We open with King Sombra's lair in midnight castle
We see King Sombra at his throne frustratingly crossing another location off on his map of all of Equestria.
"Where is it!?" The evil king growled as he threw the map to the ground.
The doors opened revealing his followers and allies; Catrina, Zeb, Queen Chrysalis, Wind Rider, Lightning Dust, Don Grifon, Charlatan, Ma Hydia, Ahuizotl, and Dr. Caballeron.
"Have any of you managed to find the final key," The shadow king asked in a fearsome voice, "Or at the very least it's hidden location?"
The other villains just shook their head in fear of what their leader will do to them.
"Wonderful!" King Sombra roared in anger, "Where could my acursed family had hidden the final key...Our one chance of conquering all of Equestria!"
"Well boss," Zeb said with a tip of his hat, "We've looked every where and no dice, and If you asked me..."
"Shut up!" King Sombra order
"My lord," Catrina intervened "All of us been working very hard to find it perhaps we could take a break."
King Sombra thank for a moment and then said "Huh, Perhaps your right... Very well, who here would like to take the day off for today off...?
Dr. Cabelleron shyly raised his hood, "Um actually, I woulldn't mind..."
With a suddn blast from his horn, King Sombra shot Cabelleon out of a nearby stain glassed window.
"Would anyone else like a day off!?" Boomed King Sombra,
The rest of thr minions shook their heads nervously.
"Excellent," growled Sombra, "Then get back to..."
"What up Boss!" a voice shouted.
Everyone glared as Cujo enterd into the room.
"Cujo," said Catrina pinching her brow, "This is the worst possible time."
"But look would I got off of Sunset and Starlight," proclaimed Cujo.
"Wait," said Sombra with a small fire smoldering, "You saw Sunset and Starlight"
"Yep," siad Cujo proudly.
"Did you capture them?" asked Sombra.
"Um, nope," said Cujo then told him everything that had happen.
"So, let me get this straight," said Sombra approaching the Diamond Dog as his rage slowly grea, "You had both Sunset Shimmer and Starlight Glimmer within your grasp, not to menrion Star swirl's apprentice, and you were chase away by some farm ponies and a little deer!?"
"Huh, well yeah," said Cujo nervously "but we got you these..."
Cujo oppened his bag, and showed Sombra thr golden apple that he picked up during the battle.
"The Golden Apples?" King Sombra asked skeptically.
"Yep," said cujo with a smile.
"You brought me the Golden Apples," said Sombra raising eyebrow.
"Sure did." Cujo said picking one up and biting into it.
Sombra smaked the bag of apple out of Cujo's paws im a fury.
"You IDIOT! There's no such thing as the GOLDEN APPLES!"
"But I.." said cuji crouching down in terro
"..And even if there were, HOW IS THAT GOING TO HELP ME IN ANY WAY?" King Sombra ROARED.
"Well, everyone needs a snack once and a while," Cujo shiverd attemptin to hand Sombra his apple "Here try it, just be carful no to eat the center."
"CUJO YOU...!" King Sombra didn't get to finish as a light bulb light up is head suddenly went off, "...Brilliant K9 creature!"
"I am?" Cujo said disbelief
"Did he just used Cujo and Brilliant in the same sentence?" Queen Chrysalis asked her jaw dropping
"Of course, don't you see it!" King Sombra said rising on his thorn. "We'be being looking everywere on earth for the final key. What we need to do is look twoards the centerof it!"
"I don't follow," said Catrina.
"You will," said King Sombra said sinisterly
Meanwhile in Ponyville
Starlight was leading the school ponies to a the caves just outside of Tambelon.
"Single file now," Said Starlight "We want to get there in good time."
At the back Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Cozy Glow were chatting amongst themselves.
"Ah can't wait to see the crystal mines." Apple Bloom said
"What so special about the mines again?" Asked Sweetie Belle
"According to my research," explained Cozy Glow, "The crystals have magical properties that ponies have been using for generaions."
"Well this should be fun," said Scootaloo "As long as we're out of the school house, who cares wherewe go."
"Alright fillies and colts," Said Starlight, "I present to you, The Crystal Mines!"
The young ponies eyes open wide as they saw the enteace to the cave. Deep within it, hundredsupon thousands of dazzling gems shimmers, each one a different color. The entrie class began racing forward, only for Starlight to stop them.
"Settle down now," said Starlight. "These caves aren't exactly safe, and they're easy to get lost in. I want each for you to assemble into groups of four."
Apple Bloom Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Cozy Glow looked at each other and hoof bumped.
"Excellent. now I have a list of gems for each of you," Said Starlight "You're assignment is to identify as many as you can find in the caves."
Later on fillies and colts were busy exploring the Crystal Mines
"How about this one Cozy Glow?" Asked Apple Bloom as she plucked plucked another gem from thewall.
"That's a rose quartz." Explain Cozy Glow. "That seventeen gems off our list."
"That amazing!" Said Sweetie Belle "How do you know so much?"
"Oh I'm just really good at studying," Said Cozy glow blushing
"Ugh, could you be any more of a nerd?" snarled a voice
The fillies turned to see Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.
"Can she be even more of a weirdo?" said Silver Spoon
"No wonder the only friend she has are those blank flanks," Diamond Tiara stated.
Tears began to well up in Cozy's eyes as the bullies laughed at her.
"Just ignore them Cozy," Said Apple bloom putting a hoof around pink pegasus's shoulder.
"Yeah she just jeouls couase you're smarter then her," Said Scootaloo
The three Crusaders helped Cozy glow trot away from the bullies.
"Uh excuse me," A voice spoke up.
Diamond Tiara and Silver spoon turn to see Snips and Snails digging for gems.
"Shouldn't you be helping us?" Snips asked
"We are helping," said Diamond Tiara, "We're supervizing."
From a small distance Rumble, Button Mash, First Base, and Tinder Tapes watched as Crusaders and Cozy Glow walked off.
"Shouldn't we follow them?" Asked Tender Tapes
"Uh, no. Why?" Asked Frist Base digging up a gem.
"Because they are wandering off," explained Tender Tapes, "And Miss Starlight told us all to stay together."
"They're big fillies," Said Rumble "They can take care of themselves."
"Huh? Sorry, what?" Asked Button Mash as he looked up from his hoof held game.
"You could help us ya know," Said Rumble
Apple Bloom Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Cozy Glow continued down a nearby tunnel.
"You really shouldn't listen to the things Diamond Tiara says," explained Sweetie Belle.
"Yeah she always says mean things to us, and we don't mind," said Apple Bloom.
"It's not that," said Cozy Glow wiping away, "It's just...I've alwasy struggled with making friends...And finally thought I was improving."
"Diamond Tiara is not the kind of pony you want as a friend," said Scootaloo matter of factly.
"And besides you've already got a great group of friends right here," explained Applebloom.
Cozy Glow smiled as the Crusaders comforted her.
"Um guys," said Sweetie Belle, "Where did the rest of the group go."
The four fillies looked around, realizing that they were in a part of the mines they didn't recognize.
"That's funny," said Cozy Glow, taking a look at their map, "I could have sworn I was following the map Miss Starlight gave us."
"Please tell me we are not lost," Apple Bloom said
"I don't think we are," Sweetie Belle said
"Well, if we are, what can we do?" Asked Scootaloo
"Well looks like we have to go with our gut," Said Cozy as she pointed to the left tunnel, "In fact my gut is telling me me that we should go this way."
Meanwhile with Starlight Glimmer
Starlight Glimmer was taking count of all the students running about as they continued their assignment.
"Let's see Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, Snips, Snails, Twist, Sunny Daze, Peachy Pie, Pipsqueak, Featherweight, Rumble, Zipporwhill, Tender Taps, First Base, Toola Roola, Coconut Cream, Button Mash, Wind Sprint, and...Wait!"
The unicorn suddenly began to panic
"Where are Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Cozy Glow!?"
Starlight Glimmer glanced around finally look as last place she saw them.
turn to Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. "Girls," said Starlight Glimmer as she approached Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, "Have you seen Apple Bloom Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Cozy glow?!"
"Don't know don't care." Diamond said
Starlight Glimmer gave the unicorn filly a stern glare.
"What she means is," said Silver Spoon nervously, "We haven't seen those four all day.
Starlight Glimmer got right in front of the two fillies faces, so much so Diamond Tiara started to get a little scared
"Okay, Okay they when to that tunnel!" Diamond Tiara said pointing desperately.
"Ugh," Starlight sighed, "Attention students, change of plans, we will now be going deeper into the mines... Please stay with your assigned group at all times, and try not to wander to far from your teacher...
"Is something wrong," asked Tender Taps approaching Starlight.
"Nothing's Wrong!" said Starlight in a panic.
Tender Taps looked a bit frightened by her response.
"But," said Starlight quickly regaining her composure, "If you should happen to spot somepony who seems to be missing, please inform me.
Deep within the Tunnels
Cozy Glow was leading the crusaders deeper and deeper within the mines.
"Beg pardon, Cozy Glow," said Apple Bloom nervously, "Are you sure this is the way back to the class?"
"Um, well..." said Cozy Glow shaking a bit.
"Relax," said Scootaloo, "Cozy Glow knows what she's doing."
"Actually..." said Cozy Glow starting to tear up.
"That's right," agreed Sweetie Belle, "Cozy Glow know's just about everything."
"Waaaaahaahaaahaaaaaaaaa!"
The Crusaders all turned to see Cozy Glow bursting into tears.
"I don't know everything! I don't know where we are! And I don't know how to get us back to the claaaaaaaasssssss!" wailed Cozy Glow.
The Crusaders quickly rushed over to the weeping pegasus to try and comfort her.
"That's okay Cozy Glow," said Applebloom, "Ya'll don' need to know everything to impress us."
"That's right agreed," Sweetie Belle, "I'm sure Miss Starlight and the others will find us eventually.
"Right," said Scootaloo, "Everything is going to be A-okay!"
All of sudden the ground crumbled beneath the floor of the four fillies. Cozy Glow and the Crusaders screamed as they tumbled down a tunnel far to the earth below.
Back with the Class
Starlight Glimmer was leading the fillies and colts deeper and deeper into the tunnels, all th while nervously looking at her map.
"Single file students," said Starlight nervously, "I know the tunnels are tight, but try to stay close...And don't any adjacent tunnels...These mines are a maze and we wouldn't want to lose anypony."
"Is it just me," whispered Tender Tapes, "Or is our substitute hiding something..."
"I'll tell you what else I've noticed," said Rumble, "I haven't seen Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, or Cozy Glow in quite a while."
"Huh, what happened to who now," said Button Mash still playing his game.
"Snap out of it," said Rumble swiping the game away from him, "We've got act fast. I say the next chance we get, we duck into that adjacent tunnel, and for your sister and her friends ourselves."
"But guys," said First Base, "Miss Starlight told us to stay with the class at all times. We can't just..."
The young colt turned to see that his friends had already gone.
"Ugh," groaned First Base.
"Step lively now," continued Starlight, "Step lively."
"This is boring," said Diamond Tiara, "Want to duck out?"
"But Miss Starlight told us to stay with the class," pointed out Silver Spoon, "We can't just leave..."
"Relax," said Diamond Tiara, "Out buddies can cover for us."
"Does this look like a rare gemstone," asked Snips
"I'm pretty sure that's just a rock," said Snails
"They're all rocks," said Snips, "Who can tell the difference."
Diamond Tiara looked unsure for a moment, then finally followed her friend.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" The Crusaders and Cozy Glow screamed as they continued to tumble down the secret tunne.
All of a sudden they screeched to halt a tumble out into an open cavern.
"Well that was interesting," said Sweetie Belle still in shock.
"At least the worst is over," said Scootaloo.
"Dig faster you dogs!"
"Oh no," squealed Apple Bloom.
The four fillies peaked over a nearby rock formation to see Cujo lean back on a Stalagmite while Rover, Fido, and Spot dug deeper into the ground.
"That key ain't gonna find itself," said Cujo sipping some lemonade.
"Wait a minute," said Rover halting his digging, "Why are we doing this!?"
"To find the final Key for King Sombra.." explained Spot only for Rover to cover his mouth.
"I know, I know," said Rover, "But why isn't he helping?"
"I am helping," said Cujo toasting with his lemonade, "I'm supervising."
"Oh, thanks boss," said Rover he continued his digging.
Cujo was half glad that his dogs were even more dumber then him...Wait?
"Why do we keep running into these guys," asked Scootaloo hoof smacking herself.
"Aren't these the thugs, who broke into the castle?" asked Cozy Glow looking confused.
"What was that key they were talking about," asked Sweetie Belle.
"Who cares," said Apple Bloom, "We've got to get out of here before they notice us."
"She's right," agreed Cozy Glow, "If they're still as bad as they were before, we don't want them spotting us."
The four fillies crept down on to the ground trying slink away unnoticed.
"Hmm that's weird," said Cujo scratching his chin, "I'm getting the weirdest sense of Deja Vu."
As the the four fillies made their way back to the tunnel Sweetie Belle accidentally bumped a nearby Stalagmite. The Stalagmite, slowly began to tip over, hitting a gem encrusted wall. One by one, the gems began go tumble to the ground with a large clattering sound. The rest of the filles turned Fido to glare at Sweetie Belle who smiled sheepishly.
"Well, well well," said Cujo looming over the foals, "What have we here?"
"Oh no, not these fillies again," said Rover smacking himself on the face.
Back with Starlight
"Okay everypony," said Starlight surveying the class, "We've covered a lot of ground with no result, but if we stick together...Wait a minute!"
Starlight surveyed the class noticing that numbers were smaller.
"One, two, three, four, five, six, seven..." said Starlight counting heads, "Where are Tender Tapes, Rumble, Button Mash, Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon!?"
First Base began sweating bullets as their substitute panicked.
In a nearby tunnel
"Marco!" called out Button Mash, "Marco!"
"What are you doing?" asked Rumble.
"Waiting for somepony to say Polo," said Button Mash.
"That's how you plan on finding my sister," said Tender Tapes.
"Well I didn't see you coming up with any ideas," said Button Mash.
"Any idea would be better than that!" said Rumble.
"Well how would you suggest we find them then?" asked Button.
Rumble and Tender Tapes looked at each other for a moment.
"Ugh, Marco!" called out Rumble.
"Yep, that's what I thought," said Button.
Meanwhile in another tunnel
Silver Spoon was shivering as she followed after Diamond Tiara.
"Diamond Tiara," said Silver Spoon chattering her teeth, "I'm scared..."
"Oh don't be such a baby," said Diamond Tiara.
"W-w-w-w-why did we wander off from the group again?" asked Silver Spoon growing scared.
"So we can find those Blank Flanks and turn them into Miss Starlight," said Diamond Tiara with a cocky smile, "I'll be able to hold that one over them forever."
"Are you s-s-sure that's such a good idea?" asked Silver Spoon.
"Of course it's a good idea," said Diamond Tiara, "All my ideas are good ideas. What are you afraid of that we'll get lost."
"Yes," said Silver Spoon.
Meanwhile
Fido was tying the Crusaders and Cozy Glow up to a stalagmite.
"Yeah that's right," said Cujo ringing his paws, "Tie those fillies up good and tight."
"Um, Boss," said Rover raising a paw, "We do not believe this is such a good idea."
"Of course it's a good idea," said Cujo, "It's a wonderful idea!"
"But every time we get involved with these ponies we end up getting hurt," pointed out Rover.
"Or bruised, or beaten, or maimied" continued Spot.
"Umm...Good point, But we can't just let 'em go," continued Cujo, "They've seem to much...Besides, now we can hold them for ransom."
"Um boss," said Fido, "We fear you have developed an unhealthy obsession with kidnapping, we're here to talk if you need us..."
Cujo looked at Fido in disbelief.
"Just get back to work!" He screamed.
The fillies watched as Rover, Fido, and Spot went back to their digging.
"Ugh," said Scootaloo struggling against the ropes, "We've got to get out of here."
"This is all my fault," said Cozy Glow aloud, "I've got to do something..."
Cujo sat back down enjoying his lemonade.
"Hey you Big Mean Bully!"
Cujo spilled his drink all over himself as a voice cried out. The Diamond Dog turned to see Cozy Glow glaring at him.
"Who do you think you are picking on innocent fillies like this?!" shouted Cozy Glow, "If I wasn't tied up I'd show you a thing or two!"
"Oh yeah!" growled Cujo.
The Diamond Dog stormed over, dripping wet and yanked the filly up from her ropes by her collar.
"Well maybe I'll show you a thing or two!" Cujo growled glaring in her face.
"NOOOOOOO!" the Crusaders shouted.
The fillies watched in horror as Cujo dragged Cozy Glow away into a nearby tunnel.
"Now listen up you little brat..!" said Cujo raising Cozy Glow to eye level.
"No, you listen up you idiot," Cozy glow said Smacking the Diamond dogs face.
A furious look had crossed the fillies face that seemed out out character for her.
"Wait, what!" said Cujo rubbing his cheek.
"Take a good look at me," said Cozy Glow gesturing to herself, "Who am I!?
Cujo stared at the filly for a moment in confusion. All of a sudden a look of horror crossed his face.
"Sweet Celestia!" Shouted Cujo, "Your..."
"Don't say my name," said Cozy Glow putting her hoof to his muzzle, "It's Cozy Glow! And I was on my final key when you idiots showed up and ruined everything!"
"But King Sombra sent us to find it," said Cujo.
"And how's that working out for you," said Cozy Glow crossing her hooves.
"Well," said Cujo sweating, " We've made progress in the last three weeks..."
"Exactly," said Cozy Glow, "Luckily for you I have a spell to fix everything, but we can't let my friends know about it."
A few moments passed, and Finally Cujo came out of the tunnel with a weeping Cozy Glow.
"So, anyway..." said Cujo coughing into his paw, "Me and my boys are gonna go now..."
"Wait, what..?" said Rover, "But I thought you said..."
"Like I said..." continued Cujo smacking Rover in the face, "We're gonna go...And we're taking this filly with us.
"Noooooo!" Screamed out the crusaders.
They struggled to escape from their ropes as the Diamond Dogs and Cujo disappeared with Cozy Glow in tow.
Meanwhile Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon had come to a crossroads
"Well now which way do we go?" Silver Spoon asked.
"Just give me a minute to think," Diamond Tiara said, "Ya know I'm always the one getting us out of trouble."
"Getting us out of...?" Silver Spoon stuttered in a voice that was turning to sarcasm, "Oh right your always doing that..."
Diamond Tiara glared, "Was that sarcasm Silver Spoon?"
"No," Silver said once again being sarcastic, "I'm just saying."
Diamond Tiara just glared at her.
"If you have something to say, you can say it to my face," Diamond growled.
"Well then...Did you ever thing we wouldn't be in this mess if we's just stayed with the group like Miss Starlight asked," Silver Spoon stated her anger quikcly rising, "Bu no you wanted to get out of this cave sooner rather then later. You wanted to get the Crusaders and Cozy Glos in trouble cause your jealous of them!"
"Jealous of..!?" stated Diamond Tiara in disbelief, "Do you know how important my family is!?" Why in Equestris would I be jealous of those Blank Flanks!"
"Oh your jealous of them alright," said Silver Friend, "Because they have lot's of friends, and hou don't!"
"I have friends," said Diamond Tiara stuggling to name a few.
"The only friend you have is me," stated Silver Spoon matter of factly, "And frankly, even I don't like you that much."
"You don't like me," said Diamond Tiara in disbelief, "Since when?!"
"Since you always order me around," stated Silver Spoon, "Since you always force me to do things I don't want to do...Sinc you got us lost in these caves!!"
"Hey I know what's beat!" Diamond Tiara shouted "Your lucky to have a friend who's so import! Who so much better then you! I am better, so I know better, so There!!!"
Silver Spoon was shocked to hear this. Tears filled her eyes as her anger grew.
"Well since you think you know better then me, You find you're own way out!" Silver Spoon shouted as she took the left tunnel sobbing.
Diamond Tiara was shocked. Then her face turned red with anger.
"Okay fine! I don't need you! I'll find my own way out good luck getting out of this cave with out me!" Diamond Tiara shouted back at her.
Meanwhile back with the CMC who were still tied up.
"Come on Crusaders!" Said Apple Bloom "We got to get out of here and save Cozy!"
"Oh let's face it Girls," cried Sweetie Belle "We'll never get out of this cave, Never never, never!"
But then suddenly the ropes got untied much to the three fillies shock.
"Huh?" Said Scootaloo "Well that was lucky."
"Luck had nothing to do with it," Said a voice behind them.
It was Rumbel was cutting them free with his pocket knife, Button Mash and Tender behind him.
"Oh thanks guy!" said Scootaloo blushing embarrassed.
"No problem," Said Tender Taps "Now how about we get out of here."
"We can't," Applebloom proclaimed, "Cozy Glow's been ponynapped by the Diamond Dogs!"
"What!?" shoutedthe boys
"Well then we should got an find Miss Starlight and..." Button Mash started get to finish as Sweetie Belle said
"There is no time for that," Sweetie Belle interrupted, "We've got to find Cozy Glow!"
The Crusaders then ran off to the tunnel they saw their friend was taken down.
The colfs all looked at each othee and goaded followed suite.
Meanwhile Diamond Tiara was grumbling to herself
"Ungrateful that's what it is," Diamond Tiara said "I let be my friend and that's the thanks I get. Well if she so much smarter then me then she should have no problem..."
"It worked!" Shouted a voice that was coming from the end of the tunnel.
Diamond Tiara ran over to investigate, and saw from the from the side of the tunnel the three Diamond Dogs looking over a small filly. Diamond Tiara realized the small filly was Cozy Glow, holding a black book. It seemed to glow in front of
"Of course it did," Cozy said to Cujo," Why do you think King Sombra wanted me to be here. This book of spells that Zeb gave me will be very useful indeed."
"Yeah It's a good thing you're one of our spies." Said Cujo
"You're working for King Sombra!" a voice shouted
They all turn to see Diamond Tiara who was covering her mouth realizing she open her big mouth.
"You were listening," Cozy said with an annoyed look as she flew "You know my little secret know"
"Um yes," Said Diamond Tiara looking a little scared. "You do realize I have to tell mis Starlight about this."
Diamond Tiara started to bakc away only to find that the Diamond Dogs were behind her.
"Please Cozy Glow," said Diamond Tiara in a panic, "I know I should't have picked on you so much. I didn't know it'd make you to work for King Sombra."
Cozy chuckled evilly as she approached, "You think I'm working for King Sombra because you picked on me?"
"Ummm...Yes." Diamond said
"No I was working for King Sombra since day one with the whole 'Pony of Oz' play," Cozy said flying circles over her like a vulture. "You see everyone in Equestria thinks freind is magic, but there wrong. Friendship is Power! I became friends with Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo so I could get close to Twilight Sparle. And now my friends with Element of Harmony too!"
"So you never really were friends with those bland flanks?" Diamond Tiara asked
"Of course I am!" said Cozy Glow, "And now thanks to them I have lots of other friends too. Friends that can help me spy for Uncle Sombra. Friends that can help me get close to the Royals of Tamblon. But more importantly, freinds who can help me find the last key of Tartarus."
"I don't think that's how friendship works," said Diamond Tiara tearing up.
"How would you know," said Cozy Glow tapping Diamond Tiara on the nose, "You don't have any friends."
"I have...friends," said Diamond Tiara tearing up.
"Then where are they," aske Cozy Glow matter of factly.
Diamand Tiara looked around and realized she was completely alone.
"Why are you're telling me this?" Diamond asked.
"Well that's simple," Cozy Glow said "Because I know nopony will ever believe you, I've already got them wrapped around my hoof. You on the other have been a spoiled little brat who thinks she better then everyone else. One who likes to make everypony arpund her miserable by getting them in to trouble. One to make fun of them just to hide how miserable she really is. Nopony will ever beive you, not even Silver Spoon."
That last one really stung. Tears began to stream down Diamond Tiara's eyes as she bit her lip.
"But just to be safe," said Cozy Glow lifting up her book as it began to glow.
There was green flash of light and Diamond Tiara saw Cozy Glow standing hight above her on a pillar.
"I didn't get where I am today"
"By letting myself get pushed around!"
"No pony or beast or kitty-cat or doggy"
"Is going to drag me down!"
The ground crumbled under Diamond Tiara as she began to fal.
"Muahahahaha!" Cujo's sillouette laughed evilly
"Shut up Cujo" Cozy Glow shouted
"The lightning will be flashing"
"The thunder, it will roar"
"They'll never know what hit 'em!"
"Wait'll they see what Sombra has in store..."
Diamond Tiara landed in water as thunder and lighting flashed around her.
"Big and loud!"
"It will be big and loud!"
"When the fall they'll really fall!"
"And they're gonna fall big!"
"And they're gonna fall loud!"
"They're gonna fall big and..."
"Ha-ho-ho-ho-ho-ha-ho-ho-ho" The giant face of Diamond Tiara was looking down in her.
"Ha-ha-ha-hee-hee-hee" Cujo's face laughed evily beside her.
"Shut up Cujo" Cozy snapped pushing the dog out if her spotling
"Loud!"
Diamond Tiara stood there paralyzed as her eyes glowed green. Cozy and the Diamond Dogs just stood there looking at her.
"Wh-what di you to her," Rover askes with a petrified Fido and Spot quivering behind hi,
"Just a little trick I picked up from Uncle Sombra," Cozy said, "The best part is she won't be able to remember any of this when it's over.
"So should we capture her?" Asked Cujo
"No. leave her to suffer her worsted fear," Cozy said as she then lead the Diamond Dogs to another tunnel, "Besides we have work to do."
Not far away
"Marco!" called out Rumble looking annoyed.
He was followed close behind by Scootaloo, Tender Tapes, Apple Bloom, Button Mash, and Sweetie Belle.
"What sre you doing," asked Scootaloo in disbelief.
"Don't ask," stated Rumble, "Marco!"
"...polo..." a small a voice whimpered from a distance.
The fillies and colts looked at each other in confusion. Rumble walked over to a nearby Stalamite to see Silver Spoon quiver under it.
"Oh Rumble, you saved me!" Silver Spoon cried out jumpling into Rumble's arms and giving him kiss,
Rumble blushed deeply embarrassed.
"Told you it would work," said Button Mash confidently.
"Silver Spoon?" said Sweetie Belle in disbelief, "What are you doing here?"
"I-I-I..."Silver Spoon stuttered, "Diamond Tiara and I were looking for you...And-and we got lost...And-and-and..."
Silver Spoon started sobbing into Rumble making the colt more embarrassed than ever.
Apple Bloom rolled her eyes, "Come on guys, I guess we have to find Diamond Tiara now too..."
The Crusades, Ponyville boys, and Silver Spoon went further down the tunnels. Things were starting to seem hopeless.
All of a sudden they heard a small voice in the distance.
"Please don't say that," a small voice spoke up.
The fillies and colts all rushed forward to see Diamond Tiara still standing in place.
"Well we found her," said Scootaloo rolling her eyes.
"Please don't say that," said Diamond Tiara again.
"Um, Diamond Tiara?" Apple Bloom stated confused.
The groups of school ponies slowly approached and surrounded Diamond Tiara.
"Please don't say such a things mother!" the filly said, her glowing green eyes starting to tear up.
"What's up with her?" Rumble asked.
"I don't know," said Sweetie Belle coming over and putting a hood on her shoulder.
All of a sudden Sweetie Belle's eyes lit up bright green.
Sweetie Belle found herseld in a large dark space. In front of her, a much smaller Diamond Tiara sat quivering. She was so young she didn't even have a cutie mark yet. Above her giant versions of her mother Spoiled Rich and her falther Filthy Rich were sxpcowling down at her.
"Diamond Tiara," the illusion Spoiled Rich said "You are such a disappointment, a failure, and a disgrace."
"No!" Diamond Tiara whimpered to tear up.
"Why can't you be more like your sister," said the Illusion of Filthy Rich.
"Nooo!" Sobbed Diamond Tiara.
Sweerie Belle lifted her hoof of Diamond Tiara coming back to her senses.
"She was hit by a fear spell," Sweetie Belle proclaimed, "A spell personally created by King Sombra. Anypony who is hit by it ismforced to experience there worst fears over and over again."
Everypon just looked at Sweetie Belle in disbelief.
"Ummm...Sweetie Belle how do you know that?" Asked Button Mash
"I've been hanging around Zecora and Twilight for quite a while now," the unicorn said blushing.
"Okay, but how do we get her out of it?" Asked Tender Tapes
"Oh well that's simple," said Scootaloo, "Twilight's been teaching Sweetie Belle a spell on how do undo curses like this. Especially after what happened last heart's and hooves day."
"You mean when you tricked Big Mac and Miss Cheerilee into drinking a love poison and they wreck havoc across Ponyville?" Asked Rumble
"We promised never to speak about that again," growled Scootsloo.
"The point is we know how to undo it," said Applebloom.
A few moments later
The ponyville boys were draing a magic circle in the dirt around Diamond Tiara. While they did this Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootalo looked over the notes that Twilight left them.
"Are you sure about this?" Silver Spoon asked looking at Diamond Tiara with concern.
"Um pretty sure," said Sweetie Belle sheepishly
"But, Sweetie Belle isn't as magical as Princess Twilight," Silver Spoon pointed put
"Just give her a moment," said Scootaloo, "It's one of the basic magic she spells she was taught."
Everypony backed away from the circle as Sweetie Belle approached it.
"Ah just hope it works." Appleblook said.
Sweetie Belle's horn began to glow.
All of audden there was abright flash of light. When the ponies eyes cleared, they saw Sweetie Belle floating in front of Diamond Tiara, her horn and eyes glowing bright green.
"I'm all alone..." said Sweetie Belle with an echoey voice, "I have no friends..."
"What are you talking about," said Button Mash confused, "We're your friends."
"I don't think she's the one saying those things," said Scootaloo pointing to Diamond Tiara.
The fillies and colt's all looked at Sweetie Belle and then back at Diamond Tiara.
"Nopony cares about me," echoed Sweetie Belle speakinf Diamond Tiara's thought, "Nopony would car if I were to dissapear..."
"That's not true!" shouted Applebloom to Diamond Tiara, "We would care!"
"We would!?" asked Fumble in disbelief.
"Of course we would," said Scootloo smacking him on the back of the head, "Everypon would!"
"I don't believe you," echoed Diamond Tiara finalky speaking, "You never liked me."
"I like you," spoke up Silver Spoon, "When your actually nice to ponies and you pretend you don't care shat they think about you."
"Say what now?" asked Apple Bloom.
"I know you alway have to pretend to be tough, because your afraid to let everypony know the real you...But I like the real you, and I know showed everypony else the real you, they'd like you too."
The Crusaders and Ponyville Boys looked at each other.
"Ah'd like to know the Reall Diamond Tiara too," said Applebloom.
"Me too," said Scootaloo.
"As would I," said Tender Tapes.
"Me too?" said Button Mash still confused.
Everypony looke at Rumble.
"Okau fine, I'd like to know the real Diamond Tiara too," said Rumble
There was another bright flash and Sweerie Belle slowly floated to the ground. Diamond Tiara's eyes slowy opened. As her breath slowly went back to normal she saw the Crusaders, The Ponyville Boys and finally Silver Spoon.
"WAAAAAAAAAAAH!!" cried out Diamond Tiara as she rushed to hug Silver Spoon.
The two fillies hugged tightly both of them sobbing.
"Don't younever leave me again!" sobbed Silver Spoon.
"Awwwwwwww," said Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle
"Bleh," said Scootaloo and Rumble sticking out their tounges.
"Cozy Glow, how'd you get stuck like that?" asked Tender Tapes.
Diamond Tiara thought back for a moment.
"Nopony will ever believe you," a mysterious voice whispered in the back of her mind.
Deep in the caves
Cujo was being forced to dig deeper and deeper into the ground.
"Um shouldn't you guys be helping," he whimpered.
Cujo Looked over twoards Cozy Glow who was serveing tea to Rover, Fido, and Spot.
"We are helping," said Rover sarcastically, "We're supervising."
"Okay I get it," said Cujo as he dug deeper.
As Cozy Glow and the remaining Diamond Dogs sipped their tea, Cujo suddenlynstruck something deep within the hole.
"Um, Cozy Glow," said Cujo peaking up his head, "There's a giant statue of a three headed dog down here holding the key..."
"Oh that's probably just the guardian," said Cozy Glow, "Try not to wake him
All of suden the Curaders, Ponyville Boys, Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon heard a large roar.
"RUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUN!" Shouted out Cujo as he ran down the tunnel
The dog held had a giant key high above his head. The foals couldn't tell but the hilt of it read GLU.
"What in tarnation is goin' on!?" asked Applebloom confused.
"Run ponies, Run!!!" Shouted Rover as he ran past them with Fido and Spot close behind.
The fillies and colts turned to see Cozy Glow being chased by a giant three headed dog which was headed right for them
"Uh-oh," said Applebloom in a panic.
That was all she got to say as she, Sweetie Belle, Scootalool, Tender Tapes, Button Mash, Rumble, Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon all joined Cozy Glow as she ran away. The terrified foals all screamed in terro as the beast chased after them.
"What is that thing!?" Cried out Rumble in a panic.
"That's Cerberus!" Shouted Sweetie Belle, "The three-headed Dog that's supposed to guard over the gates of Tartarus!!!!"
Everypony looked at Sweetie Belle in disbelief.
"I've been spending a lot of time with Zecora guys!" proclaimed Sweetie Belle.
The three-headed hound chased the fosls until they came to a dead end. Right when it was about to pounce on them, a magic blast hit Cerberus knocking back.
"Sit boy!" A voice shouted
Everypon turned to swe Starlight along First Base and the rest of the school ponies.
Cerberus whimpered at the sight of Starlight Glimmer.
"Bad Cerverus," said Starlight, "You know better than to attack little ponies! Go back home to Tartarus!"
Cerberus's heads drooped, as he slowly turned away and trudged down the tunnel.
"Miss Starlight!" the lost ponies all cheered as they rushed twoards her.
Starlight glared at them, causing them all tp screech to a halt.
"I supose yous havea an explanation for all this," said Starlight Glimmer tapping her hoof.
The fillies and colts all looked at each other sheepishly. Finally Cozy Glow stepped forward.
"It was my fault miss Cheerilee," said Cozy Glow, "I got my group lost, and then the other had to come and rescue us.
Starlight Glimmer looked at the small pegaus who was begining to tear up.
"The next time I tell to stick with the group.." Starlight sighed.
"Yes Miss Glimmer," The school ponies said in unison.
Later that day
Starlight Glimmer lead the class out a nearby tunnel.
"Okay class," said Starlight "We've had a hectic day, but now here we are..."
Starlight looked forward im disbelief. They were right outside of Castle Tambelon.
"Right Outside of Castle Tambelon!?" said Starlight confused, "But there are no tunnels outside of Castle Tambelon?"
As Starlight rereviewed her maps, the Class reasembled with their groups.
"Cozy!" said Applebloom giving the filly a big hug, "We were so worried about you."
"What did the Diamond Dogs do to you?" asked Sweetie Belle.
"Yeah, and how did you escaped?" Scootaloo asked.
"Oh, I just used my wits," said Cozy Glow, "You know how dumb those diamond Dogs are."
"Wait the Diamond Dogs were here!?" Starlight asked overheaing the conversation.
Starlight's raced as she suddenly remembered that Cerberus was the guardian final Key of Tartarus
"Oh no this is bad, this is bad, this is bad." Said Starlight as she turn to the school ponies, "Okay, field trip over now! Everypony go home!"
Diamond Tiara watched as the Crusaders seperated from Cozy Glow heading back twoards the castle.
However when Cozy was leaving hear shot Diamond Tiara then gather the school ponies and said.
"Listen guys," said Diamond Tiara rushing over to the Crusaders, " I want to thank you guys for saving me back there."
"Umm...You're welcome I guess," Said Scootaloo "By the way what happened here?"
"They'll never believe you"
"I..I don't remember," said Dismond Tiara, "but I'm pretty sure Cozy Glow had something to do with it.
"Cozy Glow," said Applebloom confused.
The three fillies looked at each other and chuckled.
"Cozy one of the nicest ponies in all of Equesatria is evil?" Said Scootaloo
"Yeah she'd never do aything to hurt anypony," said Sweetie Belle.
"Oh," said Diamond Tiara sadly, "She said nopony would believe me, I guess she was right..."
The crusaders watched as Diamond Tiara went to rejoin her group.
"Ya know," said Applebloom, "Maybe we should listen to her, "Just because she never cared about anyone else's feelings, doesn't mean we should care about hers"
Meanwhile at Midnight castle King Sombra along with his followers and allies was at his throne room and he was evilly happy.
"Yes at least!" King Sombra said while holding the Key of Gluttony with his magic, all while holding the other six keys. "You have done well Cozy Glow."
"I aim to please King Sombra." said Cozy Glow watching through a magic orb.
"Hey what about me?" Said Cujo "I help!"
"Right for a few weeks," Said King Sombra "But that doesn't matter now. Because..."
Meanwhile at the Tamplon castle Thorne room we see Starlight along with the mane six Stallion six, Spike, and the royal family. She was telling them what had happened today
"King Sombra now had the final key!" Starlight said "And that can only mean one thing!"
Back to King Sombra
"A dawn of a new era!" King Sombra said
Back with Starlight
"So we must be ready!" She said
Both King Sombra and Starlight both said in unison.
"For the end game!"