Author's Note

We hope that you enjoy reading this as much we enjoyed writing! We appreciate any constructive feedback.

Introduction

Twilight Sparkle sat surrounded by books in the Ponyville library, when she let out a defeated groan, “It’s not here Spike! I can’t find any mention of what lies beyond the Everfree forest.” Twilight stood, levitating her current read to the pedestal by the window.

“Maybe you aren’t looking in the right place?” Suggested Spike. “Which book are you reading now?”

“The History of Equestria and its neighbors,” replied Twilight. “It just refers to whatever’s behind or inside of the Everfree Forest as Everfree. So is it just a continuation of the forest?” Spike opened his mouth to reply, and let out a belch of green flames.

“A letter from Celestia!” Exclaimed Twilight as she opened the scroll and began to read.

Dear Princess Twilight,
I have come across some unfortunate and urgent news. Please gather your friends, and come to Canterlot as soon as possible.

Sincerely,
Princess Celestia

“Woah,” said Spike, “I wonder what could be so urgent?”

“I am not sure,” replied Twilight nervously, “but if she is asking me to gather the Elements of Harmony, it must be serious.”

Once the mares had gathered in Canterlot, Princess Celestia began to tell a story.

“In the land to the north of Equestria, past the Everfree forest, there is an evil queen. She has taken control of the villages in Everfree, the first few years of her reign went by smoothly, but recently she has begun to abuse the power of the throne. She has divided families and friends. One village now only has Earth Ponies, another with just Unicorns, and a third in the sky with just Pegasi.” Celestia paused to make sure the mares were following. “Now that the Queen has all of Everfree divided, there is strong belief that her next goal is going to be to take over Equestria, with the same intent.”

Pinkie Pie gasped obnoxiously.

“What?!” Exclaimed Rainbow Dash. “There is no way we would let that happen!”

“Which is why I would like the six of you to go into Everfree, and defeat the Queen before she has the chance to enter Equestria. Queen Gardenia draws her power from division. Now that they are successfully divided in Everfree, it will be more difficult to defeat her. This is going to require the Element’s of Harmony at their best. Will you girls be able to help me?” Princess Celestia asked.

“Of course!” Rainbow Dash grinned, obviously ready to go.

“You can count on us, yer majesty.” Applejack followed.

“We won’t let you down Princess.” Twilight stated confidently.

“Just one question, how are we going to get there? It must be several days walking just to get to the Equestrian border.” Rarity inquired reluctantly.

“You are quite right Rarity. I will not be able to get you into one of the villages.” Celestia explained, “but I will be able to teleport you to just outside one of them. Are you ready to go now?”

The group gave collective nod. Fluttershy looked at all of her friends and swallowed before timidly nodding too.

“Wonderful.” Celestia nodded, turning and levitating a small set of seven mirrors. “These mirrors are enchanted so that we can communicate. There is one for each of you, just in case you get separated, or find the need to split up.” Celestia turned to Twilight. “Now that you are a princess, remember that when you endanger yourself needlessly, you are bargaining the future of Equestria.” With that final warning, Celestia turned back to the smll group of mares. “Is there anything you need before you leave?”

“Princess?” Twilight asked hesitantly. “Would you mind looking after Spike? I don’t want him to get hurt.”

Spike began to object. “Of course.” Celestia smiled, greatly reassuring Twilight. “Any other concerns?”

Five mares shook their heads no, and Fluttershy meeped.

“Very well. Good luck, and return safely.” Celestia’s horn began to glow. There was a bright flash, and the six vanished from the castle.