her own wings as she bared her fangs. “Yes!”

As if to show that it was ready as well, the Tantabus screeched loudly and soared down towards the four mares, its yellow eyes blazing as its horn ignited. It shot a powerful bolt of magic down at the mares, who swiftly evaded the attack as it slammed into the ground and exploded upon impact, cracking the earth around them. Jubilee and Midnight took this as an opportunity to try to get under the creature, while Scarlet and Honey Blossom appeared right at its front. With a beat of its powerful wings, the giant Tantabus shot down towards the two flyers in front of it, intent on vaporizing them. Just then, it found itself shooting in the other direction as Midnight and Jubilee slammed their forehooves into the creature’s stomach. As it flew back first towards the Scarlet and Honey Blossom shot out slices of wind at it, watching as they sliced deep into the Tantabus’s back sending it in the other direction.

The Tantabus fell stomach first into the ground, but had no time to try and recover from the attacks as it felt something grab its horn. With strength that a pony of her size would never have achieved, she hoisted the giant creature right into the air. Eyes glowing, she shot off into the air, leaving a powerful gust one wind in her wake as she shot powerful bolts of lightning at the Tantabus, watching as each one electrocuted it. The Tantabus screeched as it fire off a bolt of magic at the mare, but Honey Blossom shot towards Midnight and moved her out of the way just in time. The Tantabus flew after the two mares, only to find itself getting punched in the face by Jubilee who had jumped out of nowhere.

“Ah don’t think so!” She shouted angrily as Scarlet flew under the Tantabus and struck a bolt of lightning right in under its chin. This sent the giant ethereal creature spiraling away from the four mares, and Honey Blossom and Midnight both flew after it. Just like the last time, they combined their attacks, only this time with their wings, sending a combined bolt of lightning at the Tantabus’s chest. A loud glass like shatter was suddenly heard as glass like particles came into view and as the Tantabus crashed to the ground, they fell right in front of the four mares.

“W-what the-what in the buck was that?” Jubilee asked, taking a couple of steps back. “Did we just shatter its heart or somethin’?”

Honey Blossom glanced over at her older sister. “Um…Ah don’t think that’s how hearts are supposed to work Jubi. It looks more like we shattered somethin’ glassy inside o’ him…”

“It didn’t just look like it. We did break something in the Tantabus.” Midnight replied, walking over and picking on one of the large metallic shards. She inspected in inside of her hooves, all while looking in between it and the Tantabus. “And it looks like that the glass object that we hit was its main weak spot.”

“It is?” Scarlet asked. “What brought ya t’ that conclusion?”

“Think back on it for a minute.” Midnight explained. “When me and Honey Blossom had hit the Tantabus, right in its chest, it broke something in it. That thing being this item right here, which we can now see is the Tantabuses weak spot.” She held out the yellow metallic crack out for the rest of the mares to see, letting it glint the light of the Moon. “When we hit that area, it had stopped the Tantabus in its tracks and disorientated it. Thus, leading it to react the way that it did, or…react the way it is now.” She tilted her head over to the giant green Tantabus, who was currently writhing a good distance away from them. “As you can all see.”

“Oh, Ah think Ah see what yer sayin’ here!” Honey Blossom said, a look of recognition coming to her face. “All we have t’ do is hit this Tantabus thing in th’ same place that you an’ Ah did just a minute ago, and we’ll be able to wear him down, right?”

Midnight nodded, smiling in approval. “Exactly.”

“Alright then, that sounds easy enough.” Jubilee replied, adjusting her Stetson. “In that case, we’ll just keep at it with this varmint until we see an opening that we can use t’ destroy him fer good.”

“In that case, why don’t I help you make that opening?”

All four mares jumped at the smooth and refined, yet completely unexpected voice that made itself known to them. They were so started, that Scarlet whipped around and shot a bolt of lightning at what she presumed was the enemy. The pony behind them almost lazily dodged the attack, letting it soar off into the distance and explode in midair. When the mares got full view of who was behind them, they all gasped, while Midnight’s mouth dropped open in utter shock.

“What in the…” Scarlet murmured. “Who in the Sam hay are you?!”

“I am Captain Moon Blade Nightstalker Cifer, leader of the Lunar Division in Canterlot.” Moon Blade replied, flashing the mint green mare a fanged smile. “It’s very nice to meet you young mares. It is especially nice to see you again, dear Midnight.”

Honey Blossom turned towards the beetle black mare. “Midnight, you know this stallion?”

“Er…y-y-yes I do.” Midnight replied, blushing a bit as she took a quick glance at the Tantabus behind them. “H-he lives in the same City as my Mom and Dad, a-and he’s been Captain of the Lunar Guard ever since my Mom retired from it. I’ve known him since I was a filly, but I didn’t really see him that often due to him being on duty so much.”

“Indeed, you did.” Moon Blade nodded, chuckling a bit. “But now, it looks like that changed a little bit. I can see you five are in a bit of a fix with these Tantabuses…” He looked over at the creature as it slowly got to its feet. “…and it looks like you’re finally gaining the upper hoof.”

“That an’ a cider machine will git ya two cups o’ cider.” Scarlet snorted. “We were fightin’ this varmint fer who knows how long, and we just finally managed t’ hit its weak spot. We were jus’ about to plan another attack t’ finally finish it off.”

Moon Blade hummed a bit, rubbing his chin with a cloven hoof. “I see…well then, you ladies don’t mind if I lend you a helping hoof, do you?”

“At the rate we’re goin’ we’re gonna need all th’ help we can get.” Jubilee replied, sighing. “Ah’m about on mah last legs in mah Adrenaline Mode, an’ Ah don’t think we’ll be able t’ keep it up fer much longer.”

“Well then, let’s end this foe as quickly as possible.” Moon Blade advised, holding both of his hooves out as two ethereal purple blades appeared in them. “I’ll let you all distract it and wear it down, while I go in and deliver the finishing blow.”

“Alright, thank you Moon Blade.” Midnight replied, turning back to the three farmer. “Come on girls, let’s go!”

The three mares nodded, and they follow the beetle black Thestral in her race towards the Tantabus, who finally managed to regain its footing. It saw the mares running and flying at it, and it screeched in retaliation before flying towards them. It fired off a rain of magical bolts at the mares, who which they each efficiently dodged, even if some barely missed. When they got within range, Jubilee went on the offensive, lashing with her earth armored hooves.

“Earth Make: Armored Hoof Barrage!” she shouted as she once again released a reign of punches down at the Tantabus. It sent the creature flying away as it was struck repeatedly in the face, causing it to spiral back belly up. Honey Blossom then appeared above it, her entire body coated in orange lightning as she attacked.

“Lightning Pegasus: Electric Explosion!” She shouted, shooting both forehooves upward and sending a wave of lightning into the Tantabuses back. It arched as it was sent ascending into the air lightning zapping all about its body as it screeched in agony. As the pain began to wear off, the Tantabus suddenly took notice of Midnight hovering above it.

“Surprise!” She chirped, giving a glittering smile before unleashing her attack. “Lightning Thestral: Whinny!”

The blast of blue lightning that Midnight unleashed on the Tantabus completely enveloped it, making its whole world become enveloped in a sea of blue. It screeched loudly as it was sent crashing to the ground, the force so powerful that it left a crater around the same size as the Tantabus. It writhed around on the ground as it attempted to get up, but the lightning that was coursing through its body prevented it from being able to move much. It suddenly noticed a bright flash of purple light, and it looked up to see Moon Blade hovering high above it.

“You look like you’re in great pain down there, you poor thing.” Moon Blade said, gripping both swords tightly. “Do not worry, I shall put you out of your misery, and I shall do it now!”

Faster than anypony could blink, Moon Blade ascended towards the Tantabus, both of his swords morphing into one as he dove down towards his foe. The Tantabus, seeing what was about to happen, tried to get away, but flock of vines suddenly burst out from the ground and wrapped around it, holding it in place. The Tantabus could now only watch as Moon Blade dove down at it, unable to do anything but screech as the Lunar Captain prepared to deliver the final blow.

It came quicker than expected, but was by no means any less painful as Moon Blade stabbed the Tantabus in the center of its chest with its fused swords. Not even a split second after he did, he gave his weapon a twist, before slicing upward, slicing the Tantabuses neck in two as its metallic core was completely shattered. Moon Blade flew away and watched as the Tantabus slowly dissolved into mist, just like the last one, only it took a bit longer, possibly due to the creature’s larger size. Finally, it vanished, and all five ponies watched as the Tantabus floated into the air its misty particles joining the stars above.

“Wow…now Ah certainly wasn’t expectin that.” Honey Blossom said after a long moment of silence. “When it began dissolvin’ Ah thought that it was gonna melt int’ that there crater.”

“So, did I, but it looks like it went another direction.” Scarlet nodded, flicking her tail. “Now that Ah think about it, that was probably, better. Don’t think Ah could’ve handled seein’ somethin’ like that anyway.”

“No, you wouldn’t have.” Moon Blade nodded, chuckling slightly. “And I’m certain my other guests wouldn’t have handled seeing a melting body either.”

“Yeah not re-” Jubilee stopped, snapping her head back over to the ghostly white stallion. “Wait, did you say other guests?”

“Oh, forgive me. It seems I didn’t mention this earlier.” Moon Blade said apologetically. “See, while I was on my way here to this lovely looking farm, I ended up having to take more than a few guests with me.” He smiled fondly over at Midnight and the other mares. “Some that I know that you’ll be delighted to see.”

“Really?” Honey Blossom asked, hope filling her voice. “Who is it?”

Grinning widely, Moon Blade began to explain. “While I was still in town, I had detected a power source from one of the residence houses, so I went to investigate. The next thing I found was a group of foals and a few young mares being surrounded by the very same creature that was trying to kill you. So, like any heroic stallion, I had taken the liberty of saving them from certain doom and bringing them here for relative safety.” He paused to let his words sink in, before he continued. “I seem to recall getting a few names from the ponies I rescued, those being Cloud Kicker, Amethyst, Snowflake…and Apple Bloom.”

Loud gasps left the mouths of all four mares at the last two names, their eyes going as wide as saucers as they took in the information. Moon Blade suddenly found his shoulders grasped in the powerful hold of Scarlet who then proceeded to shake him like a doll.

“Apple Bloom is here with you?!” She shouted, hope and relief filling her voice. “Where is she?! Please, please tell me where she is and if she’s alright!”

“Your sister is quite fine; I can assure you.” Midnight said nonchalantly. “As a matter of a fact, she, the rest of her friends, and the young mares that I saved are currently resigning inside the barn not too far away from the house. And they’re currently waiting for you all even as we speak.”

“They’re…they’re alive…they’re really okay.” Midnight breathed, falling to her haunches as her eyes glazed over. “Oh Faust…oh thank Faust, they’re alive!”

“Indeed they are, my dear Midnight, and you’ll be even happier once you see them with your own eyes.” Moon Blade said, putting a hoof on the beetle black Thestral’s shoulder. “That is, if you all are up for it.”

“Are ya kiddin’?! Ah’ve been wantin’ t’ see mah little sis again ever since this whole mess started!” Scarlet replied, a look of happiness taking over her facial features. “C’mon girls, t’ th’ barn!”

“C-comin’!” Honey Blossom said, barely containing her own excitement as she and the other mare rushed towards the barn.

As the three mares raced towards the barn, Moon Blade turned back to Midnight, who hadn’t moved since learning of the survival of her siblings. Smiling gently, he walked over to the mare and pulled her onto her hooves. “Are you coming?”

“Y…y-yes, I-I’m sorry. I just got a little emotional there.” Midnight nodded, wiping at her eyes as she smiled up at the ghostly white stallion. “Thank you, Moon Blade…so much, for saving my sister and brother. I don’t know how I can ever repay you…”

“No need for that, just seeing you all again is thanks enough.” Moon Blade replied, looking off to the side for a moment. ‘Besides, something tells me I’m going to be getting my payment pretty soon…’ He thought as a certain persian blue mare came into his mind.

“Um Moon Blade…” Midnight murmured, noticing the embarrassed look on the ghostly white Thestral’s face. “Why are you blushing like that?”

“N-nothing, just going through a little reminiscing in my head.” Moon Blade replied, shaking the blush off his cheeks. “Come along now. I believe we kept your sister and brother waiting long enough, have we not?”

Midnight stared at him for a few moments, before shaking her head and smiling. “Yes, I think we most certainly have.”

Author's Notes:

I know I know, this chapter tended to be shorted than any of the ones that I had made so far, but...judging from how I was writing it and the title of said story, I figured that it would be alright to leave off right about here. I've been thinking over time that I shouldn't really be concerned by how much I can write anyway, just how good I can make this editing story, and I think that should be all that really matters. Just a heads up, I was planning to have another scene in this, but well...as stated up above, I decided to save it for the next chapter that's soon to come. I may add some scenes in it from the last version of the next chapter that I'm going to write soon, after I get a good speculation on how to start it, and I'm also going to be bringing in some additions on the beasts the the Main Seven are going to be facing. One thing is for certain, things are going to keep building and building until we reach the climax of our adventure.

That's all for now, stay tuned next time for a revisit to our Dark Goddess and the Main Seven having another encounter with a fighter of the Everfree@ Only with this beast, it'll be one that'll be made a bit differently, but one you may recognize from a certain Disney movie.

Chapter 33 - The Lone Soldier

The first thing that Fluttershy noticed when she began to come to, was that she had an unbearable headache, more so than any she had experience in her entire life. It felt like somepony or some incredibly creature powerful was trying cave her skull in with both of their forehooves or claws and drive a large knife through it at the same time. She could feel each pulse that coursed its way through her head, following in perfect rhythm with her heartbeat, and each beat that followed send another searing stab of pain through her head, causing a soft groan of agony to escape her lips.

The second thing that the buttermilk Pegasus became aware of was that her entire body felt numb from head to hoof, as if it was filled with led. Each and every time she tried to move, she’d feel parts of her body give off little twitches, along with an incredible amount of soreness following after. All four of her legs felt like they were made of jelly, and shook as if they were covered in coats of ice when she tried to move them. Even her tail was unresponsive when she tried to move it, which really confused her for some reason. Especially since she had excellent control over it, nearly as much as Goku did with her own tail, despite it being much longer than her’s.

As Fluttershy slowly began to regain consciousness and come back to the waking world, was that there seemed to be a lot of talking.

Very quiet, but still pretty audible taking, coming from what she believed were her friends.

“How do you guys think she’s doing?” The raspy voice of Rainbow Dash asked, her tone full of worry and concern. “She hasn’t moved an inch since she collapsed in front of us.”

“I have no idea.” The intelligent voice of Twilight replied softly. “I mean, she’s still breathing, and I can see her chest rising and falling, but other than that…nothing.”

“Well, at least we know that she’s still breathin’.” Applejack’s drawling voice. “Still, she looks more out of shape than an apple rottin’ on a tree.”

“Applejack!” Rarity’s regal and elegant voice suddenly snapped. “How dare you make such a statement about our dear Fluttershy?! She looks just as beautiful as she always did, how rude of you to say such a thing!”

“Now Rarity, you know that is not what Applejack meant and you know it!” Twilight chastised, sounding understandably upset. “All Applejack was pointing out was how bad Fluttershy was looking because of the amount of magic that she used! She as by no means insulting her!”

“Well it certainly seemed like it too me!” Rarity snorted hotly. “It’s bad enough that we have to deal with her suffering from such an extension of magic. Now we have to deal with Applejack here insulting her looks?! I mean look at her! The poor dear looks like she’s been trampled by a herd of cows!”

Fluttershy suddenly felt her body give a jolt as a raging soreness made its way through her body, along with another stab of pain through her head. She let out another groan. That was probably the best and downright worst way to describe how she was currently feeling at the moment. Best, because Fluttershy really did feel like she was trampled by cows, and worst, because Rarity had the audacity to use cows of all animals to describe her condition.

“And is that really our fault?!” Pinkie asked incredulously. “Look Rarity, I wasn’t really up for her having Flutters do what did she did. None of us were, and Ah do wish that we could’ve done somethin’ better when we were fightin' that giant scary kitty!”

“Then why did you even try fight it in the first place?!’ Rarity spat acidly. “Why didn’t you all just run instead of staying where we could’ve gotten cornered by more of them?!”

“Because it was the only option that would keep us from getting eaten alive!” Rainbow snapped impatiently. “You saw it yourself, Rarity! You could tell just by looking at that furball that it was not going to let us leave, and the only we could get away is if we made it leave instead! So we had pretty much no choice but to fight, including you! Not to mention that it took Zephyr out in one blow while he was caught off guard!”

“Exactly!” Pinkie said, coming to Rainbow Dash’s defense. “While it may not have been the most well thought or and accurate plan, but worked nonetheless! Plus, we’re all still alive, so that should count for something right?”

“It doesn’t matter if we managed to chase that ruffian off!” Rarity hissed at Twilight. “The fact of the matter is Fluttershy is hurt, and it’s all your faults! Maybe if you put up a better attempt at fighting that beast instead of just being reckless, none of this would’ve ever happened!”

Fluttershy could now feel herself become just the slightest bit frustrated. Why was Rarity blaming everypony else for her condition? Why did she keep calling the Everfree animals by such cruel names? The buttermilk Pegasus desperately wanted to get up from whatever position she was in and put the fashionista in her place. She could feel her body start to respond to her advances, but it was going by slowly. She would have to wait for just a little bit longer.

“Now don’t you go blamin’ us fer somethin’ that noneof us had any choice in doin’!” Applejack shouted, sounding more irritated. “Ah ain’t just gonna sit ‘ere, an’ let anypony, not even mah own friends, go blamin’ one o’ mah other friends fer nothin’! So you better cool that curly little head o’ yers missy, ‘re yer hide is gonna get bucked all th’ way t’ Canterlot!”

“Yeah, you really need to take a damn chill pill Rarity! It’s not like Pinkie Pie was trying to get Fluttershy hurt!” Rainbow Dash added, agreeing wholeheartedly with Applejack. “What, would you rather her have gotten eaten instead?!”

“Of course not!” Rarity replied angrily. “But I certainly would not have put her through what you all did! Which is why you all should’ve been smarter no good-”

“Rarity ENOUGH!!!” Goku’s voice suddenly yelled out. The moment she made herself own, all sound abruptly ceased as the buttermilk Pegasus felt herself freeze in place. “Listen, I know that you’re upset that Fluttershy is in the state that she’s in right now, we all are! However, that is no reason for you to be so hard on everypony and be such a goddamn butch to her and the others! None of us knew that this was going to happen, and none of us wanted this to happen, but what other choice did we have?! To just go and let the Shinomōkin, Doragontora, and the Timberwolves eat us alive?! Huh?!”

“W-well…no of course not.” The sound of Rarity’s stuttering voice made its way into Fluttershy’s ears. “B-but-”

“If that happened, any which one of them would’ve torn us apart and had us for lunch, and you know what would've happened if that happened, don’t you?!” Goku continued, effectively cutting Rarity off. “We wouldn’t be able to find the Elements of Harmony, we wouldn’t be able to defeat Nightmare Moon, and we wouldn’t be able to save Queen Luna or anypony in Ponyville, including our families! If we keep pointing hooves and blame each other for things that we had no idea of happening, we won’t be able to fulfill the task given to us! Which is exactly what’s going to happen if you keep this up, so leave the other’s alone, sit that white plot of yours down, and shut the buck up! Before I make your coat whiter than already it is!”

There were no more words exchanged after that last sentence was said, and the silence that followed was so strong, that the only thing could be heard was the sound of what seemed to be the crackling of fire. Fluttershy stayed still, silently waiting for any one of her friends to start talking again and converse with one another. When the only thing she heard was the quiet, she again tried to move, and felt her body was less sore than it was a minute ago. Though that didn’t stop another soft groan from escaping her lips as she attempted to gain some control of her body.

Fluttershy soon realized that she must’ve gotten the attention of one of her friends, because she felt a warm hoof brush against her forehead. A few moments later, Pinkie, sounding more hopeful than before, called out to Rarity and the others.

“Hey girls!” The mare cried; her voice filled with excitement. “I think she’s waking up!”

Moments after those words were said, Fluttershy felt a multitude of hooves galloping over to where she was. The buttermilk Pegasus immediately picked up several magical signature around her, seven at that, even in her sore state, she instantly recognized.

‘Wait, there are seven other magic signatures? Is there an eight pony with us?’ She thought, feeling her face morph into a frown. A second later, it clicked, and a certain stallion swam into her mind. ‘Oh right, Zephyr was with us too…I hope he’s okay. Is he okay?’

“Hey Fluttershy! Are you alright? Can you hear us?!” The voice of Rainbow Dash shouted, snapping Fluttershy out of her thoughts. Before she could try to reply to her friend, she felt a rough hoof start slapping her cheek. “Come on girl, say something already!”

“Dash, don’t do that!” Zephyr’s voice scolded said sharply. “ I know you want her to wake up, but slapping her like that isn’t going to help! Just wait a few minutes and let her do it on her own…”

“Girls look, I think she’s waking up!”

Pinkie was indeed right, Fluttershy was slowly beginning to open her eyes, only to snap them back shut at the light that shined in them. After a few more unsuccessful attempts, she finally managed to open them and adjust to the light, which she could now see was coming from a fireplace. Turning her head, she met the concerned eyes of each of her friends, who were all standing over her from all sides.

“Hey there sleepy head.” Goku said softly with a smile. “Welcome back to the world of the living.”

“Hello to you too, Goku.” Fluttershy replied, her voice slightly raspy. “It’s good to be back inthe waking world.”

“How’re you holding up there Fluttershy?” Rainbow Dash asked. “No offense, but you look really like shit.”

“Hmhmhm...yeah, I probably do.” Fluttershy giggled softly, moving a hoof to her head. “I’m definitely feeling like it too.”

“Oh, you poor thing.” Rarity cooed, reaching and taking Fluttershy’s left hoof in her right. “You must be in so much pain right now! No thanks to-”

“Don’t ya dare finish that sentence.” Applejack growled, her eyes flashing as she glared at Rarity. “Ah’ll buck ya straight outta this cave!”

“Oooooh…my head, it hurts so much.” Fluttershy moaned as she put her right forehoof to her forehead. “Where are we? What in the world happened to me?”

“We’re still in the Everfree Forest sweetie.” Goku replied quietly. “You had fallen unconscious after the fight with the Timberwolves. We didn’t want to take any chances in reviving you where we were, so we left the clearing and came to this cave.”

“Oh…I see…” Fluttershy asked, draping a hoof over her forehead. “Wait a minute…where’s Zephyr?”

“Right behind you Fluttershy.” The deep and gentle voice of the royal blue stallion said from behind her. Jumping the buttermilk Pegasus looked up, while still laying down, and met the garnet eyes of the Solar Royal Guard. The surprise she felt was so strong that she squealed and sat up in the blink of an eye, not noticing Goku in front of her. With a loud and sickening thud, both mares collided foreheads with one another, and the tan Thestral found herself on the ground.

“Gah! Son of a bitch!” Goku yelled as she fell over on her back, both hooves flying to her forehead.

“Whoa there sugarcube!” Applejack shouted, rushing over and grabbing Fluttershy by her forehooves. “Hold yer horses!”

“Oh, I’m so sorry Goku!” The buttermilk Pegasus cried as she looked back over at the tan Pegasus. “Are you okay? I didn’t mean to hit you like that!”

“Ugh...yeah, I’m fine Fluttershy.” Goku groaned, slowly getting up from the ground and onto her rump. “Geez girl, you really have a hard noggin there, don’t you?”

Fluttershy groaned, putting a hoof to the side of her head as she rubbed at it gently, trying to lessen the agonizing throbbing. “Oh...my head hurts so much. I don’t think I’ve had a headache this bad in, well...ever.”

“I’m not surprised.” Rainbow Dash said with a small chuckle. “With the amount of power that you used to heal us you were bound to feel like shit one way or another.”

“Yeah...you have a point there.” Fluttershy nodded, groaning softly. “Where…are we?”

“We’re in a cave of some sort.” Zephyr replied, getting to his hooves. “We have found it sometime after we had left that clearing. We had all been keeping watch over you and ourselves while you were resting, and so far, nothing’s come.”

“For now.” Goku murmured, staring off into the tree.

“I see…well, at least nothing has attacked us right now.” Fluttershy said, slowly getting to her hooves. “Um Zephyr…why did you have me, um…rest on top of you?”

Zephyr blushed, looking the other way. “Well, why shouldn’t I have? You did the same for me when I passed out from being electrocuted by the Shinomōkin. Besides, it felt really nice to have somepony cuddled up to me so…I decided to do the same.”

“O-oh, well…thank you.” Fluttershy said as she too blushed. “It, um…did feel pretty nice. Even if I couldn’t really feel it.”

“Are you sure that you don’t mean anything else by that?” Rainbow Dash asked teasingly. “Are you sure that you didn’t feel anything else that felt ‘really nice’?”

“Dash.” Rarity hissed warningly. “Don’t you dare go that route.”

“What’s the problem?” The cyan mare chuckled, a wide grin on her face. “All I’m asking is if there’s anything else that Fluttershy felt was ‘comfy’ to her.”

“That’s precisely what we’re saying.” Twilight said sternly. “And that’s why we are telling you to knock it off.”

“They’re right RD, we nearly got killed be all o’ these va-er, animals in this damned buckin’ forest.” Applejack said giving off a snort. “The last thing we need is y’all tryin’ to make Flutters and Zephyr as red as the apples on mah flank.”

“Oh, come on guys, I’m just trying to lighten the mood here.” Rainbow frowned. “We need somepony to do it after all that’s happened to us.”

“Uh, isn’t that supposed to be my job?” Pinkie Pie asked, a frown of her own forming. “I’m the one that supposed to be making ponies smile, now you Dashie! You’re stealing my number one job and priority!”

“Am not!” Rainbow Dash denied. “And for the record Pinkie Pie, you already have a job, and actual job mind you! So, making others laugh isn’t really what I’d consider a job!”

“Dash, darling, you do realize who you’re saying this to right?” Rarity asked. “This is Pinkie Pie that we’re talking about. To her soul priority is making others smile and laugh until they’re as red as a cherry, and to her, that just as important as any job that she may have.”

Pinkie Pie jabbed a hood in Rarity’s direction. “See?! Rarity gets it!”

“Yeah, well, I still think that it’s lame to consider that as a job.”

“Is not!”

“Is too.”

“Is not!”

As the mares continued to bicker back and forth, Fluttershy took a few moments to look around the cave they were all resigned within. Thanks to the fire that was roaring beside them, she was able to clearly see the upper parts and sides of the cave, and to some extent, the interior of the cave as well. It was your average cave, with rough jagged edges at the top with small slopes protruding from the sides, along with countless numbers of little pebbles, minerals, along with small rock. Fluttershy could even detect some aged foot prints that littered the floor, indicating to her that some animal had roamed in here before, though she couldn’t quite figure out what.

“Whatcha lookin’ at Fluttershy?” Applejack suddenly asked, snapping the buttermilk Pegasus out of her line of observation. “Somethin’ caught yer eye.”

“Oh, it’s nothing Applejack.” Fluttershy replied, regaining her composure. “I was just observing the cave.”

“Observing it for what?” Twilight asked curiously. “Anything that you could possibly use in any kind of animal research?”

“Nothing really...I couldn’t help but notice some animal tracks leading from in and out of the cave.” Fluttershy replied, pointing to the animal tracks. “Some of them looked to be pretty aged, like it was months since an animal ventured in here.”

“Really? We didn’t even notice.” Goku said, surprise taking over her features as she looked down at the tracks. As she looked up, her eyes widened slightly before pointing a hoof forward behind Fluttershy. “Hey, what about those claw marks on that wall over there?”

“Claw marks?” Zephyr asked as he followed the line of the cyan mare’s hoof. “What claw ma...oh...oh wow.”

“What is it Zephyr?” Fluttershy asked, looking to look at what the stallion were staring at. She let out a small gasp when she saw what had Twilight and Rainbow Dash so surprised, and the buttermilk Pegasus felt her heart skip a beat.

On the wall on the left side of them, four huge claws marks could be seen embedded deep inside the rocky material, going all the way up from the ceiling and nearly reaching the bottom. They looked to be deep, deeper than any claw marks that Fluttershy had seen from any other animal, and the way they were made gave them an even more sinister look.

“Oh my...” Fluttershy finally murmured. “Those are, um...quite the claw marks, aren’t they?”

“Yeah, they sure are.” Twilight replied, taking a few steps forward to get a closer look at the slashes on the cave wall. “I’ve never claw marks of this magnitude before. Then again, I haven’t seen that many marks made from animals to begin with since I’ve never really been around them that much.” She sighed dejectedly. “Ugh, I really need to catch on my animal facts!”

Fluttershy didn’t give a reply to the lavender Unicorn’s comment, to focused on inspecting the unusual looking claw marks on the cave wall. They claw marks were indeed large, larger than any other that the buttermilk Pegasus had ever seen from any animal she came across. They looked to be more than several inches into the cave wall, stained with what looked to be blood, and for some reason, that did not look like a good sign.

Another thing that Fluttershy noticed was a scent. A strong, foul, and almost unbearable scent that came from deep within the cave. It put Fluttershy on edge in a way that made her feel as if she had felt it before, and the more she thought on it, the clearer it became. That was when it finally clicked, a memory from so long ago planting right into Fluttershy’s mind as if it happened only yesterday. A gasp left her as she froze in place, her eyes snapping right into the direction of the darkness of the cave as her heartbeat quickened. Goku, seeing the look on her friend’s face, walked over to her.

“Fluttershy is there something wrong?” She asked, only to paused when the mare’s fearful look got aimed right onto her.

“Guys…I think we should go and leave the cave now.” Fluttershy replied, her voice so quiet that only Goku and Zephyr could hear it. “Something is wrong here…very wrong.”

“Wait, is there an animal that you sensed nearby?” Zephyr asked, going on guard. “What animal is it? And which way is it coming from?”

Before Fluttershy could answer, both she and Goku suddenly whirled around, her ears perked up and her eyes trained on the darkness of the cave. Twilight, who was closest to Goku, was the first one to notice the change in the tan Pegasus demeanor, and the first one to stop in her chastisement in Rainbow Dash.

“What’s the matter girls?” The lavender Unicorn asked, her navy-blue eyebrows furrowed in confusion and concern. “Did you hear something?”

“I did.” The tan Thestral replied, not looking back at the librarian. “I really don’t wanna worry you guys, but I’m very sure that I heard a growl somewhere inside of that cave.”

“A shriek?!” Rarity repeated, her eyes growing wide. “Are you saying that there’s something inside there?!”

“What do you think?” Goku asked, shaking her head. “It’s definitely not that of a pony, I’ll tell you that. It’s more...animalistic and...feral.”

“Feral?” Applejack asked with a frown. “Are ya sayin’ that there’s some rapid critter in there?”

“I don’t think so.” Goku replied as she took a few steps closer to the darkness. She sniffed the air, trying to detect any kind of scent she could find inside of the cave. “Hmmm...there is an animal in somewhere in there. Not only that, it smells very much like a...bear?”

Now it was Rainbow Dash’s turn to frown. “Bear? What do you mean a bear? I don’t know of any bear that lives in this forest. Are you sure that nose of yours is working the right way?”

Rarity looked over at Rainbow Dash with a disapproving look, having not taken kindly to the cyan mare’s rather rude question. She opened her mouth to scold the athlete, when she and the others all heard the sound of deep growling combined with a bone chilling hiss coming from somewhere deep in the cave. All of the others’ eyes snapped forward to the source of the sound as they all took moved back some, except for Goku, who stayed right where she was.

“Does that answer your question Rainbow Dash?” Rarity asked with a slight hiss.

“Whoa!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, shaking on the spot. “Now that sounded reeeeeeeally scary!”

“Now what in tarnation was that?!” Applejack asked as her eyes narrowed.

“I have no idea.” Goku replied. “Whatever it is, bear or not, it’s big...and its powerful…and it’s getting closer.”

Twilight looked over at the Pegasus with worry. “How powerful?”

The tan Thestral went to answer, when they all heard the sound of something big slamming onto the ground, causing it to shake and nearly making them all lose their footing. Just a split second later, a powerful blast of wind suddenly flew out of the cave and engulfed all seven mares in its powerful gust. They all obscured their eyes from the blast, digging their hooves into the earth beneath them as they fought to withstand unexpected onslaught. Try as they might however, none of them could withstand it, and they all found themselves blown out of the cave, tumbling across the ground.

“Okay…” Rainbow Dash groaned as she rubbed her head. “...that was totally not cool.”

“You said it RD.” Applejack nodded as she got up, shaking the dirt off of her fur. “That sounded more powerful than one o’ Granny’s giant siren power speakers that she uses at th’ Apple Family Reunions.”

“Are you okay Fluttershy?” Twilight asked as she ran up to the buttermilk Pegasus. “That was a hard tumble that you took back there.”

“Yes, I’ll be okay.” Fluttershy replied, holding onto Twilight as she helped her up. “Other than the added soreness and cramps in my body, I’m not too banged up.”

“That’s wonderful and all dear,” Rarity said with a gulp, her eyes wide with fear as she stared ahead of her. “But I something tell me that we’re gonna get more than ‘banged up’, if we get out of here.”

“What makes you say that, Rarity?” Pinkie Pie asked curiously.

“I think she means that Pinkie Pie.” Goku said gravely, putting a hoof on the bubblegum pink Earth Pony’s head and turning it forward. When Pinkie Pie’s cerulean eyes laid on what the tan Pegasus, Rarity and the others were staring at, she let out a loud extended gasp of shock. Her fur, mane and tail turned a bright shade of lavender and deep indigo as she and the others stared wide eyed at the sight before them.

The creature that was standing just outside the cave, eyes flashing with bloodlust, was probably one of the most bizarre creatures that Goku and the rest of her friends had ever seen. Just like she had assumed, it was a bear in appearance, standing over nine feet tall, though there were some glaring differences. The bear-like creature had fur that was as black as Nightmare Moon’s looking to be wild and matted like a rabid animal. All four of its limbs held quite the amount of muscularity, more so than any bear, with all for paws having long sets of curved black claws. It had a huge set of bat wings, with the membranes going to the base of its extended muscular tail and two huge thumb claws as long as a sword.

On its face, were three claw marks on the left side of its face, and its upper back, lower neck and its left flank were burn, showing off the bear’s black skin. It also had arrows stuck around where its lower neck and upper back were, showing that it had some run ins with ponies some time ago. Its eyes were two orbs of pure orangish golden that pierced through the darkness of the night like two twin lights, and it made the eight ponies’ own eyes burn as they looked back at them. What was most disturbing, was its gaping canines, which oozed some sort of soft green texture that hung down from its mouth as if it was some colorful saliva designed for a specific purpose. As it ran its tongue along its mouth, the green saliva that was hanging from its teeth fell, and as it hit the ground, the grass covering the earth to seemed to sizzle way as if acid was dripped on it.

“My Celestia…” Zephyr gasped as a chill ran down his spine. “What in the name of Celestia is that thing?!”

“Hay if I know!” Rainbow Dash replied, scrunching up her face in disgust at the green substance coming from the bear’s mouth. “I can’t tell if it’s some kind of winged wolf or giant bat or whatever!”

Fluttershy gulped inaudibly, feeling her heart beating against her chest as she murmured. “Battookuma…”

“What was that Fluttershy?” Twilight asked, having heard what the buttermilk Pegasus had said.

Fluttershy closed her eyes and took a deep breath, fighting to keep her heart rate under control as she spoke louder. “I know what that creature is...it’s a Battookuma.”

“A what now?” Applejack asked. “Ya mind repeatin’ that Fluttershy”

“What’s a Battookuma Fluttershy?” Pinkie Pie asked curiously.

“It’s the largest species of bear that’s known to live in the Everfree, and the only bear that’s known to live in the Everfree Forest.” Fluttershy replied, not taking her eyes off of the beast before her. “It looks similar to a Short-Faced Bear, the only difference being that it’s more muscular and is a cross between two animals. That, and it usually lives on its own in caves like the one we were in just a few moments ago. I noticed the claw marks on the cave, which gave me an assumption that we were in its cave.”

“What, you knew what those claw marks where?!” Rainbow Dash, growing indignant as she glared at Fluttershy. “Why didn’t you tell us that sooner?!”

“It didn’t any large paw prints or any signs of poison that coated the ground. The claws were the only thing that I had to go by, but it wasn’t enough.” The buttermilk Pegasus replied, not bothering to look at the cyan mare. “The Battookuma is known for having incredible physical strength and stamina, equivalent to that of a dozen Timberwolves, and it’s known to be very fast, both on the ground, and in the air despite its size. It can suck in huge amounts of air and shoot of enormous blasts of wind that are powerful enough to take town full grown trees. It can also use its wings to deliver powerful slices and gusts of wind, pretty much like I can, though with the chaotic magic it has, it’s bound to leave some destruction behind. It can even pull trees out by the roots with its own physical strength. Although...that’s not what we need to watch out for.”

“It’s not?” Goku asked. “What is it?”

“Take a good look at its mouth.” Fluttershy instructed like a teacher to a class of foals. “Do any of you notice the green substance coming out of its mouth?”

“Yeah, we can see it fine Fluttershy.” Rainbow Dash replied; her tone slightly sarcastic as she gave a roll of her eyes. “I mean, it’s not like we haven’t due to the fact that it is glowing!”

“Simmer down there RD, now ain’t th’ time fer sarcasm.” Applejack said firmly, before looking over at Fluttershy. “Now...go on sugarcube...you were sayin’ ‘bout that stuff that was in that critters mouth?”

“Right...you see, the saliva coming out of the Battookuma’s mouth isn’t really saliva.” Fluttershy replied with a grimace. “It’s poison.”

“Poison?!” Rarity repeated, whipping her head around to face the other mare. “Why would it need poison of all things?”

“To kill its prey.” Goku replied, giving the alabaster Unicorn a deadpan look. “What do you think?”

“The Battookuma’s main weapon, isn’t it’s strength or speed, or its wing attacks. It’s the acidic like poison that they have packed inside of their mouths.” Fluttershy explained. “Battookuma’s have been known to pack a potent saliva like venom inside of their mouths that is extremely toxic to any creature that it comes across. Their immune to their own poisonous bites, but those that aren’t, be it another carnivore or prey animal, are very unlikely to survive if they get bitten. A single bite, even so much as a flesh wound is enough to send the poison coursing through the victim's body and cause the skin, muscle, and bone to very slowly dissolve. The poison will also spread across the victim’s body, slowly weakening them until the Battoookami goes in for the kill.”

“I-It’s poison can dissolve skin flesh and bone?” Pinkie Pie stuttered, her purple and lavender color becoming more pronounced.

“It can.” Fluttershy nodded as her ears flattened. “It hasn’t been known to attack ponies because they normally don’t venture in the Everfree for obvious reasons. However, it’s been said that anypony who encounters a Battoookami, will suffer a slow and brutally agonizing death if not given immediate medical attention. As for the poison…” She paused, taking a deep breath to steady her nerves before continuing. “...well, there hasn’t really been any known cure for it, so the only way you can stop the poison from spreading as if you drain it not long after your bitten.”

“So basically, what you’re saying is, if we get so much as nipped by that guy, we’re bucked?” Rainbow Dash asked knowingly.

“Yeah, that’s just what she said Rainbow Dash.” Zephyr said bluntly. “Were you not listening at all?”

Just then, there was a loud thudding sound as the Battookuma slammed one of its large paws on the ground. It’s feathered bat wings spread to their fullest span as its powerful tail slowly swayed behind it, its jaws drooling with the acidic poison as it hunched its body.

“I think we should save scolding Rainbow Dash for later girls.” Goku said as she took a step back. “Our new guests looks ready to pounce.”

“You think?!” Rarity spat as she glared at the tan Thestral.

No sooner after those words left her mouth, the Battookuma let out a tooth grinding shriek combined with a howl that echoed throughout the forest. The eight ponies’ ears pinned firmly against their heads as the sound resonated painfully in their ears, making them want to jam their hooves inside of them and rip out their eardrums just to escape the painful noise. It was so loud that they didn’t notice the bat winged wolf had had made the first move until he was already flying right at them.

“Oh crap, here he comes!” Rainbow Dash shouted as she instinctively reeled back, preparing to face their new adversary. “Lightning Pegasus: Thunderous Explosion!”

The cyan mare’s eyes glowed as she sent a blast of lightning at the Battookuma, the bolts ripping through the ground. The Battookuma stood up on its hind legs, letting out a roar that caused a blast of wind to shoot out of its mouth. It collided with the Rainbow Dash’s wave of lightning and after a brief power struggle, the beast’s attack won out and cancelled out the lightning attack. Rainbow’s eyes widened upon seeing her attack get stopped, and she found herself and the others screaming as they felt themselves being blown away and sliced to ribbons. The Battookuma, seeing its opponents down, took their moment of weakness to move in and deal another blow, hut Zephyr wasn’t about to let him.

“Oh no you don’t!” Zephyr shouted, turning tail and rushing towards the bear. Orange flames came out from under his hooves, causing them to light up as fire slowly began to emerge and flicker around him. “Fire Pegasus: Twin Flaming Hooves!”

Just as the Battoookami was about to reach the mares, Zephyr leapt into the air, the fire around him leaving a flaming trail as he stretched his forelegs forward. With a heave, Zephyr slammed them both into the Battookuma’s chest, sending a wave of heat throughout the bat winged bear’s body as it roared with pain. The Battookuma didn’t have much time to fight it down before Zephyr whirled around and bucked it in the face, sending it crashing to the ground.

“Alright, nice one Zephyr!” Rainbow Dash cheered with a fanged grin. “You show that giant mutt what we’re made off!”

“I don’t quite think that now is the appropriate time for cheering Rainbow Dash.” Rarity chastised.

“Are you alright everypony?” Applejack asked, turning to the others. “That varmint didn’t get ya too bad did he?”

“Don’t worry Applejack, we’re okay, he didn’t get me. Though these wind slashes do hurt pretty bad.” Fluttershy said reassuringly as the tangerine Earth Pony helped her up. As she got back on her hooves, Fluttershy shot Applejack a disapproving frown. “And I would like it if you and the others would please stop the animals those names please. I get that you and the others want to keep each other safe, but that’s no reason to call them such rude names.”

Before Applejack could reply, the form of Zephyr came crashing past them before coming to a stop right in front of Twilight. As she helped him to his feet, she and the others screamed upon seeing the slash marks covering the right side of his face, blood seeping from them.

“Damn it, that varmint got Zephyr real good with that one.” Applejack murmured inspectingly, turning back to the Battookuma. “Looks like we’re gonna have t’ take this up a notch!”

“In that case, why don’t we give this ruffian a taste of our own medicine?!” Rarity asked, igniting her horn. “Belle Machine Gun: Gattling Gun!”

“Oh, wait for me!” Pinkie Pie said, bouncing in between the two mares.

When the Battookuma got within range, Rarity fired off with her Belle Machine Gun, sending a flock of magical bolts at the bear. The bear grunted as they hit, but managed to use its large forearms and wings as a shield against the assault. With a growl, it flared its wings, sending a blast of wind that eradicated the rest of them, only to see Pinkie zooming towards him. Pain exploded in the Battookuma’s face as the pink pony gave him a kick that sent him flying away and crashing to the dirt ground. He said himself up and glared at the mare, but before he could get up, vines appeared and ensnared him, holding him in place.

“Earth Make: Vine Snare!” Applejack shouted; her eyes glowing as she grinned at the Battookuma. “He’s all yers Goku!”

“Right!” The tan Thestral shouted flying passed the tangerine mare as she ascended high into the air. When she was high enough away, she dived down towards the Battookuma lightning coating her entire body as her cat-like eyes flashed. “Lightning Thestral: Twin Electric Hooves!”

The Battookuma roared loudly as Goku slammed both of her lightning coated hooves into its chest, sending lightning throughout its body. In her haste to take the Battookuma out as quickly as possible, she failed to notice the lightning destroying the vines holding the beast down. This left the Battookuma able to move, and it delivered a powerful blow to Goku’s side, sending its claws deep into her right side and sending her crashing into a tree.

“Goku!” Twilight shouted as she watched the tan Thestral get blown away. Her horror soon turned to fear when she noticed the Battookuma flying towards them. Twilight’s body got rooted with fear as the creature got closer, but luckily for her, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity and Pinkie all intercepted it.

“Stop right there!” They all shouted as they met the Battookuma head on. Rainbow Dash struck with powerful volts of electricity while Rarity fire off more magical blasts. They sent the giant bear crashing to the ground, allowing Applejack and Pinkie to ensnare it in their vines, leaving the other two mares to be able to hit their mark. At some point, Goku had recovered from being thrown, before she too rejoined the fray.

“Wow, they’re really getting into it.” Zephyr murmured, standing close to Fluttershy. “Are the two of you okay?”

“Not as okay as you are Zephyr.” Twilight murmured, wincing at the bloody cuts adorning her body from the Battookuma’s first attack. She looked over at Fluttershy, who was lying in between them. “Are you alright Fluttershy?...Fluttershy?”

It was at that moment that both Twilight and Zephyr saw the look of absolute horrified shock on the buttermilk Pegasus’s face. It wasn’t quite the same one that she sported back in the cave, but it had that addition as to where is she recognized something or somepony from a sensitive part of her past. One that she believed that she would never see again, or ever even wanted to ever see again for that matter.

“Um, Fluttershy?” Zephyr asked. “Is something the matter?”

“T-T-Twilight…t-that Battookuma…” Fluttershy whispered, slowly looking up at the lavender Unicorn. “…I-I know that Battookuma!”

Twilight paused, giving her friend a perplexed look. “You…you do?”

“Yes, I do!” Fluttershy cried, shooting to her hooves. “Do you remember four years go when you first came to Ponyville?! How Ponyville was attacked by a Battookuma very much like that one?!”

“…Yeah, I do, that was when I was around seventeen.” Twilight replied, as the memories of the night that Ponyville was attacked by an Everfree creature flooded her mind. “Why? What is it about it that makes this Battookuma connected to it?”

“Take a close look at it.” Fluttershy said hastily. “Do you see the burn marks in between its neck and back, along with the on the left side its leg? Along with the claw marks arrows sticking out from behind it?”

“I see them.” Twilight replied, looking even more confused. “But I still don’t see how-?”

“Think back on that day when a Battookuma from four years go attacked the town.” Fluttershy said, sharply cutting Twilight. “What injuries did it sustain?”

“Fluttershy, why are you-?”

“What. Injuries. Did. It. Sustain?” Fluttershy repeated, sterner this time. “Just answer the question Twilight, please!”

Twilight, sensing the urgency and demand in Fluttershy’s tone, immediately replied. “From what I can remember, it suffered a claw slash to the face. Along with some burns to its upper back and lower neck area, and some claw slashes to the same area as well, and all of them were done by-” She stopped abruptly, her pupils shrinking to pinpricks as she finally caught onto what Fluttershy had. “Oh no… you don’t mean…?”

“I think it is Twilight.” Fluttershy nodded. “Without a single shadow of a doubt.”

At that moment Zephyr walked up to the mares. “Um, girls, I don’t mean to interrupt, but could you please inform me on what you found out?”

“It’s worse than you can imagine Zephyr.” Fluttershy replied, unable to hide the fear in her tone. “About four years ago, Ponyville was attacked by a Battookuma, much like this one, and tried to go after the residence for food. Luckily a one of my friends were there to stop it before things go too out of hoof, and chased it back into the Everfree.” She gave an audible gulp as she looked back at the Battookuma that was still fighting four of her friends. “That wasn’t just any random though, this particular Battookuma has been reported to have been sighted in the cities and towns of Hallow Shades, Fillydelphia, Manehatten, and even Appleoosa! They call him…Mor’du.”

Author's Notes:

Well guys, here's the 34 chapter of the Special Edition Guardians of Harmony with the next beast the girls are facing off against in the Everfree! Now, I know what you guys are going to be asking, and are probably annoyed by this. In the last chapter, I said that I was going to be adding two scenes in this one, but once again, I saw that the chapter was too long for that, so I ensure that it would happen in the next chapter after this one. I had taken the scene with our Dark Goddess and her subjects and put it in the next document that I'm planning to write, so the next chapter will come relatively quickly depending on just how much time I have tomorrow. Also, for anypony that's able to guess who the beast is that Zephyr and the girls are fighting, especially with the name that I gave it, you will get a nice big crispy cookie!

Anyway, that's all for this chapter, I'm gonna and catch up to the chapters that the rest of my followers left for me to see and review. I might have the next chapter up later on the next day, or tomorrow, but either way, I'm pretty sure that I have it all planned out in my mind. Even if it feels like it's weighing down on me from all that's been happening to day, and oh boy was it a lot!

Chapter 34 - Bolts in the Shadows

While Midnight and the three farmers prepared for the reunion with their youngest loved ones, things back at the Nightmare Moon’s castle had gotten a little bit rowdy. A good majority of the castle was quiet, with Nightmare Moon’s Dark Army confined in their makeshift rooms, all of them preparing for the incoming battle. Nightmare Moon was sitting within her throne either doing some quiet meditating or letting her thoughts drift off to who knows where. As for Nyx and the Galaxy Star Bolts, things were a little bit more active where they were. Deep within the underground interior of the newly rebuilt castle, the seven ponies were currently going through their own preparation for the fight. Though, unlike the Dark Army that were all training within the essence of their mindscapes, the six were doing it in an outward fashion.

Nyx flew about with the Galaxy Star Bolts as they flew about in the air, dueling each other in a contest of speed, flight and magic. Bright scorching flames, bursts of chirping lightning, and sharp roaring whirlwinds went about the underground training room. They sliced at the ceiling, struck into the ground, and burnt the walls as the six Pegasus ducked and swerved on one another, wings flapping violently as they zipped through the air. Any damage that was done to the room was automatically fixed thanks to the magic that Nightmare Moon had infused within it, meaning none of them had to any of it.

The sin black Alicorn giggled gleefully as she shot off magic blasts wind slices, and hard impact blows at the agile Pegasi. Each of them retaliated with their own devastating attacks, to which the mare efficiently blocked or evaded with her own magic. The noise that was being made in this training chamber was so loud that it could’ve shaken the entire castle. It was only thanks to a noise encasing spell that neither the Dark Army or Nightmare Moon could hear what was going on, or else they would’ve been driven insane.

“I have to say Princess Nyx; you haven’t gotten rusty for a single second since we’ve gotten here!” Nightshade praised as she and Nyx flew around each other. “I would’ve thought that all of those times that we weren’t training on the Moon with our Queen would’ve lead you to taking a lot of R&R time.”

“Maybe, but you should really know me by now Nightshade! I’m a Princess, and as the future ruler of Equestria, I have to be at my very best if I want to protect this land from any outside threats!” Nyx giggled, firing a blast of magic at the light blue Pegasus. “And this little training session we’ve been having will certainly help me down that road!”

“That may be so…” The gruff voice of Straus said from behind Nyx as he came up from behind her. “…but do you really think that you’ll be able to handle all of us at the same time?!”

The pale grey stallion spun around and aimed for a kick to the mare’s back, only for Nyx tail tow wrap around both of his hind legs. She wildly spun him around, before letting Straus slam into the ground, leaving a large crater in his wake.