This is a non-profit fanfiction created for entertainment purposes only. My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic is owned by Hasbro and Lauren Faust. This story contains content of an adult nature and is an Alternate Reality take of the character Spike as a human (who I do not own). Please support the official release.

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Twilight's Treatment Volume 2 - Chapter 5 - The Maze

With the rise of the sun on the new day so did the young librarian and her assistant rise as well.  The duo going about their routine as reptition had a way of setting rules into one's behavior.  Spike took advantage of the bathroom first and when he was cleaned retreated from it to allow Twilight her chance to clean up for the new day.  From there the cycle continued on its normal course; Spike dressed while Twilight showered, Spike cooked while Twilight dressed, and Spike served the food as Twilight came to join him at the breakfast table.  It was all as it should be aside from one thing that put the process off; Spike's attitude was hardly as chipper as such a beautiful morning would normally put him in. 

"I made waffles, I hope that's okay."  Spike said serving up their plates and sitting across from Twilight at the table.

"Of course Spike. Thank you for getting breakfast for us."  Twilight praised him as she took to adding sugar to her waffles, hoping the compliment might perk him up.  

"It's not big deal.  I always do."  Spike pulled up a container of emeralds and crushed the gem stones in his palms, sprinkling them onto his morning meal.  He insisted it tasted better than sugar and even offered a bite to Twilight but she was content to stick with her normal choices for sauce and seasonings.  Something the two had to work out the first few months Spike started cooking when they first started living together.  Twilight's stomach barely survived each new recpipe he came up with. 

"So did you have any special plans for today?"  Twilight tried to get him talking more but Spike didn't seem interested in coming out of his funk. 

"Well no... I figured I'd just do whatever it was you wanted to do Twilight.  Were we studying or organizing something?  Or studying on how to organize things?"  Spike really hoped that wasn't the case.  Last time they did it was the longest and dullest day of his life. 

"I didn't really have any plans.  Matter of fact why don't you decide what we do today Spike?"  His green dragon eyes looked up surprised.  "After all we usually don't let you decide the days events.  The library is mostly clean and chores can wait till later."  Spike took a bit of his emerald dusted waffles and thought about her offer.  His mood didn't seem to change though as the thoughts at the back of Spike's mind seemed to come to rise.  That expression wasn't lost on Twilight. 

"Well actually I was thinking maybe we should do some studying."

"Really?"  Twilight held back her excitement; Spike almost never voluntairly wanted to stay in and read when he had the option.  "Okay then, what subject should we research.  I'll take care to find everything you need for it."  

"Well okay then.  I was wondering if maybe... we could study um... changelings?"  Twilight's fork hit the plate with a noticable "klink", Spike looking away as he didn't want to see the expression on Twilight's face.  

"Oh.  Well... sure if that's what you want."  Twilight said as her enthusiasm plummited like a stone.  Spike was aware this would happen.  Ever since Twilight's encounter with Chrysalis and how the changling queen had manipulated both her brother and sister-in-law (as well as Twilight herself) she was actively against looking at anything involving the creatures too closely.  "That's just an unusual choice for you to want to study."  

"I just thought that after they were expelled from Canterlot they could be around still."  Spike said going over his rehearsed excuse for this occasion.  "So being able to recognize them and knowing what to do when we encountered one would be a good idea."  Twilight nodded, now eating her waffles more quietly than before.  "If you want I can do it on my own." 

"No, I said we'd let you pick and I'll stick by that."  Twilight forced a smile onto her face.  "Besides Spike I think you're absolutely right.  We should be more prepared in case we ever encounter anything like them again.  I don't know what I'd do if one of those things tried to injure someone I love again."  Spike forced himself to eat as well, finding his appetite dwindling the farther the conversation went.  

"I can understand that."  Spike said making sure to hide any sense of discomfort in his voice.  "Hey Twilight, have you ever wondered if maybe the changlings weren't all evil?"  Twilight stopped eating her waffle and Spike tried not to pay attention to it.

"No Spike, I've never wondered that.  They're creatures that feed off of the affections of other people.  They're evil."  Twilight's words were cold and calculated.  They didn't even carry the arrogant tone she sometimes had when relaying information she was sure she knew more about than others.  

"Well Chrysalis was without a doubt.  I mean she proved it but maybe all the others were just following orders?"  Twilight set her fork down on the table and her expression had gone from calm to looking agitated.  Spike knew he was pushing a hot button subject but this was something he had to do for his own sake.  

"Spike the changlings tried to overthrow the entire kingdom.  Chrysalis was willing to lock up Princess Cadence, did who knows what to my brother, tried to imprison ME and then attacked and captured Princess Celestia."  Her violet eyes looked at him with an anger that was hidden behind them for what those creatures had done to her family and mentor.  "What's worse she manipulated all of us and turned everyone against me.  Then her creatures invaded with smiles on their faces.  I saw them Spike; I fought against them.  They're evil."  

"Oh."  Was all Spike could respond with.  She made it seem so black and white, when before everything Spike had thought about those creatures was a sea of grey.  "So there's never been a changling that was good."  

"Not that I know of."  Twilight said and rose one of her hands, magic glowing around it.  From somewhere in the library and book floated up towards Spike and sat on the table.  Its title read Advanced Magic for Disguise.  "That book talks about them a bit since it was based on their abilities that we learned some illusion magics.  It talks about changlings that would impersonate loved ones and move into families."  Spike picked up the book and started flipping through it.

"You read up on it already then?"  Spike asked surprised Twilight was willing to learn more about them before today. 

"I've read that book before to study illusion magic."  She said, avoiding any suggestion she'd want to interact more with changlings in any way.

"So what happened to the family member they impersonated?"  Spike asked hesitantly.

"They were killed.  Usually after being kidnapped and drug back to their nests."  Spike shuddered thinking about that side of these creaturs.  "Or they would kidnap infants and replace them with young of their own to raise them.  The end result was almost always the same though."  Spike closed the book and set it down, getting too uncomfortable to learn more on this subject.  

"I guess you just can't trust things that aren't human, huh?"  Spike said unable to hide a twinge of sadness to his voice.  Twilight looked over concerned.  

"Spike, is something the matter?"  Twilight asked softening her voice and Spike looked up at her.  "You can tell me if something's wrong.  I don't mind."  Spike swallowed a lump in his throat.  He'd been debating on whether or not to inform Twilight of his visits to the forest for a while now.  The two times he'd come home from the woods she'd noted how tired he was but he made the excuse of it being a long day and was sure to not let her see the bite marks on his skin.  After the last event though he didn't know what to do and wanted to mention it to someone.  Despite how much she might be angry at him.  Taking in a deep breath Spike spoke. 

"Hwooorf!"  Twilight nearly leaped back out of her chair as the dragon-blooded boy coughed out in a green flame a scroll that appeared on the table with the royal seal on it.  

"A letter from Celestia?"  Twilight asked, Spike blinking and shaking his head to clear it from the unexpected delivery.  "What would she be sending so early in the morning?"  Spike reached out and broke off the seal, unraveling the letter to read out loud.  It was tradition after all that he should read all the letters that were sent through himself.  

"Ahem.  'Dear my most faithful student.  I must request that you gather the bearers of the Elements of Harmony and make haste to the castle.  I have arranged a pair of chariots to escourt you on your trip.  Please do not delay, I will explain when you arrive.  Signed Princess Celestia.'"  Spike handed the letter over to Twilight and let her read it for herself.  Both seeming confused but recognized the urgency in its contents.  

"It looks like the princess needs us."  Twilight rose from her chair and took to the stairs before Spike could even get up himself.  She came down with a small shoulder bag.  "I'll go get the girls and meet the chariots.  They'll probably land in town square as it has the most room.  I just hope everyone is awake, Rainbow Dash can be lazy sometimes.  I should probably tell Rarity first since she'll want to clean herself up and then to Pinkie who..."  Spike stood on quietly looking at Twilight as she made her frantic plans to respond to her teacher's calling.  "Oh um... I'm sorry Spike, I guess we wont be spending today together after all."  

"No it's okay Twilight."  Spike tried to reassure her and put a smile on his face.  "I mean the Princess needs you.  She wouldn't send a message like that unless it was important.  I'll be fine manning the library by myself."  He stood up straight to put on the image of a responsible adult to her.  Still Twilight looked concerned. 

"It's going to be at least a whole day I'll be gone Spike, maybe longer depending on what Princess Celestia needs us for.  Are you sure you'll be okay all that time by yourself?"  Spike could handle himself Twilight knew but normally she was always near by in case a situation was more serious than it looked. 

"Relax, it's in the bag.  How much trouble can I get into caring for a library?"  Twilight didn't want to think of the possibilities.  

"Well okay then.  I'll see you when I'm done in Canterlot."  Twilight gave Spike a kiss on top of his head, making the boy blush a little.  "Good bye Spike."

"Later Twilight."  Spike waved to the lavender haired librarian as she rushed out the door to go on whatever adventure it was today that had been arranged for her.  Spike went back to the table and cleaned up Twilight's breakfast since it seemed it wouldn't get eaten today.  As he went to finish off his own plate he noticed the book Twilight had given him and thought about the things she'd said and what it was changlings did with their victims.  He rubbed the bite marks on his neck thinking about the ultimate fate of the humans that crossed these creatures.

**********

"We all ready tah scadaddle outta here?"  Applejack asked the group as they were getting together in the town square.  The girls attracting a lot of on lookers as they were shown preparing to leave by chariot with two of the royal guards.  Even with Twilight's position with the royal family being well known to everyone in town they still rarely saw such presence in their quaint village.  

"I let everyone know where to meet but they're still not here yet."  Twilight said with a tone of annoyance.  "I'm really sorry.  I'm sure they're on their way."  Twilight offered her apologies to the soldiers but not a one of them seemed to mind.  
"It's alright Ms. Sparkle.  We are here to serve after all, be it for the Princesses or their esteemed associates."  One of the knights assured her standing at attention as he delivered his line.  

"Besides Twilight, everyone at the castle knows you.  We'll wait as long as you need for us."  Another more casual knight with the other chariot spoke up.  "I don't think we're going to complain having to escourt the famous and beautiful elements of harmony."  

"Famous and respected elements of harmony."  The other knight corrected, not wanting to offend the women.  "You always speak too openly Ironguard, you're going to get us in trouble one of these days."  Despite being corrected his associate didn't seem to take offense to it. 

"Don't mind Spearhead over here Twilight, guy is always as stiff and dull as a board.  You don't mind right?"  Twilight smiled nervously not really sure how to end this banter before it got beyond her social skills to deal with.  Thankfully one of her friends with loads of social skills interrupted.  

"Goooooood morning!"  Pinkie said arriving on the scene.  "Morning Twilight.  Morning Applejack.  Morning royal person 1.  Morning Royal person 2."  Pinkie made rounds to everyone and dropped a muffin in each of their hands.  The guards looked it over confused to recieve a gift from the energetic baker.  "I made us all some treats since we all had to go so early, cause Twilight said it was reaaaaaly important that we get going, so I only had a little time to bake them, and I knew Rarity was going to take a while even though I bet Twilight told her first, so I managed to get these made just in time before everyone arrived.  Like Rainbowdash and Fluttershy.  Hi Rainbowdash and Fluttershy!"  The girls and the guards didn't have time to respond as they turned to see the other two women walking up towards the chariots.  

"Hey Pinkie."  Rainbow said followed by a large yawn.  "Good morning, are we gommmf!?"  Rainbow's rose colored eyes grew wide as she had a muffin shoved into her mouth.  

"I made us muffins!"  Pinkie exclaimed and handed one to Fluttershy gently.  "And one for you."  

"Thank you Pinkie."  Fluttershy said meekly as Rainbow pulled her treat out of her mouth and chewed it.  She'd have been more upset if it hadn't been so tastey.  "Morning Applejack, Twilight.  Did the Princess say why she needed us so soon?"  

"Sadly no, I still have no idea why she'd call us all out like this."  Twilight responded, wondering what exactly was taking Rarity so long.  "Last time she needed us in an emergency it involved you-know-who."  

"No ah don't, do you?"  Applejack asked looking legitamitly confused.  

"No I mean last time it involved that one guy, the dangerous one.  You know... you-know-who."  Twilight didn't want to say his name outright since with all the panic he caused before it might concern all the on-lookers they were attracting. 

"Ah still don't know 'em.  Was it Mr. Yanow Who or U. Nohue?"  Twilight made an annoyed expression that she was having to spell this out for her farmer friend.  

"You mean Discord?"  Rainbow blurted out and everyone around her got wide eyed.  "What?  That's what happened the last time we had an emergency meeting at the castle."  Twilight looked around to see some people whispering to each other after Rainbow had said that name out loud.  The two guards were even casting each other nervous looks.  

"Yes... him."  Twilight said.  "That was what it was about last time."  

"There's no need to worry."  Pinkie said happily.  "The weather isn't magically delicious and Fluttershy isn't being a jerk, so I doubt he's back."  Pinkie bounced in front of the guards with a big smile.  "You two should eat your muffins before Rarity shows up."  She gave Spearhead a big smile and the guard gulped. 

"I'm afraid as we are on duty it would be improper for us to do something like snacking while..." 

"This muffin is the best baked good I have ever eaten."  Ironclad suddenly said without a hint of joking tone to his voice and then proceeded to devour it.  Between his partner's exclamation and the pure joy of the pink haired girl the other guard caved in and ate his too.  

"By the moon... what did you put in this?"  Spearhead said shocked.  

"A dash of tastey, a pinch of smiles and a lot of joy."  Pinkie said and skipped over to her friends, delighted in her success.  Spearhead just looked confused by her answer but she didn't give any more explanation.  

"Sorry to keep you, darlings.  I hope I'm not too late."  Rarity finally arrived on the scene and looked as if she were dressed for fashion and function in her white blouse and slacks.  She got a few good looks as she walked up, and even more from her friends when they saw the three bags floating behind her carried by her magic.  

"Rarity, I don't think we'll need all of those bags.  We're only going to be at the castle for a day or two Twilight said."  Fluttershy attempted to reason with her friend, seeing where things were headed with the fashion focused female and her parade of belongings.  The other girls had dressed modestly, Twilight in a skirt and blouse with a light sweatervest.  Applejack had just come out of the field so she was in jeans and her normal workshirt with her trusty hat as always.  Pinkie wore some cute shorts and a pink shirt with three balloons on them.  Rainbow Dash was in her normal runnin outfit as she had just put on the first thing she could find after being woken up by Fluttershy, who was in a green skirt and yellow sweater top of her own.  

"I know, that's why I packed lightly."  Rarity explained and loaded the bags into one of the chariots.  "Should we be off?"  

"Yes, we can't waste a moment.  Gentlemen, if you could prepare to escourt us to the castle?"  Twilight asked politely and the two guards nodded.  The men tightened up their arms and held them out with a flexing motion, a pair of large wings made of pure magic appearing on each of their backs as they did.  Pinkie leaned towards Applejack and whispered to her. 

"I don't have to be a baker to recognize a beefcake when I see one."  Applejack chuckled and the girls shared a high five.  Twilight rolled her eyes.  

"Okay everyone, load up."  Twilight gave the order and the girls began to get into the charriot.  Pinkie and Twilight fit into theirs fine with room to spare but there was problems on Rarity's side already with Applejack.  

"Your bags are taking up enough room for a person."  Rainbow Dash complained looking at all the stuff Rarity had jammed into the open chariot.  "Do you really need all of this junk?"  

"Well I know the concept of being able to dress up to appear your best is foreign to you Rainbow Dash but you don't have to question what I do or do not require."  Rarity said in her defense.  

"Ah don't rightly get it either."  Applejack admitted looking at all of the stuff crammed into their space.  

"I um... I can accomodate four of you if necessary Ms. Twilight."  Spearhead spoke up.  "It would be no trouble."  

"Forget it."  Rainbow said and flexed her own arms, producing two beautiful blue wings made of magic as well from her back.  "I can fly faster than all of you anyway.  They'll move quicker with just two people to carry.  Fluttershy, we'll just fly alongside them."  

"Me-me too?"  Fluttershy stammered looking around at everyone.  She noted the girls and the guards were all looking her direction and she shyly walked up to Rainbow.  "Um... Rainbow I... um... I'm wearing a skirt."  She said quietly.  "What if someone sees?"  

"For crying out... just fly behind them, I'll stay behind you okay?"  Rainbow said trying to get this show moving.  Fluttershy didn't look very confident in Rainbow Dash's idea though. 

"Is everything okay back there?"  Twilight asked growing impatient herself.  "We can't delay anymore."  

"Yeah it's fine, just go and we'll be right behind you."  Rainbow shouted back.  

"Okay then.  Thank you for waiting, it looks like we're all ready."  The guards nodded back to Twilight and reached down, grabbing the poles attached to the chariots.  As the men prepared to take off Spearhead suddenly let out a yelp as a whip cracked against the armor on his back.

"Mush!  Mush!"  Pinkie shouted with enthusiasm as she held the dog sled whip and shouted commands from the chariot.  Twilight just stared in horror at the action the pink eccentric girl had just taken and the guards didn't even know what to say.  When Spearhead looked back at her she wiggled her eyebrows with a sensual grin.  "Mush?"  

"Give me that!"  Twilight shouted and pulled the whip out of Pinkie's hand, tossing it away quickly.  It landed in another woman's hand who suddenly got the exact same expression as Pinkie while looking towards her husband.  "Oh by everything that's magical can we please get going?  I'm so so so sorry!"  The guards assured her it was okay and despite the embarassing exchange the two chariots were soon pulled into the sky by the royal guards and the power of their muscle and magical wings.  Back on the ground Rainbow was having a harder time with Fluttershy than the guards were carring two other people. 

"Fluttershy let's go!  They already took off."  The rainbow haired girl complained but her meek friend couldn't stop looking around out of paranoia of what they might see should she take to the skies in her current clothing. 

"Maybe I could run home and change into some pants...?"  She said quietly and started to turn to leave before Dash finally got fed up with her.  

"Just get your wings out."  She slapped Fluttershy across the butt making the girl "eek!" out loud and her yellow magical wings popped out of her back. 

"D-Dash!  Don't do that!"  

"We don't have time, get moving!"  Rainbow began to push her butt up into the air, flapping her magic wings to make them both start to rise up.  There was an even bigger scene now as Fluttershy fussed with getting Rainbowdash to stop pushing her as it was becoming humiliating.  Twilight watched all of this going on behind her as her friends finally took to the sky and started to follow.  She let out a sigh. 

"I hope Spike is going to have a better day than this."  

**********

"So you have the whole library all to yourself?"  

"That I do."  

"Without any adult supervision or anyone to tell you what to do for at least a day?"  

"That is the situation." 

"This is the best thing that's ever happened to us."  

"Excuse me?"  Spike said as he was putting the night drop off books back on the shelves for the library.  "How is Twilight going to the castle on an emergency summons the 'best' anything?"  

"You know what you have to do right?"  The boy asked with enthusiasm.  Spike had no idea why Snips was so excited over him having the library to himself but it was getting annoying.  

"What do I have to do?"  Spike asked freeing his hands up as he put the last book back. 

"You totally have to do it!"  Snips replied more excited than before.  

"I still don't know what I should do if anything."  

"Doesn't he have to do it?"  Snips turned back to his lanky friend Snails who was sitting at the table looking far more laid back.  

"What, kick you out?  Cause that's about all I'm thinking of doing."  Spike threated getting a little annoyed.  It wasn't that he didn't like Snips and Snails.  They were two of the only males he could really hang out with that were close to his age.  But Snips could wear on him a bit at times.  "Snails can you translate for me?"  

"House party."  Snails said simply.  

"House party?"  Spike asked. 

"House party!"  Snips confirmed.  

"Okay back up the train here a second."  Spike interjected before this got much farther.  "Why do I have to throw a house party?"  

"Isn't it obvious?"  Snips asked.  "You've got a huge house all to yourself, there's no one around to see what we're doing or to chaperon us, and you're cool enough that a lot of girls will come to the party."  Spike thought this over a little.  It kind of made sense in a way.  After all he did have a lot of open space that even Pinkie was able to accomodate for a party full of adults back when he first moved to the town.  Now that he had control of the place and everyone he had to answer to was in another city he could do whatever he wanted.

"Forget it."  Spike said and picked up another armful of books.  

"What!?  Why not?"  Snips asked completely shocked Spike would turn this opportunity down. 

"Look I'm not stupid.  I don't go to school with you guys but I've read enough to know what happens when you throw a party when there's no one to supervise.  The place gets trashed, things get broken, someone sneaks in booze, a fight breaks out and then I'm left to clean the whole place all by myself while trying to get it all done without anyone finding it out."  It made perfect sense to him.  The risk wasn't worth the possible reward, not that he saw much of one other than a bunch of people getting into his food.  

"Usually lots of girls come to these parties though."  Snails advised.  "Sometimes you can even get lucky."  Well... yeah there was that.  Though if Spike was to take wise counsle that was given to him previously then the possibility of more sex wasn't the best option.  

"I think I'll survive."  Spike said putting more books back.  

"But I wont!"  Snips said suddenly standing before Spike.  "Spike, buddy, listen.  I'm not like you okay.  I'm not some guy that knows the princesses personally and is friends with a bunch of pretty women and can do magic and stuff."  

"You can do magic, you both can do magic."  Spike said not impressed with his plea.  "You guys can do more kinds of magic than me."  

"We can potentially do more magic than you."  Snails corrected.  

"Yeah and it's not like it's that impressive to begin with.  C'mon Spike I'm beggin' you here.  This is a chance to have a really amazing party where all the really pretty girls come to and we can possibly get a kiss.  Maybe even touch a boob."  This was actually getting kind of hard for Spike to listen to and not feel bad.  "Snails you're with me on this right?"  

"I like boobs, it's true."  Snails was at least focused on the important things.  "Be nice to see more than just Ms. Cherilee when she wears those low cut shirts."  

"Okay this is getting weird."  Spike said putting a stop to this.  Snails suddenly grabbed onto Spike's shirt and gave him huge puppy dog eyes that were just begging for his mercy.  Spike let out a sigh of defeat.  "...fine."  

"Alright!"  Snips ran over to Snails and gave him a high five.  "Don't worry Spike you wont regret this.  We'll make sure nothing gets broken and help you get it all cleaned up before Twilight gets back.  She'll never even know."  Something in Spike's firey gut told him that this probably wasn't going to be how things turned out.  

"Okay okay before we get ahead of ourselves who are we inviting to this party?  I don't want to open it up for everyone in town to come."  The boys looked at each other and shrugged.  

"Should we invite the girls?"  Snips asked.  "Like... all of the girls?  Yeah, all of the girls."  Spike was already rubbing his forehead from this conversation.  

"I don't think 'all of the girls' are going to come."  Spike responded.  "Look I can probably ask Applebloom and I'm sure her friends will come.  So that includes Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo."  

"We should invite Featherweight."  Snails said.  "He's really got a thing for Scootaloo as it is.  I'm sure he'd appreciate it."  Snips and Spike were both a little surprised to hear that. 

"Scootaloo has an admirer?"  Spike asked.  "I don't really know this Featherweight guy but I've never heard of Scootaloo saying anyone wanted to ask her out."  

"He's shy."  Snails just responded with the same low and even tone he always had.  

"Okay so Applebloom and her friends, Featherweight, and all the girls."  Snips was reciting and Spike was wondering what exactly he was going to do to feed and provide drinks to all of these people.  Looked like he was hitting one of the stores today for party favors.  Still without Pinkie around there was no way Twilight would find out so this worked out okay if he actually planned to do it. 

"What about Rain Catcher?"  Asked Snails.

"What about Rain Catcher?"  Snips asked in return with a little more indignation than Snails.  Spike had no idea who they were talking about and the tone of the conversation caught his attention. 

"What about Rain Catcher?"  He asked himself.  Snips looked annoyed he even had to explain it. 

"The guy's a jerk."  Snips said plainly.  "He's good at sports and tall and all the girls seem to like him."  So that explained it. 

"You're jealous of him?"  Spike asked a little amused. 

"No!  I mean... kinda.  I dunno.  I just don't like the guy.  He acts like he's so amazing but he doesn't really do anything that great.  Worst of all it all comes so easy to him."  

"He pushes Featherweight around a little too."  Snails noted.  

"Well if he's trouble then I don't need him here.  Listen you guys just invite whoever you like but don't be weird about it okay.  Act calm."  He looked at Snips.  "Calm.  Like Snails here."  Snails looked up from his chair now that the conversation was about him, not really getting excited. 

"I don't know what you're talking about, I'm all pumped for this party."  Snails replied in an even and lazy tone.  "What time do we start?"  

"Seven?"  Spike asked with a shrug.  "After the sun goes down is probably best, that way the library will close on time."  He didn't need anyone they didn't invite poking their head in around here.  This was stressful enough as it was.  He couldn't believe he was actually agreeing to it.  

"Great, Snails and I will go and let people know.  That way everyone will be ready for when it starts."  Snails got up now that he was signaled it was time to get moving.  "This is going to be so freaking awesome."  Spike still had his reservations about the whole thing.  "Later Spike, we'll be back soon okay?"  

"Sure sure, I'll see you guys later."  Spike waved as the duo took off out the door.  He remembered this whole day started with him and Twilight getting ready to spend a quiet afteroon together.  Now she was off on an emergency meeting with the princess and here he was trying to plan something that he was pretty sure was going to blow up in his face.  "I sure hope Twilight's having an easier time than me today."  

**********

The women strolled through the great halls of the castle towards the throne room.  The trip had not taken that long with their private escourt and even with Fluttershy lagging behind a bit she and Rainbowdash were able to keep up in flight.  Everything had gone painless... well for most of them anyway.  Fluttershy herself still had her head hanging down and looking at the tiles of the floor rather than facing forward.  Everyone was quiet until Rainbow Dash finally broke the silence.  "C'mon Fluttershy, you're not still upset are you?"  The woman with the light pink hair kept quiet and just pouted.  "I said I was sorry like fifty times."  

"You said no one would see..."  Fluttershy muttered under her breath but slightly louder than her normal speaking voice.  Rainbow Dash gave a frustrated sigh.  

"Look I did my best the whole flight over to stay right behind you, even with how slow you fly.  It's not my fault there was that big updraft when you landed."  Fluttershy's cheeks turned rosey at the mention of the incident outside.  "If you just swung your feet down right before you landed like a normal person instead of coming down feet first from ten meters up then things like this wouldn't happen."  

"Everyone saw Dash."  Fluttershy couldn't seem to let go of it.  "Everyone."  

"Cheer up Fluttershy, I think pink panties looks really good on you."  Pinkie offered trying to make the situation better.  Though it just made Fluttershy blush more.  "Besides those guys flying us in we're pretty hot, so I wouldn't mind that they saw.  And that whole platoon of guards probably had their whole day made by you.  Even the girls looked impressed."

"Pinkie... please stop..."  Fluttershy asked meekly and the excited pink haired girl was physically lifted and moved aside by Rainbow Dash to give Shy a break.  

"Oh don't be so embarassed darling."  Rarity said trying to comfort her.  "When you're good looking enough to stop a group of soldiers from marching with a little show like that you should be proud.  Right Twilight?"  Twilight herself was trying to hide her own embarassment and hoped word of all this didn't get back to the princess.  After Pinkie's little act with the whip back in town she was sure those two would avoid them at all cost for future escourt jobs. 

"I'm all for letting it drop myself."  Twilight said.  "At least around the Princess, please."  Twilight opened the door to the throne room and walked inside, seeing the sight before her that she'd witnessed many times since she was a child but always impressed her.  Celestia stood before her throne rather than sitting on it, dressed in a white and brilliantly designed uniform that spoke of power and still had an air of effiminty about it.  Her long rainbow colored hair flowing behind her from the vast amounts of magical power she possessed.  Near her throne was something Twilight rarely saw though; her scepter with the brilliant and huge magical diamond gem sitting atop of it.  It was practically a staff for battle in its length and she normally only carried it during royal ceremonies or a times of war should she need its power.  "Princess Celestia, we have arrived."  Twilight announced their presence and all of the women bowed to her. 

"Twilight, my faithful student.  Everyone, thank you all for coming as quickly as you could.  I know it was on short notice but I'm afraid there was simply no time to spare.  Something has come to my attention that may signal a great threat returning to us."  Twilight could only assume what that meant, and she was sure Celestia didn't need the six of them for Chrysalis returning.  

"Is it... Discord?"  Twilight asked nervously.  

"Maybe, but we're hoping that's not the case."  A male voice suddenly spoke up from near the side of the room and Twilight couldn't hide her smile at the sight of who it was. 

"Shining Armor."  Twilight said happily.  

"Hey sis.  Ladies."  Twilight's brother smiled to her friends and they all greeted him in return.  "We recieved something in the mail that had to be brought to Princess Celestia's attention right away.  It could be a prank and maybe the royal guard is just being overly cautious but we wanted to be safe."  

"No, you did the right thing Armor.  This isn't out of character for him."  Celestia raised her hand and something floated to her from a nearby table.  When it landed in Celestia's hand she showed the objects to Twilight and her friends.  

"Letters?"  Applejack asked confused.  "The Princess got some fan mail and it raised this much of a stir?"  

"Not just me Applejack, you as well."  Celestia walked up and handed a letter to the blond woman who looked at it confused.  "And you Twilight.  All of us in fact recieved a letter."  Celestia passed each one to its appropriate recepiant and the girls looked them over in confusion.  

"That's funny."  Applejack commented.  "Ah don't even know a C. Haos.  Wonder who this feller could be."  

"You're not the only one."  Twilight agreed.  "Mine is from a D. S. Cord."  

"Mine was signed by a Crazy D."  Rarity said not seeming impressed with her letter. 

"Mine is just a drawing of an unhappy face."  Fluttershy said not really understanding what that could mean. 

"At least your guy put something."  Rainbow said.  "Mine is from 'Q'.  He didn't even finish writing his own name."  

"Well at least Mr. De Lancie here signed his letter for me."  Pinkie said quite happy hers was the least weird of the bunch.  Twilight looked to Celestia who she noticed had a letter herself.  

"Who is your letter from Princess?" 

"Mine just says 'An Old Friend'."  Most of the clues seemed to be pointing to the same conclusion.  If nothing for he sheer randomness of it all.  "I think we can all guess who really sent these to us."  

"But ah still don't get it none."  Applejack said.  "Ah mean we sealed up Discord tight in that stone statue of his.  How could he have sent us all these letters?"  

"Maybe he had a friend do it for him?"  Rainbow Dash suggested which was a pretty well thought out idea.  "He might have made some when he got out."  

"Or maybe he sent them early on after he was released and they just shipped now?"  Rarity offered as well.  

"Or maybe he got out?"  Fluttershy asked nervously and everyone looked towards Celestia.  She looked tired, as if this had been weighing heavily on her since she discovered it.  After a moment the Princess responded.  

"I don't believe he has escaped again.  I've checked his statue multiple times and by all accounts he still appears trapped with a stronger seal than before.  Still..."  She turned towards Twilight's brother who stood at attention when her gaze fell to him.  "I wanted Shining Armor here to use his shielding magic just in case we require the protection.  The Elements of Harmony are still present as well."  Celeatia motioned to the chest that normally contained the jewels that housed and amplified the girls individual magical powers.  "We cannot ignore this though for leaving it unchecked could play into whatever plot Discord may have set in motion after his defeat.  Which is why I'm requesting that you open your letters."  The girls all looked between each other as if they were wondering if this was the wisest course of action.  

"Is that dangerous?"  Fluttershy asked nervously.  

"Normally I would agree with you."  Shining Armor spoke up.  "I didn't really want to put any of you at risk if I could help it.  So when the letters arrived and Celestia decided that we needed to investigate further I attempted to open Twilight's letter for her."  

"You what!?"  Twilight shouted.  "Are you crazy!?  What if it had a spell that killed you or turned you into a frog or something!?"  

"What if it was going to do that to you!?"  Armor countered back to his sibling.  "I wasn't going to let that happen.  But it didn't matter anyway.  Watch."  Armor took Twilight's letter from her hand and attempted to open it.  The sound of the paper ripping was heard but the place he pulled it open was untouched.  "See, no one can open these letters besides the senders."  Armor handed it back but Twilight still wasn't happy.  

"Big idiot.  You got a wife now.  You can't do stupid things like that and put yourself at risk, okay?"  Twilight tried to scold him but she only got a smile back from her brother.  

"Okay, whatever you say sis."  

"Jerk."  She hugged him real quick.  "Okay then I guess someone has to open their letter first to see what happens."  Twilight looked back at her friends who all watched her in anticipation.  "Then I guess that person should be mysel..." 

"On it."  Applejack said simply and just ripped her letter open right away, all of her friends leaping away from her in a shout.  The farmer stood perfectly still waiting for something to happen, everyone in the room holding their breath.  When nothing seemed to occur she shrugged and slid her letter out, opening it up.  "Now lets see here.  Hmmm... 'Dear Applejack, you can't eat all them apples.  Signed, C. Haos.' ... forget you I can't eat all them apples!"  She said not impressed at all with her letter.  "That's it."  

"That's it?"  Pinkie said disappointed that nothing seemed to happen. 

"It's all he wrote.  Nothing on the back either."  Applejack flipped it around to show the group.  "That's it?"  

"That can't be it.  Let me try."  Pinkie said completely disappointed nothing cool happened like a cotton candy cloud full of chocolate milk appearing.  She opened her letter and pulled it out to see what Mr. De Lancie had written to her.  "Hmmm... huh?"  She read down the letter and flipped it over.  "That's funny, it's just a recipie for cupcakes... it doesn't make sense though.   I guess Rainbow Dash is supposed to help me make them?  Hey Dashie, want to try this later?"  Pinkie offered and the other rainbow haired woman in the room shrugged. 

"Sure, why not.  I bet if they involve me they gotta be awesome.  So I'm next?"  Rainbow offered and opened up hers, the tension in the room dropping considerably since the last two had been read.  Twilight noticed that Celestia still had a serious expression about her face as she seemed to be waiting for something to occur.  Rainbow opened up her letter from Q and began to read.  "Huh... that's funny.  This is a letter of acceptance from Cloudsdale.  Something about working in the Rainbow Factory?  I don't get it, I'm not even qualified for a place like that."  Rainbow sighed.  "Well that was boring."  

"Well I guess I put mine off long enough."  Twilight said as she opened up her letter, her brother staying close by just in case.  Twilight took a breath and pulled the letter out of its envelope but she didn't have to wait long as there was something written on the folded part of it.  "It says 'Open Last.'  Like heck I will."  Twilight said trying to open the letter, but when she went to unfold it it just seemed to collapse back in on itself with a new message that read "Just Wait."  Twilight tried it again but when she unfolded the paper as second time it collapses in again and read "Be Patient".  Annoyed Twilight flipped the paper over and found another message on the back that read "Seriously.  Wait."  

"Guess I'm not opening mine next." Twilight said putting it back in the envelope.  "Any other takers?"  

"I'll go."  Rarity said as she opened her letter and pulled the paper out delicately with her magic.  "Now lets see here.  Oh it looks like an order for an outfit.  It's not a dress though... more like a body suit.  That's odd, why would you need zippers there unless you..."  Rarity's eyes grew wider as it started to dawn on her exactly what this order form was requesting.  "I don't think I'll be making this."  She folded the paper back together before anyone else could see what she was holding.  "Anyone else?"  

"Okay then.  Here it goes."  Fluttershy opened her letter even more dantily than Rarity had, slipping the paper out and reading it.  She looked it over with a confused expression.  "It just says the word 'clop' over and over again.  I have no idea what this means."  The girl said and shrugged.  

"Then that just leaves me."  Celestia stated as she opened her letter with a swift motion of her hand, using her magic to tear the envelope open and pull the letter out.  Celestia unfolded the paper and began to read.  The room was quiet as they watched their monarch go over each line of the letter and her expression change from surprise to confusion to down right anger.  Everyone was dead silent until Twilight being the least likely to incure any wrath from her teacher stepped up.  

"Princess?  What does it say?"  Celestia turned her gaze towards her student and handed her the paper, crossing her arms and turning away from the group to stare out one of the stain glass windows that lined the throne room.  Twilight wondered what could possibly be written that would anger her benevolent teacher so much.  It must have been something truly awful.  Turning her gaze downward Twilight began to read. 

"'To whom it may concern.  Celestia's butt is so big that when she gets up from her throne people think the moon has risen.  Celestia's butt is so big that when she sits around the castle she sits AROUND the castle.  Celestia's butt is so big that when she wears tight pants the back looks like someone smuggling two hams.'"  Pinkie actually giggled at that last one and Celestia turned her head with a glare that looked like it could literally kill.  Applejack tackled the pink haired girl and covered her mouth before she could utter another giggle.  "'Celestia's butt is so big...' this just keeps going on and on."  Twilight said flipping the letter over.  "It's written on both sides.  And in the margins.  There must be like two hundred jokes here."  

"Can I read them?"  Pinkie asked and got tackled again in a second before she could say another word.  Celestia let out a breath to calm herself down and turned back to her student, though she still doesn't seem pleased with the last letter. 

"That just leaves you Twilight."  The lavender haired girl looked down at her letter which had instructed her to be the very last one to open.  She let out a breath and slowly folded open the paper to see what it said.  Everyone held their breath in anticipation.  As she folded the letter open Twilight read it aloud. 

"'Look Up.'  Look up?  What exactly am I looking foAAAAH!"  Twilight screamed and jumped back into her brother as she was met with mismatched eyes looking directly into her own.  Everyone seemed shocked at the sudden appearance of the man in the throne room with the two different colored eyes, wild white hair and robe that seemed to be made of different types of fabrics.  "Discord!?"  

"Surprise!  Did I surprise everyone?  I hope I wasn't too obvious."  He said with a smile.  Shining Armor stood in front of Twilight and drew his sword quickly, Celestia rasing her hand and summoning her scepter to her hand.  The other girls had all given some room to the Chaos God's appearance but looked ready for a fight if it came to it.  

"Discord, I knew it.  How did you escape your prison!?"  Celestia pointed the jewel of her staff at him while he still smiled smugly. 

"Now now, I know you all have questions but they can wait.  How are all of you doing?"  He said politely and everyone looked around confused.  Though none of them seemed convinced he was here to simply say hello.  

"I'm doing fine."  Pinkie responded and Discord turned to her and pointed her direction.  

"Glad to hear it.  Did you enjoy my letters?  I spent some time writing each one seperately for you.  Celestia's was the most fun."  Twilight noticed a glow of magic in Celestia's scepter and took a step back as she expected her to strike.  

"Enough with the chit chat, how'd you get loose?"  Rainbow Dash asked, preparing her fists for a beat down.  

"Well you see it's quite simple; mango."  Discord said simply.  Rainbow Dash just stood there confused at the nonsensical answer. 

"What?"  

"Did I say Mango?  I meant motor oil and basket balls."  The girls all looked amongst each other completely confused now as to what he could be talking about.  "Is that not a good enough answer?"  

"What is it you want!?"  Celestia asked with a commanding voice and Discord just burst into laughter.  

"Oh are you still asking questions?  I hope so.  You see this is a recording!"  He said spreading his arms open to show himself off.  "I'm not even solid.  I can't even hear your questions, those were pre-set responses to hearing anyone talk.  Go ahead, touch me.  Anyone, touch me."  Shining Armor walked forward to poke the fake Discord with the end of his sword but Twilight held him back just in case that was an invitation to a trap.  "No one?  Oh all right then.  I suppose it's time I got right down to the nitty gritty.  You see in the very unlikely event that I would actually be defeated by you ladies I took precautions to ensure my continued reign over the stifeling grip of this monarchy.  That would be you Celestia."  He didn't face her but was aware she was in the room with her letter.  

"So with the threat of my freedom being stolen from me once more I made sure to leave you girls with a gift.  This little recording here and an additional spell.  See you all soon."  The magical recording of Discord smiled as he became a ball of light that floated straight up into the air and through one of the windows going outside.  

"Armor!  A shield around Discord, now!"  Celestia commanded and thankfully the captain of the guard responded in time, putting out his hand and casting a force field out in the garden around Discord's statue.  

"You can do it from all the way in here?"  Rarity asked impressed.  

"I memorized the spot after we got these letters.  It was Celestia's idea."  Armor said with a confident smile.  "Don't worry, with my shield up there's no way he'll ARRRGH!"  Armor nearly fell to one knee but still kept his hand facing forward.  "It's trying to break through!"  

"I got you."  Twilight ran beside her brother and put her hand around his, adding her power to his own to reneforce the barrier.  Even with their combined strength Twilight could feel a great strain being put against his magic.  Despite being seald Discord's power was still as undeniable as ever.  

"Fear not."  Celestia said as she took his other hand lending her power to him as well.  Twilight could feel the barrier they created grow solid and strong in seconds as the Chaos God's spell tried to penetrate it.  The other girls looked on as there was a growing light from outside the windows and soon a bright flash exploded from the hedge maze garden.  Twilight and Shining Armor were both breathing heavily from the strain but Celestia had the same determined look as before.  "The barrier has held.  Everyone, outside to the garden!  We're going ahead."  Celestia commanded the other girls in the room and they all agreed taking to their feet (and in some cases wings) as they ran through the halls.  Celestia placed her hands on the magical siblings and they disappeared in a flash of light. 

**********

Once the other girls finally got through the garden and to where Discord's statue was kept Twilight Sparkle, Shining Armor and Celestia were already there after the Princess had teleported them.  Celestia was looking the statue over and the barrier Armor had created still held strong.  They were pretty out of breath after running all that distance on foot but Applejack was in well enough shape that she was able to speak normally.  "So everythin' alright here?"  

"We were fortunate."  Celestia responded looking Discord's prison over.  "Discord's spell was not powerful enough to penetrate Shining Armor's magic.  The stone prison you created to seal him away has not faltered.  However as all things are with Discord I'm afraid this may not be as it appears."  Twilight was standing close to her brother looking worried over the strain he'd submitted himself to earlier.  

"Are you sure you're alright?"  She asked but the blue haired soldier gave her a smile in return.

"Nothing to worry about Twi', thanks to you and the Princess that is."  

"So if the spell was stopped then why is Shining Armor still using a barrier?"  Rarity asked curiously as she approached Celestia.  "Did he not defeat it?"  

"That's what I need to determine."  Celestia said watching Discord's body carefully.  "I can't allow there to be a single crack in his prison lest he find a way to escape again.  I don't know if Equestira could stand his anarchy a second time so soon after our previous crisis."  

"That was super duper the way you stopped that magical crazy ball, Shining Armor.  I didn't know a regular person could use magic that tough from so far away."  Pinkie Pie complimented as she approached the siblings.  Armor was about to respond but felt a sudden grip on his arm from his sister as she steppd in to answer. 

"Shining Armor has always been a master of his barrier spells.  Why I remember when we were little I wanted to make a fort he went to the trouble to..."  

"What is this little creature?"  A small, humanoid black creature came out from the hedges and sniffed about the ground.  It had long ears and beady red eyes.  It was like if someone crossed a rat with a monkey.  "Hello little guy, are you lost?"  The little creature looked up at Fluttershy and the woman smiled, offering her hand.  "That's right, it's okay.  I'm a friend."  The creature sniffed at Fluttershy's finger tips and the woman smiled down at it lovingly.  Then it opened it's mouth to reveal the many rows of jagged teeth and lunged for the girl.  Fluttershy didn't have time to scream but thankfully Applejack was there with a strong right hook to send the fearsome little monster back. 

"Down ya varmint!"  She called out as it crashed against the ground, however that didn't seem to stop it as the little beast got back to its feet and pounced again.  Applejack was ready with another attack but the monster stopped in mid-air as a bubble of magic was created around it.  Celestia walked foward from Discord's statue and floated the creature over to herself.  "Phew, thanks Princess.  I dunno what the heck that thing was but it sure had a bad attitude."  

"Princess?"  Twilight asked approaching slowly towards the little creature that was fighting to escape its magical bond.  "Is that what I think it is?"  

"This is an Imp."  Celestia said as she floated the creature closer to herself, looking it over.  

"But... those are only supposed to live down in Tartarus."  Twilight said confused.  "How is it that one could have escaped and made it all the way to the castle?"  

"It didn't."  Celestia stated and looked to Shining Armor.  "Captain, I regret having to ask this of you but I'm afraid I have no choice.  I need you to create another barrier around the castle gardens while keeping the barrier on Discord."  

"What!?"  Twilight stated.  "Princess I... I respect you in every way but asking my brother to maintain two barriers at once is..."  

"Yes your highness."  Shining Armor said dutifully despite his sister's protests and held up both his arms.  A blast of magic flew into the air as it exploded and spread out in the form of a dome, dropping down around the length of the gardens.  Armor's brow looked strained over having to take on the stress of two barriers at once but despite the stress he managed it and the glowing dome around all of them was completed.  "It is done your highness."  

"Armor..."  Twilight said worriedly.  

"Very good Captain.  I knew you could be counted on."  Twilight still didn't seem at all reassured by her teacher or her brother and walked up to him.  

"Don't worry any big brother.  Your sister is here to help."  She said putting a hand over her brother's.  Celestia watched this with some interest.  "With our magical power combined we can maintain a dozen barriers."  

"I'm afraid that wont be something we can afford Twilight Sparkle.  There is another mission you must carry out."  Celestia turned to the other women.  "Elements of Harmony; I must confess something to you and ask you to take on a dangerous task.  With this maze I have set many statues over many centuries.  While I have always done this of my own hand and purpose it was in truth to not allow any to know what my intentions were with each piece I added."  She sighed a moment and faced her subjects gazes again.  "Each statue within this maze is in fact a prisoner of the kingdom."  

"What, no way!"  Rainbow exclaimed.  "There's dozens of statues all over this place.  I've flown over it a couple times now.  You're telling me every single one of them is alive?"  

"That's awful."  Fluttershy said sounding shocked.  "Those livng creatures..."  a

"It was not without good reason."  Celestia continued to explain.  "In the hundreds of years I have ruled this land without my sister's aid there was only so much I could do.  My magic and attention was taxed to its limit.  In this case I encountered sevearal situations where simple containment or diplomacy wasn't an option.  In many of these cases it involved monsters that could not be controlled."  Twilight noted that by addressing it as several it didn't mean all.  She wondered what the exceptions were.  "So to protect my people I invoked a stone sleep spell and held them here in the garden where they would be treated as simple pieces of art.  It seems though Discord had the last laugh despite not escaping his prison."  

"So there's a bunch of magical beasties all runnin' around this maze right now!?"  Applejack asked looking stressed out at the idea of encountering something super natural.  

"Yes, that is where you come in.  Until I can be sure Discord did not create this as an elaborate ruse only you six can gather and contain the monsters that currently wander this maze.  I'll be sure to post guards near the gardens in case any of them managed to escape."  Not everyone seemed convinced this was actually the best plan of action and Rarity had the will to speak up. 

"I'm a seamstress."  Rarity admitted.  "I can't fight a monster."  

"Ah'm... Ah'm just a farmer Princess."  Applejack said as well  "Ah dunno if ah can do this."  

"Will you guys relax?"  Rainbow Dash said suddenly as she hovered over the ground with her magical wings.  "We've fought like a hydra and convinced a dragon to leave our town before.  We can handle a bunch of small monsters."  

"That's right!"  Pinkie chimed in with her enthusiasm.  "Why if we can stop that big meanie head Discord then we can handle this, no problem."  Celestia nodded to the girls confidence and turned to Twilight.  

"Twilight Sparkle, I know this seems daunting but it is not something I would ask of you if I did not think you could succeed in this task.  Will you help me?"  Twilight looked between her teacher and to her brother who also nodded to her.  She sighed and removed her hand from Armor's.  He faltered ever so slightly from the stress of maintaining his barriers on his own but was quickly recovered when Celestia took his hand.  

"If that is what you need of me Princess, I'd never deny you."  Twilight said a little disappointed. 

"Thank you Twilight.  And thank all of you as well.  Do not worry for the outside, I shall request Princess Cadence to come to us right away to help Shining Armor in his reinforcement of the barrier.  We shall come to assist as soon as we've secured the rest of the castle."  As Celestia delievered her words she was suddenly approached by Fluttershy.

"Um... beg your pardon... Princess but... I was wondering... could you free him?"  She motioned to the little Imp that was still trapped in her small barrier.  

"Fluttershy, have you lost your wits?"  Rarity asked approaching the girl. 

"Yeah, he tried to chomp up your hand like a chocolate chip cookie!"  Pinkie said with concern but Fluttershy didn't seem to mind.  

"Oh it's okay, I bet he's just hungry after being kept in stone for all of that time.  I know that if I just talk to him it'll be alright."  

"Shy, hun, listen that there is a monster."  Applejack tried to explain.  "He's not one a yer little critter friends.  He's gonna try tah eat ya up first chance he gets."  Fluttershy was uneffected by their words and stood strong in her resolve.  She looked to Celestia pleadingly and moved by her conviction Celestia released her barrier.  The monster dropped to the ground with a little grunt and got to its feet quickly.  It looked around frantically before being approached by the pink haired woman.  

"Hello there little one.  You don't have to be afraid okay?"  The little black Imp shuddered and cowered from her.  Fluttershy reached into the bag she'd brought with her when they were told she was going to travel and produced a biscuit.  "I know it's not much but it should still taste good.  I don't know if you eat meat or vegetables."  Fluttershy offered the treat again and everyone watched on tensely as it sniffed at her food.  The little demon started to growl at her and Fluttershy changed her gaze from a loving expression to an intense glare.  "Don't you bite!  You understand?"  After making eye contact the creature stopped growling and instead took the treat in its hands and began to eat it hungrily.  "Good boy."  

"Stars and garters ah was mighty scared right about then."  Applejack said letting out a breath.  Fluttershy called to the little Imp and the creature crawled up her arm onto her shoulder.  Fluttershy smiled at it and gave it another treat.  "Ah guess even beasts a Tartarus can't compete with Shy's stare."

"Whatever, it's no like it's so tough anyway."  Rainbow said looking at the little beast on Fluttershy's shoulder.  "He's the size of a sports ball.  Who's gonna be scared of that?"  The little creature narrowed its eyes at her annoyed and grabbed a fistful of Rainbows multi-colored hair.  "Hey hey hey!  Stop that!  Lemme go!  That hurts."  

"Now now, you shouldn't pull people's hair."  Fluttershy gently scolded and the creature let go.  Rainbow growled and raised a fist but it hid inside of the pink hair that drapped around the soft spoken woman.  

"Yeah you better run.  Little punk."  The creature poked it's face out and stuck it's tongue from it's mouth, doing a raspberry at her. "Why you!  Why do you always attract the little jerks, Fluttershy?"  

"You think he's mean?  He seems a bit more behaved than Angel."  Fluttershy commented at the little creature that had grown attached to her.  Celestia seemed satisfied in Fluttershy's display of control over the small demon. 

"Very well then, I shall leave this in your capable hands.  Be careful and tread lightly.  The monsters in this maze can be subdued with words or outright defeated with force.  But they must be kept within the confines of the maze so that they do not risk opening the barrier to the castle or to Discord."  

"We shall do our best Princess."  The girls bowed to their ruler and Celestia nodded to her subjects.  In a bright flash the Princess and her captain of the guard disappeared, leaving the six girls alone in the maze filled with beasts.

"I'm still not so sure this was a good idea."  Rarity admitted with a nervous tone.  "Just the six of us to tame an entire garden full of monsters?"  

"Monsters that Celestia couldn't beat herself."  Applejack added and Twilight focused herself on the task at hand before she responded.  

"Don't worry girls, I have a plan.  We're going to split up."  Everyone looked at her like she was insane.  "It's simple really.  Fluttershy with your talents in taming animals should head into the garden to try and gather them up and calm them down as quickly as possible.  For protection I think you should take Rainbow Dash to accompany you."  

"Well... okay then.  If Dash is with me I should be safe."  She felt a soft tug at her hair and looked over at the little Imp.  "Oh right, I have you to protect me too.  I guess I don't have anything to worry about then huh?"  The little Imp looked proud of itself and Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes.  Twilight seemed satisfied with this. 

"Right.  Next Rarity and Applejack should patrol the outside of the garden.  Between Rarity's magic and Applejack's strength they should be able to distract or control any monsters that try to escape the barrier."  

"Well ah suppose we can handle that, right Rarity?"  The cowgirl said next to her more proper friend.  

"It's a bit more dirty than I usually let myself get but desperate times."  Applejack smirked at Rarity's priorities still showing through despite all of this.  "So where does that leave you Twilight?"  

"Pinkie Pie and I will stay here.  With Discord."  The lavender haired librarian looked up towards the statue of their past enemy.  "If the monsters do try to escape someone needs to be here to keep him sealed for sure.  Worse if they come looking for him to try and free him I may need help in keeping his barrier maintained and the statue defended."  

"You can count on me Twilight!"  Pinkie exclaimed and put an arm around her friend.  

"Great.  Okay with any luck we wont have to do this for very long so we should get started right away.  Is everyone ready?"  The six friends nodded to each other and the two duo's ran off to their appointed tasks.  Twilight sighed looking at Discord's frozen body in stone.  "He really caused a mess huh?"  

"Don't worry Twilight.  His big meanie head is still all locked up inside there, and there's no way he's getting out.  Your brother made sure of it."  Twilight smiled and nodded her head, remembering his brave actions in stopping the Chaos God.  "I'm gonna admit though, I'll miss those cotton candy clouds with the chocolate rain."  

**********

Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash had wandered into the maze for about a good ten minutes but they hadn't come across any monsters.  There was the brief sound of plants rustling or a possible growl that made the delicate girl jump but Rainbow was always there to reassure her it would be okay.  Actually since nothing was happening she was getting pretty bored.  "I thought there were supposed to be dangerous creatures all over the place?  We haven't seen a single monster yet."  

"Thank goodness."  Fluttershy added.  "Maybe they're all scared and confused now that they woke up some place they don't recognize.  The poor dears."  

"'The poor dears'?  Fluttershy they're monsters.  They'd just as soon as eat you than actually be your friend."  

"That's not how he acted."  Fluttershy said giving another biscuit to her new little friend.  The Imp eating it happily.  Rainbow glared at the creature.

"I don't trust him either.  He might be just getting close to you so that he can attack when your guard is down."  The little Imp frowned at Rainbow, and then took some of Fluttershy's hair and wrapped himself in it like a pink coat.  It made a happy sound that made Fluttershy giggle and Rainbow even more upset with how much it was getting away with.  

"Don't worry Rainbow Dash.  If they're anything like our little Imp here then we'll hopefully find some more cute, tiny and silly little friends.  You can't always judge a book by it's cover you know."  

"I only read one kind of book thanks."  Rainbow said still pouting that Fluttershy trusted the little creature when she thought it was a small black ball of evil.  "Besides I'm not just going to go crazy at the first thing I see.  I got more control than that."  As if on cue a small creature suddenly leaped out from the hedges and in front of the girls.  It was thick and yellow and seemed to have a magical electric current running through it.  It turned quickly with its tiny arms stretched out towards Dash. 

"Pikachu!"  

"KILL IT!"  Rainbow screamed in a panic and kicked the small electric mouse like a foot ball.  The force of her kick sending it clear out out of the maze. 

"PIIIIIIIIKAAAAAAA-"  It's shout was cut short as it bounced off the top of the dome hard and richoched back down towards the ground some where far away.  Both the Imp and Fluttershy looked horrified at Rainbows actions and she gulped realizing what she'd done.  

"Uh... um... I might have over reacted."  Rainbow said embarassed and Fluttershy stomped ahead of her.  "Aw c'mon Shy, I'm sorry.  Are you going to spend all day mad at me?"  

"If this keeps up maybe."  The girl muttered.  "I swear Rainbow first the whole thing with my skirt flying up and now you're kicking small animals.  How are we ever going..."  As she walked forward another creature began to come around the corner.  This one not looking nearly as friendly as the last.  "...make... friends."  She took a few steps back as it growled and stalked forward.  

"Fluttershy!  Don't make any sudden moves, okay!?"  The creature noticed the other woman now and it began to circle towards them in the small amount of room the section of the maze allowed.  "What is that thing?"  

"It's a Chupacabra."  Fluttershy squeaked out as Rainbow stood before her now.  "It uses its fangs to drink animals blood."  The wolf like beast with the huge teeth was growling and tensing its muscles.  Rainbow got in position to strike if she needed to.  Before either of them could move however the little Imp jumped off Fluttershy's shoulders and stood before the girls.  It began to chitter with strange noises as if it were talking to the monster.  

"What's he doing?  Hey move out of the way before you get eaten!"  Rainbow tried to get it to shoo before Fluttershy's new pet got hurt but the pink haired girl stopped her.  

"Wait a second Dash.  I think he's talking to it."  As the little Imp continued to chitter at the creature it stopped growling and laid down on the grass panting.  The Imp then ran up to Fluttershy and chittered at her.  "What, he's thirsty?"  

"You can understand that thing?"  Rainbow asked surprised. 

"Sort of, he doesn't communicate like any other animal I ever met."  Fluttershy reached into her bag again and pulled out a dog dish.  Walking forward she kept her distance but put it down and poured a bottle of water into it.  After backing up the girls waited and eventually the monster stood up and walked towards her gift, drinking happily.  "The poor thing was just dehydrated after being imprisoned for so long."  Rainbow Dash looked on and she had to admit she was impressed how her friend could so easily tame these things.  

"Jeez, I guess you really can communicate with any animal can't you?"  Fluttershy smiled happily.  

"It just takes opening your ears and your heart and eventually you can listen to anything when it speaks to you."  Fluttershy said happily in a sing song voice.  Suddenly though one of the hedges collapsed before them all as a body fell through it.  Lifting itself up they all found themselves staring into the eyes of a six legged, bison like creature.  The huge beast gave off a deep growl at the sight of all the other animals in its territory and Fluttershy swallowed a lump in her throat.  "Though some might take more work than others."

**********

"Seems like we got the easy job."  Applejack said as her and Rarity made a slow walk around the outside of the maze.  It wouldn't be so bad aside from the fact that the maze was huge and that she didn't know if they'd even make it all the way around before Celestia got back with those reinforcements.  "Ah ain't seen hide nor hair of any critter tryin' tah get out.  Even in the sky."  

"PIIIIIIIIKAAAAAAA-"  Both women turned their heads upward to see the small yellow object fly out of the maze and then bounce off the top of the barrier painfully.  Rarity cringed.  

"Well... none that did it successfully anyway."  She commented.  "I wonder what exactly Celestia kept in this place that was so dangerous she couldn't let it roam free?"  

"Ah dunno.  But if it was bad enough fer her tah change it tah stone then it must be bad news."  The girls were finally coming upon one of the edges of the labyrinth and walked around the bend.  "Ah just hope we manage tah not run in tah any of 'em before she gets back and does her spell again."  

"I think your wish isn't going to come true today, darling."  Rarity said and pulled her blond friend back behind the corner quickly.  The two women looked past the hedge to see a creature clawing at the barrier trying to escape.  It was fairly large, almost standing as tall as a person.  It's body was covered in green scales and it stood on four legs.  The beast's head was similar to a dragon but it's snout was short and closer to it's face, with a mane of hair around its head like a lion.  "What is that?"  Rarity asked in a whisper.

"Ah dunno, but it looks mighty fierce."  Applejack said as it clawed at the magical wall in an attempt to escape.  "Do ya think it's dangerous?"  

"I'm not sure."  Rarity sounded a bit fearful.  "Perhaps it's best we turn back?"  

"But we can't leave it like this. What if it gets loose?"  It was true their job was to stop monsters from trying to escape the maze but Rarity wasn't feeling confident in taking on something so dangerous looking.  

"Well what do you suggest we do, try to ask it nicely to stay in a prison?" Rarity said sounding curt but it was more out of her shaken nerves than actual spite.  

"Sure, lets give it a whirl."  Applejack walked out and Rarity tried to grab her to pull he back but missed her grab.

"I wasn't serious!  Applejack!  Applejack don't!  Please!"  Rarity tried to reason with her friend as quietly as she could but it was pointless as the monster saw her and stopped clawing the walls as she approached. 

"Pardon me."  Applejack called out.  "Ah reckon yer mighty confused since ya'll just woke up from a stone sleep.  But ah gotta ask ya tah stop scratchin' at that barrier there."  The dragon like beast lowered itself from it's back paws onto all fours and roared in Applejack's direction.  The woman held onto her hat from the force of it's bellowing at her.  "Well now ya don't gotta go gettin's all bent outta shape just cause I asked that of ya."  The creature growled over Applejack not being intimidated by its roar and began to scratch its claws at the ground in an attempt to scare her off.  "Jeez yer an orinery sort aren't ya.  No reason we gotta be like that ya'know.  Why don't we be friends?"  

Applejack approached the dog shaped dragon-like creature and it head butted her to back up right in the chest.  Rarity reached out her hand in concern but it only pushed the blond farmer back three steps.  "Haaaff!  Hey now!  That was uncalled for."  The dragon like beast just growled and postured itself to appear dominate.  "Oh so ya wanna tussle do ya?"  The beast growled and scratched against the ground as if it were ready to charge.  Applejack cracked her knuckles in preperation as well.  "Fine then, lets see if ya got what it takes ya over grown gecko."  The dragonish creature ran at Applejack and she did the same to it, the two bodies slamming against each other.  

To Applejack's credit she held her own.  Catching the beast in the chest and holding it up while it balanced on its hind legs.  She sunk her neck in deep against it so it couldn't bite her and began to push back against it as her powerful legs walked.  "Yer tough an all but lets see how tough ya really are."  Bracing herself the blond woman bent her knees and shoved hard with her upper body, tossing the beast back as far as it had pushed her.  "Ha... Phew... serves ya right... whew."  The monster tumbled a bit but righted itself soon onto its feet, not looking near as tired as Applejack did.  The beast took a moment to lick its paw and groom its mane before preparing for another charge.  "Ya still wanna fight?  Well if that's what ya want..."  

"Bravo!"  There was applause coming from behind Applejack as Rarity walked up towards the two of them.  "Bravo, what a magnificent display of strength.  Why have you ever seen such a powerful creature?"  Rarity asked her friend as she motioned towards the dragon like beast, both of the previous opponents looking at her shocked.  

"Well... yeah ah guess he is pretty tough."  Applejack admitted. 

"Why he's not just tough.  To think he could hold back our very own Applejack.  One of the strongest fighters in our fair lands."  Rarity said boasting up the farmers prowess in battle far higher than she'd ever admit to. 

"Well really I'm just-" 

"But even her strength could compare to this strong and dare I say it, handsome creature."  After reciving the compliments the dragonish creature seemed to smile proudly to itself.  Rarity approaching it confidently now.  "Why I've never even seen something so exotic.  This mane is just too beautiful to ignore.  While those claws are sharper than any fearsome predatore I've encountered.  It would be my honor if I could spend some time with you."  The beast huffed a breath and Rarity began to pet it, the creature seeming to enjoy the gentle stroke of her hands.  Applejack smiled as she walked up as well to the proud and now docile monster. 

"Well ah'll be."  Applejack said impressed.  "How'd ya know this her fancy guy wanted to be respected like that?"  

"One can tell when she sees elegance darling."  Rarity said to Applejack over the creatures back with a wink.  "When I saw the care he gave to this wonderful mane of his I knew he was both a creature of strength and beauty."  

"Well ah can't deny the two of ya seem tah fit together mighty fine.  Guess yer both just fru-fru enough fer each other."  Both the dragonish creature and Rarity gave Applejack the same look when she made the less than appealing comment about their concern with their own appearance.  "Ah mean yer both mighty fine looking."  They then shared the same smile as well. 

"Tell me; would someone as regal as yourself mind accompanying two maidens along the edge of this maze?  Surely your power would protect us as we travel and we would gladly speak of praises to your glorious figure."  The creature seemed to think that was a fine arrangement and it allowed Rarity to sit upon its back.  "Such a gentleman!  Applejack would you like to join us?"  

"Well... why not.  That is if this big fella will let me?"  The creature seemed to consider it, sizing Applejack up, before allowing her room to sit upon his back as well.  "Thank ya kindly."  The girls smiled as the powerful monster walked proudly with the two beautiful women on its back as if it were showing off its trophies.  "Gotta say ah feel kinda like a blue ribbon pumpkin on display at the fair."  

"Soak it up darling.  When you're this great you need to let others know."  Rarity said confidently and stroked her new friend's mane as he patroled along the boarder of the maze with them. 

**********

"I spay with my little eye somethiiiiiiiing green!"  

"Is it the grass?"  

"Yep!  Wow Twilight, you're really good at this."  Twilight sighed as she began to contemplate her decision to stay behind with Pinkie when she could have taken Rarity just as easily.  The whole time they'd been alone here with the statue of Discord nothing had happened.  No creatures had appeared, nothing had threatened their safety.  Not even a sound of a monster rustling in the hedges.  Just Pinkie Pie playing the same game over and over again.  

"It's always only one of two things.  If it's green it's the grass.  If it's blue it's the sky."  Twilight said wishing she had something to read.  

"I guess you're right.  I can't allow myself to become predictable.  I'll have to start thinking out of the box."  Pinkie thought carefully looking around herself and Twilight waited for it to be one of two things again.  "I spy with my little eye somethiiiiiing..." 

"PIIIIIIIIKAAAAAAA-"  Both girls looked up to see something soar into the sky with an unusual shout. 

"Yellow."  Pinkie answered as the small thing flew straight up and bounced against the barrier flying down again.  "Wait, no, it's gone now."  

"What was that?"  Twilight said with a confused look.  "That came from inside the maze.  I wonder if Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy are doing okay in there?"  

"Don't worry Twilight, I'm sure that was just some sort of monster that Rainbow Dash kicked because she was out of balls to catch it with."  Twilight stared at Pinkie Pie as she tried to wrap her head around that one.

"Why would she..." 

"How else is she going to fit it into her pocket?"  Twilight sighed and gave up.  Arguing with Pinkie Pie had proven to be a useless endevour in the past.  No reason to think otherwise now.  "Do you think anyone is really going to try to break out Discord?  It seemed like he didn't care what he did to who ever he did it to."  That was a good observation by the pink haired girl.  It wasn't like Discord had subjects or followers.  He was the god of chaos, something as orderly as followers to his purpose was entirely against his nature.  

"I'm not sure Pinkie, we just can't take any chances.  There might be monsters out there that would want Discord loose if it preferred him in charge over us."  

"Maybe, but we always try to make things nice for everyone don't we?  We take care of the weather and the trees and the animals.  Why would anyone want to stop all of that?"  Twilight wasn't sure herself.  She always thought that the land under her teacher's rule was in perfect order.  Everyone did their best to ensure that everything around them was cared for and protected.  Why would someone turn against that kind of love and benevloance?  "Hey Twilight, my eye just spied something new."  

"Is it the grass again?"  Twilight asked annoyed. 

"No, it's that guy over there."  Twilight Sparkle looked to where Pinkie was pointing and saw a man in armor.  He was coming out of one of the entrances to the maze from the section of space that had been set aside for Discord's statue within the hedges.  The sight of an armored guard filled Twilight with relief.  "Oh thank goodness, Celestia got us the help she promised.  Hey, over here!"  

"Um Twilight..."  Pinkie tried to stop her but Twilight was already running over to the armored figure.  After hearing her voice he began to approach her quickly.  

"Hey there.  Boy are we glad to see you.  Our friends are still out in the maze trying to get all of this sorted out.  Did you get any orders before you arrived?"  Twilight asked and looked the man over starting to notice something odd.  "That's some unusual armor you have there."  

"Unusual thou says?  To think there was ever a human who looked upon this armor and did not recognize the power it represented."  Twilight was further confused now by the man.  

"Twilight, I don't think he's part of the royal guard."  Pinkie said as she snuck up behind the librarian.  "He doesn't look like he's even from around here."  Now that Twilight took the sight of the man in it was clear to her that she'd missed some very important details through her excitement at the possibility for help.  For one his armor was like nothing she'd ever seen inside the castle; it was covered in multiple plates of metal that had a variety of sharp edges.  The design spoke as if it were something made for war with the armor covering him from head to toe and engraved designs of ferocious beasts that she could only assume were dragons.  

The man himself should have stood out to her right away; his blond hair stood up in spikes and was surrounded by a golden crown set with ruby red jewels that would have made Rarity jealous.  Most unusual of all though was the pointed ears under the crown and the golden eyes beneath that stared at them.  It was then she realized. 

"You're dragon-blooded."  Twilight said in shock seeing the resemblance to Spike's people.  

"That I am fair maidens.  Unless I have made a mistake in my judgement, tis that not Celestia's royal castle in the distance?"  The man in the crown motioned past the barrier to the castle towering over the garden.  Twilight was still surprised to actually see another dragon-blooded man in her life time.  Even more so that unlike Spike who always made her feel comfortable and safe there was soemthing about his eyes that frightened her.  As if he would literally eat her up where she stood.  The girls nodded slowly in unison.  "Most desireable.  I shall bid you farewell young maidens, for there is a princess with which I must attend business to."

"What do you need with Princess Celestia?"  Twilight asked as the question seemed to leave her lips without actually considering the judgement of stopping this man from his goal.  

"Why I intend to kill her, of course." 