~~~~~Somewhere in the Ki-Lin Kingdoms~~~~~

Celestia stood staring out from atop this strange tower of green stone. All of the architecture was in that angular Ki-Lin style, all geometric shapes and strange iconography. Yet there were no doors on this tower, no windows either. For all of its incredible detail and beautiful imagery, the place served no obvious purpose. Who had built this thing, on this lonely mountain top so far from civilization - and why?

Luna winged down from the skies to land next to her, and their eyes together went to the south. "From the tower of jade, look to the south. There you will see the dagger that pierces the sky." The eyes of the two Alicorns traveled along the horizon. She nodded into the distance. "I think it's talking about that mountain peak, sister."

Far from where they stood, a needle of stone shot up into the sky from a single tall mountain that had no business standing there all by itself. It looked not unlike the mountain that held the castle of Canterlot, and for some reason that sent a shiver of memory down her back. Why does that mountain seem so familiar? she thought faintly, and couldn't put her hoof on it. "What are the next instructions?" She asked then, trying to shake off the ghosts.

Luna paused for a moment, drawing from her considerable skills at memorization. "Hmh. Follow the dagger's point until you reach the endless waterfall. There you will find the next clue." She paused and sighed. "Why on earth was this written in such maddening prose?" She huffed - a little pouch of fruit drawn from her pouch which she immediately began to crunch through some dried banana chips.

Celestia rolled her eyes and chuckled. "Near as I can tell, it was written by a poet almost five centuries ago." She paused, snatching a dried fig out from Luna's snack pouch and noshing on it slowly. "Supposedly, the original path was some kind of pilgrimage for the Ki-Lin." She nodded down below them, where a rough dirt and stone path wound up the mountain - then led down it in the direction of the needle-topped mountain. "It fell out of favor some two hundred years ago when a bandit king parked his army on the pilgrim's path."

Luna sighed softly, then shook her head. "Sister, do you get the impression that we are missing something here?" She said softly, looking about the tower. "There is... I feel as though this is ground we ought to know." She said in exasperation. "Like we ought to know something about this place."

Celestia nodded slowly. "Yes, I am beginning to get that impression. Yet I cannot put my hoof on what it might be." She too was a little exasperated at this feeling. "We need to keep moving while we have daylight." She said finally, after several moments of silence. Luna nodded once and the pair of them shot up into the sky in pursuit of answers, neither of them certain of what they might find.

~~~~~Sweet Apple Acres~~~~~

The kitchen remained in silent tableau for nearly a minute, with all ponies present listening to the gentle banging of the back door against the frame. "We're in trouble, aren't we?" said Sweetie Belle in the most miserable voice she could possibly make. Twilight quickly turned her gaze to Rainbow Dash, and nodded once. Dash's mouth tightened into a frown but she nodded, quickly shutting the front door behind her as she went outside.

Applejack sighed softly and carefully plated the slightly over-crisped applecake, dusting the powdered sugar over it. "That ain't gonna end well, Miss. Mark my words." she said softly, passing the treat onto the table where Twilight quickly began to divvy it up. Applejack quickly spooned the thick batter into the pan again, and the sizzling delicious smell filled the kitchen.

Pinkie Pie half-bounced in, plopping herself down on the chair next to the two fillies and giving them a comforting smile.
"It'll be okay girls. Rarity was just a little spooked, that's all." She gently poked them both in the belly, and got a pair of giggles out of them. "Now eat up! We've all got lots ta talk about after breakfast." She eyeballed Twilight slyly. "Don't we Miss Twi?"

Twilight sighed a little, but had to smile at Pinkie's enthusiasm. "Yes, it would appear that we do." Her eyes went to those too-innocent fillies. Or perhaps, no longer so-innocent fillies that she'd touched with her power without even intending to. Like it or not, that made her responsible for them. Even though I very much do not like it. she thought, keeping it very private and very silent.

Twilight was not about to cause the poor fillies any further distress by expressing her smoldering anger at the situation. ~"Oh? And why are you angry, beloved Shade? Are they not obviously happy?"~ The smoldering female voice of Umbra spoke gently into Twilight's ear - unheard by anypony else around her. Twilight felt some of the anger drain out of her unwillingly, lulled away by the sweet voice.

Twilight had to admit, the pair of them certainly did look like they were having fun as they giggled and snuggled up together - exchanging light kisses and soft caresses.. Still. It wasn't proper! ~"Tsk Tsk. Proper is a silly word, Shade. What matters is happiness, and so long as everypony is safe from genuine harm - who cares?"~ Twilight reached up to hold her head in her hoof, her mind swimming with conflicting emotions. Surprisingly, it didn't take her very long to swim through them.

Twilight knew - intellectually anyway - that fillies and colts had been fooling with one another at all ages since before the dawn of civilization. That modern society by and large disapproved of such experimentation was irrelevant. Rather it was that the catalyst had been an action on her part, rather than any natural growth, that caused her distress at their actions.

Ultimately, Twilight supposed that simply laid the responsibility for them upon her shoulders. ~"I knew you were special, my Shade. You barely even required a hint."~ Umbra's gentle voice cooed into her ears, sending a shiver down her spine. ~"These ponies simply require a strong, guiding hoof to protect them. Which you and I shall provide for them. So that they might know true happiness and safety under our caring gaze."~ Twilight couldn't help herself, she nodded slowly at the words.

Suddenly, the fresh scent of apples and powdered sugar under her nose snapped her out of her reverie. Pinkie Pie was smiling brightly at her, and holding a fresh slice of the applecake. Twilight smiled and took the plate, kissing Pinkie gently on the lips - a soft heat passing between them. For a moment, Twilight just threw away the thoughts of the day to revel in the simple display of affection, pressing her tongue to Pinkie's.

Of course, then Applebloom and Sweetie had to giggle brightly at them - sending Twilight's cheeks to blushing. Applebloom grinned brightly at her. "Ya'll are so cute when ya do that, Twilight." she said with a bright innocence. Lacking a more mature response, Twilight stuck her tongue out at Applebloom and dragged Pinkie up into her lap.

The Pink Party Pony made a squeaky sound and gave off a soft laugh as Twilight smirked. Applejack grinned at the both of them, joining in the general laughter of the kitchen. For a moment, Twilight felt as though she were simply sharing a moment with one big, extended family. Then she snagged a bit of the fried pastry and chomped down on it with vigor. Dash ought to be back soon enough. Then... Twilight sighed softly, internally. Pinkie gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek and hugged her reassuringly. Twilight smiled at her, and nuzzled her cheek to Pinkie's. Then I hope Rarity will be willing to talk.

~"She won’t be, my Shade. And when you find that out for yourself, I expect you to act appropriately."~ Umbra's voice spoke sharply to her, and Twilight closed her eyes briefly. Yes. No hesitation this time. she thought back, quietly.

She could no longer afford to hesitate. On this, and so many other things.

~~~~~~~~~

Rarity could not remember when she had run so quickly in her life. It was possible she never had run this fast before, which would make a lovely story if she was still alive by the end of it. True, she was not the dedicated athlete that Rainbow Dash was. Nor was she subject to the day to day hard labor that Applejack drove herself with. But Rarity was a lady, and that meant keeping her body in good physical condition. You needed stamina to survive some of those marathon-like shows.

So she ran faster than she'd ever run before, and she wasn't getting terribly winded by it either. She ducked between Apple trees and leapt nimbly over exposed roots, keeping beneath the cover of the foliage whenever she could. Her cart was utterly forgotten in the haze of terror and grim determination. She had to get help, but from where? If Twilight was out of the picture, that left precious few options.

So she ran, heading in the general direction of town. If she could get amongst other ponies, she was certain she could wrangle herself aboard the Friendship Express and then to Canterlot without otherwise being caught. No doubt one of the ponies in that room would soon be in hot pursuit, and Rarity was certain that it would be Rainbow Dash. She had no hope of outrunning the pegasus, but she might have a hope of outsmarting her.

She could feel her breathing coming heavier now, and took a moment to regain her breath against a lush tree, keeping her eyes moving while her chest heaved in and out. Think fast, Rarity. How can you get back into town before they can catch up with you? It wasn't an easy question.

It was also an academic one, as her eyes spotted dash weaving back and forth through the trees. Buck! Think, think... A Wheelbarrow - Rope! Her eyes alighted upon the coil laying in the barrow, alongside several buckets full of apples. Her eyes darted back and forth. She couldn't overpower dash, but...A plan formed quickly in her mind. This is insane, Rarity. she thought, with no small amount of irony. Then a fierce grin split her face. Well, you've done crazier things!

Rarity put all of her magic into it - the telekinetic aura grabbing the rope from the barrow, quickly tying it into a secure loop. A shove from her hooves quickly upturned the wheel barrow. Got to get the timing perfect. She thought, turning to see Dash closing in fast on her position. She planted her hooves and held her head up high, glaring haughtily at the pegasus - and concealing the loop of rope behind her back. Steady, Rarity... she thought, narrowing her eyes.

Time slowed to a crawl. Dash was closing in on her, preparing for some kind of tackle. Rarity felt the sweat drip down her forehead. Timing was everything. Dash closed in and Rarity magicked the lasso up over her head and towards the speeding pegasus - who had no time to dodge. The loop soared over Dash's body and closed tight, binding her wings to her back with one tug as Rarity flung herself out of the way.

Dash's eyes widened, realizing approximately two seconds before impact that her wings weren't flapping any longer. She collided headlong into the upturned wheelbarrow, sending it and her barrel rolling across the orchard, while the rope wrapped up around the barrow trapping Dash inside. Rarity looked up to see the wheelbarrow smash into a stout tree, cracking the thing in half before settling upside down on the ground with Dash presumably under it.

Rarity felt tightness in her chest, a feeling of incredible guilt and sadness at what she'd just done. Worse still, her ankle hurt like the dickens - the result of her uncontrolled dive. It only took a brief touch to the ground and a searing bolt of pain to tell her that she'd hurt it badly. She forced herself up to her hooves and limped as quickly as she could, tears streaming down her cheeks. I cannot leave without knowing she is alive and well enough. I cannot.

No matter how little sense it might actually make for making an escape, she had to be certain. Possessed she might be, Dash was still her friend. Leaning against the battered tree, she pushed the wheel barrow up to gaze inside... and found no pony laying there. Rarity gawped for a moment. How did- her thought was cut off a moment later by a strong forehoof grabbing her around the waist. She had only enough time to scream before the figure dragged her through the darkness.

~~~~~~~~

Zecora dropped down from the limbs of the apple tree, her gaze steady on where Rarity had been dragged into the shadows. So. Shadowblight lives again. her thoughts grimly ran. She spent a moment in mourning for the poor pony that had been taken, and for all of those who had already fallen under its sway. Zecora contemplated - briefly - attempting to rescue Rarity from the clutches of the Dark One, and dismissed it almost immediately. There was no telling how bad the situation had gotten at the Apple Farm either.

Dear one, I am sorry. Zecora thought mournfully. But I must hurry. There is too little time. She turned and galloped at full speed towards Ponyville, slinging her stave over her shoulders. Berry will listen to me, as will Ditzy. Perhaps others. We must leave this place at once, no matter how much it may pain me to do so. Zecora grabbed a potion from her pouch and downed it in a single gulp - her hooves suddenly a blur upon the ground as she sped nimbly through the orchard.

They would leave ponyville ,and retreat to the safety of White Tail Wood. There were good spirits there, spirits that would resist the encroachment of the Shadowblight. They could not remain forever, but it would give them time to concoct some sort of plan. Poor filly.. She thought sadly of Scootaloo, now lying asleep in her home. To lose her friends to such a thing. To come so close to being taken herself. Yet perhaps, just perhaps - that was a sign from the gods. A good sign, even.

This one yet has a purpose, they might say.

~~~~~~~~~

The air inside of Pony Joe's was thick with unspoken tension. Shining Armor was looking sternly at the mares across the table from him. Cadence had gone serene - a mask that Shining was all too familiar with. It was the sort of look Celestia adopted when she was at her angriest, and she didn't wish anypony to know just how pissed she was. Shadow Dancer and Silent Moon had fallen silent, for their part. Neither of them looking directly at Cadence.

Maybe they realized just how angry Cadence is. That would have to be a feat, given that Moon was obviously blind. Maybe her other senses were telling her just how much danger she was in. How much danger everypony in that room likely was in, right at that moment. "What you are telling me I must do..." Cadence broke the silence suddenly, her voice quiet and aloof. "You realize how insane it sounds, yes?" The voice was still quiet - but there was no mistaking the raging torrent of power held barely in check behind it.

Moon had been the spokespony for the last hour or so. The last time Shadow Dancer had spoken, she'd gotten whapped over the back of her head by Moon's wing. That gentle, still melodious voice spoke softly. "I do. M'lady, you must understand, I would not be telling you to do these things if I did not believe them to be necessary." She opened her mouth again, and then shut it with an audible snap at Cadence's sudden glare upon her.

"Necessary? You dare to suggest this madness is necessary?" For the first time, that serenity cracked, and a pink hoof slammed into the table with nearly enough force to send it flying. "I ought to raze this city to the ground. I ought to burn it down around your ears for what you've done to her!" Her voice hissed, the thick feeling of ambient magic becoming thick enough to taste - metallic and blood-like in the air. "And were I Celestia, you can be assured that I would already have done so!"

Her last words thundered through the shop, rattling the windows and shaking the tables and chairs as though there had been an earthquake. For the first time, Shadow Dancer showed true fear on her face - a look not unlike that of a deer gazing into the headlight of an oncoming train. Moon showed only gentle concern and sadness, and Shining Armor wondered what on earth could be going through the snow-white creature's mind.

Cadence sucked in a deep breath after no response came, and the serene gaze settled back into place. "But I am not my aunt, and for that you can thank your lucky stars." She snapped softly, her voice not quite fully under control. "I will not do this. I cannot do this. You are asking me to abandon one I love with all of my heart, and for what?" She slammed her hoof again, more gently this time. "You say the world depends on it, yet those words ring hollow in my ears. I can see no benefit to the world here." Her words were soft, and full of conviction.

Moon shook her head slowly. "M'lady... You must be in Canterlot when the time comes. You must not take her back there, not for any reason." She leaned up on the table, speaking in a softly intense voice of her own. "Believe me, I understand your plight. You do not know, you cannot know the price that has already been paid by others." Her voice went soft, her head drooping. "You cannot comprehend the price that will yet be paid by even more if you do this."

Cadence opened her mouth as if to retort, then shut it, staring silently at Moon. "...And what of Winterlight?" She asked quietly, and some of the tension felt like it drained out of the room. Moon was still hanging her head over the table, and so Dancer spoke up softly.

"She's a fool. She pines for her lost queen, for the one she loved above all others. We think that Tantalus made her some kind of promise about returning her to being, but he is long dead now. Whatever his plans might have been, that one died with him." Dancer shook her head, reaching over to touch Moon's hoof. "Look, I know this all sounds nuts. I know you've got no reason to really trust us." She paused, squeezing Moon's hoof.

Shining raised his hoof, trying to capture the attention of the table. "It isn't a lack of trust. It's a lack of understanding." He frowned mightily, feeling his own heart aching at even the thought of doing what they had said. "You're talking like you know the future." His eyes fixed on Moon. "As though you somehow know what's going to happen."

Silence settled upon the table for several long minutes. No one spoke, no one moved. Cadence looked at Shining with something approaching shock, as though the very thought had not even occurred to her. Moon had bitten down on her lip and Dancer looked to the side, her lips drawn tightly over her teeth.

The silence reigned for nearly twenty minutes, before something seemed to break in Silent Moon. She took a breath and spoke softly. "Long ago, a great pony asked a powerful spirit to grant him foresight into what the future of the land that pony so loved. This pony recorded all of the things he saw, but had the wisdom to know that in the wrong hooves this knowledge could doom the world. So this pony placed that knowledge in the hooves of the chosen few that pony could trust. These few would then hide what they knew away and pass down the tales amongst only their kin, knowing that one day that knowledge might be needed"

Silence met these statements, and Moon spoke softly again - her voice full of conviction. "One such student was a young Alicorn by the name of Celestia. Yet when the time came to turn the knowledge she had been given to use, Celestia could not bring herself to pay the price demanded of her." Moon dipped her head, sadness redolent in every word she spoke. "She was certain she could change the future. That her centuries of knowledge would give her the power to cheat fate of its prize." Moon half smiled then, looking up. "That she may yet succeed is a testament to her power. But a price must still be paid, even if it be a lesser one."

Silence came again, and Cadence spoke softly. "And now you are applying your own knowledge of the future." She looked up into Silent Moon's milky white eyes. "You're afraid that if you tell us what you know, it will break that future." Silent Moon nodded once, and Cadence gently blew out her cheeks. "Shining?" she said quietly, her eyes turning to her husband.

Shining nodded once. "I can't tell, Cadence. It sounds pretty fantastical to me." She paused and sighed. "But It doesn't sound like she's lying either. I don't know what to think." He shook his head in irritation, glaring at them. "Give us something we can use to verify this. We can't just take a story like this at face value. Not with what's at stake." There was pain in his voice, and a pain in his heart he dared not show more of.

Moon took a deep breath and Dancer grabbed her shoulder. "We can tell you one thing." she said softly, getting a sharp look from Moon. "Twilight is in Ponyville right now, and two ponies are going to escape with knowledge of what is going on with her. A young one, and somepony from a faraway land." She looked up, a look of sincerity on her face. "Go back to Ponyville. Find and talk to those ponies. If they can't convince you in addition to what we've already told you - then there's nothing else we could possibly say that will change your minds."

Cadence frowned, then nodded slowly, standing up from her chair. "Very well. I will do this, but if I find you have attempted to deceive us...." The gentle threats made both of the maidens across the table look a little paler - a feat for the snow-white Silent moon. "Shining. It appears we may have to use swifter methods to return to Ponyville."

Shining nodded, hopping off his chair and trotting towards the door. Moon raised her hoof. "Wait! Winterlight will undoubtedly know you are in town by now! She'll do whatever it takes to stop you from leaving!" Her voice was soft, and obviously concerned for the husband and wife who now stood at the door.

Cadence flared out her wings, and a rush of power nearly bowled Moon and Dancer off of their hooves. Cadence turned, and they stared in awe at her eyes - now merely glowing with opaque white power. Cadence's voice echoed through the room, at once soft and as powerful as Love itself. "I would like to see her try."