The white stallion sat as Twilight looked around muttering about everything she saw and learned about the spirits.

"You know… it's odd how entertaining it is to watch you freak out about things. But we are on a time limit." He explained.

"What do you mean? I thought time worked differently here."

"True. But you don't have to deal with the other dimensions." He explained. "Now. Why don't you go read some books as I go take care of a few tasks to get the war ready."

"Do I really want to know?" Twilight sighed. "You know what… never mind." Turning she saw a few stacks of books and started to look through them.

With a smile the stallion turned to a stained glass window and stepped into it like it was a pool of water.

Canterlot Castle

"Hello pride." The stallion greeted with a large smile.

"That is your majesty to you stallion." Moon hissed.

"Right. I forgot your only the champion." He sighed. "Regardless. Tell me. Do you know what danger you're in?"

"The wolf gave up and my sister is powerless. I don't see what you're referring to."

"Only that you should let them live if you value your life." He explained. "And whatever you do. Don't send them to Appleloosa."

"And why not?"

"Ever see a gluten with nothing to do? Not a pretty picture."

Moon thought for a moment. "That would explain why I haven't gotten a return letter from that place…" she looked the stallion over. "You're not going to stop me or join me. Are you?"

"Not my job." He shrugged. "In fact. You're the first champion of pride that I actually like. So I thought I'd give you some friendly advice."

"Charmed." She sighed. "Now if you'll excuse me. I have some ponies to send to my niece. Maybe I'll make some room in my chambers for one or two." She hummed to herself as she turned away.

The stallion shrugged and walked off. "Then I'll leave you to it." He sighed. "Good luck convincing the champions to join you."

In the donjen

Phoenix was walked to one of the cells and left as the guards laughed as they commented about his neighbor.

"Hello princess." He said softly once they were alone.

"I do not deserve to be princess." A weak voice replied from the next cell.

"Why? Because you surrendered to save your people?" He asked.

"I failed to stop evil from taking over my sister again." She sighed. "And it seems that now innocent are being pulled into the madness."

"If that is true princess. Then I should apologize as well."

Her ears perked up at this. "What do you mean?"

"I not only have brought Twilight and her friends into this fight. But their sisters and other creatures of this land."

Celestia thought for a moment. "My student and her friends are…"

"They have started a path that will aid them in the fight. Though it comes at a great price." He sighed.

"If they are able to fight this new fowe. Then I have no doubt they will win at any cost."

Phoenix stayed silent for a moment before sighing. "Any cost…"

Wherever Twilight is

Twilight sat looking over the books as the stallion joined her. "You're welcome back whenever you need more information. But sadly it's almost time to go."

"But what about the plan? What should we do? I haven't…"

"Fear not. Your friend has left you a good plan. All you have to do is send the ponies to their target and wait."

"Wait? You mean I won't be able to help?"

"It's best if you sit this one out." He sighed. "Your friends will have enough of a fight on their hooves as is. And trust me when I say. You'd rather not see what they may be forced to do."

Twilight sighed and nodded.

Soon the smoke covered her again as she was returned to the castle where her friends stood waiting for the next step. To her surprise, more members had joined them. With a smile she turned to Sunburst and nodded. "Let's get ready."

Turning to the map she picked up a scroll that was left for them.

"Is no pony going to point out how our little sisters ain't so little?" Applejack asked as her and Rarity looked in shock at their sisters. "Y'all look like ya were there for what ten years?"

"Close." Applebloom replied. "On the plus side we know what to do after we save Equestria."

"First we have to save the others." Sweetie Belle added. "Then Pinkie can start planning a lot of parties and weddings."

The two friends smiled at Scootaloo who bit her lip. "About that…" She stammered as she turned to Rainbow Dash. "Any idea who it'll be?"

"Not yet squirt. Let's save the day first." Rainbow laughed.

With a nod Twilight arraigned tiny models of the teams on the map. "I don't know what you'll find. But Phoenix believes this is the best plan we have. And… I agree. Just remember to stay together and we'll walk out of this with a clean victory."

The girls looked at each other, then at Pinkie who's main deflated. "Yea… clean." She said flatly. "No problem."

Ok. As promised. It's time for the teams to be formed. Let's hear what everyone thinks. Where to first? Who goes where? Why is Pinkie so scary all of a sudden? And most importantly. Who's moon trading with?