It was a bright and nice day on the outskirts of the city, the sky was clear and blue with just a few lost clouds here and there, butterflies flew freely through the meadow and little critters were playing around without disturbance, not even the car driving across the road could break the peace of this moment.

Inside the car, a family of three was making their way to their new home, the City of Canterlot. " This is so exciting! There is a Mall under construction, huge parks and two schools for our Sweetie to enroll, aren't you excited too dear? ". Asked the mother, a short woman in her peak 30's with a radiant smile. She had ember colored hair and eyes, her hair was cut recently but she still had her trademark bang across her forehead.

" Of course I'm dear! This place has everything we could ask for and more, right kiddo?". The father asked now to his daughter, the almost 15 years old Sunset Abigail Shimmer. The father was a very slim man just a couple of years younger that his wife, he had crimson hair and cyan colored eyes which he passed on to his daughter.

" Hmm ".;was the answer of the child seating in the back, Abigail was doing exactly the same thing she did starting their journey from Las Vegas, reading, her greatest passion, but she didn't read just anything, Math was her realm, she loved it, she bask it in it, it was one of the few things that she really found joy immersing herself.

" Right, but that's not all, there's a lot of farms near the city, fresh products every day! What else could we ask? ". The father asked trying to bring the teen in the conversation. When this failed, he threw a look of worry to his wife who simply rolled her eyes, how could her husband always fail to get Abigail's interest, they lived together for crying out loud.

" Farms, yes, including a huge apple farm, and we know who like apples, right? ".
The girl tried to play ignorance once more but the slight jerk of her body give her away, internally, Abigail cursed her love for apples, she just liked it more that any other fruit, what did it matter if there was a real apple farm in this city, the teen tried to convince herself. " Who knows, maybe if you visit this farm you'll find a handsome apple farmer boy with love for Math and numbers ". The girl did a small huff, she hated when her mother played with that.

" Pfff, like that exist, came on Honey, come on honey, but I just can't see someone loving number as much as our little Sunny-bun ".

" Dad please, don't call me that in public, ever! ". The girl said, tearing her face from the book from the first time.

" Ok ok, got it. But in all honesty, I just hope that this city welcome us with open arms, this change is the most important we have done so far, let's give this place a chance and hope for the better. What do you say family? ".

" Of course dear, we'll be fine, I'm sure of it ".

" I'll... try Dad, I promise ".

" Thanks girls, that's all I'm asking, Daddy is so happy right now ".

" Are you crying dear? ".

" N-no, I'm not! ".

" He's totally crying Mom! ".

After a good laugh, the family resumed their own distractions, except for the father who continued driving, as they approached the city something happened, something unexpected and it happened in a blink. " Uh? What in the world? ".

" Something wrong dear? ".

" I, I don't know, is... is just- ". Before he could finish his explanation Abigail gasped loudly enough to call the attention of the mother, when she directed her sight to the front she gasped loudly as well. In matter of minutes, the entire weather did a 180, the clear sky was replaced with dark clouds that brought the promise of a heavy rain coming. Every single animal and insect in the vecinity scouted looking for a refuge from the incoming storm. Abigail pulled the window down to observe closer and was hit immediately by strong guts of wind. She then pulled the window up again.

" I have never seen anything like this! ". Said Sunset concerned but also intrigued by the sudden phenomenon of nature.

" Dear, can we make it to the city before it rains? ".

" I'll try, everyone get your seat belts tight, I'll speed up! ". True to his word, he put the pedal to the bottom and the car gained speed quickly, however, the rain didn't show any mercy either and after a few minutes the water fell over the car like a monsoon, despite his desire to reach the town faster, the father had to reduce the speed, the rain and the wind were so strong that a bad turn could easily turn them over. The tension raised as the sky darkened even more forcing the driver to use his high lights to see, if only for a couple of meters ahead.

As the driver through the freak storm, the daughter managed to see a sign informing that the twin was nearby, she informed her parents and hope took them by the hand, only to let go a moment later. " We should be reaching the bridge soo-Ah! ".

Unable to see and with the mud formed in the road, the car twirled out of control smashing the front part against the Safety rails of the bridge, the car was left half hanging from the edge of the bridge, the three passengers suffered different degrees of injuries from the impact.

The screams of the passengers could hardly be heard as the storm continued as the car swung up an down while the wind suddenly died out leaving only the heavy rain to terrorise the family. The couple met eyes and in that single moment a silent message was passed between them. In this kind of situations when they didn't knew if the next second would be their last the decision they came about wasn't even a debate.

" Abbey, listen carefully, we, we need you to move, do you hear me, I want you to unbuckle your belt and move slowly to the back compartment- ".

" Bu-But you and Mom- ".

" We'll be fine as long as you do what I just told you, the car is fine for now but we need you to go outside and use the rope on the toolbox to tie the car to the other side of the bridge ".

Her father commanded but to her if sounded more like pleading. Sunset's mind worked in overload, looking for anything else she could do it use, her mind wasn't so shocked to realize what would happen if her weight was taken out of the hanging car, also, while it was true that there was a rope in the toolbox behind her seat, it was outrageous to think that a simple rope could hold the full weight of a car, even if it was a small one like theirs. " I... I can't, if I leave- ".

" If you move you can save us Abbey! But if you stay there all of us could fall ".

" Please Abbey, listen to your father, we'll be fine ". Her mother asked with tears flowing down already.

" I... Wait! There... there's someone outside! ". Sunset yelled almost not believing it. Her parents were shocked to heard it but it wasn't entirely impossible for a local to be walking somewhere around the area. Hope reappeared for a moment in them.

" Re-really? ".

" Yes! I see it! I think is a woman, she's dressed in white I think, I, I'll go, she can help us! Hey! HEY! OVER HERE! HELP! HELP US! ".

Her parents exchanged a look, was really someone there? At the end it didn't matter, if the person was real then getting their daughter to go ask for help would be the best, if not, then at least they could still get the young girl out of immediate danger.

" Why isn't she answering? She isn't even moving! We need help! ". Abigail yelled angrily and frustrated.

" No matter, go Abigail, do what I asked you, is our better chance ".

" But-! ". She didn't get to protest as the car rocked up and down again when the wind picked up.

" There's no time Sweetheart! Go! Go now! ". Abigail looked to both parents with tears copying those of them. She bit her lips in frustration and after a sorrowful heartbeat, she nodded and without a second word she turned around and did her way to the back seat where the few luggage they brought with them stood in her way to safety, every single move she did moved the car dangerously but every time she would stop until the car regained balance, she looked outside and she could still make the form of the woman outside, still not moving, still not doing anything, was she really a woman?
She has to be, was the thought of the young lady, she could distinguish a multicolored hair been blown by the rain, yet the rest of her didn't move.

Clearing her mind to the task at hand, Abigail found the toolbox among the luggage and quickly opened, she took both the rope and an emergency kit for the road, as carefully as possible in the current situation she opened the back door and then turned around to look at her parents one more time. She found them smiling and crying at her.

" We love you Abbey ".

" Go now sweetie ". Something for stock in her throat, she couldn't answer back as much as she wanted to tell them that she would, so she simply nodded.

She turned back and did her exit. First thing she did out was to tie one end of the rope to the back bumper of the car. This done, she turned around and went to look for the safety rails in the other side of bridge fighting against the cold wind and the heavy rain.

She stopped abruptly when she finally came close to the woman, now at this distance ev n the merciless rain couldn't hide the woman and her figure, Sunset lost words to describe her, white pristine skin that shined like a beacon in the middle of the darkness, her multicolored hair moved independently of the ferocious wind with slow and elegant waves, almost like in slow motion. Her face was gifted with unnatural beauty and her magenta eyes showed both incredible wisdom but even more sadness. " I'm sorry ". The woman spoke with almost no movement from her lips, even so Abigail got the message but she didn't understood the meaning behind it.

A tug on the rope made her break contact with the woman, she turned in time to see the with horror that the car was tilting again, the nose was dangerously close to pass the point of no return and without her weight to balance it the car could last for long in that state, Abigail turned to the woman but she was stupefied when she wasn't there anymore.

The scream of her parents again made her turn around and her heart stopped when the car finally gave up, falling to the river bellow as her parents were still trapped inside. Abigail ran to the edge of the bridge and saw the car hit nose first the bottom of the river, the vehicle then was tossed upside down by the strong current and in just a couple of seconds it was gone.

Abigail didn't cry, didn't tell, all she could do was stay there, dumbfounded by what just happened, her parents were gone. Both her mind had body became numb, she lost the strength in her legs and fell to her knees, all the while, a still functional part of her brain screamed at her that something was wrong, that she was still in danger but but the girl couldn't register, it was when she saw the rope still clutched in her hand that she understood, but it was too late, not letting go and maybe don't wanting to, the rope pulled the girl violently almost snapping her arm out of the socket, the girl fell to the same fate as her parents, disappearing in the stream, a small shine broke the surface of the river, it only lasted a mere second but it would be enough to change the life of one girl and one pony.

REBEL HIDEOUT, EQUESTRIA...

Startled, Abigail woke from her nightmare, she tried to jump and walk alright like she did when human but her current body couldn't do that, causing her to fall from bed in a very embarrassing way. Huffing and hurt she got up and in an act that would easily be called childish, she blew her bed with magic from her horn.

" My lady! Are you ok? ". Came the concerned voice of her personal guard Rawhorn from outside her room.

" Yes, just one of those stupid dreams, nothing else ". Abigail used the silence again to regain her composure, she went to her mirror where she found the telltale of tears that run down her cheeks. She quickly cleaned her face and put the memory of that faithful day in the deep ot her mind. " Did anypony heard what happened? ".

" No my lady, only I patrol this corridor ".

" Good, is too early to start erasing memories. Changing the subject, has the Queen gathered her forces? ".

" Yes my lady, she has, she's waiting for you to ask if Emerald Breeze has make contact yet ".

" Ugh, talking about an overprotective mother, inform her that I'll let her know as soon as she make contact, tell her that she has my word and that she should leave as soon as possible, is Adagio still around? ".

" Yes, but she's been lock up in her chamber ".

" I see, fine then I still have use for that siren, now go and do what I told you, uh, one more thing, get rid of this bed when you ge-? ". Abigail stopped mid sentence when something caught her eye, she approached the bed and tugged at the bed sheets finding what she feared, a red stain. Her cheeks turned a modest pink. " Never mind the last part, just do the rest and report to me when you're done ".

" I'll, if you have trouble with the bed I can he-".

" NO! I said I'll take care of it, or you whish to disobey my command? ".

" N-no My lady! I would never try! ".

" Then don't, now go, and be quick ".

" Yes my lady ". The sound of hooves getting away could be heard inside the room. Once he was gone Abigail left a sigh of weariness, this was turning into an problematic day an it was just starting, she just hoped that Emerald Breeze would have good news by now.

REGAL'S RESIDENCE...

" Su-Sunset? ". Starlight asked again, not believing what her eyes were showing her.

" Sunset? I don't remember having someone calling me in first name basis, matter of fact I don't remember you at all ". Sunset shoved Starlight hard enough to throw her on the bed. Her cyan eyes surrounded by black watched her with curiosity.

Starlight meanwhile was trying to understand what was going on with her friend, her skin was now an angry red rather that her soft pink and her eyes had that unnatural color that make her look like a Tirek wannabe. The rest of her looked the same but right now Starlight couldn't be sure. " Where am I? And who the heck are you? ". Asked the girl with unmistakable animosity.

" It's me, Starlight, your friend from Equestria! ". At the mention of her home world, Sunset smiled, but instead of reassuring Starlight that she was ok, it send chills down her spine, in seconds her condition changed, her skin and eyes went back to normal.

" Equestria you say? Hm, and you said we... are friends? ". Starlight nodded slowly.

" And, you know where Princess Twilight is? ". Sunset asked very interested.

" Ah, yes, of course ".

" Then, how about, you take me there, as a favor for a friend of course, what do you say eh? ".

" I... Suppose, but, weren't you going to ask for Big Mac? ".

" Apple? ". Something didn't seat well with the whole thing for Starlight, Sunset was acting too strange, not to mention her weird skin condition from before and now she was calling the guy who give her wet dreams like if she barely knew him.

" I can take you there if you want ". Starlight offered.

" Thanks, I'll take your offer, just let me prepare, I can't go out in just this, right? I assume my clothes are around here somewhere ".

" Yeah, this is your room after all, get changed I'll wait for you downstairs ".

" Good, thanks ". Sunset said politely. As soon as Sunset was left in the room she looked for clothes and found them easy enough, she then found a mirror and took a good look at herself. " What the hell? ". Sunset was taken aback when she saw her reflection, she looked older, not to mention that what she found to wear didn't match her taste in clothes, a quick look to the tag of her blouse confirmed her suspicion. "This was made by that obnoxious bitch Rarity! Why the hell would I be wearing this? ".

With more questions that answers Sunset finished dressing and took anything that may look to be hers, she found her keychain containing a couple of new keys she didn't remember along the one from her apartment, she was surprised again finding car keys in it, she then found a wallet and a cellphone that appeared to be hers as well. Sunset tried the cellphone but it was under lock and she didn't have the password, next she opened the wallet and found cash, cards and some pocket pictures, those shocked her, the pictures described a very bad joke, a sick joke even she would have trouble coming up with, in the picture she was enjoying a moment with the very girls who defeated her the same girls she spend months breaking apart.

Yet that alone was nothing compared to the last picture in the small bundle, the last picture had her and the hick from Sweet Apple Acres, Macintosh Apple and her having a tender and romantic moment in Celestia knows where. "Was I brainwashed by those idiots?! ". Sunset couldn't tell. Angry, Sunset took the picture of her and the farmer and tried to break it in half but as soon as the paper started to tear her hands stopped. She tried again but her entire body seemed to forget the motions necessary to finish the deed.

Sunset then felt a sting in her chest, a skip in her heartbeat that drowned her emotions and her intensions, her mind froze trying to get a sense of what was happening to her. Her eyes turned to the picture she tried to destroy as her hands turned the piece of paper to have a better look. In the picture she was dressed for the spring season, she had her hair combed in a side tail, her left hand was up, no doubt holding the camera to get the shot, her right hand was coiled around the neck of the farmer as he defiled her face by planting a kiss in her cheek, all the while Sunset sported a stupid happy smile. Sunset turned the picture to find a clue in the back about what was going on in that moment, she found something, the message I'm glad I fell in love with you was written by her own hand.

Her next moves were done automatically, her hand went to the cheek that the farmer kissed in the picture, her fingers traced the portion of skin that he touched with his lips, they then moved to her own lips carrying the question of how did they taste, did she enjoyed it? The evidence in her hands just confirmed it. Sunset felt weak and almost lost to gravity but forced herself to stand, she wasn't going to let some weird emotion control her that easily.

Only after calming her nerves did Sunset walked out of the room, but instead of going downstairs to meet with the Starlight chick she looked for a way to the back, she didn't trust her one bit. " I need to find Snips or the other idiot and find out what happened after Princess Dumb Sparkle and her stupid friends shot me down ". Sunset tip toed her way to the back room which was unlocked, there she found a way down through the window. Using the ledge of the house she managed to go down all the way.

Once she was out she discovered that she was inside Celesta's house, she didn't recognize it from inside but she knew the house from outside. " How the hell did I end up here? ".

" I could tell you but I don't think you would believe me ". Starlight called walking around the house to meet with Sunset.

" Tsk, you knew I was lying ".

" It wasn't hard, you were acting all weird, specially with that sick grin on your face, I know it because it looked like when I used to smile ".

" Oh, a fellow evil doer? Well, I don't know what could make you change but if you were also defeated by the princess and her lackies won't you like a little payback? If you help me we could- ".

" Enough, I was wondering what was all this about but I know you're not right and obviously I can't let you volume this and cause problems for my friend so, I'll be restraining you ".

" Yeah? I want to see you try ". Her grin disappeared when the girl started chanting in equestrian language. " Wha-? ". Sunset was paralyzed immediately as the chant continued but that also clue her in what Starlight was doing, she was using equestrian spells. " How are you doing this? Magic in this world shouldn't be possible without the crown! ".

Starlight didn't answer, instead changed the spell when she was sure Sunset was completely immobile. The next spell was the same to put her target to sleep, the one she used last night, Sunset's eyes started to lose focus but before she could fell sleep completely she started whispering something, from her body a light shone and before Starlight could realize what she was doing she was paralyzed instead of her target.

" Ah! That felt good ". She looked at Starlight who was now the one restrained and falling sleep. " I don't know why magic can be used now without a catalyst but this is perfect! Before, all I could do was use stupid little tricks and blackmail to get what I wanted, but now? Now I really can do what I want, thanks Stargirl, now sleep while I take a stroll around, see ya! ".

Unable to do anything, Starlight fell to the ground, losing consciousness little by little, cursing her mistake and hoping that whatever this Sunset had in mind wouldn't cause more problems for the real Sunset.

CHS, MAIN AUDITORIUM...

"All students are accounted for Miss Principal ".

" Thanks Mr Orbit, we'll commence now ". Celestia thanked the astronomy teacher then walked up the small stairs and took the microphone in the podium to talk to the kids in front of her. " Good morning to everyone & welcome back, I hope that you had a wonderful weekend. Today, I have reunited all of you here to deliver some rather sad and urgent news, as of yesterday, a former student from this faculty as well as a friend of many of you here, Macintosh Apple, was involved in a kidnaping incident ". Celestia left the news sink in, all students reacted just how she guessed, many gasping in surprise, many others stunned, at the end all collective eyes turned to the two Apple girls among the themselves, other eyes looked for the third girl closer to the mentioned, Sunset, but not finding her she could guess that most would think that she too was involved somehow.

" The person responsible for the kidnaping is still at large as far as we know, the police is already informed and are investigating since yesterday. Now then, as his former principal and a friend of Big Mac and his family, it is in my heart to ask of you for one thing, is any of you happens to hear or see anything remotely linked with his whereabouts, please let me or any other member of the school or the police know, by no means am I asking you to put yourselves in danger, nor to go around investigating, this is up to the police, but if you somehow learn of anything that may help to find him or come around a clue then please inform us, Granny Smith is one of the nicest persons to ever work in this school, she had for many years worked hard for you to have healthy and delicious food every lunch and I know how she has even go beyond her work just to help many of us without asking for reward or even a thanks in exchange, the least we can do to show and return her kindness is to help getting her grandson back, that is all, you are free to continue with your classes and thank you for your time ".

With that, Celestia left the podium and joined her sister as they walked to their office and back to their responsibilities. " You think that was enough? Maybe I could have offered something to secure their cooperation ".

" You did good sis, don't worry about it, if you offer something as reward some of them may get into trouble just to get it, besides, like you said, this schools owns a lot to Granny, if those kids had the slightest good in their heart they'll help without a second thought ". Luna said besides here.

" I hope so sis, is just that... I have a bad feeling running right now ".

" Hm, about Sunset's reaction? ".

" That and something else, anyway, let's get this day started, hopefully we'll have something before the end of the day ". Luna hoped the same, if not, she had a second plan in mind, but she would need help from Starlight Glimmer.

As classes got in track, Applejack could feel the weight of the eyes all over her, some classmates, the closest ones from clubs and from other classes came to her to offer help and to give her words of encouragement, she thank them and tried to march through the day with firmness but a couple of times fear slipped through her defences making her sob, when this happened the teacher in turn would stop the class and ask for someone to take her outside, most of the times she would have Fluttershy or Pinkie by her side to help her but sometimes it would be another no-Rainboom friend, now was one of those times.

" Do you need a handkerchief or a towel? ". Asked Trixie watching the farmer girl fighting tears back.

" I'm fine ". Applejack responded a bit more angry that she felt.

" Just asking, you can cry of you want you know, not like Trixie find this amusing ".

" Excuse me?! ". Applejack asked getting irritated.

" I mean, if I were to get amused if would be not for your brother getting kidnapped but from seen you crying ".

" What's that suppose to mean, can't ah cry for mah brother? Is that what you mean?!".
Apejack was practically yelling now, her hands turned into fists but still crying. She stopped inches from Trixie who took a step back to avoid squeezing her breasts with the farmer's.

" What Trixie means is, have you gave up Applejack? ".

" What? ". Applejack lost all her fire when Trixie asked that.

" If you have given up on your brother and accepted the idea of he never coming back?".

" Wha- f'course not, ya wacko! Mah brother would crawl out of the any hole if it means coming back to us, and that goes double now that he has a Sunset! ".

" Then why are you crying? Leave that for when your little sister tell you she have a boyfriend too, for now just stay strong, I'm sure he'll come back good and with a heck of a tale, besides, like you said he most be dying to make up with Shimmer for the time lost ". She said the last part while wiggling her eyebrows.

Applejack stuttered with the joke and growled, her face turning bright red with anger or embarrassment, the magician girl couldn't tell which, then her hand moved fast toward Trixie and in fear she closed her eyes expecting the fist to connect and knock all her teeth out of her mouth or turn her face into mush, but then she felt nothing, when she opened one eye to see she found Applejack actually grinning and her hand open for a handshake.

Trixie looked to the outstretched hand with fear still expecting to receive some kind of punishment but it didn't move nor did the grin in Applejack disappeared. After a solid minute Trixie returned the courtesy and to her relief Applejack returned a smile. "Thanks Trixie, ya little rant got me back on mah boots, is just what ah need it ".

" Uh, no problem Apple, even if we don't see eye to eye we're still classmates and... well, friends I guess ". Trixie said with pink cheeks.

" Well shoot, ah too thought of you as a friend but never knew if you saw me in the same way, glad to know that, and thanks again ".

" My pleasure, just remember this next time when you have some extra cider ". Trixie said smiling back.

" Will do partner! Oh, and this is to remember not to joke about mah brother and Sunset again ". Before Trixie could understand what she meant, her hand which was still locked in the handshake felt a huge pressure building up, her bones cracked for two seconds before Applejack would let go, as she did Trixie quickly retrieved her hand and nursed it with the other one while her face spoke of unquestionable pain.

" Let's get back to the class, shall we? ". Applejack took the white haired girl by the shoulder and Trixie simply nodded, incapable of producing sounds other that squeals of monetary agony.

REBEL'S HIDEOUT...

After arranging her mane and making sure she wouldn't leave blood stains anywhere she sat, Abigail put up her hooded robe and then with her magic she pulled a metal box from under the ruins of her bed, the box didn't look special at all but inside was stored one of the most powerful items in this world. With a magic spell she removed the safety, the box opened but to the normal eye it looked empty, that was until the next spell removed the invisibility from it showing its true content.

Abigail took the Alicorn amulet with her magic and placed it around her neck, for a second nothing happened but then its magic started to sip through the crystal in the ornament toward its host. Abigail felt the power grow within her and dangerously try to move and invade her mind and heart like vines trying to latch themselves to a tree, fighting off the tentation of letting go and simply give total control to the amulet was difficult, her eyes turned red as a result of the influence.

It was a very weird and dangerous security system that Sophy Stone, the creator of the amulet, placed on it to prevent anypony to will it without restrain. What drove her to place such a method? She didn't know, Sophy never told her, instead she explained something so trivial and annoying as to why, even though she had the outside appearance of a pony and the internal structure of one , she still would suffer from certain things than only a human would, menstruation been one of them. The same would happen to a mare that traveled to the human world, she wouldn't have menstrual periods but she still would go through heat cycles when she reached maturity.

In that regard Abigail preferred her few days of inconvenience over a constant fight to find a mating partner, a tiny smile come to her at the fact that the other Sunset was going crazy every time her heat cycle would appear.

Annoyance apart, Abigail finally managed to put the influence of the amulet under control, as a proof, her eyes turned back to her normal color and the power stabilised under her command but just barely, Abigail learned from the few scrolls she stole from the private library of Celestia that emotions were a big factor in keeping the Alicorn amulet under check. Which meant that today would be a bit dangerous let mood swings break her focus. Still, she needed to move, but not before turning her bed into ashes.

Focusing in her horn, Abigail used the tip as a colliding point where her magic would join with magic coming from the amulet, the amulet send its magic in waves despite only needing a smaller amount, Abigail commanded the amulet to stop, but the artifact refused at first, then as her will remained unshakable the power stabilised and adjusted itself to her desire.

Only then did she cast the spell, the bed turned ablaze but only for a few seconds before it stopped completely and then it reshaped back to its form without a sign of damage, like new. Abigail tried to find the blood stain but couldn't find it, with a nod of approval she finally left her room.

She walked slowly to avoid discomfort from her condition. The hallways leading to her chamber were empty as for her orders, although most members of this rag-tag team of criminals follow her out of fear or respect, there were those who tried to usurp her position and have her dead, to discourage any more creatures from keep trying she delt with those 'traitors' with horrible and bone chilling ends in full display of everypony, that seemed to work, but from time to time somepony would be brave or stupid enough to try again, Abigail didn't mind dealing with the trash herself, but as assassinations failed, the masterminds stopped going for her directly, instead, sending others creatures to do their work for them, Abigail knew this because during the attack the would be killer cried, even if they were restrained they would still try to kill her breaking bones or all right killing themselves just to reach her, that was madness for her, true she was the last being to claim injustice when she was trying to destroy the current ruling government but sending anypony unwillingly to a certain doom was something she found truly despicable.

After crossing the section reserved for her and Rawhorn, more creatures were present, many bowed to her while some stepped back in fear, Abigail paid attention to neither. After a good walk around the subterranean hallways she found the special chamber for the mirror that served as communication between the human world and Equestria.

There she waited for around 20 minutes before the mirror's surface waved like water, the disturbance lasted for a few seconds more until it cleared up and the human race of Emerald Breeze appeared. The first thing Abigail notice was the few injuries in her face, the second was the way her eyes, they spoke of exhaustion, finally it was the scowl of frustration, if was more than obvious something went awry.

" I hope you have good news ". Abigail said to jab at the siren.

" Unfortunately, not many, a lot of things went wrong yesterday, by the way, not my fault ". Emerald said nonchalantly.

Abigail frowned at the last part. " Explain ".

" Fine, yesterday, I had everything ready to free those two morons and take Adagio's things back to Equestria, but for some reason, those idiots decided that it would be a great idea to play prison break, they escaped from the hospital, stole a car, and drove at high speed all the while the police gave chase, then as they were close to the portal they were gunned down and apparently the bullets stroke one of the crystals causing a heck of explosion ".

Abigail didn't say anything first but soon she found her voice. " Fuck! This! This is why I told you to be careful! If the humans learn of this world existence, our troubles will triple! Shit! This is no-ah! " For a moment there, the amulet found an opening in the mare's defences and tried to break free. " Where? What were you doing while this happened? ".

" Helping them not to get caught, I used my magic to distract the police as much as I could, but I couldn't do it for long without giving my identity away! Like I said, not my fault ".

" Where are they now, the Changeling and the diamond dog? ".

" Not among the living, that's for sure ".

" Emerald! You bi-aaagh! ". Again the amulet tried to take control at the signs of Abigail losing her temper, like before she managed to put the power under control at the cost of showing weakness at one of her possible enemies.

" Are you ok Abbey? ". Emerald asked smiling, her mood suddenly improving.

" Mind your own business! And mind them well, because when Ebony Spear learn of this who do you think she would want to speak after ".

Emerald simply shrugged, while indeed dangerous the Changeling empress and her brood weren't to have much strength after their little war with their cousins. " We should look to the bright side on this, with them dead and the gems destroyed the humans are still ignorant of our existence, not to mention, I have found one of my targets and I'm sure I can get her today ".

Abigail was indeed elated for the that piece of information but she didn't any hint of it.
" Make sure you succeed and I'll see what I can do about the empress, but fail again, and I'll throw you head first against her ". Abigail cut the transmission abruptly after delivering her warning.

" That's if she survives Abbey ". Emerald said at her reflection in the mirror, with a huff she went back to bed, she need it information but Trixie wouldn't be coming until after classes, so she had to wait, she didn't mind it though, it give her time to recover from the damage from the explosion, so she decided to take another beauty nap and let the world be, however, deep down she hoped that that the empress and her sister would suffer the same fate of their other stupid Changeling.

IN ROUTE TO THE CHANGELING CITY, NEONBUGG...

" Dear Princess Celestia, it is I, THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE! who humbly write this letter to you, my heart is in tatters as my bestie of friends, Starlight traitor Glimmer is yet to return from wherever the buck she ran to. I know I know! It was probably something very important, life at stake and all that blah blah blah, but couldn't she have waited until this mission was over? Couldn't that piece of plotty mare waited for my very first mission as embassador of friendship to be over first? ".

" Trixie ". Called Applejack from her side.

" Please Dear Princess! Tell me how can I fix this shattered heart that- ".

” Trixie! ". Now it was Rainbow Dash who tried to stop the magical mare.

" That beats inside this great and powerful chest, because, I'm so sad, so lonely, as lonely as a piece of cake which you left behind because you were too full to fini-! ".

" TRIXIE! ". Applejack, Rainbow, as well as the four unicorn guards that were accompanied them yelled to the white haired mare.

" WHAT?! Can't you see that I am putting my whole sentiment in this letter? ". What would happen to my relationship if this letter doesn't reach the princess? ".

Applejack growled and facehoofed. " It doesn't matter what ya write if ya don't send the bucking letter! Ya have been writing since we left and during that time ya wrote like a hundred of those but ya are yet to send a single one of those! ".

" Is because non of those completely express my pain! I need to write the right one.so that the princess can understand my suffering! ".

Everypony present growled, the two elements of Harmony and the four pegasus pulling the flying chariot. Applejack exhaled the fresh equestrian air calming her nerves and talking like when she did with her little sister. " Trixie, Starlight didn't abandon you, she was just as upset as you for having to go away, she was very worried 'bout ya, so she told us to take good care of ya, you think she would do something like that if she didn't care for ya? ".

Trixie reminiscent about all the times the two of them shared with their shenanigans and smiling she calmed down. " You're right, I'm sorry everypony, I get it now, I'm calm, thanks ".

Everypony felt relieved that the mare's annoying whining has been stopped. " That's right but Trixie, you'll see, Starlight will be back in no time, and what could be a better surprise for her that not bucking up in this important and life changing jobs of yours ".

The moment Trixie remembered why she was in the chariot in her way to Neonbugg she went limp. " Damn it Rainbow! Ya had ta broke her again didn't ya! ".

" Hehe, woops? ". Rainbow said sheepishly.

As the flying transport gained speed to reach the Changeling capital in time, a big cloud traveling in the same route did the same thing, an experienced weather pony would have noticed the speed, size and thickness of the cloud as unusual and would have inspected it, but unfortunately the only pony able to do this was distracted by the antics of the embassador Trixie.

NEAR CHS...

Sunset watched the school were her downfall took place an unknown amount of time ago, at least for her right now, she vaguely could remember the front of the school been destroyed at the end of her fight with Princess Sparkle and her friends, but now the school stood, pristine and untouched, that meant that either the school was repaired with magic, which after her duel with the Glimmer girl was a big possibility, or, a lot of time has passed already, and by the development of her current body, she could bet to be the later option. She wondered if she could simply enter and look for her two former accomplices and get the information she need it, but considering that she new almost nothing of the time since she lost after the Fall Formal it was a high risk she could be discovered and attacked again like with the other girl.

She checked the keychain again and was glad to see the old key to her apartment three she could find some sense of familiarity before deciding what to do next, that and she was getting hungry.

Inside school, almost all the students were discussing about the kidnaping, while many were scared, it was evident that many more were indignant that their peaceful community was been attacked and wanted to help find the young farmer for the noble reasons. This wasn't to say that there were no bad rumors flying around, specially directed to Big Mac himself and Sunset Shimmer, but most were kept inside the minds of the one that thought them while the ones who spoke them did so only with their own inner circle of friends and did sure not to spread them around and risk Applejack or Celestia to heard them.

While all this happened around Twilight Sparkle was having another problem a more personal one. The previous day her long standing boyfriend asked her to come with him to the hotel where he and his sister were supposed to stay. He invited her for more things of course, dinner, a walk around the nearby park and other things, but the last stopping the hotel was the center of her worries, even someone as dense as the egghead would know what this meant, that and he asked her if she was ready, when the question was made she was shocked for the second time that day, the first surprise was the news of Big Mac's incident.

To ask for such a thing in the middle of another's friend tragedy was beyond her mind, but remembering the chat with Sunset and Starlight about how she would feel when the moment was right made her accept, she felt this was the moment, as ridiculous as it sounded, as inappropriate as it was, as nerve-wracking as it sounded, she felt it was the moment.

And so Twilight's mind was half in school and half thinking on what would happen later this day, she just hoped she didn't mess up, she hoped to have an beautiful and wonderful first time.

CITY HALL, CONFERENCE ROOM...

After giving his report in the incident of past few days to the whole council, which included the Mayor of the city, Ms Earna Chancemare, the daughter of the previous senior Judge of the city and former judge herself, Chief Like Grass took his seat and waited for the information to sink in each individual, one in particular he was interested, Filthy Rich, a person directly affected by the incident and elected people's representative, a position Grass had no doubt he had a hand in created and had an even dirtier hand in winning, he almost snorted every time he saw the plate with the tittle on it.

" This is very worrying Chief, to think that our peaceful city would have incidents akin to a big city, kidnaping, explosions, police Chases, attacks in hospitals, in public and private places, God! ". One member expressed his outrage.

" Chief, do you have a contingency plan for us? ". The Mayor asked with calmness.

The chief of police imitated her expression. " Yes Mr Mayor, in front of each of you is draft of my immediate plan, as we speak we can add any suggestions you consider necessary ". Grass let everyone take the small stack of papers and pictures.

" First let me tell inform the council, for the time being I don't think we need to request assistance from the State but informing them of this is a must, specially if the news are to learn and broadcast this eventually which is inevitable ". Everyone nodded on that one without question.

" Second, I want to implement a coffee for the citizens under 18, the coffee so be indefinitely until I consider that is no longer necessary and it will start at 8pm every day". Again, he got nods of approval from the members, no doubt protecting the youth was too priority with everyone.

" Third, I would like to install check points in the north and south exit of the city, since the incident was more prominent in the north one that should be priority ".

A member lifted her hand and Grass allowed her the word. " What about the the farms in the East side? That land is way to big for a checkpoint ".

" There will be two patrols installed in there, not to mention that the owners will be inform to contact the police at the first sign of trouble ". His answer was well received and the meeting continued.

" Patrols around the city will be more prominent and information with any description of suspects will be distributed everywhere. For now we cannot give the little description that we got from the witnesses in the hospital and the Apples ".

" Speaking of the Apple family, how is the search for young Macintosh, as anything been found? And more importantly, why is he listed as suspect Chief? ". The Mayor asked after reading that part about him.

Like Grass took a bit of time to answer properly. " I have currently two teams looking for him, one in land and one in near the place of the explosion, the ' Suspect ' status is merely due to the information he can provide after been directly involved with the culprits, that make him immensely important to the investigation so I need it to remark his status as such ". Grass watched as the Mayor frowned.

" I see, may I ask in what status is your daughter currently standing? ".

Grass bit his lip in frustration, he knew pretty well that the Mayor had a high image of the Apples for been Co-founders of the city and overall outstanding citizens, no to mention long time friends and while it was thanks to her that he was the current Chief of police there was no doubt for him that she would choose to keep her friendship with them over him, but he still thought that she would overlook this detail.

" Ma'am, his status as Suspect won't prevent him from receiving medical attention or from speaking with his family, it won't even appear in his record, this is just- ".

" I understand clearly dear Chief, but to the less informed of our citizens this could imply a more negative perception of the young man from your department, while he may not protest the matter there will be those who use this as a tool to affect him and his family with bad propaganda ". Grass noticed how her eyes slightly shifted to were Rich was seating, the man had the misfortune of been drinking his expensive coffee at the moment producing a bad swallow.

" My! Are you ok Mr Rich? ".

" I-yes, yes I am, just, ahem, continue, don't mind me ".

" Please Chief, before this became public change the status to ' victim ' just like your daughter, who was also directly involved and who may also have critical information about the incident ".

As nice as the old lady was, she was also merciless when she need it and to go for what Grass cared the most l, his daughter, was proof of it. Grass couldn't counter her.

" If i may, I have know Macintosh for a few years since he took reigns of his family business and he has been too sentimental about his decisions and quick to
disregard our previous agreedm- ". Rich tried to argue his dislike of Apple but it was quickly shut down too.

" Which is it to show how his drive to uphold his ethics over simply getting more money, and i know this because I know him since he was born Rich, I even married his parents, and I know you and your father as well ". Her cold smile told both man everything they need it to know, the Apples were not to be messed with. " Chief? ".

" It will be done Ma'am ". Said Grass to the Mayor.

" Good, then let's proceed ". The meeting continued with no more arguments from then on.

SUNSET'S APARTMENT...

Sunset let a sigh of relief when she finally made it, all the way from school she saw people giving her the looks, this wasn't anything new but now they seemed more intrigued by her that before. Stepping inside the dark room she detected something weird, the room smelled, it wasn't a bad smell, rather it was pleasant and she couldn't remember liking it.

When she turned the lights on she was presented with head scratcher image. The small apartment was decorated, as if for a dinner, a date. The small table had a red cloth covering it, two plates were already placed with a long candle in the middle. When she moved deeper inside the room her boots crushed something under it, she looked down and found a road made of rose petals going from the entrance to the table and then to the bed, she left the bed for now and went to the table, the candlestick was complete, the plates were clean as was the silverware laying next to it, there were more petals placed near the table, again her mind shifted to automatic, Sunset felt something pulling her to see what other changes have been done, her feet drag her to the fridge where she found food specially thought for a special occasion, she new this not because it looked expensive but because inside the fridge was all her favorite food as well as her favorite dessert, this was done to please her appetite to the fullest, her next stop was bathroom, again she followed the path of red petals to it, here she found the bath prepared for a special night, shampoo, body lotion and a pack of contraceptives, Sunset also found two robes hanging, ready to use.

By now Sunset was more that aware of what the whole preparation made in her apartment implied, she had no more doubt that during the time she wasn't herself she has made friends with the idiots who defeated her, dumped or cheated on Flash Sentry and started dating Macintosh Apple seriously enough to have sex.

She stepped away from the bathroom, scared, not knowing what to think of everything so far, what was she now? Was she the real Sunset or was the one who lived through all this the real one, her life was broken in pieces and she didn't know what piece was the center, backing away from the bathroom got her to bump into the foot of her old bed, her hand touched the surface and felt soft silk texture, she turned and saw velvet sheets covering the bed, the pillows had been also adorned with the same material, a single rose rested in the middle of it, with a trembling hand she reached out and took the rose, she inhaled the scent finding it still fresh meaning that the rose couldn't have been placed here for more than a day at most.

For a second time she felt tears flowing down her face, she felt pain in her hand and saw that her tight grip has caused the thorns to Pierce her skin, small drops of blood appeared, her head started to spin as her mind was flooded with a tsunami of memories, all involving her and the man who got her to experience real love for the first time, who also took her first time giving her his first as well, who made her feel like a filly and a mare at the same time, such powerful emotions erupted within her that she lost the strength to stand, falling over the bed, rose still clutched in her hand, piercing even deeper as her entire body received the full force of a magic surging with her, her eyes shifted between black and white sclera not been able to contain it, Sunset yelled and then felt unconscious again.

NEONBUGG, EQUESTRIA...

As soon as the chariot landed delivering the party from Canterlot, a group of five Changelings came fort to welcome them, four warriors lead by the chief of security and older brother of the King Thorax, Pharynx.

Everypony stood behind as both Trixie and Pharynx moved closer to start the ritual that diplomacy dictated. The Changeling did the first move. " Well? Isn't this a sorry display for a peace embassador? ". Everypony tensed at the question, some of them thought they heard wrong.

" Oh, I'm sorry to disappoint you, but surely we did better that putting a repressed bug that pretends to be rough and tough just to hide the fact that he has a little brother complex! ". Trixie countered smirking, by now many Jaws hit the floor and some gasped by the insults.

" Sure, like been a needy mare who can't go on in life without buck something up every damn minute is way better! ". Now there was no doubt that something was going wrong, very wrong very fast.

" Get a life Pharynx! ". Shouted Trixie.

" And you get a dick Trixie, or a pussy whichever pity you the most! ". By now both mare and Changeling were already butting heads as they threw more insults, the rest of the creatures hurried to separate them before they could start fighting but stopped when the two broke into laughs.

" Hahaha nice insult, you have been improving! ". Said Pharynx.

" What can I say, I need to get more creative since I'm against a natural ".

" I'm a natural? Really? ".

" Yes, a natural disaster! ". Trixie countered as they hugged and laughed some more.

" Welcome to Neonbugg ponies, in the name of King Thorax, I offer you our hospitality, now follow me I'll show you to your rooms ". The group of seven followed the five Changelings inside city.

" What the heck was that Trixie, where in Celestia's name say ya have to insult other representative when visiting! ". Asked Applejack.

" Yeah! You almost give me a heart attack! ".

" Pffff! Don't sweat the small stuff, besides, weren't you the ones who told me to be myself? ". Trixie shot back laughing.

Both mares exchanged looks of understanding. " Touche Trixie, touche ".

As the meeting preparations were getting finished, the whole city was unaware of the danger approaching as the huge cloud from before was making its way closer to the city.

REBEL'S HIDEOUT...

Abigail waited patiently for Adagio in the main chamber of the rebel base, while waiting she continued to maintain a better control over the Alicorn amulet, the talk with Emerald has shown her and unfortunately the siren too of her lack of control yet, she need it to improve but if necessary she could remove it and wait until she was back in form, her eyes shifted from red to cyan as she tested the limits of her power, the amulet acted almost if it was conscious of her attempts at dominate it and countered with its own attend control her, with her magic enhanced she could feel the movement of lesser magic around including the approach of the younger siren, that marked the end of this little exercise.

" Come in! ". Abigail called before Adagio could even touch the door, Adagio did her way inside, and walked to seat in front of the smaller Amber mare.

" Did, did you need it me? Abigail? ". Asked Adagio showing nervousness.

" Yes, I have a mission for you, more specific for both of us ".

" Yes? Really? Then, I'm ready! ".

" Not yet I'm afraid, last time you were nearly defeated by the Rainbooms despite having many advantages, the mission will take part here, where magic IS common, the chances of failure are greater that before and failing means imprisonment or death ".
Abigail warned.

" What then? ".

" The mission will take some time to be planned yet, but during that the me I want you to keep practicing with the gem, you have to be able to draw power from it without losing focus, our mission will be in the Crystal Empire's castle meaning we'll be up against Princess Cadance ".

" Princess Cadance?! That may not be such a good idea, she has a huge guard and her husband is no sloch either, not to mention that the palace has some freaky security system! ". Adagio was losing her mane recalling why was so dangerous to fight the Royal couple in their own turf.

" Enough rambling Adagio, I thought you of any pony would be excited for a chance to go against a princess and humiliate her ".

" I-I am but-! ". Adagio trembled slightly.

" Hm, the fight with my double did actually shock you, didn't it ". Adagio didn't respond immediately, not that she wanted to admit weakness in front of Abigail, big part as to why Adagio wasn't to kin at the idea of facing the pony Sunset was obviously her almost perfect match of the mare in front of her.

" It was completely unforseen that pony Sunset would become a Princess in the human world, it just prove how much magic have been affecting the human world for princess to start popping up ".

" I was stronger that her at first, magic, accuracy, power, speed, strategy, everything! She caught me off guard but even so I counted her and was winning easily, even after fighting her friends for almost an hour before she arrived, yet in the nick of time she just powered up out of nowhere, her magic was too much for me even transformed already! ". Adagio snarled the last part, no doubt remembering in detail.

" Feelings ". Said Abigail calmly.

" What?! ".

" Feelings, her magic most be attached to some feeling just like the elements of Harmony, in theory, Celestia and her sister are considered as the most powerful alicorns compared to Cadance and Sparkle, but this is just in a manner, Celestia who control the Sun is strongest right at mid-day, Luna who controls the Moon is strongest at midnight, fighting them at either sunset or dawn is the best moment since their powers are connected with the astral bodies. Feelings in the other hoof are completely independent of anything but the emotional state of the pony, I heard once how Chrysalis was able to defeat Celestia long ago in one on one match because she was feeding off from the love of Cadance's lover, and it was barely pass mid-day, when she's was at her peak ".

" So they receive a massive boost just if their friends or love one are in danger? But that-! ".

" Yes, that makes them more powerful that The sisters when the right circumstances are triggered ".

" Then how are we suppose to deal with Cadance! ".

" There's many ways but the most optimal would be to attack her directly and far from her hubby, as long as he's not in direct danger her powers shouldn't increase ".

Adagio thought about it but remembering her battle with Sunset she found a flaw.
" No, that won't work, at least not until they are separated at a long distance ".

" And why is that? ".

" While I fought Shimmer and her friends, Rawhorn was dealing with Sunset's lover, apparently he injured him bad while transformed, they were far from us but still within reach, somehow Shimmer felt him, I don't know how, maybe telepathy or something but she knew he was dying, then she powered up and next thing I knew she was pushing me back and her boyfriend beat up Rawhorn within inches of his life ".

Abigail absorbed the new information quietly. " Interesting, so not only did my pony double got a power boost but her partner did as well? And they can sense each other at a distance, hmm, this information so come in handy when the time comes ".

" Are you still up to fight Cadance? Even after hearing that? ".

Abigail didn't respond immediately, instead she touched the Alicorn amulet with the tip of her hoof. " Adagio, I have done many, many things and waited for a long time to get this chance at reaching my goal. Fear, hesitation, confusion, I have non, this ends just two ways, either I achieve what I want, or I did trying ".

True to her word, Adagio couldn't feel any hesitation in her voice. " That's All I need it from you, practice your magic, gain more control over the gem and learn new spells, I'll inform you when I have a plan ready for us, until then, do as you must ".

Adagio simply nodded and walked to the door before Abigail called her again. " Before you go, tell me, who is pony Sunset's lover, it will be important to avoid crossing paths with him if we must runs round Canterlot City ".

" His name is Ma- ". The door opened before Adagio could finish.

" My lady, it is almost time ". Rawhorn walked in almost hitting the siren with the door.

" Ah, almost forgot, very well, we can talk later Adagio, go on ". Adagio nodded again and walked out, throwing an angry glare at the bull who almost hit her. " Now then, let's see how the Changelings do their little war ".

REGAL'S RESIDENCE...

" She did what?! ". Celestia yelled through the phone, hurting Starlight's ear.

" She, she ran away, I'm sorry I tried to restrain her but she countered my magic! Something was off about her too, her eyes changed color from white to black and she sounded kind of angry and aggressive, I'm sorry again Miss Celestia ".

Celestia sighed. " That's ok Starlight, you tried and I'm thankful, but now we need to find her, is most likely that she wants to go and look for Big Mac, she must be going to the bridge! ".

" Actually, I don't think that's the case, when I mentioned Big Mac she acted confused, like she didn't believe me he was her boyfriend, she was also confused as to way was she here to begin with and it didn't seem like she was lying ".

On the other side of the line, Luna, who was with Celestia heard the conversation.
" Acting aggressive and swearing? That sound more like old Sunset, you know, when Twilight Sparkle and the other girls shot her ass down ".

" Luna please! Don't insult my... wait, maybe... Ok Luna, good thinking, Starlight, do you remember Sunset's old apartment? When you first came? ".

" I do, is close to the school right? ".

" Yes! Listen, there's a big chance that she went there first, she may be there right now!
You think you can look for her there! ".

" I think so, but what if I find her? I don't think I can stop her if she sees me ".

" Don't worry, you'll have back up, just leave the house and make your way there, if you see her don't approach her until you have company ".

" Got it ". Starlight hanged and soon Celestia dialed another number.

" Who are you sending? The girls are still in class? ". Asked Luna as she too was checking her phone to see if she had any message from Turner, he was currently near the bridge just in case that news about Mac would pop up.

Celestia didn't answer. " Hello? This is Principal Celestia, sorry to interrupt you at this time but I need a huge favor... Could you go to Sunset's apartment... ".

NEONBUGG...

Changeling King Thorax was having a difficult time talking with Trixie as either his brother Pharynx would do a surprise security swept or Trixie herself would ask for a bathroom break, right now that was the case.

" I'm mighty sorry yo, we probably shouldn't had let her drink all that fancy water before the meeting ". Said Applejack as she snuggled her hat between her hooves in embarrassment.

" That's ok, Applejack, I already know how she is, and I'm sorry for Pharynx, he has a big responsibility but sometimes he take his job too far ".

" Meh, I have seen worst, you should seen Twilight back she thought Celestia would banish her for been tardy with a friendship report, now that's obsessive! ". Rainbow laughed remembering.

" Still, we really need to set a plan against the other hive of Changelings before our they cause more damage, not even when Mother was alive things were this bad, those new Changelings are a danger against all of Equestria but I'm still not sure if a total war against them will cause more harm than good ".

" Yeah this is a delicate matter, war should never be the answer but in the other hoof it is true that the new Changelings are way dangerous, it breaks Twilight's heart every time she receive news of ponies kidnapped or killed by them ".

Thorax nodded with sadness as well, his mother committed the worst act when she created the new hive with the inability of absorbing love by other means but by force, many have need the ponies and other creatures that lost their lives to a hungry drone, Ebony Spear, his sister, was in many ways worst that Chrysalis herself but because it was in her very nature, that did make her as much a victim of Mother as he was when she tried to suck the love out of him.

Outside of the building used for the meeting, Pharynx was doing his 23rd security round, he could see that the other Changelings were getting tired of his constant patrols and security checks but when your little brother was the main target of a breed of killing insects he simply couldn't take any chances.

His final round of the hour was almost complete, there were only a few checkpoints left and he could go back to the meeting and push his brother to declare war against the other hive, better get rid of them first and avoid mayor casualties from an attrition war, he just hoped that Trixie wouldn't buck things up somehow.

As he inspected the last checkpoint he cleaned his forehead from sweat, the sun has been too harsh in this area lately and this day wasn't a exception. He felt better when a long shadow covered the last part of his trek, he looked up and found the biggest cloud he had ever seen in his life lazily floating over the Royal premise.

Any other pony may have taking such sight as nothing more that a normal moment, a lucky break or maybe a somewhat slightly important memory for the future if nothing else, the day he saw a really big cloud. But not Pharynx, not this Changeling, and more so not in this day, he couldn't take any chances and he wouldn't, even if the hive still called him crazy at his back. With extra speed, Pharynx arrived at the area where a couple of cannons were located. The cannons where a gift from the Yaks after the Changelings assisted them to foil an attack from the other hive. The cannons were gem fueled that shot powerful magic balls that exploded at contact with anything, Pharynx insisted on taking the weapons and place them in towers to protect Neonbugg from air raids.

They have never been used before in real combat but the Changelings in guard were trainer to do it. " Attention! ". Pharynx snapped at the four guards who were chilling,
they scrambled to form up and salute. " Listen up, prepare the cannons, target will be that big cloud floating above the city! I want those cannons ready to shoot in less that 2 minutes! ".

The guards looked at him as if he was talking in other language. " Didn't you hear my order soldiers?! ". Again they looked confused.

" Eh? Sir, we, uh? We aren't allowed to do practice shooting today, it could scare the hive you know ". One of the guards spoke.

" What? I'm in charge of defences, who can give you a higher order that mine!? ".

" Uh, the king of course ". Pharynx facehoofed in annoyance.

" Well, we're not practice shooting, we are inspecting shooting, we'll see if there's enemies inside that big plot cloud! ". Pharynx said pointing to the cloud in discussion.

The guards looked between each other deciding whatever to do as he was telling or to discuss further, however there was a reason why Pharynx choose this Changelings as guards specifically. " Oh! Inspecting shooting, that's ok I guess, as long as is not practice shooting it should be allowed ". They were dumb as heck.

" Good. NOW GET TO IT! ". The guards saluted and had the cannons ready in record time.

" Everything ready, Sir! I always wanted to do inspecting shooting, it sound more fun that practice shooting ".

" Alright! Take aim and shoot at my order! ". The shooter followed instructions and soon have the center of the cloud in his sight. " Does anything weird appears in the sight? ". Pharynx asked.

" Hmm, not much, it just look like a big ass cloud ".

" That's enough for me, SHOOT! ". With the pull of a level the cannon roared, inside the mechanism activated, a small press crushed the small gem inside and a special cylinder send the compressed burst of magic forward directed to the muzzle of the cannon. A ball of hot magic burst toward the sky and made contact with the cloud passing harmlessly through it.

" Oh, it wasn't as fun as I thought, what now? Do we shoot again? ".

" Do you even need to ask? Reload and shoot again, same target! ".

" Hey! What's the big idea! ". Rainbow Dash appeared flying from the building used for the meeting.

" What do you want Raindrop Stash! I'm busy here ".

" You brother send me to see what the heck you were doing, he thought you would be jumping at shadows and looks like he was right ". Rainbow said with annoyance.

" My brother doesn't know what's going on, I'm investigating a possible attack ".

" Possible attack? From where? I don't see anything ".

" Up there, from that big cloud ". The gunner responded.

" Wow, now that's a big cloud! But apart for it's size I don't see anything suspicious about it, unless I check it ".

" No, we have this covered, go back to the meeting and let me do my job properly mare. Prepare to shoot at once! ".

" Are you nuts? Everypony down there is getting riled up by your big fireworks, if you keep shooting that thing you'll only make it worse! ". Rainbow protested.

" Nopony asked your opinion pony! Now leave and don't get in my way. Aim at the cloud, shoot at my signal! ".

" Stop! ". Rainbow got in front of the cannon. " If you want to shoot then it will be through me, get it? ". Rainbow said defiantly.

Pharynx simply took a second to think about it. " Have it your way mare ".

" Ha! I knew you wouldn't do it! ".

" Fire! ".

" Yea-wait what? ". Before she cannon could roar again and turn Rainbow in smoke and ashes, the pegasus moved away saving her hide by mere inches. She looked dumbfounded as the magic ball soared through the blue sky at the harmless cloud.

" You, you bastard! You almost killed me! ". Rainbow flew to Pharynx and tried to strangle him but a big boom stopped her. She turned to see the cloud burst in bright colors and dissipate, but instead of leaving nothing like it was supposed to the cloud left hundred of black specs flying wildly before they started to congregate in what looked like a v-shape combat formation. " What the heck? ".

" Sound the alarms immediately, we have enemies! ". It took only seconds before the guards dispersed and alarms started to sound all around the city. " Rise the shield! All soldiers prepare for combat! Royal guard, protect the king at all cost! ". Pharynx yelled order after order without looking away from the black mass of enemies, his purple eyes found the two must important figures among the buzzing swarm the self proclaimed Empress, Ebony Spear and her sister, Crimson Javelin.

" Those two are here, buck our luck ".

" You, you mean? ". Rainbow tried to find the Changeling empress too but her eyes weren't that good, still, the situation was dangerous enough as it was. " Yeah, we're buck'd ".

From above the city, Empress Ebony watched the city of the treacherous hive. Their weapons have already taken the life of near twenty of her children with more injured, they would be avenged of course.

" The troops are ready my Empress, we await your signal ". Said Crimson to her sister.

" Go ". A simple word with no emotion behind, simply the cold conviction she had that this would be their decisive day, everything would be risked in this one assault, only one hive would be standing at the end of the day.

SUNSET'S APARTMENT...

Sunset woke up startled, she tumbled down the bed disoriented for the second time in the day, she looked around confused and with a headache. " Ugh! What, where am I? Wasn't I in school? ". Memories from long ago flooded her. " Oh no! Abigail! Abigail is going to erase everyone's memories. Big Mac! I have to find him, he's the only one who can help me! ". Getting up, Sunset rushed to the door but before she could even touched this one burst open with a kick that knocked Sunset back.

" Where are you Shimmer?! We came here to get you back to your senses! ". A voice yelled from the doorway.

" Aria! I told you to wait for me! ". Starlight came calling from behind.

" You told me she was acting weird right? So to fix that we need her restrained, right? ".

" Ugh! Who, who are you? What are you trying to do to me? ".

" Just trying to get you back to your less annoying self pony girl ". Sunset's eye widen as she heard this, only Big Mac knew of her real identity which for her it meant that they must be working with Abigail.

" I, I won't let you get away with your plans! I'll stop you, I'll stop you and save the school! ". Sunset charger forward.

END OF CHAPTER.

Author's Notes:

Finally back after more than two months of absence. The chapter was going to be to big so had to break it in two, maybe three parts if it needs. Anyway, hope that you had a wonderful Christmas and even better New Year. Thanks for reading and hope you stick around for future chapters.