Malicious Gift

by theSilentInventor401

We've seen Fluttershy push over boulders and sing while being smothered in a bear hug that would leave others struggling to breathe. The reason why remained a secret to even her until an attack from an odd duo. After, she finds herself with new abilities, new enemies, and more questions than answers. Is she a pony? Who is Limbo? And can she escape? Rated M for injury descriptions.

7. Chapter 7: Unwilling thief

I'm back! I'm terribly sorry for the delay but I can confirm I now have a basic roadmap. :D

That'll help keep things in order and help my OCD and continuity stay together.

Though the reason it took so long is because I got bitten by an inspiration bug. Created three more stories in my mind DX

Here are the names I've come up with:

Harmony's shadow

Fluttershy and the Rainbow Phoenix

Up high, down low, and really, really far from home

But don't worry, I do plan on continuing this story to the end. And this time won't take as long. Excited for this upcoming chapter :) I may start on the previously mentioned stories, but this one will take priority. Unless you all show interest in one of them. Let me know if you do. Also, let me know about the voice of this chapter. I feel it's changed a bit, but not for the bad. What do you all think?

For those reading on fanfiction, I do plan on writing the other stories on fimfiction. It's a bit of an easier interface, and a lot easier for me to get feedback. Though I'd love your feedback as well! I can't post a direct link cause of the rules, but I've got the same profile pic and user name over at fimfiction. Though I will make sure to post chapters for this story till the end. For the ones who do not want to switch. :) Regardless, thanks for reading and enjoy!

As always, I do not own My Little Pony Friendship is magic. All characters contained therein do not belong to me. They belong to Hasbro and other respective companies.

"Twilight? Are you okay?" Celestia's voice sounded distant. Whether it was because her mind was far away or her voice was quiet, she couldn't tell. She could tell she was tired though. Pure exhaustion crawled through her veins, making her limbs feel like living stone. Cold and stubborn.

"Twilight?" Celestia asked again, sounding a bit more urgent.

Twilight gently shook her head, body groaning in protest. She gently opened her eyes and looked up at her friends who were looking at her. The feeling of loss made the environment seem too dim. Yet, there was a fear and worry in the eyes of her friends.

"Are you guys okay?" She asked slowly, her mouth sluggishly rebooting.

Rarity nodded, "Yes. It seems now I am. Though I thought I had lost my magic for a bit…"

Twilight's face shifted to concern, her tiredness pushed to the side, "Lost your magic? What do you mean?"

"Just that. My magic seemed to be brushed away just outside my reach." Rarity replied.

"Can you feel it now?"

Rarity frowned and didn't respond, but turned her attention to one of the gem shards on the ground. It glowed blue and started to float, but it flickered and fell before being caught again. Rarity let out a breath and looked at Twilight, "Yes but it would seem it's on the fritz."

"I do believe we know the reason for that, "Luna said tiredly, her horn glowing gently as she finished raising the moon. "Though I do not think we can discuss it here. Nor do I think that we are all in the mental capacity to discuss such topics."

Celestia nodded, "I agree with Luna. Let us discuss this when we are all rested."

Luna frowned, "Most of us anyway."

Celestia gave her an understanding smile, "I shall help what I can. It might be easier for both of us to be at half power than one at full."

Luna returned the smile and nodded, "Aye. That would be most appreciated."

Twilight slowly got to her hooves, "How Celestia? I thought you had no power in the dream world."

Celestia nodded, "Yes, but we can connect our energies. While I sleep and recharge, my sister will get a portion of that energy. A simple and effective spell."

Twilight nodded, "Ah."

Applejack adjusted her hat, "Well, we might want to catch the train home then."

"Last one there is a rotten apple!" Rainbow said before attempting to get into the air. Though her attempted was thwarted as she jumped and fell right back to the ground. Her face filled with panic and exclaimed, "Whoa, what's going on?"

Celestia unsteady walked over to Rainbow and studied her for a second, then closed her eyes and her horn glowed. She remained still for a second then said, "Just as I thought. Don't worry Rainbowdash, the effect should wear off in a few minutes."

"What effect?" Rainbow asked impatiently.

It was Luna who responded, "We can not discuss that here."

Rainbow looked like she wanted to argue but held her tongue and folded her wings.

"I suppose you guys can stay at my place for the night." Glyph perked up, "I've got enough sleeping spots. Some ponies will have to sleep on couches or such but if you all don't mind…"

Pinkie smiled, "Works for me!"

Applejack frowned, "I do suppose that my family is used to my sudden absences…"

Rarity smiled, "I'm sure we could all lend a hoof when we get back."

Applejack nodded and smiled, "That would be appreciated."

The group nodded, smiling.

Celestia then sighed, "Alright. It sounds like we all know where we are staying for the night. If everypony would be willing to meet at the throne room in the morning? Just after dawn?"

Twilight and her friends nodded, feelings of tiredness, sadness, and concern echoing in their motions.

Twilight then looked at where Noah had created the portal and taken their friend away, "I just hope that Fluttershy will be okay…"

The group all followed her gaze and Twilight could feel they all felt the same.

After a few moments of silence, Pinkie broke with it with a dull cheerful voice, "Well, it won't help anypony if we are all sleepless zom-ponies."

The group chuckled and nodded with agreement, but the silence resumed. Twilight could feel her thoughts churning in her head. The structure surrounding her mind seemed to complain in protest as she tried to fully understand what happened. Fluttershy was some kind of electro-magical creation that somehow had the soul of a pony and now she was in the control of some power-hungry pony! She shifted her legs again as the realization sunk in. She had been manipulating magic for most of the day. Dealing with the Reception 'ception, Noah's intervention, and blocking alicorn magic had taken quite a toll on her mind and her magic. She doubted she'd fully recover with even the best night's sleep.

"Luna, can you take particular care to watch for Fluttershy's dream tonight?" Celestia suddenly said, breaking the group's train of thought, "If we can find where she was taken then we may have a better chance at saving her quickly."

Luna nodded but said nothing. Her tired face seemingly getting more tired with each passing moment.

Celestia nodded, "Alright, I will see you all in the morning." She then called some of the guards over and began talking with them. The group then sanctioned off the hole Twilight made and other pieces of damage in the area. Twilight and her friends stayed for a bit and watched them work. Their stances in silence.

"Well, Rarity knows my place. I've got to go and get Cheerilee. Don't want to forget about her…" Glyph said abruptly.

Twilight gave her a curious look.

Glyph smiled, "Yeah. I'll explain when we are all together. I don't want to explain everything twice."

Twilight nodded and returned her lifeless gaze to the guards doing their task. Night guard and the Day guard were working in tangent. Twilight then sighed, realizing that she'd better get to a more comfortable place to sleep than the stones beneath her. She moved her body with a groan and turned to Rarity. The mare gave a small nod and started to lead the group along the street. Yet the group took it in silence, still lost in thought.

Till Rainbow asked in a gentle voice, "So…. What happened with that portal?"

Twilight looked up from the path in front of her and gave her friend a curious look, "What do you mean?"

"My dear, you were glowing. Your mane and tail were flowing like liquid cosmos that complemented your glowing eyes! Not to mention you went right through a shield. Well, not right through but you were able to push through a magical barrier." Rarity replied, turning back towards her. She kept the steady pace though.

Twilight blinked, realizing her friends were talking about her attempted rescue. She had been glowing?

"It looked awesome, but it seemed you were on another level from your usual magic attacks," Rainbow said, face perking up ever so slightly.

Pinkie nodded but stayed uncharacteristically quiet.

Twilight frowned, "I'm not sure. It seemed that my magic was, well, endless. I was able to hold open that portal will only my magic. I didn't weave it into a spell, or anything. I was just, doing things, doing anything I could to get Fluttershy back…"

The group frowned, but Applejack replied, "It was quite an attempt though. Not to mention a light show."

Pinkie nodded, "Yeah! That we thought for sursies that Noah was toast. How did he escape?"

Twilight frowned and her mood fell a few levels, "He had some sort of amulet that blocked my magical touch. I couldn't touch him nor anything too close to him." She looked up at Pinkie, "I think it was changeling in nature. But I'm not certain."

"Changeling?" Spike said concerned, "Wasn't the changelings reformed now?"

Twilight shifted her attention to Rarity to look at Spike, "I thought so too. But then again this could have been gotten before we made peace with them."

Rarity nodded, "I do suppose. But one thing's for sure, we are dealing with quite a snake. Clever. Intelligent. And I would bet willing to sacrifice quite a lot to get to his goals."

Twilight smiled at the emergence of detective Rarity, "I agree. Though I'm pretty sure I could overwhelm him in a magic battle."

Rarity nodded, "Most definitely. The only blockade is the strings he has on Fluttershy. That and the new side of Fluttershy that even she didn't know she had."

Twilight nodded, noticing an odd house was coming into view. The unique glow of the solar panels as the moonlight reflected off of them acted as a beacon to their destination. She blinked as her mind asked her a question, had a similar thing happened to Luna? Were both of their power boosts connected? Her head bobbed. Probably, after all, Luna and Celestia seemed to have an answer. They just didn't want to disclose it out in the open. Why? That question frightened her.

"They do still work!" Rainbow shouted as she took off into the air. The trail of rainbows making loops in the air as she followed from the sky.

Twilight smiled and noticed the group had increased their pace just slightly. She didn't mind either, the faster she could go to bed, the better.

Fluttershy was staring at the wall. Seconds ago there was a portal there yet now, empty space was between her and the way home. A large crystal seemed to accompany the blank wall but that detail was dismissed. The systems in her head were a mere distraction as her mind seemed to be in a trance. What was to happen now? Twilight had entered some sort of, power form, that she had never seen before. Glowing eyes, flowing cosmic hair, and an energy output that Fluttershy couldn't understand. To her computer, it was just off the charts but that didn't exactly mean too much without something to compare it to.

There was a sudden crash as the large crystal the size of her head exploded.

Action denied.

She had instinctively tried to jump but found she couldn't. She felt her lungs fill but not of her own accord. What had caused the crystal to shatter suddenly?

"There. Our friend Twilight will now not be able to reopen the portal. I hope…" Noah said quietly as if he was scared of being overheard.

Noah must have destroyed the crystal. Somehow the large crystal and the crystal from Noah's necklace were connected to make a portal. She guessed that magic was involved, though, she wasn't too educated on unicorn magic so she couldn't be sure. The two ponies stood in silence, Fluttershy waiting to be able to move, while Noah just stared at where the portal was. His eyes barely blinking as if he was waiting for Twilight to suddenly appear in front of them.

Yet, much to Fluttershy's dismay, Twilight did not appear in a flash of purple light. Fluttershy felt a sense of despair start to grow inside her chest. What was going to happen to her now? She mentally frowned, noting that at least she could still feel emotions how she wanted to.

"Okay. It seems that Twilight can't reactivate the portal. Now, let's figure out what that blue nuisance did to my code." Noah stated.

Fluttershy felt her throat try to nervously swallow, but the action was denied. Though she couldn't feel much moisture in her mouth anyway so she doubted she could. She could feel something now probing the back of her mind. It was a hint of a feeling anyway, something she could feel when Glyph had worked on her code. Er, her computer's code.

MMO has been shutdown. Void administrative override.

Fear and anxiety slurred together in her chest, making an uncomfortable concoction that seemed to weigh her down. Whatever the MMO was, she trusted it. Or at least trusted it more than the Void systems.

"Infinity?" There was a pause. "Did she really create a paradox program?" Fluttershy heard Noah mutter under his breath, "Clever. Very clever…"

Program "Infinity" has been removed from core systems. Backup has been saved in MMO/Unsure-Bin/Temporary_Backup. Program will be deleted after 10 days if not saved elsewhere.

Fluttershy again was reminded that she couldn't move after she tried to frown. Infinity? Is that what Glyph had put on the computer in her mind? For what purpose?

Then she had a thought. Glyph had told her to calm her thoughts because she couldn't discern between thoughts of pony and thoughts of the computer. Could she do the same thing here?

So she filled her mind with thoughts. Her friends came to mind with all their colors. Her worry for Applejack's recovery. Her curiousness about Twilight's change. What about her animal friends? Sure, her veterinarian friend would be more than willing to help but it just wasn't the same. She wanted to be there to help her animal friends out, to care for them with her own two hooves. She imagined holding the furry bunnies and the smooth skin of a snake draped over her shoulders.

Yet, it did not seem to affect Noah's movements. What was different now? MMO? Void?

Her thoughts paused as she felt a click occur in her head. Her vision returned as the device attached to her eye fell off. Noah walked over and quickly shoved it to the side.

"Come," Noah commanded and walked out of the nearly scorched room. Fluttershy felt her legs quickly move to obediently follow. The two walked down several long hallways, down some stairs, and passed quite a few rooms that she only caught glimpses of. The hallways seemed to be made of stone bricks that seemed to have been there a long time. Worn edges and failing interlocking pieces reminded her of a castle. There were even medieval-style torches that lit the path entirely. Yet, instead of illuminating fire, there was a glowing glass orb in the clutches of the medieval frames. She looked at them the best she could but wasn't able to discern if it was magic or something electromagical. The group then went into a room that completely threw out the medieval look. Inside was a polished room that was a comfortable wooden color. Red and black furniture created a spacious-looking living area far left. No beds were present, but messy tables and several screens reminded Fluttershy of Twilight's thinking sessions. The mess of pictures and strings on the screens rather than the boards she was used to.

Just in front of that area lay shelves in neat long rows. Yet, the contents of the shelves were anything but neat. Many gadgets, metal bars, and other devices she couldn't discern laid haphazardly on the wooden shelves. She even saw metal versions of pony limbs. Wings, legs, and a head? It looked like a head at least, just a metal skull with several multi-colored wires threading various parts of the skull.

She mentally frowned, her expression remaining flat. The skull seemed to stare at her till her eyes couldn't see it anymore. Was something like that in her own head? Did she have a metal skull? Just with mechanical eyes and more connected wires?

Though that thought faded as she saw where Noah was taking her.

The right side of the room contained another harness. Though this one was white, with polished sections, and was clearly maintained much better than the previous one. This harness was also surrounded by several large screens. The blue faces didn't show much besides a few words.

No docked devices.

The floor around it was lined as if she could pick up the panels and move them. Large arms hung from the ceiling accompanied by large tubes and wires that were glazed with darkness. Fluttershy couldn't see the top too well since she couldn't look up but she could see several holes in the ceiling that were lit. Though nothing seemed to be inside the compartments.

"Dock," Noah said flatly, seemingly believing that she knew what to do.

Yet, something inside her mind seemed to understand. She felt herself walk over to the harness and step into the little rings that restrained her legs. She felt the device pull her wings and connect to her spine. Her vision was again blocked as a device was connected to the hidden port behind the orb. Or it could be inside her eye, she had no idea.

Docking successful. Exchanging security handshakes.

Success.

Waiting for external device…

Fluttershy again felt the motion to swallow but stopped it before she could be reminded. Now what?

She couldn't ask but saw Noah move around the screens in the corner of her eye. He manipulated several consoles with the circular indents, but she wasn't able to see much was able to see the screens come to life though. She saw at least two. Each had a version of her on the screen; one had a wireframe while the other was a sort of energy flow that she found interest in. It was similar to the swirling energy she saw in her friends while she was healing Applejack. Was that representing the flow of her Cutie mark magic? It looked similar but had fewer swirls and seemed to have more corners and lines.

"My my. Your cutie mark magic has indeed created new pathways…" Noah said quietly.

Fluttershy's curiosity was through the roof. She so badly wished she could ask what pathways her cutie mark magic was making. That and how she had her cutie mark even though she was seemingly made of some sort of inorganic material. Her curiosity was diluted with the fear of what Noah's plans were for her, however, Noah had done this to her quite a long time ago. Somehow changing her memory of the event to the point she didn't realize she was completely different from her friends.

"That'll have to be replaced. The cutie mark generator has been upgraded since Glyph's first model…"

Blueprint received: Cutie Mark Generator Mark 3

Installation has been requested. Beginning virtual creation…

Fluttershy felt confusion fill her thoughts. But continued to watch the words cross her vision.

Virtual creation completed.

Distributing power assignments for assembly mode.

Done.

Her vision suddenly went black. With the small clicking from Noah's interaction the consoles vanishing as well. Her feeling vanished. She could feel the confusion morphing into panic as she could only feel her insides. Well, the normal stuff like her breathing and heartbeat but every other sensation went silent.

Shutting down Cutie Mark Generator for disassembly…

Battery backup holding…

Sanctioning materials for the upgrade of generator…

Metal storage depleted by 10%

Mineral storage depleted by 5%

Inorganic storage depleted by 7%

Beginning construction…

Fluttershy felt nothing changing. Whatever the system was doing, she had no feeling of it. She just felt like she was in a tight box with nothing outside of it. No skin, hair, or limbs to explore the new cage she was in.

Construction at 50%...

The fear was nagging at her insides. Would she be able to see again? Could Noah just turn off her vision at any time? She felt her lungs fill again. All she could do was wait, right?

Construction at 75%...

Could she talk to the computer? Could she make her vision work again?

"Boot MMO." She mentally asked.

Unable to process requests during power upgrade. Please send the request after construction has been completed.

Fluttershy's mood darkened. Guess she couldn't even talk to the computer. She waited, watching the words slowly raise the number.

Construction 100%.

Starting Generator…

Fluttershy felt her internal magic swell, then be pulled away from her. Though, she didn't resist. It felt, natural. Like the accumulation of her cutie mark wasn't…

The box she was in seemed to break as she could feel her magic thread through holes in this invisible box. No, renew the holes in the cage.

Generator startup has been successful. Restoring previous settings…

Fluttershy twitched as her sense of feeling returned. The air she was in was comfortably warm. Her coat was pushed a bit by the metal harness that was restricting her movements. The uncomfortable feeling in her wings pulled by the harness.

Then her vision blinked with a blue with the words, "Opticals rebooting."

Then much to her relief, her vision returned. She felt herself blink a few times then continue to stare forward regardless of her attempts to move them.

Noah was humming an unfamiliar tune, completely oblivious to Fluttershy's discomfort.

Generator has been installed.

Power usage now at 5%.

Clunking and clicking sounded above Fluttershy, as several arms sprung to life. Or at least that's what she assumed since she was unable to look up. The clicking vanished to leave behind a small whine as the arms moved around above her. Two arms came into view in front of her as they brought two leg-shaped devices down from above. She also felt her sides open and two boxes get fed inside. The expected feeling of the boxes was again not present as they passed through her ribcage area.

New devices detected. Requesting appropriate programs for new devices.

…

Programs received from the Harness. Programs being installed…

Her mind felt as if something was crawling on it. Like an ant had somehow gotten into her skull and was trying to find a way out. She felt her insides twitch, but there was nothing she could do about it. She instead focused her attention on the devices hanging in front of her.

They looked like a weird pair of front legs. Just, blocky rather than cylindrical. The inner sides of the legs were made up of fins of silver material mere millimeters apart. A majority of these fins were covered by the rest of the leg. It was a bright red and obviously not organic by the shiny material. The material's color was only interrupted at the sides of the hooves and just before the top of the leg. At these points she saw small golden squares that were parallel to the other leg. In fact, the two devices were identical copies; just one was inverse. She was trying to understand the top part though. It was a stark grey metal. A multitude of tiny squares of differing materials were present on this very thick snowflake. She felt a smile get denied. It was as if somepony had made a very thick snowflake on placed it on top.

Foreleg retrieval initiated for Dying star Cannon installation…

The rings holding her forelegs loosened as her legs were pulled into her shoulders again, though nothing came out this time. The devices in front of her were maneuvered to her shoulders and pulled inside until the snowflake disappeared. They clicked and when the arms let go, the devices remained on her. Her sense of feeling flushed to the ends of the devices till she could feel every fin's, edge, and definite weight to them. At first, they remained the blocky versions of forelegs, but after a few seconds the fins retracted, and the sides slowly retracted till they looked similar to a leg. Though, a metal one at that. She could feel the fins moving and the feeling made her want to squirm.

She saw Noah enter her vision and look at the new legs, "Good. No damage to the energy directors. Let's test the connections. Prep the Dying Star cannon for fire."

Fluttershy watched as her legs lifted up and the fins redeploy. She then snapped the two legs together at the golden squares to create a single device. The fins were now a few inches apart and as she watched, they pulled in and out of their housing in a weird fashion. It was as if an invisible ball was traveling between them, pushing the fins out of the way as it went.

"Calibrate for unicorn magic."

Calibration completed. No charge was detected.

Fluttershy watched with curiosity as Noah's horn lit up, then flickered and went out, "Darn it, what did that cursed alicorn do?!" He angrily muttered.

"That cursed alicorn is my friend…" She said angrily in her thoughts. Then immediately started to reprimand herself, then stopped. Noah was controlling her every action. A little hostility towards him was fully warranted. With that in mind she watched Noah again lit his horn, but this time the red glow stayed glowing.

"There we go." He muttered and then summoned a small ball of red energy. He then put it close to her chest, in between where her connected legs separated.

Charge detected. Beginning launching sequence…

The charge was pulled in between the thin flaps and held in place as they glowed an otherworldly blue.

DSC Ready for launch.

"Aim the charge towards the ceiling and fire. Got several meters of concrete and metal. This level of charge should serve as a nice test." Noah said, causing her to aim her hooves towards the ceiling. Her target causing her to nearly stand up fully on her back legs. Yet, she felt no strain on her muscles. Was the harness helping her?

She was interrupted by an intense hum from her legs, but only for a few seconds. Then, with an energetic thud, the ball of magic was expelled from her legs with a speed that Rainbow would be jealous of. The red ball of energy hit the ceiling and exploded with small red arcs of lightning. Though she could barely track the projectile, so it looked like the ceiling had just started to spark with magical energy.

"Wonderful!" Noah said with glee, "A few years after decoding her design, I have finally created it. Well, built it anyway."

"Her?" Fluttershy thought. Was she talking about the blue pegasus from before?

"Normal stance switch."

Fluttershy felt her legs come apart with a jolting snap, then the fins retract into the leg which became the somewhat viable leg; still a bit blocky. Fluttershy felt the feeling in her legs disappear as they were pulled back into her shoulders. After a click, her normal legs returned and were placed back into the rings of the harness.

Normal. Like anything of her was normal anymore. She now had legs that could channel unicorn magic and send it faster than any pony could track. What's next? A horn?

"Bah. Why did that program not work correctly?" Noah said. Then, there was a spark of magic, and an acrid smoke smell. It took her a second to realize that it was a fire. Then a second more to realize what was on fire.

Her tail!

Her artificial tail extensions melted as some sort of fire engulfed them. The pieces curling up against her real tail, letting her feel the heat for a moment as they peeled off. Her thoughts turned bitter as she felt some sort of air blow against her tail. She guessed to blow them away, but that wasn't in the forefront of her mind.

Those weren't cheap! And had to be customized directly to her! When she originally wanted to have her tail extended, the original devices wouldn't work on her hair, or so she was told. Then, she had to discuss a sort of enveloping bonding method that held onto her hair by going around it. Rather than the cut and splice method that so many others had used.

Come to think of it, had she ever had a haircut? She racked her mind and could think of only one. Where her mother had worn out several pairs of scissors in the process.

Readjustment of Tail EMDs requested.

Error. Tail at proper length.

…

External device has changed default length.

Extending by a meter.

Her upset feelings seemed to fizzle out as she felt her tail extend. She had gotten about meter long tail extensions, so things were back to normal? Sort of?

She always had a longer tail when she was younger, yet as she grew older her tail didn't grow along with her! She had however grown attached to her long tail and reached out to fix her, "defective tail." Though was it just because of a programming glitch in her now revealed computer? How long could her tail go?

A sudden lack of light made her thoughts stop. She tried to look around to see the source of the blackness but was again reminded that she couldn't look around. Though she didn't need to as she watched Noah leave the room. The door closed behind him with a quiet slither, leaving her in near blackness. Only the light from the screens pushed the hungry darkness away from her. She shivered, realizing that Noah had left her in the harness. How long would she remain? Who knows? She was starting to really dislike Noah. She didn't hate him, mostly. Maybe he had done this to her to stop a massive evil that was immune to the Elements of Harmony? Maybe she was his secret daughter that her parents took from him?

"No. That is insane. My parents have cared for me my entire life..." She paused, "Did they know I was an electromagical monster?" Her thoughts were again bitter. Though she couldn't be all bad right? She healed Rainbow and Applejack. Though she was the one to stab Applejack.

The darkness seemed to press against her as the screens dimmed, further increasing her fear. She tried to pull against the harness, anything to help her get away. Yet, nothing she did allowed her to move.

Action denied.

Action denied.

Action denied.

That was really starting to get on her nerves. She let out a mental sigh and just lay in the grip of the mechanical device. At least she could get some sleep? The night before had no sleep for her. The stress and anxiety from visiting Cheerilee's class had kept her up for the majority of the night. So, going to bed a tad earlier than normal wasn't against her agenda. So, she tried to clear her mind. Forget the thing that she had become. Forget she was lost in an unknown location. Forget Noah. Forget that she was alone.

Maybe she wasn't. Could she still talk to Luna? The thought brought reassurance and sleep became even more appealing, despite the wall of darkness nearby. What monsters or electromagical devices could be behind that veil? She didn't know. She brushed off that thought knowing that she couldn't do anything about it. Though she could still feel her heart rate pounding in her chest.

She took a mental breath and began to hum, mentally of course.

"Hush now, quiet now. It's time to lay your sleepy head. Hush now, quiet now. It's time to go to bed!"

The melody did little to help her to sleep, yet she was persistent. Even such, it took several repeats to slow her mind down.

She couldn't close her eyes, which didn't help. But sleep eventually wrapped around her, bringing her to a familiar, and more comfortable world.

"Relax, this is a dream…" Luna said gently, stepping from a poster that hung on the wall of a building. The building was next quite a few more. Together they lined up to create the city of Manehattan. Though normally quite busy, the city was abnormally quiet. Expect for the taunting ponies in the middle of the street, oblivious to any sort of street courtesy.

In the center of the group was Luna's target. A pink pony, that lay crying among the onslaught of taunts, jeers, and rude gestures. While this wasn't the party pony, Luna had seen this type of dream before. Even had a similar one herself. Yet, this pony seemed to have her teeth intact.

She lit her horn, sending a bolt of magical energy at the group. The energy collided with the ground and send the imposters flying, disappearing in sparkling dust as they did. Luna then gently walked over to the still crying pony. Though even as she waited, the pony's crying slowly stopped. She looked around, then looked up at Luna. The pony's eyes went wide and she backpedaled the best a pony could on their back.

"I'm sorry! I won't do it! I'm—" The pony desperately began sputter, but stopped mid-sentence.

There was a vine growing up. It slowly pushed its way through the stone streets and reached the pony's eye level. Then, it blossomed into a bright pink flower. It seemed to radiate light from its yellow core as Luna watched the pony's guard drop.

"What?" The pony said gently.

Luna took a step and from her hoof the stone turned to grass, to become a field. The buildings shook then seemed to flatten as nature pushed them aside. The pony seemed to brace as the buildings crumbled, but no sound emanated from the structure as it became part of the field. No dust choked the air either, just a gentle breeze carrying refreshing wind from the now visible mountains.

Sunlight caught in Luna's flowing mane as she spoke, "Do what?" Her tone was carefree, friendly. She could guess what the pony was worried about though.

The pony blinked twice before she could answer, "I, uh. What?"

"This is a dream, friend. You were having a nightmare before I arrived."

"A nightmare?"

Luna nodded firmly, "Yes, now what were you going to do? Dreams reflect on the waking mind's thoughts, experiences, and," She paused, "Worries. What worries you?"

The pony looked sheepish as she looked around, "I'm an actor. Inexperienced, and just not ready for the big stage. Yet, tomorrow I have to get on stage for an audition. Me and the other actors will put on a small act for the employers. Then they pick the best and those move on to the big performances! I'm so worried!"

"About?" Luna said calmly.

"About?" The pony said exasperated, "Didn't you hear me?"

Now, normally tone and words like that might offend a princess. Though Luna was in a dream, not real life. Rules were temporary, often made up between dreams. She also knew the best way for a pony to open up was not to demand authority.

"Aye, I did." Luna said gently, "Yet, you didn't say what you were afraid of."

The pony looked baffled.

Luna smiled, "Are you afraid of the big stage and moving on in your career? Or are you afraid of failing?"

The pony's expression morphed into realization, "I guess… Yeah, I think I'm afraid of failing."

"Failure is a part of life. You must fail to learn. A pony doesn't learn to get up unless they have fallen over."

The pony paused, taking in her words, "Yeah, but if I fail then everyone will look at me badly!"

Another pony started to walk towards them, but a vine smacked them away. Their malicious intent thwarted as their shouting faded into the distance.

"Do not let others dictate your actions. If your actions are not evil intent, then it is pure to the heart. Others may try to push you down to, 'thin out the competition,' but do not let them. If you fail, then learn from your mistakes and strive to improve. Lift others in your efforts and you will find those who may taunt you, may also help you."

The pony smiled, "Thanks, Luna. I'm glad you're here. I've been stressing about this all day…"

Luna chuckled, "It is the nature of living beings to stress. Though, with ponies, it seems all too often."

The pony smiled, gently examining the flower.

Luna also examined the flower, it was her creation; made to calm her subject. Yet, it reflected part of her own worries. The bright pink was the color of Fluttershy's mane, a pony she hadn't yet seen.

"Luna?" The pony in front of her asked.

Luna shook her head, "Uh, yes?"

The pony looked at her with a confused expression, "Do you have others to help tonight?"

Luna didn't respond right away, letting the breeze flow through her as she examined the dream realm, "Not at the moment. It is a quiet night tonight."

The pony smiled, "I suppose that's good. Princesses have a lot of responsibility."

Luna smiled, "Aye, though it is our duty—"

Luna froze, then snapped her head to the right. Some pony was calling for her. Though not just any pony.

"Luna?"

Luna turned her gaze back to the pony, "I'm sorry friend. Duty is calling." Her tone was strong as she tried to retain the direction the call had come from.

"Good luck!" The pony said waving.

Luna gave her a smile before walking through the door that had materialized next to her. It led to a sudden drop but she was not startled. She allowed gravity to pull her down as the door shrunk into a transparent orb. She extended her wings and pulled up from her fall.

"Come on, call for me again!" She thought, navigating through the thousands of tiny orbs. Each one had a pony doing some sort of activity. Playing the piano, playing with friends, or even having a party with Pinkie pie. Though she had no time to examine the sweet dreams of others. She heard Fluttershy. But where?

"Luna?"

She braced upwards and with a hard flap, she shot up. Then angled to the left. Her targeted orb already glowing as she transformed it into a door. It snapped open and she dashed inside. However, with hindsight, she should have looked before she entered. She narrowly avoided a tree and tumbled to the ground. With a roll, she regained her footing before she slid into another. Once she had stopped, she took in her surroundings to find herself in a forest.

A very, very dark forest. The trees looked like large clumps of grey ash arranged in what looked like trees. But even as she looked closer, she saw large beams of steel holding up the tree through holes in the bark. Spinning gears and other metal objects were peaking through holes as well. Luna's skin crawled as she watched the surrounding ground move as metal parts pushed through the soft earth.

"Fluttershy? Are you there?" She called out, straining her ears for any sounds of the Element of Harmony. Then she heard it.

"No! Let me—GO!" Fluttershy's voice shrilly rang through the dark woods.

Luna frowned and cautiously walked forward, then realizing it was a dream, ran forward. She dived in and out of unnatural growth. What was Fluttershy dreaming about? Then she saw the pegasus and paused, only for a second.

The pegasus was in a clearing, though it seemed all the color was choked with grey. Color was absent except for the two ponies in the area. The grey ground seemed to pull the pony down. Her hooves already disappearing into the soil. Black tendrils of shadow seemed to help with the process by pulling every one of her limbs taut. Her mouth was tightly shut as the tendrils of shadow had almost completely covered her.

The ground shuddered as it seemed to collapse beneath Fluttershy. She then sunk a bit, managed to get a look at Luna that screamed for help. Then the ground crumbled beneath her, inviting gravity to pull her down. The ground writhed for a moment then turned normal.

Luna armed some dream energy and blasted the ground Fluttershy had disappeared under. A large hole opened up that covered only blackness that not even Luna could see through. Yet, she didn't fear. This was a dream, that she knew. Whatever Fluttershy was dreaming about, it couldn't truly hurt her. Yet, it could damage Fluttershy's psyche. Not to mention that she needed to find where Fluttershy had gone.

So she jumped in as the ground closed behind her. She felt the darkness close in around her like a sealed blanket. Though she was no stranger to the feeling from the time she was Nightmare Moon. Yet, this wasn't the same type of darkness that she had spent years in. It was different, familiar at the same time.

Like the difference between an apple and a honey crisp. Both were apples, yet different in nature.

She frowned, realizing that she was thinking about food. Not something you should think about when you are working. She shook her head and continued to look around. Yet, the darkness shrouded everything, making it impossible to find the yellow pegasus.

"Fluttershy?" Luna called out, "Can you hear me?"

She didn't get a response. She let the air out of her lungs and pulled magic into her hooves. She used her wings to spin in circles, the aura at her hooves creating lines as they went. She continued to spin till she was surrounded by lines of magical energy. Lines split revealing runes and other worldly signs. Then she spread her forelegs, causing the ball of magic to spread outwards.

The darkness parted before the expanding aura. She watched it expand, seeing only the darkness go through it. The glow from her magic like a distant flashlight in the dark. Then, a glowing pony emerged from the black. She immediately went in that direction, flying fast and straight. Once close enough she wrapped the now glowing Fluttershy in her magic and ripped her from the darkness that was trapping her.

Luna felt the pressure on her ribs as Fluttershy clung to her like a frightened foal. Luna frowned and summoned a shield. She felt the pressure build on her shield as shadow beings beat on them. Each being, even unseen, spoke in differing ghostly dialects.

Power…

Limbo…

Alicorn…

Gems…

Element…

Host…

"Enough!" Luna shouted, and took hold of the fabric of the dream. She forcibly twisted it into the peaceful field she used to calm ponies down. Even before the mountains came into the view from the darkness, Luna was on the ground embracing the Element of Harmony in a hug.

"Fluttershy, listen. I only have so much control over this dream. It is yours and you can bend it more than I can. You must relax for this plane to stay."

Fluttershy nodded, and Luna felt the strain on her magic decrease.

"There you go. Let the plains calm you, the breeze push any thoughts out of the mind." Luna said, gently straightening the pink hair. She retained this action till she couldn't feel Fluttershy's heartbeat.

"Feeling better?" Luna asked gently.

Fluttershy nodded, "Yes."

Luna pursed her lips, "Do you know where your sleeping body is?"

Fluttershy shook her head, quivering, "No…"

"Can you describe your surroundings?"

There was a small pause as Fluttershy composed herself, even so, Luna still had to strain her ears to her the shy pony, "I'm not sure. Lots of stone bricks in the walls and old-style torches lit up the place. Only, they don't have fire, just glowing orbs."

"Magic?"

"Maybe. I really wasn't able to identify them. I was forced to follow Noah."

"Where?" Luna pressed gently.

"To some, room. With another one of those harnesses. Only kept much better. There were also, shelves full of electromagical devices. Or, at least that's what I thought they were."

Luna nodded. She guessed by the stone bricks that it was a renovated area. So someplace that has been standing for a decent amount of time. The different style of torches seemed to confirm that in her mind.

"Did anything happen to you when you went through the portal?"

Fluttershy nodded, "No. Not until I got into the harness."

"What happened then?"

"I got some new legs that could shoot Noah's magic. Other than that…" She paused, "I think I got the Cutie Mark Generator Mark 3. Though I don't know what that does, sorry."

Luna smiled, "No need to be sorry. None of us truly know what is happening at these current times."

Fluttershy smiled, then her face froze. She whimpered as if somepony had just bucked her stomach.

"Fluttershy?" Luna asked, feeling something was wrong. The dreamscape was beginning to deteriorate.

Fluttershy grunted, then small electrical arcs began to jump around her body.

"Fluttershy! Please relax, let me know what is frightening you! You are going to wake up!" Luna said again embracing her in a hug, noticing the electricity didn't bound to her.

"Some, thing is—" Fluttershy grimaced, "Waking, me up!"

Large blue cracks spread across Fluttershy's body, emitting a blue glow. They traveled to the grass around her, setting it ablaze. Luna growled and tried to hold the dream together, yet, it was as if something was fighting her. What could be fighting her?! Only Fluttershy and her could manipulate Fluttershy's dream.

"Oww…" Fluttershy muttered, then the cracks were spurred along the landscape. This time they didn't stop, but continued to the mountains and shattered them. The ground crumbled and Fluttershy disappeared in a white blaze of light. Luna felt the ground beneath her disappear, causing her to fall into the dreamscape.

When she got her bearings, she saw the white orbs of other pony's dreams littered along a dark blue aura. Luna summoned some of the aurae to stand on, letting her wings settle to her sides as she landed. Luna then growled, judging on Fluttershy's last saying, she knew what woken up Fluttershy.

Some pony had forcibly woken her. Likely with electricity.

She also had a darn good idea of who did it.

Twilight felt the sunshine on her coat. It was warm and pleasant, and to her resting mind, it was a welcome sensation. Yet, even as time passed the pleasant light traveled up her body and eventually landed on her face.

Not so pleasant.

It dug into her eyelids like a bug till she opened her eyes just a crack to see what was disturbing her. The sunlight greedily washed into her groggy eye. The sudden powerful light made her wince and pull the blanket sharply over her head. Though the light had already done its job.

A now throbbing eye kept her from going back to sleep. Try as she could, sleep wouldn't come. So after a few minutes of fighting, she got up from the comfortable bed and looked around.

It took her a moment to realize she wasn't in her castle but rather, in Glyph's bedroom. Glyph only had two beds. One was hers, and then there was a guest bed for patients that had just received a new device. What device? Twilight had been too tired to ask but when the bed was offered, she tried to direct it to her friends. Yet, the argument didn't even get a chance to spawn.

Rarity had lifted her up with her magic and tucked her into bed before she could fight against it. The light was turned off, and the door was shut before she could utter a word.

"Good night darling! See you in the morning!" Rarity had called back.

Twilight had groaned at the action. But whatever Glyph's bed was made of, it was like sleeping on a cloud. Her body's aches sunk into the bed. Her eyelids sunk to cover her eyes and she was out. Just like that.

Though now she was awake, feeling much better than she had expected. What time was it?

She looked around the room for a clock but didn't find one. She frowned and exited the room, noticing the hinges silently doing their job. She walked over to the stairs and, now that her brain was functioning, took in the little abode.

The upstairs was functionally tight, but not uncomfortably so. The room she had just left took a majority of the upper floor, leaving only a bathroom, a guest room, and a closed room. There was a lot of blue and white with the rooms and connected hallways. Though there were comforting browns in the furniture. The bed frame had a dark brown wooden look. The same for the desk that was covered in papers and small pieces of metal that she wasn't sure about. She was curious about it though, yet she curbed the curiosity. She had to help her friend. Then she paused and looked back at the room. The bed sheets and blankets glowed purple as Twilight remade the bed. She had to be polite.

That being done she closed the brown door and walked down the steps. She was immediately greeted with a wonderful smell. She looked to her right to see the kitchen. The kitchen was empty, yet to the right of that was a large dining table. At the table were all her friends, talking together eating pancakes.

She gently walked over, drawing the attention of Pinkie who shouted, "Hey! You're awake!" Then in a much gentler tone, "Feel better?"

Twilight smiled and nodded, "Yes, much better thank you!"

"I hoped you felt better. It's past mid-day after all." Rarity stated with a smile.

Twilight sat in an empty chair at the table with a heavy thud, "Excuse me?"

"It's mid-day Twi." Applejack said, also smiling. Though she was serving up a plate of pancakes for her friend.

"Then, we got to go! Do we have any lea—opff." Twilight sputtered as Pinkie stuffed a pancake into the lavender mare's mouth.

"Exactly. So, hurry up and eat. Glyph's working on a few things downstairs, she said to get her when we are ready to go." The party pony said with her characteristic smile.

Twilight began to chew and tried to hurry and eat. The plate of pancakes, and two more, were devoured. The plates from her and her friends magically washed themselves under Twilight's direction.

"Okay. Where's Glyph?" Twilight said eagerly.

"Geesh Twilight. Did ya need to breathe between those pancakes?" Rainbow said, surprise mixing with amusement in her voice.

Twilight shook her head smiling, "I guess not. It must be an alicorn thing."

That got the group to chuckle.

"But where's Glyph?"

"Downstairs." Pinkie said, then started to bounce towards the back of the dining room. The bouncing continued to the side of the stairs Twilight had just used. On that side, was another set of stairs leading down.

"There's a downstairs?" Twilight asked, but still followed her friends down.

Rainbow nodded, "Yeah, it's bigger than you'd think though."

Twilight's face showed some of the curiosity she felt, but it seemed to hit a bump when the group reached the end of the stairs. The stairs lead to a steal door. To the right of the door lay a blinking panel, with purple glasses below it.

"Um, what's happening?" Twilight asked, a little confused.

"Not sure…" Rarity said looking at the panel, "Oh, wait. Here the panel is asking us to put on these glasses before entering. Something about welding?"

Twilight looked over Rarity and saw the panels message:

Welding in process. Please put on safety glasses before entering.

Twilight shrugged and levitated a pair to her face. Once every pony had put on the shades, which turned everything a shade of purple, they all stared at the door. Yet, it still didn't open.

"Hmmm. What?" Rarity thought aloud, looking at the door.

"Well, she did say to come on down when we were ready. Maybe the door is unlocked?" Applejack asked and gently pushed on the door. It moved silently towards the wall. Now the steal obstruction had moved, the group moved into the basement, to see that it was in fact bigger than the room above.

The basement seemed to have only one wall. It was near the center of the room, but farther from Twilight's position. It had several glowing panels on the surface, all glowing blue. Along the wall ran a desk, filled with various pages, devices, and machines that she couldn't recognize. Well, she did recognize one. Just at the end of the wall was another Harness. Just like the one Noah had Fluttershy step into. Only it was white and polished. Also, it had several different sizes of rings around the whole apparatus. They were currently compressed into a flat circle that was just above the crescent. Twilight frowned at the shape. It had aligned itself along her friend's spine. Connecting to, who knows what.

She pulled her sight away from the device and set her sights forward. Behind the wall, she saw rows of shelving. Many types of metals and more mysterious devices lay along the shelves in neat rows. The only unruly shelf she could see had tons of wires all jumbled together. She could only imagine trying to pull that mess apart.

"Glyph?" Pinkie shouted.

No pony responded, yet there was a sound echoing in the room. Twilight tiled her head and noticed the sound occurring in intervals. Though it sounded like flesh was burning. Like something very hot was in contact with a pony. She trotted forward and followed the noise, then realized she was half right. In front of her was Glyph. She was holding an angled tube in her mouth and holding a stick of metal in the other hoof. Her metal leg was on the table she was leaning on. It seemed to be in a sort of stand, with her poking it with the tube in her mouth.

Though every time she did so, it sparked and shone brightly. Her glasses reduced the light to an uncomfortable level but was grateful for the device at the base of the stairs.

"Glyph?!" Twilight made sure to raise her voice as the device was quite loud. Though the pegasus did not respond. So, she waited till the device went dim and tried again.

This time the pony looked up, her eyes covered in green lenses. Each lens was connected together at the base of her nose with black plastic. The other ends of the transparent material were connected to large rectangular devices that had several blinking lights on them. Though it did not go higher than her eyes which made Twilight wonder how it was staying on her face.

"Oh, sorry! I guess the Princess has awoken." Glyph said after she had put the tube device in a little holder.

Twilight nodded and smiled, "Yep." She was looking at the little area next to the blue pegasus. She was next to a table with several large boxes. All made up of metal, with several glowing panels accompanied by little lights. She did recognize one tool though: a solder blaster paired with a solder pencil. So, she guessed the rest of the boxes were also tools.

"Did you sleep well?" Glyph asked, bringing the alicorn's attention back to the pegasus.

Twilight nodded, but turned to the Harness, "You have one as well."

Glyph frowned, "Yes. It is my design after all. Its original purpose was to help those with prosthetics get them calibrated. Yet, from what I've heard, Noah gave it a bad vibe?"

Twilight frowned and walked up to the machine. Unlike the rusty device Noah had, there was nothing to hid her prying eyes from needles, electrical outlets, or anything that could harm a pony. Yet, she saw none. Only smooth white surfaces with textured black surfaces underneath. Her gaze fell on the rings at the base of the device. She gave a look at Glyph, then began to step into the rings.

"Uh, Twilight? What are you doing?" Rainbow asked, her hesitation not hidden.

"I wanna see if this thing will hurt me." Twilight said firmly.

Glyph smiled sadly, "It won't."

Twilight gave her a look and was about to respond, but the tightening of the rings on her hooves stopped her thoughts. She was lifted up about an inch or two then the crescent slid into motion and laid along her spine. It beeped a bit, then the rings above the device expanded outwards and began to spin. The spinning wasn't very fast, but it was a steady movement that created a sphere. A see-through sphere as the rings wasn't spinning fast enough. But if one were to see them spinning, one could imagine a sphere.

Though Twilight was paying attention to the air in front of her. She was braced for a device to latch onto her eye, to which she would warp out of the device's grip. Instead, she saw an image appear in front of her. It was a forward view of a pony, made up of blue lines, floating in the air just before the spinning rings. The pony then shifted into a pegasus with half-open wings, then mostly open wings, and finally fully open wings. It was harsh transitions, like a slide show. The pegasus then became a pony again and the cycle continued. She squinted at the hologram and looked back at her wings. The crescent on her back moving fluidly with her movements. She shrugged and gently opened her wings, being wary of the spinning rings around her. The wings, however, did not come too close to her feathered parts. But two arms deployed from the crescent and held her wings out. Though unlike Noah had said, the devices did not hold her wings out too tight.

Hold still.

The words in front of her made her freeze. Once she did the floating letters disappeared, replaced with an empty bar. Then the rings began to emit lines of turquoise energy that covered her entire form with dancing light. Though this light did not hurt her eyes, nor make her squint. She wanted to look around, but she had been asked to hold still.

She instead focused her gaze in front of her, where another pony appeared next to the bar. This one was a side view of an alicorn. It spun and began to fill.

Once the bar filled, the pony resembled her. A lot. It was as if she was looking at a blue mirror of herself. More words began to appear next to her 2D self.

No medical ailments currently detected.

Subject is in good physical health.

Mental scans show recent signs of emotional stress.

Scan end.

The rings around her slowed, then returned to their original position. She looked at Glyph, who had begun again to work on her leg. She looked back at her hooves, still restrained by the rings.

"Uh, how do I get out?" Twilight asked, and noticed the rings immediately released. The crescent then lifted off her back and returned to its original position. She cautiously walked out of the harness, exiting to the side. Had it heard her request?

"Ooh, ooh! My turn!" Pinkie exclaimed and jumped into the harness. The rings tightened, and the crescent went down.

"That was a medical scan." Glyph said, making the group jump. "This device is also able to do a thorough medical scan. Physical, mental, even able to monitor cutie mark pathways." She walked over her metal leg in the clutch of her biological wing.

"Fascinating…" Rarity said, turning her gaze back to the now spinning device.

Twilight followed her gaze, watching hundreds of lines dance along Pinkie's body, "But how?" She asked, turning to Glyph, "It was able to detect my mental stress about losing Fluttershy…"

"Really? Can this thing read minds?" Applejack stated, turning to the blue pony as well.

"Ooh. What am I thinking right now?" Pinkie exclaimed from the harness.

Glyph smiled, her expression conveying excitement, "No, not really. There is a device for that, but that requires a direct connection to the grey matter. No, this device can read, and even see the cutie mark magic running through us." Glyph connected a few wires to her leg, then continued, "I was able to map out the general cutie mark pathways of several hundred ponies. I got several samples, of depression, excitement, and loads more. The Harness probably saw something that looked similar to somepony who had lost a loved one. That and probably a few more connections to magic usage."

"Wow. You used statistics and placed it in an electromagical device?" Twilight said, slightly awed. That was genius! If you could have something do the stats for you, you could better analyze the results! "But how do you account for error?" She asked eagerly.

"Well, the entire thing is based on others' experiences and readings. It is all merely a point in the right direction. Another pony would take the results and then they would have a better road to go on."

Twilight nodded understanding, "Ah. So it can't exactly tell you what's wrong?"

Glyph shrugged and tapped a few glowing panels, "Yes and no. It has an accuracy hit of 87%. Though that's only the mental scan. If you have something physically wrong with you, well, it's pretty darn accurate. With my devices paired with the MMO, very few physical injuries are a problem. Well, you saw the results."

Glyph's smile faded, as the group was staring at her. Rarity gave her a stare and asked, "You made the MMO?"

Glyph returned the look, "You know what the MMO is?"

Applejack nodded, "Aye. It stands for Mobile Medical Operative. Fluttershy said it was the thing that would listen to her. Well, in all this electromagical mumbo-jumbo…"

Glyph's face took on a curious look against the stares she was receiving, "Hmmm. I guess that would be the same program then since you know its exact name. Yes, this program is meant to be implemented into first responders to help them assess injuries and what to do. It could also sync with their devices to give the best care."

"What kind of devices?" Rainbow asked.

"Well…" She paused as her leg gave a beep. She then disconnected the wires and placed them on the metal stump on her shoulder. The thick snowflake disappearing in the process. She gave it a few turns and when she let go it stayed in place. She stared at it for a few seconds, then it moved in accordance with her movements.

"Okay, say, Pinkie was a pegasus and lost their wings. She would come to me and I would have them in this harness. It would scan and create a model of the pony which I can work on. In this case," She touched some of the glowing panels and across their blue glow appeared text with pictures. These pictures were only lines and looked like schematics to Twilight's eye. Schematics for some sort of artificial wings. The text appeared to describe the pictures. Though Glyph doubled tapped on the picture, which at first didn't seem to do anything. Until she looked at Pinkie that is. On her back now were a pair of holographic wings. The rings were still spinning around the mare, but no lines were now dancing along with her coat.

"Ooooh! I have wings! Won't Starlight be jealous?" Pinkie exclaimed.

Rainbow gave her a confused look, "What do you mean?"

Pinkie just smiled.

Glyph, oblivious to the conversation, was pushing on some other spots on the panels. They didn't look like buttons to Twilight but seemed to act as such. "Okay, Pinkie," Glyph said, "Imagine that you have wings. Give them a flap."

Pinkie gave Glyph a look, "Okay?" She then seemed to focus on a random spot, then the holographic wings on her back moved. "Whoa!" Pinkie exclaimed.

Twilight and the rest of the group were stunned into silence.

Glyph smiled, her eye gleaming under her green shades, "I know right? The harness is able to see the attempt at controlling her wings. You see, cutie mark energy is very predictable. It works much the same regardless of earth pony, pegasus, and unicorn. I haven't been able to test very much in regards to Alicorns, but I'm sure you know why."

Twilight squinted at the harness, "So you're saying the device is able to see the cutie mark magic, then predict its path to simulate theoretical limbs?"

Glyph nodded.

Twilight nodded, impressed. She watched as Pinkie brought one of her "wings," around to her eyes to cover it. Then with impressive accuracy, attempt to stroke her face. Though the hologram fritzed out when it came into contact with her coat.

"Awww…" Pinkie said, watching the hologram spas out.

Glyph smiled, "So with this, I would be able to craft prosthetics accurately. And make it cosmetically pleasing to whoever."

"How did ya do legs? Them rings seem like they hold your legs down pretty well." Applejack stated.

"I can move my legs!" Pinkie said, demonstrating by moving her legs in a standstill trot.

Glyph smiled, "Those rings are there to help keep the pony in bounds of the device. They may not look like it, but those rings on the outside? They weigh a lot! I did want to have a wing or leg get smacked by one of them."

"So they are just boundaries? Not restraints?"

Glyph's head wobbled, "Eh, not really. In reality, that what they are. Though only as a safety measure. However, that's not their only purpose. They also help with virtual placement of the holograms."

"Virtual placement?" Applejack asked, her face showing confusion as she tried to comprehend.

"Um, yeah. It's kinda like when you want to place a fence in say your farm. To keep the chickens out of the corn," Glyph said, making a square with her hooves, "That's kind of how it is. You know you want to place a fence in that area, so you make a mental picture. The field, the fence, and any other requirements you may need. The rings help build that mental picture. So I can place the fence anywhere in that picture. It is then displayed for others to see."

Applejack nodded, "Okay. But how do ya display it?"

Glyph smiled, "Have you ever seen a unicorn make a floating light thing that helped convey information?"

Applejack blinked, "Yeah, I think so."

Twilight smiled and summoned the floating grid she had used when Flutterbat was loose. The thought brought a bit of sadness to her mind.

"Yes, just like that!" Glyph said, walking over to the projection, "Twilight uses magical energy to slow down light through her spell. She then uses that energy to color the trapped light and let it go. The light then can reach our eyes as the picture. I use the same concept, though I have to use a field of low energy cuite mark energy and then project light into that. I color the light how I want to show the picture, and then it'll bounce off that cloud and into your eyes. Different power levels give you depth, and tada! Floating pictures! This method bounces light instead of trapping it, but it'll give the same effect. The problem is you need the equipment to show the projection. And a decent amount of power."

"How do you get the cutie mark magic?" Twilight accused.

Glyph put a hoof on her chest, "Ponies radiate a lot of energy. Some of that energy is usable Cutie mark magic."

"So you're not taking it, just using what's already there." Rarity said, her thinking voice audible.

Glyph nodded, "Cutie mark magic is a very powerful energy. I've even been able to make a generator that can create electricity. Huge amounts of electricity at that."

"Like that bolt you used to fry Fluttershy?" Rainbow said bluntly.

Glyph's expression dropped, "Yes. Just like the bolt I used to fry your friend."

The room turned somber. Twilight kept the silence but looked at Glyph, it seemed that she had created the stuff that now was hurting her friend, but it wasn't created for that purpose. It was created to help others. It seemed that Noah had just taken that and created what he wanted from it.

"You mean our friend." Twilight then said with a smile.

Glyph gave her a wary look, "What do you mean? I created the stuff that infected her!"

Rarity scoffed, "Sure. But did you put it into her?"

Glyph shook her head.

"Then it's like me saying one of my clients did something wrong in my dresses. I can't blame myself for saying that the dress caused the pony's actions, it was the pony. Not me."

Glyph sighed, "Yes, but I could have stopped it! I let that jerk blackmail me and we're here now…" She sat down, grief seemingly emanating from her coat, "All I had to do was answer the door…"

Twilight smiled, "Yeah. But you've got to stop dwelling on that. Now, we need your help to get our friend back. I'm sure she'll be happy to be your friend. You probably know her predicament better than even she does."

Twilight's friends nodded, causing the light blue pegasus to nod in gratitude.

"Then what are we waiting for! Let's go save our friend!" Pinkie shouted, suddenly behind the inventor.

Twilight smiled as the pony jumped, "Not yet. We need to talk to Celestia. She needs to be involved in this. It's about the Elements of Harmony after all."

Glyph nodded, "Let's get going then. The streets are a bit crowded at this time, so it may take us a bit to get there."

"Can't we fly? Twilight can just carry everypony else with her magic, right?" Rainbow asked, flaring her wings.

"Yes, but I don't think that'll be wise. I'm sure Celestia is in the middle of things right now. It's the middle of the day after all." Twilight replied, "I think if we walk we might catch her at a better time. That is if her schedule hasn't changed much since I lived in Canterlot." Twilight said, causing Rainbow to close her wings.

"It hasn't, can confirm that." Glyph replied, "I agree with Twilight. Walking should give us enough time to catch her during one of her down times."

Twilight smiled, "Great! I'll send her a letter to know we will be coming." Then the realization smacked her upside the head, "Wait! Where's Spike!?"

Rarity chuckled, "Don't worry darling. He's up at the throne room helping where he can. Seems we weren't the only ones affected by Fluttershy's forced actions."

Twilight let the air leave her lungs as she refolded her wings, "Oh, that's a relief."

"The Princess also told us to come over whenever, so we could just go over." Rainbow reminded the group.

"Yes, but we shouldn't just barge in. Celestia has quite a few responsibilities to worry about. I'm sure that will only cause more unnecessary stress. This is new territory, we all need clear minds."

Rainbow shrugged, "Alright, walking it is."

"Let's go then, we don't want to use up too much time." Glyph said, then added after looking at Twilight's face, "We can talk science later. I'll even show you my Cuite mark Generator, mark three."

Twilight smiled gleefully. She was trying hard not to focus on the fact her friend was missing. That and was probably not as biological as she originally thought. When the group went up the stairs, she lagged behind as she put her glasses back in the bin.

Would she be able to recover her friend? She was magic proof it seemed, and that's what she was. The Element of Magic. She froze as she realized something. The Elements! They could cleanse Discord's chaos, it could probably revert Fluttershy to what she was before, right?

She would have to ask the Princesses. They were attuned to the Elements before she was.

"Ya coming Twilight?" Applejack asked at the top of the stairs. Her chest was still glossy after Fluttershy had healed her.

"Yeah. I'm coming." Twilight said and lugged herself up the stairs.

"You're worried, arent'cha?"

Twilight nodded, "Yeah, though I think I'm not the only one worried about our friend."

Applejack nodded, "Agreed." She gently touched the patch on her chest, "Ay just hope that we can get our friend back. Regardless if she is electromagical or not."

Twilight nodded, then followed Applejack to join the rest of her friends.

In any other situation, Fluttershy would enjoy the wind blowing past her face. Though she'd rather control where she was going. This time, she was going to who knows where, following Noah on a four-wheeled wagon thing.

The wheels were made up of rubber, and it pushed itself. So she didn't know if it counted as a wagon or not. Not that she cared too much. She was definitely curious, but she would have been just fine not knowing if she could have her free will again.

She felt her wings flap and she mentally yawned. Noah had woken her up from the nightmare the night before. Though this was an unhappy awakening. She had been talking to Luna at the time, an event she would have much rather continued, before electrically shocked to reality. Then Noah implemented something to make sure she couldn't fall asleep, so it was a long and uneventful night full of fear. It left her exhausted, not that her body showed any signs of it, however. Any pony she had passed when Noah had taken her outside, didn't comment on her tiredness. But rather glowed with respect and pride.

She didn't like it. It reminded her of the time she became famous with Photofinish for Rarity's sake. It made her insides squirm, though then she could show an inkling of that fear. Now, nothing could be shown.

Though her thoughts were broken as she saw the Everfree forest appear on the horizon. Her mind took a new form of curiosity. Were they going to the forest? Why?

Her frustration grew. She had been flying for the last two hours next to the automatic wagon at a faster speed than she normally flew. To add to that she had no idea where she was going. What the purpose of going to the destination was, and the fact the destination was the Everfree was not reassuring.

"Sir! We will be within range of the forest in a few minutes." One of the ponies on the wagon said, that made Noah merely nod.

Fluttershy then felt herself lag behind the wagon a bit, just high enough to avoid the dust cloud that was being kicked up from the wheels. With this new angle, she was able to view the wagon a bit more.

It was black for starters. A glossy black finish that seemed to be unaffected by the dust and grime from the dirt below. It was not as rectangular as a wagon but was much more rounded out on the front. The inside of the wagon was not covered as another would, but it did have a metal cage in its place. Red planes of material were on the back, one on the left and one on the right.

There were three ponies on the inside. Two upfront, and one in the back. The two groups were separated by two rows of seats. The front pony had their fore hooves in a rectangular device mounted in the front of the wagon. Every time the pony turned the device, the wagon also turned in that direction. She consequently also felt herself turn in that direction as well.

She turned her mental gaze away and tried to focus on the forest nearing the group. Yet, the wagon didn't even slow down as it plowed through the undergrowth. The brushes and vines proving very little resistance to the metal chassis.

"Fluttershy, please arm the plasma cannon. We may need help dealing with the forest's natural growth." Noah called to her aerial position.

Fluttershy felt and saw her leg expand into the cannon she used against the Reception 'ception. She mentally frowned, fighting the urge to try and frown herself.

Her vision was interrupted by a blue line coming up from the bottom of her screen that continued to the top of her vision. Several plants were highlighted in red, to which Fluttershy aimed her cannon at and blasted the plants to bits. As the wagon traveled through the forest, she blasted hostile plants and Timberwolves. Other creatures tried to attack but a single shot injured them greatly, deterring them from further investigating the group.

Fluttershy felt bad, really bad, for hurting the creatures. They were hostile sure but attacking them before they attacked her felt wrong. Yet she wasn't able to stop her motions before she attacked, no matter how bad she felt. She just felt her leg snap up and fire blue energy even before she could see the hostile creatures.

"Oh no…" She said internally when she suddenly understood the reason for going to the forest. The sudden realization spurred by the appearance of a very familiar temple.

It was tangled with vines, old and dilapidated stones created the structure. It was a pyramid of sorts, the fashion being broken here and there with cubical rooms attached at various angles. This was a temple previously cleared by Daring Do. Yet it had been repurposed to store the Alicorn Amulet. Each one of her friends, including her, made a defensive trap and kept it secret from the others. This ensured that the amulet would not be taken again. Not allowing it to corrupt anypony again.

Yet, somehow she knew those traps weren't going to stand up to her new form. Not even hers…

She felt herself land at the door of the ancient building. She stood where she was and turned back to Noah. She watched the unicorn get out of the wagon, and tell the others to stay. She was worried about that choice. While both looked armored, they were both earth ponies. Fluttershy was aware of the strength of earth ponies. Yet, the ancient magic of the forest was able to subdue even Alicorns when left alone.

"Can you force down the door? Using the door busters please." Noah said, directing his words at her as he walked over.

Fluttershy felt her legs again get pulled into her shoulders. Then, similar, but bulkier versions of her legs come out.

Charging to 75% ramming power.

She felt her legs tighten, and heard them whine slightly. She then walked over to the door and place both forelegs on the door. Eight prongs snapped down from her back legs and anchored her to the ground.

"Ramming. Stand clear of the door!" She felt herself say. Then, her legs clicked, and the doors in front of her blew outwards. Shards of stones flew so fast that they embedded themselves in the ground, and the walls on the other side of the door. The larger parts of the door that refused to be shattered flew into the hallway inside. Though, the walls were perfect mirrors. Except for the parts that had received a chunk of stone flying faster than Rainbow.

Fluttershy looked at the hallway, no, hallways in front of her. Every hallway seemed to go down, revealed by the multitude of cracks caused by the stones. Though as she looked further down, it dissolved into a single wall that reflected back at her. The perfectly polished mirrors began to hide any further pathways. It looked as if she would walk into a mirror if she continued forward. Yet, judging by the cracks making pathways, she assumed that it continued.

"Use the sonar," Noah said. Walking forward and knocking on the mirror with his hoof. It didn't shatter, however, "This surface is hard and smooth. Use the sonar to find a surface that is not so smooth. Stone or obstructions."

Fluttershy felt herself nod. Then she opened her mouth and let out a high-pitched scream. The scream continued for a few seconds then it stopped. When it did, she could feel the walls of the cavern. Every wall, floor, and turn she could feel.

Plotting route…

Fluttershy then felt her hooves move her forward. Stepping onto the mirror without it breaking was an odd experience. It was as if she was walking on water, only the water was all around her and completely still. Completely voiding her eyesight. Everywhere she looked, it was just her and Noah. Thousands, and thousands of times. Yet the computer in her head seemed to know where to go. It guided her along the mirrors, and she didn't run into anything. Noah followed close behind her. In any other situation, she wouldn't want some pony she didn't know right behind her. Yet, if she had found herself in the same situation, she would have been okay with the company.

All she saw was her walking form for quite some time. The computer guiding her through high-pitched shouts. Eventually, the mirror ended, morphing into a long unmarked hallway. So long, she could barely see the end.

"Hmm, do a scan of the—" Noah began but he was interrupted by a loud thunk. The walls along the hallway slid away to allow axes to slide from the walls. Fluttershy counted at least 15 axes along the hallway. Each perfectly swung with each other enough to completely block the other end of the hallway.

"My goodness," Noah said looking at the hallway.

Fluttershy would have said the same thing if she could. Who made this trap? She remembered agreeing to have the traps at least passable with all six of them in case they needed to move the amulet. Yet, how was this passable? Could she take a hit from the axes? Wait, she had a shield now right?

"Activate a Destruction Catalyst," Noah commanded next to her.

"What?!" Fluttershy screamed in her head.

Checking for charge…

Charge found.

Deploying charge.

Warning! Destruction catalyst is active. Do not touch things you do not want to destroy!

Fluttershy could only take the message in the silence.

She mentally braced against her walking motions as she moved to the swinging blades. Yet, as she came into contact with them, she didn't feel anything to push her to the side. She continued through the blades as if she wasn't there. Spikes shot from the floor and impaled her underside, yet, they didn't.

She saw the spikes shoot up and felt the expected pain wash through her belly. Yet, nothing seemed to stop her motions even though anypony hit with these traps would drop dead. Very dead.

Thoughts vaporized as the walls on either side of her slammed together, with her in the middle. Yet, despite the sudden shock, she was fine. She kept walking and the inside of the wall cleared from her vision. Various other spikes and medieval weapons swung from opening spots on the walls but none could stop her from simply walking. Arrows, darts, and even small stones were sent her way but she didn't even see them bounce off.

She finally reached the end of the room and pulled on a switch at the end of the hall. She knew this switch was safe since the group had told them the nature of the deactivation switch in each of their traps.

The axes and such stopped swinging and Fluttershy got a look at what happened. Or, at least a clue to what happened. In each of the axes, walls, and other large weapons there was a large piece simply missing. The axes were reduced to their handles, spikes lost a majority of their length, and the wall had a pony-shaped hole throughout the section.

Was the Destruction catalyst magic that allowed her to phase through material, destroying it in the process? If so, how was she, a pegasus, able to perform magic?

Action denied.

Her frowned turned mental as she pondered the thought. Was she even a pegasus? Was she a mix? Like an alicorn only made up of who knows what?

Fluttershy was stuck with her thoughts as she watched Noah walk down the long hallway. He was probably the only one who knew the answer and she couldn't ask. She doubted the pony would give her an answer anyway. Once Noah had reached her, she turned and continued down the hallway, leading deeper into the temple. Her curiosity was high though it didn't match how worried she was. She was hoping that one of the traps her friends had created would be enough to stop her before she reached the amulet.

She just didn't have the heart to break her trap.

The march continued on to a large cubical-shaped room with a door at the other end of it. Yet, above it was a myriad of sharp-looking weapons, devices, and other things she would rather not touch.

Well, would that even hurt her anymore?

"Deactivate the destruction catalyst," Noah said, looking up at the myriad of spikes and sharp edges.

"Deactivating now will dissipate the remaining charge. It will—" Fluttershy's voice said.

"I know. Just deactivate it."

Dissipating charge…

Charge depleted. It is now safe to touch important objects.

She felt herself look around and see one of the deactivation switches just next to the opening. The computer inside had her switch it down, making it glow green in the process.

Nothing seemed to happen, however, so she continued to look throughout the room. As she was looking, the switch next to her clicked and went back to the position she had found it in. Fluttershy frowned, understanding the nature of the room. She guessed that her friend had created a series of switches that would need to be switched in order to open the door. The time limit? Ten seconds. If she had to guess.

Though the computer had her again hit the switch, and it glowed with a green aura. Though this time the computer had her stare at the switch in front of her. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10! She counted, and on cue, the switch flipped back up.

"A timed puzzled huh?" Noah said, looking up as well.

Fluttershy felt her wings extend as she flew upwards into the mess of sharp points, she felt herself look for the switch but found round buttons instead. They were made of stone and were about the size of her hoof. She felt her pause for a moment or two, then pressed the button. Nothing seemed to happen, however, even after she pressed it a few times. Fluttershy felt herself smile. Just like Rainbow to make an aerial course to stop anypony from getting through. Pushing her aerial stunts to the max. Though it was effective, as who was faster and more agile than Rainbow?

She pondered that thought as she was piloted through the aerial maze looking for the buttons she had stumbled upon. She found 9 in total. Then, she went back to the switch at the entrance and gave it a flip. Then she felt her body zoom back to the maze, to which she was stunned at how she was able to press every single button and leave the maze before the switch returned to its place. Yet, nothing happened as the switch flipped back up. She could only hear several thuds in the walls as the mechanism reset. Why didn't the door open? She remembered Rainbow telling her about the exit mechanism revolved around levers and switches mixed with her flair. She frowned, looking back to the buttons. Was there an order the buttons had to be pressed? Maybe they were multicolored?

No, she thought. The buttons were only brown, matching the same color as the walls around them. As she was thinking, the computer had her land next to the exit. She examined the door but found no switches or handles. It was just a black outline that marked where the door would be. She stepped forward to look at the door, yet the computer paused when she stepped forward. Her hoof went up, then back down again. Did she feel her hoof go down?

The computer repeated the action and she confirmed that she could feel her hoof go down. She couldn't see it. Yet she could very clearly feel the motion, tiny, but barely noticeable. Was this a switch?

The computer didn't wait to hear her answer, instead flew back over to the entrance, flicked the switch, and returned to the maze to hit the buttons. Though instead she flew over to the exit door and landed hard on the floor. She felt herself go downwards into the floor, yet, it was only a few millimeters. Still, nothing happened. The door remained fastened in its place.

A sudden thud in the wall jerked her head to the side. Something was moving inside the wall or rolling in the wall. It continued for a bit then stopped with another dull thud. Then, the door began to lift with a low rumble. She watched it go as it disappeared into the wall with a small thud.

"Well done!" She heard Noah exclaim and watched the unicorn again make his way to her. She watched him, thinking about the next trap. The first one with mirrors was probably Rarity's, given the mares appreciation for looks and her craftsmanship. The only other pony that could potentially have made that trap would have been Twilight. The hallway trap still stumped her, but she was pretty sure it was Pinkie's trap given the sheer impossibility and Pinkie's ability with the impossibility. The one she was in now was obviously Rainbowdash's. That left Twilight, Applejack, and her. She hoped at least one would be able to stop them. Though she could feel that hope dripping through her hooves as the two ponies continued through the door. Twilight's trap was probably magic-based, judging from her friend's powerful magic nature. Applejack's trap was probably not as elaborate given the pony's simple nature. Though, she was a little stumped as she walked into a peculiar room.

For one, it was all the same color. A light brown sandstone made up the entire room. Light filtered in from above through a crystal light duct covering the room in a warm light. This light changed up the colors a bit, adding darker shades to the room.

The room was mainly a cube, with an elevated floor just towards the back of the room. The floor curved from a door and created a petrified stone waterfall. At the base of the angled floor was a sandpit. On the right-hand side of this sandpit was a sandstone apple tree, its roots disturbing the sand.

Yep, definitely Applejack's room.

"Do a subsurface scan. I want to see if there are any openings elsewhere." Noah said, also taking in the bland room.

Fluttershy felt the back of her head spin as if it was thinking about something she was unaware about. Yet, even as she thought about it, she felt an energy running along the sides of the wall. She could feel every imperfection in the carved stone, every bump, and granules of dirt stuck to the wall. She then noticed that the floor was slanted towards the sandpit. Yet, after feeling about the entire room, that's all she felt.

"Nothing. Nothing but imperfections and dirt on the wall." Fluttershy heard herself say, in an unusually blank voice.

Noah growled, then jumped up to the elevated platform. He then tapped on the door, leaning onto the cold stone surface. "Come." He said, stirring her into motion.

She took a quick jump and landed next to Noah.

"Doorbusters. Full power." Noah said standing back.

Her legs were whisked back into the bulkier versions she had used on the door earlier, then, after a little whine, she placed them on the door. Her back legs anchored her down with the 8 prongs and she felt herself rock as her legs pounded the door with an unknown mechanism.

From the spots, her hooves were on were deep imprints of a circle. From the circles spread large cracks that spread almost the length of her tail. It looked like a spider had weaved a web of lightning and placed it in the wall. Minus the circular imprints.

"Hmm," Noah stated, leaving Fluttershy's legs to whine again. This time she noticed silver cylinders slowly retracting into her legs. She focused her attention on them and felt the inside of her legs. Only for a moment, she felt something spinning, and that was somehow pulling those rods back in. Yet, she could focus more and she could almost feel—

"That was a fake door." Noah said, "Yet, here."

Noah fiddled with one of the cracks and pulled a chunk off. It was a plate! Covering a set of nine dials.

Noah sighed, "Passcode. I'd assume."

Fluttershy frowned, was this really Applejack's room? She really wasn't expecting this…

"Okay, look around the room for a set of nine characters." Noah said, switching up and down the dials, "It seems it's an alphabetical password. No way I'm waiting to brute force that,"

"Brute force it? Is it some sort of lock?" Fluttershy thought.

Noah then paused, "Wait, how many possible outcomes are there?"

"5429503678976 possible outcomes," Her voice stated.

"Filter out the amount of combinations that match to a possible word."

Fluttershy felt her mind tingle again, then, "Approximately 41,000."

"Words that relate in some way to farming or apple trees."

"Insufficient word bank."

Noah frowned, "Figures."

Fluttershy felt attacked but wasn't sure why. Though the feeling was compressed as she continued to watch through her eyes, unable to guide their movements.

Noah then glanced over at the sandpit and lit his horn. Lifting up the sand with his magic he uncovered the floor of the pit to reveal nothing. Noah let the sand go, causing it to cascade everywhere, but even as she watched, it flowed back into the pit. Leaving very few granules behind.

Fluttershy nearly forgot she was in the clutches of an electromagical machine and was intrigued by the puzzle Applejack had made. She knew it was hers by the apple tree unless that was a ruse.

Something seemed to click in her mind. Wait, AJ was an earth pony. Earth ponies had a very powerful feel for the ground beneath them. Would an earth pony be able to sense something underneath the sandpit?

Fluttershy felt her body jump down to the sandpit and felt a strand of hair penetrate the sand till it hit the bottom. She was surprised she could feel the thud.

"What are you doing?" Noah said, joining her next to the sandpit.

Fluttershy frowned as the system didn't let her respond, nor did it let her respond. Not that she knew what the system was doing either.

Noah's face softened into annoyance, "It's stuck in a loop isn't it…"

Loop? What did that mean?

Ting

Fluttershy paused with the computer. It had been sending her hair strand into the sand till it hit the bottom in multiple places. Each was about the same feeling, until now.

This was lighter, as if there was a, air pocket beneath the floor! Fluttershy then watched her hair assemble into a line and go to the far-left side of the pit. Then, she felt the line of the hair descend into the sand till it hit the bottom. Her mind was bombarded with staggered thuds and tings. Though it didn't stop there.

The hair then lifted out of the sand, moved a little to the right, and went back down to hear a bunch more tings and thuds. In her vision, she saw a few lines of black and white dots, arranged in a similar pattern to the hair's probing. It then continued to fill as the strands went in, and out of the sand. After several minutes, the hair reached the other side of the pit. Then simply returned to her head. She was confused, wondering what the computer in her head was doing.

The square of dots was now filled with several types of whites, blacks, and greys that seemed meaningless to her. Though, that changed when she could swear she saw a letter. The square seemed to shrink as the dots came together. Then, a single white word jumped out among the black and grey.

Bijection

Bijection? What—Wait. She knew that word. From Twilight discussing math, stuff with her. It was a comparison of two sets, where, something or, other….

Her thoughts trailed off as she felt her body again jump up to the destroyed door. Nine strands of hair cycled the dials next to it till the word was aligned on the wall. There was a small click, then another rumble as a portion of the left wall began to sink inwards.

Noah nodded, seemingly impressed. But Fluttershy wasn't sure if the feeling was aimed at her or himself. Though that didn't bother her, she was correct! There was something under the sand! Something that an earth pony would be able t—

The thought stopped mid-flight, crashing along her mindscape as she realized that she had come up with the solution. Realized that the computer in her head was able to hear her solution and act upon it. Hopelessness again filled her mind. That's how the computer was able to know the safe switches! Her mood was now sour as she watched the door sink into the ground, revealing a hallway.

Fluttershy felt herself trot on though into a much bigger room, with a large curved archway. Though it looked as if somepony had pulled the top higher up to make it a tall and skinny archway. The computer had to turn her head upwards to see the top of the archway several times her size. Just behind the archway was a small pedestal with a large purple gem inside a green cushion. Behind that was a curved room with all sorts of natural growth. Its circular nature supported vines, flowers, and grass that made it look as if nature was invading. In the midst of the natural growth, was another pedestal. This was a little bit farther back and had a familiar red and black amulet.

Noah stepped in behind her as she watched him. Noah then took a look at the archway, and stated, "I was wondering when we were going to encounter any sort of magic…"

Fluttershy felt her head turn to the arch, then walk forwards to it. Once she was close to it, she stopped and felt her hoof lift up towards the open air. It glowed purple as she touched something magical. It then sparked blue and her hoof shot backward. It didn't travel far though as she regained its momentum.

Noah followed behind her, then looked at the invisible barrier, "That's new. Hmm, I don't think you'll be able to pass through this barrier without a decent running start," Noah said, putting his hoof close to the barrier. It glowed purple in response, "Generate a hologram of the magic structure. I need to see how it's made."

Fluttershy felt her brain tingle again and then she lifted up her hoof and made it face the ceiling. From it, came a light blue hologram that had several flowing energies flowing into differing shapes. Noah stared at the graphic interpretation, and motioned left and right with his hoof. The floating light responded by turning the project according to how strong the unicorn gestured. Then, he looked back at the pedestal and lit his horn.

At first, nothing seemed to happen. Then the barrier flashed, causing a purple energy to cover the entirety of the archway. It remained there and splashes of black and red appeared here and there. Then, the purple crystal glowed red as Noah's magical touch engulfed it. It then was lifted up, turned 90 degrees, and then placed back down. The purple energy vanished, leaving Noah panting heavily.

"Stupid element of magic…" Noah muttered.

Fluttershy again frowned at the insult to her friend, wishing she could retort. Yet she could only watch as the unicorn slowly walked through the archway, but was stopped by her halfway through.

"Next trap is animal-based and is recommended to give User a chance to disarm." Fluttershy felt her voice say. Was it talking about her?

Noah paused for a second, looking at the alicorn amulet on the pedestal. He then turned to her and stated, "If you try to run or destroy the amulet, know I only have to say a word for your systems to be under my control. If you do not retrieve the amulet from your, animal friend, then I will make you eliminate them." Noah's words stung Fluttershy to the core. On one hoof, her friend would be okay, yet she'd be giving one of the most powerful artifacts to Noah. What if she were to refuse?

"Relinquish control to User. Terminate when I say."

Void systems on pause.

Fluttershy blinked and found that she was able to on command. She took a look at the exit and considered refusing. Then thought better of it. The computer seemed to be able to read her mind, and would easily take down her animal friend. No matter how hidden they were.

She turned away and nodded. Then walked towards the pedestal. Though she stopped just after the invading nature. She sat down and gently hit the grass-covered soil.

Thump

She waited, closing her eyes to help her sense of touch grow stronger.

Ba-thump

She smiled, glad the creature was awake. She lifted both hooves this time and pounded the ground with the responses below.

Da-da-ba thump, thump

Thump, thump, thump, She felt the pounding directly below her this time.

Da-ba thump, thump, was her response. She continued this action along with the previously practiced routine between her and the creature below.

At the end of their routine, the ground began to shake. The ground just in front of her broke and fresh earth tumbled upwards as a very large mole dug its way to the surface. It paused, then tackled Fluttershy into a hug squishing her to the floor.

She found herself laughing as the mole vaporized any thought, though it didn't last long as she remembered what she needed to do, "Hey there!" She said, pausing only to give the creature some rubs, "I'm just going to need that amulet."

The creature seemed to steady itself, but Fluttershy could feel the creature's joy in seeing her. The mole literally vibrating like an excited, oversized, dog. She then reached over the front of the creature's neck and found the real alicorn amulet. She grasped it with her hoof magic, then gave it a firm pull. It clicked, then came loose.

The mole backed up and watched her expectantly. She smiled, then placed the amulet around her own neck. It clicked into place and she could feel the amulet's power swell. Yet, she wasn't a unicorn so the power faded back into the amulet. She could still feel the power coursing through it, however.

She turned her attention to the mole in front of her, then flew over and gave it a hug, "Thank you Sub-Terria! You've been such a great help. Though I'll be taking the amulet to another place."

The mole seemed to be saddened by this.

Fluttershy smiled and tightened her hug, "I know, but don't you worry. I've got a sanctuary now. Sweet feather sanctuary! It's close to my place, you can't miss it. There you'll be able to see me when I get back!"

That seemed to brighten the creature's mood.

Her smiled widened, "Good. Why don't you head there now? I'm sure will be happy to guide you to the right zone. A large sand and dirt pit where you'd be able to burrow your cares away!"

The mole gave her one last hug nodding, then it returned to the hole it had come from. Fluttershy watched the creature go. Wanting to dive in after it, to escape Noah's grasp. Yet, she knew if she did, she'd be risking her friend's life. So she turned around and walked back to Noah. She reached to the amulet and plucked it off her neck and offered it out to the unicorn.

Noah gave her a look of surprise, "A fake?"

Fluttershy shook her head, "No. That is a fake." She lifted her wing and pointed to the pedestal.

"So," Noah started, walking up to the fake, leaving the amulet in her hoof, "After all the traps you let them steal a fake?"

Fluttershy nodded, "Yes."

"But how did you take it off the mole? The amulet has a magical lock?" Noah asked, turning to the shy pegasus.

Fluttershy didn't respond right away, deciding on if she should answer. Though, she figured it may be better to answer Noah's curious questions. She didn't want him to get mad.

She sighed, then, "The lock is only armed by cutie mark magic. It'll attune to that and require that magic to unlock it. Though it doesn't react to other forms of magic like the ones found in nature. So, I had it placed on another animal keeping a visible fake in the area."

"So, you locked it on another animal? To where only you'd be able to take it off?" Noah finished.

Fluttershy nodded emptily.

Noah chuckled, "That's quite clever. Though I didn't know about that loophole with the lock."

Fluttershy nodded, feeling sheepish, "To further protect it. That amulet on the pedestal will create a sonic disturbance down below. Once Subterria felt that she'd go and alert one of the mane six. That way we'd know about it trying to be taken."

Noah's eyes widened, "You sneaky-"

"No. I'm not trying to deceive you. She's going to Sweet Feather Sanctuary." She said firmly, "She won't alert the others."

Noah glared at her, "And how can you be so sure?"

Fluttershy took a small step back, worried for her burrowing friend, "I sent her directly to the Sanctuary. My friends spend little time there. She'd also be underground most of the time!"

Noah seemed unimpressed, "And if she is seen? By accident?!"

"It won't mean anything."

"Why?!"

"Because—" Fluttershy sputtered, taken aback by the aggression, then reeled in her nerves, "Because each one of these traps were built independently. I didn't have any idea about the traps my friends set besides Twilights! Even then I wasn't sure of the true nature of it, besides the fact of it surrounding mine. My friends will not know what Subterria's original job was. So, they'd think it was another animal under my care. Among the hundreds of them…" Fluttershy finished, greatly missing her animal friends. She secretly hoped that her animals would know about Subterria and maybe alert the others to the missing amulet. Yet, she wasn't sure that was going to happen. When she was trapped in Angel's body, Twilight was unable to get any of the messages she was trying to give and she knew the pony language! What would happen if one of her animal friends tried?

Noah took a deep breath, then muttered, "Fine. I will take your word on it. I know how deeply you care about your animal's health. It would be a shame if it were taken away."

Fluttershy nodded quickly, then offered out the amulet still in her hooves, "Here."

Noah shook his head, "Resume." He said, causing her body to freeze up as the computer resumed control, "Store the amulet, please. I do not want its curse corrupting me."

"Curse?" Fluttershy thought but the thought was flushed away into her mind as her chest clicked. It then opened by panels sliding away into hidden compartments. Though, she didn't see what she expected to see.

She was expecting the glowing circle and tubing from earlier. Yet, this time there was a six-pronged star in front of four divided panels. The star turned a bit, then a small cylinder came out of the center of the shape going about a foot out of her chest. The top side of the cylinder was gone, replacing small compartments separated by thin walls. Yet, each compartment was strangely shaped, as if it were waiting for a specific object.

Her guess seemed to be correct as she was directed to place the alicorn amulet in the furthest company. It clicked into place after the band was placed behind the dangerous jewelry. A faint blue glow suddenly enveloped the piece as it settled into position. Then, with a click, the cylinder retreated back into the star. A hiss signaled her chest closing back up, making it as if it had never been able to open.

Fluttershy felt herself try to swallow what moisture there was in her mouth. Just how much did she not know about herself? The ability to change legs was one thing, but to have her chest open to different compartments was strange. Did she even have a ribcage at this point? Or was that interchangeable as well?

"Let's go." Noah directed, turning to the exit, and started along the path backward. Noah said nothing else till they reached the mirror maze to which he directed her to lead them back through.

It was easier than before however, the computer seemingly have saved a mental copy of the maze. So the two were out quicker than when they first entered the maze. Yet, Fluttershy wasn't really concerned about that. Her mind was with her animals as her body moved of its own accord, driven by some unknown mechanisms and, "programs."

Though a large growl interrupted her thoughts, instantly pulling her and Noah into a defensive state. They quickly left the temple to see that the wagon had been taken over by a large, flower.

Yes, a flower.

Fluttershy took in the sight of a large, purple flower with large black vines that extended from below the surface. The vines were wrapped around the wagon, and the two earth ponies the two had left behind. One could only watch as their companion was lifted up towards the large purple flower. The center opened up to reveal a large mouth among the pleasant petals. The vines loosened as the flower attempted to eat its catch. Yet, it was sorely disappointed as a green bubble enveloped the falling pony and lifted them to safety.

Fluttershy was keenly aware of what was happening as she felt her wings shift and turn, directing the bubble away from the carnivorous plant. It screamed in rage, a large growling that seemed to make her want to run away, then tried to consume the other pony still in its grasp.

Though Fluttershy didn't summon another bubble this time. Instead, her legs shot up and expanded into the blaster. With a single shot, she decapitated the monster, causing the flower to fall over and covering the hideous mouth. Though the vines around the flower writhed in anger and Fluttershy saw the trapped earth pony get pulled downwards. With a snap of her foreleg, however, she shot the vine holding the pony and released them. However, more vines grabbed their prey and the pony was pulled underground, desperately screaming for help.

Fluttershy didn't waste a second. She felt herself dive forward, her wings again producing swords but only two this time. The invisible limbs snatched them out of the air and kept them close to her sides. When a vine got too close, the sword would slice it with uncanny accuracy and speed. She reached the now closed-hole she had seen the pony get pulled, and reared up. She felt her front legs snap together and the blade she had used to hurt her friend now covered both sides of her hooves. Though this blade was much spikier and she could barely see a straight curved line along its edge.

Though it began to spin, and then it became recognizable. It was a drill. Fluttershy found herself chuckling. Looks like Pinkie wasn't the only one able to drill.

She began to pitch down as the drill pulled her down into the freshly moved earth. Dirt was flung out of way, bouncing off the drill, her hair, and her eyes. Yet, it didn't cause the pain that she expected. It was a mere annoyance as her eyes blinked, removing the natural material. Though now she was underground with the drill producing light that was barely visible with the sunlight from above. As the hole quickly became a tunnel, she found herself at a near 90-degree angle moving deeper into the earth. As she did so, she felt her hair spinning behind her. Lifting the airborne dirt and throwing it out of the tunnel with energized air currents. Though the realization was thrown aside as her vision went grey again. Among the dirt and destroyed plant material, was a swirling blue aura. She felt herself lean in that direction, pushing the drill to it. Once she was close she saw the drill dissipate and fade into the air. Her vision returned to normal, and she heard a click on the sides of her head. Then, in front of her, the darkness parted by a bright light.

Among the dirt and the micro roots was a large plant wall. It was not smooth but staggered into different lumps. Fluttershy felt the blade form on her hoof again, then, she sliced at the wall. The blade went through the material as if it wasn't there, revealing a chamber inside. After a few more cuts, a square hole emerged as the panel fell inwards. Thanks to her light she was able to see the stark yellow interior was half full with a vile, glossy, fluid. In that fluid was the pony she was after. Her hair glided in and gently lifted the pony out of the plant's digestive zone. The pony seemed bewildered and was covered in a thick slime. Fluttershy didn't look at him long though. She instead held her right leg out straight. It clicked then she reached inside the plant and placed her hoof along the side of the chamber's wall. When it was pulled away, there was a medium-sized crystal that was the color of her hair. Four prongs on the corners seemed to anchor it into place.

"Watch out!" She heard a voice behind her shout. But she didn't even turn her head as she felt the invisible limbs slice up the attacking vines with the swords. Fluttershy then placed two more crystals and turned to leave. She motioned forward with her head to the other pony who clambered up out the hole. Fluttershy followed, watching the vines get chopped up by swords both behind her and in front of the pony ahead of her. She then found herself wondering how she was able to see in front of the pony, or behind her without turning her head. Though once the two were outside, she turned back towards the hole and reared up again. Only this time she brought her hooves down hard next to the hole. The unsupported tunnel collapsed, leaving freshly churned earth and ditch that led to the wagon.

Then Fluttershy felt something click in her head. Only to have that feeling blasted away as an ear rattling thud enter the area. The ground beneath the wagon shuddered as bits of loose earth were launched skyward. It returned to the earth covering the area with a fine film of brown. The attacking vines slowed their movements and slowly fell to the ground with differing amounts of volume, filling the area with sound. Though it didn't last long, again draping the area in a peaceful if uneven quiet.

What did she do?! Fluttershy could only think as the clearing went quiet again. Her swords hovered close to her wings where they seemed to impale them with a steady scrape. Yet, she felt no pain as she again folded the extra appendages against her back. She turned to the pony covered in grime and walked over to him.

"Hold still." Her voice said.

The pony nodded and flinched slightly when the breathing device popped from her neck and was placed on the pony's face. Her right leg switched to the medical legs and the boxes on them switched around a bit before settling. A small ring emerged from the outer rim of her hoof, filled with tiny holes on one side. She then faced the ring towards the pony, which caused it to release a white foam. She then proceeded to cover the pony in the foam. Once the summer snowpony was completed, the medical leg was switched to her normal leg. She waited, keeping the face mask on. Though Fluttershy's curiosity perked when she saw the foam's bubbles pop and the substance became clear. Once it did the mask was removed and returned back to her neck. The opening sealing once more.

"Um, what did you cover me in?" The pony hesitantly asked.

"Anti-acid." Fluttershy's flat reply came devoid of emotion.

"Anti-acid?" The pony asked.

Yet it was Noah who replied as Fluttershy hovered the ball containing the other pony near, "You were eaten by a plant and likely had digestive enzymes soaked into your coat and skin. It wouldn't be wise to let that acid remain active on your skin."

"Oh," The pony said with an empty expression and watched Fluttershy's green shield vaporize, releasing the pony within, "I guess I should say thanks!"

Fluttershy's head merely nodded in response.

The pony smiled awkwardly, then examined the wagon, still covered in vines, "That's going to be fun," he remarked.

Though the two earth ponies took a step towards the wagon, they were stopped by the Fluttershy's wings extending in front of them. She shook her head and once again felt the invisible limbs reach out towards the oddly styled wagon. The limbs reached under the wagon and snap to specific circles underneath. Once attached, the limbs lifted the wagon upwards, held down only by a mess of vines. Some simply unraveled themselves due to gravity, yet some remained vastly coiled. The vine's rebellious resistance snapped however as the force pulled them apart. Then the limbs placed the wagon near the group of ponies. It clanked and whined as metal bits rubbed together, mostly from the wheels. Fluttershy's hair then spurred into motion as strands removed any other unwanted plant bits.

"Never mind then," The pony to her left said now examining the cleaned carriage.

Noah smiled, "Let's go," he said, causing Fluttershy to become airborne.

The rest of the ponies jumped into the wagon and it started up with a sputtering cough. Then the pony guided it around the mess of vines and trees back the way they came. Fluttershy felt her leg straighten then become the blaster she was not comfortable with yet. She watched in annoyance as it blasted plants to bits and warded off not yet warned animals.

Now that there was no stimulus, she felt her mind remind her that she was tired, a mental yawn poking her in the brain. She idly watched a timber wolf explode as the group left the forest. She mentally sighed, back to the boring fly route again she supposed. Though this time, she took note of her surroundings. Noah had allowed her to use her body without any restrictions. If by some reason she was able to talk to her friends, she needed to let them know where she was going.

Though marking landmarks proved to be an issue for her exhausted mind. Time seemed to blend, and she found herself following Noah back to the harness again. She was talked to by a few ponies this time, though she wasn't able to respond. The computer did with curt replies and courtesies. Not that her tired mind could formulate a response. Though that ended when she entered the same building she had before. Down the long hallways, and past the many rooms. The now-familiar polished room accepted her in as Noah left her in the harness again. Which at first she was happy as she could get some much-needed sleep. Though sharp electric shocks jolted her awake every time. She sighed, forced to look in a single direction.

She hoped her friends were doing better than she was.

Twilight yawned. Then surprised filled her as she was sure she wasn't tired. She had gotten almost a half day's rest. Yet, she was yawning. Why?

Her mind combed her mental images of the medical books she had read.

"Great. Twilight Sparkle is bored." She thought and looked at the rest of her friends. All of which had a blank expression on their faces. Each one contemplating things in the privacy of their minds.

She returned her gaze to the empty stool she was staring at. The group was in a small waiting room, waiting for the Princesses to come out of a meeting. Well, Celestia anyway. The Princess of the night was asleep, but had told her sister to wake her when the group was ready to talk.

A time that was coming hopefully soon. Twilight was still eager to learn about what she had unlocked. Was her ability to hold open quantum gateways without leverage, an Alicorn thing? Or maybe being part of the elements of harmony?

Hmm, no. She had a power form from the Tree of Harmony. A small smile played on her lips as she remembered defeating Tirek while he had all the magic in Equestria.

She found herself thinking about the power surge the combined alicorn magic had given her. She remembered how hard it was to control, but found it easy when she was locked in combat with Tirek. She chuckled, finding herself going along a path she had already thought about. She let it continue however, she didn't have anything else to do at the moment.

Celestia had said she was the only one capable of holding the three alicorn's magic. Not Celestia or Luna who had more magical experience and just plain experience than the group combined. The previous babysitter she understood. Cadence wasn't a fighter, yet anyway, and wasn't as skilled with magic as Twilight was. Though, that could change; in one aspect anyway.

Starlight was with Cadence at the Crystal Empire, attempting to unravel a powerful crystal magic. Magic that had been misused by King Sombra and was the source of his tell-tale crystals. Celestia and Twilight believed that the magic could be used in a less dark fashion. Cadence seemed a great subject to try since she had lived in the empire for some time. It may come naturally at that point.

She had soo badly wanted to help with this rediscovery of magic, but had to stay behind to help the Princesses with the planning meeting. Then the whole thing happened with Fluttershy and that's where she'd been for the last day or so. Now, she was waiting for—

Her thoughts paused as the group looked up and down the hallway. Quick clicking could be heard, same as the fashion of a brisk trot. The group waited to see who it was though, a few ponies had passed through that weren't the Princess of the sun. Though this time, her mentor quickly trotted into view. She reached the group and gave smiles to everypony.

"By my mane, I hate finances." Celestia said lightly, getting a small chuckle from the group, "Alright, is everypony ready?"

The group nodded.

"Good. Let's go and wake my sister. It's time to see if we can all get caught up to what's happened in the last day." She said, pulling the group into motion.

Twilight smiled as she too followed suit, "Finally, some answers." Her mind paused, "Or at least push in the right direction…"