Author's Notes:

*Sniff Sniff* I smell drama, and lots of it! It's about time for another chapter am I right? Do not worry the wait will be worth it, there will be humor, there will be fights, and there will drama all throughout the chapter! Pinkamena has officially beaten Tirek, and has busted out Cozy Glow... hmmm I wonder how this will fair. Cozy has a little bit of her background revealed, and some of it explained... interesting. If you like the story, tell me about it in the comments! I love feedback, as long as it is constructive! Alright I will stop talking your ear off, enjoy!

Happy Halloween, well almost.... might add some Nightmare Night stuff in the next chapter bwhahaha!

The group of villains officially had Tirek join the team, and he was not happy about it but didn't question anything once he noticed finally what kind of magic Pinkamena used. He felt used, and a bit stupid for his cocky attitude once Chrysalis laughed at him all the way back to Ponyville. He abided by his deal, carrying the entire group on his back while stomping angrily towards whatever place Soul Seeker beckoned him to. He was steaming, but he lost, and that was only because he didn't know the immortal legend that almost wiped out Celestia and her forces was alive! Of course he knew who she was, her face just had never been seen, and he was too excited about his freedom to notice exactly what she was hiding.

He would never challenge Soul Seeker to another duel, that much was certain. Unfortunately, his new place among the group was at the bottom, even below Cozy Glow! His tyrant personality was not very well liked, and he had to hear Chrysalis making fun of him while he carried his team over hills and valleys.

"I am Lord Tirek, God of all mortals! I will challenge any pony to a duel, and get my butt severely handed to me! My power is equal to that of a rabbit, bow to me!" Chrysalis said, her body now a miniature version of Tirek as she imitated his voice perfectly.

"Hee-hee, that's what I had to listen to the entire time I was locked up!" Cozy Glow laughed, stomping her hooves on the great Centaur's fur with applause.

"Huzzah! Queen Chrysalis has amused me! I demand more of this mockery!" Luna cheered, sticking her hoof in the air with a tremendous filly-like smile.

Tirek growled, before turning his head to look at the creatures laughing together at his defeat. "I wouldn't have dueled Pinkamena if I knew who she was! I am not stupid!"

Cozy Glow's eyes turned rather harsh as she yelled back with a vein popping out of her neck, "keep walking! You are not invited to this private party!"

The Magic Thief Lord simply whipped his head back around with a quick dance of frustration. He was surrounded by idiots, all of them! His defeat was humiliating, but they were all acting like they would have fared better; they all lost against her too! Pinkamena or... Soul Seeker had explained their mission to him before all the joking and degrading took place. She told him she wanted to duel him, to test out her strengths and her weaknesses and he seemed to be the perfect target to make a fool out of. He was ashamed that he was so easily defeated, but his arrogant ways were what caused his downfall twice now; forcing him to rethink his strategy.

"I also think it is rather humorous when we all took on Soul Seeker, Shadowbound looked awfully petrified the moment we charged!" Luna giggled, watching as Chrysalis poked her chest teasingly.

"Says the moon pony who had to be shoved out of the way by Pinkamena, to avoid getting fried!"

Luna tapped her chin tauntingly, "As I recall it was you who got zapped by your own magic and got 'fried' as you speak of it."

The Queen's cheeks flushed red as she bared her fangs. "At least I didn't forfeit!"

Shadowbound giggled, nudging Pinkamena who was sipping on a drink that Chrysalis had somehow managed to 'borrow' from a town they snuck through. It was a half-split coconut shell, with pineapple and mango juices mixed into the milk; with a little paper umbrella. She thought it was rather tasty, but was confused that such a tropical drink was even being offered so far from the beach.

Pinkamena's best-friend was offered some of the drink, which he accepted before speaking, "don't fret over the little Changeling Luna, she always chooses salty over the hundreds of other flavors she could be."

The Queen reared back in surprise, "I am not salty! I was just pointing out a fact!"

Pinkamena laughed, "Chrysalis you are the saltiest out of all of us... even compared to me!"

Cozy Glow clopped her hooves together excitedly, "no, no, Pinkamena that won't do! You aren't salty Miss if I were to describe your flavor you'd be the sweetest kind!"

The group agreed, as Pinkamena carefully rubbed the top of Cozy Glow's head affectionately. "Thanks, kid."

"I'd say my flavor is spicy, the kind that makes tears of pain flow down the cheeks of ponies that consume the hottest peppers in Equestria!" Tirek said, balling his raised fists with a malicious grin.

Cozy Glow lifted her eyebrow, "no... I would agree that it would be pungent though.. the kind that makes you want to run out of a public restroom in Manehattan!"

Tirek cursed himself mentally for setting himself up, before pouting and thinking of another way to de-throne the others and their ranks. They burst out laughing at Cozy Glow's comment, as they continued this flavor game that Shadowbound had started.

"I ask that you assign me, this strange title of 'flavor' that the group has bestowed upon the others," Luna said. Her smile was still on her face, as her mane blew in the night wind with her eyes closed proudly.

Chrysalis couldn't contain her joy as she spoke up before any other creature could. "Exotic!"

Luna's face melted as she immediately glared at the Queen while her Canterlot voice boomed. "Did thou just insult us by calling the Royal Princess of the Night a.... a.... shameless concubine?"

Pinkamena squinted. "That's an odd way of describing it."

Chrysalis covered Cozy Glow's ears with a smug smile. "My goodness Luna, tone down the naughtiness! I would never even dream of insulting you that way! You are in the presence of a filly, start acting like a princess!"

Luna stomped her hoof making Tirek yelp, "I see your grin! You know exactly what you were poking at!"

Shadowbound spoke up. "I think what she was TRYING to say, your highness, is that you are different and not a cookie cutter like every pony else. You are special in a way that makes you stand above others, and a great characteristic to have!"

Luna wrapped her hooves around the demon, before burying her face in his fur. Her sudden move made him blush in embarrassment, as Pinkamena sipped her drink wiggling her eyebrows at him. Shadowbound gave his friend an annoyed look, as the princess's thankful hugs started to crush him. Chrysalis released Cozy Glow's ears, as the Pegasus swatted her away playfully until she took her seat next to Pinkamena; who was making sounds at the two creatures embracing while howling with laughter.

Tirek rubbed his chin, while his hooves trudged through a shallow pond. Fog covered the surface, as sounds of swamp animals croaked and called under the pale light of the moon.

"Luna has been around for thousands of years, wouldn't that mean she would have had many lovers during her long amount of private time?" Tirek asked as Luna pointed a threatening hoof at him.

The group held in their laughter as she defended herself. "We do not waste our time on such shameful acts, the only thing worthy of our alone-time is playing games! Thee speak with lies!"

Cozy Glow giggled. "That's right the rumor was posted all over Equestria Rumors Revealed I got delivered to the school, that Luna was a huge, gigantic, gamer!"

Chrysalis played with a clump of Tirek's fur as Pinkamena replied, "I heard that Luna loved to play games, she sometimes would get yelled at by Celestia for doing that instead of her job. Sometimes even going all night, and forgetting to lower to moon the next morning. Equestria Rumors Revealed is like the best magazine to read."

Luna stuck her nose up. "That is the only rumor that is true, every other accusation is a lie."

The black-armored Changeling pawed at a frazzled piece of fur. "Hey, Luna." She asked as the princess turned to the queen while Chrysalis continued playing with Tirek's hair. She kept her eyes locked on the tuft before speaking once more. "If you were a game.... you'd be rated E for everypony."

Pinkamena spat out her drink, almost choking herself as Luna's horn glared with massive amounts of magic. Tirek held in his laugh, as a massive echoing blast blew Chrysalis halfway across the world metaphorically; and off of the Centaur's back. The moon princess sat heaving, her nostrils flaring as her horn sizzled from the aftermath of the magic she summoned. Her eyes were twitching, and her teeth mashed as she watched the Changeling crash into a boulder face-first. The poor queen was smashed like a pancake, and her groans of pain were enough to satisfy Luna as she took a deep breath and relaxed. Cozy Glow covered her mouth with her hoof, as she forced her growing giggles to cease, afraid of angering the Alicorn any further.

Tirek turned to look at Chrysalis before he kept walking, "I am not going back for her."

The smashed queen mumbled, as her body fell from the rock and plopped on the grass. Pinkamena patted the princess, before offering her some of her drink which made her frustration immediately melt away. Luna took a sip and did a little happy dance, before snuggling back down in her spot with a cheerful and cheeky smile. Cozy Glow was making herself comfortable next to her new friend Soul Seeker, as she playfully braided her tail in an effort to entertain herself along Tirek's journey back to Ponyville.

Shadowbound whispered to the mare next to him. "Why exactly are we riding a Centaur, can't you just teleport us back to Ponyville?"

Pinkamena nudged him impishly, "And miss all this bonding time? Heck no!"

Cozy Glow leaned on her hoof, "I really love spending time with you guys, especially since we are all in the same little club called 'villains' right?"

"We are not all villains, some of us prefer vigilantes.... also Pinkamena and I haven't tried to take over Equestria," Luna said, winking at Cozy Glow in a friendly way.

Cozy Glow frowned. "Well you see Miss Luna, I was not just aiming to take over Equestria like it all seemed."

Pinkamena smirked. "Cozy you drained Equestria of all its magic so every pony would bow to the Empress of Friendship... or whatever, sounds pretty take-over like to me. Also what is up with creatures sucking, draining, and stealing magic there are better ways to get what you want instead of taking all the magic."

Tirek raised a claw, "Technically we want to take magic so we have the most powerful magic and no pony, creature, princess or whatever can stand against us... that's like villain basics. Take power from your enemy, so they are harmless, most common trick in the book."

Luna rolled her eyes sipping her drink. "That explains why you took all the Alicorn magic."

"Alright guys, let me ask you this question. I know you are smart, so I am sure you will get it right!" Cozy Glow said blissfully, before letting all eyes fall on her and continuing. "What happens when you take the magic out of Equestria?"

Chrysalis landed on Tirek's back without a complaint to Luna, as she flicked rocks out of her mane. "Duh, everything stops working... spells, horns, artifacts, just about everything so why would any pony or creature want it all gone?"

Cozy Glow nodded. "Exactly Miss, now my second question is; what is Celestia's and Equestria's greatest power?"

"Her magic, or more so the Elements of Harmony," Luna said.

"Mhmm, now we are getting somewhere... now what are the Elements of Harmony's main power, the sixth element precisely and what do they power?"

Cozy Glow blinked with a grin as Tirek answered, "the sixth element is magic and the most powerful of them all. They all power the Tree of Harmony which is the main defense.... for Celestia and her kingdom."

The Pegasus patted Tirek's back. "Very good Sir, now let's put all this together. What would happen to the tree if all it's magic were to be drained... and the Element's power sucked to another dimension?"

Pinkamena took a huge breath, scaring almost every creature. "It would... die without its magic! It would safely take out the magic from the mares representing it without killing them! The magic would be out of them, and we could destroy just their magic without harming any pony!" The mare snatched up Cozy Glow's face in an effort to express her enthusiasm, "Cozy you are a genius!"

The filly hugged Pinkamena as the mare bonked her own head and cheered as Cozy spoke up. "Exactly and what is the number one threat we are trying to face?"

Chrysalis gasped. "The Tree of Harmony! We are trying to stop it from using its magic to destroy what it views as disharmony! Without both the Elements or magic... it cannot continue its plan and die!"

"Bingo!" Cozy Glow yelled.

Pinkamena couldn't believe it, Cozy Glow had found her solution! When the little filly sucked out the magic of Equestria, it took their magic along with any of the tree's along with it! They didn't die then, so it basically meant there was a way to separate them from the tree without destroying them! The sixth element, magic, is what Twilight possessed which was told to be the most powerful because that was the tree's life force! Without magic, it will ultimately wither and decay, rendering any pony that was in danger of it completely safe! Not to mention Celestia would be powerless as well, and the Elements unusable anyway!

"Wait, wait... Pinkamena didn't you say destroying the Elements of Harmony, or really Pinkie Pie and the others would kill the tree? Why don't we still do that?" Chrysalis asked.

Pinkamena was now pacing on Tirek's back before responding. "No I said it would weaken the tree, but that meant sacrificing them to get there. The tree would still be able to communicate with Celestia, or even so form another power, but completely sucking out magic would kill the tree entirely!"

Luna pursed her lips. "But without magic, this world will die too! Not just the tree if it is destroyed!"

Cozy Glow smiled softly, "I know, but did I ever say I wanted to destroy it?"

"She never said she was aiming to destroy it, she just brought it to another dimension," Tirek said tapping his chin as he continued walking.

"Exactly, bringing it to another dimension was not destroying it. Basically, I planned to destroy the tree all along, since my discovery of its intent. The magic stolen will just sit in the dimension without harming any pony! Tee-hee, and with my dear friend Pinkamena's help, we can separate the bad magic from the good because it is all in one place, destroying what we want and returning the rest!"

Shadowbound gaped, "this filly is..... a mastermind.... how?"

"Do you understand why I was thrown in Tartarus now?" Cozy Glow giggled.

Pinkamena knocked her head, "you were thrown in there because you knew about Celestia and the tree's act. You figured her out, and you figured out a way to stop them! She was scared of you, she knew if it were possible for you to get out of anywhere else you could easily foil her reputation and plans once more!"

"Correcto! My punishment makes a lot more sense now doesn't it! Hee-hee!"

Pinkamena had been blessed with an option that would not just solve her problems, it would make Celestia powerless, save Pinkie Pie, and rid the world of any magic she wanted to destroy! How did Cozy Glow figure this all out, how did she outsmart just about every pony in Equestria?

"Cozy Glow, how did you manage to find out about Celestia's plan?" Pinkamena asked, as the filly snuggled against her fur.

"Well in Twilight's class she specifically said and I quote 'The Tree of Harmony remains one of the most powerful sources of magic known to Ponydom.' She then mentions, '-and though it has been at the root, of magic and friendship from the moment, it was planted.' afterwards, I started to poke around to learn more about it, and then Smolder, and her friends got tested by the tree under the school. I then decided to spy on the Tree of Harmony, because I thought it's ways of testing my classmates were a bit... strange."

Luna cocked her head, "How so?"

Cozy Glow shrugged. "Apparently by trapping them with their worst fears. Anyways, over a few days, I kept going under the school to watch the tree... because something didn't feel quite right. One day, I saw Princess Celestia speaking with it, and since I am not a Unicorn she couldn't sense my magic, and because I am small and can fly she couldn't hear me. I hid among the rocks of the cave, and I heard her asking the tree what her next move was. My friends saw Twilight when they encountered its roots, but I saw.... a creature that looked scary and evil! The tree told Celestia that it was time.... to wipe out all that is viewed to be imperfect!"

"Why did the tree test the students, that doesn't make sense... they passed for a reason... why?" Pinkamena mumbled.

"They were test subjects, I am afraid Miss. The tree was deciding what races deserved to live, and which ones to... anyways, it was testing their magic and their friendship, and they passed because they created harmony between each other. Yaks, Dragons, Griffons, Hippogriffs, Changelings, and ponies are considered safe to the tree, but not all of them. I assume now it is going to pick off the ones that do not possess the friendship my classmates had."

Chrysalis spoke. "So if say a pony were to not have this magic of friendship... like Twilight has thrown towards pretty much every creature of Equestria that 'friendship is possible for every creature big or small' the pony would be destroyed?"

"Not just ponies, any creature that doesn't like making friends, or causes rifts in harmony.... this can vary from grumps, selfish dragons, changelings in other hives, even races that don't even know about the magic in friendship yet." Shadowbound said, chewing his lip nervously.

"Yes, that is why I had to do such an awful thing. The Tree of Harmony is evil because friendship is power, it is not something happy and go-lucky that Twilight is teaching. It is purposefully weeding out the creatures that are disharmony because it wants to become more powerful.... friendship makes it stronger, and it thinks creatures like them are a lost cause."

"We must stop this at all costs!" Tirek said, stomping his hoof into the dirt.

"Oh, we will little Tirek, especially since Soul Seeker is with us!" Cozy Glow said hugging Pinkamena's leg happily.

"I hate to burst every creature's bubble, but without magic... how are we going to fight against swords and Celestia's army? She has thousands of battle-experienced soldiers who don't always rely on their horns." Luna asked.

The little Pegasus made a disapproving sound while flicking her hoof. "Oh that's easy... the spell only takes Equestrian magic, don't you know anything about Black Magic Miss?"

Pinkamena laughed with realization. "Of course! Black Magic comes from another realm! It isn't tied down to every other magic unicorns, and other ponies use! The spell you used, took every type of spell, or magic embedded within ponies and artifacts in Equestria! My magic didn't originate naturally here and is not Equestrian, it was brought here by demons! My magic won't be taken!"

"Yeah, baby! Home free!" Chrysalis hollered, as she whistled to the clouds above.

The group yelled and cheered, as they slapped each other's backs and felt hope for the first time in a long while. Pinkamena couldn't help but take a relaxed breath, there was another option. Pinkie Pie and her friends didn't have to die, and there was a chance she wouldn't have to be the villain Celestia made her out to be. Shadowbound noticed her trembling forelimbs, and her heavy breathing as he slipped his head under her chin.

She felt his warm flames touching her face, as she almost felt a relieved tear start to form. She never knew she could find comfort among a group of outcasts, but now that she looked at them, hugging and grinning at each other.... it seemed different now. They didn't seem to be outcasts anymore, they found acceptance in each other, and they all looked like they were enjoying themselves. Chrysalis hoof-bumped with Luna and they both smiled happily before cheering once more, Cozy Glow looked like she was chatting with Tirek who was giving a hearty laugh for the first time in ages. Pinkamena didn't believe they were friends..... not one bit, but she hoped one day it would come to the villains feeling comfortable admitting the possibility to themselves.

Tirek held the little filly in his hand, as he squinted. "Hey we made it! Huh, could have sworn the walk was longer than that..... strange."

The Centaur lowered Cozy to the ground, as the other creatures hopped down from his back. The criminal gang stood on a hill overlooking the dark Ponyville, not one pony was out, and the silence was very relaxing. The wind blew through the manes and tails of the creatures enjoying the view, as Cozy Glow walked in front of the group inhaling the air through her nose in a deep breath.

"What do we do now, Soul Seeker?" Luna asked, resting her gentle hoof on her companion's shoulder.

Pinkamena turned to face the team. "We will split into groups. I need two couples to do something for me."

Tirek crossed his arms, "I am not going with Chrysalis."

The Changeling hissed, as the Lord laughed deeply at her angry reaction. Pinkamena needed to find Sombra, his dark power would be useful especially since he was older. Cozy Glow needed artifacts to perform the spell, and she was sure that Celestia has probably scattered them all over and locked them up. She needed to recruit Sombra, but she didn't know how to weaken the crystal heart so his shattered form could resurface. She needed Sombra for a critical part of her plan since he could break up his mortal body which very few could do.

"I need Tirek and Cozy Glow, you two need to find out where Celestia took those artifacts that Cozy used. Protect her Tirek and do not get caught, and Cozy don't let him destroy anything or make a huge commotion." Pinkamena said, as the team nodded their heads in agreement, "Luna and Shadowbound I need you both to find every kind of information regarding the crystal heart, what is it made of, what weakens it, why does it keep Sombra away, all of it."

Luna and Shadowbound saluted before replying, "Got it."

"Oh and Luna, don't let word get out that we busted out Cozy and Tirek, do not let Celestia visit Tartarus at any cost! If she goes there, warn me so we can cage them for a limited amount of time."

Luna bowed her head, "As you wish, Pinkamena."

The group looked at each other, before heading off to complete the tasks they were given. Luna and Shadowbound flew up in the air, as Cozy Glow flew up and perched in-between Tirek's horns as he lumbered off. Pinkamena slowly walked away from them before slamming into Chrysalis and landing on her rump, gazing up at her eager eyes.

"So, I guess it's just us....finally! The other villains are losers, but we have more class. So you have a super special mission for just us... right? Right?" The Changeling asked, bouncing up and down excitedly almost like Pinkie Pie. Pinkamena rubbed her head, Chrysalis's armor was pretty darn hard, might have given her a bruise just by walking into her like that.

"Well I was planning on pretending to be Pinkie Pie, I cannot exactly reveal myself or the truth about Pinkie until they are all safe from harm. Once we start draining magic, the tree won't have the ability to suck out their element, and it will be harmless. Until then, I have to keep them from asking questions.... but I really... really am bad at hiding my true feelings."

Chrysalis jumped onto Pinkamena's back making her grunt in surprise, "I am a changeling! I am practically the master at pretending to be some pony else! I would be perfect, I will make sure you don't slip up!"

"Okay, but you have to disguise yourself. You cannot talk, or change back around other ponies... and I mean it Chrysalis."

The queen giggled poking her cheek, "I already know what to do.... behold!"

A green aura swirled around the two of them, as Chrysalis started to melt down to something small. Her fangs began to shrink back into her gums, while scales formed on her hardened body, and her horn disappeared into the thin mane of hers. Her wings sank back into her back, as her hair shriveled up into bumpy green ridges that dotted across her forehead. When the magic sizzled and stopped circling them, a small little reptile with purple eyes blinked back at her. The little alligator that Pinkamena knew well smiled with a big toothless grin and a small giggle as Gummy took a bow.

"Very impressive, Chrysalis!" Pinkamena said towards the disguised Changeling.

The alligator on her back touched her chest, "I know... I am pretty useful. Now, how are you going to look like Pinkie Pie? Do you happen to have a changing spell on you? I don't think any hair salons are open this late."

"Black Magic comes with many advantages, one of them happens to include transformations. Dragons, ponies, cloud, rock, doesn't matter I am covered." Pinkamena said as Chrysalis danced with her webbed feet.

"Fantastic, I never doubted you for a second!"

Pinkamena took a deep breath, "Now it's your turn to behold!"

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

Celestia looked towards the moon, as she squinted frustratingly. Luna is out playing games again, isn't she? She's late..... where was she? The Alicorn pouted, as she walked from her chambers and down the hall within her Canterlot Castle. The mane she possessed was waving behind her, as her hooves slowly made sounds that echoed throughout the pathway guiding her to Luna's bedroom. She felt herself growing annoyed, Luna was always so... so.... non-professional and it was hard to keep defending her when every council was always questioning her kin.

The princess stood at the door with the crescent moon, before taking a deep breath and speaking her mind, "Luna I understand you are obsessed with Creature Hunter: Endless Night Two, but you do have duties!"

She knocked, sticking out her lip in frustration. Nothing could be heard from the door, and she assumed she must be listening to music or something stupid that caused her to forget the time. Celestia yawned, rubbing her tired eyes with her golden hoof before pushing open the door to Luna's room. When nothing could be seen except a trashed bedroom with scattered hay fries everywhere, and a half-open carton of ice-cream that was melted, Celestia sighed very loudly.

"If she had a coltfriend... or a few, she could have just told me, I really don't care. I just want her to lower the moon." Celestia complained, wiggling her knees in a pout.

"Don't tell me you are one of those ponies that believe that rumor catalog magazine," Luna's voice said.

The grumpy morning pony turned to face her sister who landed on the open balcony, before tucking in her wings. Celestia rubbed her forehead, as Luna picked up a fry from the floor and gobbled it up hungrily without even questioning her cleanliness.

"Where have you been Luna?" Celestia asked defeated, still rubbing her forehead as Luna stuck out her lip in defiance.

"Oh I'm sorry, I didn't know I had a curfew!"

The royal mare stuck her head up, as Luna perked her tail up high while she activated her horn. The younger princess's attitude had been increasing ever since several months ago, even drawing attention from Twilight's map to fix their problem. It did fix it, for a day.... and then she went back to this rebelling teenager stage she loved to shove in her loving sister's face.

The moon almost dropped out of the sky so fast, Celestia almost didn't even notice it was ever there. "Well there you go sister, the moon is lowered, happy?"

Celestia rolled her eyes, "just.... drop the attitude, I don't have the time or the effort to ask for the hundredth time why you are being such a brat."

Luna stuck her nose in the air, as Celestia mumbled insults letting the door bump her rump on the way out. She wished she knew what was going on with Luna, for she sort of craved her sister in this time. She was responsible for keeping the peace and harmony throughout all the land, the stress was intense knowing what was about to happen. Soul Seeker was resurfacing because she didn't agree with Celestia, and because of that she was starting a war.

Celestia had tried to learn Black Magic so that she could use it to strengthen Equestria, but she had to keep her promise to the tree and stay out of harm's way. That is why she didn't get involved in many battles because the tree asked her to allow the Elements to vanquish evil so that it's power could grow. That meant that she had to allow Luna to mess with the dangers of Soul Seeker's magic, but it was evil magic, so, unfortunately, her sister became consumed by it. She had to banish her to the moon.... she had to, the Elements were not strong enough at that time to suck out the magic that was controlling her. When Twilight and her friends connected themselves to the Elements, it became the most powerful weapon to ever be in her hooves and was able to do what she couldn't back then.

It didn't destroy Soul Seeker though, and she didn't understand why this was. She had specifically wanted to defeat her without any chances of her reviving, but still, she survived, and that was concerning. The distress magic she had seen in the sky, it was... so.... overwhelming! It was like staring directly at the sun after years of being in the dark. Has she just been wandering around Equestria this whole time? Why was she just now making a move?

Her job was to maintain Equestria's harmony, and that meant sometimes nasty decisions had to be made. Every ruler at some point has gone through a war, sacrificed something they didn't want to, or has done something the world wouldn't agree with. That was how her life was, that was how all leaders lives were, not one princess or queen was innocent; they all had something to hide. Soul Seeker wouldn't understand, she was sorry about her home, but the dangers her kingdom were making was enough to give the tree a reason to destroy the threat.

Just seeing how Luna's body reacted to the magic.... just made her opinion on the matter stand even firmer. Her power comes from Lucifer, the demon that possesses magic that is undeniably powerful compared to any pony or creature that has ever existed. It could destroy anything in its path, and that is why Celestia decided to bury Soul Seeker and her legend into the very core of the earth. If Black Magic were to be used once more, it would cause a catastrophe among every creature because it did not need a horn, or an artifact to focus it. Earth Ponies could use it, a changeling, even a little parasprite if they wanted to!

Celestia felt so alone, knowing no pony would understand her stress. She carefully lit her horn with soft yellow light, as she brought up the sun slowly and delicately, washing her beloved kingdom in the rays of the sunrise. She felt herself lowering her body to lie down, as she bowed her head in the warmth of the sun.

Another day closer to war, and she had a feeling it wouldn't be so easily won.

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

The morning was successful, most ponies were shopping and making the little town of Ponyville so vivid with their friendly chatter and happy trots. One pony was not enjoying their morning; however, her purple mane stuck out in frizzy chunks as bags hug loosely under her eyes. A little blue pony with a pale cornflower-blue mane trotted beside her with a cocky closed-mouthed smile, as she pranced with energy along the side of her partner.

"I don't understand why you are so tired Starlight, Trixie slept magnificently last night." The mare with the pale mane said, elbowing her friend to perk her up.

"Of course you did, you fell asleep in my bed after promising you'd have a sleep over to help me figure out the Pinkie problem we had. Twilight asked me to bring her to the castle, but I still can't figure out what kind of creature I saw next to her, I feel like a failure." Starlight grumbled, rubbing her red eyes from a long study session that her friend Trixie was not very helpful with.

"Oh pffft, the great and powerful Trixie and her assistant Starlight Glimmer, do not need dusty old books from Twilight to figure this out... remember we fought a whole changeling hive without magic once, it was one of my greater feats." Trixie said, bouncing her mane with her hoof as she posed.

Starlight rolled her eyes with a giggle, as her best-friend trailed behind her with a smug grin.

"I haven't even seen Pinkie since that time in the market I am convinced she isn't even-"

"Found her!" Trixie said twisting her friend's head in the direction of the bouncing mare every pony knew.... except, she wasn't bouncing. In fact, her ears were tucked back, and her muzzle wrinkled angrily as she ignored all the cheerful greetings from the ponies she passed.

"She seems, different?" Starlight said, looking at her frizzy and unkempt mane, and her bright colors. Nothing seemed to be off about her appearance, except that strange face she had that looked like she wanted to shove their heads in the ground when they spoke.

"Well I don't know much about Pinkie Pie, so she looks normal to me! Perhaps you are hallucinating because you didn't get a good night's sleep like me." Trixie said, leaning her forehooves across Starlight's back and peeking at the mare they were observing.

"I didn't sleep, because unlike you I do have responsibilities, Trixie!" Starlight said, gently knocking her friend's belly resting on her back off of her, causing the Unicorn to fall back on her rump.

The purple mare headed in the direction of Pinkie Pie who was accompanied by her pet alligator Gummy who seemed strangely alert and more active than usual. Trixie followed her, quickly yelling "I have responsibilities, I just like taking naps before them!"

Starlight approached Pinkie who was giving a death stare at poor Derpy who was going on and on about something, completely oblivious to the large trail of smoke coming out of her head. The mare and powerful Unicorn stopped behind Pinkie as she watched the party pony's eye twitch, and the gray Pegasus continued talking and blocking the doorway to Sugarcube Corner.

"Then I said, I don't know what went wrong. I seriously don't get why all the mail happened to get all wet and soppy after I used it to shield myself from the rain." Derpy said.

Pinkie Pie slapped her forehead, "perhaps because you and every pony here are the biggest and most idioti-"

Starlight pulled the fuming Earth Pony away from Derpy. "Okay Pinkie Pie.... why don't you let me handle this. Derpy, your stories are always entertaining, but I think Pinkie needs to get into Sugarcube Corner."

"Oooooh, oops I did it again... sorry Pinkie," Derpy said happily as she trotted away from them and towards another mailing adventure she was bound to tell every pony in town after it happened.

"Hey Pinkie Pie, are you doing okay? You seem a little upset," Starlight asked gingerly. She was worried about the little bubblegum-pink mare that had been acting weird lately, and that was why she let Twilight know her discoveries. The Alicorn princess then let her brother Shining Armor know, and they all planned to inspect Pinkie at the castle. They were afraid she was under some influence of Black Magic that Celestia had warned them about.

"Oh, what gave you that impression?" Pinkie Pie said flatly, sitting down and harshly and crossing her arms. Starlight didn't know if this was from the lack of sleep, or not, but she could have sworn she saw Gummy gently slap the back of Pinkie's head making her speak up, "I'm fine! Really I am just peachy, Starspite."

"Its... Starlight, but that's okay. Really Pinkie.... are you alright?" She asked reaching out towards Pinkie before her hoof was quickly slapped away with a growl. Then it only made her surprised reaction make the pony soften her eyes.

"Sorry, I uh... had a nightmare, didn't get much sleep and every pony around me is an idiot." Pinkie Pie said, as her alligator blinked and seemed to slap his forehead... or Starlight was just imagining it.

"Really Pinkie Pie, you are a party pooper no pony likes a grump that has a cocky attitude," Trixie said, as her friend gave her an ironic stare.

"Thanks for the advice, but do you even listen to yourself talk Dipsie?"

"How dare you, my name is the Great and Powerful Tri-"

Pinkie Pie shoved her hoof over her mouth, "I don't care."

The pink mare started to walk off, without even noticing the confused stares the two friends were giving each other. Starlight had never seen Pinkie Pie so grumpy and mean, she didn't represent her Element at all! It was definitely behavior that was fishy, and she needed to bring her to Twilight right away. The ex-villain trotted next to Pinkie, who didn't even seem to care about her presence, as Starlight put on a forced smile.

"Do you mind coming with me? Twilight needs to ask you a few questions."

"Yes I do mind-"

The Unicorn ignored her, "Great let's get going shall we?"

Before Pinkie Pie could protest Starlight effortlessly zapped them with her magic, forgetting all about her poor friend Trixie who missed the spell within seconds. The two mares were gone, leaving the magician to plop down muzzle-first into the dirt missing her best friend and Pinkie Pie but hugging the ground instead.

When the light died down, Pinkie Pie and Starlight were in front of the giant castle supported by the strength of a tree. The annoyed mare just wrinkled her face as her Unicorn friend pushed her into the castle using her magic, and dragging her through the hallways. Pinkie protested, clawing at the slick floor beneath her but was merely dragged along some more until the chamber containing the great map was in sight.

"Just relax Pinkie, your friends just want to make sure you are okay; as do I." Starlight said reassuringly, as she opened the door to reveal the room inside.

Rainbow Dash sat fidgeting, before perking up when she heard the door open, Twilight and Shining Armor were talking along with a few of his guards standing beside him. Gummy made a throaty alligator hiss, which was odd for the little guy, as he never really made sounds if Starlight could remember correctly. Fluttershy and Applejack were snuggled close, as the farm pony gently stroked her mane to keep her from freaking out while Rarity stitched a dress frantically to de-stress.

It seemed like the news about Soul Seeker had taken it's toll, for every pony seemed scared and nervous but more so concerned about Pinkie Pie at the moment. Starlight hated bringing it up to Twilight who was already stressed, but for the Elements to work correctly the girls had to be in sync and secure with their friendship.

"Pinkie Pie, thank Celestia you are alright!" Fluttershy shouted, as the Pegasus nearly knocked over Starlight to pull the mare into a hug.

The butter-colored pony was quickly shoved off as Pinkie Pie glared at her. "What do you mean... alright? I was just minding my own business, and then Star-jerk over there had to drag me here."

Rainbow Dash floated down in front of Pinkie Pie before grabbing her face, "sheesh Pinkie, what's with the attitude? We were just worried because we couldn't find you yesterday, are you sick? You do look a little-"

Pinkie slapped her hooves away, "touch me again and I'll-" the toothless alligator accompanying Pinkie snapped his toothless jaws on her mane, tugging it softly before she continued, "-politely bake you a cupcake that says.... please don't touch... me?"

Rainbow Dash was shocked, Pinkie had just slapped her hoof! She would never admit it, but that kind of hurt her feelings.... just a bit. She could see Fluttershy's eyes watering, as the blue pegasus tucked her ears back in a way that expressed she was insulted. Her best friend never acted that way, but she has been acting weird after she carelessly yelled at her a while back. She had felt guilty about it ever since, fearing that perhaps Pinkie had second thoughts on their friendship.

Shining Armor stepped forward. "Strange... I don't sense another presence that isn't viewable to normal eyesight. Are you sure you saw... a phantom, Starlight?"

"Yes I swear, that's why I came in here so out of breath that day! It would explain why Pinkie Pie is being so... non-Pinkie Pie!" Starlight said, motioning to the pony who was pushing a crying Fluttershy away from her.

"Perhaps you all are missing a simple detail, maybe I am not acting like myself because all of you are jerks! You think after a fight that every pony is just going to get along again? That isn't life, the things you said to Pink- I... I mean me, was just rude! So now every time you choose to speak to me, I am just going to insult you, like you did to me on that stage in front of Ponyville!"

Rarity walked up next to Rainbow Dash before adding in her input, "Pinkie Pie we made a mistake by yelling at you. We are sorry, but you must understand darling we were under some major stress, and we think you're overreacting just a bit!"

"Says the Cootie Queen, who overreacts over everything!" Pinkie Pie said shoving her hoof into the Unicorn's preened chest.

"Ah don't think 'ah heard correctly, did she just up 'in call her Cootie Queen?" Applejack said, as Rarity's mouth dropped open in both shock and hurt. Pinkie Pie seemed un-interested in her dribbling tears and running mascara as the white Unicorn threw herself on the floor in one of her famous and well-known sob fests.

"The Equestria Rumors Revealed magazine has ruined my name!" Rarity sobbed, banging her hooves on the shiny floor as Pinkie Pie rolled her eyes.

"Great now that we established that, go drown your sorrows with Fluttercry over there." Pinkie said, pointing a hoof at the gentle Pegasus who seemed crushed by her new nickname.

"F-Fluttercry?" She squeaked before she was starting to snivel and produce tears as well.

Applejack seemed extremely irritated by Pinkie's behavior, as she came to Rarity and Fluttershy's defense along with Twilight. The two ponies who were standing against the mocking friend they thought they knew, were angry but at the same time confused as to why Pinkie was acting this way.

"Pinkie Pie, why are you acting like this?" Twilight asked softly, as the earth pony ignored her.

"She was askin' you a question, and 'ah think you need to answer." Applejack said sternly, only to see Pinkie Pie bend over and shake her rump in her face.

"Sure Apple Crack, and the answer is simple... You all have walked all over me for the last time, and now I'm not going to deal with it anymore." Pinkie said as she shook her rump at the dumbfounded Applejack who seemed speechless. Twilight used her magic to make the pony stop mocking her country friend, and sat her upright to avoid any more conflict between Applejack and Pinkie Pie.

Rainbow Dash shoved Twilight and Applejack out of the way, almost making them fall over. She stomped up to her best-friend and pressed her nose against the smirking muzzle of Pinkie.

"You are being a real jerk Pinkie Pie, and we are concerned for you! Look if you want to talk about what happened so we can get over it I am all ears, but going around insulting your friends isn't the way to do it!"

"Well YOU are being a real Dash Hole, so I guess we are even." Pinkie Pie replied smoothly, as the Wonderbolt stumbled back in surprise at the lashing insult that just came so unnaturally out of her.

Rainbow Dash bit her lip, her temper was rising... but she had to hold back her urge, insulting her back would only make it worse. Except, she was frustrated and angry, and Pinkie Pie needed to get herself together so they could all be friends again. It hurt knowing that she avoided them, and perhaps even disliked them, but Dash wouldn't let her continue like this because they were friends; and like a good friend she was going to remain calm and help her through this stage.

"Pinkie," she said taking a deep breath before lowering her voice, "Are you going through that change like when I saw you talking to those objects after planning your birthday party?"

Pinkie Pie's eyes seemed to flash, and Rainbow Dash thought her words had helped her realize the lesson she learned that day, but instead, she got a sly smile. "Who is arrogant, annoying, a Wonderbolt, and is about to live up to her nickname?"

"P-Pinkie, what the heck is wrong with-" Rainbow couldn't finish, because a hoof slipped under her own causing her to fall straight on her chin. She cried out in pain, as Pinkie lowered her nose down to the Pegasus who was whimpering at the mean but solemn face of the pony who knew no mercy.

"I'll give you a hint, it's you Rainbow Crash."

The pegasus and her tough act cracked, as memories of her childhood trauma flooded her brain. She had told Pinkie Pie about that when she was in an awful place... how could she betray her trust like this? She knew those words would cut her deep, so deep, that it would make a scar! Rainbow Dash would not allow Pinkie to get away with an insult like that! Her anger was burning, and if she wanted to start a fight she would be happy to contribute!

The speedy pony bounced up, shaking the tiny tears forming in her eyes as she stood firm. She stared with a wild and furious gaze directed towards Pinkie, as Twilight pushed them away from each other. "Now girls I am sure Pinkie didn't mean that... let's just all calm down and-"

Pinkie shoved Twilight away from her, not breaking eye contact with Rainbow Dash as the Alicorn rolled into Shining Armor. The stallion helped his little sister up but swallowed nervously at the blazing tension that made every pony in the room hold their breath in fear. The two mares not backing down, pressed their muzzles against each other as Gummy seemed utterly panicked and his little body trembled under the pressure.

"You wanna go? You seriously want to start something with your best friend? Who do you think you are calling me that, you betrayed my trust Pinkie Pie!" Rainbow Dash said, her voice cracking as her intense glare was returned by the pony she used to have a solid friendship with.

"I am not starting anything, but don't begin something with me you can't finish Crash." Pinkie said, her eyes flickering with a warning that made Rainbow fear she was about to start some assaults! The Pegasus seemed to shrink, as her tail began to tuck in-between her legs, she had never seen such a scary and frightening look from the lovable pony she thought she knew.

Pinkie was calm, but Rainbow could always read a dominant expression since she had them all the time. She could almost attest to agreeing that the earth pony wasn't afraid of fighting, and was not intimidated by her at all! Actually, it was quite the opposite, Rainbow Dash felt herself... cowering! It was like looking into the eyes of an Ursa Major, confident of its power, but not afraid to show it.

The pegasus was crushed, as she felt herself and all her memories of their friendship vanish. Applejack could see Rainbow starting to lose it, her anger making every pony begin to rise up to avoid an explosive mess that they would never be able to clean up! Twilight tried to stop her next words, but Rainbow Dash had already said them before the fight could be avoided.

"You... You are a real S... Stinkie Pinkie! Why am I even your..... friend!" Rainbow spat out, almost flinching at the equally severe insult that they both struggled with.

Twilight couldn't take it anymore, she teleported in between the two mares at each other's throats. "Enough! You both have to stop fighting, we are friends! This whole mess with Soul Seeker, and the shadow pony, and everything is stressing all of us out! You two aren't the only ones here, we all are scared, upset, and confused! We need our friendship now more than ever, you two need each other.... can't you see that?"

Pinkie Pie laughed sharply, pointing a hoof at Rainbow who was struggling to keep it together. "I don't need her, or you all at all! It is because of you that there are so many issues! Leave me alone, I have no further business with you or any other pony here."

Rainbow Dash stomped her hoof with a muffled scream while Pinkie turned around and walked off. "Stop being such a Stinkie Pinkie and perhaps there won't be so many issues!"

Pinkie stopped in her tracks, whipping her head around to where she saw Twilight covering Rainbow's mouth with her hoof. The Princess of Friendship was miserably failing at her job, as she gave an awkward smile towards the pink non-laughable pony approaching the Pegasus boring holes into her soul.

"Say that one more time," Pinkie Pie challenged, as Rainbow harshly pushed Twilight away from them with her wing.

"Rainbow stop! Just every pony, please STOP!" Fluttershy cried, tugging at her mane as she sobbed uncontrollably from the stabbing insults that were causing so much hurt.

Rainbow Dash pressed her nose once more to Pinkie as her eyes flashed with the intent to accept the challenge, only to have Applejack intervene with her words, "Dash don't 'ah'm 'tellin you. Both of you knock it off!"

Regardless of the warnings, Dash did what she was told not to, "Stinkie…. Pinkie!"

Pinkie Pie backed up and said one word, "Gummy!" the little alligator perked up, as she lowered her gaze to Rainbow who started to regret being so childish. The leering pony pointed a hoof at Rainbow, and the group watched worriedly while listening to her next words, "Bite!"

Every pony in the room was about to take a breath of relief knowing Gummy had no teeth, but when the little alligator leapt fiercely at her Rainbow screamed. The reptile's mouth was now full of sharp.... gleaming.... teeth! She was frozen to her spot as Gummy's jaws wrapped around her face, his fangs sinking into her skin while she yelped loudly from the pain. Her shrieks caused Applejack to rush into action, while Fluttershy kept squealing, before covering her face and shaking. Gummy latched onto the Pegasus with no intention of letting go.

The farm pony pulled Gummy's tail, "Fluttershy get on over, 'ah need your help with this critter!"

Rainbow was wailing, pawing at her face as she felt his jaws tighten and lock even more ferociously. Twilight panicked, as Shining Armor tried to lend his assistance as well. Rarity was doing a stressed little dance, as she ran around not knowing what to do, and tripping over Fluttershy who was crawling to hide under the table map. The room was in chaos as they tried desperately to pull the gator off of the poor pony who was screaming loudly. Fluttershy was finally pried from underneath the table by Twilight, who was asking her in panicked breaths to convince the alligator that Rainbow was not his lunch.

"Ah could have sworn Gummy didn't have any teeth," Applejack said as she continued pulling his tail.

"Um Mr. Gummy p-please consider eating.... um.... something else, if you don't mind." Fluttershy squeaked before she was bumped accidentally by Rarity who was helping lend her strength to pull the alligator off.

"Thank you Gummy," Pinkie said in satisfaction, and immediately his jaws unlatched Rainbow's face. The Pegasus dropped to the ground, massaging her swollen nose as the gator happily hopped back onto Pinkie Pie's back.

No pony stopped Pinkie Pie from leaving, as they all watched speechless while she exited. Shining Armor helped Rainbow up, before brushing off her shoulder gently.

"She may not have a phantom with her, but her behavior is odd... I will look into her some more, Starlight you better come with me." He said as the Unicorn hiding behind a pillar popped out her head for the first time after the long fight.

The heaviness in the room was no doubt caused by all the ponies thinking the same thing. The silence overtaking them, and the Pegasus who had been mauled couldn't believe what just happened.

What was wrong with Pinkie Pie?

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

Pinkamena took a breath, as her alligator companion hopped off her back. She leaned against the backside of a house, while her heart hammered in her chest as she looked behind her to make sure no pony was coming. Gummy turned to face her before a green light surrounded him and Queen Chrysalis stood in front of her with a smile.

"Don't get me wrong, I looooove the insults you gave those idiots.... but, aren't we supposed to be acting like Pinkie Pie?" She asked, sitting down on a hay bale and leaning her chin into her hooves.

"Just keep this between you and I, but I am like horrible at hiding my emotions... was my acting really that awful?" Pinkamena asked clenching her teeth in embarrassment.

The Changeling bit her lip, "Oh I um... I really thought you did... um... you did perfect at... uh, you gave a fantastic effort."

"Oh dear God I did terrible," Pinkamena said as she slumped against the wall before falling on her stomach in defeat, "I just really don't like them.... they have hurt Pinkie Pie too many times, and I guess I am not good at hiding how I truly feel towards any pony."

Chrysalis hopped off the hay before giving her an uplifting pat on the back. "that was your first time pretending to be some pony that is opposite of you. Trust me, pretending I was in love was like the hardest thing I've ever done, but I pulled it off, and I can definitely teach you how to control your.... inner urges, like wanting to insult the stupid stallion Shining Armor is!"

"Yeah, how did you manage not to just attack Starlight or Shining when you saw them?" Pinkamena asked as Chrysalis laughed.

"A miracle happened, and you asked me to bite Dash Hole! That's just as fulfilling!"

They both laughed, as Chrysalis helped cheer up Pinkamena while they both mocked the nicknames Pinkamena gave the group. She might have failed this time, but thankfully Chrysalis was here to help guide her towards the right direction. She was just awful at hiding her emotions, she got annoyed easily, her hatred ran deep, but if the changeling queen could pull off being in love and planning a wedding and a take over at the same time.... she had a feeling they had nothing to worry about.

"Thanks, Chrysalis, I don't get why the others have such a hard time with you," Pinkamena said, as the queen nudged her playfully.

"Duh... because they are jealous and wish they were as cool as us!"

Pinkamena... or rather Pinkie Pie laughed, as the two chatted in the alleyway lifting up Soul Seeker's confidence. She failed, but that would happen sometimes, at least she knew she could try again. Being happy and joyful all the time was difficult, almost impossible for her!

Pinkie Pie has a harder job than she thought.