The Curse of the Night

Princess Luna recovered quickly from the horrible indecent, but that's not the case for every cursed pony.

Some exploded in blood, some imploded, crushing all of their internal organs, some even were sent to the moon. Many ponies died in blood and gore, which was tragic.

Princess Celestia demanded that by law, nopony could ever mention the event ever again. With so many deaths, and the fact that the Princess of the Moon was scheduling an appointment with death himself, the subject was way too sensitive. The dark magic's power was much to powerful for any princess to defeat, which is why Celestia had called her faithful student, Twilight to defeat the witchcraft. But there was an even bigger threat that awaited the ponies, deep within the creepy Everfree Forest. A threat that had caused the evil sorcery to attack Luna in the first place thousands of years ago.

The cruel energy in which overwhelmed the princess was from somewhere unknown to Equestria. The location was a mysterious desert which changed terrain and weather depending on how it feels it is right to torture ponies. Many ponies have ventured into this unknown land yet nopony has ever returned.

About a month before the tragic event, a portal opened in the Crystal Empire throne room, leading into the desert which ponies called the "Unknown Lands". The portal was a light blue vortex surrounded in bronze metalwork. Engraved in the metal was an ancient language nopony could read. Not even Zacora, though the zebra did recognized the writing. She had told the princesses that it was an ancient language of a tribe that had been friendly neighbor of her people for eons, when one day, they turned against them and decided they wanted the whole desert for themselves. The thought sent shivers down Zacora's spine.

"So, Zacora. You're tellin' us that these ponies were your ancestor's neighbors?" Applejack asked, clearly confused.

"Yes, pony, that is true." said the witchdoctor. "But they have an evil brew."

"And what exactly is that supposed to mean?" snapped Rainbow Dash.

"Young mare, watch your tone," Zacora shot back. "For we may not be completely alone." The zebra glanced at the glowing portal.

Rainbow Dash  laughed. "Psst... Are you kidding me? There's no way anypony can be eavesdropping through a portal."

Rainbow did have a point. The portal's energy caused it to hum. It was very unlikely that another pony could hear them.

The sorcerer cleared her throat. "Don't be so foolish. These ancient ponies are not childish." Zacora studied some scrolls she had brought with her to the Crystal Empire. She whispered the incantations to her self and she skimmed the writing. "The ancient ones plan our destruction. They will not stop till all our bones are broken."

"Well doesn't that sound lovely." Rarity said sarcastically.

Zacora ignored Rarity's comment and continued with the lecture. "You must enter the portal, then must travel by camel. You shall reach a sacred temple, but do not lay a hoof on the sacred bottle."

"And what exactly is this sacred bottle, Zacora?" Applejack questions.

Zacora looks around the room with worry. "Hurry." the zebra informed the six mares. "You mustn't doddle. When you enter, you shall be in a land of coral."

"And what in the hay is that supposed to-" A.J. started, but Zacora pushed them into the portal. All six ponies and Spike were floating the vortex, trying not to get lost.

****

Indeed did the seven friends entered in a land of coral. The portal lead into the middle of the ocean which was strange since the "Unknown Lands" was a desert. Apparently, the "Unknown Lands" were on an island. Wait, no. The portal had spawned a mile away from the continent in the ocean. The ocean was filled with coral reefs as far as the eye could see. Ocean life population the entire area, from krill to swordfish, there was every breed of fish you could think of.

When the ponies and young dragon reached the shore, they took a bit to catch their breathe and to dry off.

"Well it sure took you long enough. I thought it'd be another week until you ponies showed up." a voice said behind the friends.

All of them turned to see Discord floating on a cotton candy cloud.