To Where and Back Again Part 1
Pony's Log Number 625: Taking leadership can be scary for anypony, but sometimes life has a funny way of putting you in positions where somepony needs to take charge...
One day, Twilight, Starlight, Mario, and Spike were walking down some stairs while carrying some boxes loaded with heavy books. The others didn't have to put much effort since their magic was holding the boxes. Poor Spike had to use his natural dragon strength to carry his box. Suddenly, he lost his balance and fell forward down the stairs and yelped. But before he could hit the floor below, Twilight grabbed him with her magic and Starlight used her magic to grab Spike's box of books before it could spill out its contents. Twilight then set Spike softly onto the floor below.
"Well, we don't all have magical horns," said Spike.
"True," said Mario as he used his magic to juggle several books above his head, "It is important that we unicorns, or alicorns, remember not to take our most basic magical skills for granted. Learning to find a balance between using magic and our physical strengths is what will allow us more flexibility in sticky situations."
"Thus speaks the great Mario the Wise," Twilight remarked.
"Oh, I like that tit-" Mario then blinked when she saw both Starlight and Twilight smirking, "Do you girls always have to sass me?"
"Eeyup," said Starlight, "It's in our job description." Mario rolled his eye as Twilight, Spike, and Starlight chuckled.
"We're just kidding, honey," said Twilight as she pecked his cheek, "Anyway, I've been meaning to move these older books to my reference section for a while. Got to keep the new books front and center! Thank you for your help."
"No problem," said Mario.
"Are you kidding?" said Starlight, "After all you and Mario have done for me, this is the least I can do."
"Oh, please," said Twilight, "I haven't done that much." Mario nodded in agreement.
"Nah," said Starlight in a not-so-modest tone, "You both just taught me the value of friendship. And Mario became the best brother I could ever have and understands my issues. Not much at all."
"I may have offered some guidance," said Twilight as she walked up and put a fore-hoof on Starlight's shoulder, "but you are responsible for the pony you've become. I'm proud to call you my student."
"And I'm proud to call you my sister and best friend," Mario added as he gave Starlight a hug and kissed the side of her head.
"Now we just need to get rid of these boxes," said Twilight, "Spike can you-" The three ponies soon noticed that Spike wasn't with him. The little dragon was actually looking outside of a window.
"Spike?" Twilight called out.
"What's that?" Spike asked as he pointed toward something in the distance. Twilight, Mario, and Starlight all look out of the window.
"Is it a bird?" Twilight asked.
"Is it a parasprite?" Starlight asked.
"It's...it's...coming right at us?!" Mario exclaimed.
"It's...it's...incoming!" Spike yelled as they all ducked and covered. The object then flew through the window at high speed and crashed into the boxes of books. The object soon recovered and revealed itself. It was Muffins, wearing her postal pony uniform.
"Muffins!" Mario said in a fatherly tone, "How many times have I told you to be careful with that high top speed of yours? You know you're brakes have been rather slippery lately."
"Since the beginning of time," Spike remarked as Twilight and Starlight gave the dragon a glare.
"Oops! My bad!" said Muffins, "But this has postal for same day delivery!" Muffins then reached into her mail bag and held a letter in her mouth.
"Oh, I usually get letters by dragon," said Twilight.
"It's the fastest way to get mail," Spike boasted.
"If you don't mind the smokey after-stench," Mario teased. Starlight giggled as Spike gave the alicorn prince a raspberry. Twilight then went to take the letter with her magic, but Muffins refused to let go.
"What's up Muffins?" Mario asked, "Isn't this letter for my wife?" Muffins shook her head and walked over to Starlight.
"For me?" said Starlight as she took the letter with her magic, "Who'd be sending me a letter?"
"Gee...there's this handsome orange stallion who's known you since you were a cutie in pigtails..." Mario said in a not-so-innocent tone.
"Stop it!" Starlight scolded in a playful tone, "You know Sunburst and I were just best friends and all." The lilac unicorn went to open her letter and quickly scanned the contents. Starlight was shocked at what she had read.
"It's...the ponies from my old village," said Starlight.
"Are they in danger?" Twilight asked.
"Are they upset with you?" Spike asked.
"Why would they be upset with her?" Mario remarked, "Unless...she didn't go and apologize to them..."
"She did, dear," Twilight replied.
"When was that?!" said Mario surprised.
"When you were being a jerk," Spike said bluntly.
"Nice to know you forgive and forget, Spike!" Mario said angrily before speaking to Starlight in a gentle tone, "Anyways, it is any of those concerns, Sis?"
"No...it's worse!" said Starlight, "They've invited me to the annual Sunset Festival!" Starlight looked like she was about to have a panic attack. The rest of the group all had puzzled looks, except for Mario, who sighed at the others for being clueless. Correction, Twilight and Spike's cluelessness to be more precise.
"I can't believe Twilight would forget her own anxieties meeting our old Canterlot group," Mario muttered to himself.
(Main theme)
The day of the Sunset Festival had arrived. Starlight's old village was busy setting up table, banners, food, and other things. Starlight had just arrived outside of the town area. She nervously took a few steps forward, took a deep breath, and walked into town. It was then she found Party Favor and Double Diamond were putting up a party banner. They immediately turned around to look at the lilac unicorn.
"Uh, hey there, everypony," said Starlight.
"Uh...Hey, Starlight," said Party Favor slowly, "What are you doing here?"
"I-I...I was invited," said Starlight timidly as everypony else started staring at her, "To the Sunset Festival?" Starlight then held out her invite letter with her magic.
"Uh, yeah," said Double Diamond sternly, "but we didn't think you'd actually show up."
"You didn't think we really wanted you here, did you?" Party Favor added as Double Diamond sternly shredded the letter. Starlight cringed at the letter shredding.
"But...I...apologized," said Starlight, "I thought everything was fine." Double Diamond and Party Favor started laughing at Starlight. The rest of the surrounding ponies then did the same. It wasn't long before their faces contorted from laughter to make them all look totally insane.
"Please...! Stop...! Stop...!" Starlight pleaded with her eyes closed. Suddenly day turned into night and all the ponies surround her were gone, leaving the lilac unicorn all alone.
"What happened?" Starlight asked, "Is anypony there?" It was then a white fog appeared and it was then Luna appeared with a warm smile on her face. Beside her was Mario as well, giving her a warm smile.
"Princess Luna? Mario?!" said Starlight, "W-What are you doing here?"
"Dreams are my domain, Starlight Glimmer," Princess Luna answered, "And Mario comes to help me out from time to time, We are here because you need us to be." Starlight blinked.
"Oh," said Starlight with relief, "It's only a dream."
"It may only be a dream," said Luna, "but the feelings in it are real."
"And it's very common ground for me as well," Mario added, "We both saw what happened and it's happened to me more times than I wish to count, especially in the dream world." Starlight sighed.
"Great," Starlight remarked sadly as she lowered her head, "So I guess I'm more afraid of going back to the village than I thought. What do I do now?"
"I have been helped time and time again by six very special ponies," Luna answered, "they've help me overcome my past. They're helping my nephew overcome his own. You're fortunate to have them as friends. I suggest you share your concerns with them. I know my nephew has always been open to you and your feelings." Mario gave her a smile as Starlight smiled back, but she still felt a little worried. Luna then gave Mario a nod for them to leave. Luna walked into the sky using some stars. Mario then made a switch with an exclamation point on it, stomped it, and made some blocks appear to follow his aunt by bouncing up the newly appeared blocks. As the two alicorns were halfway up, Luna and Mario looked back at Starlight.
"I see much of myself in you, Starlight Glimmer," said Luna, "and Mario can relate to your fears better than anypony. Just like I tell him all the time, I can tell you from personal experience that things do indeed get better."
"See you in the real world Starlight," said Mario, "I love you." Starlight smiled as the two alicorns headed into the moon and disappeared.
It was a few seconds later, Starlight found herself inside her bedroom and woke up with a start. Starlight looked out at the moon shining outside her window and pondered to herself.
The next morning, she had the Mane eight gather inside the throne room so she could discuss her situation as well as her dream. Spike and Diamond Tiara were also there as well since they cared about Starlight's issues as well.
"...and Princess Luna said I should tell you all how I was feeling," said Starlight, "So...there it is. I'm afraid to go back to the village for the celebration."
"But why, darling?" Rarity asked, "You went back to apologize. They accepted. Everypony has moved on."
"But have they?" said Starlight, "They don't really know how much I've changed. Or even worse, maybe I haven't changed as much as I think I have!"
"You know, Starlight," said Diamond Tiara, "I feel just the same way."
"Seriously?" said Starlight in surprise.
"Of course," said Diamond Tiara, "You have no idea how nervous I feel going to school these days or even being at a party with all the other fillies and colts. Sure, ponies are seeing more and more that I've changed, but I still feel like I enter everyday still under that cloud. I still feel like ponies are still looking and judging me by my past. It's a scary feeling...thinking you're one mistake away from being called out that all your effort to change is just one big lie." Starlight blinked. The rest of the girls, Spike, and Shenran were stunned as well. Mario was the only pony smiling. Diamond Tiara whimpered.
"Like right now for example," said Diamond Tiara nervously as she sank into her throne to get out of the center of attention.
"No, no, no, quite the opposite actually, Di," said Fluttershy.
"What you said was so wise and mature," said Shenran, "It shows that you're really taking Mario's friendship lessons about being able to understand and empathize with others to heart." Diamond Tiara blushed modestly.
"And she is right," said Mario, "Most of your fear is just over the fact you haven't forgiven yourself. Twilight and I felt the same way when we first reunited with our old friends that we grew up with back in Canterlot. We didn't treat them well either, but in the end, they were willing to forgive us easily. Well...Moon Dancer had some difficulty, but things worked out in the end once she was honest with her hurt feelings."
"You're point being?" Starlight asked.
"You can't control how ponies see or think of you," said Mario, "But once they see how much you've changed, you shouldn't have any trouble winning back any lost trust or friendships."
"Trust me," Rainbow added, "You are a totally different pony now. I mean, you were pretty awful!"
"Rainbow Dash!" Applejack, Mario, and Diamond Tiara scolded.
"What? She was!" said Rainbow in her defense, "It's a complement!" Applejack, Mario, and Diamond Tiara gave her stink eyes.
"You seriously need to learn to be considerate with what comes out of your mouth, you know that?" Diamond Tiara remarked. Rainbow snorted since she didn't like being criticized by a filly.
"I don't think they would've sent the invitation if they didn't want you to come," said Fluttershy, "I'm sure they'd be happy to see you."
"Assuming nopony's trying to lure her into a trap for revenge and humiliation," Shenran remarked.
"Shenran! That's an awful thing to say!" Fluttershy said sternly.
"He's not teasing or being mean, Flutters," said Mario, "It's because that's happened to me. But considering they already had their chance to do that to you when you originally apologized and didn't. I don't believe that's anything you need to be worried about." Despite that, Starlight still felt very anxious.
"And getting an invitation to a party and not going?!" Pinkie remarked, "That's like...I-It's like...! Well, I don't know what it's like, but it is definitely bad." Starlight just winced and gave the pink pony a skeptical look.
"Just be honest with them," said Applejack, "I'm sure they'll understand where you're comin' from."
"She's right about that," said Diamond Tiara, "I've found it easier to open up now that I've learned to be honest with my feelings to Silver Spoon and the crusaders."
"Like my husband said earlier, as well as my daughter," said Twilight.
"You're daughter?!" all but Mario exclaimed as Diamond Tiara blushed timidly.
"I see Di like a daughter," said Twilight simply. The others awed as Diamond Tiara smiled sheepishly, but was inwardly grateful that everypony seemed so supportive of the idea, "But getting back on topic here, we understand how hard this is for you. Maybe if you took a friend along, it might make things easier. Somepony you trust who would look out for you?" Twilight gave a large smile and batted her eyelashes to give Starlight a very obvious hint. Spike, Diamond Tiara, and Mario all rolled their eyes at the purple pony.
"Way to be subtle, Mom," Diamond Tiara muttered to herself. Starlight then pondered for a moment and smiled.
"Actually, I can think of two friends that I would like to take with me," Starlight said confidently. Twilight smiled excitedly, nudging her husband to make him think Starlight had chosen the two of them for her trip. Mario just rolled his eyes, smiled, and sighed.
It wasn't long before Starlight was helping both Trixie and Diamond Tiara load up their saddle bags into the cerulean unicorn's travel wagon.
"Thanks for much for doing this, Trixie, same for you, Di," said Starlight, "When Twilight said I should bring a friend, you two were the first ponies I thought of." Twilight just stood nearby, putting on a big smile on her face, but was struggling to keep it on her face.
"Great idea, Princess Twilight," said Trixie in her egotistical manner, "Asking me -Starlight's best friend - to help her on this difficult journey really shows how wise a princess you have become." Twilight looked annoyed but then save her a rather irritated smirk once Trixie said she was wise.
"Thanks Trixie," said Twilight through gritted teeth as one of her lower eyelids twitched uncontrollably. Then turned to Spike and Mario, who were standing beside her, "I was talking about me." Spike just smiled as Mario chuckled.
"Honey, even I knew that Trixie would be her first choice," said Mario as his wife glared at Trixie jealously, "But I was surprised she asked Di too. I know they're good friends, but I didn't know they were that close."
"Are you kidding?" said Starlight, "Di is to me what Scootaloo is to Rainbow. Plus she asked me to be her big sister. Despite my past, personal doubts, and insecurities, I just couldn't turn her down." Diamond Tiara smiled as she stood next to the lilac unicorn. It was then Trixie came out of her wagon, wearing her magician's hat and cape with Starlight and Diamond Tiara standing beside her. It was then the rest of the Mane eight gathered around Twilight, Spike, and Mario.
"The festival lasts a whole week," Starlight told the group, "but I'm sure we won't stay for that long."
"Oh, I don't know, Starlight," said Trixie, "Time really flies when you're spending it with your best friend!" Trixie then giggled as she looked as Twilight. Twilight just smiled, gave a inward strained noise as her eyelid twitched again.
"Trixie, you can stop rubbing the fact Starlight chose you over my wife now," said Mario bluntly, "You remember how much trouble you got into the last time you did that."
"I'm only teasing Mario," said Trixie, "I mean. You see the funny faces Twilight is making! It's funny." Diamond Tiara giggled.
"Trixie's got a point, master," said Diamond Tiara as she giggled, "Twilight looks ready to explode."
"Eww, that could be messy," said Trixie.
"Better go get a big towel," Diamond Tiara remarked and they both laughed.
"Okay, I wasn't sure about you at first, Di," said Trixie, "But you're pretty cool."
"Thanks, so are you," said Diamond Tiara. Twilight slumped.
"They're friends now, Mario, they're friends!" Twilight groaned.
"Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later," said Mario as he held Twilight close with a fore-leg.
"Bye everypony!" said Diamond Tiara, "We'll see you in a week!" Starlight then waved as well as they started headed out of town. The Mane eight and Spike waved goodbye until the three ponies were out of sight. Twilight just sighed.
"Cheer up, sweetie," said Mario, "At least we can have some time together."
"Oh goody," said Twilight with a rather dreary tone.
"Hey, you don't seem to happy to spend time with me," said Mario before getting a devious smirk on his face, "I'll have to fix that." Twilight blinked as Mario leaned into her face.
"Tickle, tickle," Mario remarked in an evil tone. Twilight's eyes shrunk.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHH!" Twilight screamed as she ran past the rest of the Mane eight in the background.
"I'm gonna get ya, Twilight Sparkle!" Mario said playfully as he chased after his wife.
"You get away from me, Mario Star!" Twilight cried out.
"NO WAY!" Mario shouted back. Fluttershy giggled to herself.
"Aren't they just so silly, dear?" Fluttershy asked as she looked at her husband. Shenran then gave his wife a devious smile.
"Honey...what are you..." Fluttershy didn't need long to figure out what Shenran was thinking and backed away defensively, "Shenran! No! No! NO! Don't you dare...!"
"Tickle! Tickle!" Shenran said sinisterly.
"EEEEEEK! HELP!" Fluttershy cried out as Shenran chased after her as they both took off into the sky. Those remaining behind just shared smiles and chuckles with each other.
Several hours later, Starlight, Trixie, and Diamond Tiara arrived at the mountain top where the lilac unicorn's old village could be seen at the bottom of the valley.
"So that's your old home," said Diamond Tiara since this was the first time she had ever seen the place. Until now, she had only heard stories about it from Starlight and Mario.
"There it is!" said Trixie, "The town where you-"
"-Magically stole everypony's cutie marks, replaced them with equal signs," said Starlight shamefully, "and forced them all to hide their natural talents? Yes." Trixie and Diamond Tiara were stunned.
"I was going to say where you came from," said Trixie, "but yours is a more...emotionally traumatic answer." Starlight just sighed. Diamond Tiara walked up to the lilac unicorn and gently patted her fore-leg.
"Don't worry, Big Sis," said Diamond Tiara assuringly, "You'll be okay."
"I just want to...blend in," Starlight told the two ponies, "Be just another pony in the crowd enjoying the Festival with my friend and my little sister." Trixie and Diamond Tiara smiled.
"Sounds good to me!" said Trixie, "And if things get weird for you, just let me know. I've got your flank!"
"Same here," said Diamond Tiara with determination, "I won't let anypony mess with my big sister!"
"Is that a promise?" Starlight asked hopefully.
"Not just a promise," said Trixie as she stood on her hind legs, "A great and powerful promise!" Trixie then threw down a smoke bomb. Starlight and Diamond Tiara coughed until the smoke cleared.
"Okay...that was a bit much to make a point," said Diamond Tiara.
"Di, I'm a performer," said Trixie smugly, "That's called a promise with pizzazz."
"I...understand...I guess..." said Diamond Tiara wearily.
"Well, I couldn't ask for more than that," said Starlight, "If we're gonna do this, let's do it." With enough being said, the three ponies headed to the village. It didn't take long for the three ponies to reach the main street where everything was decorated for the Sunset Festival. Starlight looked around nervously. Trixie and Diamond Tiara gave her assuring nods to let Starlight know she would be okay. In the center of the street, Double Diamond and Party Favor were hanging up a banner when Starlight approached them.
"Oh! Starlight, you came!" said Double Diamond excitedly. Starlight just gave them a nervous giggle and waved in reply.
"We were worried you wouldn't be able to make it!" Party Favor added, "Are you staying the whole week? We are having different events planned each day!"
"How is living in a castle?" Sugar Belle added as she and Night Glider appeared behind Starlight.
"It is so good to see you!" said Double Diamond as he clapped his fore-hooves excitedly. Starlight just smiled and bit her lower lip, despite the cheerful greetings, she wasn't feeling much better.
"Oh, yeah," said Trixie in a mock-whisper, "These ponies are terrifying." Trixie giggled. Starlight just rolled her eyes and groaned.
"It's good to see all of you, too," said Starlight, feeling rather embarassed. Diamond Tiara took notice.
"Never mind, Starlight," said Diamond Tiara, "But at least you know they are pleased to see you." Suddenly there was a long silence as the group was suddenly staring blankly at Starlight and Diamond Tiara.
"Maybe...I spoke too soon," Diamond Tiara remarked as she took a step back. The four ponies blinked.
"Uh, Starlight," said Double Diamond, "Did you get married and have a daughter and never told us about it?" Starlight gave a strained whinny as Diamond Tiara's jaw hit the floor. Trixie snickered loudly.
"No! No, no, no, no, no!" Starlight replied, "Diamond Tiara is just this little filly who was looking for a big sister friend and we happened to bond with each other." The others awed.
"Well, we'll make sure you're little sister has lots of fun while you're here, Starlight," said Sugar Belle as she handed Diamond Tiara a cupcake she had baked.
"Thank you," said Diamond Tiara politely as she enjoyed Sugar Belle's treat happily.
"You got here just in time," said Party Favor to Starlight, "We were having some debate about these banners." Some pegasi appeared holding about three different banners, "Which do you think feels more "sunsetty"?"
"Hmm..." Diamond tiara pondered at she finished her cupcake, "I'm kinda feeling the middle one. What you think, Big Sis?"
"O-Oh, you don't need me to decide that," said Starlight, backing up a bit, "Heh. Whatever you think is probably best."
"Uh, well, how about helping us with the routes for the relay races tomorrow?" Double Diamond suggested with Party Favor still smiling behind him, "Can you take a look?"
"Oh, I-I shouldn't," said Starlight quickly, "You all go ahead. I-I just want to enjoy the festival."
"But you will be a judge for the backing competition, right?" Sugar Belle asked.
"Oh! Can I be a judge?" Diamond Tiara asked hopefully.
"We had a few questions about the order of the acts for the talent show," Double Diamond asked before anypony could answer Diamond Tiara's offer.
"And the unicorns have a fireworks show planned!" Night Glider asked as she hovered from above the lilac unicorn, "We could really use your help!" Soon the four ponies were all taking to Starlight as once. Starlight quickly felt flustered as everypony seemed to be getting louder and louder.
"Everypony! Stop!" Diamond Tiara pleaded, "You're overwhelming her!" Even Trixie was looking very worried. Soon Starlight's teeth were chattering, her brow got extra sweaty.
"NO!" Starlight screamed as she created a huge bubble to shove everypony away from her, except for Diamond Tiara and Trixie. Once the magic bubble disappeared, the other ponies were dazed as Starlight crouched low to the ground, trembling heavily. Everypony else stood back up on their hooves, feeling rather weary from the sudden knock back.
"Quick, get us out of here, Trixie!" Diamond Tiara whispered frantically.
"The Great and Powerful Trixie would like to thank you for all being such an amazing audience," Trixie said nervously since she was coming up with an idea on the fly, "But it is time for us to depart. Good night, fillies and gentlefoals!" Trixie then dropped a smoke bomb. Unlike her other attempts at this little trick, she actually was successful with it! When the smoke cleared, she, Starlight, and Trixie were gone! None of the ponies even noticed that Trixie had tucked Starlight under her cloak as they, along with Diamond Tiara, ran away from the village as quickly as they could. Once they were far enough away, they stopped to catch their breath, but poor Starlight was still breathing heavily.
"Starlight," said Diamond Tiara, "Starlight, look at me!" The lilac unicorn, still hyperventilating a bit, looked at the filly as her eyes were filling with tears.
"It's okay," said Diamond Tiara reassuringly, "Those ponies overwhelmed you! You didn't do anything wrong!" Diamond Tiara then gave Starlight a gentle hug, "I love you, big sister." Starlight said nothing, quickly wrapped her fore-legs around the filly, and just broke down crying. Trixie just put a supportive fore-leg around her shoulder and held her close until Starlight had run out of tears.
Once Starlight felt like she was stable, they quietly headed back for Ponyville. Starlight was still feeling rather troubled.
"Ugh, I was horrible when I led that town!" Starlight told the two ponies, "I was ready for them not to trust me, but...I wasn't ready for them to put me in charge again! With my past, I should never be in charge of anything!"
"Tell to a filly whose cutie mark means leadership," Diamond Tiara remarked as she looked at her flank, "Ever since I took charge of rebuilding the school playground, I haven't had the courage to take charge in much of anything else. Even Starlight remembered how nervous I was when we did that lemonade stand!"
"So you saying you both share similar regrets because you made some bad choices when you were leaders," Trixie concluded.
"Exactly," said Diamond Tiara and Starlight together sadly, lowering their heads in shame.
"So you both messed up. Big deal," said Trixie before she scooted closer to the two ponies, "Don't you ever tell another pony I said this, but even Trixie's made mistakes." Trixie then giggled.
"Why keep that a secret?" Diamond Tiara asked in a genuine tone, "There's no shame in admitting that. No amount of pride is worth hiding it. Openly admitting you're not perfect is the first step towards changing yourself for the better." Trixie spluttered. She wanted to get defensive, but the filly tone was so sincere she couldn't bring herself to get upset. All she could say was...
"What are you, a fortune cookie?" Trixie snapped.
"No, just a filly who has a teacher that cares about me and teaches me the importance of empathizing with others," Diamond Tiara answered honestly, "I'm not a wise pony by any means. I just take my lessons to heart. That's all."
"And her advice is pretty sound," said Starlight, "I know I've come to terms with not being perfect either." Trixie just spluttered.
"Well...I can give wise advice too!" Trixie retorted, "Just...give me a sec...oh, I know! The trick is to just move on and pretend they never happened."
"I feel like that's almost good advice," said Starlight. Trixie smiled.
"Moving on? Totally," said Diamond Tiara, "but rather than pretend it never happened, I think Trixie means you should put it behind you and not focus on the past anymore. Just keep focused on the now. Easier said than done for ponies like us, but...it is the best solution to this kind of problem."
"That's why I thought of it," said Trixie proudly. Diamond Tiara just rolled her eyes as Starlight chuckled to herself.
It was such a long trip to and from the village that it was late afternoon by the time the three ponies arrived back at Ponyville. Everypony was just doing their own routines when Starlight saw Pinkie bouncing casually in the background.
"Hey, uh, Pinkie Pie!" Starlight called out to the pink pony.
"Hey..." Pinkie froze for a moment before continuing, "you!" Starlight and Diamond Tiara rushed up to her.
"So...you're probably wondering why Di and I are back so soon," said Starlight sheepishly.
"Where were you?" Pinkie asked. Starlight and Di gave Pinkie a funny look.
"I...went to my old village?" Starlight replied slowly, "For the festival?"
"You were there when we said good-bye?" Diamond Tiara added in the same tone.
"Ooh, sounds fun!" Pinkie answered, "How was it?"
"It was kind of a disaster," Starlight replied, "I came back early because I freaked out!"
"It's wasn't her fault," said Diamond Tiara, "The other villagers overwhelmed her."
"Ooh, sounds awful! Bye!" Pinkie said quickly in an over the top tone and bounced away. Starlight and Diamond Tiara were left stunned and puzzled.
"Well that was...insincere," Diamond Tiara remarked.
"Yeah, that was...strange," added Starlight as Trixie walked up to her.
"Isn't she always strange?" said Trixie dismissively as she removed her hat and cloak.
"Random is the correct word, Trixie," Diamond Tiara remarked, "But that wasn't typical Pinkie Pie randomness. This was...shallow..."
"Di's right," said Starlight, "Pinkie can be...strange, but not like that." It was then Starlight saw Applejack and Rarity walking nearby.
"Hey!" Starlight called out as she rushed up to them, "I'm back early."
"Ah. Welcome back?" Rarity said in a rather nervous tone.
"Have you two noticed Pinkie acting a little strange?" Starlight asked them as Trixie and Diamond Tiara caught up with her.
"Pinkie Pie always acts strange," Applejack replied. Rarity nodded in agreement.
"Told you," said Trixie smugly.
"I need to ask Master to give everypony that talk again about being so dismissive about Pinkie's behavior," Diamond Tiara remarked as she face-hooved herself.
"Or maybe you should mind your own business!" Applejack said rudely since she had heard the filly. Diamond Tiara was taken aback by Applejack's tone. Starlight quickly decided to change the subject to keep peace.
"Anyway, I wanted to talk to all of you," said Starlight, "Things didn't go the way I thought they were going to go at the Sunset Festival."
"What happened?" Rarity asked.
"I kind of freaked out and ran out of the village," Starlight admitted shamefully. Then the three ponies were stunned when Applejack and Rarity started laughing.
"You freaked out and ran away from a festival?" said Applejack as she slapped Rarity's side, "Ha! That's the funniest danged thing I've ever heard all day."
"Oh my," said Rarity, "Let me guess. The decorations were terrifying!" They kept laughing, leaving Starlight puzzled. The lilac unicorn looked at Trixie, who just shrugged her shoulder. Diamond Tiara glared at them angrily.
"What is Equestria is wrong with you two?" said Diamond Tiara, "This isn't funny!" Applejack and Rarity ignored her and kept laughing. It was then Fluttershy, Rainbow, and Shenran flew down. Fluttershy then whispered something to Rarity.
"...Applejack for friendship business," was all Diamond Tiara could hear from the yellow Pegasus.
"Hello, ponies," said Rainbow as she landed and rudely shoved Applejack out of the way, "We need Rarity and Applejack. Very important friendship business."
"What kind of friendship business?" Diamond Tiara asked.
"Something on the topic of nunya," Shenran replied before saying rudely, "Nunya business little filly!" Fluttershy and Shenran both laughed. Diamond Tiara hurt.
"Hey! I was being serious!" Diamond Tiara said, feeling hurt, "I'm part of the Council of Friendship after all!"
"Oh, you didn't hear the news, darling?" Rarity said in a very insincere tone.
"The Counsel of Friendship only allows grown up and important ponies on the counsel!" said Rainbow sternly, "not little fillies like you!"
"So go play with your little dollies or something," Applejack remarked in a condescending tone. The five ponies then stomped off. Rainbow then turned around definitely, whipping her tail at both Starlight and Diamond Tiara's faces. Diamond Tiara and Starlight were shocked. Trixie was indignant.
"I have to say," Trixie remarked, "I'm really not as impressed with your friends as the rest of Equestria is."
"I need to talk to Twilight and Mario!" said Starlight.
"Same for me!" said Diamond Tiara angrily, "It's one thing to be mean, but it's another when I'm suddenly not even welcome on the counsel anymore! I'm Mario's student for pony's sake!" The two ponies then rushed to the castle. Starlight was surprised to see that the door was locked.
"Hey, what's gives!" Diamond Tiara remarked as she tried to pull the doors open, but it was no good.
"Twilight? Mario? Hello?" Starlight called out and knocked on the door. It was then a sliding peep hole appeared with a familiar dragon glaring at them.
"When did that get installed?" Diamond Tiara remarked.
"What do you want?" Spike asked rudely, "Twilight and Mario are very busy!"
"Spike, Di and I really need to speak with her, or Mario, or both!" Starlight answered desperately.
"Make an appointment!" said Spike, "They are a princess and prince after all!"
"Well I happen to live here too ya know!" Diamond Tiara shouted and then muttered, "Two to four days a week..."
"Not anymore!" Spike snapped, "Now get lost!" Spike slammed the peep hole shut. Diamond Tiara very her heart break.
"I...I don't live there anymore..." said Diamond Tiara sadly. Starlight then tried knocking again.
"What's wrong with you?" said Starlight, "Why is everypony being mean to Di? What are you being so-" It was then the doors opened and Twilight was there. Spike was shown standing on a chair.
"Rude?" Twilight finished as she gave Spike a glare, "I think a certain dragon didn't get his nap today."
"Yeah, right, whatever," Spike mouthed off as he jumped off the stool and pulled it with him as he walked away. Starlight and Diamond Tiara looked more puzzled than ever.
"Sorry, he's been acting a little off all day," said Twilight bitterly, "I think he missed a meal or something."
"He's not the only one," said Starlight, "Everypony's acting a little strange today and they're being rude to Di."
"Yes, it's definitely been one of those days!" said Twilight dismissively before saying in an overly cheerful tone, "How are you?"
"Not great," said Starlight, taking a step forward and taking a step back, "You're probably wondering why Di and I are back from the village so early."
"I didn't want to bring it up, but yeah, it did seem strange," said Twilight, "Did it not go well?"
"The townsponies kept asking me things," Starlight explained, "like they expected me to be in charge again. But being a leader is the last thing I should ever be. So we left. Very suddenly. In a literal puff of smoke."
"They completely flustered her, Mom," Diamond Tiara added, "Poor Starlight-"
"I believe I was talking to Starlight, not you," Twilight said sternly, "and for the record, I expect you to address me formally as Princess Twilight when I'm with other ponies. Is that understood?" Diamond Tiara was taken aback by Twilight's tone.
"Anyways," Twilight continued as she looked at Starlight, "Wow, you should definitely never go back to that village."
"What?" said Starlight and Diamond Tiara stunned.
"Quiet you!" Twilight yelled at Diamond Tiara and then calmed down instantly while speaking to Starlight, "If you were worried about what they thought of you before, it's probably way worse now. I'd cut my losses."
"That's...surprising advice, coming from you," said Starlight.
"Trust me. I'm the Princess of Friendship," said Twilight, "You don't need those ponies. You can always make more friends." Twilight then gave an over the top smile.
"But, Princess Twilight," Diamond Tiara protested bravely, "What happened to friendships are always worth fighting for?" Twilight walked up to the little filly and leaned her face into her own.
"If I hear one more word out of you," Twilight said slowly before yelling, "You'll be dealt with swiftly and without mercy. DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME!" Diamond Tiara was knocked into her back as she trembled fearfully and fought back tears.
"Twilight, what is wrong with you?" Starlight demanded as she stepped between them, "Di was only asking a honest question! Why are you all being so rude to her?" It was then Mario appeared beside her.
"Because we've both realized that...Di as you call her, it just nothing but a big waste of time," said Mario bluntly as Twilight just smirked, "It was a big mistake ever taking her as my student and I wish she'd just get lost and stay out of our lives!" Diamond Tiara's eyes over-flooded with tears and her lips quivered. Starlight's jaw dropped in utter shock for the countless time that day. It was then Rainbow appeared from a set of double doors and sternly gestured for Twilight and Mario to come.
"Ah! Speaking of friends, if you'll excuse me, important business to attend to!" said Twilight.
"Smell ya later," said Mario in a very smug tone as he and his wife headed into the room. Spike then gave them a "I'm watching you" gesture with his claws before rushing inside as well and slammed the door. This left Starlight and Diamond Tiara alone in the foyer. Starlight's train of thought was interrupted when she heard the sounds of a pony crying. Poor Diamond Tiara had her face buried into her fore-hooves as she lay on the floor, creating a puddle from all the tears pouring from her eyes. Starlight used her magic to scoop up the filly and held her close as Diamond Tiara sobbed heavily.
"What did I do? What did I do? What did I do-oo-oo-oo..." Diamond Tiara croaked between sobs.
"Nothing, little sister," said Starlight gently, "Absolutely nothing. Let's just get you a spare mattress, pillow, and some blankets and you can stay in my room for now until things cool off, okay."
"Okay...you're the only pony who loves me now," Diamond Tiara sobbed. Starlight knew that wasn't entirely true, but knew refuting it wasn't going to help the filly. Starlight then put Diamond Tiara into her back so they could grab those items and head to her bedroom. Little did either of the two ponies know, was that Mario was peeking outside of the door, glaring suspiciously at them.
"There's a lot of love in that filly..." Mario said in a low tone before closing the door.
By nightfall, Diamond Tiara was just sitting quietly on her spare mattress while Starlight was pacing about next to her bed.
"Cut my loses?" Starlight pondered aloud, "That can't be right."
"I know right?" said Diamond Tiara as she let out a yawn, "Twilight's always talked about how important it is to never give up on friendships. To suddenly say you should just give up on them and leave it at that doesn't make any sense. Then they rejected me, which makes no sense...unless it's actually true...that I really am just a waste of time..."
"No, you're not, Di," said Starlight as she used her magic to set the filly's tiara onto a table and tucked her in, "We'll get to the bottom of this in the morning. Just try to get some sleep okay?"
"Okay...good night, Starlight," said Diamond Tiara sadly.
"Sleep tight, Di," said Starlight as she turned off her lantern and went to sleep.
Now entering the dream world.
Starlight soon found herself back at her old village, but this time it was nightfall and the area was surrounded by ominous smoke. Starlight initially thought the village was abandoned, especially when two tumbleweeds rolled across the fore-ground. The doors to the houses then opened up as ponies walked across to the other houses across with stern looking faces.
"Hey, I wanted to apologize for my behavior earlier," said Starlight but found that all the ponies were ignoring her. She then smiled at Party Favor, but he took no notice of her, "Party Favor, can you hear me?" But there was no reply.
"I told you," said a stern voice, "you can never speak to them again!" Starlight flinched. There before her was the Mane eight. They were all looking at her with angry faces.
"What are you all doing here?" Starlight asked.
"Making sure you do what I said!" Twilight yelled as the eight ponies approached the lilac unicorn, "I'm your teacher, aren't I? Didn't I say never to come back here?!"
"Yes, but that just doesn't seem right," Starlight replied, "You aren't acting like yourself! Mario, back me up here! Don't you agree?" Mario glared at her sternly.
"You have failed me for the last time, Starlight," said Mario in a Darth Vader voice tone. Starlight shuddered. Something about that tone gave her goosebumps...and reminded her of those Pony Wars books Mario got her into reading.
"Something is wrong!" Starlight shouted. As well as...somepony else?! An ominous wind blew past, making the other ponies disappear into the wind and leaving Starlight alone. She quickly realized what was happening.
"A dream?" Starlight said in realization, "This is another dream!"
"Starlight Glimmer...!" said a voice in a whisper.
"Princess Luna?" Starlight called out. It was then Luna appeared from the moon, but she was struggling to exit her portal.
"Starlight Glimmer!" Luna called out.
"Princess Luna, where are you?" Starlight said again.
"Starlight Glimmer, there is no time!" Luna pleaded desperate while trying to keep herself from being pulled back from her portal, "You must get help!"
"What? What are you talking about?" Starlight asked confused, "This is just a dream!"
"Not here!" Luna clarified, "In the waking world! They've taken my sister and I! It's worse than the last time! Your dream called to me, and I was able to break through! You must find help!"
"What are you saying?!" Starlight asked, trying to make sense of Luna's warning, "Who's taken you?!"
"Be careful who you trust!" Luna warned, losing her grip on the portal's edge, "You need all the help you can find! Including the filly you call your little sister! The changelings have returned and...GASP!" Before Luna could say anything more, she lost her grip on the portal edge and was sucked back inside of it.
"Princess Luna!" Starlight called out. She tried to pursue the moon princess, but fell into a bottomless pit.
Elsewhere in the dream world...
"AND STAY OUT!"
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
CRASH!
Diamond Tiara suddenly found herself flying out of the castle door and landed straight into a nearby trash can. Diamond spluttered as she shook the grime off her coat and climbed out.
"What happened to you?" said a voice as Diamond Tiara climbed out of the trash can and discarded a lone banana peel that was on her tiara. Diamond Tiara turned around to see that Silver Spoon, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo were standing nearby. They all had stern looking faces.
"Oh thank goodness it's you!" said Diamond Tiara, "Something's gone wrong and..."
"Oh, we know what's wrong here," Silver Spoon interrupted rudely.
"What's wrong here is you," said Apple Bloom sternly. Diamond Tiara was devastated.
"What...?" Diamond Tiara squeaked.
"I can't believe I even wasted my time giving you a second chance," Silver Spoon remarked angrily, "You are never going to change! You'll always be that little spoiled brat just like your mother!"
"Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeah!" said the Cutie Mark Crusaders together.
"We are so tired of you," said Sweetie Belle, "We like Silver Spoon. She's a pony who can change and become a better pony!"
"We don't like you," Scootaloo added bitterly, "You'll never change. You're just a waste of our time!" Diamond Tiara felt her throat dry up as the four fillies walked off from her with their noses in the air. Diamond Tiara began to cry.
"No, please don't leave me!" Diamond Tiara begged, "I'm not the same filly I was before! I've changed! I've changed!"
"Of course you've changed my faithful student!" said a voice. Diamond Tiara froze as the four fillies in front of her faded into the wind and the landscape changed from day to night. Diamond Tiara blinked before she slumped over with relief.
"Oh thank Celestia, this is a dream!" Diamond Tiara remarked.
"Indeed," said the voice again, "I can assure that what you've been through today was all a huge lie."
"Master?!" Diamond Tiara remarked as she saw a familiar alicorn prince make himself know, but immediately the filly saw that something wasn't right. Mario, unlike other encounters was transparent in a shade of aqua-green.
"Master?" said Diamond Tiara with concern, "What...what happened to you?" The image frizzled a bit, making Mario wince painfully before he did his best to recompose himself.
"I can't talk for long," said Mario in a strained tone, "But rest assured that the ponies you find at the castle are not who you think they are."
"I knew something was off about everypony," said Diamond Tiara, "and that you and Twilight would never abandon me! What's wrong?"
"Di...ugh..." Mario groaned as his image frizzled even more, "Di...the...the changelings have... in-in-invaded...Equestria!"
"WHAT?!" Diamond Tiara shrieked.
"They've captured Mom, Luna, my wife, the other girls, Spike, and...me!" Mario said, his voice strained every time his image frizzled, "I tried...my best...but my...effort to rescue everypony...has failed! You and Starlight..must work...together to find help...and stop Queen Chrysalis from...t-t-t-t-taking over...Equestria!" Diamond Tiara shuddered.
"Master..." said Diamond Tiara in a frightened tone, "How can I save Equestria? I'm...I'm just a filly..."
"No, sweetheart," Mario continued, his body cringing more as the frizzling got worse, "You have...more...strength than you realize. Find help...and s-stop Chrysalis! This is...our most...desperate hour! Help me...Diamond...Tiara...y-y-you're my...on...ly...hope..." Before Mario could say anything further, he disappeared.
"Master?" Diamond Tiara called out, but there was no reply, "Master! Master!" With that, Diamond Tiara tumbled into her own bottomless pit.
Back in reality, the screen split in half as the two ponies both shot up out of bed, sweating and panicking.
"They're back!" Starlight and Diamond Tiara said together and then got into each other's faces, "They're back!"
It wasn't long before Starlight and Diamond Tiara had managed to sneak out to the castle balcony. Starlight used her floating magic to get herself and Diamond Tiara into a nearby bush. Starlight peeked out of it was quietly and quickly as she could. She then noticed that Trixie had parked her wagon nearby.
"Are we clear?" Diamond Tiara whispered.
"I think so," Starlight replied quietly, "Come on!" The two ponies quietly approached Trixie's wagon. Starlight then gave the door a light knock.
"Trixie?" Starlight called out in a soft tone, "Trixie, it's Starlight and Di! Are you awake?"
"Of course, Princess Celestia," Trixie replied in a muffled and bleary tone, "...I'd love to perform for peanut butter crackers."
"Oy ye..." Diamond Tiara remarked quietly with an eye roll. Starlight knocked on the door a little louder.
"Trixie, wake up!" Starlight called out more firmly. It was then the wagon bounced about and several fireworks went off, startling both Starlight and Diamond Tiara. Then some smoke can out of the window as Trixie opened it and stuck her head out, coughing from all the smoke. She was also wearing a starry nightcap on her head.
"Starlight?" Trixie replied in a tired tone, "What time is it?"
"It's late," Starlight replied, "But Di and I think we figured out what's wrong with our friends?" Trixie yawned.
"I have a whole list of things that are wrong with your friends," said Trixie, "except for Mario cause he's a sweetie, but we can go over it in the morning. Trixie closed her window and headed back to sleep.
"Will you get serious, Trixie!" Diamond Tiara snapped.
"Di's right, Trixie," said Starlight as she used her magic to pull the cerulean unicorn out of the wagon, "we're in danger!"
"Okay, fine!" Trixie replied hastily with a sigh, "Aside from a lack of sleep, how are we in danger?"
"I think the-" Starlight began but then stopped as Diamond Tiara whispered something to her. Starlight and Diamond Tiara then gave Trixie some fierce glares.
"What did you tell us never to tell another pony?" Starlight asked slowly as Diamond Tiara kept glaring.
"Starlight, Di, if you woke up me up to play guessing games-" Trixie tried to protest.
"Quit stalling and answer the question," Diamond Tiara demanded, "Now!"
"After we left my village," Starlight continued as she grabbed hold of Trixie's shoulders, "what did you tell me to never tell another pony?" Trixie sighed.
"That even Trixie's made mistakes," the cerulean unicorn replied through very gritted teeth.
"We can't hear you," said Diamond Tiara in a low tone.
"Trixie, there's no time for this!" said Starlight, "What did you say?"
"That's even Trixie's made mistakes!" Trixie blurted out, "Are you both happy?!" Starlight and Diamond Tiara both sighed with relief.
"Yes, we are," Starlight replied, "Sorry, I just had to make sure you weren't..." Starlight then added in a hushed tone, "...one of them!"
"One of who?" Trixie asked in the same tone.
"A changeling!" Starlight replied, "Di and I think they've taken Princess Celestia and Princess Luna!"
"What?!" Trixie exclaimed as she bounced nervously in her hooves, "Are you sure?! I mean, who do we-? We have to tell Twilight and Mario!"
"It's too late," said Diamond Tiara sternly.
"WHAT?!" Trixie exclaimed in horror.
"If Di and I are right," said Starlight worriedly, "then it's too late for that."
A few minutes later, Starlight quietly opened the front door, looked around, and gestured for both Trixie and Diamond Tiara to follow her. The two ponies nervously followed behind Starlight. It was then they saw a small amount of light peeking from a pair of double doors. They quietly peeked inside of the room while trying to avoid being seen.
Inside was the throne room, the Mane eight and Spike were just chattering about with rather stern and irritable looking faces. Applejack had just eaten a banana and tossed the peel right behind her. Mario and Shenran were growling at each other, looking for a fight. Shenran then went to take a step forward when he stepped on Applejack's banana peel and fell onto his face. Mario laughed at Shenran's expense. Shenran growled at him before he tackled Mario and the two fought inside of a dust cloud. Meanwhile, Spike was drawing a mocking picture of Fluttershy on her throne. Fluttershy glared at him and then slugged him back so he bumped into Pinkie's throne. Spike yelped at being knocked back. Then Pinkie grabbed his head and made him smack the cutie map table face first. Spike groaned as he slumped to the floor. Rarity laughed at him maliciously. Starlight and Twilight were shocked. Diamond Tiara looked away and appeared to be very uncomfortable.
"To think I used to love being that mean to other ponies," said Diamond Tiara in a hushed tone, "now seeing that kind of behavior only makes my tummy ache..." Diamond Tiara groaned. Starlight hugged her close for comfort. Inside the room, Pinkie gave Spike a raspberry as he glared at her. It was then that Twilight arrived with Mario at her side.
"It is ready?" Twilight asked.
"Just one more," said Applejack.
"Well set up it already!" Mario barked. Applejack just glared as she set what appeared to be some sort of black seed on the table. The one seed then glowed as it shot a green beam of magic to each other seed, making it open up and glow. The four seeds then grow some ominous looking vines that joined together in the center, creating what looking like a video screen. There on the screen was the changeling queen herself!
"Queen Chrysalis!" Starlight exclaimed. The so called Mane eight bowed before her, but all the changeling queen could do was roll her eyes.
"Ugh, I can't take any of you seriously when you look like that," Chrysalis remarked.
"Oh, right," said what was now fake Twilight. The nine changelings returned to their true forms.
"Much better," said Chrysalis, "Now report!"
"Everything here is going according to plan!" said the changeling that was supposedly Twilight, "We've replaced the eight ponies and their dragon and have taken control of the castle. The other changelings cheered, except for one. And that was the one who was impersonating Mario.
"Excellent," said Chrysalis, "And I've just received word that the princesses from Canterlot have successfully been replaced as well." Starlight, Diamond Tiara, and Trixie pulled away from the door a bit and winced.
"We thought too small last time," Chrysalis continued, "One ponynapped princess wasn't enough. With all the most beloved ponies of Equestria taken care of, nopony can stop us!" Chrysalis than laughed evilly. The other changelings laughed as well, except for one. Chrysalis took notice.
"Is there a problem?" she asked that one non-laughing changeling rather irritably.
"Well, your majesty," said changeling impersonating Mario, "I've detected a large source of love from a small filly and..."
"Excuse me?!" Chrysalis retorted angrily, "You're spoiling my moment of glory because you're worried about a little, insignificant filly?!"
"Well..." the changeling impersonating Mario stuttered.
"I'm entrusting Ponyville in your care," said Chrysalis sternly, "and you're telling me you can't handle a small filly!"
"Uhh...n-n-no, your...your majesty, it's just..." the changeling impersonating Mario stuttered.
"Silence!" Chrysalis stuttered definitively, "That will be the end of the matter." And with that, the video communication ended and the four seeds closed back him. The changeling impersonating Mario just had a bitter look on it's face.
"Ha-ha!" said the changeling personating Pinkie, "You got in trouble! You got in trouble!"
"That's enough!" said the changeling impersonating Mario fiercely, "The whole reason Queen's Chrysalis's plan failed the last time was because she underestimated any potential threats. That filly has a very high concentration of love magic inside of her and it rivals that of Prince Mario. I'm surprised none of you sensed all that love!" The other changelings were silent. Diamond Tiara's eyes shrunk as she felt her heart skip a beat.
"No matter," said the changeling impersonating Twilight, "We'll take care of this so called filly and Queen Chrysalis won't have anything to worry about."
"Bring the filly to me," said the changeling impersonating Mario before adding deviously, "I'll take care of her myself." The changeling then laughed in a low sinister tone. Diamond Tiara sucked in both her lips as a long high pitched squeal came from inside her mouth. Her body was shaking heavily from fear. Starlight and Trixie both knew they need to leave and fast, especially for Diamond Tiara's sake. Starlight went to close the door when...
CREAK!
"HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!" the nine changeling hissed loudly before they went back to their disguises. They quickly burst open the doors to the main foyer.
"Spread out and search the area," the fake Mario commanded, "Whoever was spying us couldn't have gotten far! Then once that is taken care of, I want you all to tear this castle apart until you find that filly! And bright her to me! I want her alive!" The fake Mane eight and Spike quickly split up to search. Only the fake Twilight and fake Mario stayed behind. Fake Twilight began to sniff about since changelings could sense love magic with their sense of smell. As for where the three ponies were hiding, Starlight had quickly used a vanishing spell to make herself, Diamond Tiara, and Trixie invisible. Only you the reader, could see a faint glow where they were hiding in the foyer, trembling fearfully with large eyes. Fortunately, fake Twilight and fake Mario didn't see them. Then the three ponies felt their hearts drop to their stomach as fake Twilight and fake Mario stood right in front of them, leaned in, and they both took a sniff.
I'm dead, I'm dead, I'm dead, I'm dead, I'm dead, I'm gonna die! This is it for me! Diamond Tiara squealed with her mind as the two changelings sniffed them. However, Starlight's invisible spell also protected them from being detected because the changelings sensed nothing and walked off. Starlight waited until they were out of sight before making herself, Diamond Tiara, and Trixie visible. Trixie and Diamond Tiara gasped loudly since they had been holding their breath the entire time. Starlight quickly teleported them out of the castle and back to Trixie's wagon before they could be heard.
Once they were outside, poor Trixie and Diamond Tiara were still hyperventilating.
"I can't deal with this!" Trixie said frantically, "I'm just a performer! This is...This is princess-level stuff! But the changelings have all the princess, and prince Mario...!"
"I know right?" Diamond Tiara said fearfully, "How do you think I feel?! Master thinks I can be a hero? But I can't! I don't know anything about how to do the thing he and the others do! And now I'm wanted by the changeling for having love magic that is just as strong as Mario's?! When did THAT happen?! I can't do this...I can't do this...I can't do this...!"
"We're doomed!" Trixie exclaimed as the two ponies ducked and covered their faces with their flanks in the air, trembling fearfully. Starlight winced from all their panicking, but managed to recompose herself.
"Maybe not," said Starlight, "Uh, Queen Chrysalis only said they took Luna and Celestia and obviously, Twilight, Mario, and the others...but maybe Cadance is still safe. Our best bet is to get to the Crystal Empire before the changelings do. That way we can-"
"There's no help coming from the Crystal Empire," said a familiar voice. The three ponies turned to see some bushes rustling. It was then a familiar changeling appeared.
"EEEEEEEEEEEK! EEEEEEEEEEEEEK! EEEEEE-"
Trixie instantly started shrieking uncontrollably. Starlight quickly put her in a bubble of silence as the cerulean unicorn continued to shriek. Starlight and Diamond Tiara recognized the changeling.
"Thorax?" Starlight and Diamond Tiara said together.
"Your wings look...different," Starlight pointed out.
"So...glittery," Diamond Tiara added.
"I guess they do," said Thorax modestly as he opened his wings. Starlight and Diamond Tiara smiled but then put on stern looks at the former made her horn glow brightly.
"How do we know you aren't some other changeling pretending to be Thorax?" Starlight demanded.
"Yeah," Diamond Tiara said in agreement.
"You were there when Spike and Di defended me to the ponies of the Crystal Empire," said Thorax, "Princess Twilight said-" Thorax quickly changed into Twilight and impersonated her, "As the Princess of Friendship, I should set an example for all of Equestria. But it was Spike and Diamond Tiara who taught me-"
"Okay, okay, we believe you," said Starlight quickly, "We don't need the whole speech." Thorax then returned to his original form.
"Yeah, that speech doesn't have as much value if you hear it more than once," Diamond Tiara remarked before rushing into Thorax's fore-legs, "I really missed you. And the wings make you look very handsome." Thorax chuckled sheepishly and blushed, even Starlight gave a light giggle. Then Starlight noticed that Trixie was still cowered against the wall of her bubble.
"Trixie, this is, Thorax," Starlight explained, "He's a reformed changeling. He's on our side. Understand?"
"Plus he's very sweet and well-mannered too," said Diamond Tiara. Trixie was still very tense, but nodded that she understood. Starlight then popped the bubble, making Trixie land on her flank and rub her head since it bumped the wall of her wagon.
"Hi," said Thorax as he extended a fore-hoof to shake, "It's a pleasure to..."
"If Starlight says you're on our side. I believe her," said Trixie nervously, "But maybe just stay over there for now, okay?" Trixie bit her lower lip nervously. Thorax looked a little hurt, but did as he was told.
"Don't worry, Thorax," said Diamond Tiara, "Trixie will warm up to you in time."
"What did you mean there's no help?" Starlight asked the reformed changeling, "Did the changelings get Princess Cadance too?"
"They took Cadance, Shining, and Flurry Heart!" Thorax explained.
"Not little Flurry!?" Diamond Tiara gasped in devastation.
"Sunburst sent me here to get Princess Twilight and Mario's help, but...but it sounds like it's too late for that, too! So...what should we do?" Suddenly, there was what felt like to be an earthquake as the ground rumbled around them. Everypony was knocked off their hooves and Trixie shrieked once again. It was then what appeared to be a yellow spinning object surface from under the ground. The yellow spinning then faded to reveal...a very battered Shenran! Shenran was left in the air a bit before he plopped to the ground with a loud thud.
"Ugh...my stomach..." Shenran groaned as he tried to make the world stop spinning.
"Shenran!" Starlight, Thorax, and Starlight exclaimed before they surrounded him with glares. Shenran had just recovered with he saw the glares being directed at him.
"My favorite color in pastel pink, especially because my cutie wife has a pink mane and tail," Shenran said bluntly, "and I even wear an apron the same color pink when I do cooking and housework." The other ponies stared as Trixie gave a loud snicker.
"He's the real Shenran," said Starlight and Diamond Tiara in a blunt tone. Shenran just shakily stood up and groaned.
"Are you alright, Shenran?" Thorax asked worriedly.
"You look as bad as Mario did after that whole time trial incident," Diamond Tiara remarked.
"Gee, thanks for being that up!" said Starlight bitterly.
"Sorry! That was the only example I could think of!" Diamond Tiara said in her defense.
"Is Mario with you?" Trixie asked with concern. Shenran gave a long sigh.
"No..." Shenran replied slowly as he turned to face them, "He certainly tried through."
"What happened?" Starlight asked.
"Well, all I know is that we were all ambushed one by one," said Shenran, "when we arrived at the changeling kingdom, Mario and I saw an opportunity to break away and escape so we could find help. But...ugh..." Shenran shuttered, "...those changelings were ruthless. It seemed like whenever we knocked out one, three more were there to take their place. We knew we couldn't fight them forever. Mario pulled his this drill power up and told me to use it. I said I wasn't going to leave him behind, but Mario knew that only one of us could use the power-up and he forced me to take. My guess it Mario fought until he couldn't fight anymore so I could escape. Either way, with his help, I fought my way out, but now I'm doing to need your help to get back in so we can save our friends!" Ironically, Shenran was looking directly at Starlight when he said that.
"Me?!" said Starlight in shock.
"So...what should we do?" Thorax asked the lilac unicorn.
"Yeah, Starlight," Trixie added frantically, "What are we gonna do?" Diamond Tiara just looked worried and said nothing.
"I...I don't know!" Starlight answered as she walked away from them a bit, "There has to be somepony else who can handle this?" She then looked at Diamond Tiara.
"Don't look at me!" Diamond Tiara exclaimed.
"But you're the one with the cutie mark in leadership," Trixie pointed out.
"Just because I have a talent in leadership doesn't mean I want to be a leader," said Diamond Tiara, "Like Starlight said, ponies like us don't belong in leadership roles!" Shenran just groaned and face-palmed himself.
"Look everypony!" said Shenran, "We can discuss who will take charge later, but for now, it's not safe for us to be so close to the castle! Now come on!" The three ponies and changeling looked stunned.
"Where are we going Shenran?" Thorax asked. Shenran stopped moving and looked back.
"Let's just say I have a few..."power-ups"...of my own that will prove useful to us," said Shenran with a smirk. The rest of the group shared puzzled looks with each other and then slowly followed him. It wasn't long before they were at the location of the Tree of Harmony. To the left of the main cave was a smaller cavern blocked by a pair of steel doors. The other ponies were surprised to find that this small cavern even existed.
"Where did this cavern come from?" Starlight asked in surprise.
"Maud helped me carve it out so I had to place to make my stuff in secret," said Shenran, "Now I just need to say the password to open the doors."
"Is it: Fluttershy is super cute?" Trixie teased.
"No, it's "open sesame"," said Shenran sarcastically, "Get real, Trixie. I need something nopony is going to guess!" Shenran then walked up, pressed a button and spoke the password into a mic.
"Watakusi ha watakushi no ie zoku wo ho mori shi masu," Shenran said into the mic. This cause the steel doors to open up. Trixie, Starlight, and Thorax were stunned. Diamond Tiara smiled.
"What kind of password is that?!" Trixie remarked.
"It's "I protect my family" in imperial unicorn Ponish," Diamond Tiara replied, "Shenran's native language from his mother's side of the family." Trixie was surprised.
"I didn't know Shenran's mom was a member of the imperial families," said Trixie, "Does this mean his mother was a unicorn?"
"Hai," said Diamond Tiara, "which is imperial Ponish for "yes"."
"Amazing," said Thorax as they headed into the cavern, "I didn't know you spoke imperial Ponish, Di!"
"I only know a little bit, but arigato," said Diamond Tiara, "that means "thank you"." Starlight and Trixie just smiled as they entered inside of the cave. Inside looked to be something similar to a blacksmith's shop. There was a furnace in one location and some steel tables for crafting and molding. But there was also various books on some shelves and some bottles that one could presume were some potions of some sort, but neither pony bothered to ask. Shenran then went over toward a nearby golden treasure chest and put both his fore-hooves on it. Shenran took a long deep breath.
"A few month ago," Shenran told the group as they stood a short distance away, "I found an archived message from my father. He warned me about Queen Chrysalis possibly attempting an invasion. I thought I was ready, but the changeling ambushed me and you know the rest. Thanks to Mario, I'm able retrieve the very weapon we need in stopping this invasion." Shenran then opened the golden chest.
(Cue Legend of Zelda "Got Item" fanfare)
Inside of the chest was a light blue orb, Shenran then held the orb with both his fore-hooves. the orb glowed brightly for a moment. Then the orb gave off a brilliant flash of light. The others had to turn away from the intensity of the light. When it had faded, they saw that Shenran's body was glowing a bit.
"Shenran, what happened?" Starlight asked in surprise.
"You're glowing!" Trixie added. Shenran just turned around on his hind legs and smiled.
"For years now, I've been known as Shenran, second Captain of the Royal Guard," the Pegasus stallion explained, "And recently, I've been dubbed a master of the dual dao swords. But the time has come to me to reveal my true identity..." Shenran held out his fore-leg as a giant golden key about as big as his body with a butterfly handle appeared before them, "I'm Shenran, the last keyblade warrior." Starlight, Trixie, Diamond Tiara, and Thorax were in shock. But Thorax was the first to recover.
"EEEEK!" Thorax shrieked as he over to the nearby bookshelf and leaned against it in pure panic.
"Thorax what's wrong?" Diamond Tiara asked with concern.
"Do you ponies realize what Shenran is holding?!" Thorax said in a panic, "He's hold a keyblade! That thing was known for wiping out any changeling that stepped anywhere close to it!"
"Thorax, it's okay," said Shenran as he held out the keyblade to Thorax was just inches from it, "See?" Thorax quivered fearfully until he noticed that Shenran's keyblade was glowing pink and not harming him at all.
"Whoa!" said Thorax, "I feel...relaxed now, instead of feeling frightened. Why...why isn't it trying to destroy me?"
"Because the keyblade can sense a pure heart," said Shenran, "Which means this keyblade will protect you instead of destroying you, Thorax."
"How is that possible?" Starlight asked curiously.
"The keyblade is more than just a specially shaped sword," said Shenran, "It allows the user to have access to different kinds of magic, especially love magic. Pure love magic to be precise. Only a pony with a pure heart can be chosen to wield the blade, but it's been more than a thousand years since a pony has been called to become a keyblade warrior. My father's family line are the descendants of the original surviving keyblade warrior from the first changeling wars.
"Wow," said Diamond Tiara impressively, "and now we've got that magic on our side."
"And so you do," said Shenran. Diamond Tiara blinked in surprise.
"M-m-me?!" said Diamond Tiara. Shenran chuckled as he headed over to a low height shelf.
"Mario wanted you to have this when you were ready," Shenran explained as he picked up something with his right wing, "and it looks like there's no time like the present." Shenran then had the filly hold out a fore-hoof and deposited a clear heart shaped stone with a faint rainbow glow in the center. Diamond Tiara held the stone curiously.
"What it is?" said Diamond Tiara, "I've never seen a stone like this before." Starlight, Trixie, and Thorax eyeballed the stone as well.
"This stone I crafted for you is known as a love stone," Shenran explained, "Mario told me that you've gotten really strong in your Ponymon training. And I know that now all battles will be easy, especially if your fighting at a disadvantage. If you activate the love stone, you will be able to power up during battle, giving you the edge you need to secure victory or turn the table on what was a difficult battle. But use its magic wisely, the love stone only takes effect for a short time and then it takes a long time for the magic to recharge." Diamond Tiara listened attentively and smiled.
"I will, Shenran," said Diamond Tiara, "and thank you." Diamond Tiara then tucked the love stone underneath the heart gem she used to summon herself into battle.
"Another thing," said Shenran, "Only your trainer can activate the love stone when you are doing your Ponymon battles. So make sure you and your trainer have a strong bond with each other so you'll know when to use it. Plus the stronger the bond between you and your trainer, the more powerful the magic will be." Diamond Tiara gave a determined nod.
"Okay, then...what about us?" Trixie asked. Shenran just sighed and rolled his eyes.
"Well...I might have a few specialized smoke bombs over on that shelf..." Shenran suggested in a blunt tone.
"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" Trixie said quickly as she rushed over the shelf. Shenran gave Starlight an annoyed look as the lilac unicorn just smiled sheepishly. Thorax just looked at the facial exchange blankly and said nothing. Soon the group had their new power ups, Starlight had even found that Shenran kept a stash of the same power-ups that Mario used while on certain adventures and put them into a spare saddle bag.
"Okay then," said Starlight, "We're all geared up so what next?" Starlight soon found that everypony was staring at her again as they arrived at Trixie's wagon, which was parked just outside the dark woods.
"Why me?" Starlight asked annoyingly.
"Why not you?" Trixie replied, "There is nopony else! Diamond Tiara's too young..."
"Hey!" Diamond Tiara protested but wasn't heard.
"...and everypony else with powerful magic is already gone!" Trixie replied. It was then a familiar draconequus appeared reclining on top of Trixie's wagon.
"You know whenever ponies talk about powerful magic," Discord remarked, "they always leave me out. If I weren't so evolved, I might decide to take it personally."
"Uhh, you do realize we said everypony with powerful magic is gone!" said Diamond Tiara, "Not every draconequus." Discord blinked.
"Well, like I said. If I wasn't so evolved, I might decide to take it personally," Discord replied as he looked at the group, "Well, isn't this quite the combination of secondary characters? Where are Twilight, Mario, and the girls?"
"First," said Starlight defensively, "how do we know that you're really you?" Discord glared and then snapped his fingers. Some nearby flowers jumped out of the ground and started dancing. Then a tree turned into a cuckoo clock, but the cuckoo bird was just a gloved hand holding a frightened squirrel. Then the ground the group was standing on turned into soapy water, making them all but Thorax lose their footing and landed on their stomachs. The rest of the world looked completely chaotic and Discord had even tuned Trixie's wagon into a pumpkin.
"Shall I continue?" Discord asked.
"I think you've done enough," said Shenran as he and the other ponies that had fallen down stood back up.
"Chrysalis and the changelings are back," Starlight explained, "They've ponynapped all of the most powerful ponies in Equestria! Celestia, Luna, Cadance, Shining Armor, Flurry Heart, Twilight, Mario, and their friends." Discord was looking rather bored as Starlight spoke, but something snapped when he heard that Twilight and Mario's friends had been taken, "We need to-"
"They took Fluttershy?" Discord said in a low whisper.
"Yes!" Starlight replied.
"No duh!" said Shenran, "Why else do you think I have this?!" Shenran then showed the draconequus his keyblade. But Discord was feeling too livid to notice.
"Where?" Discord demanded menacingly, his eyes glowing with fury.
"The changeling kingdom," Starlight answered, "Shenran managed to escape from there to help us and with you on our side, I can-"
Before Starlight could finish, Discord snapped his fingers. Everypony was then teleported to another location. When they appeared, everypony was carrying lots of camping gear on their backs. Even Trixie was wearing her magicians hat and cloak.
"Odd," said Discord as he looked around the area, "I was trying to take us right to Fluttershy, but there is no Fluttershy." Discord lifted a giant rock, made his eye extended to the ground like a pair of snakes, and then dropped the rock down with a loud thud.
"Darn," said Shenran in disappoint, "I was really hoping you would take us directly to Fluttershy and Queen Chrysalis so we could end this quickly. Thanks for getting my hopes up Discord!"
"Hey, is it my fault that my magic chose today to be off target?" Discord retorted in his defense as Shenran simply rolled his eyes. Trixie just glared at the two boys before she turned around and whimpered at what she saw.
"I think I have a pretty good idea where Fluttershy might be..." Trixie then pointed a fore-hoof. There in the distant wasteland was the menacingly looking tower of the changeling kingdom. Diamond Tiara's eyes widened as she looked at the tower and then at Shenran.
"You escaped out of that thing!?" Diamond Tiara remarked, "you're tougher than I thought!"
"Thanks...I think," Shenran replied, feeling uncertain if that was a complement or a sarcastic quip.
"I had hoped never to see that place again," Thorax added, "Now what?" Once again, all the eyes were in Starlight, even Diamond Tiara looked at her with a frightened look on her face.
"You've got a plan to get us in there and save our friends," Diamond Tiara asked, "Right? Big sister?"
Starlight was too afraid to answer.
To be continued...
And that is part one! The Team is assembled and geared up for infiltrating the Changeling's main base!
I hope I didn't make Diamond Tiara sound too mature in this chapter. I just wanted to show that she's taking her friendship lessons with Mario to heart.
And I admit it. I kinda made Mario do a Princess Leia from Star Wars with his plea for help, but I had to do it!
Kudos if you caught the Lilo & Stitch parody in Diamond Tiara's dream as well.
The yellow glow was the Yellow Wisp power up from Modern Sonic games.
The imperial ponish langage Shenran speaks for his password is simply our world's Japanese language. I did my best to translate and spell the words as accurately as I could.
Plus if you hadn't guessed, the love stone Shenran gave to Diamond Tiara is basically a parody of a key stone, or evolution stone. Fans who have played Pokémon know what those stones can do!
Next time: Team Starlight ventures into the Changeling Kingdom where the epic battle between Chrysalis and Shenran the keyblade warrior will commence! And did I mention Diamond Tiara will be facing her one on one (sort of) as well?
Peace Pony Fans!