“I can hardly believe it,” Aria agreed. “This whole thing does explain a lot, though. I was wondering what Princess Starla was up to after we defeated her corrupted form. She just disappeared for some time, even during the return of Chaos... well, aside from when we saw her on Crystal Festival Night.”

Cosmo cleared his throat as her words jogged his memory. He glanced at the driver and then waved the two closer.

“Have you two heard about the island?” the stallion asked with shifting eyes.

Harper and Aria were suddenly all ears as their mouths shut and eyes bore into his.

Cosmo proceeded, “Apparently, during the restoration of the island, Princess Starla encountered some monsters. It kind of makes sense with the island having been abandoned for a thousand years.”

“Why wouldn't Princess Bellissa have taken care of it?” Aria pondered aloud as she glanced back at the castle over her shoulder.

“Isn't it obvious?” Harper laughed. “She has a magic school of her own! Remember?” She threw Aria a merry wink. “That's where we met!”

Aria smiled timidly, “Y-Yeah, I guess that’s the reason.” She shook her head to try and clear it of fresh, thorny questions. “So, Cosmo, you don't think we'll run into any trouble on the island, do you?”

The stallion patted his muzzle pensively for a minute, then shook his head.

“I-I don't think so. Princess Starla must have chased out whatever things were lurking there. I'm sure she chased them all out. Why else would she let us come to the island?”

Aria nervously nodded her head.

I sure hope that's the case.