Author's Notes:

[Attention]

Before ANY of you read this, do NOT worry Celestia's actions will be explained when the mane six go to Caterlot in the next chapter! She does have a reason for what Pinkamena explains in this story, and NO Celestia will not be some mindless bad guy! If you have questions after you read Pinkamena's side and Celestia's side you can send me a messgae and I will answer the best I can. They both have reasons for doing what they do, and the whole point of the story is to create conflict. If you have an issue with any of this, please do not attack me, just stop reading or ask me questions so I can explain. Thank you for understanding, I hope you enjoy the latest chapter of Pinkie Pie's Shadow!

The peaceful rain created a shroud of mist, tickling the tip of Pinkamena's nose as she carefully reflected in the extensive collection of memories she had collected over the years. The mare resting against her side snored softly while snuggling comfortably in her fur, occasionally kicking and mumbling something in her deep sleep. It was now night time, and the insomniac that was too deep in thought to be awoken by the large cracks of thunder, seemed a little bothered as her eyes gazed into the outside world from within the safety of the cave.

Her memories flashed with the remembrance of blazing flames, sharp light and vibrations of power; as she recollected on the awful things her eyes have endured. The screams of ponies, the destruction of everything they built lying in waste at their hooves, looking up at the final light they would see before their lives as their home melted away. Her eyes squeezed shut, her ears picking up on the faint whispers of failure she has had to live with, she couldn't help them.

She wanted to, oh how she wanted to run straight into the fray like a knight in shining armor protecting the ones she called her family... but she failed. Her mind was now stained with the mark of her defeats, her hatred and rage only growing more fiercely the more she thought about her innocence being tainted. It was taken from her, ripped straight from under her hooves when she least expected it; now Equestria thrives as if the tragedy never happened... sitting on the bones of the good ponies who died to get where they are.

Pinkamena turned to look at Pinkie Pie, knowing she would never understand. She was tied to the Elements of Harmony after all, why would she believe some random pony that dwelled in her own mind? If she were to tell her what was really happening behind the scenes, stating how the elements were a corrupted source of power, she could swear that her other-self would never speak to her again.

She saw the mare resting gently against her side, believing that she was innocent and pure. Even though the elements were of a nightmare and they would bring the end times upon Equestria, Pinkamena felt a slight pang of remorse knowing what she had to do for the greater good.

Pinkie Pie was not evil, and neither was Pinkamena. They, unfortunately, both had different views on what they saw the Elements of Harmony as the Element of Laughter saw them as a symbol of purity ridding the land of the enemies they faced. On the other hoof, Pinkamena knew their objective, she knew their power, and she saw the terror and sorrow it brought just to level out what it viewed as "disharmony."

Pinkamena took a drink out of the apple cider she was given before Pinkie had fallen asleep, it was a peaceful night, and she could assume a sunrise was going to come along any minute now. She swished the cider in her mouth, savoring the sweet taste of high sugar and foamy froth bubbling on the top; she has not had anything so delicious in decades. The only reason she could even hold or taste anything was because Pinkie Pie had allowed her to, they were two separate minds sharing one body, but her hyperactive side took over a little more than she had planned originally.

They were not the same pony... not one bit. Two different souls, just one of them was trapped in the mind of the other awaiting the day when she could break free of her self-inflicted imprisonment. Yes, Pinkamena had done this to herself a long time ago; she just never expected for the strength of Pinkie Pie to get so out of control. She always had one hoof on the wheel at all times, but throughout Pinkie Pie's life she got pushed away further, and further into the more abandoned part of her mind. Pinkie Pie's element seemed to have sensed Pinkamena's plan, sniffing it out and putting an end to it... or more so just delaying it.

Every time Pinkamena tried to knock Pinkie Pie down to take over the body she needed for a physical form, the "Magic of Friendship," or relatively speaking Elements of Harmony beat her to it. It was depressing knocking Pinkie Pie down, making her doubt her friends, making her cry, but she needed her body back, she needed her.. power. When she got close, her friends turned around their attitude, and Pinkamena was repelled, she thought this was the only way to get what she wanted... until tonight.

When Pinkie Pie started showing signs of letting Pinkamena begin to take over, features of her own body would start to poke through, hence the straight mane and dulled colors. She never entirely was able to take over Pinkie Pie's body though, and the frustration of her time limit was starting to become really tight. She had to do something, she had to create conflict and this time not let it slip through her hooves. There was no more time for waiting, there was no more time for games, the deadline was here, and Pinkie Pie had sensed it as well.

Her ears picked up on hoof-steps approaching the cave, a dull thump as their hooves clashed against the muddy terrain around them. She was not alarmed, as a figure approached hidden within a cape of shadows his mane flowing gently behind him immune to the heavy storm. Her unblinking stare rested upon the pony made of living darkness, his wings folding back as he made it clear that he was not hostile... but rather friendly.

When his body was now under the dry and providing cave, they looked at each other time seeming to stand still as silence overtook the space surrounding them. He gently seemed to bow his head, his hooves posing rather respectfully as his back dipped in an effort of addressing a higher power.

"It has been a while Pinkamena, I must say you are looking well considering you've been in Pinkie Pie's mind for eleven years." His voice was smooth and kind, much different than when Pinkamena observed his battle-craved behavior with his brawl during Pinkie Pie's party.

She smirked before addressing his comment, "I cannot really complain much since I allowed her age to start as a filly, it was not half bad watching all the crazy adventures she has had."

The creature before her was a demon, and he was the only friend Pinkamena had during the time of her exile. His name was Shadowbound, and that was just what he was; like Pinkamena being Pinkie Pie's shadow he served the same purpose in a sense. He served his master loyally and proudly, he never told her no, even though he didn't agree with some of the opinions she formulated. Her best friend and partner in crime was what he was, and it was only them against the dangerous threat that drew nearer and nearer by the second.

Shadowbound's face started to become uncovered, his mouth and nose were revealed along with two sharp fangs poking out from his upper lip. He dipped his head towards Pinkie Pie and took a whiff, before looking back at Pinkamena with a look of worry, "Please tell me you didn't get attached."

She rolled her eyes but didn't buck the sleeping pony off of her, "I am not attached... just questioning things."

Shadowbound flattened his ears as his mouth bent into a cringe, "that's not good. I have known you since you were a baby and I know how stubborn you get once you have an opinion on something." Pinkamena turned away, but her demon companion simply slipped next to her to where she was sandwiched between him and Pinkie Pie. "Tell me your thoughts."

She took a deep breath before spilling out all of her questions and insecurities, "I just... I don't know. One minute I am hating Pinkie Pie knowing she represented one of the elements that laid waste to my home, the next moment she is showing me kindness and making me wonder why. I have seen her friends in action, their friendship isn't an illusion unlike their princess Celestia, they are real, and their feelings are real; forming their bonds. They are active, they are living just like you and me, they are a part of the elements, but they don't belong to them... they just have the wrong impression of what it truly is."

Shadowbound nodded his head in understanding, "I am getting the impression that you don't want to destroy them anymore do you?"

"I never wanted to destroy any pony, I just realized that to weaken the Tree of Harmony I would have to cut off the very aspects that make it thrive. The ponies that represent it are the roots that carry the nutrients to the main source of its power, you can destroy a tree all you want, but if you leave the roots, it grows back. My aim is not to be a villain, but I will gladly wear the title if it means sparing the lives on the line from the Tree of Harmony..... but-"

The demon quietly waited for her to gather her thoughts before gently nudging her to keep speaking, "but..."

"-Seeing how friendship had brought me into a semi-physical form that I had no control over, I realized that breaking Pinkie Pie down was not the only way to get my body back. When we started to bond, and she started to admit to herself that I could possibly be real, the two minds in one body started to clash, and my soul was started to split from hers. This is not a bad thing, but I am still not whole... my powers are not present, and I am fairly certain that you and Pinkie Pie can only see me. It just seems strangely ironic that 'friendship' is what was starting to free me, the element's power is being channeled through her and unknowingly aiding me. So it just got me thinking, perhaps destroying her friends is the wrong approach."

Shadowbound put a hoof on her shoulder, "I understand your concern, but when you created Pinkie Pie after being defeated once by the Elements of Harmony, you promised you wouldn't get attached. You promised because not only was your life in danger but so was just about every single creature that roamed. You created her because if you were to destroy the elements of harmony, it would destroy you too... when you saw that rainbow over the rock farm, your Cutie Mark reacted to it because you were one of the ponies that fate had chosen to wield the tree's power. You had to create a fake mind, one that would be destroyed, a sacrificial goat; so that you could keep fighting the tree when it was weakened. You cannot get distracted now, you have to be okay with keeping your main goal in your mind and that is why you kept pushing her away."

Their voices were muted, as thunder rolled over once more. Pinkamena couldn't argue with Shadowbound, he was right, her plan couldn't be changed right now. They had very little time before the Tree wiped out what it viewed to be imperfect in its world, and if she spent time trying to figure out another way it may be too late. She created Pinkie Pie as a form of Pinkamena, one that she wished she could be.. a happy-go-lucky ball of goofiness that represented the element she was sealed to. She knew one day that Pinkie Pie would be sacrificed to rid the world of the Element's power, so she decided to never get attached. When her handle on the "other mind," started to weaken, her created personality was too out of control, and Pinkamena worried that she would never be able to get control again.

The only times she could get enough control was when Pinkie Pie was breaking, and her element power was weakened, that is the only reason why Pinkamena became her enemy.

She broke the silence with her voice, "I just thought that if I created the biggest rift in Pinkie Pie's friendship, I would finally break free, taking over the body long enough to regain my powers. When I had them, I would separate myself from her and any ties I have to the Elements of Harmony before tearing up the tree's roots. That is why I asked you to attack her friends when I was able to get a message through when Pinkie was in a state of depression during her "yovidaphone" stage. Non-surprisingly though her friends managed to cheer her up right before I was able to claim my body back, and I was stuck awaiting the day when you would battle her friends so she would be defeated enough to make my escape... this time their bonds forever broken.. or at least I made her think that."

Shadowbound nudged his nose into Pinkamena's cheek, "I know it seems like something awful you are doing. Trust me I feel bad as well, but they are never going to believe us. Celestia has them wrapped around her hoof, giving them the impression that she is the path towards redemption and righteousness. They are mindless drones at this point, believing in their own cause, war is ugly, and either way and you must protect the blood of the innocent as much as you can."

He was right, the temptation of giving in to her feelings was still secretly tugging her in the back of her mind. She took on this mission because she could do what needed to be done, she could be the heartless one and carry the weight of the misjudgment once the deed was finished. The hatred, the anger, all of it she could bear because she knew it was right and the ponies of Equestria would soon come to understand... one day.

She would never be accepted, perhaps even feared for the rest of her days. She would never make friends, never be welcomed in any town or city, but in a way, her punishment could be endured. She knowingly would accept this burden, she may seem cold, but she would never leave the innocent creatures of the land to suffer from a threat it was her job to stop... she was their only defense.

When she was defeated by Princess Celestia, she took advantage of pretending to be dead for all these years. She had the chance of surprise, but even with that on her side she already knew the elements were more powerful than the "novice" stage she encountered before.

"Pinkamena, your magic is far beyond more advanced than any other kind of power in Equestria. If any pony can get this done right, and go head to head with Celestia, it is you. I have a feeling that the power of the elements have gone to her head after being granted immortality, and her... abilities. She is not in control of her actions anymore, her intentions for the future of Equestria might have been good originally, but the massacre they will bring forth needs to be stopped. The Tree of Harmony is stirring once again, and the repeats of what happened to the world centuries ago are starting to arise, we are the only ones that even know about this."

She shook her head, "My magic may be powerful, but that is the exact reason it is feared. Shadowbound you are a demon for Pete's sake, and Celestia only wiped out my people in fear of what she didn't understand. She decided to strike first to avoid being attacked later, and I understand her reasoning, but she had taken it too far by attacking creatures that presented no harm. It didn't just stop with me, it kept going, the Tree of Harmony leveled several races that it feared would interfere with the peacefulness of harmony. It has been centuries since my last encounter with Celestia, our powers have both grown tremendously since our battle. I am very sure she has very little clue that her Elements of Harmony cannot work against me, since I strategically hid within the very ponies she relies on. This will not last forever though, so we need to act quick."

"What will happen if she finds out the Elements of Harmony cannot defeat you?"

Pinkamena closed her eyes, as Pinkie Pie giggled in her sleep mumbling her name. Her eyes opened as she heard the soft and gentle whispers of her name come out of Pinkie's mouth, "The tree will dispose of them, it will suck out the magic it gave to them, reshaping it into something more powerful."

Pinkie Pie tugged at Pinkamena's heartstrings, she just seemed so loving and trusting! The mare with the mysterious past hated knowing she would have to betray her trust at one point, but she hoped she would get a chance to explain before she was hated and shunned.

"So in other words, they are going to die? You either have to destroy them yourself, or they die painfully and slowly by the Tree of Harmony that will suck out their magic and their element before forming it into something more your speed? Sheesh, we have a heavier and darker mission then I cared to realize."

Pinkamena nodded her head, "If it is possible I want to save the ponies I can, that is why Celestia cannot know I am with Pinkie Pie.. it will at least buy us some time. If she finds out the Elements cannot function without all six properties, the tree will no doubt take the lives of Pinkie Pie's friends. It will take back their borrowed power along with their lifeforce that had been bonded to the elements but killing them in the process, in an attempt to create something bigger... and nastier to defeat me. After all, my magic is its mortal enemy, and it explains why Twilight was weak to it."

Shadowbound smacked his lips together before she caught on and offered him the rest of her cider. He happily accepted before guzzling it down, refreshing his dry throat and eagerly bringing back his attention to Pinkamena.

Pinkamena continued, "If I cannot find another way while moving on with my original plan, I will have no choice but to make the hard decision and terminate them. Regardless of how it is done, the tree needs to be stopped, and Celestia needs to be contained whether it's by my plan or something else entirely."

Shadowbound's ears drooped in sadness, as he pressed his nose against Pinkamena's neck, "I do hope you can figure out another way, I know you do not want blood on your hooves. I also understand your bond with Pinkie Pie, you have only been able to speak with her and her only for eleven years. I get why you are attached she is fun and exciting-"

Pinkamena slapped a hoof against Shadowbound's mouth as her eyes lowered teasingly, "I am not attached."

He chuckled his fanged grin shining in the light of the moon, as they both sat together listening to the dying storm as morning came to light. The sun rose slowly, washing the forest in orange and red colors forcing the sky to dance as if it were a living carnival of shades. Celestia's gift was rather charming, almost made Pinkamena think twice about the Alicorn she met such a long time ago. She was just under the effect of the tree, a drone, she sold herself for her kingdom in the wrong ways, and she was about to pay dearly for it.

"Buy me some time," Pinkamena whispered softly, the black demon beside her flicked his ears before turning his gaze to Pinkamena in confusion. This time she gathered her voice and spoke once more, "Please Shadowbound, buy me some time, I need to find another way."

Shadowbound nodded, no questions, no strange looks... he understood. Pinkamena didn't want to lose one of the only ponies she had that cared for her, every other creature that did was gone. It just left him, and he would follow Pinkamena to the ends of the earth if she wished, but he understood if that was not enough. He knew if it came down to the world or her feelings, she would do the right thing even if it was the most painful thing she would ever do. He respected her judgment, and would do what he could to make her life less stressful in any way he can.

"I will see if I can slow down the activeness of the tree, but I cannot promise it will be rewarding.... but first-"

Shadowbound turned to where he faced Pinkamena and outstretched his hooves, his wings opened up as he grinned sheepishly at her. Pinkamena knew what he was getting at, and she quickly looked away with a rejecting snort of disapproval, but he didn't seem to understand.

"No."

Her words didn't faze him as he giggled with his arms still open, "Come on you are letting Pinkie Pie snuggle you, yet you won't let your ride or die best friend give you a hug?"

"Nope."

"One hug Pinkamena.. that is all I ask"

His telepathy frightened her, she has not heard it in quite some time. When she listened to his kid-like pleas echoing throughout her mind and heard the strain of neediness dragging out in his voice, she started to break. He has been there, even saved her life when it was against his species' rules, yet she still couldn't bring herself to show affection. Her heart was iced over sealing whatever loving emotions she had deep in a cage long ago, but Shadowbound still didn't seem to understand that. Or worse.... he knew but even attempted to drag them out anyways.

Pinkamena was not a cuddly teddy bear, she would instead let her tongue scrape against a cheese grater then show affection towards any creature. It was not that she didn't enjoy it, it just felt incredibly awkward after going through vicious cycles of war for years before she was defeated. War was unforgiving, merciless, and she had to bury those feelings so she could get her mission done. Her mind could not be clouded with thoughts of fearing for her friends, or showing mercy to the enemy, because if she let them be after they were defeated, they always got back up to stab her in the back. Those feelings were still there, as much as she wanted to admit that they were not they were; and frustratingly Pinkie Pie made them resurface.

She threw her head in annoyance right into Shadowbound's chest making him sputter for air, once his lungs absorbed the hit. Pinkamena wrapped her forelimbs around his ribcage, as his wings surrounded her in a loving and caring embrace. She could hear his heartbeat increase rapidly, it almost didn't seem healthy the way his racing heart was pounding against his chest. She didn't blame him though, this was probably the first time she had actually given him a hug in the history of ever. His hooves wrapped around her neck and his chin rested on her shoulder while she felt her cheeks burn with embarrassment when she felt his snickers.

Pinkamena clutched him tighter, and he was taken by surprise! He squeezed her more firmly as well, seemingly loving the tender side of his friend. His eyes bugged when her grip got tighter, and tighter, her bone-crushing strength squeezing his ribs together and making his breaths short and ragged. She was going to crush him!

"P-Pinkamena-" he choked as his wings flailed around aimlessly. "I can't breathe!"

"Are you going to ask me to hug you again?" She asked, her voice smooth as silk. Shadowbound shook his head very quickly and desperately, "Are you sure? It seems like you enjoy it."

Her hug was suffocating him as if she were a python! Shadowbound shrieked, he didn't know how much longer he could withstand her assault! He yielded shaking his head and regretting his cocky smirks and snickers, he was just so surprised she gave in! That was honestly it!

She released, allowing him to fall on his back and gasp for air. Pinkamena brushed her mane out of her face, before grinning victoriously at the recovering demon at her hooves. Shadowbound growled at her, his fangs mashing together as she playfully gave him a mocking wink.

"This is why you never had a boyfriend back then!"

Her confident smile and straightened back was more of a tease, as her mane blew in the gentle breeze. Shadowbound was the only creature that could poke fun at Pinkamena's past because he was the only one that knew about it. She has always been goal-driven, a tough mare that spent a ton of days locked up in her room reading history and rejecting friends around her. He would never call Pinkamena a "nerd" or an "outcast" out loud, but she was never exactly popular with the stallions around her. Her kingdom practiced dangerous magic, one considered to be evil and dark, very looked down upon and rejected by society. She was not very good at it either, even though ironically Shadowbound could bet everything that she would defeat any foe at this point in time. She spent most of her younger years frustratingly trying to learn the magic, under the watchful eye of Shadowbound himself.

Seeing her now, a powerful magic user with the legacy of her buried home resting on her shoulders... it was very awe-inspiring. Not only was she more powerful than any pony that had ever practiced her magic, but she could also even hold her own against an Alicorn.... well once she got her powers back that is.

He gazed into her eyes for just a moment and saw just how much she has changed. Yes, her past would forever haunt her, and her mission would forever taunt her, but she was strong and starting to grow a soft spot for those around her. She would never admit to sappy feelings, but even as a demon he had them too and a large softness towards Pinkamena that is why he risked everything to save her, which is a story to bring up another time.

Shadowbound snuck in a little nuzzle, catching her off guard before he bounded off into the sunrise with a cheerful giggle. Her red face and screaming insults only made his heart grow bigger for her, she could be as mad as she wanted but one day he would thaw her heart. Pinkamena's head was steaming, as she shouted after the shadow booking it along the dampened grass.

What a sappy little moron!

Pinkamena hid her angry blush, as she tore at her cheeks just wanting the heat to go away from her nose! For a demon he sure was touchy-feely, what happened to all those bloodthirsty demons she read about in legends that made ponies cower before them? Shadowbound has never been that way, but still, she hated his stupid face and his stupid affection, it was completely uncalled for.... so not cool!

Pinkamena calmed the adrenaline causing her heart to angrily skip beats, as the mare sleeping on her finally stirred showing signs of waking up. It was kind of about time, that pony could sleep like a rock in the right conditions perhaps even right through a firework show if she wanted! When her light blue eyes fluttered open, and her mouth automatically formed into an over-joyed smile, Pinkamena could only guess more sappy feelings were headed her way.

"Thank Celestia, you are still here! I thought perhaps I had some crazy good dream, and I didn't want to wake up fearing you would be back to being a reflection! Silly me, I always have a crazy imagination!"

Pinkie Pie reached up making her annoyed ex-shadow snarl, "Don't touch me."

Pinkamena's words were ignored as she carefully bopped her on the nose, Pinkie Pie giggled joyfully before snuggling her muzzle into her partner's glossy mane. Pinkie just loved her scent, it brought her peace and delight the more she inhaled it in. She could tell Pinkamena was very uncomfortable, her muzzle crinkled as if she were in pain while the mare chuckled gleefully at her reaction.

"Okay that's enough," Pinkamena said.

She shoved the cuddly pony away from her, her body buzzing with a weird mix of emotions. Why was every creature so weird today? Both a demon and a pony were trying to get Pinkamena to share a nice moment with them, and she didn't know how much longer she could stand it before her head exploded!

"What are we doing still in this cave? We cannot actually live here, you know."

Pinkie Pie happily responded with, "Anywhere is home when you are with the ponies you know and love."

Dear whatever God was doing this to her, please stop.

Pinkamena sighed, this was the pony she would have to be around for a while until she could figure out her next move. Shadowbound was the only creature capable of slowing down the progression of the tree's overtaking, since Pinkamena did not have her magic, she just hoped he could buy her at least two days.

"Are you okay Pinkamena?" Pinkie Pie asked, noticing the faraway gaze she had. Pinkamena snapped her head up, quickly nodding her head in an attempt to throw her off.

"Say Pinkie, don't you have a pet alligator? If you are a runaway, shouldn't you take him with you?" Pinkamena teased, watching her eyes grow wide with the realization that Gummy was left alone.

"No, no, no.... he probably got into all the eggs in Sugarcube Corner! His stomach is really, really sensitive! One time he ate about a dozen of them, and started making really weird noises! I thought he was possessed, so I took him to Zecora, but she just said he had gas... I don't think I have laughed so hard in my life since then!"

Pinkamena nodded slowly, finding it funny the first thing Pinkie would assume was wrong with him was that he was possessed, "I guess we should-"

Pinkie Pie interrupted, "We have to go back... no, we must!"

With a determined look on her face like she was about to tackle some trap infested ruins, she happily bounded out of the cave with the signature hop of hers. Pinkamena sulked, dragging her tail behind her knowing she had to trudge through the mud under the glare of the morning sun. Once they hit the road to silently sneak back into the town to rescue her gassy pet alligator, Pinkamena found herself lost in thought.

Is there perhaps a way to sever the ties between Pinkie Pie, her friends, and the Elements of Harmony? She had found a way for herself, but that was by cutting off a piece of her own soul and creating another one out of it. Could she perhaps do this with the other ponies? Even if she could, would they allow her to do it? How would she convince them of the growing evil that they had, would they ever believe her?

"Hey Pinkamena," Pinkie Pie called snapping her attention over to the hopping bunny-looking pony. She waited for Pinkie's hums to stop before she continued, "Do you want to play a game?"

"No."

Pinkie stuck her tongue out at her in frustration, "Come on you know you wanna."

"I am pretty sure I don't."

Pinkie stopped bouncing suddenly before she turned and gave Pinkamena the most pitiful look she could muster. Her eyes shined, and her ears were pouty, her lip quivering and her nose twitching as she threw everything she had at her buddy. She recoiled, the look Pinkie was giving her was just so sad looking! Pinkamena stood firm with an iron stance, not giving in to peer pressure, so her pouty companion turned up the heat.

Now she was leaning in, her eyes watering, and her gaze resting towards the ground. Pinkamena bit her lip, don't give in, don't give in! She was an all-powerful Alicorn slayer that could wipe out armies with a single wave of her hoof! Celestia feared her, Gods avoided her, she had a demon as a loyal follower, and her mission was literally about saving the world! Tiny, watery, Pinkie Pie eyes could not get the best of her! She was a tough, ruthless war survivor that took a direct finishing blow from the Elements of Harmony and Celestia herself! Nothing can defeat her, Pinkie Pie could try, but her eyes had no effect! This was not going to make her crumble... she would not give in!

"Okay, we can play a game."

Ummm...What the heck just happened? Did she just.... freaking give in? She was a failure, a big stupid failure! What the heck was she even doing, what a load of dragon-

"Yaaay!" Pinkie squealed, giving her the biggest smile she could produce. She tapped her chin before her face lit up in excitement, "How about my favorite game, Truth or Dare?"

Pinkamena hesitated, still some time to reject her. She was on par with Celestia, powerful and dangerous, a foe that could flatten mountains! She had this, if she didn't look into her eyes she would be just fine!

"Okay."

Darn it all!

Pinkie Pie galloped happily, her hooves bouncing in an odd rhythm as she spoke, "truth or dare Pinkamena?"

She hesitated for a minute as she pondered, Pinkie Pie would probably dare her to just shove as many pieces of junk food in her mouth she could. So she decided to settle ongoing with truth since it seemed less active and more of a thinking based option, "I guess I will go with truth."

"What is your darkest secret?"

Pinkamena held back a chuckle, I am immortal, have an active war with your princess, and you are not the dominant mind. Her thoughts were contained, and she did not say what she wanted to out loud, so she decided on another secret, "I do not make friends in fear of losing them."

It was true, she couldn't make friends with Pinkie Pie because of what was to happen. She, couldn't make friends with any ponies because one day they will cross into the next life, but Pinkamena will forever wander the changing earth for eons to come. Immortality was something many ponies sought after, dreaming of continuously staying young and avoiding wrinkles and aging; but if she were to describe it, she would tell them it was a curse. Celestia and Pinkamena had an understanding in that case, although the Alicorn princess decided to become immortal as a way of forever dedicating herself to keeping "peace."

She has to watch fillies and colts grow up into mature and adult ponies, make friends, go through life and become who they are. Then one day they marry, settle down and have a family, before growing old together unaware of the realm Pinkamena knew well. Just as suddenly as they came, they were gone, and the heartache of losing the earthly attachments she made would be too painful for her 'forever living' self to go through over, and over again.

Suddenly Pinkamena was broken from her trance as Pinkie's mane ticked her neck, the hooves of the living cotton-candy before her giving her a sincere hug.

"You will never lose me, I am with you until the end."

Her voice was equivalent to the relief of calm waters after a raging ocean storm, yet she knew her words meant well, but they could not be fulfilled. Oh Pinkie, how I wish your words were true.

She put on a quick mocking smile not allowing her feelings to make her start to question her motives, "Truth or dare? Choose wisely, I am not one to brag, but I can think of some awful dares and embarrassing truths."

She giggled before nuzzling Pinkamena's neck making her nose twitch in embarrassment, while she replied quickly, "I will have to go with truth since you went with it."

Bad choice.

Pinkamena pushed her off, before circling her as if she were a weakened and injured mouse under the glare of a hawk. She just simply grinned bouncing on the ground as she waited for her road buddy's question to come to light, as her smile grew wider and wider the more Pinkamena circled her.

"Have you ever....." Pinkamena stopped, letting the dramatic pause sink in, "-Had a perverted thought about your friends?"

Pinkie Pie stopped bouncing, giving the impression that she was bothered. It was a false alarm, unfortunately, as she quickly went back to bouncing with a sweet childish grin. "Oh, that's easy!"

The taunting question bearer smirked as she drew closer, "Alright then what is the answer? To make sure you aren't lying you have to Pinkie Promise on it, you didn't actually think I would just believe your plain words... hmm?"

Pinkie Pie giggled, "I call upon the power of Pinkie's reverse card!"

Pinkamena's mouth dropped open, her ears flattening as she sputtered sounds of disbelief, "This is truth or dare not Uno! You cannot... you can't... you aren't playing fair!"

She playfully patted Pinkamena's mane while the pony struggled with her growing fuse, "This isn't normal truth or dare, this is Pinkie Pie's truth or dare! Normal rules and physics don't apply here, silly! By the way, you can get out of this by using your 'get-out-of-jail' free card!"

"What even is this... I am so lost."

Pinkie Pie laughed, her sweet giggles were enough to make Pinkamena want to join in, but she withheld. During their talk they had entered Sweet Apple Acres, the apples were dampened from morning dew, and the sunlight sparkled off the surface making them look oddly refreshing. The air was not hot, but humid and sticky from last night's ravening storm, along with settled morning fog that was cast over the road they traveled on.

The trotted together for a while before Pinkamena slammed right into Pinkie's rump when she made an unexpected spot. She made a painful cry of surprise before she massaged her muzzle and glared at the pink pony gazing at a large tree thriving in the fertile soil. Her gaze was intensely focused on what seemed to be an apple, a large apple so to speak; its plump red and fleshy surface was shiny and flawless. The injured companion of Pinkie Pie eyed her, as her stomach began to rumble hungrily the more she stared at it.

"You are hungry aren't you Pinkie Pie," she retorted, snickering at her wavering eyes as she longed for the unreachable morsel hanging from the drooping branch.

Pinkie Pie seemed to break down, "So, so, so hungry. I haven't had anything to eat in what seems like forever!"

Pinkamena flicked her tail, as an idea seemed to form on Pinkie's face. Within moments she had hopped over to her, resting her hooves across her darkened pink back.

"If we work together we can get it," she said with determination, which left Pinkamena scowling as she felt Pinkie climbing on her back without her consent. "-Just need a little boost from my pal Pinka-Wiinka, and we should be all aboard the apple express! Choo-Choo!"

She didn't get much of a say in the matter, for Pinkie Pie was already resting her hooves on the trunk of the tree. If the eyes of her uncomfortable ally could burn holes through metal at any moment, it would be right this second. She strained her hoof trying to get a grip on the apple, but she was still miles away, whimpering desirably as she pressed her hooves deeper into Pinkamena's spine. When her hoof planted itself on Pinkamena's head, she gave a small grunt of displeasure as Pinkie stretched her back straightening herself to reach the fruit.

"Pinkamena, could you please scoot up and lift me higher?" She asked.

"Get off," her grumpy assistant barked.

"I promise, I am almost there! I just need the tiniest most itty-bitty push upwards."

Pinkamena balanced Pinkie on her back, before throwing herself against the tree while supporting their weight on her hind legs. Pinkie Pie's hoof was starting to irritate her skull, as she gave a last attempt to reach the apple that was inches away from her snatching grasp. When she heard a pluck and a small cry of victory her balance was corrupted by Pinkie's peculiar dancing, and they both tumbled to the ground.

"I got it!"

Just as she stated, she clutched the large apple in her hooves with a proud expression leering at Pinkamena who rubbed the bump on her head. All this work for a stupid apple, she must have been starving to knowingly go through all this drama for a simple bite to eat she could have grabbed back in town. Suddenly the hungry mare stuck her hooves out in front of her, and Pinkamena looked into her caring eyes as she offered the apple to her.

"You have it Pinkamena," she whispered softly.

She was confused, didn't Pinkie Pie want the apple for herself? She has not eaten for a fairly large amount of time, and her stomach regularly made aggressive sounds.. so why is she giving it to Pinkamena?

"Aren't you hungry? Pinkamena asked, steadily gazing at the gift she was being offered.

"Yep-er-ooie, but some pony has to take care of you! I have never seen you eat, so you must be more deserving of one of Applejack's delicious apples! Go on take it, you'll enjoy it!"

Her beaming sense of generosity was almost blinding, and it made Pinkamena sick to her stomach. Gross mushy and weak feelings did not appease her very often, they actually made her want to act out in rage. Even so, she couldn't help but feel a little relieved that Pinkie warmed up to her, perhaps if she just told her a tiny bit of what she was going through...

No Pinkamena, don't think that way. Her silent scolding to herself caused her to shake away the thought, before accepting Pinkie's gift. She stared at the apple, then back at her, then back at it, before deciding that she felt urged to share with the drooling mare eagerly watching her.

"I know you are hungry so here, we will share. I don't want your drool all over my mane, its gross so seriously stop."

She placed one hoof on one side of the apple, and another hoof on the other side. Pinkamena learned a trick in her village a long time ago, when she shared her lunch with Shadowbound, he would do this to equally split an apple for them both. She put a small amount of pressure on the fruit before twisting opposite ways, it gave way, and within seconds a juicy and ripe sound was heard before she held two halves.

Pinkie Pie made an intrigued face before responding to her party trick, "How did you do that?"

Pinkamena smirked, "One day I will show you, but first here."

She offered one of the halves to Pinkie Pie, and without even questioning anything further she ate the apple straight out of her hoof. Pinkamena was mortified by her strange and loud chewing, juices dripping down her chin and soaking the outstretched and lingering limb of the mare. She probably should have pulled away, but she was just so shocked by her vulgar manners that she just kept sitting there with a bewildered expression.

"Mmm, I knew I picked the right apple!" Pinkie Pie said between messy and oblivious chews, as Pinkamena pulled away finally. She looked to the side, that was utterly the most disgusting way she has seen any pony eat.

When Pinkie Pie seemed upset that she had swallowed such a tasty treat, Pinkamena sighed flicking the liquid off of her hooves and puffed out air in frustration. She seemed so happy that her pal Pinkamena had offered her a chunk of the fruit, and didn't seem to mind that she was a messy and sloppy eater. She didn't ask for the other half, but Pinkamena knew she wanted it, she was torn though because she wanted her companion to enjoy it as well. So Pinkamena was going to do the most logical thing, and shove it in her mouth so Pinkie Pie couldn't have it. Ha Ha!

A moment passed, and she found herself offering the last bite of the apple to Pinkie Pie.

She was such a loser.

She was rewarded by Pinkie Pie's massive slurps and chomps, juices once again splattering all over the both of them. Her face was naturally brimming with annoyance, as she turned away from the morbid scene of Pinkie eating with her mouth open. When the chews stopped, she felt herself releasing the tension from her body... only to tighten her breaths when she felt something warm, wet and soft swipe her cheek.

"Did you just LICK me??"

Pinkie Pie giggled as she licked once more, Pinkamena was rather tasty covered in apple juices! She was petrified, her cheeks growing blood-red as her body trembled with both anger and embarrassment. The space-invading pony seemed to not mind doing this, even though she was starting to wander out in shark infested waters.

"You are disgusting, get the heck off of me!" Pinkamena pushed her aside, as she smacked her lips in satisfaction having rid of all the stickiness that her friend was covered in. Without even waiting for a reply Pinkamena started walking away towards the town, her hooves stomping on the ground in heavy thumps.

"Wait for me!"

"Like heck I am!"

Something flew along the clouds, the breeze in its wake knocking over many ponies that cursed and shouted in its direction. The Pegasus that was wildly known for not abiding by the rules of speed during flights in Ponyville, once again sliced through the air with no regards to the walking ponies below her. This was about the third round she had made circling the town in an attempt to find Pinkie Pie, but the lovable party pony was nowhere to be seen; she was determined to find her first before any of her friends that were hunting restlessly down below.

They were still unhappy with Pinkie Pie, but she was still a part of their group and always their best friend. After she had run off, they spent the entire night searching for that pesky shadow pony that just up and vanished! That is until he showed up using some kind of creepy voodoo magic on the Tree of Harmony! Twilight and Starlight Glimmer caught on, and managed to run him off but not before the tree started dripping with icky gross stuff that looked like tar!

Rainbow's best friend the egghead, of course, had her tail in a knot, and quickly scribbled a half-readable letter to the princess, only to receive an alarming response. Now they have been summoned to Canterlot at once, with nothing to go on expect they were exposed to very ancient and evil magic.

The speedy Wonderbolt made a turn, deciding to do a few laps around Sweet Apple Acres. Perhaps Pinkie Pie was hiding somewhere afraid to face her friends, she happened to do that a lot. Although to the Pegasus it seemed rather cowardly, she understood that not every pony could be fearless and carefree as she was. Her bouncing and loud best-friend were often very fragile, she tried not to let things bother her, but when they did.... she turned into a completely different mare.

Like any good friend, Rainbow Dash did care about her feelings but was not afraid to scold her when she does something dangerous. Ironically she was talking as if she never did some herself, but at least she didn't put ponies in danger... much!

When she flew over a blur of pink, she almost didn't register it in her mind. Her brain as too focused on thoughts, and she never really took time to slow down and process one at a time, probably why her eyes caught sight of Pinkie but she just let it flow right on out. Rainbow backtracked by making a large upside down U-turn and by flapping her wings downwards, scooping the wind under her feathers to turn back around and catch the skipping pony below her.

Luckily she didn't think she was spotted, but her luck ran out when she was gliding over her, and her pace started to drastically pick up! Was she really trying to race the fastest pony in Equestria? Was this seriously going down? She couldn't help but roll her eyes, when it came to Pinkie Pie it was always tricky and ended up with the Pegasus dragging the tail of the stubborn earth pony with her teeth.

"Pinkie Pie, we don't have time for this!" She shouted in annoyance, only to see the pink pony dart in and out of trees in an attempt to throw her off. She swooped down, quickly gaining on her friend before stretching out her hoof to capture her mane in an effort to slow her down. When her hoof grazed the knotted tangled mess that Pinkie Pie was proud of, something large and robust knocked into her. She was knocked off course her body flinging into the scratchy leaves of a tree beside her, as sticks rubbed against her ruffled feathers.

What was that? Rainbow Dash could have sworn nothing was around her before she almost caught up to Pinkie. It couldn't have been the wind, or a branch, it actually felt more like a solid hoof that slammed into her ribcage! When she rubbed the swollen spot on her side, a red blotch started to come in view that was shaped and sized in the exact matter of a pony's horse-shoe. The mark was rounded, and had to have come from something strong enough to knock the wind out of her!

Something strange has been going on with Pinkie Pie, no doubt. Every pony could tell she was off, that party she threw, those words she said to Twilight, all of it plus her running away was the final cherry on top. Not only that but now all of them faced the danger of strange magic that Twilight couldn't identify after long hours of research in her castle. Pinkie needed to stop acting like a little filly and get her head screwed back on, the Elements of Harmony were summoned by both Luna and Celestia, and they needed her as well!

With a quick push of her wings, Rainbow Dash was back on track. Within minutes she saw Pinkie Pie huddled against a rock, murmuring to herself but staring intensely at the air beside her. She didn't get a chance to run or even gasp, as the adrenaline rushed mare crashed into the hyperactive bubblegum wad she called her best friend. They rolled on the grass until they were both huffing and puffing from exhaustion staring angrily into each other's eyes.

Pinkie Pie struggled, gritting her teeth as she tried to wiggle out of the rainbow-maned mare's grip. Rainbow kept her hooves pinning her forelimbs to the ground, while her tail swished in frustration in response to Pinkie Pie's squirms and grumbles.

She pressed her muzzle against the party planner, "Pinkie Pie stop! You have been a major headache today! We spent almost all morning searching for you, and here you are trying to play hide and seek! We told you that you cannot go around playing games all the time, I understand if you don't want to talk to us, but you need to put that behind you for the moment and come with me!"

Pinkie turned her head, "No!"

Rainbow Dash scowled still standing over her with a sharp gaze of anger before replying, "I am not asking Pinkie, and neither are the princesses! We are needed, so you need to stop throwing a fit and come with me!"

Pinkie Pie turned her nose away from Dash in the sense of rebellion, forcing the Pegasus to do what she assumed she had to from the start. With a sigh of defeat, Rainbow released her pinned forelimbs before snatching up her tail in her mouth and beginning to drag her along the dirt road. Pinkie screamed as she held onto practically anything she could get her hooves on, forcing the flier to tug and pull every time she created resistance.

This was going to be a long trip, Rainbow Dash thought.

When Pinkie Pie's friends were in view, she had successfully forced Rainbow Dash to practically drag her through creeks, mud, rocks and just about anything she could to prevent this. Her blue Pegasus friend was exhausted, her mane and coat dampened with sweat as she dragged forth a mad Pinkie behind her.

Pinkamena was laughing heavily behind her, clearly mocking this action that was taken against her. Her giggling follower had cracked jokes and poked fun at her the entire way there without taking action what-so-ever because Pinkie Pie did not like her violent suggestions.

"I am just saying, just a tiny unexpected kick to her skull will be enough to knock her out. Not enough to create brain-damage, unless you want that."

Pinkie Pie stuck a hoof in her direction, "NO! Bad Pinkamena!"

She smirked before giving her a dashing smile, "Whatever you say, boss."

Rainbow Dash seemed to hear her murmurs but was too busy approaching her friends to care. Once she released the pink mare's tail, and every pony was finally together the circle of friends looked to Twilight to start speaking.

Before the Princess of Friendship could speak Rainbow's raspy voice, however, went first, "Do you guys have any idea how hard it was to drag Pinkie Pie here? She was a nightmare!"

Applejack gave her a look to hush her before Twilight cleared her throat and spoke. "Now that we are all here, we have been summoned by Princess Celestia because of a threat that has corrupted the sacred Tree of Harmony! The princesses have informed me that we are in the presence of an ancient foe, one filled with bloodlust and rage that devastated the lands of Equestria long ago."

Fluttershy whimpered, "Oh dear-"

Rarity pressed her hoof to the yellow Pegasus's mouth, before nodding at Twilight to continue.

"I ask you, girls, to come with me and allow Celestia to inform us on the rest. This enemy had been described in the letter as a tyrant, and more dangerous than any other foe we have faced. They use... they use.." Twilight's voice cracked, almost as if the words she was about to say were stinging her tongue, "Black Magic!"

The gasps among the ponies were sharp and quick, knowing just speaking of that type of magic brought forth bad omens. Along the shocked and scared ponies attacking Twilight with questions, only one mare stood silently among the chaos in front of them. Her red eyes flashed with anger, the heat of her breath tickling her muzzle as she gathered her thoughts in the shadows she called her realm.

Black magic, was indeed something Celestia feared... and Pinkamena had a feeling that Celestia knew her reign was finished.