Pinkamena felt herself kick in her deep slumber, while crickets and other bugs made soft sounds around her. She felt warmth, fur against her side, along with specs of dew under her stomach. Her eyes fluttered, blinking the drowsiness away from her vision as her sight caught onto the rising sun. She heard a crackling and dying fire, as the scent of smoke and pine filled her senses. In the distance, there was a crow, as she gently lifted herself up to look at what was around her.

Maud was hugging the Crystal Heart, but she had fallen asleep with the crystal lodged between her forelimbs. Chrysalis was tucked to her side, still, a visible scaly alligator who was snoring a little loudly while Luna had her wing wrapped around Pinkamena. She giggled a bit when she noticed the princess's position, her limbs were sprawled on the grass with the backside of her wing spread across Pinkamena's back, along with her mouth open. Luna was snoring almost louder then Chrysalis, but she was arguably comfortable considering how snuggled she was.

Limestone was hanging over a rugged boulder, which Pinkamena could agree hit close to home. Her sister was mumbling something in her sleep, as she snarled at something in her dream. Pinkamena rubbed her eyes, her hooves gently massaging her sore eyelids as her mane bounced against her neck. Flat... apparently she had transformed back to her regular self when she fainted last night, but they had succeeded in getting the Crystal Heart. Now that the Crystal Empire was powerless against Sombra, he should reform within a few hours. Where would he respawn? They would also have to convince him not to go after his kingdom to avoid any conflict.

He would probably try and fight back, and she would have to pound him into the dirt. She was not worried about going into combat, his measly power would never compare to hers, but she just wanted to have breakfast at least first. Speaking of breakfast something delicious could be caught surfing the breeze, and immediately Pinkamena's stomach rumbled when she caught onto it. She heard a hum, and her ears twisted to where they could listen to Marble's soft voice singing a tune from her time as a filly.

Luna jerked, as her hoof scratched her stomach while Pinkamena went to greet her sister. She was carrying what looked to be a satchel full of goodies, along with a platter on her back filled with pastries. She couldn't help but drool at the sight of it, she was so, so, hungry.

Limestone was still knocked out, but as soon as her nose caught onto the scent her eyes popped open, "I smell cinnamon rolls! They are MINE!"

Marble nuzzled Pinkamena's cheek before giving a Limestone a scolding stare, "share Limestone, they aren't all for you."

Maud slowly woke herself up, before joining the growing group sitting around the breakfast table. Marble opened up a blanket, before laying all the tasty treats down and spreading her hooves to invite her sisters to dig in. Luna's eyes opened, as she flipped over on her stomach and joined the group munching hungrily. Limestone was hogging all the cinnamon rolls, which caused Pinkamena and her sister to get in a large scuffle. Maud was eating pancakes while watching her sisters throw together some martial arts to win the honor of the cinnamon roll hoard, as Luna and Chrysalis started a bet on them.

"How did you sleep Luna?" Marble asked, brushing her mane from her eye with a smile.

"I slept well dear Marble, I hope that your slumber had gone interrupted as well."

Chrysalis spread some butter on her toast as she teased. "We could have slept a lot better if some pony was not snoring last night."

Luna waved her hoof. "Yes, yes, Limestone was a bit noisy but I can get accustomed to noise. Canterlot gets quite busy when a concert comes along."

"I meant you, stupid," Chrysalis said calmly, while taking a bite out of her bread.

"I do not snore, I am a princess! I do not have qualities that you common folk possess, like this snoring, you speak of. I am Princess Luna, I am graceful and elegant and worthy of my title, and as such, I do not associate in agreeing to this snoring trait you accuse me of."

"You were so loud, I thought there was thunder! You are such a dunderhead!" Chrysalis laughed, while Luna quickly blushed from Maud and Marble giggling to themselves.

She gently lit her horn, while making a face to show she was not bothered. Chrysalis was too busy sipping on some orange juice to notice a cinnamon roll from Limestone's heap wrapped in blue light, coming right towards her. Luna hid her excited smile, as Marble caught onto her plan while hiding her eyes away from the scene. Maud shrugged and continued eating, as a slap caused icing to go splattering everywhere. Chrysalis was unhappy, as globs of dough and icing plopped down from her face and onto her resting hooves before Luna made a sound of enlightenment.

Pinkamena came towards the group, as they looked over towards Limestone who was tied up with spectral chains, that apparently the mare had summoned during her battle. She taunted her sister by running her hoof along Limestone's favorite pile of treasures and sniffing them hungrily.

"Don't you dare Pinkamena, those are mine, you dolt!" Limestone yelled, struggling against the white chains binding her hooves tightly.

"Hmmm, well I guess I need to make them mine then, yeah?"

Pinkamena ran her tongue along all the cinnamon rolls, before looking at Limestone triumphantly. Maud didn't react, but Marble seemed mortified at what her sister had done to all of them. Luna was licking the icing off of Chrysalis, just to piss her off as the changeling looked off into the distance, questioning what she did to deserve this.

Limestone shrugged, "I'll still eat them regardless if you licked them all."

"Yeah, I pretty much figured, I still tried though." Pinkamena responded, as she flicked her head and the chains vanished in a puff of smoke.

The group was silent as they ate, all of them happily enjoying the company as the morning sun rose above the forest they had camped in. Luna seemed to have something on her mind and finally broke the silence.

"So I am assuming we aren't going to talk about the whole soulmate business to keep Pinkamena from killing us all, right?"

Pinkamena's mind snapped back to what happened last night, the spell, The Crystal Heart, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie. Her theories, the magic, the rants, all of it burned to a crisp because of what happened. It didn't matter what the stupid crystal heart said, she still stood by what she said and that was THAT. It clearly reacted to them both because Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie were part of the Elements of Harmony, and that magic seemed to pretty much solve everything around here. Cadance must have had a backup pony that could take the heart, because what if she got captured? She wouldn't be able to use the Heart's power without Shining Armor, or them both together, so she MUST have added Twilight and her friends to the Crystal Heart to where if they needed to they could use it.

She lifted her head to see all her friends scooting away from her with fearful eyes, she squinted in confusion until she saw bubbling magic melting the blanket she was sitting on. Her Black Magic ate through the fabric, seeping out of her hooves before she calmed her running thoughts.

"It's okay, it is obvious that it was not anything more than the Elements of Harmony's doing. I still don't believe in this... soulmate crap, I mean come on... Limestone happened to be right for the first time in her life? She's... no offense sis, but really, really stupid! Especially around love, she's dense and can't get a date to save her life! She also can't pick up on signals very well for herself, but can just suddenly recognize that Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie are star-crossed lovers? Mhmm seems fishy to me... I just think you got lucky, and the spell happened to be broken because of the Elements and then made you all believe in this bull-"

"Well Pinkamena," Limestone said cutting her off. "The Crystal Heart may have said they were soulmates... but soulmates don't always get together. Like you had in your weird rant yesterday, there are billions of ponies, and not all of them find or even develop feelings towards the one they were matched with by the universe. Just because they are supposed to be made for each other, the Crystal Heart does not force it, nothing controls them, or makes it so, it's ultimately up to them to decide to go on it or not." Limestone responded as Pinkamena gave her the most dramatic eye roll ever.

"So, it is possible that they could fall in love with some pony else?" Marble asked worriedly.

"Yep, Celestia had a soulmate once, but my sister decided against it. He went on and married a pegasus from Cloudsdale a few centuries ago." Luna said while licking the icing off of Chrysalis's horn.

"Exactly, what is the point of having a soulmate... if you are going to up and marry another pony? There is no way except apparently The Crystal Heart to feed you these lies about this connection. I still have scientific evidence-" Pinkamena was stopped by a hoof in her mouth from Maud.

"Shouldn't some pony check on Rainbow Dash?"

Chrysalis scratched her neck with a reply, "I thought you were on Pegasus watch duty."

Limestone shrugged, "Pinkamena you better come with me."

The two sisters departed from the group, and Limestone led them towards a tree. The others were chatting and laughing behind them, while Luna continued to lick Chrysalis. Pinkamena had no idea why the queen was allowing this, but she just assumed she was just weird... or something else and she dared to think kinky.

Pinkamena laughed but kept her dirty little thoughts to herself as she followed closely behind. Limestone stopped in front of a large oak tree, and tied around the base was a thick rope attaching a hanging Rainbow Dash. The first thing she could notice was that the poor pony was upside down, with a paper attached to her flank that read Pinkamena's hive maker. Limestone caught sight of the sign, but before she could read it, the paper burst into flames.

She turned to see Pinkamena's hooves surrounded by green fire, before dying down and turning into just smoking forelimbs. Her sister turned to face the mare, before Pinkamena spoke, "I don't mean to question your methods, but is she even alive?"

Rainbow Dash was drooling, and unmoving, with a large bump on her head as Limestone, poked her muzzle. There was no response as she shrugged, "I think so...? I mean I didn't hit her that hard."

Pinkamena raised an eyebrow, "Sis, you hit her on the head with a brick."

"Well I couldn't just let her see us switch the Crystal Heart, now could I?"

"A brick, a large heavy brick, right into her skull."

"In my defense, Luna did the same thing to a guard! I also, may or may not have anger issues."

Pinkamena touched under Rainbow's neck, feeling a pulse but she was not swallowing or hardly breathing. She wouldn't ever think Limestone would kill a pony, but sometimes she didn't think her ideas through. "Well, you killed Rainbow Dash, congratulations."

Limestone turned around and flicked her tail before walking back and mumbling, "She wouldn't be the first."

Pinkamena's ears caught onto her mutter, "Umm.. what?"

"What?"

Limestone's sister playfully shoved her shoulder, before trotting up to meet back with her friends. When she made it into the clearing, she was nearly knocked over by a speeding filly wrapping herself around her leg. She almost spit out fire from her mouth like a dragon in surprise, but when she noticed the curly locks of light blue and white colored chunks of Cozy Glow's mane she returned the hug.

"Hey, Pinkamena! Long time no see Miss!" Cozy Glow greeted happily.

She suddenly felt warm flames spreading across her neck, as her demon bestfriend embraced her as well, "I missed you so much!"

She laughed when she heard him start to tear up, but decided to let them continue to hug her as her eyes caught onto something shiny wrapped in Shadowbound's wing.

They departed from the hug as she gently touched his wing, "What is this?"

"Well Miss, you wanted to gather the artifacts so we could drain magic right? Well, Tirek went after The Crown of Grover, while Shadow Bound and I went for The Talisman of Mirage! It was a hard battle, we had to fight a Cyclops for it! Tirek went after the dragon in the Dragon Lands guarding the second, and we found out where the rest of them are!"

Shadowbound scratched his head nervously, "Apparently Celestia had them all hidden and guarded by some monster. We found the list hidden in Canterlot, Luna stole it for all of us before giving us tasks to fetch them."

Luna sipped on some tea before responding, "It is true, the artifacts have been scattered all over Equestria. Strong monsters guard them, and I am afraid it will take very powerful magic to defeat them. I am tracking a moving beast currently for Clover the Clever's Cloak, and it is said that this monster can turn ponies to stone with one glance."

"So by the time Tirek and Luna have their artifacts, there will only be three left?" Pinkamena asked as Luna nodded her head in agreement.

"The only problem is, one is not just guarded by a monster... it is also sealed with crystals that drain magic! No matter how hard Luna hit it with her Alicorn magic, the crystals sucked it right on up! We hoped you could get that one for us, Pinkamena." Shadowbound said sheepishly.

Pinkamena nodded, "I figured Celestia would hide one like that, this is the reason I wanted to recruit Sombra."

"Speaking of Sombra, shouldn't he have reformed by now?" Chrysalis asked.

Limestone pointed, "I don't know about you guys, but I think those dark clouds over there look Sombra-ish to me."

The union of creatures turned to look at a heavy storm, swirling magic flashed in the core, as trees cracked and split from something forming in the center. The wind picked up, as Pinkamena sat in front of every creature preparing for a battle she knew was going to happen. A roar surfaced in the distance, a howl, as lightning flashed and black clouds fused together mashing the wind and lightning.

"Alrighty, guess that's my signal. Limestone, Maud and Marble you three need to stay here." Pinkamena commanded as they shook their heads.

"We are coming with you Pinkamena, there is no changing our minds." Marble said fiercely, as her expression changed from shy into battle ready.

Their leader bowed her head respectfully, before turning to face the massive power rising in the atmosphere. Chrysalis bounded next to Pinkamena's right side before Luna took up her left and Cozy Glow hopping on her back. When every creature had decided to go, they marched together towards the unknown as Maud rolled The Crystal Heart along the grass with no expression at all. With Pinkamena leading the way, along with Chrysalis and Luna by her side and Cozy Glow clutching her mane they started to advance towards the static in the air.

"Hey Chrysalis," Pinkamena whispered to the changeling.

"Yes?"

"What did that note on Rainbow's flank mean?"

Pinkamena's friend giggled, her tongue slipping out from her clenched teeth, "It was you that touched the Crystal Heart and not Pinkie Pie, I was wondering if it meant you were her soulmate."

She blew a raspberry, "Yeah not likely... the whole soulmate business is ridiculous, it only activated because of the Elements of Harmony. I even doubt it was Pinkie Pie who helped activate it or me, I think Rainbow Dash was allowed to break the spell in case of emergencies set by Princess Cadance and Shining Armor."

"Well I think you two would be a wonderful couple, it's totally fine to be into mares."

Pinkamena grinned, as Cozy Glow listened on their conversation, "Chrysalis I am straighter then the horns your mother rode on."

The queen laughed, "Your mane is straight as well... until it gets wet."

Luna slapped Chrysalis's flank, "Filly girls... FILLY."

"Golly, I learned so many new things." Cozy Glow giggled.

Pinkamena growled, "Hey I was not the one that made a changeling reference saying I was going to procreate with another mare, like a queen bee!"

"Changelings don't mate that way, that's why it's a funny joke... Many ponies think that's how we work, but we reproduce the exact same way as you all. It was a JOKE, and I thought it was pretty clever."

Luna wrinkled her nose, "You all are so immature! We are in the presence of an eight-year-old filly!"

Cozy Glow stuck her hoof up, "I am actually thirteen-"

Pinkamena poked Luna in the ribs, "Hey, they've got to go through the birds and the bees sometime right?"

A wail split the conversation, as they came into a vine-covered clearing. Roots stuck out from the ground, tangling themselves along the abandoned quarry. Stones and boulders of all sizes decorated the grass, thickened on the surface with moss, as vines hung from the branches off of tall trees. It looked like chunks of sculpted rock that were long left to rot and crumble were resting silently on the ground, and they seemed to be statues, but they were torn and clawed as if something had messed with them. The clouds billowed overhead, pouring out into the sky like smoke, as lightning flashed overhead surging with dark magic.

Maud rolled the Crystal Heart next to Luna, as they looked at a figure hunched over next to a rather large statue. It was obviously a stallion, he had a muscular build, and broad shoulders along with a regal red and white cape. His tail wrapped around his body, as he sat and stared at the strange rock formation that seemed to be centuries old. The statue was missing a head, but the body shape made it clear that it was also a stallion. He had a scepter in one hoof and perched tall like he was standing over a massive army. She could hear the breath of the still male, his powerful lungs emitting mist from his nostrils along with the boom of thunder above him.

Green magic enveloped Cozy Glow, and she was gently lifted off of Pinkamena and onto Luna, as the warlock stepped forward. The stallion was indeed Sombra, for he had reformed and was gaining power, slowly preparing to take back The Crystal Empire. Pinkamena prepared for a battle, and she could tell by the aura in the air that he was not planning on making small talk once he was approached.

She stepped on a dry stick, and his ears snapped towards her. His head threw itself in her direction, as his fangs clenched together in rage. He roared, his throat echoing with a gargled hiss as he cast out his hoof, giving no warning before a massive wave of dark crystals tore itself towards Pinkamena. The group was alarmed, but before they could react, the crystals pointed with massive shards of rock sank into the fleshy body of Pinkamena with a loud slice!

She made a grunt, as the crystals representing piercing spears went straight through her body. She hung from them, as her hooves dangled off of the ground like a speared fish. They poked through her body, as Cozy Glow screamed in fear towards the injured friend of hers.

"Stay back, I am fine! Let me handle this!" Pinkamena snapped, and with one wave of her hoof, the crystals shattered freeing her from its grasp.

She wobbled a little bit after landing, her breaths shaky from the pain. The holes in her body quickly tied themselves together with strange green goop, as they mended the wound and covered it back with flesh. Her hooves stood on the broken and dismembered crystals, as she stared at Sombra who licked his fangs.

The purple trail flowing out of his green eyes became more fierce, as his blood-red pupils locked on Pinkamena hungrily. His gleaming armor almost blinded her as he quickly moved, and his hoof smashed itself into her cheek making her black-out for just a second. She recovered before she could tumble to the ground, only to dodge an incoming wave of crystals meant to sever her body. She hopped back, avoiding the unforgiving wave of gems popping out of the ground to cut her to pieces, that came one after the other.

In seconds her body donned the armor she wore during her war before her hoof gripped the sharp scythe resting over her shoulder. The green light faded to show her new form, as her wings untucked themselves and spread threateningly to overshadow her opponent. He snarled his deep sounds resembling a coiled cobra that was ready to devour something helpless before it.

His body pounced, his hoof boring into Pinkamena's head as his solid form stood over her, his teeth lingered over her making unnatural sounds as his masculine voice spoke. "Et dabit lignum crescere in sanguine tuo!"

She didn't register what he said, as her hoof pressed against his gut before kicking him over her head. She summoned her scythe, as Sombra picked himself up slowly to watch her bring the blade to rake across his chest. His armor gave way, being sliced like wet clay as he roared summoning magic into his crimson-red horn. He was powerful, almost frightening so, as she flapped her wings upwards and caught the wild wind forming from his magic. Her leathery wings easily grasped the gust, as she used her leverage to bring down her weapon once more.

He responded by holding up his hoof, blocking her attack with a clang as her strength clashed against his. Her muscles burned as she tried to overpower him, as his lips opened with an evil open-mouthed snarl while he broke her concentration by allowing his other hoof to summon another wave of crystals. She had to flee, dodging the pillars of rocks that sparkled like glass, by swerving between them in mid-air.

She flipped upside down, noticing an opening between the crystals as she shot a puff of green fire from her mouth. He didn't have time to dodge in the midst of summoning his attack, as the flames wrapped themselves around the king tearing into his armor and his cape ferociously. He howled in both pain and rage, as he hopped onto a pillar that was still intact aiming to match Pinkamena's skill in the sky.

She beat her wings, as a powerful gust of air blew Sombra from his perch towards the ground below. He landed effortlessly on the ground, before looking up and pondering his next move while Pinkamena dove in. Her hind-hoof connected with his jaw, throwing him into the ground, as she attacked with her scythe once more. He recovered enough to block the blade for the last time, but his power was growing weaker the more Pinkamena came at him.

He brought his face close to hers, his tongue swiping against her chin as he grinned. "Pokok keharmonian saya telah gagal anda!"

His eyes were feral, like a raccoon under the influence of rabies. The dark power coming from him, she noticed it, for it was not power that he could learn. His strength, his magic, all of it was boosted... but from what? He snapped his jaws in her face, wanting to tear open her throat like a wolf, as she pressed his head against the ground in an effort to stop his attempts. She saw his eyes trail over to Maud, as he squirmed and thrashed under the hooves pinning him firmly on the ground.

Then she had an idea, a crazy one... but something that made sense. The Crystal Heart was critical to Sombra, it repelled him for some reason but also seemed to protect against evil. The way he was acting, it was like he was possessed, not even speaking in a language she could understand. He kicked, he wailed like a wounded animal, and that strange trail from his eyes... it was of dark magic, and not the kind one could control.

"Maud kick over the Crystal Heart!" Pinkamena said, as her sister obeyed. Sombra seemed to react to the stone coming his way before his snarls turned to whimpers and needy cries.

She took a deep breath, before releasing him. He knocked Pinkamena aside, his fangs baring with the vicious intent of wanting to slaughter all that opposed him. His nostrils flared, but his red eyes caught onto the glimmer from the sun reflecting off of the Crystal Heart's shiny surface. He ran towards it, and Chrysalis was about to fight him off worrying he was going to smash it to pieces! He tackled the heart, huffing, and hissing before lowering his head and touching his horn against the object.

His mashed teeth seemed to relax, as his lips uncurled and long strings of magic seeped out from his sharp horn. Gross purple and black goo started to flow from his body and collected in the center of the glowing heart while his legs weakened and his posture began to fall. His body quivered on the ground, as his eyes started to lose that flowing purple tail attached to his gaze, and his breaths started to become calmer.

The group held their breath as Luna chewed her lip nervously, the panting of the king was all they could hear as he lifted his head and opened his closed eyes.

"Thank you. One of ancient magic, my curse withholding my actions has been lifted. I am sorry that I was not in control of my thoughts or movement, and I apologize for any harm I have caused to you and your family." Sombra said as he sat on the grass to show he was no longer hostile.

"Wait a minute, what curse?" Luna asked as Pinkamena gave her a nod to say that he was okay to speak to.

King Sombra rubbed his forehead with his hoof, "for a thousand years I have wandered Equestria with an infection that was caused by something planted long ago. The Crystal Heart was forged to repel magic such as this, but once I became corrupted my empire overthrew me because of my heinous crimes, and I could not reach it to cure myself. I tried many times to overpower the curse, even succeeding in hiding my empire and myself from harm. Unfortunately, the way I appeared and the legends of what I did became well known, and no pony would let me anywhere near it fearing I was going to destroy everything they built."

He was sweating, but his muscles were relaxed as he looked downwards avoiding gazes before Pinkamena asked another question, "what did your curse make you do?"

"I... did unspeakable things. I could hear and see everything I was doing, but only a few times was I able to.... pull myself together enough to do something useful. I tried to force my mind and body to hunt for the heart, but I hurt innocent ponies to get there, I just needed the Crystal Heart to drain... the Tree's corruption."

"Did he just say the Tree's corruption?" Cozy Glow asked, tugging on Luna's mane worriedly.

His fangs seemed to bare at Cozy Glow's comment before he bowed his head. "Yes... The Tree of Harmony did this to me long ago. It has a corruption that it puts on ponies, if it senses great power, it will use its abilities to take over one's mind plaguing their body with the inability to control themselves. I have always been strong-minded, but not enough to control it to the point where I could fight it off, and it used me to wipe out many poor innocent creatures. I had always been powerful at magic, but it thought that it could use me to do its dirty work along with Celestia."

"My sister fought along side you? How did I not know this?" Luna asked.

"I am sorry that you Luna have to witness this story of how your sister came to be, and I apologize if it is hard to hear, do you wish for me to continue?" Sombra asked as the group nodded their heads in a mutual agreement before he continued, "very well. Celestia is the only one who agreed to fight alongside the Tree. Therefore she was not corrupted and forced to do it's bidding. It seeks out the strongest ponies for its power, even letting mares represent the Elements of Harmony and wield it, but those that deny its path get controlled."

Pinkamena turned to Luna, "I am assuming this was done discreetly to avoid Celestia's reputation from being tarnished."

King Sombra slowly nodded his head, "The Crystal Heart is able to stop the Tree's influence if one were to become corrupted the crystals that make up the heart and its magic can cure them." He stopped and tapped his hoof against the surface, as he looked back kindly at the group, "that is why it is of such importance to the Crystal Empire, it is a powerful weapon, one that Celestia wanted herself. I was able to hide the Crystal Heart and the Empire before I was defeated and shattered into pieces of a mortal form. My betrayal to the Tree made it dispose of me, but leaving me to forever wander as half a whole... a ghost of what I used to be, with this curse that turned me into an animal."

Shadowbound cocked his head, "so you had to hide your entire empire? While being controlled by the tree, and when it discovered that you hid the heart from it, the Tree of Harmony tried to kill you?"

The king seemed to flinch, "yes young demon, it did not entirely destroy me, it broke me into pieces to where I am not entirely mortal. I am able to turn my body into a spectral form, able to go through walls, underground, anything really. I would not say this is a bad thing, but even the magic I wield was not enough to heal the damage the Tree did to me."

"That's awful," Marble said softly.

King Sombra approached Pinkamena, but when Shadowbound and Chrysalis stepped in front of her, he stopped. She placed her hoof on their shoulders, allowing the king to approach and look down upon her with sorrowful and kind eyes. He inhaled through his nose, before offering his hoof, "I can sense the pain coming from your hoof, allow me."

Pinkamena carefully lifted her hoof, her ears flattening as Sombra patiently allowed her to take her time. She giggled awkwardly as he examined the broken and throbbing areas of her forelimb before she responded, "I kind of tried to stop a lightning bolt to save a friend of mine."

"I see, you are a very kind-hearted warrior. It would be an honor to help heal the damage this lightning has done to you, take it as my thanks for freeing me." Sombra said, as his horn delicately lit with magic. Yellow light swirled around them, blowing her mane back gently as he gave a sincere smile towards the mare. Pinkamena looked to be a bit flustered, as his magic wrapped around her hoof while she averted his gaze nervously.

Hmm... this magic, something inside her body didn't like it. Her body seemed to writhe away from it, inching towards the deepest parts of her soul wanting to flee from its touch. Even though it felt, so, so, good and it gently mended the cracks in her hoof, she couldn't help but want to run away from it. She felt like a timberwolf in a field of fire, exposed, and in danger even though the king had no intent on hurting her anymore.

Then she got it!

She stood gawking as her hoof was good as new, perhaps even better! She put her forelimb down, as she looked at Sombra in bewilderment, "y-you... you practice Light Magic! My magic's mortal enemy!"

Sombra scratched his mane bashfully, "a little bit of it. I don't know enough to be as good as you or even defeat you in that matter. I do however possess enough knowledge to heal minor injuries, and heal enough damage on myself to keep the Tree from crushing me completely."

"What is light magic?" Cozy Glow asked as Limestone nodded to show she was interested as well.

Pinkamena turned towards them, "Black Magic is known to be more powerful because it focuses solely on destruction, making it unmatched among all Equestrian magic. Even though I can heal myself a little, it cannot heal others, unlike Light Magic, Sombra's magic can heal massive amounts of creatures. It focuses on friendlier tasks like bending and controlling plants, taming animals, and even going so far as to disabling Black Magic if it wanted to! It is the ultimate foe of my magic, and the only known type that can defeat it."

Limestone shook her head, "Wait a minute! If his magic can defeat you, how come Celestia doesn't use it?"

Sombra hummed, "Like Black Magic, it takes extreme concentration and focus. Unlike Black Magic that is available to every creature at any time at a cost, Light Magic picks and chooses its holder at random. The old legends say that it comes when it is needed, and those that are worthy are to be chosen when needing it the most."

Pinkamena agreed, "yeah... Black Magic can be used by any creature. Unfortunately, it is tricky magic, known to take over a host completely or even killing them when not used right. Light Magic was given to ponies a long time ago by the mortal enemy of Lucifer to combat his magic and his reign thousands and thousands of years ago. They used it to banish Lucifer into the underworld so that they could live peacefully... or that's what my village told me, aha."

Sombra looked over to Pinkamena before speaking, "If I may, I would be honored to know your name." He offered his hoof, and Pinkamena timidly took it, while he raised it respectfully.

She was grinning trying to hide the heat from rising in her cheeks, as Shadowbound poked his head around her flank, "Her name is Pinkamena! Just because you use fancy words, it doesn't mean we trust you!"

Sombra gently kissed her hoof politely, "Pinkamena is a lovely name, I am pleased to meet your acquaintance my name is King Sombra, and I hope to aid you in any way I can in return for your kindness."

That broke her! She was blushing furiously now while sinking into her shoulders and feeling a bit weak when gazing into his... handsome and deeply intoxicating... wait a minute! She may be a mare, and he may be extremely masculine and smooth with his words, but SHE was a dangerous pony of WAR! She would not be swayed by some random stallion that just happened to be really... really... attractive... WAIT NO, he was not attractive! She was not being swooned by some king at this moment, no way!

"Hehe, okay... hah.." She choked while giggling to herself, way to go Pinkamena, you are just a big huge embarrassment to society!

Shadowbound broke King Sombra's contact with Pinkamena's hoof, as he poked his nose into the king's, "my name is Shadowbound, and it is NOT a pleasure to meet you! First, you attack Pinkamena, and then you act all nice, well let me tell you, pal, we aren't buying it! Right Chrysalis?"

The demon turned to see the changeling staring at Sombra with a dreamy look before she snapped back to reality, "oh.. OH right!"

Shadowbound looked really heated, as Sombra backed away with a respectful bow, "it is an honor to meet you Shadowbound, I hope I can earn your trust one day by proving myself worthy."

The demon's mane flared, and his flames exploded in a furious blaze, "SCREW you! Stop being so... so... whatever it is you are doing!"

"Yeah... screw..." Pinkamena giggled almost drunkenly, as Luna covered Cozy Glow's ears with a blush.

"So... can Sombra join us... PLEASE?" Limestone asked loudly in desperation.

Shadowbound hissed, "NO!"

Pinkamena shook herself out of her... little state, as she looked at Sombra, "I see nothing wrong with it. We came out here to recruit Sombra, and we will do just that."

Shadowbound pulled Pinkamena to the side, hiding their faces with his wing. "Can we talk about this for just a second? Like... please?"

Pinkamena looked at her friend with a confused expression, "Um.. okay? What is it you need to talk about Shadowbound?"

"He just tried to turn you into a kebab! Are you seriously going to let this maniac join us?"

Pinkamena gave him an annoyed look, "I mean.... have you seen him? Wait... I meant his magic, I MEANT his magic! Listen, he has Light Magic and it will be really, really useful! He can also turn himself into a ghostly form, I saw it through Pinkie Pie's eyes, he will be able to get those artifacts no problem! Especially the one lodged in crystals!"

Shadowbound was furious, but she pushed past his wing and approached Sombra who waited patiently. He smiled when he noticed her bright eyes, "If you decide to recruit me, I will do everything in my power to serve you. I owe my life to you for freeing me from that awful state, and I will fight by your side at any time you need me."

Pinkamena's face flushed pink, making her dull colors pop a little more as she giggled awkwardly once more, "Uh... sure, welcome.... aboard heh."

Shadowbound slapped his hoof down when he tried to gather hers once more, "SHE already has a loyal demon serving her for life... she doesn't need YOU! I am probably more powerful than you, anyways!"

Sombra chuckled, before gently scooting him back as Shadowbound angrily gathered fire beneath his hooves withholding his urge to pound him flat. Sombra bowed to Pinkamena, "I will be at your beck and call whenever you deem it necessary."

"Hooray...." Pinkamena squeaked, as he offered her the first step to lead him towards wherever she wanted to go.

She felt like her legs were jelly, but still held her posture high... after all she was still the leader. The calm and level-headed leader, that could tackle Death and at the same time plan a war. Her group consisted of ex-villains, her sisters and current villains, and they all were in agreement to help her fight this war! It was time, after gathering the artifacts the war would begin... they were days... days away from taking down Celestia once and for all.

She felt a hot breath warm her ear, as Sombra's fangs inched so close to her neck it sent shivers down her spine! She wondered how warm he was in other places... WAIT! NO, that was not what she meant! She just meant his fur seemed warm, it was COLD alright! Yeah, the sun was not very hot today, and the air was chilling, snuggling for warmth was a survival instinct! Yeah.... survival! Usually one would have to sleep together naked... heh, wait sleep BY each other not sleep together... oh God she was failing miserably, so much for a powerful warlock being Celestia's fake Sombra doer... WAIT evildoer! Not... Oh God, she was just going to stop thinking... and just throw her entire brain away!

He had pulled himself closer to tell her something, which she was relieved about. "I just wanted to warn you Pinkamena, the Tree... it knows of your power, and I have stated that it likes to control those who are powerful. It happened to me, and I do not doubt that if it gets the chance it will do the same to you."

Pinkamena shrugged, "that is why we have the Crystal heart, right? It can cure any of us if that were to happen."

Sombra looked downwards and stopped walking, only to have Pinkamena stop as well and wonder why he hesitated, "I just.... have a bad feeling."

"Don't worry Sombra, I can promise you... a stupid Tree cannot control me, that would be ridiculous! I am the most powerful pony in Equestria, I survived the Elements of Harmony and was stuck in a cavern for two thousand years! If the Tree wants to take over my brain, let it! The worst I will be doing is speaking in tongues before kicking the corruption out of its hotel room!" Pinkamena giggled, as she waved her hoof positively.

Sombra didn't seem convinced but decided to drop it, "if you say so. I will still be here to aid you just in case."

Pinkamena nodded as she glanced at the group, "I am going back to Ponyville. Limestone, Maud, and Marble, I need you three to transport Rainbow Dash back to her home, and I will meet you there. I have a feeling if I don't get there quickly they will start to wonder why Pinkie Pie isn't sticking to her job. Chrysalis, Shadowbound, and Luna, you three need to fetch Tirek and find a hiding spot for our artifacts."

They all nodded as Sombra looked towards his leader, "I must ask, what could I do for you?"

Pinkamena turned to him, "Luna knows of an artifact in a crystal enchantment, I need you to get it for me."

He nodded, as Luna left Tirek to Shadowbound and Chrysalis and aided Sombra instead. Once they were paired up they departed, all with missions of their own as Cozy Glow tugged on Pinkamena's mane.

"What would you like me to do Miss?" She asked.

Pinkamena smiled, "I guess you can come with me.... that is if you want."

"Sure!" Cozy Glow said loudly, as she snuggled close to Pinkamena's forelimb.

Pinkamena outstretched her wings, it was a good day to fly, and she needed some time just to ride the breeze. It was relaxing, and she understood why Rainbow Dash loved it so much, her Black Magic gave her wings she could summon and get rid of within a flick of her tail, and she appreciated the gift of being able to feel like a Pegasus.

"How high can you fly Cozy Glow?"

Cozy seemed a little uncomfortable as she shifted nervously, "well... I have never been good at flying. I am slow, can't go very high... but I have always wanted to soar one day when my wings fully developed! But... Rainbow Dash told me I had to wait until my wings could handle the practice. I can see you want to fly Pinkamena, no worries! I will catch up with you later!"

Her voice was sad, it looked like she was very disappointed she couldn't spend time with Pinkamena. She lowered her head as she started her long walk to Ponyville, as the mare's ear flattened. No, this wouldn't do.... Cozy Glow was her friend, and as such, she was not going to allow her to wear a frown.

The little filly was gently picked up with green magic and sat on Pinkamena's back as her large wings raised themselves with her smirk, "Who says you have to wait until you are older to soar? You don't need developed wings to taste the freedom of flight, just leave the work to me."

Cozy Glow's smile returned as she clutched Pinkamena's mane firmly her wings got into position as the little filly nodded, "I am ready!"

Pinkamena hopped off the ground, shooting herself up into the air with a puff of dust from her liftoff! Her wings stretched, the wind flowing between her leathery liquorish skin as her body shot up into the high clouds above. The mist gently brushed against her muzzle, as Cozy Glow cheered while hanging on for dear life. Pinkamena was gentle when stopping smoothly coming to a hover before her hooves skimmed the surface of clouds while her wings pushed her forward. Her tail flapped behind her loosely, as the warm wind blew through their manes and the clear skies beckoning them to explore.

The gasps and giddy movements of her partner made her giggle, as she gently guided them over hills and grazing animals before her wings broke through the heavy mist. Cozy Glow awed as they took a path through a raging waterfall pumping mist throughout the air while glittering rocks glistened below from droplets of fresh water. Neighagra Falls could be seen below, the pounding of the falling water making their ears pop as she sliced through the haze and emerged above a peaceful meadow.

Her speed was much faster than normal Pegasi, as she focused her magic on Cozy Glow to keep her from falling off. She was probably going faster then any flight Rainbow Dash had ever flown, making great time as her companion enjoyed the sights and smells along her journey. Pinkamena bumped Cozy up into the air, before turning around and catching her playfully letting her rest on her stomach.

Hearing the filly laugh and seeing her give Pinkamena a big hug, was enough to satisfy her as she joined in enjoying their laughter. She flipped around before carefully placing Cozy on her back once more, as her flight took her closer and closer to Cloudsdale. She flew under the cloud city, its shadow cooling her body as she purposefully drenched them both in a rainbow making Cozy Glow squeal in alarm and laugh.

She shook the rainbow droplets from her mane, as her wings carried her towards their final destination. Their view below was nothing but a giant thick forest, they flew over ruins but not the castle of the two sisters which she assumed was another way. Cozy Glow clutched her neck as she slowed to a stop, noticing the sparkling crystals making up of Twilight's castle as she lowered her body to the ground.

Once her hooves touched the dirt, she panted while looking at Cozy Glow, "Did you have a fun time?"

The filly squealed while throwing a hug around Pinkamena, "The best!"

Pinkamena rubbed Cozy's head, "We can fly anytime you want, but for now I have to take care of a few things. Do you mind going to Sugarcube Corner and waiting for me upstairs? The window should be unlocked."

Cozy Glow nodded quickly, "Okay I will wait for you there! Don't be too long!"

With one last hug, she departed, carefully sneaking her way into Ponyville. Pinkamena felt warm inside, just for some reason Cozy Glow filled her with happiness... like the kind of family bond she has always wanted. Perhaps she could never have a blood family, but hopefully, if she adopted one like her sisters, it would help fill the void in her heart one day.

Pinkamena's form changed to her standard illusion of Pinkie Pie, before bouncing forward with a cheery smile. She trotted through Ponyville, not being spoken to unless it was a friendly "hello!" or "how are you doing today, Pinkie?" which she responded to warmly. She was busy waving to DJ-Pon-3 when her head smashed into a pony that was standing firm against the road.

"Youch!" Pinkamena cried, as her vision unblurred to where she could see Bon Bon smiling at her.

"Pinkie Pie! I have been looking all day for you! Did you forget what today was?" She asked, before helping pick the disguised pony up and onto her hooves.

"Oops, sorry I have been planning things allllll day, and I kind of had it slip my mind." Pinkamena said with a bounce, unaware of what Pinkie Pie had planned before she took over the body.

"Duh, we get together before the Running of the Leaves every year before winter comes! We have my special tea, and chat about stallions, and gossip about the juicy news in town. Lyra was supposed to join us today, but I have no idea where she went!" Bon Bon giggled, as she danced excitedly before beckoning Pinkamena to follow her. "Come on! I have been perfecting it for an entire year! Last time you said it was fantastic, so this time it will knock you right out of your hooves!"

Pinkamena hid her disappointment, she didn't want to sit around and have... tea! She couldn't believe Pinkie Pie took time out of her day every year to do something so stupid, but she would have to do it... because Pinkie Pie probably Pinkie Promised something before this all happened. She quickly put on a smile, before following Bon Bon who was humming and singing towards a little café. The bag she was carrying was bulging, whatever tea they were about to have... it was going to be a lot of it.

They got to the café, but before Pinkamena could pull out a seat in the front Bon Bon shook her head. "Are you crazy? We always sit near the back, so Rainbow Dash doesn't spy on us again."

Bon Bon playfully rolled her eyes and giggled, as Pinkamena nodded her head to quickly act like she remembered, "Oh yeah, Dashie always tries to ruin the fun doesn't she!"

"Exactly! Oh my Celestia, every time we talk about who likes who around here she gets all weird and tries to eavesdrop if she just wanted to know what stallions liked her she could just ASK!" Bon Bon growled angrily, as she took Pinkamena's hoof and led her to an isolated area in the back. No ponies were sitting there, and it seemed to be the perfect place to gossip as they sat down together at a table.

Pinkamena tapped her hooves, "So what's the newest gossip Bon Bon?"

She leaned over and pressed a hoof in Pinkamena's mouth before looking around her, "First... you have to try my tea. Okay, first of all, you need to be honest, I know how you are Pinkie Pie. Don't spare my feelings, I really, really need to know if I improved! I will go get some hot water!"

She left for a second, but in a minute she returned with warm teacups and sat them on the table. Pinkamena smiled at her, as she brought out tea bags and handed one to Pinkamena while watching her eagerly dip the bag into the water. Bon Bon offered her some sugar which she took happily, before dropping it into the water watching it dissolve into the growing brown tea-mix. Bon Bon was bouncing excitedly, as the mix finally calmed down and was ready to be consumed.

Pinkamena brought the cup to her lips, but she hesitated when the aroma was... really strong. She would have to down it, Pinkie Pie was probably used to the intensity, and she would have to hide her gag reflex if the flavor was overwhelming. Bon Bon's eyes glinted... which made her pause before she swallowed the entire thing down in one gulp almost making her vomit from the bitter and earthy taste.

"Mmmm, delicious!" Pinkamena said, wait... something didn't feel right. Her muscles were freezing up, as her throat burned and her magic raged within her. She felt her ears drooping, and suddenly her face slapped down onto the table as Bon Bon cocked her head.

"Are you alright Pinkie Pie?" She asked while holding her teacup in her hooves.

"No... something... is wrong!" Pinkamena couldn't help but panic, she couldn't move!

"Oh I know, just take a nice little nap." Bon Bon said coldly, as she dropped her teacup on the ground to shatter.

Pinkamena watched her smile turn into a wicked grin, as the sounds became muffled around her. She struggled to breathe, she had to fight it, she had to! her eyes were starting to close, as Bon Bon tapped the table anxiously watching the mare before her struggle to scream. With one last pant, Pinkamena drifted off into a heavy state of unconsciousness.

-------------------

Pinkamena slowly came back to reality, as her eyes fluttered open. Something was constricting her chest, as her eyes became wild and her body refused to move! Chains... she had chains on her! Her head was hanging uselessly, with her straight mane blowing in the breeze. Her disguise! Where was it? It was almost impossible to swallow, and her throat felt like it was not responding to her, as drool dripped from her loose lips. Her limbs didn't react to her mind giving them directions either! She could only see downwards, for that was where her eyes were facing, and she could no longer pick up her head.

Her body was tied to a boulder, somewhere deep within the Everfree Forest! Bon Bon.... that sneaky mare, what did she do to her? Why did she do it? What was she planning? Pinkamena was immobilized, something in that tea... that she so foolishly drank paralyzed her! Her eyes blinked, but she could at least wet her eyes, perhaps she could speak as well? She moved her lips, yep... they worked, but nothing useful.

"I thought capturing the great Soul Seeker would be a little more, thrilling... guess my job can't be all fun and games all the time can it Pinkie Pie?" A harsh-toned voice spoke out from beside her, as she grunted but still could not move her head to where she could see the owner the voice.

She cried out in pain as a hoof grabbed her mane, and slammed her head back against the boulder. She saw the degrading eyes of Bon Bon's arctic blue irises boring into her lolling face, as the mare tied her head to where it could watch everything she did.

"Who... who are you," Pinkamena asked hoarsely, as her scratchy voice came out in a near whisper.

Bon Bon was twisting what appeared to be a plant, in the light of a crackling fire nearby as she touched the petals carefully. The flower looked like a pitcher, with the center of it poking out of the middle, rising above the petals and leaking red fluids from the tip. "Do you know what this is Pinkamena?"

Pinkamena didn't respond, as Bon Bon dodged her first question and shoved the flower in her victim's face. The mare could smell its strong aroma, so strong it was dangerously stinging the fur on her nose making an irritating itch she could not scratch.

"No? Let me give you a brief alchemy lesson. This is Devil's Tongue, the most venomous plant in Equestria. When consumed, it paralyzes the body and negates all magic. If mixed with Wolfsbane, it forms one of the most... how to say it? Ah, let's just say one of the most gruesome deaths in Equestrian History."

"What do you want with me?" Pinkamena seethed.

"I want nothing of you. Actually, I would prefer you to wither and die like the roach you are. Fortunately for you, Princess Celestia wants you alive. I was a retired monster hunter, good at tracking down hidden beasts, and Celestia picked up on the fact that you busted out Tirek and Cozy Glow from Tartarus, then hired me to hunt you down." Bon Bon flipped a knife in her hoof, before planting it into the rock and forming a hole next to Pinkamena's unmoving head. "She told me how dangerous you were, how many lives you took, and you make me sick! I agreed to find you at all costs, especially after you and your gang tried to steal the heart! I wonder, did you happen to break the spell by finding a pair of soulmates? Please, you only took the heart because I let Cadance know! Now that you so stupidly brought together all the most powerful villains, I can take them down... one by one."

"You allowed us to take the heart?" Pinkamena grunted as the knife inched closer to her ear.

"Of course I did, I needed you to recruit Sombra so that your entire team would come looking for you. I am happy to use you as bait, little Pinkamena." Bon Bon said, sliding the knife under the mare's chin as Pinkamena's muzzle wrinkled in rage.

"If you touch them-"

"You'll do what? Summon your Black Magic? Of that's right, you can't! I have loads of Devil's Tongue to keep you occupied since you dumbly drank the tea I offered! Pinkie Pie and I have never had tea! You were just so focused on pretending to be her you were going to do anything to fool me, and I had you wrapped around my hoof!"

Pinkamena's mouth was on fire her throat dry, as she helplessly watched Bon Bon throw her knife into the ground. "So you are going to use me as bait? Do you even know what is going to happen if you turn me in to Celestia? We are your only chance at survival!"

Bon Bon hummed, as she brought out another flower. "Celestia doesn't know it's you yet Pinkamena, but once she finds out I am sure she will be very surprised. I decided to keep it a secret for now, for it will make the reveal much more enjoyable once she sees your face! I was offered a very large sum of bits, but I might squeeze out a few more for making such a dramatic capture by bringing all your friends along too!"

"They aren't villains anymore! I am not even a villain! Celestia is lying, she even tried to control Sombra at one point before trying to murder him when he fought against the Tree! I am the good guy, I haven't even killed any ponies!" Pinkamena said desperately, as her forelimb responded to her thrashes... she could move!

"Well, I guess you are good for doing all the dirty work for me, collecting Equestria's biggest threats for me to harvest.." She trailed off, as she shoved another Devil's Tongue in Pinkamena's mouth spilling its juices forcefully down her throat. "Don't get any bright ideas about thinking I am going to forget when you can move, an agent is always precise with time and technique when dealing with a foe as powerful as you."

"You won't be able to defeat them, you know nothing of my background... you don't know their strengths, and they will find you... and it will not be pleasant," Pinkamena warned.

Bon Bon laughed! "Oh I am hoping they will find you soon. After all, I am using you as a trap, before setting down some enchantments and sucking out their magic for it will only take an hour. I have been watching your every move, and I know you are trying to get together the artifacts, also I know you are going to suck all the magic out of Equestria, and I will stop you!"

Pinkamena thought and thought, she didn't have her magic, how was she going to warn her friends? Wait... Cozy Glow! She was waiting for her back at Sugarcube Corner, by now it was sunset, she had to know something was wrong! She would come looking for her, but that was a bad thing... and she didn't know what she would do if the little filly were captured too! Her friends would come looking for her, and all of them would be captured because of this sadistic monster hunting agent!

She was an idiot! A big giant idiot for not noticing the signs, the tea was super strong... and she was a fool! She regretted not thinking things through, so much for a smart leader!

Bon Bon came close to her, looking her straight in the eye before speaking. "Now, let's have a little fun." She brought up her knife, before pressing it against Pinkamena's nose. "You are going to tell me everything I need to know, or I am going to have to start getting nasty, and we both don't want that now do we?"

Hold your breath Pinkamena.

That voice... masculine, a stallion's! She noticed it right away, and his telepathy was giving her directions! She held her breath, as Bon Bon cocked her head noticing that she stopped breathing. Suddenly a thick fog took over the forest she was trapped in, and a poisonous haze drifted into the nostrils of Bon Bon. She coughed, clearly surprised but the damage had already been done, and she collapsed onto the ground her knife thumping down beside her.

Cozy Glow came forth, shooing away the poison with her flapping wings as Sombra walked behind her. He opened his mouth and the clouds of thick fog around them were sucked up into his throat until the forest was calm and unmoving once again. The little filly ran over to Pinkamena who was happy to see them, but unable to produce facial expressions as Sombra lifted the chains with his horn and snapped it by pulling back.

He caught Pinkamena on his back, as she hung loosely still paralyzed from the Devil's Tongue. "Just to be clear I am usually not a damsel in distress! Don't expect a kiss as a reward!"

Cozy Glow rolled her eyes at Pinkamena's fake tough mare act, as Sombra laughed, "I understand. I still rather enjoyed coming to your rescue just as I promised I would do."

The group looked towards the knocked out agent, who was not prepared for an ambush. Cozy Glow tisked, "Thankfully I caught onto Bon Bon after seeing her mix up that nasty tea bag! I tried to find you Pinkamena, but I couldn't in time! Then I saw her dragging you through the outskirts of Ponyville and I knew I had to do something! I am so glad we got here before she could set up the enchantments!"

Pinkamena still hung draped over Sombra's warm back as she looked towards Bon Bon. "Still I wonder what we are going to have to do with her..."

Bon Bon breathed slowly, peacefully snoring on the ground as the group pondered. She was not wicked, just doing her job, and Pinkamena was determined to show that she was not the one to fear.

Author's Notes:

Yeah, I didn't forget that Bon Bon was an agent. I am pretty sure a lot of you do not remember her reveal during the background character episode, but if you do good for you! I had a reason for bringing Bon Bon in... and here is the big news. No more games, no more dancing around the main plotline... The Civil War has begun. This is the final chapter before Pinkamena enters the war zone! I mean it guys, this will be upsetting and it will be filled with heartache, tears, and betrayal. I had fun writing the build up, but now it is time for our dear heros and villians to find themselves in a bloody battle. The next chapter will be a long one, ending with a confrontation that will begin the fight of a lifetime. Dragons, changelings, yaks, hyppogriffs, griffons, ponies, and even more will come together for this war.... and it will not be a walk in the park. I thank you for making it this far with me, and I will not disapoint you by dragging on with chapters of build up, no longer! It all comes to this, and it will all come together... during Equestria's greatest war!

Look forward to the next chapter: The Civil War Act One

If you have enjoyed this story, upvote it! Because we still have a while to go, but the juicy part has arrived! Horray! Cheers guys!