Chapter 2: Equestria's Failing Magic

The gang reach Canterlot Castle and are in the throne room with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Falling Star and Princess Cadence are here as well. It seems they are going through similar circumstances as well.

"Throughout our city, ponies have been reporting tales of their magic failing. Spells going wrong. Potions not working," Princess Celestia says.

"Even raising the moon has become difficult," Princess Luna adds.

Then asks, "Are there similar troubles in Ponyville?"

"We experienced it first-hoof," Princess Twilight says.

"The portal didn't change us into ponies and unicorns are losing their magic," Sun replies.

"And it's even happening at the school," Falling Star adds.

"It's the same in my kingdom. The Crystal Heart seems safe for now, but I worry if this continues," Princess Cadence adds in concern.

They suddenly hear the door opens They turn around to see a mail carrier pegasus flying in the throne room, and reaches the end of the red rug. The group moves out of the way.

After panting from exhaustion, the deliver pony salutes, and says, "Letter for the princess from Star Swirl the Bearded!"

The delivery ponie brings out a letter from Starswirl, and Spike takes it. He then flies it to Princess Celestia, takes the letter from the envelope, and presents it to the princess for her to see.

Reading the letter, Princess Celestia exclaims, "Ah! It is even more terrible than we feared! Magic is disappearing all across Equestria!"

Everyone gasp in shock

"Star Swirl believes the power will drain from our land in three days. First, unicorn magic and spells will fail," Princess Celestia says, reading the letter.

That's what's happening now," Starlight says.

Then Celestia says, "On the second day, creatures will lose their magic abilities."

Fluttershy gasp in shock, "Oh, no!"

"And finally, magical artifacts will stop working. When the sun sets on the third day, the magic in our world will be gone forever!" Princess Celestia adds in despair.

Everyone one and everypony gaspin shock.

"That means the portal will stop working by then, and we'll be stuck here forever!" Sonata screams.

"But why is this happening now?" Princess Cadence adds.

"That's the worst part. We have no idea," Princess Luna answers.

Princess Twilight speaks up to ask, "Has anypony checked on Tirek?"

"You mean the big, red, scary centaur who eats magic? Why would we wa…" Pinkie asks.

But realsies what Princess Twilight means, "Ohhhh. Riiiiight."

"This is not good is it?" Sonata worried asks.

Aria rolls her eyes, "I don't know, does a giant centaur stealing magic and rampaging across Equestria look good to you?"

"No," Sonata answers.

"Good answer," Aria bluntly says.

Princess Celestia says, "If he has found some way to escape his prison or work from within it, he could be responsible for this."

"That is the best explanation so far. Somepony should investigate," Princess Luna says.

Princess Twilight speaks up, "We'll go."

"Oh, no-no-no-no-no-no. Not without us, you wo…" Rarity protests.

But realizes, "Wait. Did you say 'we'?"

"I've finally learned that it's okay to count on your friends for help," Princess Twilight says.

Then asks, Um, you do want to come, right?"

"Uh, duh!" Rainbow says.

"Thank you, all. We will search for ways to protect Equestria in your absence," Princess says.

But Princess Luna advise, "Be careful. Tartarus has changed since you were there. It now holds many dangerous creatures, and you won't be able to rely on your magic."

"With her friends by her side, she won't have to," Applejack says.

After getting back to the School of Friendship, Princess Twilight decides to leave Starlight incharge while she's away. The two exist the head office. Princess Twilight has her saddle bag ready to go.

"Okay. I left you my lesson plan, all my student files, and my annotated syllabus notes. If anything goes wrong, get Celestia," Princess Twilight says.

"Got it!" Starlight replies.

Princess Twilight becomes worried, and says, "Maybe I should just close the school and send my students home."

Starlight sighs, and pushes Princess Twilight, "Would you go save Equestria already?"

Princess Twilight, Starlight, Falling the girls, Sun and her friends gather together. Spike is also putting his backpack on.

"Okay. Cozy packed us all up for a trip to bad guy central," Spike says.

Cozy walks over with bag and each are labeled with different pictures on it. One is in her moth and the others are on her back.

"Don't forget the sandwiches," Cozy says, holding the bag that has been hold by her mouth.

She puts the bags down, and says, "I marked whose is whose, just in case."

"Starlight can't stand mustard," Cozy whispers to Sun.

"That's so sweet of you, Cozy. But Twilight has asked me to stay here to run the school," Starlight says.

Then Falling Star says, "And besides, Princess Twilight also made me, Wire Wolf, and the Dazzlings subs while they're gone.

Hearing this makes Cozy disappointed, "Oh. I thought that after what happened last time…"

"Once she's survived Discord, anything else is a piece of cake," Spike says.

Cozy whimpers with her eyes growing bog

"Plus, she'll have you to help her," Princess Twilight says.

Cozy smiles, and says, "Oh, golly, yes! I promise I'll be the best assistant ever!"

"Come on. We can start working on your substitute headmare plans right now, if you like," Cozy says, flying to Starlight.

"Wow. Uh, okay," Starlight says.

Cozy nods her head in reply.

Then something hit her, "Um, how come Sun is the only one coming along?"

"Because I feel that I should help out the girls when I can. Plus, I feel that it might for all of us to go to Tartarus at once," Sun answers.

Then Sonata says, "Besides, My sister and I like to see our friends and baby brother while we're here."

"You mean Crescendo, right?" Cozy asks.

"That's the one," Adagio answers.

"Great. I think he's in Rainbow's class right now. And according to the schedule, that's where Wire Wolf should be," Cozy says.

"Sounds good," Wire Wolf replies.

She then happily says, "Come on, I'll show you to the classroom and then I'll help Starlight with some work.

Cozy, Starlight, Wire Wolf, and the Dazzlings head off to do some work while Rainbow and the others head outside. Princess Twilight, Sun, and Spike are the only one remaining.

"See? Nothing to worry about," Princess Twilight says with a smile.

But gets into one of her worries, and asks, grabbing Spike by the bag, "Tell me there's nothing to worry about."

"Twilight, calm down," sun calmly says.

Twilight puts Spike down with a sheepish smile, and Spike firmly stares at her. He then facepalm his forehead.

"Come on, let's go," Sun says.

The three then walk out of the school, and all eight friends are going to Tartarus to confront an old foe.

In the school, Cozy is showing the Dazzlings, Falling Star, and Wire Wolf where they need to go to teach.

"So Cozy, what's it like being Princess Twilight's assistant?" Sonata asks.

"It's been great. I get to help her with all her work, and help the students as well," Cozy answers.

"Sounds nice," Aria says.

Cozy reaches to the door, and says, "This is Rainbow Dash's room, and this is where Crescendo is."

The door opens to see the students working on their school work in the classroom. Among the students sitting on the desk is Crescendo Waves. He along with Silver Stream, Ocellus, and Gallus are working on a project.

Crescendo look up, and happily says, "Girls!"

Crescendo happily runs to Adagio, Sonata, and Aria.

"What are you guys doing here?" Crescendo asks.

"We were here for a visit, but end up being substitutes instead," Aria says.

"Really?" Crescendo asks with a smile.

"That's right. Falling Star, Wire Wolf, and the three of us around going to be teaching you friendship while Sun, Twilight and the others are gone," Sonata happily says.

"How come Sun isn't teaching?" Ocellus asks.

"She decided to go with Princess Twilight and the others to investigate the magic disappearing," Adagio answers.

"Sounds serious," Gallus says.

"It is. Until they come back, we'll be there to help whenever we can," Starlight says.

"That's right," Cozy happily says.

She turns to Wire Wolf and says, "Here's Rainbow's lesson plans."

"Thanks," wire wolf says.

Cozy then leaves the classroom with the others, and says, "Falling Star, you'll be teaching Fluttershy's class. Aria will be in Applejack's. Sonata will be in Pinkie. And Adagio will be in Rarity's."

Later in the night, The Dazzlings and Wire Wolf are in their rooms and are ready for bed.

"It sure was an interesting day. We got to teach the girls' class. I love teaching Pinkie's class," Sonata happily says.

"Yeah. You and Pinkie will make quiet a pair," Aria says.

"Still, we better get some sleep. We have a big day tomorrow," Adagio says.

She then turns to Wire Wolf to see him facing the window and is holding a photo. He looks down at the photo to see himself and Sun on their last trip to Equestria Land together.

Wire Wolf sighs in concern.

Seeing her friend's concern, Adagio asks, "You're worried about Sun, aren't you?"

"I am. I know she said the girls will be there with her going to tartarus, but I still think I should have gone with her," wire Wolf says.

"But Sun said she's be fine and the girls are going to be with her. What's there to worry about?" Sonata asks.

"I think Tirek will be the only problem," Aria says.

"Oh," Sonata says, dumbfounded.

"Still, Sun has her friends with her and she's pretty good of taking care of herself. I'm worried about her too, but we also need to trust her," Adagio reassues.

"Right," Wire Wolf replies.

With that, the four friends decide to turn off the lights and sleep for the night. Falling Star is sleeping in the room next door. True, she is also worried for Sun. however, knowing Princess Twilight and the others are with her lowers it down a little.