Author's Notes:

Hey you all! Quick little warning, this is a bit more heavy then my usaul chapters. This will not be as friendly and fluffy as usual, per the "Broken and Betrayed" title. No, no... I am not giving spoilers, so you will just have to read and tell me your thoughts, yeah?

The group had departed from Canterlot the next morning, but Pinkie Pie and Pinkamena had the bright idea to head to Ponyville without them. They had some nightly fun, with some of it involving poking a Manticore and playing the game of "whoever wakes him up loses." Unfortunately, it was Pinkamena who had to stare into the hungry and glaring slits of the creature before her. They were chased all the way back to Sugarcube Corner laughing and screaming as they avoided the sharp claws that almost clipped their rumps on the way out.

Their mischief didn't stop there though, they had also decided to fill Rainbow Dash's pillow with bees before stitching it up so they couldn't escape. Pinkie Pie was unaware of it though since Pinkamena agreed to do this all on her own because she thought Pinkie's idea of switching Dash Hole's toothpaste with hot sauce seemed too "weak."

After they successfully hit their local Wonderbolt's house, Pinkie Pie had an urge to hit just about every pony in Ponyville. Their chaos ensued, and they released Applejack's pigs in her room while Pinkamena secretly put ink all over their trotters so they would leave several marks along the course of their freedom.

Sure Pinkamena might be being a little harsh, but she didn't like them, and this was an excuse to get back at her friends in a way without Pinkie scolding her. When the whole town had been pranked so much it started to look like Discord had been there, they slipped back into Sugarcube corner, and Pinkie Pie fell asleep with Gummy squeezed close to her side. Pinkamena had sat for the rest of the night trying to catch her breath, she wouldn't admit it, but that was the most fun she has had in a long while. She recapped on all the memories, but it all happened so fast it was almost a blur; just laughs and jokes could be remembered along with the bonding thrill they had.

So now in the present, she sat with the soft breaths from her pranking partner, while tucking what she had experienced with the Element of Laughter in the far corners of her heart. Pinkamena looked towards the raven-shaded sky above her, she had always loved night for it brought her power. She would always attack Celestia's garrisons and soldiers at night so that she could dwindle their security; since the power of the moon gave her strength due to her Black Magic favoring it.

The only part she hated was that she was bored when every pony was asleep, leaving her to be alone with her thoughts and the silence of the night. Pinkie Pie had given her joy for the first time in a few thousand years, which she didn't get but decided not to question it. She had successfully made Pinkamena break down and let loose, even with the growing danger that prodded her from behind just about every day. She now knew why Pinkie was called the "Element of Laughter," because she banished the fears of ponies and lifted their spirits just by spending time with them.

She found herself wanting more of it, she wanted to spend more time with Pinkie Pie. She liked the feeling of being herself without a care in the world, but she knew this was a dangerous gamble considering that she might lose focus of her mission. She couldn't get attached, she couldn't allow herself to grow soft towards any pony, but that didn't mean she couldn't enjoy their company... right?

Pinkamena flinched when she felt a warmth spreading across her face, was is already morning? Apparently, she had been so lost in thought, Celestia was already raising the sun. Her eyes adjusted to the bright rays flowing into the open window before letting her body give into the light. It was upsetting that such a wonderful and graceful gift was in the hooves of a tyrant, it should have been given to some pony that it represented. The sun seemed gentle but powerful, warm and giving, yet the creatures it provides for love it and need it so they can continue their community. If the princess were like this she would have no problem with her, but this was not the case, and it never was.

She pretended to be tough, she loved hiding her emotions so that ponies didn't think she was capable of breaking like them. Pinkamena was lying if she said she didn't feel sadness, fear, or those weak feelings that she pointed out with Shadowbound. She only buried these feelings so she could do what had to be done and the world could be free. Her emotions were the most delicate things she had, and she prided herself on not shedding tears or letting her heart shatter into shards. This was not always what it seemed though, her heart ached for her family, she held back the fearful tears almost every day that forced her to worry about her destiny. It hurt, it hurt knowing she would forever be shamed and hated, she wanted friends, she wanted a family and parents and sisters, but she could never have that.

Pinkamena wanted to smile and to laugh, she wanted to experience why ponies liked hugs and snuggles, and she wanted to understand the importance of living life with the ones she loved. She was robbed of her life, and what it could have been, because she is the only one that can stop Celestia from tearing apart families and friends like she did with her. The sacrifice was painful knowing she couldn't have these things, but it didn't mean she couldn't enjoy the moment of knowing her actions could make it so other ponies could.

Even though Shadowbound said he enjoyed being around her, she had decided long ago to severe their ties once her mission was complete. He had always been a social demon, and the most loving thing she could do for her best-friend was let him go into the world she was never to be accepted in. Pinkamena would perhaps live on the peak of a mountain, alone and away from society; forever left to wander it in the hope that she could find peace once Celestia was defeated.

Perhaps she would dedicate her time to learn about necromancy, a spell that even the most experienced ponies in her kingdom couldn't crack. Pinkamena had spent just about all the free time she had during the three years she spent training and preparing, trying to bring her parents and her village back to life. The spell of taking a deceased soul from the underworld and giving it flesh and bone once again was something that proved to be harder than it looked. She needed a full moon, Black Magic, prayers, and several rare items to even perform the spell with no promise it would even pay off.

Lucifer didn't like Pinkamena messing with the natural order of his duty, and even sent Death to come and stop her once. She was not fazed by this and defeated him in combat only to make an enemy of the Underworld with both Lucifer and Death himself. She giggled a little at this, it isn't every day you hear some pony bragging about how she beat Death in hoof-to-hoof combat!

Now she could be as cocky as she wanted when it came to Death, but Lucifer.... she wouldn't have a chance. She may be the Soul Seeker, but he was the Soul Keeper, Lord of the Underworld and the most powerful creature to exist. Pinkamena definitely didn't want to bump heads with the King of the Demons, and thankfully he was trapped in his realm due to some higher power that she didn't know much about.

The sun was high in the sky, proving that Pinkamena had wasted a few more hours staring out into the town of Ponyville that was setting up for the evening. She swished her tail, resting her chin on the window seal as her red eyes swept over the ponies chatting with each other under the morning sun. Pinkamena suddenly felt a furry chin resting on her shoulder, and a scaly object brush against her tail. Gummy's eyes closed one at a time, while his gator tongue slapped against one of his open and dry pupils much to her disgust.

Pinkie Pie's alligator was creepy, and Pinkamena was never a fan of him, so she gently used her hind-hoof to scoot the green reptile away from her. Pinkie giggled as her mane tickled her friend's neck, she didn't interrupt Pinkamena's peace, but she couldn't help but want to do something fun instead of watching ponies set up shop.

"Good morning Pinkamena, last night was so fun! That was the first time I have heard you laugh, I didn't know you were even capable of it!"

The mare that allowed herself to enjoy Pinkie Pie's company smiled warmly but hid it under her straight mane as she felt her alter personality slowly give her a hug. She was not going to lie, it felt a little weird because she was not used to any pony or really any creature touching her lovingly. She squirmed, biting her lip to keep herself from shouting out something that would make Pinkie stop, or worse, get upset at her.

"Wow, you actually let me hug you this time! I knew you would warm up to me, besides; you are my best friend! BBFLs to be exact, and we are going to have the bestest most amazing-errific time ever! Such a great time I had to combine amazing with terrific just even to begin to explain our adventures!"

Pinkamena grinned playfully, "BBFLs? What does that even mean?"

Pinkie rolled her eyes as if it was the most obvious thing ever. "Duh! Best Buddies For Life, come on Pinkamena you've known me my whole life so you should know, you little stinker."

She grabbed the corners of Pinkamena's mouth before forcing her to smile by tugging back her cheeks, with a friendly giggle. The amused but annoyed pony Pinkie was playing with, used her hoof to poke the laughing mare in the stomach. The contact she made caused the little pony to snort and tumble backward in fear that Pinkamena had found her ticklish spot.

"Exactly I have known you your whole life, and I know your weaknesses like how you are extremely sensitive when touched on your belly."

Pinkie quickly guarded her stomach, with flattened ears and a goofy grin. Her newly established semi-BBFL watched as she took off out of the door yelling behind her, "You can't tickle what you can't catch!"

Pinkamena growled, but simply just accepted that "Pinkie is what Pinkie does"... a quote her village loved to recite from a book they read a long time ago. Of course she just filled in Pinkie's name, she didn't actually originate in the quote that would be ridiculous. The mare with the past of Black Magic simply stretched before trailing Pinkie and engaging in her game of "Cat and Mouse," because she knew that even without her powers she was just as intelligent and prideful as she has always been. Pinkamena never lost, and the defeat by the Elements of Harmony was only a delay from the inevitable, and she wasn't destroyed; so stubbornly she refused to call it a loss to herself.

The hunting mare stepped out into the glaring morning sun, weaving around the oblivious ponies around her while trying to sniff out where Pinkie had chosen to hide. Perhaps she hid in the forest? Her party cave under Sugarcube Corner? Or even going so far as to sneak in a trash can, just to avoid getting caught. Pinkamena wrinkled her nose if she knew the game-loving party planner as much as she thought, she knew that Pinkie wouldn't have any issue with burying herself in rotting apple peels and other smelly trash if she could.

She trotted along Ponyville for hours, looking in allyways, even dumpsters with nasty and putrid smells she would never get out of her nose. Pinkamena wandered through the backside of the building in Town Square, before catching a glimpse of a randomly placed haystack with familiar looking blue eyes following her every move.

Pinkamena decided to tease her a bit, "Oh my goodness, Pinkie Pie is such a good hider! I am exhausted from all this walking, whatever shall I do?"

She could hear Pinkie Pie forcing her laughs to go away, as her seeker made a pathetic and sorrowful performance acting defeated as much as she could. She put a hoof on her forehead, acting ashamed that Pinkie had outsmarted her before walking over to the pile of hay avoiding her hider's gaze.

"I am just so tired, I am convinced I will never find Pinkie Pie! I guess I will have to wait her out, and while I do that, I might as well take a nap on this soft, and fluffy, bundle of hay that was so perfectly placed here."

The quiet giggles stopped abruptly, as Pinkamena climbed on top of the hay bale. She struggled as much as she could, taking an awfully long time to get on top of it, as she listened to Pinkie's wheezes. Pinkamena bit her tongue to keep from laughing, as she dangled her hooves over the edge of the hay with all of her weight squishing the little "mouse" she was trying to catch.

She could feel Pinkie's body shaking as she tried to support the weight of her opponent above her, hoping that if she did not make a sound, she would go away. Pinkamena made a yawn and rested her head down on the sack stating that she could wait all day if need be. Pinkie couldn't hold her up anymore, and with a loud thump they both scattered a storm of hay all over the place once the ropes tying it together snapped. When the little explosion dispersed, Pinkamena sat next to a defeated Pinkie Pie with her eyes dizzily rolling around in her head.

"I win," Pinkamena said triumphantly, patting the un-brushed mane of Pinkie Pie sympathetically.

The sound of marching brought both the mares out of their little game, as a blinding light gleamed off of armor from stallions orderly walking through the town. Pinkie bounced next to Pinkamena as they both watched the Royal Guard approach Ponyville waving flags and taking control of what was around them. None of them were out of place, they seemed properly trained and synchronized without needing one order from any of the commanders that accompanied them.

"Looks like Celestia was not kidding about sending over Shining Armor and his legionnaires." Pinkamena said nudging Pinkie Pie devilishly before continuing, "who knows, you might find a coltfriend with all this fresh eye candy to go around."

Pinkie perked up with a grin. "Eye candy? Oh! Oh! What does it taste like? Do you eat it through your eye? That sounds ridiculous and a little painful, but I am willing to try it if you are!"

The mare trying to be a wing-pony sighed before snorting teasingly. "No I mean eye candy as in stallions that are in need of a mare's attention. Like you know, dating."

Pinkie Pie's eyes blinked before she squirmed a little. Pinkamena had always seen her as outgoing, but she never really discussed or interacted with her love life... like at all. She had seen the way she acted towards stallions, but she never really went for anything more than friends. She often chose to ignore her romantic side, and focus on other stuff like baking, parties, and making others happy. When Pinkamena caught her trying to hide a nervous blush creeping across her cheeks and muzzle, she realized that she was insecure of this side and has not really thought of it until now.

Pinkie Pie dragged her hoof along the ground not meeting her gaze, "I haven't really considered dating. I've always been busy, you know, doing stuff other ponies never understood."

Pinkamena tapped her chin, has she even had feelings for any pony? Even just the slightest crush or attraction? Like she had thought earlier, Pinkie was outgoing and never afraid to socialize among any kind of topic. Unfortunately, this was one that she actively wanted to avoid, perhaps because she didn't understand it, or maybe because she thought no pony would like some mare like her.

"Why haven't you?"

Pinkie Pie's ears flicked as she fiddled with a pebble on the ground, "I-I just sorta seem to not be any pony's preferred taste, or really a taste at all. A lot of stallions think I am annoying, and I heard some ponies talking one day about how I wasn't that kind of material. I just guess I am not fit for that kind of party, I am more of a 'party of one' it seems, and that's how other ponies will see me for the rest of my days."

Pinkamena grabbed Pinkie and gave her an uplifting side hug. "What do you mean a party of one? You've always been a party of two with me around! Look, I get that most ponies don't understand you... but that's why I am here, and one day I will find some pony that accepts you for you."

She gave her friend a sincere smile, Pinkie was glad her alter ego was doing her best to cheer her up. She has never opened up about coltfriends or dating to any pony, not even her parents or Maud! Her best-friends probably didn't even ask about it because they didn't think it was even possible for her to go on a date, which bothered her just a little. Even though she was an acquired taste, Pinkamena believed in her, and that was all she needed.

Pinkamena's eyes caught sight of something before she released Pinkie Pie and tried to force out words without breaking her serious tone by laughing, "I think I found some stallion for you. Look at around three o'clock, slowly, so you don't catch his gaze, and tell me your thoughts."

She bit her lip as Pinkie followed her directions before she angrily elbowed Pinkamena jokingly. "If you think I am going for him, you've got another thing coming."

The stallion seemed to be a soldier, yet he wore glittering and flashy high heels with a fabulous bright pink lipstick on his lips. His mane was styled to be glossy and long, more feminine, and apparently making a statement that no ponies could miss. He walked with a prance in his step and held his head tall and proud while he swayed his hips and winked at other soldiers that seemed to question what he did to get into the army.

Pinkamena couldn't hold it in anymore, and a flood of loud laughs from the center of her gut came out, "Pinkie Pie I don't know what you mean you two would make a great couple!"

Pinkie Pie joined her in laughter, "I am sure of it!"

The two then decided after their excellent laugh that they would wander the town staring at their home infected by hundreds of Shining's Armor's stallions. Some stood at their posts, unmoving and expressionless as they watched every pony that moved around them. Pinkamena was sort of glad no pony could see her, because at least she had a sense of privacy, unlike Pinkie at the moment.

The guiding pink mare stopped by Bulk Biceps' stand and decided to get them some tasty treats, before hopping off towards their next adventure. She handed Pinkamena a bag of cinnamon nuts, that was carefully wrapped in a plastic bag which the mare accepted hungrily. She munched on them, they were crunchy and, but the sweet flavor didn't mix well with her, she liked more of a salty taste.

When Pinkie Pie stopped by a flower stand, to sniff at the fresh roses. Pinkamena leaned against the cart, hiding the bag of nuts under the plants to keep from any pony asking why they were randomly floating in the air. She could relax, knowing that no pony could possibly see her unless they were to know of a revealing spell. Even though she could interact with objects, only Pinkie Pie could touch, push, or interact with her other than Shadowbound.

She chewed calmly while she waited for Pinkie to stop nuzzling the petals of the flowers, as some pony eyed them unknowingly from an eating establishment. Starlight Gimmer squinted, with her head leaned in her hoof as she watched the "Element of Laughter," delicately sniff at tulips. Something odd was going on with that pony, her friends had asked her to keep an eye out after Fluttershy told them about her weird behavior.

Now that she thought of it, it seemed like Pinkie was muttering to herself while looking off to the side like some pony was there. With the alarmed princesses sending soldiers to protect Ponyville, and Twilight informing her about some mare called 'Soul Seeker' she was almost suspicious of the party pony. Perhaps she knew something the others didn't, but she was just acting like her usual self the more she watched her.

Perhaps she should start following her? Would that be creepy and her friends wouldn't approve? Nah, they asked her to watch Pinkie Pie, and that was exactly what she was doing. She took a bite out of her hay fries, before catching a glimpse of a plastic bag under the flowers... with no support? It was just floating there, simply hanging out as if it were part of the display of plants around it. That couldn't be Pinkie Pie, she had no magic... perhaps it was Unicorn? No, the bag had no light around it from the magic of a horn, so how was this possible?

The magical mare that had a vast collection of spells in her memory had a keen idea on how to see what was causing the bag to float. Her horn sparked as she focused her attention onto the spot, but she was shocked when a nut came up from the bag and disappeared when it was brought up a little! Now she knew something was up! Was it a phantom? Was it the shadow pony, she and Twilight, ran off? Why was Pinkie Pie looking at it, she obviously knew it was there, but she didn't seem worried... this needed to be solved right here and now.

Starlight thought for a second, in her studies she came across a few spells that could uncover the un-seeable. These were used by many Unicorns to fight off foes that were invisible, by revealing their camouflaged appearance. She focused her magic into the heart of her horn, before a gentle veil of light wrapped around her body. Her breathing was steady as she performed the spell, her heart beating in tune with her lungs before it was cast. Her ears picked up on a small pop, and suddenly the chatters around her became absolutely silent. She focused on the blue outlines of ponies around her showing their living essence, the blue represented what could be seen with the naked eye, while red indicates that something was hidden.

She focused on the bag of nuts, and her heart stopped when she saw the scarlet and glowing outline of something clutching the bag. The silhouette had the same shape as an adult mare, poised in a relaxed stance while leaning against the cart and watching the blue outline of Pinkie Pie. She didn't see a red shape of a horn or wings, did she happen to be an Earth Pony like Pinkie Pie? This was not good, something or some pony was whispering and watching the Element of Laughter, and the daunting part was... Pinkie knew about it.

With this new evidence in mind, Starlight broke her spell and galloped at blinding speeds towards Twilight's castle. Her friends were right, she was hiding something, and she hoped they could figure out what.

Pinkie Pie had been going on and on about going to some special place in the forest, and she wouldn't tell Pinkamena where they were going or why. Even though she complained the whole time because of sticks and leaves slapping her face every two seconds, she saw how excited Pinkie Pie was and decided to keep going. The bouncing mare before her hummed and trotted with an eager and upbeat prance, as they passed swarms of bugs, and muddy patches of grass. Pinkamena could hardly keep up with the giddy and humorous pony speeding through the lush forest's overgrowth, as the marsh around her hooves sloshed when she stepped.

"What is all this swampy crap doing around here? Gross, it feels like-"

Pinkie Pie giggled with a cute snort, "Calm down Rarity!" Pinkamena gave her a frustrated but silly glare, as she continued, "We are almost there and trust me it will be worth it!"

Her signature hop pushed her through a leafy barricade, as Pinkamena watched her disappear onto the other side. The natural blockade shifted before growing still, awaiting the muddy mare to follow Pinkie into whatever awaited on the other side. She flicked the vegetation her hooves smashed on her journey off of her, before dragging herself towards the leaves Pinkie Pie went into. For some reason, she felt a little nervous, what was her mischievous little companion up to? Perhaps this was another game she was planning, which unfortunately Pinkamena would win at once more.

Her hooves were shaking a little bit.... was this anxiety? No, there was nothing to worry about... Pinkie Pie probably just wanted to show her some snail she found in the woods. She pushed through the leaves, the brush slapping her face as she coughed and sputtered in annoyance, oh how much she hated nature!

When her body poked through and her eyes adjusted, confetti blasted in her face. Pinkamena flinched as the glittery pieces of plastic floated down all over her mane and coat, and then took in all that was around her. Streamers hung from trees, while hundreds of balloons covered the bushes and branches around them. Tables with worn legs showing that some pony had dragged them all the way out here, contained several plates filled with cupcakes and truffles that were made from scratch. The cake on the table was massive with fluffy icing and perfectly matched decorations made of a creamy source, Pinkamena couldn't imagine how long it took to make.

A banner was hung across two trees with a title that read "For my Best Friend Pinkamena," along with two mares that were drawn carefully on it with a giant heart surrounding their embrace. Lit candles brought a smell that wavered in the air, causing a sweet candy-like scent to grasp Pinkamena's attention. Did Pinkie Pie really.... do all this for her?

Pinkie nuzzled Pinkamena as her mouth continued to stay open with a shocked gawk before the loving mare slipped on a party hat on the surprised pony. Pinkie Pie blew a party blowout, causing a strange sound to emit from the device as she hugged her friend with all she had.

"Surprise! Were you surprised? Were ya, huh, huh?" She said as she blew into her strange party whistle.

"I... uh... what... how? When... huh.." was all Pinkamena could manage to speak, before being pushed forward into the party that Pinkie Pie had so cleverly planned.

"I've been planning this for days, and had to slip in an order in Canterlot before having the cake brought back here! That's why it took me so long to get the hot-chocolate, sorry I had to tell a little bitty pink lie to throw you off. I didn't lie about Rarity though, that mare can definitely throw down!"

She was flustered as her eyes continued to stay full and twitching. "But... I don't... why?"

Pinkie rubbed her head playfully, before bouncing over to a barrel that was hidden behind the table. "Look I even managed to get Big Mac to give me some of your favorite apple cider that he had stored away! I had to cough up a few bits, but it was all worth it to see the look on your face! That's why I ran away this morning, I had to find some time too set all this up, sorry that my behavior was stinky! I would never run away from you any other time... never-ever!"

Pinkamena gathered her voice after finally letting the shock settle in, "Why... why did you do all this?"

Pinkie Pie stopped bouncing while slowly taking out her partying kazoo, and dropping her head with a nervous expression. She rubbed at one of her forelimbs, her ears tucked anxiously as she approached Pinkamena cautiously as if she were getting ready to face a dragon. Pinkamena sat down giving Pinkie the idea that she was open to talk about whatever it was that was bothering her, but it still didn't seem to calm her down much.

"Well... I hoped that perhaps, you might allow me to become your friend... maybe. I thought if I showed you how much I cared, and how badly I wanted us to be friends... you might consider it."

Pinkamena stuck her hoof out, "Pinkie... I-"

Before she could continue tears pricked the corners of her shaking companion and Pinkie blurted out a flurry of words and feelings, "I-I know we have had our differences. I... know you have been pushing me away, I call you my best friend, but you don't consider me one. You.... know me better than any pony, and it hurts me that you won't accept my friendship! My friends think I am strange, they think my parties are crazy.... but you were there for me, even though you didn't want to be at first!"

Pinkamena was silent as Pinkie wiped her watery eyes, she was desperately trying to keep her emotions in check, but she was failing terribly. She sniffed, her shoulders trembling as she avoided the friend she so badly needed and her soft gaze. This was a dumb idea.... just a big icky Pinkie Pie disaster! Pinkamena would never be her friend, she just didn't roll that way and never has, but she felt like she had a chance, and she was going to do anything to make it more successful.

The observing war-hardened veteran couldn't stand seeing Pinkie in such a miserable state; her heart had indeed locked up her feelings a long time ago. But something was starting to break out. Her heart was torn between following her destiny or following the feelings she critically wanted to show. The blood roaring in her ears, and the weight of guilt crushing her soul was enough to make her want to curl in a ball and just die. She hated this feeling, she hated it, she couldn't handle emotional distress! The world seemed to be screaming at her, time slowing down as her mind screamed choose... choose!

She couldn't get attached, she couldn't make friends! Pinkie Pie was just a figment she created because she knew one day she would have to be destroyed, but here she was... right now... at this moment... trying to decide what fate was more important. Her duty was to her mission, but her heart longed for friends and an adopted family she could live a loving and caring life with! No... NO this was too much to handle, her darting eyes and her hooves grabbing her mane just made the forest close more fiercely around her, she wanted to disappear.... forever! She cared about Pinkie, even though she was forbidden too, this was a punishment it had to be, forcing her to have to break the crying mare's heart. She couldn't... she wouldn't.... she would never, but she had to, yet she didn't! She could have what she wanted, she could have her dream, but at what price?

She was hyperventilating for the first time in thousands of years, her inner scream begging to be let out! Pinkie had to be sacrificed, she couldn't be saved, she had to get her head together! There was no other option, she didn't have a say or a choice, she had to make the hard decision, and every pony depended on it. She couldn't ignore her feelings anymore, the guilt she carried and the sorrow in Pinkie's eyes tore the last shred of sanity she had. She couldn't do it.

Pinkamena fell to the ground her legs shaking along with her panicked and weak breaths, Pinkie Pie lifted her head to see her clutching the dirt with a clenched jaw.

"I.... can't."

Pinkie Pie seemed devastated, her heart dropping into the pit of her stomach. She couldn't help but cower, bringing her belly to the ground wanting to bury herself and be forgotten.

Pinkamena continued, "-I can't say no."

Pinkie Pie's ears perked up with a slight ray of hope, she crawled slowly on her belly before peering up into Pinkamena's lost eyes. She cupped her chin with her hoof softly, allowing Pinkamena to meet her tender and adoring look of compassion. She brought the stressed mare into an affectionate embrace, forcing the pony with the sealed fate to close her eyes and accept the hug.... she had become attached.

"I am sorry for scaring you... I meant I cannot say no to being friends."

Pinkie Pie stroked her sleek mane gingerly before whispering in her ear. "Does this mean we are BBFLs?"

She heard Pinkamena laugh a little before hugging her a much tighter. "As long as you think of a better name, yes."

When they broke from the hug, Pinkie had the biggest smile she had ever seen. Her eyes gleamed with such admiration for her and glee that it practically made her feel the same way! Pinkie bounced super high all of the sudden and her face lit up as if she remembered that she had to go to a wedding or something. She trotted in place for a moment, biting her lip as her cheeks grew red from trying to keep in an excited scream.

"I sort of made you something, its a gift to seal the friendship! I don't know what I would have done if you would have said no, but I went ahead and made you something anyway. Wait here, I promise I will be right back! Please don't go anywhere, we still have a party to attend after all!"

Before Pinkamena could say a word Pinkie zipped faster than a speeding Pegasus, almost making Pinkamena think that she could rival Dash Hole's speed! Once the squeals and sloppy hoof-steps were gone, she was left alone in the carefully planned party that Pinkie had made just for her. She found herself smiling, it felt good to know she was friends with Pinkie Pie, but for some odd reason something didn't feel... right.

"Oh dear Celestia, I thought she would never leave!" An irritated voice said from above, Pinkamena looked up to see Chrysalis hugging a tree branch that didn't look like it could support her weight much longer.

Her wings gently took her down from the tree, as she cursed when leaves got caught in her mane. Once she was in front of Pinkamena, she stood tall before giving a swift bow.

"You can't be here, Pinkie Pie will be back soon! Get out of here!" Pinkamena said shoving her towards the other side of the little clearing that held the party.

"Oh Chrysalis, thank you ever so much for going all over Equestria to find an army of creatures for our cause!" The Changeling mumbled as Pinkamena continued pushing her away from the table of sweets. "Why wasn't I invited to this pathetic social gathering? It's not like I'm not fun, I am a queen! and I think this is rather distasteful, I could have thrown a much better party then that lame pink imbecile."

The queen snatched a cupcake off of the platter before Pinkamena slapped it out of her hoof. "Why are you even here? How can you see me without Shadowbound?"

Chrysalis grabbed another cupcake much to 'Soul Seeker's' annoyance. "How rude, I thought you would be more pleased to hear of what information I have acquired. You were the one who told me to report back." She bit into the cupcake before spitting it out and gagging! "This is the most disgusting pile of trash I have ever come across, I could make a far better cupcake fit for a mare like yourself, another reason why I should have been invited."

Shadowbound poked his head out from behind a bush before hissing, "Chrysalis, I told you to wait until Pinkamena was alone!"

The Changeling Queen rolled her eyes, "She is alone now that the pest is gone! As for how I can see you, your little annoying lap dog decided to teach me his spell."

Pinkamena stomped her hoof! "Why are you both here! You could ruin my cover!"

Shadowbound tucked his ears, "I am sorry I tried to get her to wait, but she thinks she is entitled to whatever she wants!"

Chrysalis scoffed, "I am a QUEEN, I always get what I want. Besides, you are a huge thorn in my side, and I take orders from Soul Seeker, not her pet."

The queen smirked, as Shadowbound growled and smashed his head angrily against the Changeling's as they stared challengingly at each other. Chrysalis stuck her tongue out fluttering it insultingly, as the demon before her hissed baring his fangs at the disrespectful creature. Shadowbound was preparing to fight the one who had called him a "pet," but before he could literally spit fire, Pinkamena came in-between them both before separating them with two hooves pushing away their faces.

"Enough, both of you! Just tell me why you are here so you can go!"

Chrysalis made a mocking face at Shadowbound one last time before clearing her throat, "Well as your more useful ally I traveled all over Equestria collecting information. Now as you requested, I was not spotted, and happen to bring some good news."

Shadowbound hissed, "You complained the whole time and demanded I carry you! You walked for like three minutes!"

The chitin hoof of the black creature quickly hushed the demon, as she smiled cheekily at Pinkamena before continuing. "There are three useful and magical creatures that will provide more power to your army. One happens to be a king, that ruled the Crystal Empire long ago before his defeat by some measly crystal heart. The second is some magic-sucking old centaur that I wasted little time with, and the third is some Pegasus that tried to take over Equestria."

Pinkamena nodded, "What are the names and locations?"

Chrysalis released Shadowbound's mouth before waving her hoof in the air as she thought, "That is just it isn't it. Their locations are challenging to get into or don't exist, two are in Tartarus and the other shattered into pieces after being defeated."

"The names are King Sombra, Lord Tirek and Cozy Glow-" Shadowbound said quickly, as the queen hushed him harshly.

"I am speaking, little demon!" She barked.

Pinkamena caught his hoof before he could slug the Changeling, as she smugly crossed her forelimbs and stuck her nose in the air. The mare in charge of the crazy gang slowly processed what they had said, she had only three options? With two of them in Tartarus, and one whose location was unknown she could only guess that they were defeated by the elements and probably would do anything for their freedom.

Chrysalis put her hoof on Pinkamena's shoulder. "So sorry to interrupt your thinking, but what is our next move Soul Seeker?"

Shadowbound's ears flicked, as his head shot up in alarm, "Guys.. some pony is-"

"Oh, you are so annoying! If I could, I would throw you in my dungeon! That is if I still had my hive-"

"No seriously Chrysalis, she's-"

Pinkamena was too deep in thought to hear the leaves rustling behind her before her ears picked up on a blood-curdling scream. They all shot looks in the direction of the sound, only to see Pinkie Pie with a delicately wrapped gift drop from her mouth. Her eyes were huge, her mouth agape, as she took in everything around her, Pinkamena's heart stopped, and her eyes grew just as wide.

Chrysalis broke the silence, "Oh fantastic now we have to dispose of her. This is all your fault Shadowbound!"

Pinkie Pie looked towards the ground, Shadowbound... she has heard that somewhere.. yes he was the henchpony of.... of...

She looked up to see Pinkamena's broken stare, "You can't be... you couldn't be... you are my friend... you would never do this to me! You can't be Soul Seeker!"

The queen snorted, "Of course she's Soul-" she was stopped abruptly as Shadowbound desperately covered her mouth.

Pinkie's eyes watered, tears rushing out and down her chin. Pinkamena couldn't meet her eyes knowing they were filled with betrayal and distrust. When she heard the loud sobs coming from Pinkie Pie, she pressed her hooves in the dirt so hard she was afraid her hooves would crack, but she didn't care. The crying and broken pony before her fell to the ground, her weeping unable to be held back anymore. Her heart was shattered, Pinkamena didn't know what to do, her secret was out, and she knew Pinkie Pie would never listen to her over the princess.

"I... have to warn every pony, you are a monster.....Pinkamena! You are going to take the lives of every pony I care about, I..... I loved you, I... I-I trusted you!"

Pinkamena's anger flooded through her, Celestia was the monster... and she took away one of the only ponies she cared about, "Celestia is lying to you Pinkie Pie! You have to believe me!"

The world seemed to stop, but before any pony could say a word, Pinkie Pie shook her head in disbelief, squeezing her eyes shut before taking off. Chrysalis flexed her wings to prepare for flight, but Pinkamena's rage-filled eyes and her shouting words forced her to stop, "Stay here! I have to handle this!"

With those words Pinkamena ran, she forced all the energy she had into her hooves racing after her broken best-friend. Her mind was alive with pleas, answers, and anything she could do to convince Pinkie Pie that she was not the enemy! Her heart was pounding so fiercely, she could feel it pumping in her knotted throat. Sticks tore at her body and leaves plastered themselves against her face from her blinding speed. The pink pony running for her life was in sight, but Pinkamena's voice was too hoarse to be heard over the roaring wind.

Pinkie's flowing tears hit her face, as she became in almost hoof's reach of her tail. She was so sorry, so, so sorry! Her friend had to understand, she just had to, she was not a monster, she never was! Her heart was only filled with love for Pinkie Pie, and she would do anything to find another way so that she could live! The hating aura that spilled off of her mourning best friend was enough to prove to her that their friendship was over... destroyed... gone... never again to resurface.

Pinkamena leapt with all her strength, tackling Pinkie Pie and forcing her to look into her hovering eyes. "Pinkie Pie listen to me! Celestia is evil, she is using you! Once she knows you are of no use to her, and your element doesn't work on me she will kill you!"

Pinkie kicked, squirmed, clawed and bit to try and force Pinkamena to let her go, she screamed and cried, howling with painful wails of betrayal, "You lied to me all this time, you are going to murder Celestia, you murdered all those ponies, you.... you were going to kill my friends weren't you?"

The dirt was being ripped up from under them, as Pinkamena allowed Pinkie to lash out at her in fear. The rubbing against her pinning hind-limb was starting to grow red from her friend's struggle, but she didn't let go... she had to explain herself! Pinkamena couldn't see Pinkie Pie like this, angry and... scared of her terrified of what she was, and what Celestia had forced into her mind. It made her physically sick, her vision blurry, as she watched the one she cared for try and crawl away from her with the impression that she was a...a...murderer!

Pinkamena couldn't lie, not to her like this, "I never wanted to fight your friends, I just wanted to defeat Celestia! I never killed any pony, that's a lie! Pinkie, I would never hurt you... we were friends... and we still are!"

Pinkie headbutted her nose, forcing her to loosen a little but not enough to where she could escape. "No, we aren't friends, let me go! I... I have to warn Celestia, how could you do this to us? You were the only friend... I-I had left!"

Her voice was shrill, almost painfully high as her heart-wrenching cries for help thinned out the last line of defense keeping Pinkamena from breaking as well. She felt something wet slide down her cheek, and along with the first, came a second... she was for the first time in her life crying.

This was so painful, relentlessly tearing at her very soul. Her strength was drained, and the very aspect of her being was quickly withering away. She was not strong, not anymore, her toughness and her logic just vanished in a puff of smoke, along with anything and everything that had to do with her mission. She didn't care about the rest of the world, she didn't care about anything other than Pinkie Pie, their bond, and making this stop!

"Pinkie Pie I am not a monster, you have to believe me!" Pinkamena croaked, her tears dribbling down her chin as Pinkie tried to cover her ears.

"You've manipulated me all this time... I believed you... all you wanted was to break my friendship with my friends, that's why you sent Shadowbound.... the doozy I felt..... I-It r-really was you, b-but I had faith because I was....blind!"

Pinkamena was too weakened to keep her stance, and eventually, Pinkie Pie overpowered her. She was kicked off, but the mare that tried to pick herself up was almost too shaky to stand as well. Her tear-stained mane stuck to her face was growing flat, as she tried to gather enough strength so she could run far, far away from whatever it was that she used to consider a friend!

It was no use, she wouldn't be able to convince her. Her mind was too entangled with the words of her princess, and the fear she had would block her from ever even hearing Pinkamena's sincere pleas. As she watched Pinkie Pie finally gather her footing, she realized that she didn't care anymore if she were to be struck down right here and now by Celestia. Nothing mattered to her she lost everything, her friend, their friendship, her future, her dreams, shattered and blown into oblivion. She didn't care if crying was weak to her, her throbbing heart ached with wishes that Pinkie would just understand her, pull her into a hug, and tell her that everything was going to be okay.

Pinkie stumbled away from her, she had to stop her, she wouldn't understand today.... but she had to protect her even though she was despised. She couldn't tell Celestia, or every pony would die... along with her!

"Pinkie you have to stop," she said hoarsely, but she was ignored as the mare started to gain speed by running away. So she yelled with everything she had while sticking her hoof out to catch the unreachable, "Pinkie Pie you need to STOP!"

Along with her echoing words, for some reason she did.

Pinkamena's hoof was still outstretched, but her eyes were clenched tight just wanting this nightmare to end. When she didn't hear anymore wobbling hoof-steps, she opened her eyes along with the heavy fear resting on her shoulders. Pinkie Pie's back was stiffened, her tail facing Pinkamena, and not one muscle moving. Pinkamena breathed shakily, before looking at her glowing hoof pointed outwards towards the immobile friend she cared so much about.

Pinkie Pie was officially broken. Her magic was now in her possession once again, only this time it was because her alter personality was at such a low point that Pinkamena could now...

Take over.

Her element was dead, broken, damaged, all because of Pinkamena. Their friendship had granted her freedom, in a way she liked once before, but the betrayal was the final stepping stone. She had wanted to split from Pinkie Pie in a friendly way, like what was happening when she came out of the mirror.... but that was not how it happened. Pinkamena was sobbing as she looked at her magic forcing Pinkie Pie to stay in one place, her wails of sorrow making her hoof shake as she forced herself to do what she had to... what she had to do all along.

She saw Pinkie's full appearance, her mane was straightened, her tail the same way... representing just how depressed and shattered she was. Pinkamena slowly looked down to see her matching Cutie Mark glowing in response to Pinkie's, the soft light beckoning her to do what she had planned a long time ago. She was no longer doing this because of her family, she was doing this because she had to free Pinkie Pie, even if she wouldn't understand. This was the most painful moment of her life, but she had to do it... she had no choice.

"I am so... sorry... Pinkie Pie... I-I have to..."

She closed her eyes tightly as her magic forced Pinkie to turn around, she sat her facing Pinkamena's mane-hidden face as their Cutie Marks continued to glow. She would find a way to save Pinkie Pie's life, along with that of her friends, and Celestia would pay.... she swore on it! Pinkamena was hesitant to look into the frozen expression on the quiet mare's face, she was petrified.... of her.

With one last look of shame, Pinkamena released her magic.

A void of darkness split under the hooves of Pinkie Pie, as long shadow-like claws gripped the legs of her former friend. Pinkamena felt herself being pushed by some invisible dark force, carefully sliding her closer and closer towards Pinkie Pie's unmoving body. Her Black Magic was fusing them, forcing Pinkie to be forever trapped in Pinkamena's mind until the day came where she severed the ties between herself and the Elements.

With a bright light, Pinkamena closed her eyes and felt herself melting into the mare she knew would never talk to her again. Along with a booming flash of lighting overhead she had only one last thought before merging.

I am so sorry.

When the light dispersed, leaving the calmness of the forest to reside once again. The stillness in the air was not enough to keep everything around it from holding its breath, as a pink pony stood unmoving in the light drizzle that was falling from the sky. Pools of water collected around her hooves, as the glaring Cutie Mark of black balloons marked her flank. Her mane was straight, her eyes closed as the tears started to fall and drip into the puddles of water that formed around her sinking legs.

She opened her ruby-red eyes, it was done.

She felt the rushing power swarming around in her body, a magic that could rival any foe. It was stirring, restless, as it bubbled up into her chest while her teeth mashed together so fiercely her anger could be felt for miles. Pinkie Pie was gone, she no longer would have that bubbly pony to cheer her up anymore, all because Celestia made her out to be a monster! She felt herself shaking with fury, her mane trembling as her eyes locked themselves upward from her rising head. With a scream from her torturous pain, she spilled out her emotions to the storm above her.

The screech could be heard all over Equestria as a volt of her Black Magic sprang from her body and ripped the clouds hanging overhead apart. The powerful beam of magic swirled, mixing with lightning, and creating a savage gust of wind that was tearing the trees around her from the ground! The furious tears mixed with despair were running down her cheeks as her magic caused the grass around her to wither and deteriorate. The mix of black and green colors in the sky would be noticed by just about every corner around Equestria with no difficulty. Ponies looked out of their window, sensing the most intense wave of magic they have ever felt. It was creating a wild storm which started to become a danger, injuring ponies that tried to take cover indoors.

Shadowbound and Chrysalis were speeding towards the heart of the magical swirl above them, easily avoiding the Royal Guard who could not get past the solid wall of wind knocking them back. The Changeling Queen hid behind the protective wall that Shadowbound created to combat the magic, as they both spotted Pinkamena howling with her raised forelimbs clutching the air in agony.

They both landed, dodging uprooted trees as they watched the scene unfold. The ground was shaking, and Chrysalis had a hard time keeping her balance as she gawked at Soul Seeker with fearful eyes.

"So.... much.... power." she stuttered, as Shadowbound crept closer to his best-friend who seemed to be.... crying?

The demon had never seen her cry, but it was not the time to bring it up. She needed him, she was broken, and what she was producing was distress magic. Black Magic becomes more powerful with negative feelings, and the danger was that if she didn't get control, it would overtake her. She knew how to channel it, but for some reason, she was letting it just spill out wildly from her without much of a care.

"Pinkamena you have to stop, every creature in Equestria can see the magic you are producing!"

He got no response, so he crawled closer as plants and trees were flung in the vicious vortex of wind above him. The sound of the sizzling magic and the tearing wind was drowning out his voice, he was not sure she could even hear him if he were to shout straight into her ear! Once he got close enough to reach out and touch her, he quickly pulled his hoof back once her magic bleeding out of her fur burned him. He yelped as the magic still made his hoof throb, but he knew he needed to do something... she was in so much pain!

Shadowbound threw his fore-limbs around her and brought her into a hug. The pain was excruciating, melting his body every second he hung on. The tears Pinkamena was producing was the only thing that kept his inflamed skin cool, as she rested her chin on him sobbing into his shoulder. He wrapped his wings around her, even though they started to sizzle and incinerate as well. Tears of pain pricked his eyes, but he didn't let go, he refused to!

The Changeling Queen cowered, holding her head with her hooves as Shadowbound started to calm Pinkamena. The magic that she was producing was drying up, and the lightning and wind were actually becoming tranquil as he felt his best-friend return his embrace and the heat die down. Once the green and black colors melted back into the combined storm clouds, and the light drizzle continued once more, he decided to stroke the sniffing and hiccupping mare slouched against him.

The trees and vegetation the storm had sucked up fell down almost making Chrysalis's eyes bug out of her skull. He promised he would always be there for Pinkamena, and this moment made it all worth it. Her unbroken stream of tears was still not quelled, but she seemed to be feeling better with Shadowbound gently whispering words of encouragement and soothing her. It pained him to no end seeing her like this, and he knew she had to make the most difficult choice she had ever made, which he had a feeling lead to her breaking down.

"No matter what, we will get through this... I won't let anything bad happen to you."

Pinkamena clutched him tighter, Celestia will never get away with this, she would save Pinkie Pie with every ounce of power she had! She swore it!