Things in Ponyville were finally starting to calm down after the scare they had gotten just an hour and a half prior. Even though Nightmare Moon was no longer there to attack the citizens, there was still some panic and mayhem going on back in the Town Square. Smoke could be seen still rising out from inside the destroyed building at rather high quantities, even though the fire inside the building was long put out. Rubble and debris either clung feebly or fell from some parts of the building every few minutes. All of them looked ready to fall down on ponies that were unlucky enough to be standing under them, least they’re too scared to notice. The large hole that was blasted through the front center of the roof was still present, allowing all to see the lighting the interior.

The sounds of panicked ponies could be heard all over interior of the Town Square as they tried take in all that had happened, along with helping those that were still in dire need of assistance. Some ponies were still doing their best to help the injured get out from under the weight of the destroyed roof, some of which looking to be a lot worse for wear. Doctors and Nurses could be seen running left and right, trying to tend to those needing help. Foals were huddled closely to their parents, watching the events as their young minds tried to desperately to understand it. Despite the dramatic atmosphere there were those few who managed to keep a level head in the turmoil.

“How’re you doing there, Mom?” Amethyst asked, her face creased with worry. “Are you doing okay?

Derpy let herself lay on the medical stretcher that was provided for her, doing her best hold back a wince as she looked up at her daughter. Behind her, Nurse Redheart continued to apply the medicine, ointment, and bandages to her injuries, focusing mainly on her wings. “Yes Ame, I’m doing okay…well, I am now at least.” She replied, giving the unicorn her best smile. “It’s a good thing that Zephyr stallion was there to save me and Dinky. If he hadn’t, I don’t know what would’ve happened to me, let alone to your sister.”

“Y-yeah…I was really scared!” Dinky whimpered, hugging her mother around her neck. “I’m so glad Mr. Zephyr was able to get you out in time! You’re winged looked so mangled when he was able to get you out; I thought they were broken for good.”

“Me too little sis, and I’m so glad that I was wrong.” Amethyst nodded, sitting down next to her mother and sister. “Who would’ve thought that a Pegasus stallion was strong enough to life something as heavy as a giant mass of wood.”

“Heh, yeah...who would’ve thought indeed.” Derpy chuckled alongside her. “Still though, I’m really thankful that he was able to get us out of there. Faust only knows what would’ve happened if we had gotten there any later.”

“I don’t want to think about it either.” Redheart murmured, wrapping one of Derpy’s legs in gauze and more bandages. “I almost jumped out of my skin when I saw the state that your wings were in Ms. Derpy. I was honestly thinking that you’d never be able to fly again.”

“As if a bunch of wood falling on me is enough to break these wings of mine.” Derpy said humorously, grinning in amusement. “I’ve had more crashes than I can even care to count since the time I was a filly. More than a few a few times that happened, I did land on my wings, but none of them were the point where they were permeantly damaged. I also happened to have obtained a pretty high pain tolerance thanks to it.”

“You sure did, and I was literally there to see it.” Amethyst nodded. “I remember one time when you were helping Rainbow Dash and the Weather Team, you had barreled through a crowd right into the Town Square. When I went inside to see you, you literally had your head into the floor…I seriously thought you were in a coma.”

“So, did I…I still can’t believe I was able to feel that.” Derpy said as she rubbed at her forehead. “Oh well, it’s all good! I survived and that’s all that matters in the end! I even managed to develop and even tougher skull, which is even better!”

Dinky giggled. “You sure did Momma! Nothing can break that big bad noggin of yours!”

“Isn’t that the truth Dinky.” Amethyst agreed with a chuckle. “Seriously Mom, it’s like you’re made of metal, or steel or something. Every time you crash, you don’t act like you’re in pain or anything. Is it some kind of side effect you’ve developed or something?”

“I wouldn’t say that sweetie.” Derpy replied with a playful eyeroll. “I may come from the most feared family in Equestria, but that doesn’t mean that I’m made of the same iron steel as I am in my normal form. It’s just a tolerance of pain that I’ve developed with each crash that I’ve managed to recover from, nothing more.”

Amethyst raised a brow at that but decided to drop the subject. “If you say so.”

“And speaking of pain tolerance,” Derpy continued on, redrawing Amethyst’s attention back to her. “Did you see the way that Zephyr stallion went against that mare? She was wiping the floor with him and he hardly even flinched…at least until she suddenly bit him out of nowhere.”

“Don’t remind me about that.” Redheart shivered lightly as her face turned blue. “I’m still trying to contemplate how he was even conscious after all of that. With the amount of blood that he lost, and the wound he gave, he’d need at least thirty stitches…along with a blood transfusion. I don’t know where he’s gone, but I do hope he’s gotten some help…along with some treatment.”

Dinky frowned. “Somehow, I doubt that’s going to happen anytime soon Nurse Redheart. Queen Celestia had come to get him more than a couple of hours ago, so but I don’t think it was to get him treatment. She may have wanted him for another mission that needed him as quickly as possible...she did look pretty urgent.”

“That is true dear…still, at the very least I hope he got bandages.” Redheart murmured quietly. “Even if he was a guard, and they’re trained to withstand pain, they can’t fight properly with a wound like that.” She instinctively rubbed at her own neck, as if it suddenly had fang piercings on it. “Not to mention the pain.”

“I wouldn’t be too worried Nurse, that stud looks to be a tough stallion. If he can survive getting drained of his blood, and still be able to fight, he’ll be fine.” Derpy said reassuringly, even as her own voice gained a twinge of concern. “Besides, how else am I going to repay him for saving me and my daughter’s life from nearly getting buried alive~.”

With the exception of Dinky, Redheart and Amethyst were able to pick up on the sultry sensual tone in Derpy’s voice. That was all that they needed to know exactly what she meant, and Amethyst made it known by sighing heavily in response. Redheart was far more composed than the younger unicorn, but she did blush and look away.

“Let me guess, you’re planning on take him back to your home and fucking him, aren’t you?” The magenta purple mare asked, although she already knew the answer. “That’s what the plan is, isn’t it? To make him fuck you until you’re turned into a creampie?”

“Amethyst, language! Not in front of Dinky!” Derpy scolded, covering Dinky’s ears and giving a sharp glare to her eldest daughter. As quickly as it has come, it soon morphed into a giggle. “Well, wasn’t that obvious from the very start? What did you think I was going to do? Just give him a basket of muffins and send him on his merry way? Oh no baby, I want him to leave fully repaid, especially after he gets a nice taste of my other muffins~.”

Amethyst facehoofed while Redheart blushed even harder, her tail giving a bit of a flick as she closed her thighs together. She knew her exactly what her mother was referring to and it made her want to go into a blushing mess just thinking about it. Other than a few close friends, along with Amethyst herself, it was no secret throughout Ponyville that her mother tended to get pretty frisky with some of the ponies in town. It was usually a kiss here, and little bit of chest fluff face smothering there, but there were occasions where Derpy decided to go all the way with anypony she happens to be drawn to. Of course, she didn’t do this all the time; just to those ponies that Derpy felt really deserved mating with her, or did something so heroic that she had to do it with them.

This earned her a bit of reputation around town as the Dutiful Ditzy Mare, one that wasn’t made out of malicious intent, but of deep affection for the mailmare. And Amethyst knew that after Derpy gave Zephyr his “extra muffins”, that nickname would probably be even more known, unless Zephyr decided not to spread it. While she doubted it would happen, Amethyst felt that she should at least let him know, if she ever saw him again, let alone with her mother. She had enough problems to deal with already with her eyes, and Amethyst wasn’t going to let anymore be added to that list. Even if the whole romping with another pony thing was made out of love and not any ill intent.

“Well, if you’re gonna have him screw you into the ground, could you at least try to do it somewhere that isn’t our house?” Amethyst suggested. “I’ve had enough sleepless nights listening to you whinnying and screeching into the night until the windows shattered. And I seriously don’t want to have Dinky walking in on you and any lucky stallion you have.”

“You don’t need to worry my little sparkler, my little muffin won’t be hearing, let alone know, any of that for at least another five years.” Derpy winked, watching as her youngest daughter conversed with Redheart. “I am excited for when it comes though, and my little Dinky finds her special somepony, and take that step! Ooooh, I know it’ll be so adorable!”

Dinky glanced back at her mother. “What’ll be so adorable Momma?”

“Oh, nothing, nothing baby; Mommy’s just rambling.” Derpy replied quickly, giving Amethyst a wink, to which the elder unicorn rolled her eyes at.

“Alright Ms. Derpy, that should about wrap it up now.” Redheart said as she finally finished in tending to Derpy’s wounds. “It doesn’t look like you’ve suffered much damage to your legs, and your back is still in stable condition. The only damage that you’re initially suffered is that to your wings, so try not to us them too much. I don’t want you to run the risk of you causing internal bleeding, so I’d advise against using them.”

“Thank you, nurse, I appreciate your help.” Derpy nodded as she slowly got off of the medical bed, carefully folding her wings. “And thank you for tending to my little Dinky too; thank goodness she only got herself a cut to her head.”

The pale white mare nodded softly, smiling serenely as she patted Dinky on the head, her forehead having some bandages wrapped around it. “It was my pleasure; you know how I love seeing little Dinky. Just like how I enjoy seeing Scootaloo, Prickle Berry, Melon Cake and many of the other foals here. Anything I can do to put a smile on their adorable little faces, I’ll be happy to do.”

“That’s why you’re the best nurse ever Redheart!” Dinky squeaked, hugging the nurse around one of her leg. “There’s no other Nurse like you here!”

“Oh, I wouldn’t say that dearie.” Redheart cooed, letting the filly nuzzle into her chest fluff, pushing her cross-like roseray out of the way. “But thank you for being so cooperative with me, you did very well. You watch that head injury of yours, okay? Both you and your mother have injuries that can get infected easily, so please to make sure they tended to properly.”

“Don’t worry Nurse, I’ll make sure that they both keep themselves as clean as the diamonds on my flank.” Amethyst said, looking pointedly at her mother and sister, mainly the latter. “Provided that my Mom doesn’t get into another accident.” She added dryly. “Or get my sister into one.”

Derpy chuckled sheepishly but said nothing in retortion. After coughing into her throat, she hoisted Dinky into her back and said, “Alright, I think that about clears everything up here. You two want to go now so we can try to rest from this?”

“Yeah, I just wanna get the fuck out of here and put all of this bullshit of a terror behind us. The Queen can handle it, so we shouldn’t be too worried.” Amethyst replied eagerly, ignoring the reprimanding glare Derpy sent her. “Although, it’s a pretty long walk from here to your house Mom, and I don’t want you going that far while walking with those legs.” She pointed to the bandages laced around Derpy’s four limbs. “I think we should go somewhere closer to here; that way we can come back over here, just in case.”

“…Actually, you know what, I think that’s a good idea.” Derpy concluded. “I can tell just by standing right now that I’m not going to get very far from here. Don’t wanna aggravate my wounds any more than they are.”

“In that case, let’s stop by Twilights library.” Amethyst suggested. “I’ve been there more than a couple of times, and I do have a job there besides my jewelry job. Plus, Twilight has plenty of medical kits, so if you tear up the bandages, we can always apply more.”

“Good idea sis!” Dinky chirped. “Ms. Twilight is always prepared for anything no matter what, and you two are the best organizers in town! If there’s anypony here who’s always prepared for anything, it’s her!”

“Hit the magic target home there, little sis.” Amethyst chuckled, gently flicking Dinky with her tail skirt. “Alright then, let’s go. The sooner we can get there and get you rested, the better.”

“Alright then, lead the way Ame!” Derpy giggled, gently ushering her daughter forward. “I’m sure that Twilight will be kind enough to let us stay at her treehouse a little bit! She has let Dinky stay over for her sleepovers with Crescent Shield, so I’m sure she’ll be more than understanding about this!” She looked over at Dinky, who was clinging to her back. “Who knows? Maybe she’ll even let me make some of my signature muffins so you can both stuff your faces with them~.”

Dinky’s eyes glinted like glitter “Yummy!”

Spike couldn’t for the life of him figure out why, but he had really unsettling feeling inside of his gut. A type of feeling that something was afoot, and that something bad either was going to happen very soon. Spike had felt this feeling before, and each time he confirmed his suspicions, he was always correct, even when he wished he wasn’t. Whether it was Twilight being harassed and bullied by other ponies and members of higher class, or him getting in that kind of trouble as well, he always got that feeling. In recent years, whenever Spike got it, it was nowhere near as bad as what he was feeling right now, allowing him to think of something else. Now, he had no such advantage, and this knot in his stomach was making him feel very uncomfortable at the moment.

The young dragon didn’t know how long he was going to have this feeling, but he hoped that it would go away soon. Otherwise, it would drive him insane to the point where he might burn Twilight’s books, and he knew his foster sister would not like that. Luckily, a distraction came to help Spike take his mind off of his anxious state, that form being in the form of a mountain blue bat winged mare.

“Spike?” Snowflake asked gently, coming up behind the indigo Kirin. “Is there something the matter darling?”

Spike, who had been sucking on his right foreclaws, gave a somewhat girlish cry of surprise. He jumped so hard that he shot up a good eight feet, before landing face first on the pillow that he was sitting down on. He whipped around to see the mare towering over him, her fangs gleaming as she looked back down at him worriedly.

“Snowflake, for fuck’s sake, don’t scare me like that!” Spike whined. “For a second there I thought you were somepony trying to jump me!”

“Now why would you think that?” Snowflake asked calmly, ignoring Spike’s profanity as she raised a brow. “Me, Midnight, and you are the only ones here, and the girls and Zephyr have already left. There isn’t anypony else here but us, so why would you think that there’s somepony here about to jump you?”

“I…I-I don’t know!” Spike stuttered out. “I don’t know why I thought that b-but…well, I did. I’m sorry, y-you just really took me by surprise.”

Snowflake’s eyes softened, and she reached over and pat the dragon on his head. “I’m sorry Spike, I didn’t mean to scare you. You looked really uneasy over by the window over there, and I wanted to know if you were alright.”

“No, I’m not okay actually.” Spike replied, his draconic ears falling limp. “In fact, I’m really…scared right now.”

“Scared?” Snowflake asked. “Of what?”

“Of everything that’s happened!” Spike suddenly yelled, making Snowflake jump. “I was so happy about what was going to happen today! Just this morning, I was hanging out with Twilight and Crescent Shield, while getting ready for the Summer Sun Celebration. Then, this afternoon, I was helping Twilight and Crescent with their magic down in the Combat Magic Training Basement! Then, you, Goku, Snowflake, and Sheton came back, we have a big reunion party, and we got to the Town Square to have an even bigger one with Mo-er, Queen Celestia,” He took a moment catch his breath as he sucked in a lungful of air. “I really thought that this was going to be a fun day, especially with all of you here, and the Queen there most of all! I don’t remember a time where I’ve ever been this excited in my life, until…u-until…”

“Until Nightmare Moon came and, um…” Snowflake bit her lip as she tried to find the right words to finish. “Interrupted the party?”

“More like nearly crushing everypony and painting the ground red with all their blood.” Spike said bluntly. “Of all the things I expected, this was not it! I never thought that Nightmare Moon would actually be real; let alone attack the town! Not only that, she had also stabbed the Queen…right in front of us all! A-and…to top it off…s-she f-f-foalnapped Sheton, Scootaloo, Firestreak, Melon Cake, Crescent Shield, and Sweetie Belle!” A shiver went down his spine as he let out a whimper. “Nightmare Moon foalnapped them and I couldn’t do a thing to stop her, even with my flames! Now Twilight, Zephyr, and the girls are going into the world’s most dangerous wilderness, to find the weapons that Queen Celestia used to stop Nightmare Moon! After all of that, who wouldn’t be terrified of something like that happening?!”

Snowflake frowned, walking over and draping a wing around Spike. She pulled him close, nuzzling the top of his head. “Yes, all of that would be enough to frighten somepony of even your exterior, and I don’t blame you one bit for what’s happened. Me and Midnight were absolutely terrified, and that’s saying something, given we rarely get scared.” She put a hoof to Spike’s chin and made him look her in her slitted eyes. “But that’s not the only thing that’s bothering you, is it darling?”

Spike sniffled, fighting back the tears welling up in his reptilian eyes. “No…remember how I said that Zephyr and the girls were going into the Everfree Forest. The Everfree Forest? The most dangerously labeled forest to ever exist on the face of Equis?”

“You’re worried that it’s going to be too much for them, aren’t you?” Snowflake asked knowingly, not taking her eyes off of Spike. “That none of them will be able to make it out of the Everfree, despite the extra aid sent their way?”

“Isn’t it obvious.” Spike admitted weakly. “I-I know that Twilight has her friends to help her, a-and some of the guards that Mo-Queen Celestia sent to aid them. But…but I…”

“But what?” Snowflake asked, ushering Spike to continue. “It’s alright sweetie, you can tell me.”

“It’s not just them that I’m worried about.” Spike continued. “I’m…I’m also worried about me…a-and all of us too! I…I-I just have this bad feeling in me that something’s gonna happen. Something even worse than what happened in the Town Square. And a hell of a lot worse than what happened when I came to Ponyville for and a half years ago.” One of his claws moved over to his left side, were three nasty scars in the form of claws rested against his side and stomach. “T-that we’re going to be ones in the midst of it, a-and we may not m-make it.”

“So, you think that we’re going to be the next victims in whatever that Nightmare Moon has planned?” Snowflake asked, getting no response from Spike. “I can understand what’s making you think all of these thoughts, and made quite a few accurate points. To be honest, I’d be surprised if you weren’t even the least bit worried about your friends, let alone your sister.” She smiled down at the dragon. “Still, I don’t think you really have to worry all that much about us, let alone yourself all that much.”

Spike looked up at her in confusion. “What makes you say that?”

“Oh, come on honey! The answers right in front of you!” Snowflake beamed. “Even if we were to get attacked now, we wouldn’t be that far off. Did you forget that each of us are all from extremely powerful clans?”

“No, of course I haven’t, but what does that have to-” Spike stopped short of his question as Snowflake’s own sunk into his mind. “Oooooh…”

“Mhm, exaclty.” Snowflake nodded, grinning slightly. “Now, I’m not saying that you shouldn’t be worried, because you have every right to be. At the same time, you shouldn’t forget that we’re not entirely defenseless anything that might be thrown at us. There’s reason we’re from the Secret Seven Clans of Equestria, because we are able to do many things that ponies that aren’t from our families won’t be able to do.” A blush came to her face as she said this, before she shook it off and continued. “That also includes you Spike, and you can use both our powers, and the powers of the most powerful being in all the land. So, there’s not really that much of a chance for us to get jumped or anything like that.”

Spike looked down at his front claws. “Yeah…you have a point there. Though, I don’t think it’d be a good idea for me to turn into a dragon here of all places. I mean, there are a lot of books here, and the last thing I need, is to have this entire library go up in flames.”

“You may not have much of a choice there, baby.” Snowflake shrugged. “Don’t worry though, with the power you have, you shouldn’t have any problem with anypony messing with you. And if they even try to, we’ll be there to have your back, even if you won’t really need it.”

“I know you will.” Spike giggled. “Because I very may well incinerate anypony that gets caught up in the line of my fire, right?”

“No, no, of course not.” Snowflake replied playfully. “I’m not worried that you might burn anypony to a crisp. I’m just afraid that you’ll send them on an unexpected trip to Canterlot, that’s all.”

Spike burst out laughing, putting his claws to his muzzle to stifle it. “Yeah, that too! I bet the Queen wouldn’t really be very happy with me if I did that! Hell, I wouldn’t be surprise if she came back here and warned me about that right now!”

Just as this was uttered, the door was knocked on, making Snowflake and Spike’s eyes both flickered over to the door. Snowflake’s eyes narrowed; a frown formed on her face as she stood just a couple feet away from the door. Before she could say or do anything, a very familiar voice rang through the door.

“Twilight? Twilight are you in there? The voice of Amethyst. “It’s me Amethyst! I’m here with my Mom and Dinky! Can you please open the door?

“Wait a minute…” Spike said as his eyes slowly widened. “I know that voice. That sounds like…Amethyst!”

“Amethyst?!” Snowflake took a step back in surprise. “What’s she doing here at this hour?!”

“I have no idea.” Spike replied, getting to his feet. “Whatever it is though, she sounds really urgent.”

“I’d better let them in.” Without another word, Snowflake trotted over to the door and opened it, revealing the trio outside. When her eyes landed on Derpy, she gave a gasp of shock. “My goodness, Derpy what happened to you?!”

“The roof fell on me, that’s what happened.” Derpy replied casually as she and her daughters both walked inside. “We had a little something happened to me in the Town Square, and we needed a bit of help in getting out of it.”

“Yeah,” Amethyst muttered. “A little something.”

“Hi Spike!” Dinky squeaked, leaping off her mother and rushing over to the surprised dragon. “It’s so good to see you!”

“Oh, hi there Dinky.” Spike murmured softly, regaining his composure and hugging the filly as she reciprocated the act. “I wasn’t expecting to see you here.”

“I was with my Momma and my big sister at the Town Square.” Dinky murmured. “We…sort of got stuck under a bunch of wood after, um…Nightmare Moon came.”

“Stuck under wood?” Spike blinked, looking at Amethyst for an answer.

“What she means, is that after Nightmare Moon came, my sister and mom got stuck under the roof’s broken pieces.” Amethyst emphasized. “My mom tried to get her out of the way in time but ended up getting trapped under there instead.”

“Oh…” Spike said, his ears going limp. “Is that why she has those bandages on her wings.”

Derpy nodded. “Yeah, the Nurse put them on them and said I shouldn’t use them, least I snap them or even cause internal bleeding.” She replied, her smile faltering a bit. “It’s no big deal, that handsome stud of a stallion Zephyr managed to say me and my little muffin. So I didn’t have to worry about it being much worse.”

“Wait, Zephyr?” Spike asked as he faltered in his steps towards the mailmare. “You don’t mean, Zephyr Dragon Shield Shenron, do you?”

“Oh, so that’s his full name? Huh…no wonder he had that weird draconic looking cross on him.” Amethyst muttered, fighting the urged to facehoof. “Do you know him Spike?”

“I sure do! He was one of me and Twilight’s best friends growing up, along with Goku!” Spike chirped, wagging his tail. “He’s also third in command of the Solar Royal Guard, and even lives with me, Twilight, Crescent, and Goku in the Queen’s castle, along with Goku’s own family!” He coughed into his claw as a sheepish expression came to his face. “Well, at least he’ll still be living with her, along with his Mom. Goku and some of her family are going to be moving back to Ponyville…at least, once they get back from their mission.”

“Oh right, she told us about that this morning when I almost crashed into her.” Derpy said as realization clicked in her head. Before she could verbalize her thoughts about that time, her mind went back on the last thing that Spike told her. “Wait…what do you mean by mission.”

It was at this moment that Midnight made herself known. All eyes turned towards the beetle black mare as she made her way out of the room. “Oh, were you looking for them Derpy? I’m sorry, but they’re not here anymore. Queen Celestia sent them all on a mission to defeat Nightmare Moon before she succeeded in her mission of bringing forth Eternal Night.”

Dinky’s big yellow eyes popped. “They did WHAT?!”

Snowflake jumped at the unexpected shout. “Yes…they went inside the Everfree Forest under the Queen’s order to stop Nightmare Moon. She Zephyr went along with them to provide some extra protection in case they ran into any of the beasts in there.”

“They went into the Everfree Forest to go after Nightmare Moon?!” Amethyst repeated, her jaw looking like it was going to fall to the floor. She blinked again as she registered what Snowflake had said. “W-wait a minute…you said that was where Nightmare Moon went to, right? Is that why the girls and Zephyr are headed there?”

“Yes, but that’s what Queen Celestia believes, since that is where she and Lu…were the Solar Queen used to live, and where she and Nightmare Moon fought before she was banished to the moon.” Midnight replied, nearly slipping on her words. “It’s also where Queen Celestia’s old castle is, so I suppose it sort of makes sense that Nightmare Moon would want to go there. So, she can begin her revolt against the Queen without anypony disturbing here.” Her ears pinned back as she looked up into the ceiling. ‘Well, almost nopony. If what we saw on Twilight’s maps were true, then Nightmare Moon will have much more to deal with than just my sister and her friends…and Zephyr, the Queen, and her own armies.’

“Oh goodness…I didn’t think that they were going to be going to that forest. It’s no wonder that Twilight isn’t here right now.” Derpy stated softly, her face creasing with worry. “I wonder if they’re going to be okay in there.”

“They will be, I know they will.” Spike said confidently, no shred of doubt in his voice. “And besides, they’re not going to be entirely alone there. Queen Celestia said that she was heading back to Canterlot to have herself and her guard storm the Everfree after the girls to give them some extra backup. So, they’ll get reinforcements eventually in their quest to stop the…not-so-legendary-anymore, Dark Queen.” A frown graced his lips as he pawed at the ground. “I just hope that they can get to them in time before they really do have to fight Nightmare Moon, and whatever monster army she conjured.”

“I wouldn’t be too worried Spike.” Snowflake said gently. “With the amount of forces that Queen Celestia has, you can be Nightmare Moon’s army will have more than a bit of a hard time. Plus, she has seven mares that’re from the Equestrian Clan, so she’ll have her hooves quite full.”

“Maybe, but Nightmare Moon is known as the Queen of Darkness for a reason.” Spike retorted. “She didn’t gain that title, along with the Goddess of the Red Moon, and Harbinger of Nightmares just by sitting on her throne and letting her subjects do her own work.” He frowned even deeper as he mentally added, ‘Like Mom does most of the time.’

“You have a point there…I suppose we’ll just have to see how it goes by waiting until the sun rises again.” Midnight sighed, pushing her mane from her eyes. “I really do hope they’ll make it out of there alive…and that the Queen manages to get there in time. I don’t want to imagine what would happen if we lost the girls, or Sheton.”

Snowflake shivered. “Neither do I sister…neither do I.”

Derpy looked in between the two bat ponies and dragon, not liking the tension she was feeling from within the library. Deciding that she needed to do something to lighten it, she clapped her hooves together and said, “Well, you guys don’t look so good with all those little frowns on your faces, we’re gonna need to fix that. Why don’t I fix you all up some of my signature muffins? While i do that, maybe you guys can play a game! I bet that’ll help you ease up at least a little.”

“…You know what? A muffin sounds just great right about now.” Spike said as he rubbed his stomach. “I hardly managed to get anything even during the reunion party the girls planned for Goku. At this point, I’ll eat just about anything.”

“Good choice Spike, because my Momma’s muffins are the best!” Dinky giggled. “Trust me, just one bite and all your taste buds will be sent to paradise!”

“I don’t doubt it sweetie~.” Midnight giggled as she turned to Derpy. “There’s some cooking supplies in Twilight’s kitchen to the right of the library Derpy. If you want, I can help you in making the muffin batch.”

“Thanks Midnight, I’d be happy to~!” Derpy said brightly, ruffling her bandaged wings as best she could as she and Midnight went into the kitchen. “Keep an eye on the little ones will you Ame? I don’t want them getting into too much trouble while we’re occupied.” A sly smirk came to her face as she looked pointedly at Spike. “Or too…physically personal~.”

Spike fell anime style. “S-shut up Derpy! As if I’d something like that to Dinky!”

The aforementioned unicorn filly tilted her head. “Do what to me, Spike?”

“I’ll tell you when you’re older.” Came his curt reply.

“But-”

“When you are older!”

"Awww, come on, pleeeease~?"

"No."

"Pretty please with a little mini muffin on top?"

"Oh good grief Dinky..."

Amethyst shook her head at her mother and sister’s antics, but the fond smile on her face gave away just how she was feeling. As good as it felt for herself and her family to be somewhere safe, she couldn’t help but get the feeling feel they’d be in danger again. Except only this time, a type of danger that none of them would expect. One that would put them all, even Dinky herself, in fight for their very lives.

Once again, this chapter is a mix of what I had put in the last chapter, and the new ideas that has continuously pop into my head, so it shouldn’t be that hard to tell either apart. For this one, I had decided that to have just Spike, Snowflake, Midnight, with Derpy, Dinky and Amethyst instead of the foals and Cloud Kicker, for the obvious reasons that the foals were foalnapped and that I’ll have to think 💭 on how to introduce those characters two characters in this new version. All and all, this chapter is a mixture of the last and this new version, along with the many others soon to come. Don’t know how those will go, but we’ll see how it goes.

Next time: Zephyr and the girls try to escape the talons of death.