Cadence packed her saddlebag and headed towards her and Shining Armor's bedroom. "Cadence?", Shining Armor sleepily said. "I'm dropping Flurry Heart off at her royal care takers. Twilight needs my help at the Royal Castle in Canterlot", Cadence said. "Okay. But I'm coming with you", Shining Armor said getting up out of the bed. "There's really no need for you to come. Twilight along with her royal guards will be there". Shining Armor thought about it and then gave in. "Alright fine". Cadence got Flurry Heart who was still asleep, then planted a kiss on Shining Armor's cheek and excited the room. "Wait Cadence. Let me at least accompany you to the train station", Shining Armor said getting out of bed as he took Flurry Heart. Cadence rolled her eyes smiling and said, "Why thank you my Prince". Shining Armor blushed after hearing that.
As soon as Cadence dropped off Flurry Heart to her royal care takers they reached the exit. She nodded at the guards who were there to escort her to Canterlot. As soon as Cadence, Flash Sentry and one of the guards got on the train, Shining Armor turned to leave. Discord on the other hoof who was watching from behind the bushes had Soarin next to him. Discord was Scheming on how to get Shining Armor to come with him but Soarin luckily managed to remove the tape from his mouth and quickly flew over to Shining Armor without Discord noticing.
One Explanation later...
"Is that so?", Shining Armor said raising an eyebrow as he marched over to Discord. "DUDE WHAT. ARE YOU INSANE!?WE HAVE TO GET OUT OF HERE NOW!", Soarin yelled. Shining Armor though ignored him and snuck up on Discord who was still talking to himself and didn't notice until he asked Soarin for his opinion. "What do you think Soa-", Discord said but he stopped after he saw Shining Armor instead. "Why hello there Shi-", Discord said but before he could finish Shining Armor put a hoof over to his mouth. "Save it Discord. Now I don't know what your planning but-". before Shining was able to finish Discord snapped his fingers making Shining Armor disappear. Soarin witnessed this and gasped while he was heavily breathing. He tried to fly away but Discord grabbed him by the tail. "Don't you know it's rude to leave while someone's talking to you? And to think we were starting to be such good friends". "Oh yeah?, Well I don't think so", Soarin said as he kicked Discord in the face and flew away. He flew off and smiled looking back not seeing Discord. He shrugged his shoulders and kept on flying. As he started to pass the Crystal Empire's border almost forgetting about Discord, Discord appeared in front of Soarin while he was flying.. Soarin got Startled and spiraled out of control down towards the ground. He started wishing Rainbow Dash was there to save him. Inches away from the dirt, Discord snapped his fingers and he disappeared.
Meanwhile Back at Rainbow Falls with Spitfire, Fleetfoot and Soarin A.K.A Frenulum...
As Spitfire and Fleefoot were warming up for the course, Soarin hid behind their tent. "Hey Soar. Where are you we need to warm up before we take on the course", Fleetfoot yelled. "What is up with that Pegasus today!", Spitfire said as she came in beside Fleetfoot. Spitfire and Fleefoot witnessed Ponyville's aerial relay team already at the course with Rainbow Dash as lead flyer, finishing off with only six seconds to spare at the clock. "Whoa six seconds? that's gotta be a new record", FleetFoot said. "Wow that Rainbow Dash sure is something", Spitfire said impressed by Rainbow Dash's performance. "She sure is", Fleetfoot agreed.
After 3 minutes of searching Spitfire and Fleetfoot Finally found Soarin nervously hidden behind the tent. "SOARIN!!!!", Spitfire yelled startling Soarin making him jump, sweat and shake intensely. "Yes?", Soarin responded in terror to which Spitfire stated. "Since at the Train station you've been acting all strange. Now I don't know what's gotten into you Soarin. but keep this up and you'll be on stall duty for the whole year. Am I Making Myself Clear?". "Umm...yes", Soarin said followed by a gulp. "Now come on we need to we still need to qualify at the aerial relay Tryouts for the Equestria Games", Spitfire added as they started to head towards the Tryout Grounds.
Soarin A.K.A Frenulum's P.O.V: How long does he expects me to keep impersonating him, I'm not a great flyer, Ooooh...but what if they found out then I'll turn out to be a bad friend. No I can't let them find out. I can do this. I can do this. I just gotta make it through the course and it'll be all over soon.
The Cloudsdale aerial relay team started to begin their tryouts at the course. Fleetfoot zoomed in pass the hoops caring the golden horse shoe. As she tags in the shoe to Soarin, Soarin could barely even held on to it almost falling out from his hooves. Spitfire on the other hoof who was waiting for Soarin notices his lack of performance and gave Soarin a threatening glare in which made him even more nervous. During the course, Soarin couldn't even fly straight through the course's hoops always at risk of crashing onto the ground. "Umm..am I the only pony seeing this?", Rainbow Dash said as she was watching from the finish line. Soarin coudn't hold in together anymore as a result he crashed before tagging in Spitfire. Every pony gasped as he crashed all including Spitfire and Fleetfoot worried until Soarin's true identity was revealed. the crash resulted in Soarin turning back into his own self as a changeling. "WHAT IN EQUESTRIA?!", Spitfire and Fleetfoot both exclaimed as they both saw what happened. "WHAT'S GOING ON IN HERE! WHERE IS SOARIN? AND WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO HIM?", Spitfire yell asked Frenulum intensely. "Well you see he-he-he", Frenulum gave off a nervous laugh at the end.
One Explanation Later...
"So that's why he was acting strange and weird all of a sudden it wasn't him this whole time", Rainbow Dash said. "We need to find the real Soarin if we're gonna have a chance at qualifying for the tryouts", Fleetfoot said. "Hey you Frenulum, do you know where Discord took Soarin?", Spitfire asked to which Frenulum answered, "I don't know. All he asked me to do was to impersonate him for until the afternoon, and said thag he has wonderful plans for him". "Okay If we're going to find Soarin we need to split up, Crash you check in at the Crystal Empire, Fleetfoot head back to Ponyvile maybe he's still there, and I'll go and search for him at Canterlot", Spitfire said as they all nodded in agreement and flew off to find Soarin.
Meanwhile back at the Castle...
"AAAAAAH". Shining Armor heard a some pony scream followed by a loud thud. He entered the throne room only to find Soarin on the ground rubbing his head. "ooow", Soarin said. Shining Armor rushed over to help him up. "Where am I?", Soarin asked. "We're at Twilight's castle here at Canterlot. "Canterlot? That means I can get to Rainbow Falls!", Soarin said happily. But Shining Armor stopped him. "You see the thing is we can't. Discord cast as spell on the castle enabling us to leave", Soarin frowned. "But...we can plan a surprise attack", Shining Armor said.
As soon as Shining Armor ans Soarin left the armory, they put on some gear the found and waited for Discord in the throne room, Shining Armor's gear fits perfectly while Soarin on the other hoof was struggling to balance. "Try shifting your weight", Shining Armor said with a smile. As soon as they heard footsteps they got ready. As the door opened they begun their attack. Soarin who was above the door dropped a tapestry on Discord and Shining Armor used his magic to tie up Discord with a rope. Soarin flew down and they hoof bumped each other. They mumbling from under the tapestry and paid asttention. They both grabbed a spear as Discord was trying to get out. But it wasn't Discord. "Flash Sentry?", Soarin said surprised. "Soarin?", Flash said confused. "Wait you two know each other?". "Yes sir", Flash said. "How'd you ended up in here?", Shining Armor asked. "Well some Draconequus I believe, brought me here. I think his name was-", Flash said before being cut off. "The almighty", a discord clone said. "The handsomest being in all of equestria", another one said. "And the grooviest dancer on the floor, DISCOOOORRRRD!", the third clone said Just as blinding lights started flashing in the throne room followed by a smoke and music. Discord who was dressed up like Elvis stepped into the room and said, "Thank ya, thank ya very much", in an elvis like voice. Everypony just awkwardly stared at Discord until Soarin bursted out laughing followed by Flash. Even Shining Armor let out a little smirk. "Oh pooh", Discord said rolling his eyes. Discord snapped his fingers making the costumes and clones disappear. "What do you wan't Discord? and why are we here?", Shining Armor said reverting back to his more serious side. "Oh come on. Can't we just have a little funnnn?", Discord said slithering around Shining Armor. Shining Armor teleported away from Discord and puts on an intimidating face. "Well I'm out", Flash said as he started to leave. "You can't", Discord said. "And why not". Because he cast a stupid spell on the whole castle preventing anypony from leaving and entering!", Soarin said. "I'll have you to know that this spell took me YEARS to master. After all Gusty the great was quite strong in the field of magic, well no better than me of course", Discord said. "I'll be back with some snacks and then we'll play a little game", Discord said with a devious smirk as he slithered out of the room. "Okay we've got to find a way to leave. Captain can you perform a counter spell?", Flash said hopefully. "Captain?", Soarin said. "I took up the offer", Flash said. "WHAT? I thought you change your mind and were joining flight camp?", Soarin said. "I told you I don't want to be a stupid wonderbolt!", Flash said angrily. "Stupid? All this time I thought you were in training just to find out that you'd abandon me ? Sooo not cool dude", Soarin said upset. "I Abandoned you? You stopped writing back and stopped visiting me in my old home", Flash said offended. "Cause I was busy!", Soarin argued back. "Yeah well-", Flash said before being interrupted. "Both of you STOP ARGUING!", Shining Armor said. "Whatever problems you're dealing right now with me we can solve them after we finish. Got it?", Shining Armor said eyeing the both of them. "Yeah", They both said while giving each other a a glare of disappointment.
Discord's P.O.V: "I wonder what they're planning, Discord said as he watched them from a distance. "Such fools as if I, the lord of chaos would need to leave a room to fetch something", He said as he laughed at their pathetic idea.
Back to Shining, Flash, and Soarin...
"Okay so while we check the library Soarin, you'll go and distract Discord", Shining Armor said. "Why do I have to do it?", Soarin complained. "Because you're chill and he won't suspect a thing", Shining Armor said. 'But Why can't HE do it", Soarin said as he pointed to Flash. "Uh I don't know, maybe because I'm helping Shining Armor", Flash said glaring at Soarin. Shining Armor nodded in agreement with Flash as they went to the library. Soarin began trotting backwards when he bumped into Discord. "So, What're you gonna do in your ridiculous attempts to distract me?", Discord said. "Wait y-you know about that", Soarin said sweating. "Oh come on I'm the Lord of Chaos for Celestia's sake, I mean did you REALLY think that I would have to leave the room to fetch an item?", Discord said laughing. "You see all I have to do is simply snap my fingers and viola", Discord said with an crystal pony in his hand. "AAAAAAAAAHH", She shrieked. Discord snapped his fingers once again and she disappeared. "Hehe oopsie", Discord said rubbing the back of his head. "So um...what're your hobbies", Soarin said. Discord just stared at him blankly making Soarin gulp.
Back with Rainbow Dash and Fleetfoot...
Rainbow Dash zoomed in to the Crystal Empire searching for Soarin, while Fleetfoot flew ahead to Ponyville to look for him. Though Rainbow Dash coudn't find Soarin anyhwere within the crystal empire so he zoomed in out and flew to Ponyville where Fleetfoot is hoping that She had any luck finding him. "Any sign of him", Rainbow Dash said panting. "Nope nothing in here", Fleefoot said. "Then we gotta go to Canterlot, Discord must've held Soarin there", Rainbow Dash said, afterwards Fleetfoot nooded in agreement with Rainbow Dash and flew with her towards Canterlot.
Back at Twilight and Cadence...
Meanwhile Twilight is just outside of her castle performing all possible magical counter spells she could devise, though with every attempt Twilight couldn't get in still. Cadence on the on the other hand arrived just in time only to witness the castle with a bubble of protection. "Cadence!". "Twilight!". "Sunshine sunshine lady bugs awake, clap your hooves and do a little shake!", "I got your letter, Twilight so what's been happening?", Cadence asked. "Well someone cast a certain protection spell on the whole castle preventing anyone from ever getting in or out", Twilight explained. "But who would do such a thing?", Cadence asked again. "I tell you who. It's Discord", Spitfire said after she arrived at Canterlot and overheard Twilight and Cadence's conversation. "But why?", Twilight asked. "Oh I'll tell you why", Spitfire said.
One Explanation Later...
"Discord kidnapped Soarin?!", Twilight said. "Yep and replaced Soarin with a changeling. That Draconequus has cost me not just the safety of one of my teammates but also jeopardized our shot at qualifying for the aerial relay event for the Equestria Games", Spitfire said angrily. "Quickly Twilight we need to join our magic in order to break the spell Discord cast on the castle", Cadence said as she hands Twilight, Star Swirl The Bearded's book of Counter Protection Spells. Twilight and Cadence then took a brief look at the book Cadence brought her. "Alright, Cadence on my lead", Twilight said as she closes the book, on a ready stance and prepares her magic. as Cadence and Twilight joined their magic they were able to disable Discord's protection spell, and as soon as the spell was disabled Twilight, Cadence, Spitfire along with four royal guards rushed in to enter the castle.
Back with Flash and Shining Armor.
Meanwhile Flash Sentry and Shining Armor are the library still looking for a certain counter spell both unaware that Discord's spell was disabled. "Have you found anything yet?", Shining Armor asked Flash. "Nope nothing yet", Flash said as he kept going through piles, shelves of books and artifacts. "This is hopeless. I'll go check up on Soarin", Shining Armor said as he left the library. "I'm coming too", Flash said as he walked out of the library as well. They walked into the Throne room and found them fighting weird cardboard figures. But the room looked different. "Captain wuzz behind you!", Soarin Shouted. "Thanks Commander Lightwick", Discord said as he slashed a skeleton soldier in half. Flash Stood there in awe gaping at what was before him. "Uhh..Hey dude you wanna join?", Soarin asked as Shining Armor Facehoofs himself.
Just then Twilight, Cadence and Spitfire arrive right after Shining Armor facehoofs himself. "Shining Armor?". "Cadence?". " what are you doing here?", Cadence asked as she walks towards Shining Armor. "Well long story short he-he", Shining Armor answered with a little laugh at the end. "Wait what are you all doing in here?", Twilight asked. "Well for starters, Discord kidnapped all three of us just because he wanted to hang out", Shining Armor stated. "SOARIN!!!", SpitfIre shouted and as Soarin hears and saw her, Soarin out of his terror immediately took off his armor and flew towards Spitfire and afterwards Explained what happened. loosing Soarin though made Discord frown a little bit. "Well whatever his Intentions are, I don't care he cost me and my Teammates for even competing at the Equestria Games!", Spitfire said as she gives Discord an intimidating stare. "Now hold on Spitfire this is Discord you're talking about. He's just being Discord", Twilight said as he defends Discord, Discord though gave a little smile of reassurance after Twilight defended him. "Well regardless of what he did Cloudsdale still wouldn't be able to compete at the aerial relay event for the Equestria Games now that the Tryouts are officially over", Shining Armor Stated. "Wait technically we could give Cloudsdale an another shot at competing at the aerial relay Tryouts due to some unexpected circumstance", Cadence said hoping to reassure Spitfire and Soarin. "Yeah, and I can pretty much convince the head coordinator for the aerial relay tryouts to give you a shot tomorrow.
As soon as they'd left Shining Armor, Soarin and Flash Sentry walked right up to Discord. "Next time Discord if you'd really want to hang out just ask will ya", Shining Armor said before he turned to leave with Flash. "So umm Discord when are you free?", Soarin asked wich made Discord happy once again. "I don't know but 'Calico's ring of imperceptibility' isn't gonna discover itself you know", Discord said softly yet happy. "HEY SOARIN HURRY UP WILL YOU!", Spitfire yelled from a distance. "Oh I gotta go. So umm Friday night?", Soarin asked before he left with a smile to which Discord replied with a wink of agreement.
Outside the Castle...
Rainbow Dash along with Fleetfoot finally arrive at Canterlot. "We came here as soon as we could. Umm did we just missed something", Rainbow Dash said confused. "Oh nothing", Soarin said with Spitfire, "Let's just say that we have a another shot at the Tryouts", Spitfire said. "Oh thank goodness", Fleetfoot said. "Now let's get back to Cloudsdale we've got training to do", Spitfire said in which Soarin and Fleetfoot agreed. "Oh and by the way, Soarin you're gonna be on stall duty for the month", Spitfire said as they were preparing to fly. "WHAT! O COME OOON! I mean its not my fault that I got kidnapped", Soarin complained making every pony laugh as they began to fly.
At Ponyville...
Afterwards Twilight went to her old castle to check up on her friends; Sunset Shimmer and Starlight Glimmer. Right after she enters the castle Twilight heard some kind of an explosion at the kitchen. She rushed to find out about what caused it and as soon as Twilight had arrive and entered the kitchen, she saw bits of cake and frosting all over the place, "What in Equestria happened in here?", Twilight asked. "Well lets just say that we had the sweetest experience", Starlight said making Sunset laugh along with Starlight, Twilight then rolled her eyes then smiled as the two of them laugh at their own blunders...
End of Chapter 1