Just another bright and shiny day in Ponyville, all so known as the Twilight kingdom. It's ruler is Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of Friendship. It's over a week since the defeat of the Sirens and Sonic and Shadow have been adjusting to the new world.

As the mane six walked in the throne room with six throne, and a side chair for Spike, the saw Spike was sleeping in his. Pinkie bounced in her seat while Rainbow Dash took her's. Little did they know the Cutie Marks on the chairs started to glow.

"Let's go through this one more time," Twilight said rubbing her chin with her hoof.

Rainbow Dash sighed heavily and said, "We've been over it. like, a million times, Twilight. we found all six keys, defeated Tirek, and go this sweet castle. End of story."

"I'm gonna have to agree with Rainbow Dash on this one," A voice said to the side of the room. There was a blue pegasus with a dark blue mane and tail. He also had a gold ring as a Cutie Mark. This pony was formally known as Sonic the hedgehog. He crossed the room and nuzzled against Rainbow Dash. "It's best to just enjoy the moment."

Sonic started living with his marefriend, Rainbow dash. Rainbow dash had problems of sorting out her set of memories, but that's to sonic and a few spells from Twilight and Shadow help. Moving in was a big step for them, but they made it through. Although Rainbow Dash is constantly trying to get Sonic to join the Wonderbolts.

"I'm with Twilight," a voice came as a black unicorn entered the room. He had a black mane and tail with red highlights, white chest hair, gold band around his front hooves, and his Cutie Mark was a red tomoe with spikes on it. He was Shadow the hedgehog. He crossed the room and kissed Twilight and Pinkie on the cheek. "We should know exactly what we had to do here."

Shadow had moved in with Twilight, much to Pinkie's displease. At first thing were hard on Shadow, but having that's to be expected when having two marefriends. After a while, Shadow was able to handle things between the three.

Thanks to Princess Celestia, Sonic and Shadow were giving pony forms to better accommodate to the new world. Sonic a pegasus and Shadow a unicorn. Of course with the ability to change back and forth if they choose. It was very had for them to walk on all four and they both had other problems. Sonic had to learn how to fly and Shadow had to learn a new style of magic. After a while, and a few trips to the hospital, they got the hang of it.

"Thanks, Shadow," Twilight smiled at her shared coltfriend. "Even so why?"

"I don't know, Sugarcube," Applejack said as she took her seat. "It's just you and Shadow's new house and there ain't nothin' more to it than than."

"I still think Shadow should have moved in with me," Pinkie said in a low voice.

"Pinkie, we talked about this," Shadow said. "You're house doesn't have enough room for me to move in. besides I don't Maud would like that. Remember the mail we got after you sent one to her about us?"

"Mmm," Pinkie then thought back.

/ Flashback/

Shadow was sitting under a tree enjoying a cup of tea, when Pinkie rushed over to him.

"Hey, Shadow!" Pinkie jumped next to him. "Maud just send a post card to you."

"To me?" Shadow asked as he took it red magic. "Didn't you send her a latter about us in the last letter?"

"Yeah, I did. I wonder how she feels about us" Pinkie pondered.

"let's see," Shadow open the letter and read.

To Shadow,

This is a taste of what will happen if you hurt Pinkie Pie.

Maud Pie

"Huh? What do you think she meant by that?" Shadow looks over the letter and then ... suddenly a giant bolder fell on top of him. "Gggaaahhh!"

"I think that's what she meant." Pinkie said.

/Flashback over/

"I swear if I didn't have regenerative powers and wasn't near invulnerable, I would have be crushed," Shadow signed.

"I must say, speaking strictly on aesthetics." Rarity said sitting on her's. "There really doesn't need to be more to it. It's all simply divine!"

I agree with Twilight," Fluttershy said taking her spot. "And Rarity and Applejack and Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie and Sonic and Shadow. Oh, and probably Spike."

"As princess, I've been chosen to spread the Magic of Friendship across Equestria." Twilight said walking in the center of the room near Shadow. So why would the Tree of Harmony want us to sit in a castle in Ponyville? It doesn't make any sense."

As soon as Twilight took her seat her Cutie Mark make the one one her throne shine brighter. Soon all the chairs shined and cracks moved from their chairs to the center. Sonic and Shadow quickly jumped out the way. At that moment, Spike chose to wake up and see what was in front of everypony. A giant map.

"Is that new?" Spike asked. "I like it."

/

Everypony and Spike stared at the map for a few seconds until Spike chose to walk on it.

"This is incredible!" He said looking over it all. "It's got all of Equestria!"

"Hi, Mom and Dad!" Pinkie said happily looking at her family rock farm. Suddenly Spike stepped on that spot and she grew very sad to the point of tears.

"There, there, Pinkie," Shadow said as he comforted her while holding her in his hooves. "I'm sure their all right."

Suddenly the mane six's Cutie Marks started to pulse. An image of the Cutie Marks flew together in one spot then moved to another somewhere in the mountains. Twilight used her magic and got Spike off the map.

"But if this is Pontville..." Fluttershy said looking at the point where the Cutie Marks started then to they are. "...why are our Cutie Marks over there?"

"I don't know." Twilight said. "But it seems like the map wants us to find out. The Tree, the chest, this castle ... and now the map. How can we not follow it?"

"Who know what?" Rainbow Dash said looking over the map. "There's a ton of room for dangerous adventure along that route. Count me in."

"If there's adventure, count me in too!" Sonic flying to her over the map.

"A chance to see more of this world, sounds like fun," Shadow added.

"Aw shoot, I reckon you're right,"Applejack said with a smile.

"Well, Shadow was planning on helping me organize my baking sheets, but ok!" Pinkie said smiling.

"Very well," Rarity sighed.

Suddenly everypony looked at Fluttershy smiling, before she said, "Um, maybe I'll just stay here with Spike."

"Awesome," Spike said with a foam finger and drink hat on. "Me and Big Mac have a huge weekend ahead of us talkin' hoofball and trading hoofball cards and arguing about hoofball stats!"

"On second thought, maybe I'd better go with them," Fluttershy quickly said. "In case they need me."

"Looks like it's time for a road trip," Twilight announced.

Everypony started to walked out the room while Spike went on. "Well? Suit yourself. But he's got a Hock Fetlock rookie card I plan to sweet talk right into these hot little claws."

/

Sonic and Shadow met up and walked to the train station. As they walked the looked over Ponyville.

"Man, I'm overdue for an adventure!" Sonic said smiling.

"As much as I love this place," Shadow started. "I thinks it's good to get out of town for now."

"Yeah, we spent a week getting used to these new pony bodies."

Shadow suddenly stopped. "How about a bet?"

Sonic stopped and smirked to his brother. "And that is?"

"For this whole adventure, we both stay in pony form and the first to change back loses?"

"The stakes?"

Shadow thought for a moment. "Loser cleans the Twilight Castle for a week!"

"But that thing is huge!" Sonic yelled.

"I know." Shadow smirked

"Fine! May the best win!"

"I will, thanks." Shadow and Sonic continued to walked until something hit Shadow's front hooves. He looked down and saw a black fedora hat and lifted it up. "What's this?"

"Oh thank you, Shadow" Rarity said as she suddenly went to them. "It flew out of my boutique and I've been chasing after it, ever so much."

"Mmm." Shadow looked over the hat. "It is for some pony?"

"Why no. Now a days no pony wants to wear one."

"I'll take it then." Shadow put the hat on his head and gave her 3 bits.

"Why thanks you, Shadow. And to think I was gonna throw it away." Rarity took the money and left with Spike.

Sonic looked at Shadow with the hat and said, "Not bad."

/

The train ride there took a while and lead them all the way to the end of the tracks. Everypony got off and wait for Twilight. She looked at the map then lead them forward. Soon they came to a small town.

"That's it!" Twilight said. "That's the place on the map!"

Rarity looked over her hair and said, "Right! Let's get down there and find a spa."

Twilight teleported in front of her and said," Wait. We don't know why the map sent us here. We shouldn't just walk right in. It could be dangerous."

"Yesss!" Rainbow Dash and Sonic yelled.

"What's life without taking a few risk?" Shadow smirked look the the town.

"Stay behind me, everypony." Pinkie instructed. "I'm on it."

"Careful, Pinkie!" Applejack yelled to her cousin.

"I'll going with her," Shadow said as Pinkie leaned forward and rolled down while Shadow slid.

Pinkie then moved form rock to rock telling them to come closer while Shadow kept a lookout. At the last one, Pinkie was under a big rock and was crushed under it. Shadow stood on top of it and pointed forward while Pinkie made the rock move. Once they were close enough, they peeked over and looked over the town.

"This is where the map sent us?" Rainbow Dash said disappointed

"I was hoping for ... I don't know maybe something a evil ruler bent on taking over the world," Sonic said equally disappointed.

"Yeah!" Rainbow agreed. "It looks like the most boring place in Equestria!"

"That's just an ordinary village full of ordinary pony folk." Applejack said.

"It could certainly use a few more architectural flourishes..." Rarity commented. "...or any architectural flourishes."

"I think it's lovely," Fluttershy said at the town.

"I don't like it." Pinkie said seriously. "I don't like it one bit. I know smiles. And those smiles? They're jsut not right."

"For get the smiles; look at the Cutie Marks" Twilight said pointing at them. "

"I agree," Shadow said. "Something about this place seems off."

They all looked and saw all the Cutie Marks were equal signs. This made them uneasy and Shadow and Pinkie more suspicious.

"Ok, That's weird," Rainbow Dash said.

"Sure is," Sonic added.

They all got down and had a small meeting while Shadow and Pinkie looked at the village more.

"An entire village with the same Cutie Mark?" Twilight questioned. "How can that be?"

"I bet there's some sort of horrific monster behind it!" Rainbow Dash said.

"Or maybe some!" Sonic added.

"What makes you say that?" Twilight asked them.

"Cause fighting a horrific monster would be super awesome!" Rainbow dash answered.

"And fight a mad pony using mind control would be even awesomer," Sonic add. They then gave each other a hoof bump.

"I reckon we oughta just head into town and talk to some of the locals." Applejack said. "Find out waht's goin on."

"Agreed," Shadow said. "This is usually Sonic thing, but 'the faster the better!'"

"You know me so well, bro," Sonic said to Shadow.

"Great idea, guys!" Rainbow Dash said excited. "Let's go!"

"Those smiles are bad news news!" Pinkie said seriously.

"Yeah, but we have to find out what's going on," Shadow said as he and Pinkie followed the rest.

/

Once they got to the village, every pony suddenly stopped and 'smiled' at them. One by one a pony welcomed them. The girls and Sonic looked uneasy while Shadow and Pinkie looked around for anything suspicious.

"This must be the most pleasant place in Equestria!" Flutteryshy said happily.

"Welcome," a black pegases named Night Glider said to her causing Fluttershy to giggle.

"Ugh. Thanks a lot, map." Rainbow Dash said annoyed.

Sonic flew to her, put his hoof around her, and said, "I know how you feel, babe."

"Welcome!" a grey unicorn yelled to them. "Pardon my forwardness, but are you an alicorn?"

Twilight put on her best smile and Applejack said, "That there's the princess of Friendship!"

"Well, you've certainly come to the right place for friendship" he said

"What brings you to town?" a white earth pony asked.

"We're not entirely sure," Twilight replied.

"I see," the white pony said as the grey moved to give the others a 'smile'. "Well, a;; are welcome here in our little village. My name is Double Diamond and the is Party Favor."

"Howdy, Double Diamond." Applejack greeted. "I'm Applejack, and this here's Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, her coltfriend, Sonc, Twilight Sparkle, and Twilight and Pinkie's coltfriend and Sonic's brother, Shadow."

"Two?" Double Diamond said confuse.

"Yeah, it's tough," Shadow shrugged before putting both his hooves around Twilight and Pinkie. "But I wouldn't change in for the wrold."

"Aww, we love you too," Pinkie said as she and Twilight kissed him on both cheeks.

"And you all have your own unique Cutie Marks." Double Diamond said looking at them while Pinkie covered hers.

"If you don't mind," Twilight asked. "Has there been any sort of trouble here lately?"

"Trouble? Why, I don't think we've ever had trouble in our little village." Double Diamond answered.

"It's true," Party favor added. "You'll see.

"Perhaps you'd care to speak to our founder, Starlight Glimmer" DD said as he and Party Favor lead the way.

"I wish everypony in Equestria was as friendly as these ponies are," Fluttershy said as they followed.

"I don't know about that, Fluttershy," Shadow said. "Something about this place doesn't feel right. Pinkie?"

"I've got my eye on them." Pinkie answered. "Something's rotten in ... whatever the name of this village is that we're in right now."

Once they came to the center house at the far end of the town, DD and Party Favor both knocked on the door.

"Starlight," Double Diamond said as they the ponies inside. "We have some new visitors!

"Be ready for a fight," Rainbow Dash said.

"Always," Sonic smiled at her.

"Good, cause we don't know what's gonna come through that door."

The door in front of them open and it revealed a unicorn with a pink coat, purple and grayish blue mane and tail. She smiled to them and said, "Welcome! I'm so pleased to have you here"

Sonic and Rainbow Dash groaned disappointed.

"The is Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle, the brothers Sonic and Shadow," Double Diamond introduced.

Starlight looked over Twilight for a bit and said, "Forgive my bluntness, but I'm assuming it's Princess Twilight Sparkle? We don't get many alicorns around here."

"Yes," Twilight replied. "But twilight is fine."

"So! how did you hear of our little village?" Starlight asked.

"It's kind of a long story. Let's just say we found it on a map."

"Technically it's a tree-chest-castle-map." Pinkie suddenly said smiling before going back next to Shadow while giving Starlight suspicious eyes.

"Well, however you found us, we're happy to have you," Starlight said. "We're happy to have anypony who wants to experience true friendship for the first time."

"Say what?" Applejack questioned.

"Oh, indeed. That's what's so unique about our village, you see." Starlight said as she straightened a picture of a equal sign. "Around here, we don't flaunt our special talents because we don't have any special talents to flaunt."

"Is that why you all have those Cutie Marks?" Twilight asked

"Perhaps it would be easier to understand if i gave you a tour of the village."

[marching drum cadence]

Starlight Glimmer: Heads high, ponies! Marching proud! [whistle blows] All together now! Every one of you! No pony left behind!

Life is so grand in Our Town

We're always filled with cheer

We never have to look around

To know that we're all here

[Citizens]

In Our Town, in Our Town

We don't have to wait

To find out that our destiny

Is just to emulate

Starlight Glimmer: Let's see those big, happy smiles!

Life is a smile in Our Town

Our cutie mark's the same

Because we do not separate

Ourselves by more than name

[Citizens]

In Our Town, in Our Town

We dare not compete

Winning only breeds the worst

Ego-filled conceit

Starlight Glimmer: You see? Now everypony wins!

Life is a joy in Our Town

We're all equal here

No one is superior

And no one shakes in fear

[Citizens]

In Our Town, in Our Town

We work as a team

You can't have a nightmare

If you never dream

[Starlight Glimmer]

Other ponies argue

Do you ever wonder why?

When you think your talent's special

You don't see eye-to-eye

There's just too many differences

That lead to disarray

But when you learn to act as one

It's like a holiday

[Citizens]

In Our Town, in Our Town

We don't complicate

When you learn to simplify

Life is oh, so great

Join in our utopia

Come out of the dark

Banded by equality

By our cutie mark!

As soon as the song was over Sonic and Rainbow Dash busted out laughing.

"You're kidding, right?" Rainbow Dash laughed. "Give you our Cutie Marks?"

"Y'all must be joking," Sonic laughed harder. "Just like that?"

"No way!" They said together.

"Rainbow Dash, Sonic, Don't be so rude!" Fluttershy yelled as best she could. "I don't think we should judge them. They all seem perfectly happy with their choice."

"Don't believe their smiles, Fluttershy!" Pinkie yelled in her face while Shadow tilted his hat down over his face a little and snuck some glaces around.

"I'm sorry, I guess we're just a little confused by all of this," Twilight said trying to make peace.

"We have no judgments here in our village," Starlight reassured while the villagers nodded. "Each of us was confused once as well, blinded by the false promise of our Cutie Marks."

"Woah, woah, waoh," Rainbow Dash interrupted. "Is she for real?"

"I think so," Sonic answered.

Twilight gave them a dirty looked before turning back to Starlight and said, "When we were sent to this village, we assumed it was to help in some way, but ... well, it doesn't seem like you need any help."

"At least on the outside," Shadow said quietly so no pony heard him.

"Have you considered perhaps that you might have been sent here so we could help you?" Starlight countered. "After all, nopony has come to our village and wanted to leave. Why should you be any different?"

"Because we're not them," Shadow answered.

"Well this entirely your choice." Starlight smiled at Shadow before turning to the rest. "Please, enjoy our little corner of Equestria. We're all quite fond of it. No doubt you will be as well."

"I wouldn't hold my breath," Shadow said rudely.

"Shadow!" Twilight said surprised at her shared coltfriend.

Starlight gave Shadow a glace before saying, "Double Diamond, please help our guests with whatever they might need."

DD walked to them and said, "Of course."

He leaned forward to them and they all leaned back away.

"Well, this will certainly provide a boost to our little community," Starlight said as she walked away. "When the rest of Equestria sees that a princess gives up her Cutie Mark to join us, they'll finally understand what we're trying to accomplish. However, that Shadow could be a problem."

/

Later Sonic Shadow and the mane 6 were walking through the town with ponies still welcoming them.

"A Cutie Mark is a representation of a pony's unique talents and skills," Twilight said. "How is it possible to..."

Rarity suddenly gasped and said, "What in the name of Equestria is THAT!?"

Everypony looked where she pointed and saw a rack with cloaks on it. The seller saw them and said, "Welcome. Care to sample some local fashion? We've got cloaks this month!"

Rarity gagged and then said. "Perhaps another time , good sir, thank you,"

They all left then found themselves at a table with everypony still 'smiling' at them. Shadow sat between Twilight and Pinkie. Rarity sat next to Pinkie. Then Applejack, fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and lastly Sonic.

"No wonder nopony's wearing anything," Rarity whispered.

"Cloaks? Really?" Sonic whispered.

"As somepony who used to wear them, they aren't that bad," Shadow said. "Perfect for harsh weather, but everyday? No thanks."

"Really, ya'll, they may do things a bit differently then we're used to, but that's no reason to be rude!" Fluttershy argued.

"No, the reason to be rude is that they all keep staring at us." Rainbow Dash said pointing that the villagers looking at them.

"Need something?" Double Diamond asked at a table far from them.

"Uh, no, we're good." Twilight answered before turning abck to her friends and coltfriend. "Fluttershy's right. If we're going to get to the bottom of why the map sent us here, we'll need the help of these ponies."

"I think we ran off to the end of Equestria before we ever knew what that map was!" Applejack yelled as the waiter came out and walked to their table.

"If we were at the end of Equestria, we'd be sitting on a big A!" Pinkie pie joked. "Heehee! Get it?"

Oh please, Miss Pie, this is hardly the time for jokes." Rarity said. "We've come all this way and for what?"

"Maybe you're right, but we here now," Twilight said. "And it sure feels like something's wrong."

"That and two bits'll get you a cup a cider." Applejack said.

"Personally I'd rather see this village burn down," Shadow said in a dark voice.

This caused everypony, but Sonic to gasp.

"How can you say that, Shadow?" Twilight asked surprised at her coltfriend.

"This place makes me sick," Shadow answered

"But this place is so nice," Fluttershy argued.

"I'm gonna have to agree with Shadow on this," Sonic said. "This place is everything we, Freedom Fighters, go against."

"Something about this place..." Shadow started. "...makes my blood boil!"

"But why?" Twilight asked.

"I don't know, but I do know 1 thing." Shadow looked around before glaring. "If one more pony says 'Welcome!' one more time, I'm taking them back alley!"

"Welcome," A red colt said a table away. "Need anything?"

Shadow gave a big sigh before standing up. "Yeah, can you show what's behind that alley?"

"Shadow!" Twilight and Pinkie yelled as they and Sonic grabbed Shadow and forced him back down.

"I know you're angry, Shadow, but you can't beat up random ponies!" Sonic yelled.

"Let me go!" Shadow yelled tried to get the poor colt. "I'll rip that smile right off his face!"

"Is this a bad time?" the waitress finally asked.

"We shouldn't be bickering like this in front of our new friends," Fluttershy said. "Really, Applejack, you're almost as bad as Rainbow Dash and Sonic!"

"Don't drag us into this!" the couple yelled at her causing some of crowd to cover the fillies ears.

"And Shadow, causing fights?" Fluttershy said to the black unicorn.

"Whatever," Shadow said as he sat back down and put his hat back on.

"Is your friendship ending?" the waitress asked Rarity.

"Are you crazy?" Pinkie asked before saying while licking her lips. "We'd never let a disagreement get in the way of food!"

Shadow smiled and said, "She's right. We should talk this out, but after we get something to eat."

"Can't work on a empty stomach, right Dash?" Sonic smiled too.

"Oh yeah!" Rainbow Dash agreed.

"Ok, well. My name is Sugar Belle. What can I bring you?" The waitress asked as she brought up a notebook. "We have muffins..."

After she said that, she just stopped. Rarity and Applejack gave each other a confused looked while Fluttershy did the same with Rainbow Dash. Twilight was the first to recover and said, "Then I guess we'll have 8 muffins."

"Make that 16!" Pinkie yelled as the others looked at her. "What? I'm hungry."

"Come on, every pony, we've got to stick together," Twilight said them. "It doesn't matter what happened before; we're here now. And Shadow?"

"Yeah?" Shadow asked.

"Please try not to start any trouble."

"I'll try ... for you." Shadow sighed before putting his hoof around her. "Sorry, babe."

Twilight smiled and snuggled against him. "It's ok, sweetie."

"Hey!" Pinkie yelled at them. "I'm a part of this relationship too!"

Shadow smiled to her and put his other hoof around her while she snuggled against him too.

"Aw," Rarity, Applejack, and Fluttershy sighed while Rainbow Dash and Sonic put their hoofs close to their mouth and made a gagging sound.

"Glad we're not that lovey-dovey," Rainbow said while Sonic agreed.

"I guess your right," Applejack said. "And the sooner we figure out why, the sooner we can go home."

Suddenly a tray of muffins were slide on the table by Sugar Belle. She then said, "Forgive me for overhearing, but just a moment ago you were disagreeing. And now it sounds like you're agreeing."

"Uh-huh," Applejack said as she and the rest of them didn't see where she was going.

"Well, you had such differing opinions. And Cutie Marks."

"We have differing opinions all the time, darling," Rarity said.

"Its called individuality," Shadow added.

"But you look like you're friends."

"We are friends." Twilight said before kissing Shadow on the cheek. "Some more so, but a simple disagreement would't change that."

Double Diamond, still sitting from them, had his attention caught by what she said.

Sugar Belle looked at him worried before turning back to them. "I'm sorry, I'm just having a hard time understanding. Different talents lead to different opinions, which lead to bitterness and misery. So, why aren't you bitter and..."

Before she could finish, Pinkie started choking on the muffin she bit on. Shadow patted her on the back to help her. Once she spit it all out, she notice they were all loking at her.

"You ok, Pinkie?" Shadow asked worried.

She gave them a smile and said, "Mmm ... good!"

"It's all right, I know I'm not a very good backer. At least i'm not better than anypony else in the village" Sugar belle understood. She looked back and saw DD looking angry at her as he stood up. "Well, I hope you enjoy our little village!" Before she walked away, she whispered. "Come inside before you go. Meet me downstairs."

She then gave a big 'smile' before leaving. DD then turned back to his paper. Little did they know Shadow saw the whole thing before he turned back to his pinkie marefirend.

Pinkie then started to pull on her tongue trying to get the taste of it while Shadow kept petting her back. Rarity, Applejack, and Fluttershy watched them while Rainbow Dash said, "Ok, that was weird, too."

"No kidding," Sonic agreed.

"Let's all sit here and eat these muffins and act normal," Twilight suggested. "I think we;re being watched.

They looked around and saw everypony still smiling and staring at them.

"Ya think?" Rainbow Dash asked sarcastically.

"No, not like that," Twilight said. "I mean somepony here doesn't want us talking to Sugar Belle."

Twilight tilted her head over to Double Diamond, who was watching them while eating a muffin.

I got an idea," Applejack said. "But you gotta eat all them muffins, Pinkie."

"Me?" Pinkie asked shocked. "Why me?"

"I could vaporize them," Shadow suggested for her.

"Yeah, we could do that!" Pinkie argued.

"We can't lets them see how strong ya are, Shadow," Applejack explained. "Besides Pinkie's got a stronger stomach than any of us and that filly in there might be our best chance at findin' out what in the hay is goin' on around here."

Shadow sighed. "Sorry, Pinkie, but she right."

Pinkie looked at Shadow sadly then to the muffins.

/

A few minutes later Pinkie was down to one left while Shadow held her for support. Her face hand turned green and she was sweating from how hard it was for her.

"Just one more and it will all be over," Shadow said comforting. Pinkie nodded, grabbed the last one, and forced it down.

"I can't believe you ate all our muffins, Pinkie Pie!" Applejack said loudly. "We'd best go inside and get some more!"

As they got up and went inside, Shadow helped Pinkie stand and got her in. Once they were in the saw a stair way to the basement. As they when down, Twilight said, "Nice work, Pinkie."

PInkie Pie bounced down to the bottom and said sadly, "I've accidentally eaten cardboard tastier than than."

"Here," Shadow said handing her a glass of water with some antacid tablets. "This will help."

"Where did you get that?" Sonic asked.

"I'm dating Pinkie," Shadow answered as Pinkie drank the medicine. "You really think I won't learn something form her?"

"Good point,"

"Hello?" Twilight called out. "Sugar Belle?"

"Thank you for coming," Sugar Belle said as she came out from the shadows.

"Why did you want us to come down here?" Twilight asked.

"So nopony could see what's about to happen," Sugar Belle answered as Party Favor and Night Glider came out from the shadows too.

As the villagers slowly walked towards them, the girls backed up while Sonic and Shadow got in front of them and readied themselves in case they needed to fight. Just before Twilight and Shadow were about to use their magic on them ...

"Are you really the Princess of Friendship?" Party Favor asked Twilight.

"Do you know Princess Celestia?" Night Glider asked her too.

"I love your Cutie Mark!" Sugar Belle said suddenly grabbing Pinkie's flank before reaching for Shadow's. "And you're is so dark and mysterious!"

"How can you be friends with different Cutie Marks?" Night Glider asked Rarity. "Don'y you end up hating each other?"

"Oh, look at this one! This one's great too! " Sugar Belle said grabbing Fluttershy. "I'd love to have my special talent back, even just for a day ... make something beside those disgusting muffins."

"So what's stopping you?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Go get your Cutie Marks back."

"Daydreaming is one thing, but you mean..." Party favor said before he and the others got worried. ".. actual having it put back on? That seems extreme."

"But aren't they a part of who you are?" Sonic asked.

"Yes, but I'm not sure Starlight would like that," Sugar Belle said sadly. "She wants us all to be happy in our sameness."

"You all don't look happy," Shadow said.

"Shadow's right and besides how do you take somepony's Cutie Mark, anyway?" Twilight asked them.

"The Cutie Unmarking is a beautiful experience. Starlight uses the Staff of Sameness to magically take them away and replace them with these." Night Glider explained and then show the ponies their equal Cutie Mark.

"Staff of Sameness?" Sonic whispered to Rainbow Dash.

"Sounds like something from a bad comic," She whispered back.

"But nopony should keep you from your Cutie Mark," Twilight said confused. "It represents such an essential part of who you are!"

"Oh, we're not kept from them," Night Glider said explained. "They're in the vault, up in the caves. We can visit them any time we like to remind us of the heartache of a life with special talents."

Twilight and Shadow seemed intrigued by this. They nodded to each other and Twilight asked, "Can we visit this cave?"

"I don't know you'll have to take to Starlight," Sugar Belle replied.

"We will," Shadow said as he straightened his hat and headed upstairs while the others followed.

/

"I'm delighted you're interested in our Cutie Mark vault!" Starlight said as she lead the way with the ponies behind and Double Diamond in the rear. "We hope someday everypony in Equestria will make a pilgrimage here to our little village to have theirs removed, too."

As she went on about a 'perfect world', Twilight whispered to the others. "This must be the reason we're here."

"Pilgramaging?" Pinkie asked confused.

"No," Twilight replied. "Helping those ponies get their Cutie Marks back."

"Oh. Are you sure, Twilight?" Fluttershy asked. "Maybe they missed them a little, but even they didn't seem all that unhappy."

"What is with you!?," Shadow asked harshly at her causing her to shudder. "They are suffering on the inside and they know they can't do anything about it."

"Shadow, be nice!" Rainbow Dash ordered him.

"They can't..." Sonic continued. "...but we can."

"And beside why did they want to meet us in secret?" Twilight questioned. "And why did they ask us not to tell Starlight who told us about the vault?"

"Something's not right," Shadow said.

"Just through here!" Starlight said near a large cave as she lead them in. "Behold! Our Cutie Mark vault."

Everypony, but Starlight and Double Diamond gasped. In front of them was a huge case of Cutie Marks. There were hundreds of them all stored in a glass case. Between them and the case was a wooden staff with a twisted design.

"I've never seen anything like it!" Twilight said staring a the display.

"And here is the Staff of Sameness," Starlight said lifting the staff with her magic. "It was one of the great mage Meadowbrook's nine enchanted items. We are incredibly fortunate to have it here."

Shadow and twilight looked at the staff suspiciously.

"This is the tool that allows us to free ourselves form our Marks," Starlight continued. Suddenly she realized something. "I'm curious; how did the subject of the vault come up?"

"Oh, some ponies were telling us how they missed their Cutie Marks and..." Pinkie explained but before she said and more Shadow covered her mouth.

"Pinkie!" Shadow and Twilight yelled at her.

Starlight gasped and said before walking dangerously closer to them, "Were they! Well, it seems you inspire all sorts of free thinking, Don't you?"

"We certainly didn't intend to cause any disruptions to you charming little..." Rarity said trying to make peace.

"Good," Starlight interrupted her. "Lets's just make sure of that, shall we?"

Rarity backed away but was blocked by DD. Suddenly more villagers stepped out from the shadows and surrounded them.

"It's a trap!" Twilight yelled.

"You think!?" Shadow yelled as he and Sonic readyed themselves for a fight. Twilight teleported up and was about to shoot a beam and Starlight. Starlight pointed the staff at her and countered with a green beam. "Twilight, look out!"

Shadow teleported himself next to Twilight and pushed her out the way. Unfortunately, Shadow was hit by the blast. Starlight smiled senisterly was Shadow's body became straight. Shadow could feel himself getting weaker as his Cutie Mark was being taken from him. He groaned in pain, but while in the beams effects Shadow noticed something odd. Finally his Cutie Mark was taken and was placed with the others. Somehow though a equal Cutie Mark didn't show up on his flank.

"What?!" Starlight yelled confused before regaining herself. "Not matter. You all will join him and us soon."

Shadow landed on the ground hard with Pinkie and Twilight Rushing to their coltfriend's side.

"Shadow!" They yelled worried.

"Run," Shadow said weakly as he lose consciousness. Right before they could however, Starlight hit them all with the same beam. So one by one, all their Cutie Marks were taken and replaced with equal signs.

"Oh, I don't blame you for what you tried to do here today," Starlight said walking toward them. "You've spent your whole lives thinking those Marks are a goo thing."

"Give them back!" Twilight demanded.

"Well! Now you can spend the rest of your lives here with us." Starlight said ignoring what Twilight yelled. "And we'll teach you just how much better life can be without your Cutie Marks."

"I'd rather have Eggman as a roommate!" Sonic yelled rushing at her, but suddenly tripped and fell. "What?! My speed?"

"Starlight, what should we do with him?" Double Diamond asked pointing at Shadow.

"Mmm," Starlight thought before answering. "Take him to my cabin. I want to know why he did not receive his new Cutie Mark ... personally."

"Don't you dare touch him!" Twilight yelled as she and Pinkie moved in front of him.

"Yeah!" Pinkie yelled. "He our's!"

"Well later..." Starlight said as the villagers pushed the girls out the way and dragged Shadow away. "...he'll be mine!"

XXXXX

Sorry I took so long to release this. College is a killer and its been hard for me to work some time into my stories. After some time, I finally worked out a schedule and will try to update as quickly as I can. cya later!