Fire coursed through my veins to compliment the adrenaline. My mind was locked down as I conjured a shield to defend myself. A blast of red magic struck it, sending a spider-web of cracks along the barrier. The second the blast was gone, I dissipated the shield, and charged forwards, horn igniting. Hopelock manipulated his whip with expertise, and swung it down at me. I sidestepped, and fired my charged magical blast.

Hopelock was ready, and deflected the blast with a powerful ward. His horn glowed brightly, and he suddenly teleported, vanishing with a loud pop. I narrowed my eyes, and stepped back, glancing in all directions. We'd been fighting for a few minutes, and so far, he had the upper hand. I was conserving my energy, trying to draw out Hopelocks sense of superiority, so that I could use his overconfidence against him, and eliminate him.

Easier said then done. He was just as cautious in this fight as I was, and my ability to fool him into that state of mind was limited. I heard the loud Pop behind me, and whirled, just in time to receive a hard lash from Hopelocks whip across the chest. I stifled my scream as the whip dug a long crimson mark along my coat. I staggered back, conjuring my shield, and watched as it cracked under the force of a massive blast of magic strong enough to shatter boulders.

I winced as I struggled to repair the shattering shield. Another blow came, and it shattered completely, shards of magic fading into the air. I scrambled back, trying to get back on my hooves, when Hopelocks whip leashed itself around my neck, and lifted me into the air. It constricted my airflow, and I felt myself losing strength as the thorns dug in.

“Sleep now, Whiplash. It's over.” Hopelocks voice could barely be heard. I was falling unconscious. I turned my gaze over to where Lavender was. She was watching, despair lining her features. But she wasn't in any condition to help. I tried to lift a hoof, as though to reach out for her. My eyes were watering, from pain, sorrow, and guilt. I'd let her and her brother down. Because of my weakness, and inability to protect, her entire family line would end here, on this capital of chaos.

That thought, encouraging though as it was to fight back, didn't give me the strength I needed. What did, was the sudden release. Hopelock dropped me. I coughed raggedly, wishing he would just hurry up and kill me already. I looked up, and saw he was staring off into the distance. I looked to where his eyes were, and mine widened. Towards the high peak, a bright light was shining, emitting rainbows and color. I had never seen such a display.

And before I knew it, it was expanding, the islands around us beginning to get sucked into the expanding white sphere. I got on shaky hooves, and ran. I ran as fast as I could. It was only when the blast was consuming me that I realized something.

I had Left Lavender behind...

<><><><><>

Whiplash screamed as he awoke, his mind reeling from the vividly painful memory. He covered his face with his hooves, as the last of the violent headache subsided. He breathed rapidly for a moment, before forcing his mind to relax. He got a hold of his voice and his breathing, and calmed down. After several moments, he slowly opened his eyes. They were met with a thundering downpour. Glancing around, he saw he was still in front of town hall, and Twilight and the mayor were kneeling next to him, concern etched clearly on their features.

“What... Ugh, What happened?” Whiplash groaned, ears flattening back.

“We were hoping you could tell us that.” Twilight said. She looked Whiplash up and down. “you've been out for about five minutes.”

Whiplash tried to stand, but his legs failed him. “Where did this rain come from?” He asked, looking up at the darkened sky.

“I don't know. About the time you collapsed, the weather team suddenly lost control of a storm they were creating.” the mayor pitched in. Whiplash looked up, and indeed saw dozens of Pegasi flying about, trying to get the rampant clouds under control.

“Just what happened to you? Do you know what it is that made you fall like that?” Twilight asked worriedly.

“Well, I know the symptom, but not the actual cause. I got a massive headache, it felt like somepony was stabbing me in the head with a red-hot lance.” Whiplash replied. He looked down, and sighed. “It isn't the first time I've had this headache either.”

“Is their any form of pattern to it?” Twilight asked.

“Not that I can tell. It just kinda comes and goes.” Whiplash replied, and tried again to stand. His attempt was much more successful, but he still fell back down. He was struck by a sudden bout of Dizziness, and held still.

“Well, until the weather is back under control, we can't get the Unicorns assembled. We will just have to wait a little while longer.” The mayor said, earning a glance from Whiplash.

“Whys that?” He asked.

“Well, for one, any fliers would be destroyed by the rain. Secondly, the weather team has called in aid from all of the pegasi in town to help, so getting word around would be slow. We'll have better odds of getting the desired effect once this all clears up.” The mayor explained, earning a sigh from Whiplash.

“Alright... We'll wait.” Whiplash muttered as he finally pulled himself to his feet. As he did, he wobbled slightly, and suddenly fell to the side. Twilight was by him in an instant, catching him before he could fall all the way. Whiplash shook his head slightly to clear his mind, and smiled up at Twilight. “Thank you.” He said.

“You’re welcome.” Twilight replied, returning the smile as she supported him. The two began to slowly walk back towards Twilights library to wait out the storm. The going was slow, but things got faster when Whiplash was finally able to walk by himself. They walked through the rain in silence for several moments. It was Twilight who broke the silence. “You know, I’m curious about something.” She said.

“Like what?” Whiplash asked, giving Twilight a sideways glance.

“It’s your knowledge of how chaos magic works. Where did you learn about that? Chaos magic is so rare to come by, these days.” Twilight asked, giving Whiplash a curious look. Whiplash lowered his gaze, and sighed.

“I… I’d rather not discuss that. It’s something I’m trying to forget.” He said, shaking his head slowly, and ears drooping slightly.

“Oh… ok.” Twilight said apologetically. They continued in silence. The rain was coming down even harder than before, making everything soaking wet. Whiplash knew this part of town. This was pretty close to where he had encountered the foals.

“Hunh… I wonder…” Whiplash looked around, and sure enough, they were passing by the alley. He broke his course in walking with Twilight, and went into the Alley. Twilight noticed his sudden change in course, and paused.

“Uh, Whiplash? The library’s that way.” She said, pointing with a hoof.

“I know.” Whiplash replied. “This alley is where I found the foals the first time around.” He explained, and stopped a little ways in. He didn’t feel anything brushing against him, and felt no other presences. He walked forward slightly, holding out a hoof. Nothing. The foals were not here. “Should have known.” Whiplash murmured, and exited the alley.

Twilight said nothing, and the two continued on to the library in silence.

<><><><><>

Hours later, the storm had subsided. The sun was setting, casting a warm yellow glow everywhere. Twilight had already sent Rainbow dash to spread the word by dropping papers all over town. Whiplash hadn’t been present for that meeting. He had taken it upon himself to deliver word by ground, and set out as soon as they met with the mayor. That had been nearly an hour ago, and now all of the unicorns in town were gathering near town hall. The mayor and Twilight were counting to make sure all of the Unicorns who could make it were present.

During the storm, Whiplash had taken some initiative, and worked tirelessly to learn the amplifier spell. He learned it quickly, and was at present teaching a mint green unicorn named Lyra how to use the spell. “Focus on the spell I’m casting.” He said, channeling his own magic to create a ball of light. “Then channel your magic, and make the two connect. It requires that the one being amplified is receptive to the idea, and wants it to happen.”

Lyra nodded briskly. The ball of light suddenly grew so bright that Whiplash had to shield his eyes. “Ok, ok! You got it!” Whiplash said, stumbling back a bit from the sudden afterimage. When the light faded, he turned his gaze to Lyra. She was beaming happily. “Alright, practice that a few times with another unicorn, then get to work showing it to others here. We need everypony capable of this spell if it’s going to work.” Whiplash explained. Lyra nodded again, and trotted off.

Whiplash watched her go, and turned his attention to the stage, where Twilight was busy instructing a small group of unicorns how to merge the amplification spells. Whiplash turned again, and looked at the short stand Twilight would be using to make herself an easy target for the amplification. Unicorns everywhere were practicing the spell, teaching it to others, and making good progress. The plan was to cast the spell shortly after nightfall.

Time ticked by ever so slowly. Whiplash soon ran out of ponies to teach, and joined Twilight to help keep everything practiced and in order. As the last batch walked away, Whiplash voiced his mind. “You think this will work?” He asked.

“Of course.” Twilight replied. Whiplash remained quiet. Twilight looked at him. “Why do you ask?”

“I don't know. I've just got this funny feeling. My mind is tossing up red flags left and right.” Whiplash stated, looking out over the mass of unicorns. “I think something bad is going to happen when we do this.” Whiplash turned his gaze to Twilight. “I don't know what though.”

Twilight looked at him, and her face twisted slightly into a look of worry. “I... Well, if something backfires, we have countermeasures in place. It'll all be fine.” She said, though her voice sounded a bit uncertain. Whiplash stared at her skeptically.

“Well... alright, let's do this then.” Whiplash let a confident smile snake its way onto his face. Twilight returned the gesture, and turned to the crowd.

“Alright! Is everypony ready!?” She called to the crowd. A chorus of “Yeah” went up. Twilight nodded. “Then get the spell ready. Make a line that leads up to the stand. That's were I'll be. Channel the spell into the unicorn in front of you, and whoever is at the very end of the line, channel it into my spell. We should be able to reverse the spell on the foals if we do this correctly! Let's go!” the crowd erupted into movement.

Soon, the line was formed. Whiplash had assumed his place in the line. Twilight stepped onto her own location atop the stand. Twilight paused, and then said, “Now!” Whiplash ignited his horn, and to the unicorn in front of him. She was nervous at first, but quickly let his spell amplify hers. Down the line the spell went, growing in power. Twilights own horn ignited in her signature purple aura.

The spell finally reached the end of the line, and then met with Twilight. The sudden eruption of pure magic caused everypony to cry out in surprise. A massive blast raced out from the tip of Twilights horn, and engulfed everything. Whiplash closed his eyes against the light, and gritted his teeth. But just as suddenly as the blast came, it vanished. The light faded, and Whiplash opened his eyes. There was a sound, he could hear it. It sounded like hushed talking. He turned his gaze. The ponies around him were silent, they could hear it as well.

Just outside of the plaza was a large gathering of foals, bickering with each other. Whiplash smiled. Twilight came to the front of the crowd, and could barely contain her excitement. “We did it!” She practically shouted. The whole crowd cheered, and a select few rushed forwards towards the foals. Whiplash sighed with relief. They did do it.

But his excitement and joy over it began to dwindle. Something was... off. The back of his scalp was beginning to prickle. He began to look around, paranoia getting the best of him. He turned around, and halted dead in his tracks. “No...” He muttered, voice choking with fear. The red eyes glared back into his from less then twenty paces away. Whiplash froze, and began to visibly tremble. The rest of the crowd was gathered around either Twilight, or the foals.

They paid Whiplash no mind. They paid the pony in front of Whiplash no mind. Whiplash began to breathe rapidly, his mind shutting down. He blinked, trying to refresh his vision. “How?” He was finally able to croak out. The pony ahead of him smiled.

“Exactly the same way as you, my friend.”

“Shut up. We are not friends!” Whiplash retorted. His ears flattened back, and his eyes narrowed.

“We aren't? Oh my, Whiplash. I'm hurt.” The almost black pony smirked.

“Hopelock, what are you doing here!?” Whiplash snapped venomously.

“What am I doing here?” Hopelock lost his frown. “I'm trying to get back home.”

“You don't have one! Discord is gone!” Whiplash almost shouted. The crowd had grown silent. A pony was running up behind Whiplash.

“Whiplash, what's going on? Are you ok?” Twilight asked.

“Twilight, don't get involved.” Whiplash warned. Hopelock scoffed loudly.

“Oh, so now you have a friend?” Hopelock demanded. “Whiplash, have you learned nothing?”

“Enlighten me, what was I supposed to learn!?” Whiplash demanded.

“You are not fit to have friends. You aren't fit to lead. You are an underling, and a slave. A follower, and a nopony.” Hopelock grinned. “And you follow me.”

“I'd sooner die!” Whiplash yelled. Hopelock raised his whip from his side.

“Whiplash, what is-” Twilight didn't finish her sentence. A blast of red magic struck her. Whiplash turned to watch as she flew backwards, eyes widening in shock. Twilight skidded to a stop not far away, groaning in pain.

“Is she your friend? If so, prove to me that you are capable of leading yourself. Defend your fallen friend!” Hopelocks smirk widened as Whiplash slowly turned to face him. “Are you afraid?” Hopelock taunted when Whiplash made no move. Whiplash's eyes burned with an inferno, and suddenly, he screamed. Rage fueled his voice as he charged Hopelock, energy gathering on his horn.

'That's it...” Hopelock turned from his smirk to a serious frown. Whiplash leaped forwards, horn preparing to fire, when Hopelocks whip suddenly lashed across his gut. Whiplash cried out in agony as the thorns dug into his stomach. Hopelock manipulated the whip with his magic, constricting Whiplash in a deadly grip. Whiplash tried to fire a blast at Hopelock, but was cut short as a sudden squeeze drained the awareness from his mind. He fell limp, unconscious.

Hopelock chuckled, and let Whiplash fall from his constraints in the air, letting him hit the ground with a moist thud. By now, the crowd was panicking. Twilight forced herself back to her feet, eyes trained on Hopelock. “Who are you?” She demanded.

“Take my name to heart, young one. I am Hopelock. And Whiplash is my servant. He ran from me, and so I take him back.” Hopelock rested a hoof on top of Whiplash's head. “Are you his friend?” He asked.

“I'd like to think so!” Twilight snarled back, ears flat, teeth bared, and magic gathering on her horn.

“Then know this. In removing him from you're life, I have spared it. There's an odd pattern with Whiplash; every time he has made a friend, they have died shortly after befriending him.” Hopelock channeled his own magic. “You should thank me.” Twilight hesitated, and stared at Hopelock. He suddenly disappeared in a bright red flash, and Whiplash vanished with him.