Chapters The lights of the city outside her window shimmered as she gazed out. The pollution made the air thick with dark clouds making the local people ill. Annie sighed as she gazed out over the city that she called home, though this place was anything but a home. Hardship, disease, this world grew worse with each passing day. Sighing again, she stood up, tired of the depressing sight. Drawing always helped when she was feeling down, hearing a crash down stairs, she glared at the door. They were fighting again! For nearly nineteen years she’d leave with her Uncle, loathing it every day. The man was a drunk and an asshole. His, so called, wife was the biggest bitch on the planet. Most days, Annie went about her days ignoring them both as best she could. Once she was twenty three years old, she would be out of this place. She was leaving this town all together to find a place where she could be of use, to a place she could forget.
“Meow,” the sudden sound startled her. Looking down at her feet she saw a calico tom rubbing against her legs.
“Hey darling, how’s my best boy doing?” The cat purred happily as she rubbed behind his ears.
“You’re the only one that gets me Orion. I wish there was someplace you and I could go. Where we could leave this polluted nightmare behind us, but where could we go. The Drunk down there only cares for my parents’ money. He won’t even look for us.” The cat hissed at the mention of the man who always tried to kick it. Annie looked down at the picture giving it a look over. She liked it a lot, and it made her think of her nickname.
“I wish I could find a place to belong. A place where I can truly be free.” She closed her eyes allowing sleep to take her, never seeing how the stars shined brighter or how the picture she’d drawn vanished without a trace.
§
Annie groaned as the sun shined in her eyes. Laying her arm over her eyes she tried to go back to sleep. Wait a minute! SUN! Her eyes shot open only to shut them again at the glare of the blazing orb. How could this be? The sun was completely blocked by the smog! How could it be shining so brightly? Once her eyes settled she looked up to see herself lying in a forest clearing. Where was she! She stood only to fall back down looking back at her legs. Annie nearly screamed at the sight. She was some kind of horse. Sitting up on her haunches, Annie looked herself over. Somehow she’d become the very creature she’d created last night. Everything was the same right down to the markings. How was she a horse for crying out loud?!
“Meooowww,” a low meow came from behind her.
“Orion.” she leaped up stumbling a few times before getting her legs beneath her. “Orion darling. Where are you?” She looked franticly for her pet only to see him lying a few feet away. She hurried over, worried that he was hurt. “Sweetheart are you alright?” She carefully picked up the calico, not sure how that worked with hooves.
“I’ve been better.” A low voice answered her back. Annie gasped, nearly dropping the calico.
“You just talked!” The cat opened its eyes, bright blue met green.
“You can ….Whoa MISTRESS! What happened to you?!” the cat cried out.
“I don’t know. The same thing that happened to you to make you talk, I would say. Also, seeing I’m a horse now, nothing will surprise me at this point.” She stood up on all fours resting Orion on her back. The cat rubbed all over her back liking her new form.
“What should we do now Mistress?” Orion looked out over the clearing.
“I honestly don’t know dear. I guess the one thing we can do is find civilization.” She picked a random direction letting her gut tell her where to go. “If we don’t find anyone by nightfall, I’ll see if I can find some shelter for the night.” She concentrated on putting one hoof in front of the other.
How did they get here? Why were they here? So many questions that needed to be answered! Was this possibly some kind of messed up dream?! She sighed stepping over a log being mindful of the cat on her back. ‘Still though’ she thought to herself. Dream or not, it was beautiful here and much more pleasant than the nightmare her home was. If this was a new world then she could start over here. A new home, new life, and even a new name maybe? Enchantix is what she called this form; it had a nice ring to it when she thought it over. So that would be her new name Enchantix. She silently pondered on what waited for them here in this new place. Would there be a better life here or would it be another nightmare.
§
It felt like hours had passed before Enchantix saw any signs of life. A well-worn trail leading to the edge of the forest told her that someone lived here. The question was who and what? She couldn’t be in this form by accident; there was a reason for everything that had happened to her. The other life forms that lived here had to be the same. Orion slept peacefully on her back, his paws gently kneading into her fur. She smiled at the sleeping feline, glad that she wasn’t alone in this place. He seemed to be taking the fact he could talk very well, if the near endless chatter was anything to go by. Lowering her head to get through the brush, Enchantix found herself overlooking a large apple orchard. It had the biggest, reddest apples she’d ever laid eyes on. The sight of them made her mouth water; it had been years since she’d eaten a fresh apple. Trotting up to the nearest tree she plucked one from the lowest branch. She still wasn’t sure how exactly she was picking things up with hooves but she wasn’t complaining. The apple was delicious, far better than the tart, rotten ones she was used to. Tossing the core away she looked around at the massive orchard. Why did this place seem so familiar?
Why did it feel like she’d seen this before? She’s never been to a real orchard before; any that remained at home were closely guarded because of the rarity of fruit. She stepped through the trees admiring the beauty of the orchard. Birds sang and flew around, tempting Orion to try and catch them. The feeling of familiarity didn’t leave her as she kept walking. That is until she spotted an all too famous sight. The barn that was in front, she’d seen once before! Her mind seemed to go blank as she realized where she was. Suddenly a lot of things made sense as she looked out at none other than Sweet Apple Acres.
She was in FREAKING EQUESTRIA! How did she end in this place?! This couldn’t be right! This had to be a mistake! Enchantix felt her heartbeat skyrocket as she panicked. Orion stopped in his attempt to catch a bird as he heard his mistress panicked breathing.
“Mistress…mistress what’s wrong?” he nuzzled up against her legs trying to get her to look down.
“What’s wrong is that we’re in Equestria! I know this has to be a dream because this is impossible!” Enchantix nearly screamed.
“Equestria?” Orion cocked his head to the side in confusion. “What’s that mistress?”
“Remember that TV show you and I watched that one time about the ridiculous ponies? The one that I swore I’d never watch again?” The cat nodded. “Well somehow we’re now in that world. Somehow we’ve been transported to another universe!”
“But how!?”
“I don’t know. All I do know is this is that I’m freaking out!” Enchantix spoke on cutting him off.
The sudden sound of hooves alerted her. Quickly, she grabbed Orion by the scarf of his neck and leaped into the nearest tree. Peeking through the leaves, she watched as the Apple family came into view, or at least they looked like the Apple family. Hold on here, this wasn’t right. Why was Applejack a stallion!? Sense when was Big Macintosh a mare!? She couldn’t believe what she was seeing. It was the Apple family only they were gender-swapped. But, that would suggest that she was placed inside an alternate universe of the version she was used to. Ugh! Why was all of this so complicated!? This made everything even harder now. Because Enchantix knew that even though she was technically in the same world, things would be different because of the swapped genders. She needed some serious answers, and she knew just the place to get them, the Ponyville Library.
Author's Note
Go easy on me folks this is my first story and first chapter! Hope you all enjoyed it!
The sun woke Enchantix the next morning she still needed to get used to that. She yawned widely before stretching the kinks out. She looked up at the sky her mind filled with questions. What was she going to do? She couldn’t very well walk around in town without gaining attention. Looking out over the orchard she tried to think of an occupation she could take up. She didn’t really have a special talent unless you counted her singing. She needed away to make money here if she was going to live here or she could just wonder. That was an idea!
“Enchantix,” her ears perked at the sound of whispers. Looking around she saw nopony about Orion was sleep next to her. If that was the case then who spoke just now!
“Hello,” she waited for an answer. “Who’s there?”
“Enchantix,” the voice came again.
“How do you know my name? Show yourself!” she shouted pawing the ground.
“Mistress what…,” Orion was cut off by the whispering voice.
“Come to the forest,” Enchantix spun around facing the forest several yards away. She recognized the Everfree Forest on sight. “Come,”
She didn’t know what was going on here but she was about to find out. Picking up Orion she cantered towards the dark forest. She knew this wasn’t a safe place to visit with dangerous creatures around every corner but this girl never backed down from a fight. Following the whispers was easier then she expected the forest seemed to guide her. Whoever was summoning her may be able to tell them how they got here.
The voice led them to a large gorge that seemed to split the forest. It was so deep she couldn’t see the bottom. Why had the voice led them here?
“Hello,” she called her voice echoing throughout the gorge. “I came like you so kindly asked so come out,”
“Great courage for one so small,” a booming voice came from deep within the gorge.
The gorge started to shake nearly knocking Enchantix off her hooves. A pair of massive antlers rose from the fog. Followed by the head and neck of the largest creature she’d ever seen. Only the head, neck and back were visible from the fog that traveled the gorge. The creature had a deer like head and long slender neck that most likely connected to an equally slime frame. Trees grew from its shoulders, while vines created a long flowing mane and tail. Birds circled the creature landing on its antlers now and then. Enchantix could do little more than stare at the creature too shocked for words. It lowered its massive head so they were eye level. Gentle yet wise crystal blur eyes looked back at her. Its coat was deep brown with a white underbelly. Enchantix shook herself out of her trance pawing the ground.
“Why did you summon me,” Enchantix did her best to hide her fear. Orion trembled on her back his claws digging into her coat. “It’s alright dear,” she whispered hoping to calm him. She glared up at the creature. “Who are you,” she demanded.
“I am the spirit of this forest. I am Ramnaruck,” the spirit smiled gently. “I have brought you here for many reasons. One is to give you something that will be of great help in the future,” Enchantix eyed the spirit with suspicion.
“And I’m supposed to trust you,”
“You are wise not too but soon I hope you will see me as a friend,” using the vines in its mane it reached into one the trees on its shoulder.
Enchantix eyed the spirit warily not trusting it. There was little she could do if it decided to attack her. Enchantix silently cursed knowing that she had a horn but no knowledge on how to use it. She flinched stepping back as it pulled a large chest from the tree trunk. Ramnaruck placed it gently on the ground before her.
“Open it,”
“How do I know this isn’t some kind of trick,” Enchantix snorted angrily.
“You don’t my dear but I wish you no harm young one. Please see inside,”
Easing towards the chest while keeping an eye on the spirit she carefully tapped the top. Once nothing happened she slowly opened it to see a large piece of regalia. It looked similar to the piece she’d seen Celestia ware. Only this was silver with a large green jewel in the center shaped as a rose.
“What is this?”
“I can not reveal what it is at this time that is for you to learn. But know that it is meant for you and only you. Try it on my dear,” Orion swallowed his fear of the spirit to see the chest piece.
“It’s lovely Mistress, try it on,” the calico spoke up.
Slowly she picked it up and slipped it onto her neck. She was surprised it fit so well. It was beautiful; she’d never had anything like this before. However, she wasn’t about to let its splendor blind her, she knew there was a catch to this. She made to speak up when a strange scent drifted in on the wind. Smoke! She spun around to find a large column of smoke rising into the sky. Wait that was…that was at Sweet Apple Acres! Forgetting about the regalia she galloped off full speed towards the orchard. She’d deal with the spirit later.
§
Ramnaruck watched the mare gallop towards the fire. He smiled thinking of her distrust and temper. She was a brave little thing but she had must to learn. He sensed powerful magic within her, though she had no knowledge of it or how to use it. The spirit hoped soon she would see him as a friend so that he may teach her how to control her vast power. To long has Everfree been ruled by chaos now harmony would return once again. Ramnaruck lowered himself back into the gorge thinking of the mare. Her presence was already affecting the forest, now all that needed was to be patient and wait.
§
She could feel Orion holding onto the collar as she galloped as fast as she could to the orchard. She had to reach it. She knew how important those trees were to the Apple family. If the trees burned the Apples could very well lose their home. Bursting from Everfree's tree line she was surprised to see the orchard untouched. The surprise turned to horror when she saw the fire. The Farmhouse! It was completely in gulped with flames. She’d never seen a fire spread like this before!
“Stay here Orion,” she placed the calico in the nearest tree. “I’ll be back, I hope,” she charged toward the house. She could see a red mare and old green stallion trying to douse the flames.
“Applebuck,” they called out.
Applebuck? Who was that…wait a minute! If this was an alternate universe then that must be Applebloom’s counterpart their calling for. That meant…Enchantix pushed her legs harder as she realized it. The foal was trapped in the farmhouse! Bursting from the orchard she ignored the shocked gasps of the others leaping into the flames.
“Applebuck,” she called praying the young one heard. “Applebuck…Where are you,” she coughed on the smoke. It was getting difficult to see.
The house wouldn’t be able to hold up much longer! She had to find the little one quickly before the house gave in. Jumping up the stairs thankful for her long legs she kicked each door open seeing if the foal was in one of the rooms. Though as she opened each door nothing! Where was he!
“Applebuck,” she called again hoping to get an answer.
The floorboards creaked and groaned at her weight as the foundation was weakened. She flinched as some gave way behind her. No going back that way. She then heard a faint whimper, perking her eyes to make sure she heard right. It came again from the last room, wasting no time she hurried inside. Thankfully, the smoke wasn’t as back here, meaning may still be alright.
“Applebuck,” Enchantix searched the room trying to find him. “Applebuck where are you!”
A pathetic whimper finally answered her from under the bed. Flipping the bed over with surprising ease she found a small cream color colt with a red mane and tail. The little thing was curled up in a ball trying to get away from the flames.
“Applebuck,” she gently picked the little one up placing him on her back. Now she just had to get out of the house.
CRASH!
Just as she turned to leave a section of the roof collapsed blocking them in. Enchantix desperately tried to think of a way out! She wasn’t going to die like this! Not in a burning house! What was she going to do! The smoke made her lungs burn and her eyes water. The foal coughed on her back making her mind settle. Now was not the time to panic, she had to get Applebuck to safety! Maybe if she used enough force she could break through the wall.
“Don’t worry little one I’ll get you to your family,” she whispered. Hopefully the walls would be weak from the fire or this was going to hurt.
Rearing up she unleashed a loud neigh not really knowing how. She charged the wall her only obstacle to freedom. With all the strength she could muster she slammed into the wall feeling it give way. The wood cut into her skin but she didn’t stop.
Clear, fresh air greeted them on the other side Enchantix braised herself winced as her hooves met the ground. Pain shot her body but she forced it aside Applebuck needed tending now! Gently placing the foal on the ground his breath was shallow he didn’t have must time. But, what could she do, looking down she saw the regalia glowing! Of course magic! She could revive him with it but wait…she didn’t know how to use her horn! Damn it!
“Applebuck,” the red mare and old green stallion galloped towards them. They came to a halt when they saw who’d saved him. “Who’r you,” the mare demanded. Enchantix didn’t answer trying to think of away to save the foal. If she could channel her magic somehow maybe she could heal him. Maybe...
“Macarena, Grappa Smith,” another voice came from a distance. She looked up to see six stallions galloping full speed towards them.No time to waste, focusing on her power she felt her horn serge. Please let this work. Taking a deep breath she gazed at little Applebuck and sang.
“Flower gleam and glow, let you power shine.
Make the clock reverse bring back what once was mine,” she could see she magic flowing to the foal healing his wounds. Yes it was working.
“Heal what has been hurt, change the fate design.
Save has been lost bring back what once was mine,” she didn’t see she magic flow all around her, never saw it stop the flames. She kept singing until every scratch was gone. “What once was mine,” the last note hung in the air stopping the flow of magic. She smiled as the young colt opened his amber eyes and looked at her. She was glad to see that her magic had worked and proud of herself for finding a way to use her magic.
“Who are you,” the colt looked up her shocked by her appearance and size.
She turned to the mare Macarena backing up so she could tend to him. Then her gaze found the shocked ones of the elements of harmony. They were all there even a dragon on the element of magic’s back.
“A friend,” was all she said.
She broke eye contact and walked back the way she came. She was surprised to feel the pain was gone but decided to ponder it another time. Right now she needed a long nap. Though a certain blue Pegasus wasn’t gone to let her it seemed.
“Hold it,” the stallion appeared out of nowhere in front of her. She really didn’t feel like confronting them right now. “Who are you!” the rainbow haired stallion demanded.
“Somepony who just saved a foals life and would like to rest,” she tried to walk around him but he continued to block her path.
She snorted at the stallion getting annoyed with him. Before the stallion could react she leaped over him and galloped into the orchard. She heard the stallions calling her choosing to ignore them. She was too tired to care right now. All she wanted was to rest once she regained strength they’d meet. After she had a long talk with a certain spirit!
§
Dusk Shine watched as the mare lost Blitz in the orchard. It was her, the presence he’d sensed into the library. He felt his wings twitch uneasily as he remembered her power. She’d healed not only Applebuck but herself as well as stopped the fire. He’d never seen such magic! She’d simply sung a small incantation to bring it forth. Who was this mare? He hurried with his friends to see to Applebuck. He did his best to help the Apples comb through the remains of their home for anything savable. Though he couldn’t help but gaze at the forest beyond the apple orchard. Even from this distance he could sense her power. Was she a friend like she claimed or was she another dark force for them to face. He wasn’t sure, one he thing was certain of was the Prince had to be informed immediately.
Author's Note
Go easy on me this is my first story. Also big thanks to XStormKatX from DeviantART for drawing my coverart.
Enchantix woke feeling better than ever! She felt refreshed and ready to take on this strange world. Well…ready to face off with that spirit anyhow! She needed some answers and that over grown deer was going to give them to her. One way or another! Orion purred in his sleep as she stroked his side. The feline had been worried sick when she’d returned after the fire. Once she’d escaped the pegasi, she’d picked him up and returned to Everfree. She didn’t know what it was about this forest that drew her in. They’d camped out beneath a tree with a large network of roots. She needed to find a home for them. Everfree was as good a place as any, even with all its monsters. Orion stirred bringing her out of her thoughts.
“Morning dear,” she smiled.
“Morning Mistress,” he stretched lazily.
“Orion, I’m going to have a word with Ramnaruck. I want you to explore while I’m gone and see if you can a place we can make a home in. A cave, or hollowed out tree maybe, anything you can find,” she climbed out of the tree’s roots to meet the new day.
“Of course, you can count on me Mistress,”
“I know I can. Stay out of trouble dear, I’ll be back as soon as I get done,” she cantered off to the gorge pondering on how she was going to approach the spirit.
“Each day when the sun rises I hurry from my sleep. I can’t wait to greet you with my song.
“From your skies the snow gently falls to the earth. From your trees the birds nest and play. In your oceans the fish school and travel the world, Oh, nature please don’t ever go away. Oh, nature please don’t please don’t ever go away,” she could see her aura travel over the gorge to the trees beyond.
“Each day when the sun rises I hurry from my sleep. I can’t wait to greet you with my song,” the ground shook as the as the spirit began to rise. “You are every kind of flower, every animal I meet. Nature you are grace and majesty,” the last note hung in the air as the spirit rose from the gorge.
“We need to talk Ramnaruck,”
“I’ve been expecting you my dear. You have a very beautiful voice; it brings harmony to all that hears it,”
“Enough of the complements spirit, you know why I’m here. What is this collar? How am I able to use it,” Enchantix demanded. The spirit smiled bringing his head down to her level.
“The regalia you wear is very special young one. It holds great power to the one meant to use it. But, it take certain quality to wield it,” the spirit shock its head as he explained birds took flight as they were dislodged.
“You’re not making any sense spirit. That doesn’t explain how I was able to use it yesterday.”
“Tell me Enchantix, do you know of the Elements of Harmony,”
“Of course I do, Honesty, Loyalty, Kindness, Generosity, Laughter, and Magic. Their bearers live in Ponyville. What does that have to do with…,” Enchantix froze when she thought it over. “You mean to tell me this is…”
“The seventh element,” the spirit answered for her.
“Hold on. This thing is an element but I thought there was only six,” this couldn’t be right.
“True, only six elements are known but, there was a seventh element that was lost before the Alicorn Princes arrived in this land. I have guarded the element for over a thousand years waiting for its bearer to appear.”
“Okay, say I believe all this. Just what element is it,”
“Come now dear. You already know the answer,” the spirit leaned closer.
“What…”
“What was it that allowed you to stand before me unafraid? What gave you the determination to leap into a burning house to save a foal?” Enchantix gazed up at him unsure. She thought for a long moment, Ramnaruck gave her the time she needed.
“Bravery,” was all she said. Ramnaruck nodded.
“Yes my dear, you are the bearer of the Element of Bravery.”
§
Orion padded along the undergrowth looking for a place Mistress and he could make a home. He sensed this forest was dangerous but kept a brave face. Enchantix wasn’t afraid so he wouldn’t be either. However, he was worried he wouldn’t find shelter. It had to be big yet secure, so that large predators couldn’t get in. This wasn’t going to be easy but this feline wasn’t about to let his owner down.
He walked for some time; he even climbed the trees going from branch to branch yet still nothing. He had to find something soon he was not going back empty pawed. He searched and searched until finally he found what he was looking for. It was a massive willow tree with odd twisted roots that covered the ground and rocks around it. Finding a hole big enough he slipped in to find exactly what he needed. A large cave made of stone and tree roots. It was perfect! Predators couldn’t get in because of the roots and, the roots kept the cave roof intact. All it needed was Enchantix’s approval! Orion headed out to find his owner eager to show her what he’d found. Only when he stepped outside a sudden rustle in the bushes alerted him. Arching his back he hissed at the possible threat. However, he lowered his guard when he saw who it was. A familiar cream-colored colt came stumbling out of the bushes. What was he doing in this dangerous place?
“Ugh… note to self never go near a badgers den,” the colt groaned shaking himself free of leaves that clung to his coat. He then finally noticed the cat standing not too far away. “Oh, hello there,”
“Meow,”
“Golly, I’ve never seen a cat as big as you before,” Orion looked at the foal before seeing what he meant. The calico was the same size was the foal if not a little bigger. “You have a collar…Orion, that’s an odd name…
“Sorry, didn’t mean to offend you. Say maybe you can help me,” Orion perked his eyes forward listening. “I’m looking for somepony; she saved my life in a fire. She’s big with a purple coat with green markings. I want to thank her for saving me,”
So the foal sought his Mistress, should he take him to her. This foal, Applebuck, was in a lot of danger here. Enchantix would be worried about the foal and angry with Orion if he just left him. Orion flicked his tail walking off in the direction of his Mistress. He looked back at the foal gesturing for him to follow.
“You know where she is,” Orion nodded. “Then lead the way Orion,”
They traveled quickly Applebuck eager to meet his rescuer. Orion made sure to move at an easy pace for the foal, it was a long way to go.
§
Enchantix trotted along the path away from the gorge in search of Orion. The conversation with Ramnaruck left her unsettled. She was an Element of Harmony! It was unbelievable the fact that she was the bearer of Bravery. After their talk Ramnaruck had offered to teach her how to use her magic. Knowing that she needed to learn, she couldn’t really say no. She’d learned a lot from him; however worry for her beloved cat caused her to cut their lesson short. Ramnaruck had understood stating that if she ever needed him just come to the gorge and sing. The ancient spirit seemed to get a lot of joy out of hearing her sing. Now she just needed to find her cat. She paused on a tall hill overlooking a small portion of the forest.
“Orion where are you,”
As though he heard her feline companion appeared from the trees with Applebuck right behind him. Wait… Applebuck what was he doing in the Everfree forest. She galloped down the hill towards them. Her pounding hooves alerting them Orion meow happily racing to meet her. He leaped onto her back nuzzling her long neck.
“Applebuck what are you doing here,” she turned her attention to the foal. “You should know better than to come to Everfree alone why isn’t Applejack with you,” she scolded him.
“I wanted to thank you for saving my life. It’s my fault the farmhouse caught on fire,”
“Your fault,”
“If I hadn’t been trying to get a baking cutie mark the fire would have never started in the first place. Now our homes gone and it’s my fault,” tears streamed down the little ones face. He tried to stop them by rubbing his eyes but the waterworks kept coming. He pushed his cap over his head to hide the tears.
“Oh, little one,” she whispered. Pulling him close she let him cry. She wondered if his family knew this. “Shhh…it’s alright Applebuck, you didn’t mean for it to happen. It was an accident I’m sure they understand,”
“But, our home is gone! Even Prince Dusk Shine’s magic can’t fix it. There’s nothing left,” the colt cried even harder.
Enchantix nuzzled the little one hoping to comfort him. She hummed a gentle melody to him feeling her magic stir was she did. She didn’t care what it did; she just wanted to comfort Applebuck. Her magic flowed around them like a mist traveling into the trees. It traveled throughout the forest affecting all it came across. It brought a sense of peace with it destroying the dark aura that seemed ever present in the forest.
The creatures of the forest welcomed this unknown magic that brought peace wherever it went. None knew who it belonged too but all hoped it stayed.
Author's Note
Because of college I won't be able to update chapters very often. The video is on the song that Enchantix sings. I plan to do this whenever she sings in the chapters.
(Time Skip)
Enchantix patrolled the border of her forest Orion sitting on her back. She called the forest hers do to the fact, she pretty much ruled here. The creatures of the forest obeyed her commands and often some followed her around. Like the pack of normal wolves that trailed behind her.
Enchantix looked back at the massive white wolf that followed at her heels. Turned out there were normal wolves in Equestria, however they were two-times the size of a pony. The wolf behind her was the largest of the pack, the alpha male, which earned him the name Alpha. He was a beautiful canine with pure white fur with piercing yellow eyes. The pack followed her out of respect after their confrontation a week ago. Alpha had decided to hunt Applebuck so she’d stepped in and fought him. They had ended in a tie gaining her to wolf’s respect and a pack of deadly bodyguards. Though, they weren’t the only inhabitants to follow her around in the forest. At some point a pair of manticores started following her as she patrolled, they even slept outside her cave home with most of the pack. Alpha and several others chose to sleep inside with her. Not that she was complaining their fur was warm on cold nights.
She’d gotten used to many of the creatures of Everfree; many meant her no harm so she went about her business. Ramnaruck continued to teach her how to control her magic. She could levitate, teleport, and even give herself wings now. The elder’s teaching had made become a powerful unicorn along with a few magic books she’d snagged from the Ponyville Library. She couldn’t stop the large smirk that appeared on her face at the thought of the bearers of harmony. They’d tried many times to catch her for questioning but she got away every time. She used it as a way to practice her magic.
“Hard to believe so much as happened,” She whispered out loud.
“Indeed, mistress,” the large calico purred as he nuzzled her neck.
She jolted at a sudden weight on her back but recovered quickly. She didn’t need to look back to know who it was.
Enchantix smiled at the little colt. He’d started calling her that when he saw how the creatures of Everfree acted around her. He’d said it reminded him of how adults acted when Prince Solaris came for a visit. Applebuck often came to visit her after his chores were completed.
“Hello Applebuck, did you get done with your chores,”
“Yes, ma’am,”
“Have you done your homework?”
“Uh...huh,” he looked at her with big hopeful eyes.
“Good then you can come help me explore the forest,” the colt whooped in joy jumping up in the air. Orion meowed happily as she trotted deeper into the forest.
When she wasn’t settling disputes amongst the inhabitants, practicing her magic, or singing to the forest she explored. With supplies Applebuck had brought her, she’d already mapped a good portion of the forest. Now she needed the east side near the castle ruins mapped. Applebuck loved helping her he’s mentioned something about a cutie mark. Though, it often surprised her that he never brought the other crusaders with him.
Finding the castle ruins was easy; she gazed at the stone remains wondering what this place must have looked like in its prime. Why would Prince Solaris let this place fall into such disrepair she didn’t know.
“Mistress, look,” Orion spoke up pointing with his paw to an ancient staircase carved into the cliffside.
“I wonder where this leads,” she stepped down them being mindful of her passengers. “Only one way to find out,”
The stairs lead down the cliff to a valley below. She could see what looked like the faint glow of a lamp. Was someone else in the forest? She stepped warily towards the light her loyal wolves kept close to her. Alpha growled baring his fangs at the strange glow ahead of them.
“Easy boy,” she rubbed his head gently. “Stay here, all of you while I check it out,” Orion and Applebuck jumped from her back.
“Be careful,” Applebuck said softly.
Enchantix eased into the cave following the light. Igniting her horn she filled the cave with her magic to see what to glow was. In the center of the cave was a massive tree it was covered in thorny black vine, drying with green slime. The light seemed to come from the center of the tree canopy the light was growing fainter by the minute as the vines slowly continued to strangle the tree. Stepping closer, she could sense a powerful magic, but when did trees have magic! She needed to study the tree closer but she needed to free it from the vines killing it first.
Igniting her horn once again she began to sing the healing incantation. While her horn forced to vines off the tree her song would also heal it at the same time. Her voice rang out echoing off the walls of the cave, the mist appeared from her horn surrounding the tree. The vines began to fall away, dying as her magic restored to trees strength. Now having a clear opening to the tree Enchantix stepped up and placed her horn against its trunk. Feeding her magic into it she removed all traces of the killing weeds that had occupied the cave. Suddenly the tree was radiating with magic, filling the cave with a blinding light. Enchantix had to shield her eyes from the harsh light.
“Thank you,” a low voice whispered in gratitude.
Once the light died down Enchantix gasped at the beauty of the tree. It was amazing; words couldn’t describe it, but wait…who had whispered just then. She looked around the cave seeing no one else around but the magic tree. Could it be that…?
“Hello,” she spoke. “Who said that?”
“I did,” the soft voice came again. “I am the tree of Harmony,”
Enchantix gazed in wonder at the tree, she’d heard of talking trees from Ramnaruck but nothing like this.
“You’re the Tree of Harmony as in… the elements of harmony”
“Yes, one thousand years ago the Princes of the sun and moon came. They needed a powerful magic to face a great evil. I gifted them the ability to use the elements even though it weakened me greatly,”
“When they fought the spirit of chaos Eris,” the tree glowed as if in agreement. “Wait… what about the seventh element. Why didn’t you give them it along with the others?” she looked down at the collar around her neck.
“Okay, that explains that but explain to me this. Why was the elements never returned to you? If I hadn’t found you just now you wouldn’t have lasted against those vines,” Enchantix stepped closer to the tree craning her long neck just to be certain there was to lingering damage.
“Even without the elements my magic is strong however in recent years it has weakened. A sinister force has been feeding on the forests magic,”
“Sinister force,”
“A dark presence, something I have not sensed in thousands of years. It feeds from the fear and suffering that comes from the forest and beyond,” Enchantix didn’t like the sound of that. “Though, I’ve noticed a change amongst the other trees for some time now. A new power is forcing that presence back each day,”
“That’s a good thing right,”
“Yes and no. If this evil force finds the source of this magic, it will seek out to destroy it. Then the forest will once more descend into darkness,”
Enchantix paced thinking on what the tree had said. What was this dark presence it spoke of? The few weeks she’d been in Everfree she’d never sensed anything threatening beyond the dangerous beasts here. She was going to have a long talk with Ramnaruck about this later. She turned her head to question the tree of harmony further when she spotted a tunnel behind the trees base.
“Where does this lead,” she asked looking into the blackness.
“Deep beneath the Everfree forest, be wary if you go down there young one. New dangerous awaiting any who enter that labyrinth,”
“I’ll take that chance! If I’m to live in this forest I must now everything about. Either from above or below,” she entered the tunnel traveling down passed the forest root system.
“Be careful, young one,” the tree whispered.
Enchantix followed the tunnel until hard rock gave was to sparkling crystal. She had to blink rapidly a few times against the light. Once her eyes adjusted to it she found herself in a large dome chamber. All around her was solid crystal, though what was strange was to dozens of tunnels that could be seen on the walls. Did something live down here? Her thoughts were cut short at the sight of the podium in the center of the chamber. On it was beautiful crystal rose that looked as if it would shatter at the slightest touch. She could see magic flowing within the rose, the aura matched the tree of harmonys but how were the two connected.
Stepping closer to the podium keeping her senses alert for anything. Had to remember the trees warning after all! However, whatever danger the tree meant it couldn’t be the rose it gave off no dark aura, it was pure and harmless. Taking one more step towards the rose Enchantix froze at the loud screeches that filled the chamber. Eyes shooting up, she ignited her horn ready for a fight. It was coming from all around her! The tunnels! Suddenly, the chamber was swarmed with flying jellyfish. Jellyfish! These were unlike anything she’d ever seen before. Twice the size of an average jelly, they flowed throw the air as gracefully they did water. Lovely and clearly dangerous, their tentegiles sparked with electricity. They charged her from all sides, barely giving her an opening to dodge.
Firing off several aura beams she was shocked to see the magic bounce right off them. They were immune to magic attacks! She leaped up using her long deer like legs to gain height, only to get hit on her back leg.
“Ahh,” Enchantix screamed as the shot burned her leg. She landed right beside the podium unable to move to wounded limb. “Damn it,” she cursed seeing the jellies coming in for the kill. Glaring at them as they drew closer, she refused to show fear.
“Come on then,” she challenged.
Yet, before they could deliver the killing blow a new magic aura filled the chamber. It was coming from the rose! The magic she’d seen pulsing within was now shooting out to create a protective barrier from the jellyfish. They circled the barrier angrily trying to get to her. She had to work fast, looking at her burnt leg she winced at the sight. The skin was black and slightly smoking from the strike it will take a lot of magic to heal it. Why did they attack her in the first place? Was it the rose, were they its guardians!
BAM!
One of the larger jellies was slamming its soft dome head into the barrier. The others followed its lead slamming into the barrier to get to the intruder. Enchantix was dead as soon as they broke through. Then without warning one slammed into the barrier breaking it down, the shockwave sending her flying into the podium. Her vision spun as the jellies swarmed. Closing her eyes she waited for the end only for it to never come. Peeking out she couldn’t believe her eyes the jellies that were just now trying to kill her were now circling her slowly. Their loud screeching had lowered to a gentle humming as if they were trying to sing. What was going on here! These things were trying to kill her just a moment ago!
A flash of light drew her eyes; the rose was now wrapped around her horn. It shimmered with magic the white aura within it turning bright green the same shade as hers. Was this thing merging with her horn? As if to answer her it cullied even tighter around her long horn. Great now she had a permanent horn ornament! Enchantix rose to her feet shaking her head to chase off the dizziness from the fall. She wasn’t really surprised that the burn on her leg was gone. At this point and living in the Everfree forest surprised her anymore.
Keeping a close eye on the jellies she made her way back to the surface. They circled her in lazy yet protective manner. Their soft transparent bodies sparkled as they floated around her. They seemed to purr at her as she reached out and petted the top of one. This was going to take getting used to. Speeding up to a trot she finally reached the surface. The tree of harmony illuminated the cave as she stood before it once more.
“I see you have found the crystal rose. It has taking a liking to you,” the tree glowed seeming to commune with the rose as glowed on her head. “The rose has told the Guardians that you are no threat to it. At this moment it is merging with your horn and magic,”
“What is this rose anyway and how is it able to communicate with the jellies,” she shook her head looking up at her new accessory.
“The crystal rose has existed for nearly as long as I as have. It has powerful magic and a complete mind of its own,” that didn’t really answer her question.
“Explain why it’s decided to attach itself to my horn,”
“The rose has been in this forest sense before Everfree came to be. The Guardians protect its power from those who would misuse it. It has merged itself with you because it as chosen you to be its permanent protector,” the tree answered.
“Permanent protector why does it need me when it’s got the jellies here,” she pointed to the still circling guards.
“That is a question I cannot answer. The rose does things that only makes sense to it. Just know that its magic will come of great aid in the future,”
“I guess,”
“Before you go I have a suggestion for you, travel to the mountain side near ponyville. There you will find a hidden tunnel that within you will find a dear friend of the spirit Ramnaruck,”
“How do I know this friend won’t attack me?”
“Bring a token of peace then state your purpose there and all will be well,”
“I guess I’ll just have to trust you Harmona,”
“Harmona,”
“I have to call you something besides Tree of Harmony, don’t I,” she smiled as the tree glowed. “Until next time Harmona,” she made to leave the cave.
“Until then Lady Everfree,” Enchantix paused surprised the tree knew her giving title.
“I’ve heard the ancient trees speak of you. They speak of your power and angelic voice. Your songs bring harmony to the forest. Travel safely my Lady,” the tree gentle voice vanished.
“I’ll see you soon,” she promised.
When Enchantix emerged from the cave she was met with several relieved faces. Applebuck and Orion ran towards her only to by meet with a swarm of protective guardians.
“Ahhh,” Applebuck screamed as one barely missed him.
“Mistress,”
“No,” she shouted firing a warning shot at the jellies. “You will not harm anypony unless I order it understand,” they purred in answer. “Are you both alright,” the pair nodded.
“What are they,” Applebuck dove beneath her undercarriage.
“The Tree of Harmony called them the Guardians. They are meant to protect the rose now attached to my horn,” she angled her head so they could see it.
“Tree of Harmony,” Orion asked jumping up onto her back.
“Yes, the tree of harmony, where the elements originated from. Come I’ll tell you the whole story as we walk,” they headed back up the stairs to the ruins. She told all what happened and couldn’t help ponder on what Harmona had meant by the sinister presence. She had a bad feeling in her gut that this presence would make itself known very soon. The question was would Equestria be able to face it.
Author's Note
So sorry its taken so long to get this up alot of things delayed me but, here it is. I have some of Ch5 done but with limited internet access I'm not sure when I'll post next.
Please comment, I'm open to any questions or advise anyone has!
