Magic Duel, part 3

"Ugh. This really doesn't seem to be getting us anywhere." Rarity throws another book on the ever-growing pile in the middle of the library floor.

Pinkie mournfully nods. "Mmm...mmMMm mm mmmmmmM!"

"I hear ya, Pinkie," says Apple Jack. "I can't find anythin' that describes the kinda magic Trixie's doin'."

"There must be something," insists Spike. "Twilight has every magic book there is!"

Fluttershy looks up from the book she's reading. "Um, I think I may have found something?"

"Yes," says Rarity, ignoring Fluttershy completely, "it's time for us to consider our futures in this new Trixie-led Ponyville."

"Um, this sounds an awful lot like Trixie's magic--"

"She wants me t' grow apples with no peels!" says Apple Jack. "Now, how the hay am I s'posed to do that?"

"Um, there's a picture here of that necklace--"

"Mm-mm mm mmm MMMMM!" Pinkie points furiously at her still-mouthless face. You ponies think you have problems?

"It's called the Alicorn Amulet, and whoever wears it is blessed with untold--"

"Hey, everypony, look!" Spike yanks the book out of Fluttershy's hooves and holds it up. "This book has a picture of Trixe's necklace!" The other four ponies quickly gather around to look. "It's called the Alicorn Amulet," Spike continues, "and whoever wears it is blessed with untold powers!"

"If you read a little further," adds Fluttershy, "you'll see--"

"'Even though it provides great power, it also corrupts the user,'" reads Rarity.

"Yes, but, um, you can't--"

"You can't just take the Alicorn Amulet off her neck," says Spike. "It has a magical lock. Trixie's the only pony who can take it off."

"Maybe we could--"

"We need t' get this information to Twilight." says Apple Jack firmly. "She'll know what to do."

"But, h-how--"

"If any of us try to leave," Rarity protests, "Trixie's magical force field will tell her!"

"Maybe we should--"

"I've got it!" Rainbow Dash flies up to the ceiling to address the group in her usual dramatic fashion. "Trying to sneak past the force field would be impossible without help. But I know who's got the goods to get into those woods!"

Fluttershy nods. "I-it must be--"

"Fluttershy!"

"What?!" Fluttershy shrieks, pushing herself out of Rainbow Dash's grip. She can't be serious!

"Whaddaya say, Fluttershy?" says Apple Jack. "Can you handle the mission?"

Fluttershy desperately tries to hide under the nearest book. "No! I'll crack under the pressure! I'll snap like a twig!"

"Perfect!" says Rainbow Dash. "Fluttershy'll sneak out of Ponyville and find Twilight."

"But--but I--" Fluttershy can't protest any further. Everyone in the room is looking at her expectantly. "Okay," she sighs.

Rarity gets a determined look on her face. "And I know just the design for a dangerous mission outfit..."