At the Friendship Rainbow Kingdom, Twilight and her friends walked and entered the council chamber. Spike was sleeping and snoring on his throne chair. They were chatting and discussing the castle. It bothered the Princess of Friendship a lot.

As Twilight and her friends sat down on their throne chairs, they began their discussion.

Twilight cleared her throat, "Let's go through this one more time."

Rainbow sighed in annoyance, "We've been over it like a million times, Twilight! We found all six keys, defeated Tirek, and got this sweet castle! And best of all, you got the Element of Light! End of story!"

Twilight admitted, "Yes, but why?"

"I don't know, sugarcube," Applejack shrugged, "Maybe it's just your new house and there ain't nothin' more to it than that."

Rarity smiled and nodded her head, "I must say, speaking strictly on aesthetics, there doesn't need to be more to it. It's all simply divine!"

"I agree with Twilight," Fluttershy said happily, "And Rarity. And Applejack. And Rainbow Dash. And Pinkie Pie. Oh, and probably Spike."

Twilight sighed, "As princess, I've been chosen to spread the magic of friendship across Equestria. So why would the Tree of Harmony want us to sit in a castle in Ponyville? It doesn't make any sense."

As if the answers had called, Twilight's Cutie Mark glowed brightly. And so did her throne chair. But she wasn't alone, as her friends too had the same spots.

With their throne chair's Cutie Mark glowed, it shot the beam straight to the sparkled star emblem on the ground. The ground shook. Six throne chairs' formed the line of crystallized stone. And they headed straight to the emblem. They slowly wrapped and formed together into a rounded table. Its platform formed some familiar holographic cities and land...

Ash, Ashley, Twinkle, Duke, Crystal Flare, and Bishop entered the chamber while arguing?

"I am not going to apologize to that spoiled brat! Not gonna happen! Ya hear me?!" Duke exclaimed in annoyance.

Twinkle poked her horn at Duke's butt. She said angrily, "Be nice, Boomer! You're the one who starts the mess in the first place!"

"Just eating some bugs is the problem?! Gimme a break!" Duke exclaimed in annoyance.

Ashley groaned in annoyance, "Boomer, please! Fluttershy is a very sensitive pony. And she doesn't like her animals get hurt."

Crystal nodded, "Besides, you did start the fight in the first place."

"Notion agreed," Bishop nodded, "100 percent confirmation that you had eaten lots of bugs including the rare Golden Beetle. And zero percent for not understanding Fluttershy's feelings. Conclusion of your action, you're selfish.

Duke screamed in anger, "Oh, come on!"

"Knock it off! Something off... I sense it," Ash said in concern as he pointed in front of them, "Look!"

Ash and his friends headed off to the front as they saw what they did not expect. Spike yawned softly as he slowly got up. He saw what others saw. They saw the platform was filled with the holographic map of Equestria and Mystic Realm which was above the land.

Spike whistled, "Is that new? I like it." He quickly got off his throne chair. He climbed on the table. He looked around on the table's map. He commented, "This is incredible! It's got all of Equestria and Knighton!"

Pinkie Pie gasped as she looked at her familiar hometown, " "Hi, Mom and Dad!"

STOMP! Pinkie squealed in sadness. Spike looked embarrassed yet pitiful about what he did.

Before anypony could react or do anything, they were glared at by the lights. Twilight and her friends turned to their flanks as they found their Cutie Marks glowing and shimmering brightly. Their Cutie Mark created the duplicate yet holographic forms as they spun together. It started from Ponyville the moved to the very northeastern mountain pass. Everyone was in shock and confuse yet surprise by the event.

Twilight quickly levitated Spike back to the ground.

Crystal whistled, "That's some surprise..."

"But if this is Ponyville," Fluttershy then looked at the first coordination before looking at the second one, "why are our Cutie Marks over there?"

"One reason..." Ash said calmly. Everyone turned and looked at him. He answered, "I heard the legend. And I never thought it was here. When the Cutie Marks glowed brightly, the Chosen Ones must answer the call to the distressed land for one purpose - help the innocents. This table and map - it's Friendship's Summoning Call."

Twilight got off her throne chair as she approached it. She hummed calmly, "You could be right. The map wants us to find out. The Tree, the chest, this castle, and now the map. How can we not follow it?"

Rainbow smirked as she flew over the map. She looked at the pinpointed place, "Y'know what? There's a ton of room for dangerous adventure along that route. Count me in!"

Applejack smiled and nodded, "Aw, shoot, I reckon you're right."

Pinkie hummed calmly, "Well, I was planning on organizing my baking sheets, but okay!"

Rarity sighed, "Very well."

"I might as well go," Ash answered. Everyone looked at him. He explained, "Just in case if you girls got into trouble. And besides, Darryl and his army were on the run. No telling when he'll strike back. He still wants your brother's head since his defeat."

"Count me in!" Twinkle said happily, "I want to try my Battle Mode again."

Ashley smirked, "I'm going too. This is gonna be awesome."

Crystal Flare sighed, "Fine. I've got no work to do. I could use some exercise."

"Hey, me too. I need some fresh air away from Barry. He's so annoying. He can't even shut up for once." Duke agreed.

Everyone then turned and looked at the frightened and concerned Fluttershy. She yelped in concern as she knew what her friends' thinking, "Um, maybe I'll just stay here with Spike."

Spike smirked as he had his helmet-drinks-holder and clawed glove with the #1 sign, "Awesome! Me and Big Mac have a huge weekend ahead of us talkin' hoofball, and... and trading hoofball cards, and arguing about hoofball stats..."

Fluttershy yelped, "O-o-on second thought, m-m-maybe I'd better go with them. In case they need me."

Duke yelped, "What?! Then, count me out! I'm not going!" As Duke was about to go, Twinkle levitated him up. He yelped in shock, "Hey! Put me down, girly! I'm not going! Ya hear me?! I'M NOT GOING!"

"Yes, you are!" All four ponies exclaimed in annoyance, "You've got someone to apologize!"

Duke huffed, "Why am I not surprise..."

Bishop cleared his throat, "As your eternally loyal commander, I volunteered to be Spike's Babysitter and House Caretaker till your return."

Twilight smiled, "Thanks. Wow... You're a reliable Metal Pony." She turned to her friends, "Alright then, road trip!"

Twilight and her friends turned and exited the meeting chamber while leaving Spike and Metalgear behind.

Spike sighed, "Great... Just what I need - a babysitter." He turned and looked at Metalgear, "So, wanna watch hoofball?"

Bishop hummed, "An intriguing sport... I agree."

Spike smiled as he explained "Okay. Here's how it goes - Big Mac got a Hock Fetlock rookie card I plan to sweet-talk right into these hot little claws."

As Twilight and her friends got into the train, they traveled across the hills and grassland, followed by the bridge over the canyon, and finally arrived at the barren wasteland-like. Twilight and her friends exited it as they began traveling on hooves.

After some hours of walking through canyons, forests, and mountains; they came across some squared houses. They finally arrived.

"That's it!" Twilight said proudly, "That's the place on the map!"

"Right," Rarity said in relief, "Let's get down there and find the spa."

As Rarity was about to move, Twilight teleported in front of her. She explained, "Wait. We don't know why the map sent us here. We shouldn't just walk right in. It could be dangerous."

Rainbow smirked proudly as she knew that Twilight would say it.

"Leave it to me and Crystal. We'll take care of it." Ashley announced.

Ashley and Crystal headed off as they checked and looked around the area. So far, it was nothing. Upon reaching the edge, they turned and waved their friends to come. Upon arriving at the area, Twilight and her friends witnessed the event that happen in the village.

The village was quiet and peaceful while the ponies looked calm and happy...

"This is where the map sent us? It looks like the most boring place in Equestria," Rainbow asked in annoyance.

Applejack nodded, "It's just an ordinary village full of ordinary pony folk."

Upon looking at the houses' designs and landscape, Rarity sighed, "It could certainly use a few more architectural flourishes. Or any architectural flourishes."

"I think it's lovely," Fluttershy commented.

"Yuck! Flutter-cooties..." Duke commented. Everyone turned and glared at him. He asked in annoyance, "What?! I don't like it! Okay?!."

"I'm with him. I don't like it!" Pinkie said dryly as she looked at the open wide-smiles of ponies. Everyone turned to her. She commented, "I don't like it one bit. I know smiles. And those smiles? They're just not right."

Twilight gasped, "Forget the smiles. Look at the cutie marks."

As Twilight pointed at the locals' flanks, her friends found something suspicious and shock. Their Cutie Marks are the same?! And theirs were equal signs-like. They were in shock and surprise at it.

"Okay... That's weird." Rainbow commented.

Crystal nodded, "You'd tell me."

Twilight turned to her friends, "An entire village with the same cutie mark? How can that be?"

Rainbow smirked, "I bet there's some sort of horrific monster behind it." Everyone looked at her oddly and concern. She continued, "'Cause fighting a horrific monster would be super-awesome!"

"Doubtful of that," Shadow Dra commented before turned and looked at the ponies, "But something's not right as well. And I've seen it before. But where?"

As everyone was in concern of what Shadow Dragon had said, Applejack quickly suggested, "I reckon we just ought to head into town and talk to some locals, find out what's goin' on."

Everyone nodded their heads in agreement with Applejack as they headed off at once.

Pinkie groaned, "Those smiles are bad news."

While walking, Ash was having some deep thoughts about the Cutie Marks. Twilight, Twinkle, and Ashley noticed it.

"Still thinking about the past," Twilight asked in concern.

Ash sighed, "Yeah... The Cutie Marks... It reminded me of some event. And I've seen it too. But I wasn't sure he's here."

As Twilight and her friends entered the village's entrance, they were greeted warmly, kindly, and gently despite they had open yet wide smiles. Twilight and her friends thanked them kindly. As for Ash, he sensed something strange on the place and ponies. He felt like he had been before but where was his deep question.

Fluttershy smiled, "This must be the most pleasant place in Equestria."

The black Pegasus with gentle and combed mane and tail named Night Glider flew towards Fluttershy. She bowed and greeted, "Welcome."

Fluttershy giggled happily at having a good greeting.

Rainbow groaned in annoyance, "Thanks a lot, map."

As Twilight and her friends continued passing locals by, they encountered two stallions. One was the white Earth Pony with gentle white mane and short tail while another was the blue Earth Pony with navy combed mane and short tail. They both smiled widened in greeting them.

The blue Earth Pony smiled, "Welcome! Pardon my forwardness, but are you an Alicorn?"

Applejack smiled, "That there's the Princess of Friendship!"

He smiled back, "Well, you've certainly come to the right place for friendship."

The white Erath Pony nodded, "What brings you to town?"

Twilight hummed in concern and unsure, "We're not entirely sure."

"I see. Well, all are welcome here in our little village. My name is Double Diamond," Double Diamond introduced himself to his blue Earth Pony friend, " And this is Party Favor."

Applejack smiled as she introduced herself and her friends, "Howdy at, Double Diamond. I'm Applejack, and this here's Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle, Ashley, Tinkle, Crystal Flare, that grumpy dragon Duke, and that guy is Ash!

Double Diamond commented, "You all have your unique cutie marks,"

Twilight knew it's time to ask, "If you don't mind, has there been any sort of... The trouble here, lately?"

Double Diamond gasped, "Trouble? Why I don't think we've ever had trouble before in our little village."

Party Favor nodded, "It's true." He gasped, "Perhaps you'd care to speak to our founders Starlight Glimmer and Plasma Bolt."

Feeling suspects that the village's leader might know something, they all nodded their heads in agreement. They then followed Double Diamond and Party Favor in meeting their leader.

Fluttershy sighed happily, "I wish everypony in Equestria was as friendly as these ponies."

"Really? What's with your cootie and softy attitude? That's so lame, you know." Duke muttered in annoyance. Everyone turned and glared at him. He groaned in annoyance, "Will you guys stop glaring at me?! It's getting annoying!"

Twinkle glared at Duke, "You still owe Aunt Fluttershy apologize. And you'd better do it."

Crystal nodded his head in agreement, "Besides, she got her own opinion. We've gotta respect her too."

Duke huffed, "Yeah, sure... Like that's gonna happen."

Both of them sighed in annoyance at his attitude. Then two ponies approached them.

One was a pink Unicorn with a gentle and combed purple mane with greenish stripes in ponytail and tail. While was a red unicorn with a red-white mohawk mane and tail. They were none then Starlight and Plasma.

"Welcome! I'm so pleased to have you here." Both of said.

With Rainbow Dash groaned, Double Diamond introduced Twilight and her friends to his leader.

Starlight looked closely at Twilight's appearance before she gasped in surprise, "Forgive my bluntness, but I'm assuming it's Princess Twilight Sparkle? We don't get many Alicorns around here."

Twilight smiled uneasily, " Yes, but 'Twilight' is fine."

"And assuming that Earth Pony with spiky is your boyfriend? While both the golden-maned pony and little one are your children? I heard a tale about you."

"Yes. They're very special ones to me, and especially Dragon Hope. We're 'connected'. And the best of him, he's-!"

Ash interrupted, "Princess's Number One Bodyguard. And I take it pridefully and seriously. I'm in debt to her for allowing me to stay in her home."

His friends looked concerned about what he had said. First, he used his real name, and now he refuses to let her know his pony-type. Why was he so distrustful and suspicious?

"I see..." Starlight smiled, "So! How did you hear of our little village?"

Twilight sighed, "It's kind of a long story. Let's just say we found it on a map."

Pinkie smiled, "Technically, it's a Tree-chest-castle-map!"

As Pinkie gave the sour looks before walked away, Starlight sighed before she smiled, "Well, however you found us, we're happy to have you! We're happy to have anypony who wants to experience true friendship for the first time."

Everyone but Double Diamond and Party Flavor looked shocked and suspicious of what Starlight Glimmer had said.

Starlight continued, "Oh, indeed. That's what's so unique about our village, you see. Around here, we don't flaunt our special talents because we don't have any special talents to flaunt."

Ash hummed in concern, "Is that why you all have those Cutie Marks?"

Plasma smiled as she marched towards the door, "Perhaps it would be easier to understand if
we gave you a tour of the village!"

...

Duke laughed wildly as he took a bite on the spider's head, "That was stupid. Seriously - who gave that idea of giving the Cutie Marks? You guys are even dumber than I thought."

Rainbow chuckled happily as she gave Duke a high-hoof, "Yeah! Thanks, Duke!"

"Rainbow Dash, Duke Van Dyne; don't be so rude," Fluttershy scolded Rainbow Dash and Boomer before she continued, "I don't think we should judge them. They all seem perfectly happy with their choice."

Pinkie jumped and glared at Fluttershy, "Don't believe their smiles, Fluttershy."

Twilight sighed as she bowed down, "I'm sorry, I guess we're just a little confused by all of this."

Ash nodded, "But... Where did you get the idea from?"

Starlight sighed in disappointment, "We have no judgments here in our village. Each of us was confused once as well, blinded by the false promise of our Cutie Marks. That traumatized me a lot."

Everyone looked at each other for the moment as they weren't sure if they were willing to give up on their Cutie Marks.

Twilight sighed, "When we were sent to this village, we assumed it was to help in some way. But, well, it doesn't seem like you need any help."

"Have you considered perhaps that you might have been sent here so we could help you," Starlight asked as she approached Twilight? Twilight was in thought. She continued, "After all, nopony has ever come to our village and wanted to leave. Why should you be any different? But that is entirely your choice. Please enjoy our little corner of Equestria. We're all quite fond of it. No doubt you will be as well."

She turned to Double Diamond, "Double Diamond, please help our guests with whatever they might need."

Double Diamond nodded in understanding. He then gave a widened smile to his guests. They find it... 'strange' and 'creepy'.

As soon as Starlight left Twilight and her friends alone, she smirked suspiciously, "Well, this will certainly provide a boost to our little community. When the rest of Equestria sees that a princess gave up her cutie mark to join us, they'll finally understand what we're trying to accomplish."

Starlight then left and headed back to her home. Ash gave a suspicious look at her as he finds something strange and funny about her and her 'community.

As Twilight and her friends looked around the village, the citizens all smiled widely and 'happily' at them while waving to them. They waved back awkwardly and nervously. They were still not used to 'removing their Cutie Marks'.

Twilight sighed, "A cutie mark is a representation of a pony's unique talents and skills. How is it possible to—"

"What is the name of Equestria is that?!" Rarity gasped as they turned and looked at her. She stared at the ruined woven and strawed coat-like. The shopkeeper smiled happily at her. She shook her head gently while smiled nervously. She and her friends sat down at the table. She whispered to them, "No wonder nopony's wearing anything!"

Fluttershy was angered, "Really, girls! They may do things a bit differently than we're used to, but that's no reason to be rude."

Boomer screamed in anger, "Are you that stupid?! You're so easy to like everything. No wonder you're the useless one."

"Can't you be nice for one time, Boomer? You're worse like what you did to those bugs!"

"Hey! The little dragon gotta eat! Okay?! What do you expect me to do? Eat grass?! Hell No!"

"Duke!" Ashley and Twinkle exclaimed in annoyance.

"Really? Do you want to get yourself into trouble?" Ashley asked in annoyance.

Twinkle nodded, "Don't you think that you've caused enough trouble?"

"Hey, back off! That brat started it!" Duke said in annoyance, "She still doesn't get anything. And I'm telling you'll that this place is not so cool!"

Rainbow Dash sighed, "I'm with him. Those ponies keep staring at us! That's rude!"

The grayish Unicorn with purplish mane in bun manestyle and short tail named Sugar Belle emerged from the door as she was about to make an order. But Twilight and her friends continued chatting and discussing.

Twilight shook her head, "Fluttershy's right. If we're going to get to the bottom of why the map sent us here, we'll need the help of these ponies."

Applejack huffed, "I think we ran off to the end of Equestria before we even knew what that map was!"

"And to think that I might find something worth to my boredom - just another boredom," Crystal remarked.

"If we were at the end of Equestria, we'd be sitting on a big 'A'!" Pinkie giggled happily, "Get it?"

Rarity huffed, "Oh, please, Miss Pie! This is hardly the time for jokes! We've come all this way and for what?"

Twilight sighed, "Maybe you're right. But we're here now, and it sure feels like something's wrong."

Applejack remarked, "That and two bits'll get you a cup of cider."

The waitress was about to say but Fluttershy interrupted, "We shouldn't be bickering like this in front of our new friends. Applejack, you're almost as bad as Rainbow Dash! And I don't even want both of my friends to be worse as Duke!"

"Hey, bitch! Stop dragging me into this!" Duke exclaimed in annoyance.

"Duke! Stop being mean to her! Start apologizing to her now!" Nyx scolded in anger.

Ashley nodded, "Besides, don't you think you hurt her feelings enough for one day?!"

"I don't even give a damn care about her worry about pests!" Boomer remarked in annoyance, "And I'm telling you to throw her off now! She's gonna drag us into trouble! She doesn't deserve to be in your group! She's bad news pony!"

Fluttershy was about to cry upon hearing what Boomer had said.

Rainbow gave a glare at Boomer, "Hey! Stop being mean to her! I know she loves her animals too much but she's our friend! She can't help it! And best of all, she got more guts than you realize!"

Applejack nodded, "That's far enough, Duke!"

"Yeah! Enough is enough, dragon!" Pinkie agreed.

"You're rude, inconsiderable, and selfish dragon I ever met, compare to other dragons I've encountered. Spike is more polite and kinder than you are!" Twilight remarked.

Rarity nodded, "Indeed! Apologize to her now, you grunt!"

"Hey! That's Grunt's job, not mine!" Duke exclaimed in anger.

"Will you all knock it off?!" Ash shouted. Everyone stopped at once as they turned to him, "There's the reason why we're here! And we'll find it. And you, just stop mistreating Fluttershy! I know you want to eat bugs so badly but not in front of her. She's sensitive. And what happens if you had that kind in your brotherhood? Would you want that?"

Hearing that made him sighed, Duke nodded his head sadly, "Yeah... I guess you're right."

...

Shortly after Plasma and Starlight showed them the Cutie Vault where all the ponies had the cutie mark had been stripped. As our heroes were about to act, Plasma used the Staff of Sameness on them thus removing their cutie marks.

Starlight approached the heroes, "Aw. I don't blame you for what you tried to do here today. You've spent your whole lives thinking those marks are a good thing."

Then Crystal Flare and Ashley looked above the room.

"What the hell! We both go out for a drink of cider, and already we missed something important happens" Ashley complains.

"Never mind that kiddo. We got to stop them. " Crystal said in anger.

In the vault...

Plasma smiled in relief, "Excellent... Now we are all equal. Anything else you wish to speak?"

"You miss one," Crystal Flare said calmly.

Everyone looked confuse, shock yet surprise by what he had said. Then, they were in shock yet surprise. They saw Ash, Ashley, and Crystal Flare, with their cutie marks.

"That's impossible!" Starlight exclaimed in shock.

"Wait a second? No pony could resist that kind of magic! Unless-!" Plasma stopped as he realized about them. He looked closely at his appearance carefully. He gasped, "Of course... You're not the Equestrian Ponies, aren't you, Human Ponies?"

Everyone including Twilight and her friends gasped in shock and surprise. How did Starlight Glimmer figure that out?

Crystal Flare hummed, "Really? Care to emulate?"

"Your manes, your eyes, and your Cutie Marks - I thought it's just a doppelganger. But when I fired my staff right at you, your Cutie Marks didn't remove. And I knew that only one species can resist that - it's a Human Pony. Am I right?"

"Yeah... Now you know who we are. Surrender and everything will be fine."

Starlight smirked before chuckled a bit, "Did you think this will be that easy?"

Both Ash and Crystal Flare gave her a suspicious look at her in wondering what she's planning. Starlight Glimmer smiled in amusement as she fired her dark greenish ball-like at them. Both yelped painfully before coughed out loud as he struggled in keeping his eyes open. But all he can see was blur vision. With their last breath, both fell to the ground hard. they sounded asleep.

Twilight and her friends gasped in shock and concern at what they witnessed. They checked on him carefully to see if there were okay.

"They're both sleeping," Twinkle said in concern.

Twilight glared at Starlight Glimmer and Plasma Bolt, "Wha- What did you do to them?!"

Starlight smiled, "I just put those two to sleep."

Ashley growled at them, "You never get with this! Assholes!

Plasma smirked, "But we just did. Everypony take them to 'safe house'. Let them learn our ways of 'equality. They'll be appreciated it."

The locals moved and took Twilight and all of her friends to the safe house.

Double Diamond and two other ponies held both Human Ponies up as they followed Starlight Glimmer to her house.

With two 'Equal' ponies on guard duty, Twilight and all of her friends were trapped in the safe house for listening and learning about equality. They struggled in ignoring the recording messages yet they went into their heads.

Rainbow Dash banged the door as 'hard' as they can but no effort in breaching it. Pinkie read through the books which page shown only 'equal'. Rarity was staring at the curtain. Fluttershy looked at the window. Duke screamed in anger while complaining wildly and angrily through the window. Applejack walked around in thinking of the plan. Twilight and Twinkle did the same thing but sitting down. Ashley groaned and grunted as he struggled in summoning her spear. And so far, there was nothing they can do.

Twilight groaned painfully as she got up and spoke, "We've gotta find a way out of here! I can't take much more of that voice!"

"Tell me about it," the small alicorn complained as she covered both of her ears tight down, "It's giving me a headache! I wish my Battle Mode was ready!"

Ashley groaned in anger, "I can't even summon my Thunder Flame Lance or Star Blaster. I guess we're stuck."

Rarity cried and sobbed, "Oh, this is horrible!"

"There, there, Rarity... It's not so bad..." Fluttershy comforted while patted on her back.

"Yes, it is!" Rarity scolded as she pointed at the window's drape, "Look at those drapes! I have no idea if they're tacky or not!"

Fluttershy hummed in concern, "Well, I think they're nice."

The equal glowed darkly as Rarity cried unhappily, "So do I!"

Heard the tweeting, Fluttershy gasped as she found a bird landed on the window. She approached, "Oh, thank goodness! Can you help us, little birdie?"

Fluttershy's Cutie Mark glowed darkly. The bird answered was tweeting. And usually, Fluttershy understood the animals very well. But now, it was nothing but tweeting. Fluttershy was saddened that she couldn't understand it.

Fluttershy squealed in upset, "Oh, even tweets don't make sense anymore!"

Twilight hummed in concern as she spoke, "Something odd about that staff. I haven't studied Eastern unicorns as much as I should have, but I'm pretty sure Meadowbrook only had eight magical items, not nine. And I don't remember any of them being a staff."

Duke screamed in anger, "Who cares?! Try and help us figure the way out from this stupid house! I can't stand on it!" He turned and glared at Fluttershy, "This is your fault!"

"My fault?!" Fluttershy startled, "How is this my fault?!"

"If you hadn't been so pretty 'nice and kind' pony, we wouldn't have stuck in this mess! And the worst about you, you tell her about our secret, bitch!"

Fluttershy sniffed in pain as she looked down. Everyone turned and glared at him. They had enough with his attitude.

Pinkie exclaimed, "Hey! That was me who spill the secret out, not Fluttershy! She has nothing to do with Starlight getting us!"

Rainbow groaned, "You know what?! Ever since you came to Ponyville, you did nothing but being mean and selfish to her! You're an asshole!"

Rarity nodded, "Indeed! Why can't you give her a chance? She may be too kind and gentle but she's sensitive! She's not like us."

Duke sighed, "Yeah, I'm sorry to say something I'd never want to say again." Everyone turned and looked at him. He snapped angrily, "You ponies are dumbest ponies I ever met! Did you even realize what happened?! We're goddamn stuck here because of her! She wanted here so badly! And she got it! Do you know what happens next?! We're gonna become slaves! Think carefully, genius!"

Fluttershy sighed, "I'm sorry." Everyone turned and looked at her. She cried and sobbed in despair, "He's right. He's right. I was selfish and stupid for not realizing what ponies want. And now, we're becoming what Starlight wanted us to be!"

As if the idea hit her, Twilight gasped, "I've got it! I know how we can get out!"

Everyone turned and looked at her. Was she for real? Or did something hit her head when they were trapped at the small safe house? The door was locked up while they have no strength to breach it. The window was too small for them to escape. There was no help either. They can't escape it.

Twilight smiled, "We don't actually have to escape. They'll just let us out when they think we've accepted their philosophy!"

"But they're never gonna believe we switched over in just one night," Applejack said in concern.

"There's one of us they might believe," Twilight answered calmly as she turned and looked at Fluttershy.

The rest of her friends turned and looked at Fluttershy. They smiled in approval and agreement that she was right. Fluttershy was perfect.

Fluttershy gasped, "Oh! Me?!"

Rainbow nodded, "You've been saying how great this place is since we got here!"

"But-but-but-but-" Fluttershy explained but with losses of some words. She sighed, "Oh, you're right. They probably would believe me. I hate to lie to them. They've been so welcoming and friendly... aside from locking us in here and trying to brainwash us into abandoning the things that make us special... Okay. I'll do it."

Twilight and her friends smiled in approval and were pleased with her.

Duke huffed, "So, the bitch finally doing it. About time."

Twinkle poked her horn at his butt as she scolded, "As for you, you're going with her! And you have to make sure that she makes it out!"

"What?! Are you kidding me?!" Duke exclaimed in annoyance, "I'm not going with her!"

"Yes, you are!" Everyone but Fluttershy exclaimed in annoyance and anger.

"Like it or not, you still owe Fluttershy an apology!" Ashley exclaimed in anger, "And you're gonna do it. Trust me, you do not like my temper."

Rainbow nodded, "That kid got the point. You start the mess, you clean it up. And best of all, you give the idea in the first place."

Duke groaned in annoyance, "Me and my big mouth."

"But what do we do once we're out," Fluttershy asked in concern.

"Find Ash and Crystal Flare. See if they're okay. I had the feeling that Starlight and Plasma will find a way to make Human Ponies equal to others. We can't let that happen," Twilight instructed, "And above all, you've gotta find a way to get our cutie marks back."

Fluttershy gulped in concern as she was worried that she won't able to perform it. Duke nudged her stomach hard.

"C'mon, Flutter. I wanna see if you got guts of not," Duke snickered in amusement. "I might say 'sorry' to you."

Fluttershy took a deep breath as she had enough with his bad attitude, "Fine. I'll prove it."

"You'd think daddy'll be fine?" Twinkle asked in worry.

Twilight nuzzled her head gently, "Don't worry, he'll be fine. After all, he's the tough one. He's a hero."

She smiled back at her mother as she gave her a hug. Everyone sighed as they all can pray and hoped that everything will be alright and especially Ash and Crystal Flare. For now, they had to wait till morning.

At the basement, Ash was tied to a metallic bed with strapping belts. His body had lots of bruises and burnt marks. He groaned and moaned painfully like he was being beaten or electrocuted. His vision was blurry and struggled in keeping his eyes up. He then saw Starlight Glimmer glaring at him.

Starlight sighed calmly, "We'll continue our 'discussion' tomorrow. And hopefully, you'll be more cooperative. If not, our 'little' friend or your girlfriend will help me."

He groaned, "Why are you doing this? What exactly are you trying to achieve?"

"Something you'll never understand. And I rather not waste my time on explaining it."

"You're insane. If you think making Mystic Ponies 'equal' as others, then you're wrong."

"Oh. I will make it happen. Once I find something that helps me to achieve it, Equestria and Mystic can finally be one. No one is special..."

Starlight turned as she was ready heading off to her room. Shadow Dragon turned and glared at her climbing up the stairs to the top.

"You're wrong. Anyone can. It's matter how or what you can," Ash muttered painfully, "Now I know who you really are. And you won't fool the world much longer. But only one thing I need to know - who helped you."

Twilight and all of her friends were trapped in the safe house they struggled in ignoring the 'philosophy of equality. And so far, they did well in accepting it but they still can't take it much longer for the whole night.

As soon as the morning rose, Starlight opened the door as she smiled happily.

"I trust you had a pleasant night? This way, please. There are some friends who'd like to see you." Starlight said calmly as she led Twilight and her friends out.

Twilight and her friends smiled and smirked. It's time to put their plan in motion. As Twilight and her friends gathered outside, Starlight made the announcement to her locals and then asked her 'guests'.

"Gather round, friends, gather round! We've come to ask if any of you are ready to join us! There are so many friends to be made once you realize you don't need your cutie marks or the talents that come with them."

Double Diamond smiled in agreement, "We have a welcome ceremony for new friends! The whole village joins together to build you your own cottage—"

"Not interested!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed in annoyance, "You may have them now, but we're going to get our cutie marks back!"

Applejack nodded, "Y'all don't understand, do ya? You can't force nopony to be friends! It doesn't work like that!"

Unfortunately, the locals ignored the Mane Six and their friends' words as they cheered and begged the latter to be one of them. Starlight smiled as she was expecting it. She turned away to look at her own ponies while Twilight and her friends glared at her.

Starlight sighed in disappointment, "It's all right, everypony. This is a perfectly normal part of the equalization process for those who haven't... quite seen the light yet. We'll try again tomorrow once you've had a bit more time to consider our philosophy!"

As Twilight and all of her friends entered the safe house, Fluttershy followed them as well. Duke groaned in annoyance. Why did he have to do it?! He quickly nudged his feet at her back leg.

Fluttershy gasped as she forgot the plan. She turned and exclaimed, "I'd like to join!"

"Me too! Just please! Don't send me back to that prison! I can't take it!" Duke begged and exclaimed frantically, "Please, don't send me back!"

Starlight Glimmer and her ponies cheered happily and proudly in seeing both Fluttershy and Duke gave in at once. Twilight and her friends were in 'shock.

Fluttershy? How could you," Twilight exclaimed in 'shock'.

"I trusted you! I thought you've got guts! You're a coward!" Ashley exclaimed in 'anger, "And you're gonna leave everything behind?!"

Duke scoffed 'arrogantly', "It's better than copping in the prison! Not going back!"

Fluttershy nodded, "If giving up my cutie mark means I get to stay in this lovely village with these lovely ponies, then I'll do it."

"COWARDS!" Rarity exclaimed in 'anger'.

With two friends 'betrayed' them, Twilight and her friends are locked up in the safe house. Starlight and Plasma smiled in pleasure as they approach both Fluttershy and Boomer.

We have a new friend, everypony!" Plasma announced proudly. The locals chatted happily about having new ones among them. He continued, "Now, there's one more order of business. It seems some in our midst might be... dissatisfied with the village life!"

The locals gasped in shock and feared of what Starlight had said. Party Favor, Sugar Belle, and Night Glider were feared and worried as they knew that they'll be caught for 'betraying' her and their friends.

Starlight nodded as she continued, "Unfortunately, it's all too true, my friends!" She turned to both Fluttershy and Boomer, "Will you kindly tell us the names of those friends who so desperately miss their cutie marks that they would sneak around in the shadows talking to strangers about it? Just so we can be sure your intentions are indeed pure.

Both Fluttershy and Boomer gulped in concern. They knew it was too easy. They now had to sacrifice the ones they were entrusted to keep their secrets for Starlight's trust. They were in dilemma to answer it as they dared not betray their friends' trust and hope.

Feared for his friends' safety, Party Favor decided to do what he had to.

Party Favor galloped towards Starlight as he bowed down to her, "It was me! It was only me! But I only wanted it back for a little while!"

Starlight raised her eyebrow at him, "And you're quite certain it was only you?"

"I just wanted to remember what it was like."

"And no thought to the pain you'd cause your friends. Such selfishness."

With Starlight's wave gesture, two local ponies moved Party Favor into a safe house. He turned and looked at his friends for one last time. Fluttershy, Boomer, Sugar Belle, and Night Glider looked upset and painful to see him get locked up.

Party Favor pleaded, "I'm sorry, everypony! I never wanted to leave the village! I love all of—" As the door shut, he sighed in upset as he knew they won't forgive. He banged on the door once as he muttered in upset, "What was I thinking?! I can't believe I even considered asking for my cutie mark back."

"So what are we gonna do while Fluttershy's out there lookin' for Ash and Crystal Flare and our cutie marks?" Applejack asked in concern.

Twilight smiled, "We have to stay as positive as we can. If Party Favor sees how much we really do like each other, even though we're all different, maybe we can use him to spread our message to the rest of the village."

Starlight's recording speaking got turned on in turning Twilight and her friends to become 'equal' as others. They were gonna have a long day to do. And hopefully, they won't become one of them. And they prayed Fluttershy and Duke get the job done.

As Fluttershy and Duke followed Starlight Glimmer to her home, the ponies greeted them calmly and warmly. They both smiled in relief and pleased.

Fluttershy commented, "Gosh, you really are the nicest ponies I've ever met."

"You bet. I hate to admit it but it's kinda cool to have peace and quiet like this and Ponyville. It's way better than my old home. A happy smile." Duke agreed. Surprise by what he had just said, Fluttershy smiled at him. He yelped before he looked away and had his arms crossed, "Of course. It's not like I care about it so much."

"Come. All new friends stay with me until their cottage is completed." Starlight said calmly as she led both of them into her home, "Let's get you settled, and then you can enjoy all that our little village has to offer. But first I need you to do something for me."

Both Fluttershy and Boomer looked concerned and scared of what Starlight might ask them to do. They prayed it's not about them.

Starlight helped both of them get comfortable in her house by having lunch and dinner, settled their beds, and gave them some rules. As the night fell, she led both of them downstairs to the basement. It was time to see if they were willing to convert Ash to her side.

As they arrived at the basement, they spotted him slept on the metallic bed. What shock and scared both Fluttershy and Boomer the most was seeing him bruised and wounded with some marks.

"Wha-What happen to him?!" Fluttershy asked in concern.

Plasma sighed in concern, "Ever since I put some sleeping spell on him, he had sudden nightmares. And he tried to attack me. So, I left with no choice but to knock him out and strapped him up."

" Damn.., That's some serious bang-up," Duke commented in concern.

"Now that you both are here. I need you to talk and convince our little friend to help our cause." Plasma smiled as he turned away from them, "I hope you both prove your loyalty to me and our ponies."

"Fluttershy? Boomer? Is that you? What happen? Did you escape?" Shadow Dragon asked hopefully.

"Escape, nope. We just make Plasma Bolt believed in us, so we can find you and get the Cutie Marks back! Easy peachy," Duke commented proudly.

Fluttershy sighed, "Unfortunately, he thinks we can 'help' you to accept their philosophy. Oh... I don't like it. I don't even want to think of what happened to us after what she did to you."

"You don't have to. I'm fine. Her attacks are nothing to me. he just wants the Mystic Power to increase her spell." Ash said seriously, "But that's not important. The Staff of Sameness is not real. It was her magic. She's responsible for the mess from the start."

"What? How?!" Fluttershy asked in concern.

Crystal Flare joined in, "That magic is called 'Unmarking'. And you already know how it works. And who taught her is something we need to solve the mystery."

"How, genius?" Duke asked in annoyance.

"You have to earn and win her trust. Once she accepted you, then she will let you know her secret. Something has driven her to do it. Only you two can do it."

"Oh... If only that was easy," Fluttershy said in concern, "Oh... I don't think I can handle it. It's too much."

Duke quickly closed her mouth at once. He gave her a sign of 'silence' as if he heard something. He then pointed up to the stairs. They both slowly walked up to the stairs gently and quietly. Upon reaching the top, they opened the door halfway for them to peek and see.

Both of them spotted Double Diamond brought the box of some familiar Cutie Marks to Starlight Glimmer. She was waiting at the entrance.

Starlight smiled, "Excellent work, Double Diamond."

"Of course, but I don't understand why you wanted me to bring them here." Double Diamond asked in concern, "Fluttershy is one of us now. Surely she can be trusted."

Starlight smiled as she levitated the box in. She looked at Twilight's Cutie Mark, "This one belongs to a princess. It could be very important to our cause."

"But if Twilight Sparkle becomes our friend, then why do we care about this old cutie mark?"

"I just want to keep them close until everything is... settled. You may go, Double Diamond."

Double Diamond nodded as he turned and headed off. Starlight Glimmer smiled as she brought the Cutie Marks canisters up to her room.

They looked at each other for the moment as they had both worry and scared now. They had no hope to get the Cutie Marks from Starlight now.

"Great! How the hell are we ever going to get the Cutie Marks back now?!" Duke asked in anger.

Fluttershy quickly covered his mouth up at once. Starlight screamed in shock with the splash of water. They both looked at each other as they nodded.

Boomer mounted on Fluttershy's back. They opened the door at once as they walked up to the stairs. They stopped at the top part of the stairs. They found the door was opened. They saw Starlight was wet.

Starlight groaned in annoyance, "Starlight, you clumsy foal!"

Both Fluttershy and Duke continued watching the event as they wondered what secret she had hidden from the world. Starlight levitated the towel as she wiped and cleaned herself up. As soon as she finished, her flank revealed a purplish star with two greenish swirling lights. They both were in shock. She actually had the Cutie Mark?!

Both were shocked that Starlight had a cutie mark. They quickly went downstairs to the basement before Starlight found out about them.

At the basement, they informed Ash of what they had learned. Ash was quiet as he wasn't surprised about it.

"So, that's how it is? She concealed her Cutie Mark to win the ponies. She spread lies on them to follow her blindly," Ash said calmly. He huffed, "If she thinks that would help her, she has another thing coming for her."

"So, what's next?" Duke asked.

Ash smirked as he explained what plans he had for Starlight Glimmer and her 'loyal' village. Both Fluttershy and Duke nodded their heads in agreement and understanding. It could work for their advantage.

Starlight went came downstairs to check on proBoth Fluttershy and Duke turned to Starlight Glimmer.

"Starlight, Ash has agreed to join our side," Fluttershy reported.

Starlight was about to say but Duke interrupted, "But bad news - he'll give you the spell if Twilight and her family joined us. That's his one serious condition."

Starlight groaned in disappointment but she smiled calmly. She still had time. She nodded, "Very well. I accept it. Rest assured, they'll join us. Time to go to bed. Tomorrow is going to be a special day."

Fluttershy and Boomed nodded in understanding. They both then went up the stairs to their bedroom. Starlight followed them. All Ash did was looking at her. He then smirked secretly like he expected it to happen.

In the next morning, everyone gathered at the village safe house. They awaited for Twilight and her friends to emerge from the house as they hoped they joined their sides.

"I've got a good feeling about today! So, do any of you have anything you'd like to say?" Starlight asked in amusement. No one answered but glared at her. She sighed, "Aw, pity. Well, let's try this again tomorrow, shall we? No new friends today, I'm afraid!"

"Wait! We'd like to lock them up," Fluttershy begged innocently.

Ash nodded "I would like to try and convincer Twilight to join us. She always listens to me."

"Marvelous, Fluttershy and Ash That's the spirit!" Starlight exclaimed in please. Both Shadow Dragon and Fluttershy approached to Twilight and her friends as they talked and convinced them to join Starlight. She turned and looked at the nervous Party Favor, "Party Favor, will you join us, please?"

Party Favor galloped towards Starlight as he bowed down, "I'm sorry, Starlight! I'm sorry, everypony! I've seen the error of my ways! I never want to look at my cutie mark again!"

Starlight smiled in please, "It seems there's cause for celebration after all!"

The ponies cheered happily for seeing Party Favor returned to them.

Party Favor continued, "They tried to break me! They wouldn't stop talking about how different they are, and that somehow makes their friendship stronger!"

Starlight gasped, "Such backward thinking."

"But I didn't listen! I knew what they were up to, and I didn't listen!"

"Well done, Party Favor! We welcome you back with open hooves!"

"Um, Starlight?" Fluttershy called. Starlight and her ponies turned and looked at her and Ash. She continued, "I think we might have one more friend joining us today."

Ash turned and gave a nod. Twilight emerged from the safe house. The ponies gasped in surprise and shock.

Starlight smiled, "Just look around! Equality has given us more happiness than you've ever known!"

"I-I think so. But I just want to be sure." Twilight answered, "If I agree to leave my cutie mark in the vault, I'll really be happier?"

Starlight smiled, "Just look around! Equality has given us more happiness than you've ever known!"

"And you wouldn't let me just live here in the village with my old cutie mark?"

"Out of the question. A pony with a different cutie mark in our midst would destroy our entire philosophy. We are all equal here!"

The ponies chatted and muttered in agreement with Starlight's concern and ways. Fluttershy quickly carried the bucket of water up. She flew up high as she glared at Starlight Glimmer.

"Then how do you explain this?!" Fluttershy demanded.

Fluttershy threw the bucket of water on Starlight. The latter dodged aside before the water hit her. Starlight glared at Fluttershy with her angry and suspicious eyes.

"I knew you couldn't be trusted," Starlight snarled in anger.

"How about me, bitch?!" Duke exclaimed proudly as he jumped on her back. As the water drop flowed down, he quickly wiped Starlight's flank quickly, "Time to show the world of who you really are!"

Starlight gasped, "No! Getaway!"

As soon as he finished wiping her flank off, Boomer jumped off from Starlight Glimmer. Her Cutie Mark revealed to her ponies. Everyone gasped in shock. She had the Cutie Marks?!

Starlight gasped as she quickly had her tail covered her Cutie Mark. She quickly and frantically exclaimed, "Wha... What are you looking at?! They're the problem, not me!"

The ponies continued staring and looking at Starlight's flank. Twilight and all of her friends had gathered outside as they all smirked proudly and relief.

"How could you?" Party Favor asked in shock.

Double Diamond asked, "You said cutie marks were evil! You said special talents led to pain and heartache!"

Starlight frantically explain as she pointed at Twilight and her friends, "They do! Don't you see?! Look at them!"

"Then why? Why did you take ours and not give up your own?" Sugar Belle asked in shock and concern.

"I... I had to, you fools!" Starlight exclaimed in anger. She got fed up of hiding the truth as everyone witnessed her Cutie Mark. She continued, "How could I collect your cutie marks without my magic?!"

Night Glider said in shock, "But the staff has all the magic we need!"

Starlight Glimmer explained in anger yet dark, "The staff is a piece of wood I found in the desert! It's my magic that makes all this possible! You'd all still be living your miserable lives thinking you're better than everypony else if it weren't for my magical abilities! I brought you friendship! I brought you equality! I created harmony!"

Double Diamond exclaimed, "You lied to us!"

Starlight Glimmer huffed, "So what? E-Everything else I said is true! The only way to be happy is if we're all equal!"

Party Favor muttered in anger, "Except for you."

The ponies grew tired of Starlight's lies. They all chatted and muttered in anger at her. Starlight groaned in anger as she prepared her magic to harm and teach them a lesson.

Twilight spoke up, "Everypony has unique talents and gifts, and when we share them with each other, that's how rea—"

"QUIET!' Starlight shouted at Twilight Sparkle.

Everyone was in shock. Starlight dared silenced the princess?! They had enough of her deception, betrayal, and attitude.

Ash glared at Starlight, "Then, let me ask you one thing. If you want 'equality, then give your Cutie Mark up. Show them that you really meant it. Show us who you really are."

Everyone nodded their heads in agreement as they all looked and glared at Starlight Glimmer. They wanted to see if she was really meant that she was the same as them. They then approached her in making some pressure on her to get the answer.

Seeing that she was outnumbered, Starlight quickly launched her Repulsive Spell at Twilight and her friends out. She then quickly ran off at once.

Double Diamond turned to his friends and ponies, "Come on! Let's get our cutie marks back!"

The ponies went wild as they all agreed with Double Diamond. They then quickly headed off to the cave at once to get their Cutie Marks back.

Rainbow smirked, "Come on! Let's go get our cutie marks!"

"Newsflash, Dash!" Duke exclaimed in concern as he turned and pointed at Starlight's house, "All of them are inside the bitch's home!"

"Damnit! Plasma and Starlight are hoofing it!" said Duke.

"Ash! Duke! Go! Go and get our Cutie Marks back!"

"You're our only hope!" Twinkle agreed.

"Kick her ass, guys!" Ashley exclaimed.

Ash nodded his head in understanding. Duke mounted on him as they headed straight for Starlight Glimmer and the Cutie Mark jars.

As Starlight continued running, she turned her back and found Night Glider catching onto her.

Starlight groaned in anger as her horn glowed, "Are you all so willing to give up everything because of these strangers?!"

Starlight fired her magic on the hill's edge. The snow fell on Night Glider to the ground. Night Glider got out from the snow as Sugar Belle, Double Diamond, and Party Favor passed her by. She rejoined her team. Shadow Dragon followed them from behind.

Sugar Belle answered back, "We gave up everything for you because we thought you were our friend!"

Twilight and her friends continued 'running' slowly to catch up with others.

Rainbow groaned in annoyance, "I can't believe we have to count on these other ponies to save our cutie marks!"

Twilight Sparkle answered, "If we hadn't come here to help them, they'd still be living under her rules! Now it's their turn to help us!"

Fluttershy nodded, "And I know they can do it!"

As Starlight crossing the over-bridge, her former friends were catching up on her. Sugar Belle smirked as she quickly made the snow pie.

Sugar Belle smirked, "My newest recipe – snow pie!"

Sugar Belle threw straight at Starlight and her wagon. It broke the wagon's support, causing Cutie Mark Jars to drop straight to the bottom. Starlight quickly levitated them to her side at once. Before she could run, she quickly fired her powerful spell at the over-bridge. It was destroyed. And her former friends ceased from chasing.

Starlight continued running. As his friends think of how to cross the gap, Party Favor had his. He quickly blew the balloons one by one as he combine them together into a large bridge-like. Night Glider flew over as she pulled the balloon bridge down on the edge's end. They then resumed their chasing. Ash and Dukemanaged to catch up with them.

Upon arriving on the hill's edge, Twilight and her friends spotted the chase event. They were worried and feared that they or their 'new' friends won't able to catch up on Starlight Glimmer and their stolen Cutie Marks.

As Ash and the local ponies continued running, Double Diamond stopped at once as he spotted some familiar gears of his. Shadow Dragon and Boomer stopped as well.

Double Diamond explained, "These are my old skis! This is where I first met Starlight!"

"Maybe you can reminisce another time! She's almost to the caves!" Boomer exclaimed in concern.

Night Glider nodded, "He's right! We won't able to catch up to her!"

Putting his gears on, Double Diamond smirked, "Feel like an airdrop?"

As Starlight almost reached the cave, Night Glider held Double Diamond up high before she dropped him down on the small hill with snow. As he skied straight down in a diagonal direction, it caused some small avalanche on Starlight.

As Starlight was buried deep within the snow, her magic ceased from levitating the jars. They dropped to the ground as its glasses cracked into pieces. Twilight and her friends' Cutie Marks are freed! They all flew straight back to their owners.

Upon receiving their Cutie Marks, Twilight and all of her friends returned to their original selves. They were all happy and relieved to see their Cutie Marks.

"Yee-haw! Finally, I can buck like a five-bit snake herder in an Appleloosa ranch house again!" Applejack exclaimed proudly.

Crystal Flare smirked as he had his hooves lighted some fire, "You're not the only one with your farm talk back. Mine powers back too!"

"Our Cutie Marks are back!" Ashley exclaimed proudly as he summoned her Thunder Spear.

"We've gotta help the others," Twinkle exclaimed determinedly.

Twilight nodded as she flew off at once while her friends were on their way to to help their friends.

As Ash and others regrouped with both Night Glider and Double Diamond, Starlight emerged from the snow. She gave the angry yet fury looks at her former friends. They but Ash and Duke were scared and startled by her appearance.

Duke stuck his tongue, "Do your worst, bitch!"

Starlight yelled angrily as she gathered and readied her Supreme Magic Blast at her former friends. Twilight landed in front of them as she unleashed Magical Barrier. Starlight fired it straight at them but got deflected aside for the moment. Crstyla Flare jumped and fired his Blazing Fury at the snow which turned into a watery liquid. It fell on Starlight's head from firing her spell.

As the blast has passed, Twilight dispersed her barrier as she and her friends glared at Starlight.

Starlight gasped, "Wh– I studied that spell for years! How can you—"

I studied magic for years too!" Twilight interrupted, "But what I didn't know then was that studying could only take me so far. Each of my friends has taught me something different about myself! It was their unique gifts and passions and personalities that helped bring out the magic inside of me! I never would have learned that I represent the element of magic without these five or any of my family! And I certainly wouldn't be here to stop you now!"

Starlight groaned in anger, "Spare me your sentimental nonsense! I gave these ponies real friendships they never could've had otherwise!"

"How do you know that?! You never even gave us a chance!" Double Diamond shouted back.

Ash asked, "Starlight! Plasma! Who taught you that spell?! I need to know!"

Starlight groaned, "All you need to know is that the storm is coming! And soon, he shall rise again!"

Before Twilight and her friends could do anything, Plasmas threw a smoke bomb at them that blinded everyone. Aftermath, the two ponies were nowhere to be found.

"She's getting away!" Rainbow exclaimed in concern.

Double Diamond answered, "We'll never find her in there!"

Twilight Sparkle sighed, "We just have to hope that when she's had a chance to think it over, she realizes that you all have taught her something."

"She's been corrupted and blinded by her hatred. I don't think she can change for the better," Ash disagreed in concern.

Party Favor smiled at Twilight, "It's you who have taught us something. We all came to this village because we were searching for something missing from our lives. We thought Starlight had given it to us, but now... now it seems it was in front of us all along. It's us!"

Seeing Party Favor had the point, everyone nodded and agreed with him. Party Favor, Double Diamond, Sugar Belle, and Night Glider hugged together happily.

"Does that mean you'll stay in the village?" Twilight asked.

Night Glider answered, "It's our home. I'm not going anywhere."

Double Diamond nodded, "This is a chance for all of us to get to know each other again for the very first time!"

Sugar Belle smiled, "And I finally have a chance to bake something besides terrible muffins!"

"Terrible?! These muffins are great!" Duke protested in annoyance, "Less sweet than any cakes I eat."

Everyone then laughed happily yet amusement at Duke's disappointment of the muffins. Everyone is now freed from Starlight's tyranny of 'equality'...

As Twilight and all of her friends returned to the village, they witnessed how happy and joyfully ponies really are. They were finally freed from their prison...

As Twilight and all of her friends returned to the village, they witnessed how happy and joyfully ponies really are. They were finally freed from their prison...

Pinkie smiled, "Now those are real smiles."

Suddenly, Mane Six's Cutie Marks glowed and pulsed brightly and quickly. Everyone noticed it as they wondered of what was next.

Applejack sighed, "I'll never get used to that."

"I think it's divine." Rarity smiled.

Fluttershy asked in concern, "Does that mean that the map is calling us somewhere else?"

Twilight Sparkle smiled, "I have a feeling it means our work here is done."

"Looks like you were right, Twilight." Applejack said, "The map did have a reason for sendin' us here. We brought real friendship to these here ponies. Guess that's why you're the Princess of Friendship."

Twilight smiled, "But the map didn't send me. It sent us. You're a part of me, all of you. And there's no doubt you're a part of my mission to spread friendship too."

Pinkie smiled, "Now those are real smiles."

Suddenly, Mane Six's Cutie Marks glowed and pulsed brightly and quickly. Everyone noticed it as they wondered of what was next.

Applejack sighed, "I'll never get used to that."

"I think it's divine." Rarity smiled.

Fluttershy asked in concern, "Does that mean that the map is calling us somewhere else?"

Twilight Sparkle smiled, "I have a feeling it means our work here is done."

"Looks like you were right, Twilight." Applejack said, "The map did have a reason for sendin' us here. We brought real friendship to these here ponies. Guess that's why you're the Princess of Friendship."

Twilight smiled, "But the map didn't send me. It sent us. You're a part of me, all of you. And there's no doubt you're a part of my mission to spread friendship too."

Ash smiled, And we couldn't agree more, my love."

"Group hug!" Twinkle exclaimed happily.

As everyone hugged together happily while laughed happily, Ashley smiled, "Now this is a happy ending."

Pinkie yelled, "This feels like an ending! It doesn't have to be an ending yet, right? 'Cause that Sugar Belle can bake!"

Twilight hummed, "Maybe we can stay a little while longer. Come on!"

Twilight and her friends approached the village as they all party happily together with the locals.

"Fluttershy..." Duke said in concern. She turned and looked at him, "About that 'bitch' thing we've talked about? Sorry. I didn't mean to hurt your feeling and some bugs. I'm a dragon. And I've gotta hunt. That's what I do."

Fluttershy gasped for the moment. She smiled, "I know. And I'm sorry too. I should have realized that dragons have their own tastes."

"I guess we both apologize. So, pals?"

"Pals. But you promise that you won't eat too many bugs?"

Duke scoffed, "If you can bake the roasted muffins, I wouldn't! But then again, I need to. Besides, I'll get the very bad bugs to eat, not the cutie or good ones."

Fluttershy smiled, "I know someone who can help. So, it's a deal?"

Duke smirked, "Deal! Let's party!"

Fluttershy and Duke danced happily. Everyone smiled upon looking at the scene. Both of them have finally put their difference aside and become friends finally.

"Ash?" Twilight asked in concern.

Ash turned to Twilight, "Sorry, Twilight. I didn't mean to make you worried about me. I was thinking something."

"You think someone else was helping Starlight to accomplish her goal?"

"Could be... And I have the feeling that we'll meet her and her master again..."

Twilight sighed, "That's what I'm worried about the most..."

Ash smiled, "For now, enjoy the party. Let's not waste it."

Twilight nodded as both she and Ash danced happily. Everyone enjoyed their happy lives as much as they can...

Somewhere deep in the caves, Starlight bowed before two figures who were extremely disappointed and angered by her performances. Behind her were the remainders of loyal and terrifying Shadow Ponies who remained silent and still for the moment.

Starlight bowed, "I'm sorry. I really am! Twilight Sparkle will pay for ruining my plan! My harmony! My friendship! They're all ruined!"

"True... And I warned you not to underestimate Twilight and her friends," Zytle said darkly at frightened and worried Starlight. He smiled beneath his mask, "But do not worry. We'll have our revenge soon. For now, you must learn more of your enemies in order to strengthen your magic and power."

Starlight smiled in relief, "Yes, my master. I will and never fail you!"

"And remember... Observe carefully and then launch full assaults on them," Zytle said calmly.

As for Plasma...

"One way or another I will have Twilight's head if it the last thing I do!" Said Plasma as his shadow to form with him noticing.

THE END