The Wizard Redby ZincathionChaptersThe Mysterious Lavender PonyA Swarm of TroubleWhat's going on?The Mysterious Lavender PonyNot long after The Great and Powerful Trixie had caused a huge ruckus in Ponyville another unknown magician came to the town. A lavender stallion, with a magnificent, maroon hat. It was tall, tapered like a cone, and a wide brim, running all around the base of it which drooping slightly over his eyes. A red mane poked out from under the hat, and a red tail lazily sung back and forth as he walked. He had two heavy saddlebags filled with large books. A large wooden stick, rather plain, but slightly gnarly, was also tucked under his saddlebags. As he walked through the center of the town, all the ponies around eyed him suspiciously. Most ran away in fear, or hid and closed up shops. They were wary of more Ursa Minors going on a rampage again, he did have a hat very similar to The Great and Powerful Trixie's, though his was clearly superior. The lavender pony was quite confused. He'd not been to towns often, but knew enough that wizards weren't typically feared, at least not to this level. The stallion decided he should probably just move on to the next town. He turned around and started making his way out of town. After only a few steps he heard somepony talking. He quickly glanced behind him and saw a purple unicorn talking with a young dragon. “Like that in Ponyville. Maybe I can ask Rarity to pick something up the next time she goes to Canterlot,” said the purple unicorn. The young dragon replied, “I'll ask her for you! I want to ta-” He stopped suddenly and glanced around at the shops, “Twilight I thought you dispelled everyponies fear of Zecora?” “I thought I did too...” she glanced around noticing the lavender pony with the fancy hat. “Well, that doesn't look like Zecora.” she said. “Really?” Spike said in a sarcastic tone, catching a glare from the purple unicorn as she trotted up to the lavender pony. “Hello, My name is Twilight Sparkle, welcome to Ponyville!” she said enthusiastically as the lavender pony turned around. “I am Fyron Midoro. I greet you humbly Twilight Sparkle,” he said, as he bowed his head. “I have come to your town in search of any knowledge on the Everfree forest you might have, due to your close proximity.” Twilight looked into his eyes and saw a spark. The spark of knowledge. This pony knew many things. She simply had to talk with him and learn what she could and hear his stories! “I am the town librarian and would simply love to show you the library and help you however I can. Follow me,” Twilight said as she turned and started moving to the library at a brisk pace. Spike grumbled and started following, “Oh yes, and this is Spike.” Not giving it a second thought as the possibility of the stories this pony could have in store for her! Fyron and Spike looked at each other then at Twilight, then back at each other. They both shrugged and started following Twilight. While they walked Fyron asked, “Spike, is the town always this...empty?” “Never. Well, before when everypony was scared of Zecora it was, but everypony loves her now.” Spike replied. “Maybe they are scared of you?” Fyron pondered for a moment, baffled, he asked “Why would the whole town be scared of me? I have done nothing to provoke them, or cause alarm.” Spike stopped walking and scratched his chin with a claw, he just happened to see, right over the top of Fyron's wonderful hat, the water tower. Still being rebuild after being used by Twilight as a bottle for the Ursa Minor that attacked when The Great and Powerful Trixie was in town. “It's the hat!” Spike proclaimed triumphantly! “My hat?” Fyron said as he glanced up at the brim of his beautiful hat that ever so slightly dropped over his brow. “Why do they fear my hat?” Spike looked at him and shook his head and said in a dismal tone, “Trust me, you don't want to know.” The three of them reached the library in short order. The lavender stallion was rather impressed with the large selection of advanced books within the walls of this library. Twilight ran of to get some tea prepared after telling Fyron to make himself at home. He removed his saddlebags and his staff, and settled down next to them. He didn't like to go to far from his special books. Twilight came back levitating a tray filled with tea, and tea accessories. She gently set the tray down and sat down on the other side of the tray facing the lavender stallion, pouring them both a cup. Her eyes sparkled looking at the large stallion in front of her. “What sort of information were you hoping to find on the Everfree forest?” she asked. “I am seeking a powerful artifact that has been burred away since Star-swirl the Bearded's time, Fyron said. “It was lost long ago, deep within the forest, in the farthest reaches where no pony dared venture. It is sealed away with ancient magicks, by Star-swirl himself.” Twilight was stunned. Princess Luna was the only pony she knew that had any knowledge of Star-swirl the Beared, let alone know about any of his hidden artifacts. Fyron continued, “You see, I know how to pass these ancient magic barriers, and how to unlock the artifact. I have only vague information as to the location of the artifact though. I have spent many years deep in the Everfree forest looking, but have been unable to locate it.” “You lived deep Everfree forest alone?” Twilight asked, taken back by the strength and courage this pony must hold. She knew Zecora lived in the Everfree forest, but she didn't live very deep in the dangerous woods. “Indeed, but that is not what I would like to discuss. Do you know anything about Star-swirl or have any books on him?” he asked, changing the subject back to his task. “I only know what I've read from my old history books, and from a couple books at the Canterlot library,” she replied. “Let me go get the books I have here.” She got up, and turned around, slowly. She swished her tail back and forth, slowly, almost seductively. As she slowly walked away she glanced over her shoulder with a pleasant look on her face, which suddenly turned to annoyance. The lavender stallion had a book open and was reading it, his magnificent hat down low enough he couldn't even see her hooves. Twilight huffed and hurried off to find the book. Suddenly she realized what just happened. She didn't know what had come over her. That stallion just had this wonderful aura. An aura of knowledge. Twilight simply couldn't resist it. She shook her head, and set about grabbing the books she had came for. She resolved to get as much knowledge out of this pony as possible. Upon returning, she found Fyron still reading his book. It clearly wasn't one from the library. It was large, and thick. It almost seemed to be alive with magic, pulsating with power. The cover was thick, though she couldn't see what was on it, it looked rough, like leather. The pages inside were yellow with age, and the text on them seemed to glow. Certainly unlike any books she'd ever read. Curious, she asked “What are you reading? It's not like any book I've ever seen.” Fyron looked up from the book. “This is my spell-book. I store all of my spells within.” Twilight’s eyes lit up, “May I take a look!?” she asked excitedly. “Hmm...I will consider it, but only in return for knowledge of what I seek. These are my personal spells. All the spells I have acquired over the years, and those that I have created,” he said sternly. Twilight provided the books she had ran to fetch, and the two of them began talking of Star-swirl and of the artifact. Looking through the books in search of any hints as to where the artifact might find. Before either of them had realized it it was late into the night. Spike had already gone to bed and Twilight as tired, as she was pleased. She had learned so much in such a short time from this wise pony. “You're more than welcome to stay in the library for as long as you like,” Twilight told Fyron. “Please make yourself at home.” With that she turned and slowly sauntered over to the stairs leading up to her bed. “Thank you kindly, Twilight Sparkle,” he said as he watched her walk away. As she approached the top of the stairs he rose and turned around and began casting a spell. A doorway shimmered into existence right in front of him. It was a plain door, like you'd see on any house in Ponyville but there was nothing behind it. He opened the door, and behind it was darkness. He picked up his saddlebags and stick and walked through the doorway, closing it behind him. Several hours later Twilight rose from her bed, intent on getting a drink. Groggily she walked down the stairs, past the door sitting in the middle of the central chamber, into the kitchen. She got her drink and walked back out into the central chamber. Past the door again, and up the stairs. Almost back to her bed she started grumbling about making sure Spike put the front door back where it belongs. She laid down and shut her eyes. Suddenly they burst open and she jumped out of bed and ran to the top of the stairs. Staring at the door stand in the middle of her living room. She slowly crept down the stairs and up to the door. She walked around it, it seemed just like a normal door. She stopped and pondered a moment. Should she open it? It was obviously something the lavender pony had created, but she shouldn't intrude. She decided she wouldn't bother him, and turned to go back up stairs when the door opened. Standing in the doorway was Fyron. He looked at her, a slight smile on his face. “Do come in Twilight,” he said, stepping aside allowing her in. As Twilight stepped inside she could feel the power in here. The air was thick with it. It was dark, she couldn't see very much, only a faint candlelight on a table. The only thing visible on the table was a single book, it's text seeming move in the flickering candlelight. Fyron walked past her and up to the table, he lightly blew on the candle and it got brighter, encompassing the whole room in a soft glow. The table was the length of one of the walls, almost completely bare. Behind it were shelves, with vials, a few books, several plants and some other oddities. The walls were all made out of stone. The opposite wall there was a bookshelf, filled with books, most of which looked quite old. The far back wall was completely bare, save a single door. “What is this place?” asked Twilight. She had never heard of any spell like this. The lavender stallion bowed his head, “Welcome to my home Twilight Sparkle.” “Amazing....” gawked Twilight, eyes darting all over. “How is this possible!? I've never seen anything like this! How did you do this? Is this real? Where are we?” Fyron gave a chuckle at the mare's inquisitive mind. “It is complicated. We are in a pocket of space where I have full control. Time flows as quickly or as slowly as I desire in here.” “Can you teach me!? Please! Please! Please!” Twilight put on her best imitation of Rarity’s pouting face “It is very difficult. Perhaps one day when you are better versed in the arcane arts,” Fyron pondered over the idea of teaching this young mare. “What are the 'arcane arts'? Will you teach me?” Twilight asked. She'd never heard of that. Not once was it mentioned in any book she'd ever read, and she'd read nearly every one! “I am not sure that is wise Twilight. There are people in this land who do not wish for arcane magic to exist, let alone be known,” the lavender pony said sternly. “I will consider it, but do not get your hopes up. We will discus this another time. For now I believe it is best that you return to your bed and get some rest. It would be unwise to make anypony worry.” Twilight was unsure as to what he meant, why would anypony in Equestria want to destroy knowledge? She decided she better not press the issue here and now. He did say they would talk about it later, and she was tired. She made her way to her bed, and laid down for the night. It wasn't long before she was fast asleep. Back in Fyron's portal the lavender stallion stared out of his equivalent of a window, watching the mare return to bed. He thought back on the day. Had he known what he knew now, his morning would have been very different. He would have avoided this town entirely. She was the chosen student of Princess Celestia. He spoke to no pony, “I wonder if she knows the danger we are all in.” A Swarm of TroubleAs the sun rose Fyron was already out of his home, and his doorway had already been dispelled. He had spent the last hour before sunrise pursuing the books in the purple unicorns library. The collection was quite extensive, and had many books he had not seen before. As the sun rose he looked out a window and watched. “Nice view, huh?” said the little purple dragon. “Indeed it is,” said Fyron. He didn't turn around to face the young dragon. The dragon didn't need to see the tear sliding down his cheek. “Well, anyway, breakfast is ready if you'd like to eat,” Spike said as he turned and made his way back to where breakfast was set out. “Twilight will be down in just a few seconds,” he added. As if on que, Twilight started walking down the stairs. Spike turned to her and said “On time, as always. Breakfast is ready, Twilight,” as he pointed to her breakfast. The two ponies and the dragon sat down and ate. While they ate they discussed what to do today. Twilight wanted to introduce him to her best friends in town. Fyron was content to stay in the library for the day, but found this young unicorn fascinating. He figured no harm could come from him meeting her friends. They might even know something about the forest he thought. Shortly after breakfast the three of them set out. Twilight had decided that Applejack was the safest to visit first. The short walk to Sweet Apple Acres turned into a long one very quickly. As they walked through the town Twilight spent more time explaining to the ponies in the streets that Fyron was of no relation to the Great and Powerful Trixie, and there was no reason to fear him. As they neared the edge of town Twilight said, “Sweet Apple Acres is jus-” Suddenly Spike, who was riding on Twilight’s back talking with Fyron, shouted “Look out!” as a cyan blur slammed into Fyron, sending him and the cyan blur slamming into Twilight. BOOM! Pony chunks(and one dragon) everywhere! Twilight groaned from under the mound of pony, “Rainbow, is this how you great every new pony who comes to Ponyville?” Laying on top of her was Fyron, still stunned from the blast, and on top of him was Rainbow Dash. Spike was nowhere to be seen. “Now get off us!” Rainbow Dash grabbed the stunned stallion and flapped her wings, hefting him off of Twilight. She set him down roughly, landing on his rump with a thud. She picked up his hat and set it upon his head. “There you go Twi, good as new,” she said, looking at the purple unicorn with a big grin. Twilight sighed, “Rainbow Dash, what did I tell you about avoiding other ponies?” “It wasn't my fault! You guys were totally in the way of my new awesome trick! I haven't come up with a name for though,” said Dash excitedly. Fyron, having finally recovered brushed off his stunning hat and readjusted it. “Perhaps 'The Dragon Launcher' would be a suitable name,” he said as he pointed to a nearby treetop where Spike's legs and tail were sticking out. Rainbow Dash quickly flew up and grabbed Spikes tail, yanking him out of the tree. “Uhh..thanks Rainbow Dash,” Spike said rubbing his head as Dash set him down. “No worries Spike, you're welcome,” Dash beamed triumphantly. Twilight shook her head. Her friend could be a hoofful. “Rainbow, I'd like you to meet Fyron Midoro. I met him yesterday, he was passing though town,” she said. “And I'm Rainbow Dash!” shouted Dash excited as she quickly flew a circle around Fyron. “Fastest pony in Equestira!” “It's is a pleasure to meet you Rainbow Dash,” Fyron replied quickly. “Do you think you could help Fyron out later with some questions about the Everfree forest later Dash?” Twilight asked. The cyan pegasus looked at Twilight, “Hmm...whens later, because I still need to get in a lot more practice and take my nap.” Twilight nodded and said, “After dinner at my place.” “Sure thing Twilight! Later Fyron!” she shouted as she jetted back up into the sky. Twilight shook her head, “Well, I was hoping to avoid that.” Puzzled, the lavender stallion asked, “Avoid meeting the pegasus?” “No, I just didn't want it to be so..sudden.” she said. “Sweet Apple Acres is just up here. It's going to be a much safer than meeting Rainbow Dash.” Fyron gave a soft chuckle but said no more. The two ponies with a dragon in tow made it the rest of the way to Sweet Apple Acres without incident. They found a orange pony, with blond hair and three apples on her flank, in one of the fields, hard at work bucking apples. “Howdy Twilight, Spike,” said the orange pony as she noticed the three approached. “What brings you to the farm today, and who's your friend?” “I wanted to introduce you to my new friend here, Fyron,” answered Twilight. “He's staying with me at the library for a couple days. I was wondering if you'd be willing to stop by my place tonight after dinner. Fyron wants to get some information on the Everfree forest.” “Well, 'course Ah'll be there Twilight,” she replied. Applejack turned to where Fyron had been a few seconds ago, “Well, it's a pleasure to me-” Fyron had disappeared. “What in tarnation?” Twilight and Applejack both looked around puzzled. Spike was missing as well. Suddenly a apple core dropped from the tree Applejack had been readying to buck. They both looked up. What they saw caused Twilight to bring a hoof to her face. Laying on one of the branches munching on an apple was Fyron, with Spike right next to him. The two had already eaten half the trees worth of apples! “These are... THE... BEST... POSSIBLE... APPLES!” Fyron exclaimed excitedly. Spike, munching on an apple himself, triumphantly said, “See, what did I tell you! You've never had a more delicious apple!” “Om nom nom,” was the only response Spike got as Fyron began to eat another apple. Twilight and Applejack both looked at each other and started laughing. “Well, Applejack, it seems you have another fan of your apples. Lets hope they save some for everypony else,” Twilight said. “Well, Ah 'spose it's alright if they eat a tree or two,” she said, eying the two as they began to move to the other side of the tree. A few short minutes later Fyron dropped down from the tree with Spike on his back. “Excuse me, it appears as though I lost myself for a moment. Your apples are far too delicious. It is a pleasure to meet you as Applejack.” he said grabbing Applejack's hoof and giving it a shake. Applejack laughed, “Well, Ah'm glad you like mah apples, just don't go eatin' the whole farm.” Fyron looked up at the tree he and Spike had just been in. Not a single apple remained. “I think I can manage that,” He said grinning sheepishly. “Well, Twilight, you want head back to the house for some lunch? You wouldn't happen to still be hungry would you Fyron?,” offered Applejack. “Indeed I am!” the ever hungry stallion said, eager to see what other delectable foods where about. The four made their way back to Applejack's home. Along the way Applejack told the lavender pony about the delicious treats that were in store for him. Apple Crisp, Apple Fritters, Apple pie, Apple tarts, and many more. The whole way there his jaw was slightly agape and drooling. When they arrived at Applejack's home he walked right into a wall, which finally woke him from his stupor. Both the other ponies giggled as he stood up and asked, “Where's the food?” Shortly after they were all enjoying some of the Apple Family's amazing apple treats. Applejack and Twilight talked while they ate. Fyron and Spike on the other hoof was far to busy face first in whatever baked apple good was in front of him. Fyron was face first into a pie when the others heard a scream. They jumped up and were outside in a instant, looking to find the cause. It was Fluttershy, flying almost as fast as she could over the orchid away from her home near the Everfree forest. Twilight shouted, and Fluttershy noticed the two ponies, she turned and dove at them, landing and cowering behind Applejack. “Now what's all this about, sugercube?” the Applejack asked the yellow pony cowering behind her. The only sound that came out of Fluttershy was a soft squeak. She was shaking violently, her eyes darting about, scanning the sky. Suddenly her eyes widened and locked onto something in the distance. Twilight turned and looked into the sky, in the distance, in the direction of Fluttershy's home, was a black speck in the sky. It was slowly, but steadily approaching. “What is it Applejack?” she asked. “Ah don't know,” Applejack replied. “It looks...like a pony.” “Fluttershy is shy, but not enough so to be terrified by just pony,” reasoned the purple unicorn. “You have a point, but whatever that thing is, it's coming this way,” said Applejack. As it drew closer, the two mares could clearly see that it was in fact a large pegasus, though it was surrounded by a swirling mass. It's coat a dark shade of gray, it had no mane and it's tail was a light blue that seemed to float lazily behind it. The marking on it's flank was a boot. Buzzing all around it were hundreds of bees. The swarming mass stopped in front of the three ponies and the gray pony laughed maniacally. In a fancy accent he said, “I am Dominix! I am here looking for the wizard, you will tell me where he is or else!” Behind Applejack Fluttershy shivered uncontrollably. Applejack glared at Dominix and shouted “What right do you have goin' round threatenin' ponies? We don't know no wizard thingys round here anyway. We only got apples and apple accessories! An' you best be getting' off my orchid 'afore Ah make you leave.” Dominix only laughed, “If you will not tell me then I will simply force you to tell me!” With that, he waved a hoof, and a portion of his swarm broke off and dove at the three. The bees flew at the group, but before they could strike a bubble formed around the three ponies as Twilight's horn lit up. The bees in the front slammed into the dome hard, bouncing off. They dove back in hard, repeatedly bouncing off the shield. “Haha! You think you pathetic bubble can keep my swarm out for long?” Dominix cackled. “You will tire and fall. Then you will tell me what I want to know, and I will dispose of you for your insolence.” Twilight's horn was glowing bright, her face grit in determination. The constant assault from the numerous bees was wearing her out quickly. when suddenly her entire shield was encased in fire. The fire was hot, but did not put any strain on her shield. The bees bouncing off her shield were instantly vaporized. “Oh man! This pie is delicious!” exclaimed the lavender pony as he walked out of the house, his face still deep in a pie. Dominix glared at Fyron, “There you are! You are a hard pony to find! Now surrender or your friends will suffer!” Fyron spoke a reply but his face had disappeared within the pie tin, making it sound like muffled grunts. Dominix flew over to him, and slapped his pie out of his hooves. “Speak clearly you gluttonous fool!” Time seemed to stand still for Fyron. He watched in absolute horror as his pie fell. He reached for it, but he was too slow. The pie hit the ground with a wet smack. A single tear rolled down his cheek. “Aww...is somepony going to cry? You're pathetic. I don't even know why I bothered to take this job. You aren't nearly the threat I was told you'd be,” with that he stomped on the remains of the pie. “You'd best just lie down before you hurt yourself.” Fyron turned back to face the gray pony in front of him. His pie encrusted face, calmly looked at Dominix. “Fire. On.” Dominix quickly flew back to his swarm, laughing, he signaled to his bees to attack, and they dove in from all sides. Fyron recited a few words and a gout of flame erupted from his hoof, spraying in a arc out in front of him, The closest bees were turned to ash instantly, but the ones farther away turned into flaming missiles that plummeted at him. Most missed him, but several slammed into him, and a few hit his hat, lighting the tip on fire. He hardly noticed though, as he recited another arcane incantation, creating a thin shell of ice over him. The bees dove in at him, slamming into the ice. The swarm slowed to a halt. Many bees were frozen by the ice, falling frozen to the ground, while the rest were chilled so much that they slowed down drastically. “You will never best me Dominix,” Fyron prclaimed, shards of ice cracking and falling off his body as he walked towards the gray pegasus. Dominix ordered the rest of his swarm to return to him, “A pity, you could have ended this peacefully.” He gently scooped a bee up in a hoof, bringing it close, and warming it.“You should have never come out of hiding,” he said as he launched the bee up into the air. Suddenly it, and many other bees took off in all directions. “I know where you are now. More importantly, she will soon know where you are.” With that he turned, and his tail suddenly lit up a brighter blue and grew longer as he quickly flew off. Fyron glared at the pegasus. He turned his gaze to the ponies behind him, dissipating his fire shield spell. Inside a exhausted Twilight lay on the ground, an angry Applejack stood staring at him, and terrified yellow pegasus cowered behind her friends covering her eyes shaking terribly. He bowed his head low, “I am sorry to have put you in danger. I will now take my leave. Thank you for your hospitality.” he said as he turned and began walking away. Suddenly something gripped his tail tight. He turned to see who had grabbed him, no pony was behind him but Twilight was standing, looking very angry, her horn glowing brightly. “You are not going anywhere until we find out what just happened.” Twilight said as her magic faded and she slumped back down to the ground. The yellow pegasus jumped up and went over to her exhausted friend, spewing for all sorts of words of concern. “Ah reckon we best get Twilight back to the library and gather the rest of the gang,” Applejack said looking down at Twilight. “Fluttershy, help me get Twilight to the library and then you go find Rainbow Dash. Ah'll find Pinkie Pie, and Fyron, you're gonna go get Rarity.” Applejack then ran inside to wake Spike from his food educed coma. They arrived at the library shortly after, Twilight had recovered a little and was awake again. Applejack gave Fyron directions to the Carousel Boutique where he could find Rarity, and then took off to find Pinkie Pie, while Fluttershy did the same for Rainbow Dash. Spike remained at the library with Twilight. Fyron walked the short distance to the Carousel Boutique. It was a stunning building with beautiful dresses in all the windows. He knocked on the door but there was no reply. Applejack had told him to hurry so he opened the door and stuck his head. “Hello?” he called into the seemingly empty building. A loud gasp emulated form the far corner. Causing Fyron to turn his head seeing the most beautiful pony he'd ever laid eyes upon. Her coat was pure white, with a beautifully styled purple mane and tail to accent it. “How dreadfully horrid!” shouted a divine voice from the pony, who charged over to Fyron. “You look absolutely terrible!” Fyron looked back over himself. There were small burn marks like poka dots all over his lavender coat. His lavender hat was horribly singed, the tip burnt completely. His red hair was a mess. “Uhh...we mu-” Fyron tried to say as Rarity dragged him into the Carousel Boutique shutting the door behind her. What's going on?After enduring the horrors inside the Carousel Boutique as Rarity's prisoner, Fyron was finally able to get her to Twilight's library. Just as the sun was setting. The others were all waiting when the two arrived. Fyron shinned as he walked in the door, his coat clean and spotless, his beautiful hat had been mended with great care and looked fantastic, and he wore a stunning red cape that Rarity made just for him. Rarity followed right behind, pausing in the doorway, for dramatic effect, letting the glow of the setting sun setting her aglow, and sparkling. “Finally, I was getting worried,” said Twilight to the two as they walked in the door. “Applejack should have never sent you in there looking as you did.” “Ah didn't think it'd be no problem. He seems fine to me.” replied Applejack. Fyron looked over the group, “It was no trouble at all. In fact it was quite a experience, and I got my hat fixed.” “Alright then, we're all here. Girls, you've all met Fyron,” said Twilight. “Today we were attacked by a strange pegasus.” As Twilight filled in the rest of the girls as to what happened at Sweet Apple Acres, Fyron thought back on the day. He would have to be gone by morning. It would take some time for Dominix to report his location, but he shouldn't endanger these ponies any more. He would get what information he could and then depart in the night while they slept. As Twilight finished up explaining what happened she turned to Fyron, “How do you know this pegasus?” Fyron looked down at the ground for a moment before looking up at the six ponies, “He is a agent of the one seeking to stop me. I will say no more, I will not endanger you any more.” “Now don't be stubborn. We're your friends, and we're going to help you,” said Applejack. “Truly, I appreciate the offer, but the best help you can give me is to provide me with information.” came a sad reply from the lavender unicorn. “Oh! He is after information about the deepest parts of the Everfree forest. Have any of you ever been deeper than the princesses old castle?” asked Twilight. “You know where the old castle is?!” blurted out Fyron, quite excitedly. Rainbow Dash looked at Fyron funny, “Duh, it's only where I whooped Nightmare Moon!” she said as she jumped up into the air and gave a few jabs at a imaginary foe. “Ah?” Applejack said, scowling at Dash. Rainbow Dash rubbed the back of her head with a hoof and chuckled, “Well, where we whooped her.” “Yes, we do, it's where we found the Elements of Harmony,” replied Twilight, looking at Dash's display. Fyron's excited expression changed to one of dread. “You found the Elements of Harmony?” This is bad he thought. Timidly he asked “You are the Elements wielders?” The group looked at him funny. “Well of course we are silly! Who else did you think we were! The French Royal court?” The group's funny looks turned from Fyron to Pinkie Pie. Twilight asked Fyron, “Is there a problem Fyron?” she asked, wondering what had caused the sudden change in mood in the lavender unicorn. “Nope,” he blurted. Quickly noticing the suspicious stares from those around him, he calmly said, “Nothing is wrong. I simply did not realize that you were the wielders of the elements.” This is bad he thought. They are the elements wielders? Then they have a direct connection with her. He should leave before she finds him or they figure out who he is. “Would you be able to point me in the direction of the princesses old castle?” Fyron asked the group in front of him. “We'd be happy to show you the way tomorrow,” Twilight replied, the other ponies nodding in agreement. “That's very generous, but unnecessary, I would like to set out tonight, and preferably alone,” Fyron said. “Darling, why would you want to set foot in that dreadful forest at night, alone?” Rarity shivered as she thought about entering the forest at night again. “This is something I must do alone,” Fyron looked at the ground, “I don't want anypony else to come to any harm on my account. There simply is no reason for it. I will take my leave alone, and at once.” Rainbow Dash flew over to the door and blocked it, “You aren't going anywhere without us, and there is no point in arguing with us over it.” Suddenly there was a loud belch from upstairs, and a moment later Spike walked down the stairs with a scroll in his hands. He unrolled the scroll and cleared his throat, took in a deep breath and loudly proclaimed, “Spike ple-” he cut off as he finished reading it to himself. “What is it Spike?” Twilight said as she walked over to Spike, looking over his shoulder at the note. Spike looked at Twilight, “do you think it's true?” Spikes only reply came from Twilight Sparkles horn lighting up and a magical bubble encasing Fyron. The lavender unicorn looked irritated, “What is the meaning of this?!” he demanded. “I can't believe it. You've been playing us for fools all along!” she growled at him. “To think we thought you were our friend!” “It is not as it seems, you are being lied to,” he said, his horn lighting up, causing the purple shield encasing him to pop like a bubble. “I have no intentions of fighting you, but I will defend myself if I have to.” Twilight glared angrily at him, “You're right! We're being lied to by you!” “What in tarnation!?” shouted Applejack as a beam of magic shot out of her horn, slamming into a shield that Fyron had brought up before himself. “The Princess says that he is evil and that we must stop him at all costs!” she shouted as she fired another beam at him. Fyron fired his own beam, and they intersected in the air, causing a shocking explosion which caused everyponies hair to stand on end. The two unicorns stared each other down. Twilight's eyes lit up as she floated into the air, building up magical energy. Fyron gritted his teeth, preparing to counter the attack. He didn't want to cause any more damage or harm than was necessary. They were clearly innocents in this. Twilight released the blast from her horn, it shown a bright white, focused directly on Fyron. Fyron, grit his teeth and focused on creating a shield from the attack, but it was far more powerful than he expected, and it pushed through his defenses, lucky only grazing his side, burring his right shoulder. Suddenly there was a strong kick on his flank that sent him spinning. He had been so focused on Twilight that he hadn't even noticed her. As soon as he recovered enough to stand straight and face the two, he was hit in the back of the head by a large cake, followed by a giggle. He once more had to raise a shield to block Twilight's attack once more, but was hit by Applejack at the same time, causing him to lose his focus and get blasted in the chest by the near full force of Twilight's blast. Rainbow Dash swooped in and tackled him from behind, pinning him down under her. Twilight's horn lit up once more, her magic encasing Fyron in a tight bond. “Rarity, focus on keeping him from using any magic,” the purple unicorn grunted, though her spell. Rarity looked at Fyron, a single tear rolled down her eye as her horn lit up, focused on making sure any of Fyron's spells fizzled before they could get off. “Applejack, help me tie her down.” Rainbow Dash said to the stunned earth pony. As they each set about their tasks no pony noticed the strange things he was mumbling, suddenly there was a violent explosion of force, and all the ponies in the room were sent flying, the books all fell off their selves, the whole tree shook. “ENOUGH!” the lavender unicorn shouted. “Your 'princess' is the evil one,” he spat. “I have spent my entire life fighting to stop her!” The ponies slowly began to stand up. “You lie! The princess is good!” shouted Rainbow Dash. “Why should we believe anything you say?” asked Applejack. “The Princess says you're evil, so you're probably lying to us.” “I have no way to prove it,” Fyron said solemnly. “I can only tell you what she has done. Nothing more.” “That so? Well what has she done that's so evil?” Rainbow Dash asked flying right up into Fyron's face. “I have done nothing evil,” came a soft voice from the balcony above them. Princess Celestia stood looking down upon all of them. The Elements of Harmony all bowed before the princess. “So we finaly meet,” she said looking at Fyron as she slowly floated down. Fyron hastily started spewing arcane words. “Oh, we'll have none of that!” said Celestia, almost playfully. Suddenly his mouth clamped shut. “None of that dark magic shall be had here. I've been hunting you for a long time. I'm glad to have finally caught you. You've been a thorn in my side for far to long. You will no longer be able to interfere.” “Princess, what is that?” asked the ever inquisitive Twilight. “It's nothing you should concern yourself with,” she said, never taking her eyes off her prize. “But it seems like normal magic? How can that be bad? Does that mean unicorns are bad? It doesn't make any sense,” she pressed. “Twilight, my faithful student, not everything is meant to be known by everypony, and this is one of those things,” Celestia said, turning her stern gaze upon her. Twilight looked at Celestia, she had never seen her act this way before. She was always kind and gentle. Even when Discord had attacked she didn't act this way. Something was wrong. She turned her gaze to the pony that was fighting to get his mouth open. “I will be taking him to Canterlot castle, where he will be punished for his crimes. Thank you for your assistance in capturing him,” she said to everypony in the room. The ponies in the room all bowed to her, as her horn lit up. In a bright flash they disappeared, leaving the 6 stunned ponies standing in the wrecked library. “Now what was that all about?” asked Applejack. “He didn't seem very evil.” said Fluttershy, picking up a book and placing it on a shelf. “What about the pony that attacked Fluttershy earlier? He defiantly wasn't very nice, and who was the 'she' he was talkin' about?” said Applejack. “I don't know girls. The princess would never lie to us, but there is defiantly something she isn't telling us,” Twilight looked around the destroyed library. “I will do some studying, but I don't think I have anything here that will help. We should all turn in for the night.” The five ponies departed from Twilight's library a short time later, after helping place the books back on their shelves. Spike walked over to his bed. “What do you think Twilight?” “The princess said he was evil, so he has to be, right?” “I guess,” Spike said with a shrug. “Doesn't make much sense to me.” “Why would the princess not want me to know about this 'dark' magic? Is it dangerous? Is it evil? Can magic be evil? It doesn't make sense for magic to be evil. Magic simply is. It's not good or evil, good and evil is determined by who is using it. So if he was evil using magic, then...” she ranted as Spike covered his ears with his pillow. After several more minutes, Spike said, “Why don't you go to the old castle in the woods? Fyron seemed rather interested in it. Maybe you can find some books there?” “Spike! You're a genius!” Twilight exclaimed. “I'll have to get the girls tomorrow and we'll head out!” Spike, just grateful for some quite, quickly fell asleep.
The Mysterious Lavender PonyNot long after The Great and Powerful Trixie had caused a huge ruckus in Ponyville another unknown magician came to the town. A lavender stallion, with a magnificent, maroon hat. It was tall, tapered like a cone, and a wide brim, running all around the base of it which drooping slightly over his eyes. A red mane poked out from under the hat, and a red tail lazily sung back and forth as he walked. He had two heavy saddlebags filled with large books. A large wooden stick, rather plain, but slightly gnarly, was also tucked under his saddlebags. As he walked through the center of the town, all the ponies around eyed him suspiciously. Most ran away in fear, or hid and closed up shops. They were wary of more Ursa Minors going on a rampage again, he did have a hat very similar to The Great and Powerful Trixie's, though his was clearly superior. The lavender pony was quite confused. He'd not been to towns often, but knew enough that wizards weren't typically feared, at least not to this level. The stallion decided he should probably just move on to the next town. He turned around and started making his way out of town. After only a few steps he heard somepony talking. He quickly glanced behind him and saw a purple unicorn talking with a young dragon. “Like that in Ponyville. Maybe I can ask Rarity to pick something up the next time she goes to Canterlot,” said the purple unicorn. The young dragon replied, “I'll ask her for you! I want to ta-” He stopped suddenly and glanced around at the shops, “Twilight I thought you dispelled everyponies fear of Zecora?” “I thought I did too...” she glanced around noticing the lavender pony with the fancy hat. “Well, that doesn't look like Zecora.” she said. “Really?” Spike said in a sarcastic tone, catching a glare from the purple unicorn as she trotted up to the lavender pony. “Hello, My name is Twilight Sparkle, welcome to Ponyville!” she said enthusiastically as the lavender pony turned around. “I am Fyron Midoro. I greet you humbly Twilight Sparkle,” he said, as he bowed his head. “I have come to your town in search of any knowledge on the Everfree forest you might have, due to your close proximity.” Twilight looked into his eyes and saw a spark. The spark of knowledge. This pony knew many things. She simply had to talk with him and learn what she could and hear his stories! “I am the town librarian and would simply love to show you the library and help you however I can. Follow me,” Twilight said as she turned and started moving to the library at a brisk pace. Spike grumbled and started following, “Oh yes, and this is Spike.” Not giving it a second thought as the possibility of the stories this pony could have in store for her! Fyron and Spike looked at each other then at Twilight, then back at each other. They both shrugged and started following Twilight. While they walked Fyron asked, “Spike, is the town always this...empty?” “Never. Well, before when everypony was scared of Zecora it was, but everypony loves her now.” Spike replied. “Maybe they are scared of you?” Fyron pondered for a moment, baffled, he asked “Why would the whole town be scared of me? I have done nothing to provoke them, or cause alarm.” Spike stopped walking and scratched his chin with a claw, he just happened to see, right over the top of Fyron's wonderful hat, the water tower. Still being rebuild after being used by Twilight as a bottle for the Ursa Minor that attacked when The Great and Powerful Trixie was in town. “It's the hat!” Spike proclaimed triumphantly! “My hat?” Fyron said as he glanced up at the brim of his beautiful hat that ever so slightly dropped over his brow. “Why do they fear my hat?” Spike looked at him and shook his head and said in a dismal tone, “Trust me, you don't want to know.” The three of them reached the library in short order. The lavender stallion was rather impressed with the large selection of advanced books within the walls of this library. Twilight ran of to get some tea prepared after telling Fyron to make himself at home. He removed his saddlebags and his staff, and settled down next to them. He didn't like to go to far from his special books. Twilight came back levitating a tray filled with tea, and tea accessories. She gently set the tray down and sat down on the other side of the tray facing the lavender stallion, pouring them both a cup. Her eyes sparkled looking at the large stallion in front of her. “What sort of information were you hoping to find on the Everfree forest?” she asked. “I am seeking a powerful artifact that has been burred away since Star-swirl the Bearded's time, Fyron said. “It was lost long ago, deep within the forest, in the farthest reaches where no pony dared venture. It is sealed away with ancient magicks, by Star-swirl himself.” Twilight was stunned. Princess Luna was the only pony she knew that had any knowledge of Star-swirl the Beared, let alone know about any of his hidden artifacts. Fyron continued, “You see, I know how to pass these ancient magic barriers, and how to unlock the artifact. I have only vague information as to the location of the artifact though. I have spent many years deep in the Everfree forest looking, but have been unable to locate it.” “You lived deep Everfree forest alone?” Twilight asked, taken back by the strength and courage this pony must hold. She knew Zecora lived in the Everfree forest, but she didn't live very deep in the dangerous woods. “Indeed, but that is not what I would like to discuss. Do you know anything about Star-swirl or have any books on him?” he asked, changing the subject back to his task. “I only know what I've read from my old history books, and from a couple books at the Canterlot library,” she replied. “Let me go get the books I have here.” She got up, and turned around, slowly. She swished her tail back and forth, slowly, almost seductively. As she slowly walked away she glanced over her shoulder with a pleasant look on her face, which suddenly turned to annoyance. The lavender stallion had a book open and was reading it, his magnificent hat down low enough he couldn't even see her hooves. Twilight huffed and hurried off to find the book. Suddenly she realized what just happened. She didn't know what had come over her. That stallion just had this wonderful aura. An aura of knowledge. Twilight simply couldn't resist it. She shook her head, and set about grabbing the books she had came for. She resolved to get as much knowledge out of this pony as possible. Upon returning, she found Fyron still reading his book. It clearly wasn't one from the library. It was large, and thick. It almost seemed to be alive with magic, pulsating with power. The cover was thick, though she couldn't see what was on it, it looked rough, like leather. The pages inside were yellow with age, and the text on them seemed to glow. Certainly unlike any books she'd ever read. Curious, she asked “What are you reading? It's not like any book I've ever seen.” Fyron looked up from the book. “This is my spell-book. I store all of my spells within.” Twilight’s eyes lit up, “May I take a look!?” she asked excitedly. “Hmm...I will consider it, but only in return for knowledge of what I seek. These are my personal spells. All the spells I have acquired over the years, and those that I have created,” he said sternly. Twilight provided the books she had ran to fetch, and the two of them began talking of Star-swirl and of the artifact. Looking through the books in search of any hints as to where the artifact might find. Before either of them had realized it it was late into the night. Spike had already gone to bed and Twilight as tired, as she was pleased. She had learned so much in such a short time from this wise pony. “You're more than welcome to stay in the library for as long as you like,” Twilight told Fyron. “Please make yourself at home.” With that she turned and slowly sauntered over to the stairs leading up to her bed. “Thank you kindly, Twilight Sparkle,” he said as he watched her walk away. As she approached the top of the stairs he rose and turned around and began casting a spell. A doorway shimmered into existence right in front of him. It was a plain door, like you'd see on any house in Ponyville but there was nothing behind it. He opened the door, and behind it was darkness. He picked up his saddlebags and stick and walked through the doorway, closing it behind him. Several hours later Twilight rose from her bed, intent on getting a drink. Groggily she walked down the stairs, past the door sitting in the middle of the central chamber, into the kitchen. She got her drink and walked back out into the central chamber. Past the door again, and up the stairs. Almost back to her bed she started grumbling about making sure Spike put the front door back where it belongs. She laid down and shut her eyes. Suddenly they burst open and she jumped out of bed and ran to the top of the stairs. Staring at the door stand in the middle of her living room. She slowly crept down the stairs and up to the door. She walked around it, it seemed just like a normal door. She stopped and pondered a moment. Should she open it? It was obviously something the lavender pony had created, but she shouldn't intrude. She decided she wouldn't bother him, and turned to go back up stairs when the door opened. Standing in the doorway was Fyron. He looked at her, a slight smile on his face. “Do come in Twilight,” he said, stepping aside allowing her in. As Twilight stepped inside she could feel the power in here. The air was thick with it. It was dark, she couldn't see very much, only a faint candlelight on a table. The only thing visible on the table was a single book, it's text seeming move in the flickering candlelight. Fyron walked past her and up to the table, he lightly blew on the candle and it got brighter, encompassing the whole room in a soft glow. The table was the length of one of the walls, almost completely bare. Behind it were shelves, with vials, a few books, several plants and some other oddities. The walls were all made out of stone. The opposite wall there was a bookshelf, filled with books, most of which looked quite old. The far back wall was completely bare, save a single door. “What is this place?” asked Twilight. She had never heard of any spell like this. The lavender stallion bowed his head, “Welcome to my home Twilight Sparkle.” “Amazing....” gawked Twilight, eyes darting all over. “How is this possible!? I've never seen anything like this! How did you do this? Is this real? Where are we?” Fyron gave a chuckle at the mare's inquisitive mind. “It is complicated. We are in a pocket of space where I have full control. Time flows as quickly or as slowly as I desire in here.” “Can you teach me!? Please! Please! Please!” Twilight put on her best imitation of Rarity’s pouting face “It is very difficult. Perhaps one day when you are better versed in the arcane arts,” Fyron pondered over the idea of teaching this young mare. “What are the 'arcane arts'? Will you teach me?” Twilight asked. She'd never heard of that. Not once was it mentioned in any book she'd ever read, and she'd read nearly every one! “I am not sure that is wise Twilight. There are people in this land who do not wish for arcane magic to exist, let alone be known,” the lavender pony said sternly. “I will consider it, but do not get your hopes up. We will discus this another time. For now I believe it is best that you return to your bed and get some rest. It would be unwise to make anypony worry.” Twilight was unsure as to what he meant, why would anypony in Equestria want to destroy knowledge? She decided she better not press the issue here and now. He did say they would talk about it later, and she was tired. She made her way to her bed, and laid down for the night. It wasn't long before she was fast asleep. Back in Fyron's portal the lavender stallion stared out of his equivalent of a window, watching the mare return to bed. He thought back on the day. Had he known what he knew now, his morning would have been very different. He would have avoided this town entirely. She was the chosen student of Princess Celestia. He spoke to no pony, “I wonder if she knows the danger we are all in.”
A Swarm of TroubleAs the sun rose Fyron was already out of his home, and his doorway had already been dispelled. He had spent the last hour before sunrise pursuing the books in the purple unicorns library. The collection was quite extensive, and had many books he had not seen before. As the sun rose he looked out a window and watched. “Nice view, huh?” said the little purple dragon. “Indeed it is,” said Fyron. He didn't turn around to face the young dragon. The dragon didn't need to see the tear sliding down his cheek. “Well, anyway, breakfast is ready if you'd like to eat,” Spike said as he turned and made his way back to where breakfast was set out. “Twilight will be down in just a few seconds,” he added. As if on que, Twilight started walking down the stairs. Spike turned to her and said “On time, as always. Breakfast is ready, Twilight,” as he pointed to her breakfast. The two ponies and the dragon sat down and ate. While they ate they discussed what to do today. Twilight wanted to introduce him to her best friends in town. Fyron was content to stay in the library for the day, but found this young unicorn fascinating. He figured no harm could come from him meeting her friends. They might even know something about the forest he thought. Shortly after breakfast the three of them set out. Twilight had decided that Applejack was the safest to visit first. The short walk to Sweet Apple Acres turned into a long one very quickly. As they walked through the town Twilight spent more time explaining to the ponies in the streets that Fyron was of no relation to the Great and Powerful Trixie, and there was no reason to fear him. As they neared the edge of town Twilight said, “Sweet Apple Acres is jus-” Suddenly Spike, who was riding on Twilight’s back talking with Fyron, shouted “Look out!” as a cyan blur slammed into Fyron, sending him and the cyan blur slamming into Twilight. BOOM! Pony chunks(and one dragon) everywhere! Twilight groaned from under the mound of pony, “Rainbow, is this how you great every new pony who comes to Ponyville?” Laying on top of her was Fyron, still stunned from the blast, and on top of him was Rainbow Dash. Spike was nowhere to be seen. “Now get off us!” Rainbow Dash grabbed the stunned stallion and flapped her wings, hefting him off of Twilight. She set him down roughly, landing on his rump with a thud. She picked up his hat and set it upon his head. “There you go Twi, good as new,” she said, looking at the purple unicorn with a big grin. Twilight sighed, “Rainbow Dash, what did I tell you about avoiding other ponies?” “It wasn't my fault! You guys were totally in the way of my new awesome trick! I haven't come up with a name for though,” said Dash excitedly. Fyron, having finally recovered brushed off his stunning hat and readjusted it. “Perhaps 'The Dragon Launcher' would be a suitable name,” he said as he pointed to a nearby treetop where Spike's legs and tail were sticking out. Rainbow Dash quickly flew up and grabbed Spikes tail, yanking him out of the tree. “Uhh..thanks Rainbow Dash,” Spike said rubbing his head as Dash set him down. “No worries Spike, you're welcome,” Dash beamed triumphantly. Twilight shook her head. Her friend could be a hoofful. “Rainbow, I'd like you to meet Fyron Midoro. I met him yesterday, he was passing though town,” she said. “And I'm Rainbow Dash!” shouted Dash excited as she quickly flew a circle around Fyron. “Fastest pony in Equestira!” “It's is a pleasure to meet you Rainbow Dash,” Fyron replied quickly. “Do you think you could help Fyron out later with some questions about the Everfree forest later Dash?” Twilight asked. The cyan pegasus looked at Twilight, “Hmm...whens later, because I still need to get in a lot more practice and take my nap.” Twilight nodded and said, “After dinner at my place.” “Sure thing Twilight! Later Fyron!” she shouted as she jetted back up into the sky. Twilight shook her head, “Well, I was hoping to avoid that.” Puzzled, the lavender stallion asked, “Avoid meeting the pegasus?” “No, I just didn't want it to be so..sudden.” she said. “Sweet Apple Acres is just up here. It's going to be a much safer than meeting Rainbow Dash.” Fyron gave a soft chuckle but said no more. The two ponies with a dragon in tow made it the rest of the way to Sweet Apple Acres without incident. They found a orange pony, with blond hair and three apples on her flank, in one of the fields, hard at work bucking apples. “Howdy Twilight, Spike,” said the orange pony as she noticed the three approached. “What brings you to the farm today, and who's your friend?” “I wanted to introduce you to my new friend here, Fyron,” answered Twilight. “He's staying with me at the library for a couple days. I was wondering if you'd be willing to stop by my place tonight after dinner. Fyron wants to get some information on the Everfree forest.” “Well, 'course Ah'll be there Twilight,” she replied. Applejack turned to where Fyron had been a few seconds ago, “Well, it's a pleasure to me-” Fyron had disappeared. “What in tarnation?” Twilight and Applejack both looked around puzzled. Spike was missing as well. Suddenly a apple core dropped from the tree Applejack had been readying to buck. They both looked up. What they saw caused Twilight to bring a hoof to her face. Laying on one of the branches munching on an apple was Fyron, with Spike right next to him. The two had already eaten half the trees worth of apples! “These are... THE... BEST... POSSIBLE... APPLES!” Fyron exclaimed excitedly. Spike, munching on an apple himself, triumphantly said, “See, what did I tell you! You've never had a more delicious apple!” “Om nom nom,” was the only response Spike got as Fyron began to eat another apple. Twilight and Applejack both looked at each other and started laughing. “Well, Applejack, it seems you have another fan of your apples. Lets hope they save some for everypony else,” Twilight said. “Well, Ah 'spose it's alright if they eat a tree or two,” she said, eying the two as they began to move to the other side of the tree. A few short minutes later Fyron dropped down from the tree with Spike on his back. “Excuse me, it appears as though I lost myself for a moment. Your apples are far too delicious. It is a pleasure to meet you as Applejack.” he said grabbing Applejack's hoof and giving it a shake. Applejack laughed, “Well, Ah'm glad you like mah apples, just don't go eatin' the whole farm.” Fyron looked up at the tree he and Spike had just been in. Not a single apple remained. “I think I can manage that,” He said grinning sheepishly. “Well, Twilight, you want head back to the house for some lunch? You wouldn't happen to still be hungry would you Fyron?,” offered Applejack. “Indeed I am!” the ever hungry stallion said, eager to see what other delectable foods where about. The four made their way back to Applejack's home. Along the way Applejack told the lavender pony about the delicious treats that were in store for him. Apple Crisp, Apple Fritters, Apple pie, Apple tarts, and many more. The whole way there his jaw was slightly agape and drooling. When they arrived at Applejack's home he walked right into a wall, which finally woke him from his stupor. Both the other ponies giggled as he stood up and asked, “Where's the food?” Shortly after they were all enjoying some of the Apple Family's amazing apple treats. Applejack and Twilight talked while they ate. Fyron and Spike on the other hoof was far to busy face first in whatever baked apple good was in front of him. Fyron was face first into a pie when the others heard a scream. They jumped up and were outside in a instant, looking to find the cause. It was Fluttershy, flying almost as fast as she could over the orchid away from her home near the Everfree forest. Twilight shouted, and Fluttershy noticed the two ponies, she turned and dove at them, landing and cowering behind Applejack. “Now what's all this about, sugercube?” the Applejack asked the yellow pony cowering behind her. The only sound that came out of Fluttershy was a soft squeak. She was shaking violently, her eyes darting about, scanning the sky. Suddenly her eyes widened and locked onto something in the distance. Twilight turned and looked into the sky, in the distance, in the direction of Fluttershy's home, was a black speck in the sky. It was slowly, but steadily approaching. “What is it Applejack?” she asked. “Ah don't know,” Applejack replied. “It looks...like a pony.” “Fluttershy is shy, but not enough so to be terrified by just pony,” reasoned the purple unicorn. “You have a point, but whatever that thing is, it's coming this way,” said Applejack. As it drew closer, the two mares could clearly see that it was in fact a large pegasus, though it was surrounded by a swirling mass. It's coat a dark shade of gray, it had no mane and it's tail was a light blue that seemed to float lazily behind it. The marking on it's flank was a boot. Buzzing all around it were hundreds of bees. The swarming mass stopped in front of the three ponies and the gray pony laughed maniacally. In a fancy accent he said, “I am Dominix! I am here looking for the wizard, you will tell me where he is or else!” Behind Applejack Fluttershy shivered uncontrollably. Applejack glared at Dominix and shouted “What right do you have goin' round threatenin' ponies? We don't know no wizard thingys round here anyway. We only got apples and apple accessories! An' you best be getting' off my orchid 'afore Ah make you leave.” Dominix only laughed, “If you will not tell me then I will simply force you to tell me!” With that, he waved a hoof, and a portion of his swarm broke off and dove at the three. The bees flew at the group, but before they could strike a bubble formed around the three ponies as Twilight's horn lit up. The bees in the front slammed into the dome hard, bouncing off. They dove back in hard, repeatedly bouncing off the shield. “Haha! You think you pathetic bubble can keep my swarm out for long?” Dominix cackled. “You will tire and fall. Then you will tell me what I want to know, and I will dispose of you for your insolence.” Twilight's horn was glowing bright, her face grit in determination. The constant assault from the numerous bees was wearing her out quickly. when suddenly her entire shield was encased in fire. The fire was hot, but did not put any strain on her shield. The bees bouncing off her shield were instantly vaporized. “Oh man! This pie is delicious!” exclaimed the lavender pony as he walked out of the house, his face still deep in a pie. Dominix glared at Fyron, “There you are! You are a hard pony to find! Now surrender or your friends will suffer!” Fyron spoke a reply but his face had disappeared within the pie tin, making it sound like muffled grunts. Dominix flew over to him, and slapped his pie out of his hooves. “Speak clearly you gluttonous fool!” Time seemed to stand still for Fyron. He watched in absolute horror as his pie fell. He reached for it, but he was too slow. The pie hit the ground with a wet smack. A single tear rolled down his cheek. “Aww...is somepony going to cry? You're pathetic. I don't even know why I bothered to take this job. You aren't nearly the threat I was told you'd be,” with that he stomped on the remains of the pie. “You'd best just lie down before you hurt yourself.” Fyron turned back to face the gray pony in front of him. His pie encrusted face, calmly looked at Dominix. “Fire. On.” Dominix quickly flew back to his swarm, laughing, he signaled to his bees to attack, and they dove in from all sides. Fyron recited a few words and a gout of flame erupted from his hoof, spraying in a arc out in front of him, The closest bees were turned to ash instantly, but the ones farther away turned into flaming missiles that plummeted at him. Most missed him, but several slammed into him, and a few hit his hat, lighting the tip on fire. He hardly noticed though, as he recited another arcane incantation, creating a thin shell of ice over him. The bees dove in at him, slamming into the ice. The swarm slowed to a halt. Many bees were frozen by the ice, falling frozen to the ground, while the rest were chilled so much that they slowed down drastically. “You will never best me Dominix,” Fyron prclaimed, shards of ice cracking and falling off his body as he walked towards the gray pegasus. Dominix ordered the rest of his swarm to return to him, “A pity, you could have ended this peacefully.” He gently scooped a bee up in a hoof, bringing it close, and warming it.“You should have never come out of hiding,” he said as he launched the bee up into the air. Suddenly it, and many other bees took off in all directions. “I know where you are now. More importantly, she will soon know where you are.” With that he turned, and his tail suddenly lit up a brighter blue and grew longer as he quickly flew off. Fyron glared at the pegasus. He turned his gaze to the ponies behind him, dissipating his fire shield spell. Inside a exhausted Twilight lay on the ground, an angry Applejack stood staring at him, and terrified yellow pegasus cowered behind her friends covering her eyes shaking terribly. He bowed his head low, “I am sorry to have put you in danger. I will now take my leave. Thank you for your hospitality.” he said as he turned and began walking away. Suddenly something gripped his tail tight. He turned to see who had grabbed him, no pony was behind him but Twilight was standing, looking very angry, her horn glowing brightly. “You are not going anywhere until we find out what just happened.” Twilight said as her magic faded and she slumped back down to the ground. The yellow pegasus jumped up and went over to her exhausted friend, spewing for all sorts of words of concern. “Ah reckon we best get Twilight back to the library and gather the rest of the gang,” Applejack said looking down at Twilight. “Fluttershy, help me get Twilight to the library and then you go find Rainbow Dash. Ah'll find Pinkie Pie, and Fyron, you're gonna go get Rarity.” Applejack then ran inside to wake Spike from his food educed coma. They arrived at the library shortly after, Twilight had recovered a little and was awake again. Applejack gave Fyron directions to the Carousel Boutique where he could find Rarity, and then took off to find Pinkie Pie, while Fluttershy did the same for Rainbow Dash. Spike remained at the library with Twilight. Fyron walked the short distance to the Carousel Boutique. It was a stunning building with beautiful dresses in all the windows. He knocked on the door but there was no reply. Applejack had told him to hurry so he opened the door and stuck his head. “Hello?” he called into the seemingly empty building. A loud gasp emulated form the far corner. Causing Fyron to turn his head seeing the most beautiful pony he'd ever laid eyes upon. Her coat was pure white, with a beautifully styled purple mane and tail to accent it. “How dreadfully horrid!” shouted a divine voice from the pony, who charged over to Fyron. “You look absolutely terrible!” Fyron looked back over himself. There were small burn marks like poka dots all over his lavender coat. His lavender hat was horribly singed, the tip burnt completely. His red hair was a mess. “Uhh...we mu-” Fyron tried to say as Rarity dragged him into the Carousel Boutique shutting the door behind her.
What's going on?After enduring the horrors inside the Carousel Boutique as Rarity's prisoner, Fyron was finally able to get her to Twilight's library. Just as the sun was setting. The others were all waiting when the two arrived. Fyron shinned as he walked in the door, his coat clean and spotless, his beautiful hat had been mended with great care and looked fantastic, and he wore a stunning red cape that Rarity made just for him. Rarity followed right behind, pausing in the doorway, for dramatic effect, letting the glow of the setting sun setting her aglow, and sparkling. “Finally, I was getting worried,” said Twilight to the two as they walked in the door. “Applejack should have never sent you in there looking as you did.” “Ah didn't think it'd be no problem. He seems fine to me.” replied Applejack. Fyron looked over the group, “It was no trouble at all. In fact it was quite a experience, and I got my hat fixed.” “Alright then, we're all here. Girls, you've all met Fyron,” said Twilight. “Today we were attacked by a strange pegasus.” As Twilight filled in the rest of the girls as to what happened at Sweet Apple Acres, Fyron thought back on the day. He would have to be gone by morning. It would take some time for Dominix to report his location, but he shouldn't endanger these ponies any more. He would get what information he could and then depart in the night while they slept. As Twilight finished up explaining what happened she turned to Fyron, “How do you know this pegasus?” Fyron looked down at the ground for a moment before looking up at the six ponies, “He is a agent of the one seeking to stop me. I will say no more, I will not endanger you any more.” “Now don't be stubborn. We're your friends, and we're going to help you,” said Applejack. “Truly, I appreciate the offer, but the best help you can give me is to provide me with information.” came a sad reply from the lavender unicorn. “Oh! He is after information about the deepest parts of the Everfree forest. Have any of you ever been deeper than the princesses old castle?” asked Twilight. “You know where the old castle is?!” blurted out Fyron, quite excitedly. Rainbow Dash looked at Fyron funny, “Duh, it's only where I whooped Nightmare Moon!” she said as she jumped up into the air and gave a few jabs at a imaginary foe. “Ah?” Applejack said, scowling at Dash. Rainbow Dash rubbed the back of her head with a hoof and chuckled, “Well, where we whooped her.” “Yes, we do, it's where we found the Elements of Harmony,” replied Twilight, looking at Dash's display. Fyron's excited expression changed to one of dread. “You found the Elements of Harmony?” This is bad he thought. Timidly he asked “You are the Elements wielders?” The group looked at him funny. “Well of course we are silly! Who else did you think we were! The French Royal court?” The group's funny looks turned from Fyron to Pinkie Pie. Twilight asked Fyron, “Is there a problem Fyron?” she asked, wondering what had caused the sudden change in mood in the lavender unicorn. “Nope,” he blurted. Quickly noticing the suspicious stares from those around him, he calmly said, “Nothing is wrong. I simply did not realize that you were the wielders of the elements.” This is bad he thought. They are the elements wielders? Then they have a direct connection with her. He should leave before she finds him or they figure out who he is. “Would you be able to point me in the direction of the princesses old castle?” Fyron asked the group in front of him. “We'd be happy to show you the way tomorrow,” Twilight replied, the other ponies nodding in agreement. “That's very generous, but unnecessary, I would like to set out tonight, and preferably alone,” Fyron said. “Darling, why would you want to set foot in that dreadful forest at night, alone?” Rarity shivered as she thought about entering the forest at night again. “This is something I must do alone,” Fyron looked at the ground, “I don't want anypony else to come to any harm on my account. There simply is no reason for it. I will take my leave alone, and at once.” Rainbow Dash flew over to the door and blocked it, “You aren't going anywhere without us, and there is no point in arguing with us over it.” Suddenly there was a loud belch from upstairs, and a moment later Spike walked down the stairs with a scroll in his hands. He unrolled the scroll and cleared his throat, took in a deep breath and loudly proclaimed, “Spike ple-” he cut off as he finished reading it to himself. “What is it Spike?” Twilight said as she walked over to Spike, looking over his shoulder at the note. Spike looked at Twilight, “do you think it's true?” Spikes only reply came from Twilight Sparkles horn lighting up and a magical bubble encasing Fyron. The lavender unicorn looked irritated, “What is the meaning of this?!” he demanded. “I can't believe it. You've been playing us for fools all along!” she growled at him. “To think we thought you were our friend!” “It is not as it seems, you are being lied to,” he said, his horn lighting up, causing the purple shield encasing him to pop like a bubble. “I have no intentions of fighting you, but I will defend myself if I have to.” Twilight glared angrily at him, “You're right! We're being lied to by you!” “What in tarnation!?” shouted Applejack as a beam of magic shot out of her horn, slamming into a shield that Fyron had brought up before himself. “The Princess says that he is evil and that we must stop him at all costs!” she shouted as she fired another beam at him. Fyron fired his own beam, and they intersected in the air, causing a shocking explosion which caused everyponies hair to stand on end. The two unicorns stared each other down. Twilight's eyes lit up as she floated into the air, building up magical energy. Fyron gritted his teeth, preparing to counter the attack. He didn't want to cause any more damage or harm than was necessary. They were clearly innocents in this. Twilight released the blast from her horn, it shown a bright white, focused directly on Fyron. Fyron, grit his teeth and focused on creating a shield from the attack, but it was far more powerful than he expected, and it pushed through his defenses, lucky only grazing his side, burring his right shoulder. Suddenly there was a strong kick on his flank that sent him spinning. He had been so focused on Twilight that he hadn't even noticed her. As soon as he recovered enough to stand straight and face the two, he was hit in the back of the head by a large cake, followed by a giggle. He once more had to raise a shield to block Twilight's attack once more, but was hit by Applejack at the same time, causing him to lose his focus and get blasted in the chest by the near full force of Twilight's blast. Rainbow Dash swooped in and tackled him from behind, pinning him down under her. Twilight's horn lit up once more, her magic encasing Fyron in a tight bond. “Rarity, focus on keeping him from using any magic,” the purple unicorn grunted, though her spell. Rarity looked at Fyron, a single tear rolled down her eye as her horn lit up, focused on making sure any of Fyron's spells fizzled before they could get off. “Applejack, help me tie her down.” Rainbow Dash said to the stunned earth pony. As they each set about their tasks no pony noticed the strange things he was mumbling, suddenly there was a violent explosion of force, and all the ponies in the room were sent flying, the books all fell off their selves, the whole tree shook. “ENOUGH!” the lavender unicorn shouted. “Your 'princess' is the evil one,” he spat. “I have spent my entire life fighting to stop her!” The ponies slowly began to stand up. “You lie! The princess is good!” shouted Rainbow Dash. “Why should we believe anything you say?” asked Applejack. “The Princess says you're evil, so you're probably lying to us.” “I have no way to prove it,” Fyron said solemnly. “I can only tell you what she has done. Nothing more.” “That so? Well what has she done that's so evil?” Rainbow Dash asked flying right up into Fyron's face. “I have done nothing evil,” came a soft voice from the balcony above them. Princess Celestia stood looking down upon all of them. The Elements of Harmony all bowed before the princess. “So we finaly meet,” she said looking at Fyron as she slowly floated down. Fyron hastily started spewing arcane words. “Oh, we'll have none of that!” said Celestia, almost playfully. Suddenly his mouth clamped shut. “None of that dark magic shall be had here. I've been hunting you for a long time. I'm glad to have finally caught you. You've been a thorn in my side for far to long. You will no longer be able to interfere.” “Princess, what is that?” asked the ever inquisitive Twilight. “It's nothing you should concern yourself with,” she said, never taking her eyes off her prize. “But it seems like normal magic? How can that be bad? Does that mean unicorns are bad? It doesn't make any sense,” she pressed. “Twilight, my faithful student, not everything is meant to be known by everypony, and this is one of those things,” Celestia said, turning her stern gaze upon her. Twilight looked at Celestia, she had never seen her act this way before. She was always kind and gentle. Even when Discord had attacked she didn't act this way. Something was wrong. She turned her gaze to the pony that was fighting to get his mouth open. “I will be taking him to Canterlot castle, where he will be punished for his crimes. Thank you for your assistance in capturing him,” she said to everypony in the room. The ponies in the room all bowed to her, as her horn lit up. In a bright flash they disappeared, leaving the 6 stunned ponies standing in the wrecked library. “Now what was that all about?” asked Applejack. “He didn't seem very evil.” said Fluttershy, picking up a book and placing it on a shelf. “What about the pony that attacked Fluttershy earlier? He defiantly wasn't very nice, and who was the 'she' he was talkin' about?” said Applejack. “I don't know girls. The princess would never lie to us, but there is defiantly something she isn't telling us,” Twilight looked around the destroyed library. “I will do some studying, but I don't think I have anything here that will help. We should all turn in for the night.” The five ponies departed from Twilight's library a short time later, after helping place the books back on their shelves. Spike walked over to his bed. “What do you think Twilight?” “The princess said he was evil, so he has to be, right?” “I guess,” Spike said with a shrug. “Doesn't make much sense to me.” “Why would the princess not want me to know about this 'dark' magic? Is it dangerous? Is it evil? Can magic be evil? It doesn't make sense for magic to be evil. Magic simply is. It's not good or evil, good and evil is determined by who is using it. So if he was evil using magic, then...” she ranted as Spike covered his ears with his pillow. After several more minutes, Spike said, “Why don't you go to the old castle in the woods? Fyron seemed rather interested in it. Maybe you can find some books there?” “Spike! You're a genius!” Twilight exclaimed. “I'll have to get the girls tomorrow and we'll head out!” Spike, just grateful for some quite, quickly fell asleep.
