Ever since they had arrived at the School of Friendship, both Rachel and Peter were more than welcomed by the school's student body. However, the group of multi-creatures known as the Young Six had taken a particular interest in them. With Equestria being plunged further and further into the brink of war, Peter began to feel his spider sense grow more and more frequent. This was evident when they all gathered in the library to do homework that afternoon.

"Well, I guess you liked your first day of classes," remarked Gallus.

"We did," answered Rachel. "I got to tell you, Equestrian history seems a lot fascinating than human history. What did you think, Pete? Pete?"

A slight nudge in his side stopped Peter from whatever homework he was focusing on.

"Oh, uh, yeah," muttered Peter. "Sorry, I just can't help but feel like my spider sense is out of control."

"Eek! Spiders? Yona fears spiders!"

The jittery yak got herself onto her seat upon hearing the word "spider" only for Smolder to sit her back down.

"Easy, grasshopper," she whispered. "You conquered your fears, remember?"

"Either way, my spider sense has been acting up for some time now," replied Peter. "I can't put my mind on it, but something tells me that I should have been at…whatever was happening the other day."

"You mean the attack on the Crystal Empire?" wondered Sandbar. "They had some kind of strange creatures assisting them calling themselves the Guardians of the Galaxy or something like that."

The more he learned about this, the more determined Peter became to getting to the bottom of the situation.

"Rae," he whispered to Rachel. "Do you think I could talk to headmare Twilight tonight about my spider sense?"

"You could talk to her, but I don't think she'll believe you," said Gallus, who had been overhearing what was being said. "I mean…Headmare Twilight has been sort of frazzled by all this talk of war and such."

"We've all been frazzled, Gallus," remarked Ocellus. "I found out from one of Thorax's letters that all of our leaders are gathering in Canterlot in two days."

"Is it that bad?" asked Silverstream, who was starting to internally panic.

"It is and in fact, I hear that the school might even get shut down because of the threat Grogar is posing to us."

The thought of the school of friendship shutting down seemed almost unthinkable. However, it was to somewhat be expected. No sooner were those words spoken did an announcement go through the library:

"All students are to report to the assembly hall at once," Twilight's voice rang out over the intercom.

…

Heeding those words, the entire student body went to the assembly hall and without saying a word all gathered around. There stood Twilight, her friends except for Rainbow Dash who was at Wonderbolt Academy with Sam Wilson, as well as Dr. Strange, Chancellor Neighsay and Bruce Banner.

"I suppose you are all wondering what is going on," Twilight began, looking out amongst her nervous students. "As you know, war has been declared on Equestria by Emperor Grogar. I am sure some of you have already learned about him in your friendship lessons. But he has returned and for your own safety, we have decided to shut down the School of Friendship until the threat has passed."

A series of light murmurs fell upon the students, some were worried and some were confused over this decision. A raise of Twilight's hoof once again brought silence on them.

"I must warn you though that if you choose to stay," she advised. "You will be asked to fight for the defense of Equestria. Some of you and your families will be evacuated to nearby cities like Klugetown and Mount Aris and some of you will be evacuated to other areas like the Peaks of Peril where the Kirin are. The other princesses and I are not going to put the innocent in harm's way."

"Headmare Twilight is true in what she is saying," advised Chancellor Neighsay. "We care not just for your education, but also for your safety. If you wish to fight, step forward now."

"Remember," added Dr. Strange. "Should you choose to fight, you may not survive the impending war."

No sooner did Dr. Strange say that did the young six rise to their feet and made their way down to the bottom of the assembly hall. Twilight was astonished to see her multi-creature students willing to put their lives on the line. A few other male ponies and a few female ponies also stepped forward. Peter, of course being a member of the Avengers, also stepped down. He looked back towards Rachel, who had no intentions of fighting, staying in the bleachers.

"Very well," said Twilight. "Then as for the rest of you, return to your dorms and prepare for departure at once."

Acting on her words, the students disbanded to prepare for evacuation while those choosing to stay behind remained in the assembly hall.

"Are you sure you wish to fight?" Twilight asked worriedly to the young six.

"We're going to stay and fight to the bitter end," replied Gallus firmly, clutching his friend's claws and wings tightly. "If we die, we die together."

Twilight was touched by this commitment and realized that there was no point in convincing them to leave. Her students had a strong bond and no major battle was going to break it apart.

…

Meanwhile, the Crystal Empire was also being evacuated as well. Tempest Shadow watched from a window in the castle's throne room as crowds of Crystal Ponies made their way towards the train station.

"Are you sure this is the right call?" Tempest asked Cadence as she, Shining Armor and the Guardians of the Galaxy walked into the room.

"We cannot take any chances, Tempest," replied Shining Armor as they walked towards Tempest. "Sombra's attempted attack struck fear into many of our subjects."

"So did my attack on Canterlot when I was with the Storm King," muttered Tempest, remorsefully turning away in shame. "The last thing I want is to see a repeat of my actions."

"Either way," remarked Cadence. "You now have a chance to redeem yourself, Tempest. I'm afraid though that Sombra's attack was part of your training. But, you did manage to chase him away."

"The question now is, will he come back or else?" wondered Quill. "What about that spinning heart that is right outside?"

"The Crystal Heart will protect the Empire regardless," reassured Cadence. "However, it will only protect the empire as long as I hold my alicorn magic intact and not let it fall into Grogar's clutches."

Just then, a scroll magically appeared before them and Cadence immediately read it. Her eyes dropped at what was said on it.

"Cadence, what's wrong?" Shining Armor asked worriedly.

"It's the elements of harmony!" Cadence cried. "They're corrupted!"

"What? How?" cried Tempest Shadow.

Of course, the Guardians of the Galaxy didn't know what they were all talking about.

But, back in Canterlot, Celestia and Luna were both worried sick about Equestria's ultimate means of defense being corrupted.