Note: I would like to point out that I actually wrote this thing this Monday, so it was right after "Twilight's Kingdom," was released. Gosh... that two-part episode WAS SO AWESOME. Considering it was awesome, I decided to ensure that I referenced it. Anyway, enjoy my latest masterpiece!

Dimension: My Little Pony

Planet: Equestria Eath

Specific Location: Fluttershy and Sunset's house

Time: Twelve days after the Paradox took control of Equestria

"Um… Is this a bad time?" asked Twilight again, after her first question had only been met with stares.

"Welllll… yeah, this is a bad time," said Flaming Star, pulling a face.

"Er, on a scale from 1 to 10, how bad?" persisted Twilight, still completely confused.

"Let's just say his is as bad as the time when I accidentally blew up your Friendship Empire Castle thingy," said Flaming Star.

"Wait… YOU blew up my castle?" exclaimed Twilight.

"What? Yeah! I did! I thought you knew!" replied Flaming Star loudly.

"YOU WERE THE ONE WHO BLEW UP MY CASTLE?!"

"I THOUGHT I TOLD YOU THAT ALREADY!"

Suddenly an extremely loud bang resounded through the air, and everpony stopped arguing. Sunset lowered a hoof, which was still smoking from the sound/energy discharge.

"Now," he said quietly, "If you two want to go outside and scream it out like a loving couple, than that is fine by me, but right now we need to get things sorted out. Fluttershy, take Desmond up to the spare bedroom. I will go up there myself later. We need to keep him calm; I can tell he is thirsting for blood."

Fluttershy nodded, and she began to take Desmond up the stairs with the assistance of Princess Luna. Flaming Star nodded in acknowledgment to Sunset's plan, though he was eying Twilight with a disgruntled air, and she was doing the same to him. Flaming Star then noticed Caustic Rain, who was looking at him pleadingly.

Then Flaming Star remembered: he had woken up with an urge to meet Caustic Rain. Suddenly, he felt an urge to use his Stare-of-the-Souls on him as well. The urge was foreign, obviously caused by an alien power, but it was strong nonetheless. Without being able to stop himself, he suddenly read Caustic's mind as his special power triggered. It was all there: Imagination Energy, the use, its abilities, the interdimensional ships, and Desmond Butler.

Flaming Star staggered back as the information forced itself into his mind. He tripped and fell down hard. Though she was annoyed at Flaming Star, Twilight was immediately by his side.

"Flaming Star, are you okay?" she asked worriedly.

Flaming Star nodded his head, breathing hard. "Yeah… yeah… I'm fine… It's just that… I'm fine…"

Caustic Rain nodded his head. His mission was complete. The message had been passed along, and it appeared that no hostile had detected anything.

"That was all I really came here for, if you know what I mean," murmured Caustic Rain in a low voice, "Angels are on the move."

Flaming Star made eye contact with Caustic Rain and nodded. Caustic Rain then called up to Luna, "Luna! I got what I came for! We should be going now!"

Luna poked her head down the staircase, bewilderment plastered on her face. "What? Already?"

Caustic Rain nodded. "I delivered a message… But… if you want to stay a little longer, that would be okay," he mumbled. Luna still looked very confused, but then she realized that Caustic Rain felt exposed when he left Canterlot.

"I understand," she said kindly, "We can leave as soon as I ensure that all here is settled down."

"Oh, don't worry about us, Princess Luna," said Twilight, trying to sound cheerful, "We've got this all under control."

"You said that when Tirek showed up for the second time," chuckled Flaming Star, "That didn't turn out too well. Second time I almost had to go nova." Twilight gave him a quick glare.

Luna trotted down to join the group at the bottom of the stairs, while Sunset passed her to join Fluttershy on the second story where she was attending to Desmond.

"Shall we be going?" asked Luna, cocking her head to one side and staring curiously at Caustic Rain.

He blushed and then mumbled something unintelligible. Luna spread a wing over his back and guided him out. "We will be taking our leave," she said regally, "I wish you all a good day."

"Um… Goodbye!" said Twilight as the door slammed shut.

There was a pause. Then…

"Soooooo… you were the one who blew up my castle. How did you do that?" said Twilight, giving Flaming Star a side-long glance.

Flaming Star facehoofed. "It was a mistake, okay? How was I supposed to know that parasprites were immune to explosive energy? I mean, what creature even has that ability? Seriously!"

There was another pause. Then both Twilight and Flaming Star burst out laughing.

"Is there something going on down there that I would regret missing?" called Sunset from a room upstairs.

"Oh no," gasped Twilight as she wiped a tear from her eye, "We're fine. Just a little bit of silliness."

Suddenly a firm rap sounded against the front door. Blinking in surprise, Twilight answered the door. It was a royal guard from Canterlot. He was with a convoy of some more guards and a couple of Phasetroopers.

"Princess Twilight, we were told you would be here," he said stoutly. Princess Twilight nodded her head. "Er, yes. What is it?"

"We found two important ponies who have been quite insistent on seeing you. They were found parachuting from a stolen Stallion Empire jetfighter."

The guard then bowed his own head in return and stepped aside. Behind him was Rainbow Dash and Trixie.

"Uh… hey Twilight! What's up?" said Rainbow Dash with a sheepish grin.

Twilight rushed forward and hugged Rainbow Dash tightly. "Oh Rainbow Dash!" she exclaimed, tears squeezing out from the corner of her eyes, "I was so worried about you!"

Glancing nervously at the guards standing around her, Rainbow Dash quickly extricated herself from Twilight's hoofs and motioned towards Trixie, "I found Trixie for you."

Trixie grinned a little foolishly and said, "Uh… Hello! Trixie the Great and Powerful gives you greetings."

Twilight smiled at her, and then nodded to the guards. The guards backed up, and then trotted away. However, the Phasetroopers just stood there, staring at them. After a minute, they finally turned around slowly and walked away. Twilight let out a huge sigh of relief, then turned her head to look at Rainbow Dash and Trixie.

"Trixie," she said, "I am sure Rainbow Dash has filled you in on what is happening?"

Trixie glanced around, and then nodded her head quickly.

"Good," said Twilight, "We will begin tomorrow. Rainbow Dash? Gather all my friends, we are going to have another Pinkie Pie Party. Wolf Charades."

Rainbow Dash winked and blasted off into the air. Twilight then motioned for Trixie to come inside of Sunset's house. Looking around nervously, Trixie quickly followed Twilight into the house.

"Who was it?" asked Flaming Star. Then he saw Trixie. He grinned, "Oh my God! It's Trixie! How are you?"

"I-I-I am fine, thank you," stuttered Trixie. Last time they had met was during a battle with Queen Chrysalis, and she had been exposed to Flaming Star's full power. Thus, she was a little scared of him.

Flaming Star winked, and then looked at Twilight, "You going to have another Pinkie Pie Party, then?"

Twilight nodded. "You bet! Come, Trixie, I will take you to my library."

Trixie blinked. "Library? Did you not get a castle some time ago?"

"It's under construction still," said Twilight almost apologetically, "SOMEPONY blew it sky high. Fortunately I was able to stay at the new library, so it is like old times."

Flaming Star just grinned and chuckled. Twilight then motioned for Trixie to follow her, and the two mares left the house. Flaming Star stood there, staring at the closed door for a moment. Then he called up to Sunset and Fluttershy, "I think I will go home now! You two enjoy yourselves!"

"Yeah… sure…" Sunset's voice echoed back.

Upstairs, Sunset looked at Desmond with a worried eye. When Desmond awoke, Sunset had no idea how he would react. The colt was so blinded by rage that it was obvious he would do anything to take a crack at Pictor, which would obviously end in a sudden and painful death. They all knew this, but Desmond wanted revenge so bad that he simply ignored the obvious. Sunset's ears pricked up as someone rapped at the door downstairs.

"Oh my," murmured Fluttershy, "Our house seems quite popular these days…"

"Solicitors, am I right?" chuckled Sunset softly. He trotted downstairs and opened up the door. He almost slammed it shut immediately afterward as he realized that it was Ravencroft Solace. However, he resisted the urge and looked at the Dimensional Traveler through narrowed eyes.

"Can I… help you?"

Ravencroft Solace bowed his head. "I… I wanted to see Desmond."

Sunset eye's narrowed further. What business could Ravencroft possibly have with Desmond?

"You want to see Desmond?" he said.

"I want to see Desmond," repeated Ravencroft Solace, "Please…"

Sunset sighed. He did not trust Ravencroft at all, but he still felt inclined to not deny him out of pity.

"Okay," he said, stepping aside, "Okay, come on in."

"Thank you," murmured Ravencroft, "I appreciate it."

"I'm sure you do," muttered Sunset. He felt bad for the man, but he still felt rather aggressive towards him. The Paradox held sway over that Dimensional Traveler, so that made him dangerous and unpredictable.

Ravencroft entered the house and looked around. "Where is he?"

"He is upstairs. Actually, I don't think it would be a good idea to…" said Sunset, but his voice trailed off as Ravencroft immediately began to stroll upstairs.

Fluttershy looked up from where she sat, looking over Desmond. At first her eyes widened in horror as Ravencroft entered the room, but then she calmed down and smiled.

"Hello Fluttershy," Ravencroft whispered. He walked up to Desmond and got down on his knees.

"Desmond," he said, his eyes beginning to tear up, "I am SO SORRY for what Pictor has done. I know these are all just words, and I know I cannot do anything against him, but… but I hope you get your revenge someday. Pictor needs to be stopped, and what he did to you was wrong. I am SO SORRY."

With that, Ravencroft got up and left. He walked past Fluttershy, walked downstairs, and walked out the door without another word. Sunset blinked in surprise. He was really quite unsure of what had just happened. Fluttershy smiled. Ravencroft was changing. She was sure of it.

Dimension: My Little Pony

Planet: Equestria Eath

Specific Location: Fluttershy and Sunset's house

Time: Twelve days after the Paradox took control of Equestria

Later that same day, Trixie and the Harmony bearers (with the exception of Rarity) gathered together for one last meeting.

"So, Twilight, what's the plan?" asked Rainbow Dash excitedly as she entered a side room of Sugar Cube Corner. She was with Twilight, Applejack, Fluttershy, Trixie, and Pinkie Pie.

Once again, Vinyl Scratch was pounding out music in the room adjacent, so that any eavesdropping Phasetroopers would have a hard time hearing anything.

"We take the train to Canterlot tomorrow morning, so that we can arrive at Canterlot that night. I have gotten a message to Celestia secretly through Spike that has alerted Celestia of our movements, so there will be a lack of guards on the path that I have set out," replied Twilight as she spread out the map that Flaming Star had drawn some time ago onto a table. It was a blueprint of Canterlot Castle with a highlighted path that represented the secret passageway through the sewers that led straight to the royal treasury.

"I-I don't do well in closed spaces," murmured Fluttershy, who was beginning to look very nervous.

"Don't worry Fluttershy," said Twilight, "You don't have to go."

Fluttershy looked immensely relieved. Rainbow Dash grinned as she looked over the map herself, "This looks interesting," she commented, "So, we go in there, kick the rumps of any bad guys that get in our way, and then break into the vault?"

"It is a little bit more difficult than that," said Twilight. She then cleared her throat and repeated to her friends what Flaming Star had told her not four days ago, "The secret passageway leads all the way up to the hallway outside the royal treasury. That hallway is protected by seven unicorn guards and perhaps even Phasetroopers now. The hallway also has a network of three interlocking portcullises. We need all three of them raised simultaneously for us to get into the second hallway, and they weigh enough that we needed all seven unicorn guards to lift it. Of course this is not an issue now, because we have Trixie. The second hallway is full of enchantments for defense: invisible walls and pitfalls, time-slowing spells, and other traps. However, if we get by there, we should be fine. That hallway leads directly to the treasury. All we need to do then is open the double doors, which only open if two levers are pulled simultaneously. Those levers are conveniently positioned scores of meters above the ground. That is also not an issue, because we Rainbow Dash."

"That sound 'bout right," chuckled Applejack, "I wouldn't have expected less for somethin' as important as the royal treasury."

"Right you are," said Twilight, folding up the map with magic, "Here is the rest of the plan: after we arrive at Canterlot, we will go straight for the sewers and the secret passageway. Trixie, Rainbow Dash, and I will go in, while you, Applejack, stay at the entrance of the passageway to ensure our escape route is clear. We need to make sure we steer clear of any Phasetroopers if possible, because they, unlike Celestia's guards, will likely to pursue us. Once we're in, we will use Pinkie Pie's pinkie sense to avoid the hidden pitfalls. Then we grab what supplies we need, and then leave. After that, Applejack will take the correct share of bits that we seize to Appaloosa, where the transaction between her and the weapon-dealing griffon takes place. Got it?"

"Right as rain!" exclaimed Rainbow Dash.

"This is wrong," sighed Fluttershy suddenly. The whole assembly stopped talking and looked at her.

"We can't do this," added Fluttershy, now looking VERY nervous, "We have no right to steal from the treasury. What makes matters worse is that we are using those stolen assets to buy weapons to kill. Two wrongs. We can't do this."

"Well, as everypony says two wrong make a right! Right?" laughed Rainbow Dash nervously. Her face fell immediately.

"Look, sugar cube," sighed Applejack to Fluttershy, "I know that you are against such things, but we have no choice! I mean, I am the element of Honesty for Tarnation's sake! But the Paradox has threatened us and our families, and we have the right to fight back! This is the way that has been set out for us, so we must continue on it in order to protect what is ours."

Fluttershy just shook her head. She then turned around and left the room. Twilight bit her bottom lip as doubt ate away at her heart. Was Fluttershy right? Should they even do this? Should she call the whole thing off? As if she had read her mind, Trixie suddenly said, "Trixie the Great and Powerful did leap through the jaws of death coming here from the Stallion Empire to NOT have an adventure. I also fully expect to reimburse myself a little while I am in the treasuries."

"Celestia said it was fine," snorted Rainbow Dash, "But I will have my eye on you. If too many bits go missing, or a powerful artifact vanishes, I am coming for you."

"Look who's talking!" exclaimed Trixie indignantly, "If any pony should be watching any pony, it should be us for you! I do recall you talking about a little monetary reimbursement in the treasury yourself during the flight here."

"Wait… you were awake?"

"STOP IT!" yelled Twilight. The whole assembly stopped arguing again to now look at Twilight.

"We have to keep it together," she continued, "The reason the Paradox was able to seize control of our planet so easily was because he was coordinated. If we want to fight back, we have to be the same. Teamwork and friendship... that is what all of this is about."

"Teamwork… heh… right…" muttered Rainbow Dash. The group then dispersed, but it was completely obvious that each one felt absolutely terrible about the upcoming ordeal. What Fluttershy had said had greatly weakened their resolve, and what was worse was that she was absolutely right.

Dimension: My Little Pony

Planet: Equestria Eath

Specific Location: Fluttershy and Sunset's house

Time: Thirteen days after the Paradox took control of Equestria

The next day was bright and cheery. There had been a slight rainfall last night, so the air had been washed clean. The air was crisp and fresh, and birds twittered in the air.

Twilight's eyes opened to a rapping on the door downstairs. Yawning, she rolled out of bed.

Still half-asleep, she dragged herself to all fours and smacked her lips. "Coming!" she called down sleepily. She immediately missed the first step of the stairs that led down to the ground floor and tumbled down. Rubbing her head ruefully, Twilight got up again and trotted to the door as she sleepily thanked her lucky stars that she had not been in her Friendship Castle when that had happened. Last time she had fallen down those crystal stairs (courtesy of a startling jump-scare from Spike during the eve of Nightmare Night) she had only been saved from cracking her head open by Flaming Star at the last moment. Pushing her reminiscing aside, Twilight rubbed her eyes and opened the front door. It was Flaming Star.

"Rise and shine sleepyhead!" he exclaimed cheerfully. He trotted in and mussed up her mane (which was already pretty tangled) affectionately.

"Is it time already?" sighed Twilight, who was now terribly regretting staying up all night reading that one book, "Can't I sleep for five more minutes?"

"We can all sleep when we're dead," commented Flaming Star in the same cheery voice, "And believe me, I've been saying that for the last six thousand years, and if I can say it for that long… it must be true."

Twilight tottered on her feet, and almost blacked out. Flaming Star caught her and looked into her eyes.

"You've been wondering if we should have a foal," he said, his voice now serious, "What would you say if I said yes?"

Immediately Twilight's eyes brightened and the mantle of sleepiness fell off her. "I would say that I am happiest mare alive!" she exclaimed.

Flaming Star grinned, "Well… I still say no, but that did wake you up."

Twilight's face fell.

Flaming Star, still grinning, planted a kiss on her forehead and said, "However, I would like to apologize for arguing with you lately. I understand that we are at odds right now, but I still love you. I might love you even more than I ever have."

Twilight face brightened a little. "Thank you. I love you too."

"Now, have you packed?" said Flaming Star trotting up to her room.

"I did," replied Twilight, following close behind, "Oh! You can help me go through my checklist's checklist!"

"I am sure Spike would appreciate that," commented Flaming Star dryly as he looked at Spike, who was still fast asleep in his bed. He then trotted over to a long piece of parchment and levitated it in front of him. He quickly scanned it as his eyes darted back and forth from the parchment to the small pile of luggage beside Twilight's bed.

"All seems to be in order," said Flaming Star, putting down the parchment, "The train leaves in an hour. Are you ready?"

Twilight sighed. "As ready as I'll ever be."

Flaming Star blinked. Then he trotted up to her and lifted her chin. "Hey," he said kindly, "What seems to be the matter?"

"Oh, it's just something Fluttershy said," muttered Twilight, her eyes downcast again, "What we are doing is wrong, and there is no way to justify it. What are we to do?"

"You are protecting your friends and family," said Flaming Star simply, "Is there nothing you would not do for them?"

Twilight shook her head. "You are right… It just FEELS so wrong."

"I am not to judge you, I am here to love you for the pony you are," said Flaming Star, "Now get ready. As I said, the train leaves in one hour."

Twilight nodded. She then finished packing and then gave Flaming Star a kiss. Then she hugged him tightly.

"Look after Spike, will you?" asked Twilight.

Flaming Star chuckled, "You will only be gone a couple of days… But yes, I will watch over him. You are the one who needs to be careful."

Twilight smiled, and then left the library. In a couple of minutes, she made it to the train station platform, where Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Trixie were waiting.

"Umm… Where's Pinkie Pie?" asked Twilight as she trotted onto the scene. Suddenly the bench next to her rose up and tackled her.

"GOTCHA!" exclaimed Pinkie triumphantly. She was dressed in a skintight cover-all suit that was colored the same green shade as the bench.

"What… how…" breathed Twilight as she scrambled back onto all fours.

"My own line of urban camouflage, Rarity would be proud," said Pinkie roguishly "Geez, where IS that fashion pony anyway? She's missing all the fun!"

"She's, um, greatly occupied," said Applejack, doing her best to smile at the situation, "She'll, er, see you sometime again, we just don't know when."

"Eh… I can wait for that," said Pinkie Pie, "Now… WHO IS READY TO PARTY?"

"I guess all of us," sighed Twilight, "Come on, let's board the train."

"I better get the proper reimbursement for this," muttered Trixie as Pinkie suddenly pulled out her party cannon and fired it off into the air.

Fluttershy smiled shyly, and waved to each of her friends as they gathered at a corner of the platform as a train to Canterlot pulled up. She then sighed sadly and turned around. She then trotted away.

The rest of the group jumped onto the train, and the locomotive started with a screech. Slowly and surely it began to chug off towards Canterlot. It was the beginning of a new adventure. However, it did not seem that any pony going on said adventure enjoyed their role in it one bit.

Note: What do you guys think of me making Digital Art MLP Comics? I think that would be fun, and I could release them in supplement to these chapters. I might even submit them to Equestria Daily...