Anon's Corruption: Part 2

>Some time later...
>After navigating the new landscape of Ponyville you managed to round up the girls.
>Luckily Discord hadn’t greyed them out like last time.
>It seemed that Discord was playing with the gloves off now.
>Where before he wanted to cause mischief and basically laugh at chaos, now he’s learned.
>He’s been burned twice by these elements, and he’s not going to risk it again.
>But while it was a blessing that the elements hadn’t been corrupted, it was only because he was hoping to dispose of them in other ways.
>You found Applejack in a burning barn, and with Big Mac’s help managed to get her out.
>Rainbow Dash was being chased by killer clouds that were trying to buck her for once.
>Rarity’s mannequins had come to life, and were advancing on her with needles, a mockery to her fine trade.
>Pinkie Pie had holed up in Sugarcube Corner basement with the Cakes.
>They stared up at you in terror, clutching their children close to their hearts.
>It was heartwrenching.
>Pinkie was reluctant to leave, but she knew it was the only way to ultimately save the Cakes.
>And that doesn’t even begin to describe what he’s done to Ponyville in general.
>You can see the flames licking Canterlot in the distance, but Discord hasn’t spared Ponyville at all.
>His preferred tactic this time it seems is to animate objects. And when he’s not doing that, he’s simply spreading fire everywhere.
>Being a dragon, it was fairly easy for you to just run straight through to your destinations.
>But the ponies without wings weren’t so fortunate.
>Rarity managed to conjure a shield that she learned from Twilight after the last Discord encounter.
>But while it allowed you to pass freely, it also let you take a good look at some of the unlucky ponies who weren’t so gifted.


>Back at the library with the girls, the discussion resumed.
>None of them could remember Fluttershy at all.
>”Y’all are talkin’ ‘bout Anon’s bird, right?”
“For the last time, Applejack, NO. Fluttershy is a p0ny. She lives on the outskirts of the Everfree Forest.”
>”What kind of silly p0ny would choose to live there, Spikey?” Pinkie Pie chortled.
“She lives there to take care of the animals that live with her. Ok. Tell me this then. Who goes and wakes up all the animals at Winter Wrap Up?”
>The girls struggle to recall anything about the event and all you get are 5 confused faces.
“Ok. Something has happened to your memories. Fluttershy took a book out the other day about mind control. She must have cast a spell on you guys. Twilight, do you really not remember her coming in here?”
>”Not at all, Spike... I’m sure you’re onto something but I just can’t remember this p0ny at all...”
“She’s the element of kindness. You need her to complete the set.”
>Then you get an idea.
“Here, Twilight.”
>You find the records for loaned books and point to the entry for Fluttershy removing the book, written in Twilight’s hoofwriting.
>”Mind bending for dummies:... Assuming direct control... And I definitely wrote that. My gosh, Spike! You’re right!”
>Finally!
“You’re darn straight I’m right! You guys have been under some kind of spell. And that also means that Anon was right too.”
>The looks on the girls faces fall as one when they realise they couldn’t help their friend in need.
>Even if they were under the effects of Fluttershy’s spell, you know these mares.
>They would have done anything to try to help.
>Twilight finally pipes up.
>”Gather together girls. If we’re under a spell, I’ll try and dispel it.”
>The girls huddle together.
>Twilight begins charging magic in her horn, and summons a spell circle made of complex overlapping geometric shapes and runes.
>The circle on the floor glows in time with pulses of light from her horn, and soon the light intensifies such as to be blinding.
>You shield your eyes to avoid it, and turn back to the girls after.
>They seem... Enlightened?
>”Oh my Goddess! How could I have forgotten about Fluttershy?!” Rarity exclaims.
>”I know, right! Me and her went to flight camp together! I’ve known her all my life!” Rainbow Dash says.
>Pinkie Pie is wailing out loud, tears pouring out her eyes like fountains.
>She is being comforted by Applejack who has her in a hug, but she howls like a banshee,
>”How could I forget her? I’m such A BAD FRIIIIIIIEND!”
>Twilight is the only p0ny who is composed.
>And it looks like she’s figured this out.
>”Girls, now isn’t the time for this. We need to find out where Fluttershy is and banish Discord again.”
>Now this is the Twilight you know.
>It sets your heart at ease to know that she’s finally on the case.
>If anyone can sort this out, Twilight can.