There and Back Again: A Pony's Journeyby BeardyPieChaptersTranquility and ChaosFellowshipValley CampTranquility and ChaosThere and Back Again: A Pony's Journey Chapter 1: Tranquility and Chaos. "It is only in adventure that some people succeed in knowing themselves - in finding themselves." Andre Gide. I would like to dedicate this story to all those who love adventure, to J.R.R. Tolkien, whose works inspired me to write, and to JetFire, whose universe this is based in. Ashdale was a quiet village nestled at the bottom of the mountain ranges that seperated the Griffin kingdoms and Equestria. It sat in the far northern part of Equestria. To the west of it were the Griffin Kingdoms, to the east lay Germaneigh and, eastern more, the Tramplevanian Alps. Because of where Ashdale was, it made for a perfect vantage point for the annual Dragon Migration as it came ‘round. The drakes would soar and snarl far above the roofs of the villagers. Some would even dive and perform acrobatics, earning the amazement of the young colts and fillies. It is on one particular migration, however, that our story begins. A story of adventure, friendship, and courage. On this morning a fire drake named Athest, or ‘The Destroyer’ as he is known by his victims, came down from the mountains to lay waste to Ashdale. Athest was an incredibly greedy Dragon, therefor he was very large and the alpha of his flock. Athest wanted nothing more than to devour, and steal anything he saw worthy of his time. On this day, Athest sought out a new prize, this time, from Ashdale: The Aurora Stone. The Aurora Stone possessed magical properties ever since it was gifted to the founder of Ashdale by King Frinure II, high king of Griffinheim’s second age. The stone was enchanted by a Griffin sorceress to keep the harshness of the weather at bay, which is why the village withstood to be where it was. Without it, Ashdale would be consumed by the howling blizzards of the Griffin mountains. __________________________________________________ The late fall air nipped at the snouts of the townsponies that strolled along about their business. The occasional snow flurry fell from the sky and collided with the cobblestone streets. It was a beautiful morning, especially compared to the usual groggy mornings the little mountain town was accustomed to. Neon Flash, a pegasus, trotted down the street and through the marketplace. He nodded at passers by and even went so far as to give a hearty “Hello!”. He was a member of the mountain weather patrol. The MWP didn’t create the weather for Ashdale, like the pegasi did for the other parts of Equestria, but instead cleared any foul weather that was able to get past the Aurora Stone’s influence. Most of Ashdale’s weather was borrowed from over the mountains from the Griffins. The patrol mainly cleared away the streets and pushed away any amount of snow that had accumulated on the mountainside. The rest of the year, before the snowy seasons, Neon was a member of the Pegasi branch of the Ashdale guard. One never knew when a gang of Griffin bandits or a rogue gaggle of boars may come bumbling by. Though it was always open to attack, Ashdale didn’t really have anything of value to take, aside from the Aurora Stone, but a pony could never be too careful. Neon reached the town square and began to do his pre-flight stretches. He unfolded his pale yellow wings and thrust his chest forward. He leaned his head back and allowed his light green hair to flow in the mountain breeze. The cold didn’t really bother him, nor did it bother any pegasi, in fact. Pegasi were naturally immune to the cold, they had to be if they ever were to gain any altitude during flight. Neon’s back gave a few pops and he grunted with relief. Time to get this over with. He thought. He always hated weather duty. There wasn’t any duty to it, he would just fly around or re-route snowflakes. Not exactly my kind of work. He gave his head a few more shakes and flapped his wings. He took flight. Higher and higher he soared. He passed the influence of the Aurora Stone and immediately felt the difference. The wind blew much more strongly and the snow flurries whipped much faster past his face. He reached a point in the sky he felt comfortable with and began to scan. He spotted a large snow drift that began to form higher up on the slope. He sighed and started to head for it, when he heard the sound of hard, heavy wingbeats. He froze. Dragons! He thought, a sudden chill running down his spine. The dragons didn’t really bother Ashdale, but a pegasus that happened to wander into their migration path, well that might be a different story. Neon dove, quickly reducing his altitude. He whirled around just as a large flock of drakes began to fly overhead. They gave a long growl as they passed, warning him to keep his distance. He gave a quick sigh of relief and turned to resume his duties. As he turned, however, he caught a quick glimpse of something. He took another look to confirm what he had just seen. His heart sank. He turned and darted back to town. He tried to shout but he couldn’t find his voice. He turned to look again, hoping that the circumstances weren’t true. He collided into a white unicorn. Was he really that close to the ground? It didn’t matter! He had to warn everypony! “What’s your problem??” The unicorn said as he picked himself and the bags he was carrying off the ground. Neon still couldn’t find his voice, all he could do was shakily point toward the sky. The unicorn followed his hoof and then he saw it, blotching out the sun to the east. A winged figure with a wide toothy grin. Neon finally found his words. He screamed. “DRAGON!!” __________________________________________________ MonoChrome emerged from the inn where he was staying while at Ashdale. He studied dragons as sort of a hobby. He traveled north from Manehatten to get a glimpse of their northern migration paths. The light breeze whipped his black mane and his black and white scarf. This Aurora Stone really works wonders. He thought as he secured his saddlebags to his flanks. After he was satisfied and his bags weren’t going anywhere, he set out. He came to a low bridge that ran over a small stream. He sat on his haunches and propped his front legs on the side of the bridge. He acquired a pencil and notebook that he used to take notes from his bag and looked to the sky with anticipation. He saw the first flock of drakes fly over the mountain from the north. Then he saw something peculiar. A pegasus? In the migration path? He had better move. He then saw the pegasus dart below behind houses, obstructing himself from Chrome’s view. He looked back up to see his herd had flew behind him. Chrome packed his things and began to trot briskly. Maybe they’ll get into a fight mid-air! That’d be a sight! He shuddered with glee. Maybe even- WHAM! Chrome was knocked flat, his bags flung everywhere. He got to his hooves and levitated his bags back onto his flanks. “What’s your problem??” He asked eyeing what had hit him. It was the pegasus from before, he looked absolutely terrified. He sat shaking on the ground and moving his jaw up and down trying to form words. Chrome arched an eyebrow. The pegasus then lifted his hoof toward the sky. Chrome followed it. He then saw it, massive, blocking the sun even. Chrome’s eyes grew wide. He looked to the pegasus. “DRAGON!!” the pegasus screamed. Passersby stopped and wheeled toward the source of the sound, then craned their heads up to the sky. In seconds the town was in a panic. Chrome yanked the pegasus off the ground. “We gotta tell the guards!” said Chrome. The pegasus nodded in reply. The two ran as fast as they could to the front gate. A blue-grey earth pony met them half way. “What’s going on??” The guard asked. “Dragon! Sound the alarm!” The pegasus shouted. The earth pony nodded. “Follow me” he said. “Quickly!” The three sprinted for the front gate. they scurried up the ramp. They then reached a large gong, roughly 6ft. in diameter. The earth pony whirled around and bucked the instrument as hard as he could, producing a resonant sound that echoed over the screams of the townsponies. “Now what?” Chrome puffed. “Now, we head for th-” the earth pony was cut off. A swift gust of wind came in fierce and fast. It destroyed the gate where the ponies stood, sending them flying toward the center of town. The dragon let out a beastly roar as it glided over head and slowly landed. __________________________________________________ WallCloud was the newest recruit of the Ashdale guard. He had always wanted to join the guard and follow in his father’s hoofsteps. He was absolutely ecstatic. He rose early, polished his armor, shined his hooves, he even combed out his tail. He had to make a considerable appearance, of course. He trotted proudly, displaying his armor. He reached the gate and assumed his post upon the wall. He stood proudly at the top, flashing a cool smile at the occasional mare that would walk by. He observed the valley below, then he heard a shout. He turned and saw a unicorn and a pegasus lying on the ground. I better go break that up he thought. He descended the ramp and looked to the two again, this time the unicorn was standing and the pegasus was pointing to something above and behind him. The the pegasus shouted. “DRAGON!!” WallCloud jumped at these words and whirled around to peer into the sky, he was right! A huge dragon was descending upon Ashdale! WallCloud heard the screams and panic of the villagers, he turned and ran towards the two he had seen earlier. “What’s going on??” Wallcloud asked. “Dragon! Sound the alarm!” The pegasus shouted. WallCloud nodded. “Follow me, quickly!” he wheeled and sprinted toward the gate. The dragon grew closer, frightenly close. He could feel the wingbeats in his head, throbbing, relentless. They reached the top of the gate and to the alarm. WallCloud turned and bucked hard, making the gong resonate across the village. He turned to the others. “Now what?” the unicorn asked. “Now we head for the-” WallCloud was cut off. A large gust of wind from the dragon’s mammoth wing knocked the ponies away and completely destroyed the gate. WallCloud spun sickilly through space. He saw the ground approaching fasster and fasster then WHAM! He saw nothing but black. __________________________________________________ Neon coughed as he was jerked to his hooves. His head rang and his vision blurred. His senses slowly began to return. He could hear the muffled screams and the roaring terror of dragon fire, then he saw the unicorn standing in front of him yelling. He had the unconscious guard on his back and had Neon himself in a shaking magical grip. “WE Ha- -ET O-f ST-EET-” He was yelling. Neon shook his head. “WE HAVE TO GET OFF THE STREETS!” Neon finally comprehended.He groggily got to his feet then was jerked hard to the left. He glanced just as a clump of bricks came crashing down. This snapped him to attention. “WE HAVE TO GO NOW!” Chrome said. Neon nodded. “We can take shelter in the wine cellar down the block!” Neon said. “This way!” Neon and Chrome bolted down the street. Chrome glanced up and saw the dragon perched atop what had to be the Duke’s tower. It gave a primal roar and with a quick twist of it’s thick tail, it brought the tower crashing down, causing a domino effect that headed right toward the two sprinting ponies. “THERE IT IS, JUST AHEAD!” Neon yelled. He looked as one by one the buildings began to topple. “GO!” Chrome yelled as he, WallCloud in tow, and Neon lept for the entrance and tumbled down the stairs just as the rubble slammed against the door. __________________________________________________ “Oh dear!” Said a white unicorn mare as she almost dropped her cup of tea from her magical grasp. “What’s wrong, sugarcube?” An orange earth pony asked from across the table. “Ya have another vision?” “I still don’t get how that works” a sky-blue pegasus asked from the other end. “Yes, it’s more of the same, but this time I saw something else.” The unicorn explained. “I still saw the glimpses of dragon’s fire, a beautiful gemstone, a vast ocean, but I saw something new. A glimpse of 3 ponies…. coming here.” Fellowship2. Fellowship WallCloud’s head throbbed as he rose from the cement floor of the wine cellar. He could hear the muffled screams and roars from the surface. Bottles on racks rattled as buildings came crashing down. “That’s what I would call a close shave” MonoChrome said as he looked to the ceiling. “We need to get back up there” WallCloud said as he rose to his hooves. “For Celestia’s sake, we can’t just hide down here like cowards!” “And do what?” Neon said. “That’s bigger than any dragon I’ve ever seen.” “I don’t know, something instead of cowering in the dust!” WallCloud said pushing his chest out to emphasize his entitlement. “Listen, greenhorn” Neon said “I know you want to help but there is nothing we can do. You’re lucky to even be alive if it wasn’t for…” He paused and glanced to the Unicorn. “MonoChrome” he nodded. “I’m Neon” “My name is WallCloud” He finally sighed. “This was my first day of duty.” “I thought I didn’t recognize you.” Neon said. “I’m part of the Pegasi squad the rest of the year.” “Where are you from?” Neon said as he turned to Chrome. “Manehatten” He replied. “What brings you here?” WallCloud said as he sat on his haunches. “Our mutual friend” Chrome replied giving his head a nod upward. “Well, not him specifically. Dragons in general.” “Are you a professor or something?” Neon asked. “No” Chrome replied “I study dragons as a hobby of sorts. Their migration paths, diets, culture. Shoot, I’ve even delved into their language a time or two.” “Language?” WallCloud asked. “Those beasts can actually speak?” “Well they used to,” MonoChrome explained “Centuries of greed and war have turned them feral. The only research I could find on the subject was buried deep in the Canterlot archives.” “You say you research them as a hobby?” Neon said as he leaned to the left to observe Chrome’s cutie mark, which was a golden comedy mask. “Yeah, but it appears that life has blessed me with another destiny.” He said flatly, noticing Neon’s gesture. “I’m a stand-up comedian.” “Terrific.” WallCloud said, lowering his head. “I’m stuck in a hole during a crisis with a weekend warrior and a joke artist.” “Don’t forget about the rookie.” Neon said trying to pull WallCloud back to their level. “It was probably your galavanting around in the sky that brought that creature here!” WallCloud was angry now. He stood up and puffed his chest out again. “Yeah?” Neon said, defending himself. “ Well if you had your eyes open and alert instead of flaunting for the mares or something, you could’ve sounded the alarm and adverted this crisis!” “Don’t you tell me how to do my job, fly-boy!” “Oh, the ‘job’ you just got this morning?” “Guys.” Chrome said. “At least I’m a full time guard!” “Yeah, and a full time screw up as well” “Guys” Chrome said more assertively. “Don’t you try and preach to me! You were practically peeing yourself!” “At least I didn’t faint like a little filly, when-” “GUYS!” Chrome yelled, separating the two with his magic. “Listen!” They both fell silent. It was quiet, eerily quiet. They no longer heard the turmoil for above. “C’mon” Chrome said as they made toward the door. Chrome pushed upwards with everything he could on the door, but it didn’t budge. “Let me help” WallCloud said as he came up beside Chrome. “Count of three.” Chrome braced himself against the door once again. “One.” He began. “Two.” Neon joined as he came to Chrome’s other side. “Three!” All three ponies pushed will all their might. The door creaked heavily and the sounds of bricks being shuffled began, but the door didn’t budge. The ponies relaxed. “There’s too much rubble.” Neon panted. “Let me try something.” MonoChrome said. “Stand back.” Neon and WallCloud obliged and stood behind the unicorn. Chrome closed his eyes and pawed at the cement to get a better stance. His horn glowed. A low deep hum began, faint at first, then began to grow louder and more high pitched when it finally- “HA!” Chrome let out as a bolt of light lanced from his horn and collided with the door, sending slivers of wood and debris sailing outward into the ruins of Ashdale. “Good work” WallCloud said, giving Chrome a bump with his side as he walked by. WallCloud was the first to exit, followed by Chrome, then Neon. They reached the street and haulted abruptly. The three ponies looked around at the utter devastation. Very few buildings were left standing, the cobblestone paths were charred black. A heavy wind kicked snow flurries that circled and danced around the ponies. “Sweet Celestia.” Neon said under his breath. Heavy clouds of fog puffed from his mouth, which hung agape. “Why would he have come here? We’ve never had problems with dragons before.” “Because of the Aurora Stone.” Said a voice from behind them. They all turned and looked in amazement. There stood an elderly mare with silky white hair and a silver-blue coat, A stout, brawny green earth pony and a handful of survivors that withstood the attack. All looked forlorn. “Claire!” Neon said. “Father!” WallCloud said also as they rushed to the group. “Thank goodness you’re alright, son!” WallCloud’s father said taking his son into a loving embrace. “Claire, this group of ponies, and I are the only survivors.” He said grimly. He glanced to the pegasus. “I’m glad to see you’re okay also, Neon.” He noticed MonoChrome. “Yet, I’m not familiar with your face yet. I am Heavy Tread, captain of the Ashdale guard, and this is ClaireVoyance, wisest pony of our village.” “I’m MonoChrome.” He said nodding. “You said something about the Aurora Stone being the reason the dragon was here?” “Indeed” Claire said, her age apparent in her voice. “But that is not just any dragon. That is Athest, the destroyer! Long have ponies cowered in fear from him and his tyranny.” She explained. She looked to the ever darkening sky. “His last invasion like this was nearly 500 years ago, long for ponies, but only a blink in the life of a dragon. I know not why he has resurfaced, but I know that it cannot be good.” “What would he want with the Aurora Stone?” WallCloud asked. “It only reduces the effects of the weather, right?” Claire nodded. “Indeed. It was given as a gesture of peace by the griffins. I suppose in the old age of Athest, anything can be seen to hold value.” The wind howled and clouds began to quickly form in the sky. “Already, without the stone’s presence, the storms will come in full force.” Heavy Tread observed. “Even if we rebuild, it will all be for nothing. Without the stone, Ashdale will be no more.” The crowd began to talk in hushed tones. “What if we were to take it back?” Neon said, quickly silencing the crowd. “You speak of suicide!” One of the ponies said from the group. “He’s right, even if you somehow knew where the dragons nested, there is no way you could possibly take the stone back.” Heavy Tread said. “Good thing there’s a nimble and quick pegasus willing to make the journey, eh?” Neon said smugly as he struck a pose, earning more whispers from the crowd. “What do you mean?” Tread asked arching an eyebrow. “Pegasi are notoriously quiet and light on their hooves, stealing the stone back will be a breeze!” Neon said. “Oh, all by yourself?” WallCloud said. “You’d need a guide that has proper training in wilderness survival with you. You’d probably eat the wrong kind of mushroom and imagine you’re some sort of bat-pony!” WallCloud gave a hiss, imitating a bat. A few chuckles emerged from the crowd. “You’re right!” Neon said “How ‘bout it sir?” Neon asked Heavy Tread. WallCloud’s ears flattened and a look of annoyance emerged on his face. “Nay, I cannot.” Tread said with a shake of his head. “The ponies need me here. I must guide them to safety across the valley.” “Well it looks like it’s a trip for one again!” Neon said smugly grinning at WallCloud. “However” Heavy Tread continued “WallCloud has all the experience you seek.” Neon’s ears flattened, while WallCloud’s perked up. “Really?” WallCloud asked. Tread nodded, giving his son a warm smile. “You’re mother would be proud of the stallion you’ve become.” Tread said. “I know you’ll be fine, my son.” “Yes yes, this is all well and good.” Claire said. “but, we’re forgetting one crucial detail: Where are the dragon’s headed?” Everypony fell silent. Neon raised his head and quickly turned towards MonoChrome. “You!” Neon exclaimed. “Beg pardon?” MonoChrome said, taking a half step back. “You know where they’re headed!” Neon said pointing a hoof. “You said you came to Ashdale to study the dragons! Their behavior, language, growth rate, migration paths!” “Is this true?” Tread said, turning to MonoChrome. The crowd rose from whispers to murmers. “Yes, but the dragon’s roost is far across the sea” Chrome explained as he drew a crude map in the dirt. “We’d have to make our way across Equestria to the southern tip then sail across to Cervidas, then after that..” He gave a shrug. “It’s all new ground. Nopony’s ever mapped it. It’s a lost world.” Claire nodded, deep in thought. “You’re certain of this?” She asked. “Absolutely” Chrome said. “Then there still may be hope for Ashdale, yet.” She smiled. “What?” Chrome asked, astonished. “I Just said that nopony has ever been there, the only reason ponykind has this information, is because of the deerkin!” “Then you can be sure to ask them more when you get there” Claire smiled. Chrome silenced himself, but he was still in total shock about all of this. “You’ll need provisions.” Tread began. “Everyone, scour the wreckage for anything of use. Food, blankets, rope, etc.” The group dispersed and scavenged anything they could find. Soon they had three pairs of saddle bags stuffed full of supplies. ___________________________________ The group passed through the ruins of the Ashdale gate and headed down the old mountain path into the green valley below. WallCloud glanced back to the ruins once more. The dark storm clouds had nearly consumed the outcropping where Ashdale sat. He Sadly turned back to face forward and fell in step with his father. “Do not tell me you are having second thoughts.” Tread said giving his son a nudge. “It’s not that, father, it’s just..” WallCloud took a moment to find his words. “What if we fail? What if it’s too much? I’ve already failed to protect the village once.” “WallCloud, do not do that to yourself!” Tread said. “There was nothing you, the rest of the guard, or even the Princesses themselves could have done to prevent this.” WallCloud looked his father in the eye. “I have faith in you three, and so should you.” The group continued down the path. MonoChrome said nothing, looked at nopony and kept his gaze fixed on the path ahead. “Bit for your thoughts?” Neon asked asked as he came into step with MonoChrome. “Hm?” Chrome asked as he looked up. “I dunno, it all just seems so sudden. I mean, just this morning I was watching dragons fly around, and now I’m part of an epic journey I don’t remember joining.” “Look if you don’t-” “No, it’s not that!” Chrome interrupted. “It’s just a little overwhelming, I mean, I’ve never been south of Manehatten.” “So why did you come to Ashdale?” Neon pressed. “It was apparent that even the Canterlot archives had limited information about dragons, so I had no choice but to come get first-hoof experience with them.” “I’m sure this isn’t exactly what you had in mind” Neon said giving a light chuckle. “Poor choice of words, I know.” Chrome said lowering his head. “Look, I know we just met, but I’ve got your back.” Neon gave Chrome a warm smile and extended his hoof. “Friends?” Chrome hesitated for a split second, but returned the smile and bumped neons hoof. “Yeah, Friends.” “It’s just like something my father used to tell me.” Neon said smiling to the sky. “Friendship is on of the most powerful weapons around, with it you can overcome anything, so fear not.” “Your father sounds very wise.” Chrome said as he pondered what Neon had said. “Yeah,” Neon replied. “He was.” The Group stopped at a fork in the path. “Here is where we must separate.” Tread began. “I will lead the others to Noveria across the valley. From here you must continue on through the Forsaken Forest. Your quest is clear. Track down Athest, take back the Aurora Stone and save Ashdale! I have faith in you, do not let us down.” WallCloud hugged his father a final time, Neon said his goodbyes to the villagers, and even MonoChrome got a few hugs from the villagers, to his surprise. They all three turned and faced the south. “You guys ready?” Neon asked as he pawed the dirt. “Meet ya at the forest feather-brain” WallCloud said. “Are we really running, I mean-” Chrome said until was interrupted by the earth pony and pegasus erupting into a full gallop. “Buck.” Chrome cursed as he too broke into a run. Valley Camp3. The Valley Camp The three ponies pushed hard down the green valley, large mountain ranges on either side loomed menacingly. They had been galloping fast all afternoon. The sun was now beginning to creep lower to their right, signaling that the day was to end soon. “Alright guys, let’s stop here. We don’t want to take on the Forsaken Forest at night.” Neon said over his shoulder, slowing to a trot. WallCloud raced past him a wheeled back around before slowing to a trot. MonoChrome, however, flumped over as soon as he heard the word ‘stop’. WallCloud strolled over to the panting unicorn. “You don’t run much, do you?” WallCloud chuckled, holding out a hoof. “Only my mouth, and that’s got me in quite a few ordeals!” MonoChrome said as he took the outstretched hoof. “And what, pray tell, kind of ordeals could a comedian possibly get into?” WallCloud asked with an arched eyebrow. “Hey, those bar-tabs can get pretty high!” Chrome said with a snarky grin. Wallcloud and MonoChrome shared in a laugh as they both unstrapped their bags. “Alright, you are comical, I’ll give you that one.” Wallcloud said as he rummaged for a quick snack. “But, I am having trouble understanding how you came to be in Ashdale?” He began, speaking through mouthfuls of apple. “I mean, for someone not used to physical exertion.” “Rode with the trade caravans most of the way!” Chrome called over his shoulder as he too retrieved an apple. “The only railway that comes this far is to the crystal empire, but it runs along the other side of the mountain.” “Plus” Neon began” The airships aren’t in service during the migrations.” “Also true” Chrome said as he flopped onto his haunches. “We should probably make a fire. I imagine it’ll get quite nippy.” Neon nodded in confirmation. “Know any fire spells?” Chrome shook his head. “Sorry, fire is not my specialty.” “What was that you used to help us escape the cellar then?” WallCloud asked taking another bite from his apple. “That was a little spell I came up with myself” Chrome said proudly. “It’s a basic light spell, but supercharged into actual kinetic energy.” The other two looked at him with blank stares. Noticing their stares, he explained further. “You see, light is made of molecules called ‘photons’ and photons are what are prodeuced from my horn during the spell. These photons absorb the atoms from whatever I’m around, in this case air, the photons charge the collected atoms, and since the atoms in air are less stable, I am able to take the energy they are emitting and amplify it in to the destructive force in which you two witnessed!” Monochrome finished, waiting for some hint that they understood. The two ponies said nothing. They sit astonished, simply staring at the unicorn. “Annnd…. you’re a comedian?” Neon said astonished. “Part-time” MonoChrome smiled. “You could’ve saved a lot of time by just saying it was ‘magic’” WallCloud said, giving his head a scratch. “Magic is only science we don’t understand yet.” MonoChrome said giving a wink. “At any rate, magic or not, we need a fire.” WallCloud said as he looked up to the now orange sky. “I’ll go find some fire wood, you two rest.” Neon said as he darted skyward. “Loves to fly doesn’t he?” WallCloud said as he watched Neon depart. “As most pegasi do I suppose.” MonoChrome said. “Speaking of which, ‘WallCloud’ doesn’t really sound like an earth pony name. Something more accustomed to pegasi.” “Aye.” WallCloud said giving a slight nod. “That is because I was named by my mother.” “Your mother was a pegasus?” MonoChrome asked quizzically. “Funny how genetics work.” “Indeed it is. My father spoke highly of her.” WallCloud said solemnly. “She died when I was just a foal.” “Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.” MonoChrome said, quickly backing off the subject. “Worry not” WallCloud said as he flattened out a place for the fire. “It feels nice to think of her.” “I never knew my parents.” MonoChrome said as he watched WallCloud. “I was taken in by an earth pony family in Manehatten.” “How is it you came to learn magic?” Wallcloud asked, finally satisfied with his fire place clearing. “I studied at Celestia’s college.” MonoChrome said as he smiled, remembering his home. “My family saved every bit they could so I could go one day.” “And where does the comedy play in?” WallCloud asked. MonoChrome chuckled. He hadn’t thought about any of this for a long while. “Manehatten’s majority population is earth ponies, right?” MonoChrome said. WallCloud nodded in confirmation. “Well, unicorn foals are much smaller than earth pony foals, and since I had to go to a school where the majority is mostly earth ponies, you can imagine I made for an easy target.” MonoChrome said as he dug up long suppressed memories. “Most times I could out-run them. Other times, however they cornered me. ‘Look at the egg-head’ they’d say. ‘Let’s see if it scrambles!’” “That’s terrible!” WallCloud said. “What did you do?” MonoChrome grinned. “The only the thing that I could think of, I was out of options, it was almost reflex: I told a joke.” __________________________________________ A gang of chubby little earth ponies gathered around in a back alley. They cheered and stamped their hooves as they surrounded their prey. “C’mon guys, cut it out!” Squeaked a little white unicorn that was pinned under their hooves. “You think you’re bettah den us?” One said in a think Manehatten accent. “I never said anything like that- OW!” Chrome said as they applied more pressure on top of him. “Got anything you wanna say before we clobbah you??” Another said on the other side from Chrome. “ummm, Yeah!” Chrome said as he tried to prolong the inevitable as much as he could. He searched his mind for something to buy him some time. He was grasping at straws. e said the first thing that came to mind. “Uhhhhhh, did you guys know that my dog doesn’t have a nose??” The cheers stopped as the group pondered. “Well, then how does he smell??” The colt who had Chrome pinned asked with squinted eyes. “Terrible!” Chrome said with a huge grin. He shut his eyes and waited forr impact. Everypony stopped. They looked at him with confused expressions. Suddenly a colt in the back burst out in uncontrolled laughter, then one after another everypony began to laugh. I couldn’t believe it! They were actually laughing, So I told another one… “You guys like that one?” MonoChrome asked, still on the ground. He knew he had to keep the momentum going if he were ever to make any progress. “I’d tell you one about amnesia, but I forgot how it goes!” The group roared in laughter again, this time allowing him off the ground. How did you come up with those? I dunno, but it tends to happen when I get nervous, my joke bottle becomes uncorked… “I’m glad you guys like these! They’re usually like our hoofball team!” The group grew quiet in eager anticipation. “.....Swing and miss.” The group howled in laughter again. “We’s wrong about you, unicorn.” One colt said. “Yeah, you’re alright!” said another between chuckles. “C’mon guys! My mom’s makin’ some brownies! We’ll seeya later MonoChrome!” MonoChrome wore a nervous grin until the group ran out of sight. MonoChrome let out a sigh of relief. “Sure weaseled out of that one!” Came a voice from above. A light pink pegasus filly buzzed awkwardly down to the ground. “Oh, heya, Rosie.” Chrome smiled as she descended. “I guess this means we can’t hang out anymore, huh?” She asked with her big purple eyes quivering. “What do you mean?” Chrome said dumbfounded. “We’re like best friends!” Rosie gave a nod to Chrome’s flank. He looked for himself and was positively beaming at what he saw. His cutie mark appeared! A golden comedy mask. He looked back to rosie who had a sad expression while looking at her own flanks. “This doesn’t change anything! We’re still best friends!” Chrome said as he gave her a nuzzle. “Forever!” Rosie smiled and returned the nuzzle. “Wanna go see if CoCo wants to go to the park?” Rosie gave an excited nod and the duo ran down the street. __________________________________________ “Ahhhhh, had a little filly friend, eh?” WallCloud said as he casually nipped at the tall green grass around him. “No no, nothing like that.” Chrome said, smiling at the memory of Rosie. “She moved away not long after that.” “Annnnnnnd the fire express returns!” Neon said as he landed, releasing a bundle of wood onto the stomped down portion of grass. A few stars began to appear throughout the ever darkening sky. WallCloud rose to his hooves and sifted through the pile of sticks and produced a split piece of wood and a long, straight stick. “Though I do not have proper tinder, this will have to do.” he said. He nipped up a bundle of gras and spat it down near the fire wood. “MonoChrome, can you help me a second?” “Sure, what do you need?” Chrome said as he approached. “I need you to rotate this stick as quickly as you can with your magic.” WallCloud said. “Once you have some friction going, Neon I need you to fan the embers until a flame starts.” “Right.” Neon nodded. WallCloud stood the long stick upright and allowed MonoChrome to grasp it in his blue aura. WallCloud took a nice flat stone he found and pressed down on top of the stick with it to hold it in place. He nodded to MonoChrome who began to spin it with his magic. The stick began to squeak against the flat plat of wood. Slowly red ember began to fall into the grass bundle. Neon began to slowly fan his wings. Gentle breezes of air circulated around the bundle until.. “Aha!” WallCloud said as the bundle was quickly engulfed by flames. “Quickly MonoChrome!” WallCloud said “Take this and put it under the wood!” MonoChrome obliged and took the flames within his aura. He sat the bundle under the pile of wood, which quickly began to crackle and pop as the flames grew bigger. The ponies stepped back from the ever growing heat. “That is what I call a quality fire!” WallCloud said, clearly impressed. Neon let out a yawn. “Well, guys” Neon began, I think we should get some shut eye. Long road ahead in the morning.” He said. “Aye, the Forsaken Forest will be a cruel mistress indeed.” WallCloud added. “Good night everypony.” MonoChrome said as he rolled over onto his back and looked up to the stars. He slowly closed his eyes and dreamt. Visions of his colthood and a certain pink pegasus… ___________________________ A dark silhouette glided menacingly over the streets. The ferocious sounds it made overheard could frighten even the most battle-hardened stallions. A dragon. The Largest dragon ponykind had ever seen. Where this town was, no one could say, but the ponies that were there wished with all they had that they were somewhere else. The beast erupted a jet of flames from its mouth and arced it into the sky, asserting its superiority. “Where is it!?” It bellowed in a booming ear shattering voice. “WHERE IS THE WHITE UNICORN.?!” It then lanced out another flame jet, but this time aimed at an actual building. A familiar building, in fact. One shaped like a carousel. _________________________ Rarity kicked straight from her slumber and sat panting, sweat beading from her forehead. Gracious! she thought. These visions are getting more and more vivid. She removed her sleeping mask and looked at the clock. 3 a.m.?! She rubbed her eyes.Who was the white unicorn that voice spoke of? She couldn’t shake the suspicion that she was seeing her own grim future.
Tranquility and ChaosThere and Back Again: A Pony's Journey Chapter 1: Tranquility and Chaos. "It is only in adventure that some people succeed in knowing themselves - in finding themselves." Andre Gide. I would like to dedicate this story to all those who love adventure, to J.R.R. Tolkien, whose works inspired me to write, and to JetFire, whose universe this is based in. Ashdale was a quiet village nestled at the bottom of the mountain ranges that seperated the Griffin kingdoms and Equestria. It sat in the far northern part of Equestria. To the west of it were the Griffin Kingdoms, to the east lay Germaneigh and, eastern more, the Tramplevanian Alps. Because of where Ashdale was, it made for a perfect vantage point for the annual Dragon Migration as it came ‘round. The drakes would soar and snarl far above the roofs of the villagers. Some would even dive and perform acrobatics, earning the amazement of the young colts and fillies. It is on one particular migration, however, that our story begins. A story of adventure, friendship, and courage. On this morning a fire drake named Athest, or ‘The Destroyer’ as he is known by his victims, came down from the mountains to lay waste to Ashdale. Athest was an incredibly greedy Dragon, therefor he was very large and the alpha of his flock. Athest wanted nothing more than to devour, and steal anything he saw worthy of his time. On this day, Athest sought out a new prize, this time, from Ashdale: The Aurora Stone. The Aurora Stone possessed magical properties ever since it was gifted to the founder of Ashdale by King Frinure II, high king of Griffinheim’s second age. The stone was enchanted by a Griffin sorceress to keep the harshness of the weather at bay, which is why the village withstood to be where it was. Without it, Ashdale would be consumed by the howling blizzards of the Griffin mountains. __________________________________________________ The late fall air nipped at the snouts of the townsponies that strolled along about their business. The occasional snow flurry fell from the sky and collided with the cobblestone streets. It was a beautiful morning, especially compared to the usual groggy mornings the little mountain town was accustomed to. Neon Flash, a pegasus, trotted down the street and through the marketplace. He nodded at passers by and even went so far as to give a hearty “Hello!”. He was a member of the mountain weather patrol. The MWP didn’t create the weather for Ashdale, like the pegasi did for the other parts of Equestria, but instead cleared any foul weather that was able to get past the Aurora Stone’s influence. Most of Ashdale’s weather was borrowed from over the mountains from the Griffins. The patrol mainly cleared away the streets and pushed away any amount of snow that had accumulated on the mountainside. The rest of the year, before the snowy seasons, Neon was a member of the Pegasi branch of the Ashdale guard. One never knew when a gang of Griffin bandits or a rogue gaggle of boars may come bumbling by. Though it was always open to attack, Ashdale didn’t really have anything of value to take, aside from the Aurora Stone, but a pony could never be too careful. Neon reached the town square and began to do his pre-flight stretches. He unfolded his pale yellow wings and thrust his chest forward. He leaned his head back and allowed his light green hair to flow in the mountain breeze. The cold didn’t really bother him, nor did it bother any pegasi, in fact. Pegasi were naturally immune to the cold, they had to be if they ever were to gain any altitude during flight. Neon’s back gave a few pops and he grunted with relief. Time to get this over with. He thought. He always hated weather duty. There wasn’t any duty to it, he would just fly around or re-route snowflakes. Not exactly my kind of work. He gave his head a few more shakes and flapped his wings. He took flight. Higher and higher he soared. He passed the influence of the Aurora Stone and immediately felt the difference. The wind blew much more strongly and the snow flurries whipped much faster past his face. He reached a point in the sky he felt comfortable with and began to scan. He spotted a large snow drift that began to form higher up on the slope. He sighed and started to head for it, when he heard the sound of hard, heavy wingbeats. He froze. Dragons! He thought, a sudden chill running down his spine. The dragons didn’t really bother Ashdale, but a pegasus that happened to wander into their migration path, well that might be a different story. Neon dove, quickly reducing his altitude. He whirled around just as a large flock of drakes began to fly overhead. They gave a long growl as they passed, warning him to keep his distance. He gave a quick sigh of relief and turned to resume his duties. As he turned, however, he caught a quick glimpse of something. He took another look to confirm what he had just seen. His heart sank. He turned and darted back to town. He tried to shout but he couldn’t find his voice. He turned to look again, hoping that the circumstances weren’t true. He collided into a white unicorn. Was he really that close to the ground? It didn’t matter! He had to warn everypony! “What’s your problem??” The unicorn said as he picked himself and the bags he was carrying off the ground. Neon still couldn’t find his voice, all he could do was shakily point toward the sky. The unicorn followed his hoof and then he saw it, blotching out the sun to the east. A winged figure with a wide toothy grin. Neon finally found his words. He screamed. “DRAGON!!” __________________________________________________ MonoChrome emerged from the inn where he was staying while at Ashdale. He studied dragons as sort of a hobby. He traveled north from Manehatten to get a glimpse of their northern migration paths. The light breeze whipped his black mane and his black and white scarf. This Aurora Stone really works wonders. He thought as he secured his saddlebags to his flanks. After he was satisfied and his bags weren’t going anywhere, he set out. He came to a low bridge that ran over a small stream. He sat on his haunches and propped his front legs on the side of the bridge. He acquired a pencil and notebook that he used to take notes from his bag and looked to the sky with anticipation. He saw the first flock of drakes fly over the mountain from the north. Then he saw something peculiar. A pegasus? In the migration path? He had better move. He then saw the pegasus dart below behind houses, obstructing himself from Chrome’s view. He looked back up to see his herd had flew behind him. Chrome packed his things and began to trot briskly. Maybe they’ll get into a fight mid-air! That’d be a sight! He shuddered with glee. Maybe even- WHAM! Chrome was knocked flat, his bags flung everywhere. He got to his hooves and levitated his bags back onto his flanks. “What’s your problem??” He asked eyeing what had hit him. It was the pegasus from before, he looked absolutely terrified. He sat shaking on the ground and moving his jaw up and down trying to form words. Chrome arched an eyebrow. The pegasus then lifted his hoof toward the sky. Chrome followed it. He then saw it, massive, blocking the sun even. Chrome’s eyes grew wide. He looked to the pegasus. “DRAGON!!” the pegasus screamed. Passersby stopped and wheeled toward the source of the sound, then craned their heads up to the sky. In seconds the town was in a panic. Chrome yanked the pegasus off the ground. “We gotta tell the guards!” said Chrome. The pegasus nodded in reply. The two ran as fast as they could to the front gate. A blue-grey earth pony met them half way. “What’s going on??” The guard asked. “Dragon! Sound the alarm!” The pegasus shouted. The earth pony nodded. “Follow me” he said. “Quickly!” The three sprinted for the front gate. they scurried up the ramp. They then reached a large gong, roughly 6ft. in diameter. The earth pony whirled around and bucked the instrument as hard as he could, producing a resonant sound that echoed over the screams of the townsponies. “Now what?” Chrome puffed. “Now, we head for th-” the earth pony was cut off. A swift gust of wind came in fierce and fast. It destroyed the gate where the ponies stood, sending them flying toward the center of town. The dragon let out a beastly roar as it glided over head and slowly landed. __________________________________________________ WallCloud was the newest recruit of the Ashdale guard. He had always wanted to join the guard and follow in his father’s hoofsteps. He was absolutely ecstatic. He rose early, polished his armor, shined his hooves, he even combed out his tail. He had to make a considerable appearance, of course. He trotted proudly, displaying his armor. He reached the gate and assumed his post upon the wall. He stood proudly at the top, flashing a cool smile at the occasional mare that would walk by. He observed the valley below, then he heard a shout. He turned and saw a unicorn and a pegasus lying on the ground. I better go break that up he thought. He descended the ramp and looked to the two again, this time the unicorn was standing and the pegasus was pointing to something above and behind him. The the pegasus shouted. “DRAGON!!” WallCloud jumped at these words and whirled around to peer into the sky, he was right! A huge dragon was descending upon Ashdale! WallCloud heard the screams and panic of the villagers, he turned and ran towards the two he had seen earlier. “What’s going on??” Wallcloud asked. “Dragon! Sound the alarm!” The pegasus shouted. WallCloud nodded. “Follow me, quickly!” he wheeled and sprinted toward the gate. The dragon grew closer, frightenly close. He could feel the wingbeats in his head, throbbing, relentless. They reached the top of the gate and to the alarm. WallCloud turned and bucked hard, making the gong resonate across the village. He turned to the others. “Now what?” the unicorn asked. “Now we head for the-” WallCloud was cut off. A large gust of wind from the dragon’s mammoth wing knocked the ponies away and completely destroyed the gate. WallCloud spun sickilly through space. He saw the ground approaching fasster and fasster then WHAM! He saw nothing but black. __________________________________________________ Neon coughed as he was jerked to his hooves. His head rang and his vision blurred. His senses slowly began to return. He could hear the muffled screams and the roaring terror of dragon fire, then he saw the unicorn standing in front of him yelling. He had the unconscious guard on his back and had Neon himself in a shaking magical grip. “WE Ha- -ET O-f ST-EET-” He was yelling. Neon shook his head. “WE HAVE TO GET OFF THE STREETS!” Neon finally comprehended.He groggily got to his feet then was jerked hard to the left. He glanced just as a clump of bricks came crashing down. This snapped him to attention. “WE HAVE TO GO NOW!” Chrome said. Neon nodded. “We can take shelter in the wine cellar down the block!” Neon said. “This way!” Neon and Chrome bolted down the street. Chrome glanced up and saw the dragon perched atop what had to be the Duke’s tower. It gave a primal roar and with a quick twist of it’s thick tail, it brought the tower crashing down, causing a domino effect that headed right toward the two sprinting ponies. “THERE IT IS, JUST AHEAD!” Neon yelled. He looked as one by one the buildings began to topple. “GO!” Chrome yelled as he, WallCloud in tow, and Neon lept for the entrance and tumbled down the stairs just as the rubble slammed against the door. __________________________________________________ “Oh dear!” Said a white unicorn mare as she almost dropped her cup of tea from her magical grasp. “What’s wrong, sugarcube?” An orange earth pony asked from across the table. “Ya have another vision?” “I still don’t get how that works” a sky-blue pegasus asked from the other end. “Yes, it’s more of the same, but this time I saw something else.” The unicorn explained. “I still saw the glimpses of dragon’s fire, a beautiful gemstone, a vast ocean, but I saw something new. A glimpse of 3 ponies…. coming here.”
Fellowship2. Fellowship WallCloud’s head throbbed as he rose from the cement floor of the wine cellar. He could hear the muffled screams and roars from the surface. Bottles on racks rattled as buildings came crashing down. “That’s what I would call a close shave” MonoChrome said as he looked to the ceiling. “We need to get back up there” WallCloud said as he rose to his hooves. “For Celestia’s sake, we can’t just hide down here like cowards!” “And do what?” Neon said. “That’s bigger than any dragon I’ve ever seen.” “I don’t know, something instead of cowering in the dust!” WallCloud said pushing his chest out to emphasize his entitlement. “Listen, greenhorn” Neon said “I know you want to help but there is nothing we can do. You’re lucky to even be alive if it wasn’t for…” He paused and glanced to the Unicorn. “MonoChrome” he nodded. “I’m Neon” “My name is WallCloud” He finally sighed. “This was my first day of duty.” “I thought I didn’t recognize you.” Neon said. “I’m part of the Pegasi squad the rest of the year.” “Where are you from?” Neon said as he turned to Chrome. “Manehatten” He replied. “What brings you here?” WallCloud said as he sat on his haunches. “Our mutual friend” Chrome replied giving his head a nod upward. “Well, not him specifically. Dragons in general.” “Are you a professor or something?” Neon asked. “No” Chrome replied “I study dragons as a hobby of sorts. Their migration paths, diets, culture. Shoot, I’ve even delved into their language a time or two.” “Language?” WallCloud asked. “Those beasts can actually speak?” “Well they used to,” MonoChrome explained “Centuries of greed and war have turned them feral. The only research I could find on the subject was buried deep in the Canterlot archives.” “You say you research them as a hobby?” Neon said as he leaned to the left to observe Chrome’s cutie mark, which was a golden comedy mask. “Yeah, but it appears that life has blessed me with another destiny.” He said flatly, noticing Neon’s gesture. “I’m a stand-up comedian.” “Terrific.” WallCloud said, lowering his head. “I’m stuck in a hole during a crisis with a weekend warrior and a joke artist.” “Don’t forget about the rookie.” Neon said trying to pull WallCloud back to their level. “It was probably your galavanting around in the sky that brought that creature here!” WallCloud was angry now. He stood up and puffed his chest out again. “Yeah?” Neon said, defending himself. “ Well if you had your eyes open and alert instead of flaunting for the mares or something, you could’ve sounded the alarm and adverted this crisis!” “Don’t you tell me how to do my job, fly-boy!” “Oh, the ‘job’ you just got this morning?” “Guys.” Chrome said. “At least I’m a full time guard!” “Yeah, and a full time screw up as well” “Guys” Chrome said more assertively. “Don’t you try and preach to me! You were practically peeing yourself!” “At least I didn’t faint like a little filly, when-” “GUYS!” Chrome yelled, separating the two with his magic. “Listen!” They both fell silent. It was quiet, eerily quiet. They no longer heard the turmoil for above. “C’mon” Chrome said as they made toward the door. Chrome pushed upwards with everything he could on the door, but it didn’t budge. “Let me help” WallCloud said as he came up beside Chrome. “Count of three.” Chrome braced himself against the door once again. “One.” He began. “Two.” Neon joined as he came to Chrome’s other side. “Three!” All three ponies pushed will all their might. The door creaked heavily and the sounds of bricks being shuffled began, but the door didn’t budge. The ponies relaxed. “There’s too much rubble.” Neon panted. “Let me try something.” MonoChrome said. “Stand back.” Neon and WallCloud obliged and stood behind the unicorn. Chrome closed his eyes and pawed at the cement to get a better stance. His horn glowed. A low deep hum began, faint at first, then began to grow louder and more high pitched when it finally- “HA!” Chrome let out as a bolt of light lanced from his horn and collided with the door, sending slivers of wood and debris sailing outward into the ruins of Ashdale. “Good work” WallCloud said, giving Chrome a bump with his side as he walked by. WallCloud was the first to exit, followed by Chrome, then Neon. They reached the street and haulted abruptly. The three ponies looked around at the utter devastation. Very few buildings were left standing, the cobblestone paths were charred black. A heavy wind kicked snow flurries that circled and danced around the ponies. “Sweet Celestia.” Neon said under his breath. Heavy clouds of fog puffed from his mouth, which hung agape. “Why would he have come here? We’ve never had problems with dragons before.” “Because of the Aurora Stone.” Said a voice from behind them. They all turned and looked in amazement. There stood an elderly mare with silky white hair and a silver-blue coat, A stout, brawny green earth pony and a handful of survivors that withstood the attack. All looked forlorn. “Claire!” Neon said. “Father!” WallCloud said also as they rushed to the group. “Thank goodness you’re alright, son!” WallCloud’s father said taking his son into a loving embrace. “Claire, this group of ponies, and I are the only survivors.” He said grimly. He glanced to the pegasus. “I’m glad to see you’re okay also, Neon.” He noticed MonoChrome. “Yet, I’m not familiar with your face yet. I am Heavy Tread, captain of the Ashdale guard, and this is ClaireVoyance, wisest pony of our village.” “I’m MonoChrome.” He said nodding. “You said something about the Aurora Stone being the reason the dragon was here?” “Indeed” Claire said, her age apparent in her voice. “But that is not just any dragon. That is Athest, the destroyer! Long have ponies cowered in fear from him and his tyranny.” She explained. She looked to the ever darkening sky. “His last invasion like this was nearly 500 years ago, long for ponies, but only a blink in the life of a dragon. I know not why he has resurfaced, but I know that it cannot be good.” “What would he want with the Aurora Stone?” WallCloud asked. “It only reduces the effects of the weather, right?” Claire nodded. “Indeed. It was given as a gesture of peace by the griffins. I suppose in the old age of Athest, anything can be seen to hold value.” The wind howled and clouds began to quickly form in the sky. “Already, without the stone’s presence, the storms will come in full force.” Heavy Tread observed. “Even if we rebuild, it will all be for nothing. Without the stone, Ashdale will be no more.” The crowd began to talk in hushed tones. “What if we were to take it back?” Neon said, quickly silencing the crowd. “You speak of suicide!” One of the ponies said from the group. “He’s right, even if you somehow knew where the dragons nested, there is no way you could possibly take the stone back.” Heavy Tread said. “Good thing there’s a nimble and quick pegasus willing to make the journey, eh?” Neon said smugly as he struck a pose, earning more whispers from the crowd. “What do you mean?” Tread asked arching an eyebrow. “Pegasi are notoriously quiet and light on their hooves, stealing the stone back will be a breeze!” Neon said. “Oh, all by yourself?” WallCloud said. “You’d need a guide that has proper training in wilderness survival with you. You’d probably eat the wrong kind of mushroom and imagine you’re some sort of bat-pony!” WallCloud gave a hiss, imitating a bat. A few chuckles emerged from the crowd. “You’re right!” Neon said “How ‘bout it sir?” Neon asked Heavy Tread. WallCloud’s ears flattened and a look of annoyance emerged on his face. “Nay, I cannot.” Tread said with a shake of his head. “The ponies need me here. I must guide them to safety across the valley.” “Well it looks like it’s a trip for one again!” Neon said smugly grinning at WallCloud. “However” Heavy Tread continued “WallCloud has all the experience you seek.” Neon’s ears flattened, while WallCloud’s perked up. “Really?” WallCloud asked. Tread nodded, giving his son a warm smile. “You’re mother would be proud of the stallion you’ve become.” Tread said. “I know you’ll be fine, my son.” “Yes yes, this is all well and good.” Claire said. “but, we’re forgetting one crucial detail: Where are the dragon’s headed?” Everypony fell silent. Neon raised his head and quickly turned towards MonoChrome. “You!” Neon exclaimed. “Beg pardon?” MonoChrome said, taking a half step back. “You know where they’re headed!” Neon said pointing a hoof. “You said you came to Ashdale to study the dragons! Their behavior, language, growth rate, migration paths!” “Is this true?” Tread said, turning to MonoChrome. The crowd rose from whispers to murmers. “Yes, but the dragon’s roost is far across the sea” Chrome explained as he drew a crude map in the dirt. “We’d have to make our way across Equestria to the southern tip then sail across to Cervidas, then after that..” He gave a shrug. “It’s all new ground. Nopony’s ever mapped it. It’s a lost world.” Claire nodded, deep in thought. “You’re certain of this?” She asked. “Absolutely” Chrome said. “Then there still may be hope for Ashdale, yet.” She smiled. “What?” Chrome asked, astonished. “I Just said that nopony has ever been there, the only reason ponykind has this information, is because of the deerkin!” “Then you can be sure to ask them more when you get there” Claire smiled. Chrome silenced himself, but he was still in total shock about all of this. “You’ll need provisions.” Tread began. “Everyone, scour the wreckage for anything of use. Food, blankets, rope, etc.” The group dispersed and scavenged anything they could find. Soon they had three pairs of saddle bags stuffed full of supplies. ___________________________________ The group passed through the ruins of the Ashdale gate and headed down the old mountain path into the green valley below. WallCloud glanced back to the ruins once more. The dark storm clouds had nearly consumed the outcropping where Ashdale sat. He Sadly turned back to face forward and fell in step with his father. “Do not tell me you are having second thoughts.” Tread said giving his son a nudge. “It’s not that, father, it’s just..” WallCloud took a moment to find his words. “What if we fail? What if it’s too much? I’ve already failed to protect the village once.” “WallCloud, do not do that to yourself!” Tread said. “There was nothing you, the rest of the guard, or even the Princesses themselves could have done to prevent this.” WallCloud looked his father in the eye. “I have faith in you three, and so should you.” The group continued down the path. MonoChrome said nothing, looked at nopony and kept his gaze fixed on the path ahead. “Bit for your thoughts?” Neon asked asked as he came into step with MonoChrome. “Hm?” Chrome asked as he looked up. “I dunno, it all just seems so sudden. I mean, just this morning I was watching dragons fly around, and now I’m part of an epic journey I don’t remember joining.” “Look if you don’t-” “No, it’s not that!” Chrome interrupted. “It’s just a little overwhelming, I mean, I’ve never been south of Manehatten.” “So why did you come to Ashdale?” Neon pressed. “It was apparent that even the Canterlot archives had limited information about dragons, so I had no choice but to come get first-hoof experience with them.” “I’m sure this isn’t exactly what you had in mind” Neon said giving a light chuckle. “Poor choice of words, I know.” Chrome said lowering his head. “Look, I know we just met, but I’ve got your back.” Neon gave Chrome a warm smile and extended his hoof. “Friends?” Chrome hesitated for a split second, but returned the smile and bumped neons hoof. “Yeah, Friends.” “It’s just like something my father used to tell me.” Neon said smiling to the sky. “Friendship is on of the most powerful weapons around, with it you can overcome anything, so fear not.” “Your father sounds very wise.” Chrome said as he pondered what Neon had said. “Yeah,” Neon replied. “He was.” The Group stopped at a fork in the path. “Here is where we must separate.” Tread began. “I will lead the others to Noveria across the valley. From here you must continue on through the Forsaken Forest. Your quest is clear. Track down Athest, take back the Aurora Stone and save Ashdale! I have faith in you, do not let us down.” WallCloud hugged his father a final time, Neon said his goodbyes to the villagers, and even MonoChrome got a few hugs from the villagers, to his surprise. They all three turned and faced the south. “You guys ready?” Neon asked as he pawed the dirt. “Meet ya at the forest feather-brain” WallCloud said. “Are we really running, I mean-” Chrome said until was interrupted by the earth pony and pegasus erupting into a full gallop. “Buck.” Chrome cursed as he too broke into a run.
Valley Camp3. The Valley Camp The three ponies pushed hard down the green valley, large mountain ranges on either side loomed menacingly. They had been galloping fast all afternoon. The sun was now beginning to creep lower to their right, signaling that the day was to end soon. “Alright guys, let’s stop here. We don’t want to take on the Forsaken Forest at night.” Neon said over his shoulder, slowing to a trot. WallCloud raced past him a wheeled back around before slowing to a trot. MonoChrome, however, flumped over as soon as he heard the word ‘stop’. WallCloud strolled over to the panting unicorn. “You don’t run much, do you?” WallCloud chuckled, holding out a hoof. “Only my mouth, and that’s got me in quite a few ordeals!” MonoChrome said as he took the outstretched hoof. “And what, pray tell, kind of ordeals could a comedian possibly get into?” WallCloud asked with an arched eyebrow. “Hey, those bar-tabs can get pretty high!” Chrome said with a snarky grin. Wallcloud and MonoChrome shared in a laugh as they both unstrapped their bags. “Alright, you are comical, I’ll give you that one.” Wallcloud said as he rummaged for a quick snack. “But, I am having trouble understanding how you came to be in Ashdale?” He began, speaking through mouthfuls of apple. “I mean, for someone not used to physical exertion.” “Rode with the trade caravans most of the way!” Chrome called over his shoulder as he too retrieved an apple. “The only railway that comes this far is to the crystal empire, but it runs along the other side of the mountain.” “Plus” Neon began” The airships aren’t in service during the migrations.” “Also true” Chrome said as he flopped onto his haunches. “We should probably make a fire. I imagine it’ll get quite nippy.” Neon nodded in confirmation. “Know any fire spells?” Chrome shook his head. “Sorry, fire is not my specialty.” “What was that you used to help us escape the cellar then?” WallCloud asked taking another bite from his apple. “That was a little spell I came up with myself” Chrome said proudly. “It’s a basic light spell, but supercharged into actual kinetic energy.” The other two looked at him with blank stares. Noticing their stares, he explained further. “You see, light is made of molecules called ‘photons’ and photons are what are prodeuced from my horn during the spell. These photons absorb the atoms from whatever I’m around, in this case air, the photons charge the collected atoms, and since the atoms in air are less stable, I am able to take the energy they are emitting and amplify it in to the destructive force in which you two witnessed!” Monochrome finished, waiting for some hint that they understood. The two ponies said nothing. They sit astonished, simply staring at the unicorn. “Annnd…. you’re a comedian?” Neon said astonished. “Part-time” MonoChrome smiled. “You could’ve saved a lot of time by just saying it was ‘magic’” WallCloud said, giving his head a scratch. “Magic is only science we don’t understand yet.” MonoChrome said giving a wink. “At any rate, magic or not, we need a fire.” WallCloud said as he looked up to the now orange sky. “I’ll go find some fire wood, you two rest.” Neon said as he darted skyward. “Loves to fly doesn’t he?” WallCloud said as he watched Neon depart. “As most pegasi do I suppose.” MonoChrome said. “Speaking of which, ‘WallCloud’ doesn’t really sound like an earth pony name. Something more accustomed to pegasi.” “Aye.” WallCloud said giving a slight nod. “That is because I was named by my mother.” “Your mother was a pegasus?” MonoChrome asked quizzically. “Funny how genetics work.” “Indeed it is. My father spoke highly of her.” WallCloud said solemnly. “She died when I was just a foal.” “Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.” MonoChrome said, quickly backing off the subject. “Worry not” WallCloud said as he flattened out a place for the fire. “It feels nice to think of her.” “I never knew my parents.” MonoChrome said as he watched WallCloud. “I was taken in by an earth pony family in Manehatten.” “How is it you came to learn magic?” Wallcloud asked, finally satisfied with his fire place clearing. “I studied at Celestia’s college.” MonoChrome said as he smiled, remembering his home. “My family saved every bit they could so I could go one day.” “And where does the comedy play in?” WallCloud asked. MonoChrome chuckled. He hadn’t thought about any of this for a long while. “Manehatten’s majority population is earth ponies, right?” MonoChrome said. WallCloud nodded in confirmation. “Well, unicorn foals are much smaller than earth pony foals, and since I had to go to a school where the majority is mostly earth ponies, you can imagine I made for an easy target.” MonoChrome said as he dug up long suppressed memories. “Most times I could out-run them. Other times, however they cornered me. ‘Look at the egg-head’ they’d say. ‘Let’s see if it scrambles!’” “That’s terrible!” WallCloud said. “What did you do?” MonoChrome grinned. “The only the thing that I could think of, I was out of options, it was almost reflex: I told a joke.” __________________________________________ A gang of chubby little earth ponies gathered around in a back alley. They cheered and stamped their hooves as they surrounded their prey. “C’mon guys, cut it out!” Squeaked a little white unicorn that was pinned under their hooves. “You think you’re bettah den us?” One said in a think Manehatten accent. “I never said anything like that- OW!” Chrome said as they applied more pressure on top of him. “Got anything you wanna say before we clobbah you??” Another said on the other side from Chrome. “ummm, Yeah!” Chrome said as he tried to prolong the inevitable as much as he could. He searched his mind for something to buy him some time. He was grasping at straws. e said the first thing that came to mind. “Uhhhhhh, did you guys know that my dog doesn’t have a nose??” The cheers stopped as the group pondered. “Well, then how does he smell??” The colt who had Chrome pinned asked with squinted eyes. “Terrible!” Chrome said with a huge grin. He shut his eyes and waited forr impact. Everypony stopped. They looked at him with confused expressions. Suddenly a colt in the back burst out in uncontrolled laughter, then one after another everypony began to laugh. I couldn’t believe it! They were actually laughing, So I told another one… “You guys like that one?” MonoChrome asked, still on the ground. He knew he had to keep the momentum going if he were ever to make any progress. “I’d tell you one about amnesia, but I forgot how it goes!” The group roared in laughter again, this time allowing him off the ground. How did you come up with those? I dunno, but it tends to happen when I get nervous, my joke bottle becomes uncorked… “I’m glad you guys like these! They’re usually like our hoofball team!” The group grew quiet in eager anticipation. “.....Swing and miss.” The group howled in laughter again. “We’s wrong about you, unicorn.” One colt said. “Yeah, you’re alright!” said another between chuckles. “C’mon guys! My mom’s makin’ some brownies! We’ll seeya later MonoChrome!” MonoChrome wore a nervous grin until the group ran out of sight. MonoChrome let out a sigh of relief. “Sure weaseled out of that one!” Came a voice from above. A light pink pegasus filly buzzed awkwardly down to the ground. “Oh, heya, Rosie.” Chrome smiled as she descended. “I guess this means we can’t hang out anymore, huh?” She asked with her big purple eyes quivering. “What do you mean?” Chrome said dumbfounded. “We’re like best friends!” Rosie gave a nod to Chrome’s flank. He looked for himself and was positively beaming at what he saw. His cutie mark appeared! A golden comedy mask. He looked back to rosie who had a sad expression while looking at her own flanks. “This doesn’t change anything! We’re still best friends!” Chrome said as he gave her a nuzzle. “Forever!” Rosie smiled and returned the nuzzle. “Wanna go see if CoCo wants to go to the park?” Rosie gave an excited nod and the duo ran down the street. __________________________________________ “Ahhhhh, had a little filly friend, eh?” WallCloud said as he casually nipped at the tall green grass around him. “No no, nothing like that.” Chrome said, smiling at the memory of Rosie. “She moved away not long after that.” “Annnnnnnd the fire express returns!” Neon said as he landed, releasing a bundle of wood onto the stomped down portion of grass. A few stars began to appear throughout the ever darkening sky. WallCloud rose to his hooves and sifted through the pile of sticks and produced a split piece of wood and a long, straight stick. “Though I do not have proper tinder, this will have to do.” he said. He nipped up a bundle of gras and spat it down near the fire wood. “MonoChrome, can you help me a second?” “Sure, what do you need?” Chrome said as he approached. “I need you to rotate this stick as quickly as you can with your magic.” WallCloud said. “Once you have some friction going, Neon I need you to fan the embers until a flame starts.” “Right.” Neon nodded. WallCloud stood the long stick upright and allowed MonoChrome to grasp it in his blue aura. WallCloud took a nice flat stone he found and pressed down on top of the stick with it to hold it in place. He nodded to MonoChrome who began to spin it with his magic. The stick began to squeak against the flat plat of wood. Slowly red ember began to fall into the grass bundle. Neon began to slowly fan his wings. Gentle breezes of air circulated around the bundle until.. “Aha!” WallCloud said as the bundle was quickly engulfed by flames. “Quickly MonoChrome!” WallCloud said “Take this and put it under the wood!” MonoChrome obliged and took the flames within his aura. He sat the bundle under the pile of wood, which quickly began to crackle and pop as the flames grew bigger. The ponies stepped back from the ever growing heat. “That is what I call a quality fire!” WallCloud said, clearly impressed. Neon let out a yawn. “Well, guys” Neon began, I think we should get some shut eye. Long road ahead in the morning.” He said. “Aye, the Forsaken Forest will be a cruel mistress indeed.” WallCloud added. “Good night everypony.” MonoChrome said as he rolled over onto his back and looked up to the stars. He slowly closed his eyes and dreamt. Visions of his colthood and a certain pink pegasus… ___________________________ A dark silhouette glided menacingly over the streets. The ferocious sounds it made overheard could frighten even the most battle-hardened stallions. A dragon. The Largest dragon ponykind had ever seen. Where this town was, no one could say, but the ponies that were there wished with all they had that they were somewhere else. The beast erupted a jet of flames from its mouth and arced it into the sky, asserting its superiority. “Where is it!?” It bellowed in a booming ear shattering voice. “WHERE IS THE WHITE UNICORN.?!” It then lanced out another flame jet, but this time aimed at an actual building. A familiar building, in fact. One shaped like a carousel. _________________________ Rarity kicked straight from her slumber and sat panting, sweat beading from her forehead. Gracious! she thought. These visions are getting more and more vivid. She removed her sleeping mask and looked at the clock. 3 a.m.?! She rubbed her eyes.Who was the white unicorn that voice spoke of? She couldn’t shake the suspicion that she was seeing her own grim future.
