The Exiled

Chapters

Exile
The coming storm
The Storm
Isolation
Reunion
Revelation
Day zero

Exile

“Twilight... how could you?” Rainbow Dash said in solemn shock. Her mane and fur were tattered and dirty. She had a deep, still healing wound on her left foreleg and a bandaged torso.

'Why is this happening?'

“Rainbow Dash please! I'm slipping! Pull me up!” Twilight said frantically, digging her hooves into the dirt. Her heart was racing and her vision was tunneling. All she could see was her only friend left in the world, staring down at something on the ground, ignoring her pleading cries.

'Do you really want to hear my pitiful story?'

“We trusted you. I trusted you...” Rainbow's eyes scanned back and forth at the object beneath her, as if hoping it would change the next time she looked it over. Tears began welling up in her eyes.

“Dashie please! I- I can't hold on much longer! I can explain I swear! Just, just help me please!” Twilight began sliding, being pulled down by her body that was limp with mortal fear. Her hind legs dangled uselessly, only serving to pull her down. She shut her eyes tight, squeezing hot drops from their corners.

'It's pathetic really... How I came to this fate. Honestly, I don't even know all the details myself. That's the pathetic part I guess.'

“Shut up! I- I can't think!” Dash put her hooves over her ears, and shook her head violently. All the while, Twilight slipped further down.

“Please Dashie..”

“Don't call me that!” She sapped, her eyes shot open, they burned with an intense anger and hurt. Tears streamed down her face.

“Rainbow, I'm slipping! I don't want to die out here, please!” The dirt under one of her hooves gave way, cascading down the perilous edge and taking her hoof with it. She struggled to bring her hoof back up, but the shift in weight only caused her remaining hoof to slide faster. Gritting her teeth, she slowly let her hoof dangle.

“You lied! To everypony! Everypony who trusted you! You lied to me! You just took advantage of my loyalty and used me!”

“No! Rainbow Dash, you have to trust me! I need you. Please, trust me.” Her hoof was now less than an inch away from the edge, she looked at Rainbow Dash with pleading eyes.

'My name is Twilight Sparkle, until recently, I was a princess. Now? Now I'm on the verge of death in a foreign wilderness.'

“Rainbow Dash. Help me!”

'This is my story. The tale of how I, Princess Twilight Sparkle, was sent into exile.'

Rainbow Dash looked frantically between the item on the forest floor and the pony whose life, was literally slipping away. She stopped and shut her eyes, looking for clarity. After and eternity long moment, a moment in which all of nature seemed to come to a stand still, she opened her eyes. She took one long, sorrow filled look into the dangling ponies eyes.

“Twilight... I'm sorry” With those words, she turned away. Finally, her last life line gave out, and she fell. Air blasted around her as she tumbled helplessly down to her end. Tears surged up her face, forced along by the winds. The earth below was fast approaching, the jagged stone seeming eager to meet her. Is this how it all ends? was her last thought before she felt the painful, sudden impact...
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'Okay, perhaps I should start at the beginning... well, not necessarily the beginning, I'm still piecing that together. Let us start at that fateful day. The day my peaceful life fell apart. The day that I was sentenced to exile.'

“Bring the prisoner forward.” Her former mentor spoke in a cold command. Bowing her head, she slowly began trotting forward. Her shackles rattled and painfully rubbed against her hooves. She was sore and tired. They were in a dark hallway, dimly lit by candle light. Coming to a stop, one of the many guards at her sides light his horn, engulfing the handles of large ornate wooden doors in a green glow. The door creaked open and a blindingly bright light shined through the growing space between the doors into her eyes. She shut them tight and looked down to the floor... It was the sunlight, shining through the glass ceiling of the court. She had been in that dark prison for days, her eyes weren’t ready for such intense light.

“I said forward!” Celestia boomed angrily. Suddenly, she felt a quick and painful tug at her collar as she was dragged by her neck towards her fate. She choked and gasped for air, but the guard had no sympathy for the lowly prisoner. She was then dropped in front of a tall, overbearing podium. Three podiums actually. The tallest of which was in the middle, and there sat the princess of the sun, Princess Celestia. To her left, in a slightly shorter podium sat Princess Luna. At her right, sat two, Princess Cadance and her husband, the captain of the royal guard and the accused own brother Shining Armor. As her eyes adjusted she saw that the courtroom was filled, it was a complete spectacle. Sitting closest to the show was her friends, the elements of harmony, though they were short on element of loyalty. Her heart began to sink at the sight of her friends. She didn't think she was capable of feeling any lower.

“The accused has been found guilty of treason, in particular, plotting a coup d'etat with enemy forces against Equestria. You have also been found guilty of plotting the murder of royalty as well as committing acts of sabotage against the crown.”

She closed her eyes, but the tears still poured forth. 'I didn't think I had any tears left. Oh Celestia why did it have to end like this?'

“Twilight Sparkle, for committing these heinous crimes there is only one fitting punishment.”

I can't believe this is happening, I wish this were all a dream. What will I do? What can I do? I- it's over..

“Twilight Sparkle, you are hereby sentenced..”

Please no, please no!

“To exile!”

The coming storm

“Twilight, uh, could I maybe get a hoof over here?” Rainbow Dash said with impatient urgency. Flapping her wings as fast as she could she struggled against the binding vines that gripped her hind leg like a vice. More of the green tendrils rapidly slithered towards her. She could feel her hoof beginning to go numb from the blood being cut off.

“Hang on Rainbow Dash, I'm coming!” Twilight yelled, her horn a glow as she fired her magic against the plants, stunning them into immobility, but their numbers were great. It seemed as though the entire wilderness was one large predator. She spun around to face Rainbow Dash, she was less than ten meters away but between them slithered a writhing mass of animate vegetation. What should I do?! None of my other spells worked on them. I could teleport but they seem to know where I'll appear when I do. What is this place!? No, I can't give up, Rainbow Dash needs me. I cant let her die out here, I wont! I'll protect her! Determination burned in her eyes, and she made a mad dash towards her friend. She weaved between the vines as they lunged for her, but her body was exhausted and weak, she quickly slowed down. Only half way to Rainbow Dash she was pulled back, something gripped her tail and pulled her off her hooves. It dragged her back slowly. She watched through the obscuring vines as they closed in around Dash.

“I said let go!” She stopped flapping her wings, and fell towards the ground where more tendrils were waiting for her. However, just inches before she would have been grabbed she spread her wings and flapped with all her might, sending her backwards. The vine on her leg followed, refusing to let her go, which was exactly what she was counting on. A smile spread across her face as she turned around on a dime, still less than a feathers length from the forest floor. Vines shot up to snare her but with another quick turn she circled around them, entangling them with the one that held her captive. Her hooves briefly making contact with the ground she ducked back under the one that bound her leg, completing the knot and successfully binding up the vines.

“Ha! Not so tough now are you! I could take..” Her jeering was cut off as the vine squeezed tighter around her leg. Suddenly, she was pulled back and swung around, the force looked as though it could snap her leg. with one more mighty swing it released her, sending her skidding across the ground right in front of Twilight. She tumbled, slamming against rocks and debris until coming to a stop within hooves reach of Twilight.

“Rainbow Dash! No!” She struggled as hard as she could but only got a few inches as she felt more vines creeping up her body. Dash was bleeding from her side, staining her fur and the ground a dark red. No... Rainbow Dash. How could I have let this happen? After what you have done for me, all you sacrificed. Tears were now streaming down her face, even as the vines crept around her, she only felt sorrow, regret and... useless. She felt useless to protect her friend.

“No!” She screamed, lunging forward and grabbing a hold of her injured friends hoof. Light erupted from her horn, it flicked in intensity before becoming a nearly blinding light. After a moment it ended and she could no longer feel the movement of the vines. Looking behind her she saw that her spell had frozen them in place, all of them. Frantically she shook of the stunned plants off her body.

“Twilight..” Dash groaned, staggering back to her hooves. She had a long laceration running along her side. Thankfully it wasn't too deep. “We have to get out of here. Come on.” She spoke weakly, taking long labored breaths, trying to recover the air that had been knocked out of her. She quickly extended her wings, wincing from the pain.

“You're no condition to fly! Hold still, I'll get us out of here.” Her horn again lit up with a light purple glow. But her concentration was broken as the felt the forest shaking beneath her hooves. They both looked around, scanning the trees however, they saw nothing. Just as suddenly as it began, it stopped. The forest descended into an ominous silence. It was unnerving, Twilight could hear her heart, it was pounding with fear and anticipation.

“We need to get out..” Before Twilight could finish the ground beneath her erupted, sending her skyward atop a monstrous mass of twisted vines and branches, it was taller than Golden Oak Library but still didn't come close to reaching the canopy of this massive forest.

“Twilight!” Dash screamed starring up at the creature. It turned to face the source of the sound. It's only distinguishing feature were two green orbs on stalks protruding from it looking down at her. They looked like insect eyes, they were a shiny, almost unnatural green. It was clearly looking at her with intent. A grumbling sound reputed from within it as the vines beneath it's massive eyes began to separate. At first it seemed to open a dark, void like cavern, but quickly sprouting from the vines at it's perimeter, were thorns longer than a pony and looked terrifyingly sharp and jagged. It was a mouth. Dash's jaw dropped. Dash was too stunned to move, they stared at each other in ominous quiet. Then, the beast let out an ear splitting screech from its maw. The force of the sound seemed to push on Dash. Long tendrils shot out from it's sides and it began to lurch forward, shredding the earth in front of it as it moved towards Rainbow Dash.

Twilight watch from atop the monster, she could feel it's vines writhing under her hooves. They grew around her, almost as though they could see her. What do I do? How could I let her come to this place with me, this is all my fault!

“Rainbow Dash! Run! Get away! I'll distract it but you have to get out of here!” She shouted at the top of her lungs, hoping, praying that Dash would heed her words. Her horn ignited, firing a cone of magical light, stunning the vines in front of her. She leapt forward, narrowly avoiding the weeds that swung down behind her.

Dash still stood, looking up at the behemoth, but now, her look was not stunned of scared. It was serious and determined.

“I am not leaving you alone with this thing! We're getting out of this together and that's that!” No sooner than after she finished speaking did the monster's tentacles lunge forward at Rainbow Dash, fragments of rock and earth shot at her. Quickly she unfurled her wings, tugging at the open wound on her side, but she didn't hesitate as she launched into the air..

“Twilight! Jump!” Dash flew back away from the monster while gaining altitude.

Twilight struggled against the vines that were wrapping around her hooves, she felt them pulling her down into the beast's body. Jump? I'm not as fast as you, it'll snatch me out of the air. Teleporting wont work, and even if I could I cant leave you with this thing? What are you thinking Dash? She fired another blast of magic, but her strength was waning. She could feel her reserves of magic running dry and her focus was scattered at best.

“Twilight! Jump and teleport! Trust me!” Rainbow Dash propelled herself forwards, the force of the air blasting against her flank stung her wound. Being careful to conserve enough magic to teleport she released one more blast of magic, successfully stunning the vines. She didn't have time to consider any alternatives, all she could do was trust Dash's plan. More vines reared up from around it's head like a crown. They were closing in on her, surrounding her. Steeling herself for one more moment, she unfurled her wings and dove down. As she thought, the monster was ready for her. She fell right in front of it's large eyes and more tendrils exploded at her, she didn't have time to fly out of the way. Her horn lit up and she disappeared just as the tentacles occupied the space she had just vacated. Somehow though, it knew where she would reappear. She was looking down at the fast approaching earth as she fell along the side of the monster. But, just as before, already had a net of vines awaiting only a tail length away now. Shutting her eyes tight she waited for what she knew was about to happen... and it did! She felt a hard impact on her side, knocking the air out of her lungs. It was painful, but she knew it was better than the alternative. Rainbow Dash and come through. A streak of rainbow had blown through the vines separating them. For a moment, Twilight was filled with relief, until she realized they weren't flying, they were in a tumbling through the air and falling fast.

Rainbow Dash! She she screamed in her mind before their trajectory brought them skidding along the ground. They rolled over the grass, dirt and rocks, Twilight's eyes shut tight through the whole thing. They finally came to a stop. Twilight slowly opened her eyes, perplexed at how soft her landing was until her opened her eyes. Laying beneath her, among a patch of pure white flowers was Rainbow Dash, her mouth was bleeding and her eyes were still closed. Panic took over, part of her mind on her injured friend, the other on the sound of the vine monster coming closer to them. They had made it a considerable distance but still, they wouldn't have much time.

“Dash! Dash wake up please! You have to get up!” She shook her unconscious friend with her hooves, her tears falling onto her, soaking into her soft blue fur. They sound of the monster stopped, it had to be right behind her. “I won't leave you...” Shakily, she stood up, her entire body was sore. The scent of blood mixed with the dull scent of the flowers and the forest's damp smell. She braced herself, she didn't know what she would do but, she wouldn't leave Dash. She slowly turned to face it, fear and determination danced in her glistening eyes.... But it was nowhere to be seen.

“I- it's gone...” The forest's natural sounds returned, birds and small animals could again be heard. She felt as though she was safe.

'Twilight..' A voice echoed. It was a familiar voice, one she knew very well.

“Rainbow Dash?” Twilight called out.

'Twilight. Twilight!'
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“Twilight. Twilight, we need to get moving.” Dash said as she shook Twilight's shoulder with her hoof. The white glow faded from her eyes as she blinked her eyes as though she had just woken up from a long nap.

“Rainbow, what time is it? How long was I out?” She said slightly dazed. They were in a thick growth of trees and bushes, it surrounded them on all sides, giving them at least a semblance of security. Though, as long as Dash was watching over her, she felt safe. Dash looked up towards the canopy, the bright green glow of mid day was now dim and the temperature was slightly cooler.

“It's getting dark soon, you've been out for a few hours. A storm is coming, I think we need to find a better shelter. Those cliffs we saw the other day are in the direction we're going, I bet we could find a cave.” Dash said, her generally confident and brash attitude was now serious and with a sense of urgency. Twilight smiled softly.

“I think that's a good idea, we can't be far now let's..” She stopped, a sudden pain shot through her head. Shutting her eyes tight, she gritted her teeth against the pain, even staggering a slightly. Dash rushed to her side, supporting her against her flank which had a large leaf bound around her with thin vines, covering a healing injury.

“Twilight! What's wrong, are you okay?” She asked, her voice filled with worry and caring. After a moment of silence, Twilight stood on her own and smiled at Dash.

“Thank you, Rainbow. I'm alright, I think I'm just a little dehydrated. You're right, we should try and find that cave. There may be fresh water running through the rocks as well.” Twilight began to walk forward, her pain quickly ebbing. Still holding her worried look, Rainbow Dash followed close beside her.

“So, how far back did you go? Were you able to control it better? And... Did you find anything?” Dash inquired. To which, Twilight looked at the forest floor and solemnly shook her head.

“No, I didn't find any clues or proof of my innocents. I wasn't even able to go that far back.” She frowned, her voice was heavy with melancholy.

“You were in there for a while, when did you go?” At this Twilight seemed to brighten up. She even gave a weak smile to Rainbow Dash.

“It was one of our first days in exile. When we fought that vine monster.”

“Wow, what a day to relive.” Dash chuckled. “We really didn't have a clue what we were doing back then. It sure was lucky that it decided to leave us alone.”

“I still really want to know why though, it seemed really determined, then to just give up like that.” Twilight's eyes drifted upward as she lost herself in thought's going over the details of that day that were now fresh in her mind.

“Don't worry too much about it Twi, I'm sure it's not the last we've seen of that thing.” She grinned.

“I for one hope we never have to deal with that again.” They were both smiling now. With spirits raised they continued to head north. Twilight imagined what it would have been like if she was exiled alone, if Dash hadn't done what she did. However, she banished the thought quickly. I doubt I would still be here if not for her. And if I was, it wouldn't be with a smile on my face. The two walked side by side as the sun descended, and thunder rolled from black storm clouds over head.

The Storm

The dark sky echoed with the sound of approaching thunder and the trees above quaked against the powerful swirling wind. The air was hot and wet and saturated with the smell of ozone from the lighting that arced in the distance. Alone, a single Pegasus walked wearily against the wind, panic growing in her eyes.

“Twilight!” Rainbow Dash called out, screaming at the top of her lungs to no avail. Her desperate calls died, drowned out by the howling winds. She leaned against the fierce gales, her rainbow mane whipped violently, strands blown against her face, obscuring her vision. In the distance, behind the shrieking wind, she could just make out the sound of torrential rain pounding down on the forest. It wouldn't be long, the brunt of the storm would soon be right on top of her. She looked up to the ominous dull gray clouds which she could only glimpse through the dense canopy. Her mane and tail flowing behind her, tugging almost painfully at their roots. I don't have much longer! I have to find her soon! Gritting her teeth, anger burned in her eyes. She pressed forwards, angling her head against the intense wind, trying to protect her eyes from the flying debris. Leaves and unanchored branches rolled across the ground and blasted off trees. She clenched her teeth and picked up her pace, heading directly into the furious typhoon. How could I have let this happen!? I swore I would get her safely back to Equestria! I told the girls I would keep her safe! What's wrong with me!? I can't even protect Twilight! Every time, it's been her who saves me! I'm so useless! Maybe... maybe somepony else should have come instead. Applejack, heck, even Fluttershy would have been more useful than me! Neither of them would have lost her like I did...

“No! I can't get all bummed out right now! I have to find Twi before this storm really hits. That river was flowing this way, and it has to come out somewhere.” She pressed on, through the trees and ferns. The usual sounds of the jungle she had come to be come accustom to were replaced by only the sound of the storm. I know she's still alive, she has to be. I can't give up on finding her. I can't let her be alone out here. Equestria needs to know she's innocent.

A small raindrop landed right on her nose, splashing apart before soaking into her fur. The first of many she knew. No! I don't have much time! The way this storm looks, and the way this little valley is shaped, this looks like flood grounds. If I don't move soon I'll have to swim to find Twi. I hope wherever she is, it's somewhere safe and dry. The small drops began pelting down, dripping from the trees leaves onto her. The powerful winds blasted the rain, plastering her mane, fur and feathers. She could feel her body becoming encumbered with the excess water sticking to her. The sky was very dark now from the thick overcast, every second the search was becoming more difficult and more perilous. Suddenly, her ear swiveled. A familiar and terrifying sound pierced the screaming winds. Her heart skipped a beat as a blood chilling howl erupted from behind her.

“No..” Slowly she turned, her panicked heart beat pounding in her ears, almost as loud as the wind. It was just as she feared. There, standing behind her, were four pairs of glowing green eyes, all trained on her. She could hear them snarling hungrily as they crept closer. Timber Wolves! She began backing slowly away. Much to her disadvantage wind whipped her wet, sticky mane into her face, obscuring her vision.

“Here for round two!?” She shouted, her bravado the only thing keeping her calm. They're still after me, that at least means they didn't find Twilight. What can I do? I barely got away last time. Gah! These stupid mutts seem determined to keep me from finding Twi! I can't look for her with these things on my tail. Flying away is out of the question. This storm is intense, even if I could stay up there, there's no way I could see Twi through the trees. And as soon as I land these things would be all over me again. I have to deal with them now!

“Come and get me!” She screamed at the hungry predators. Spreading her wings, she readied for a fight. I have to survive this! I can't leave Twilight alone out here! She bolted towards them, lightning cracking overhead, illuminating her environment. The wolves sprung at her, snarling and barking. In a blur of color she darted in between the two forward most wolves. Her sudden acceleration made the drops of rain slamming against her pelt feel like solid ice. She came to a dead stop just behind the wolves who, taken by surprise by her speed, were still looking forward at the empty space she had occupied only a moment ago. Her momentum was so great that the water that clung to her fur was flung off into the face of the timber wolf in front her.

She bucked at the beasts hind legs with all her strength, knocking the loosely link branches that made up it's hind legs apart. The sticks and twigs flew out from under it as it's lower body feel limply to the ground. Without skipping a beat, Rainbow Dash thrust her wings back before her hind legs even returned to the ground. She flew forward, her head smashing through the other wolves back legs. With her speed and body weight she flew straight through it, exploding it's hind end and scattering it's branches over the forest floor. All her motions happened seamlessly. Stopping on a bit she spun around to face the two remaining wolves. Everything seemed to move in slow motion.

Faster! I need to take care of them all before they can recover! The wolves front legs began to pull them into a pounce, their thorny mouths opening wide. As the wolves she had disabled hit the ground she spread her wings readying for the next lunge. Their claws and teeth are still sharp, if I attack them head on I'm risking taking a bad hit. As her tail caught up to her body, flowing like a whip she gave a powerful flap of her wings, propelling her like a rocket at the wolf who was still in mid pounce. Move with the wind! Dash clenched her teeth, the intensity of the wind and rain grew by magnitudes as she tore through the air. She was only inches away from the wolf's gaping maw, a collision at these speeds with those fangs could be fatal. Now! At full speed she side stepped only a moment before the collision, moving with the wind she felt weightless. The sudden loss of mass in front of the predator let a vacuum in Dash's place. The wind rushed in to fill the gap with a boom rivaling the thunder. The timber wolf was blasted backwards, the sheer force of the air and sound sheering off the scraps of wood that made up the tip of it's snout.Move it Dash! Faster! Harder! Adrenaline surged through her veins, her heart was beating so fast it drowned out the sound of the storm. Keeping her momentum up she moved before the air or the shock wave had caught up with her body. Side stepping, she slammed the entire side of her body into the disorientated wolf. Her speed and force blowing apart it's entire body, she came to a stop standing in the center of where it stood, it's wooden bones laying in a pile beneath her hooves. 'That's it! You've got them!' Narrowing her eyes on the last one standing she stretched out her wings. Unyielding, the timber wolf charged. 'I can't waste time getting behind it!' Dash crouched low like a predator, bringing her forelegs in front of her head. Like a spring her hind and front legs worked in unison to launch her forward and a quick flap of her powerful wings kept her only inches off the ground. Speeding towards each other head to head there was no way to evade. Pulling her wings in tight against her side she slid right under the snarling beast, blowing out all four of it's legs like bowling pins. Got ya! She grinned confidently. Her shot from her side, sweeping the legless wolf off the ground and on to her back.

A quick glace to her side revealed that the first wolf was beginning to reform it's hind legs, though some of it's branches had been further scattered by the gale force winds beyond it's reach. Flapping her wings, she and the timber wolf took to the air high into the trees, the force of her take off further scattering the assorted wolfs body parts. Then, she let her body drop, carried by the wind she fell out from under the wolf and to it's side. Gravity took it's course as it feel beside her. Like a bird of prey she snatched it out of mid air with her hooves, its stunned face pointing right at her. With a flap of one of her wings she fell into a rapid spin. Imparting the extra speed from the spin on her captive she released it, flinging it's limp body at the still healing wolf she first immobilized. The impact shattered them both in an explosion of sticks.

One more! Falling out of her controlled dive and flew at the last one whose hind legs she had taken out. This time, the wind and rain were against her, slowing her down and throwing off her accuracy. Come on! Move it! Gritting her teeth and squinting her eyes against the wind she put all her strength into her wings as she tried to relax the rest of her sore and shaky body. She angled herself slightly to the side of the helpless wolf, hoping the wind would push her right into it. At top speed she cut through the air like a bullet.

I only have one shot. Have to land this right! She quickly closed the gap between her and the wolf, speeding down upon it. No! No! Don't move! She panicked at her target began to roll on it's back, facing it's teeth and fangs towards her. It's too late, I can't pull- Before she could finish her thought she slammed hooves first into the wolf's belly, it's chest collapsing under her. However, the shift in it's position destabilized her landing as she stumbled forward, falling through it's skull. She felt it's thorny teeth slash into her hide, tearing at her chest and abdomen. Tumbling forward, pulled by her excess momentum, she skidded across the slick ground. The air was violently knocked out of her lungs and she felt her fur and feathers being ripped out as she scraped against the ground. She came to a painful stop as she slammed loudly against the trunk of a large tree, the force of her impact shaking what rain still clung to the tree from the rain down on her. She opened her mouth wide as a yelp of pain died before leaving her lips as the air was still escaping her chest. Her eye's were dull with shock. She heard a dull crack as she hit the tree and felt and intense pain on her side. Her body lay limp and battered at the base of the tree.

She struggled painfully to regain her breath, even her shallow inhales aggravating her cracked rib. Her chest and stomach burned as the rain soaked her wounds. Straining her neck she looked down at the grass beneath her, it was growing red as her blood mixed with the rain water that pooled around her. The storm raged on and the increasingly torrential rain pounded over her, matting her fur along with the mud and bleeding and plastering her mane over her neck and face. Dash's entire body lay in a shallow but growing pool of rain water. Her face was partially submerged and she struggled to keep the earthy and metallic tasting water out of her wheezing and weak breath. Ouch... Buck this... Ugh... hurts. I- I can't stay here. Get up. Get up. Slowly and agonizingly she rolled her body, wincing in pain with every movement. She squeezed her eyes tight and clenched her jaw before bringing her hoof to the soaked ground.

“Gah!” She cried out in pain as she twisted her lower body, trying frantically to get back to her hooves. Through squinted eyes she saw her fears confirmed, the timber wolves were regenerating. No! No! I should have more time! How can they get back together so fast!? One of the wolves' bodies had already nearly completely reformed and was now crawling towards her with it's mangled snout, pulling it's self forward on it's front legs alone as it's hind leg, piece by piece, regrew behind it. It snared and growled as it drew closer. Only one of it's eyes glowed in the low light, the other half of it's face was still missing. A loud baying sound broke out as the skull of another wolf reformed. The wind screamed as it suddenly changed direction, blowing at the wolves backs, towards Rainbow Dash. She staggered back on all her hooves, the sharp pain in her side throbbing excruciatingly. She glared at the approaching predators, bearing her teeth but inside she was filled with fear.

I was reckless! Why couldn't I just run away! Why did I have to show off like that, this isn't a game Rainbow Dash! You could be torn to pieces and eaten alive right here right now! I- I can't die! I'm not dying out here as a meal for these things! I'm finding Twilight and we're getting out of here! Shakily, she put her hoof forward. Everything was sore and weak, but right now, no amount of pain mattered to her. Her body moved on determination and base survival instinct. Right now, she was prey, and she had to run. She limped around the tree, her hooves splashing in the water and her blood trailing behind her. She staggered behind the tree and slowly fled deeper into the forest. I can't hide, with all this blood they'll find me, and I can't fly away. I can barely stretch my wing out. I can't out run them like this! Damn it! Is this really it? Am I really going to die out here? Twilight, girls... I'm so sorry. Tears flowed down her eyes, mixing with the cold rain. She could hear the wolves snarling not far behind. She picked up her pace, moving as fast as she could will her body to take her. Then, a familiar sight caught her attention up ahead of her, briefly illuminated by a flash of lighting. She slowed as she approached it... A white flower. Looking to her left she found more and more of them, in full bloom despite the deluge. They were submerged all the way up to their pedals but they held fast to the ground. She eyed the flowers, her eyes filled with a renewed fire of determination.

I'm not dying without a fight! With nothing but an idea, and the growing sound of baying timber wolves approaching, she galloped as fast as she could into the flowers. The pain from her rib burned into her side like a hot poker, but she clenched her teeth and ran faster, weaving between trees. Please, please, please please! Please be there! She pleaded to nopony, desperate to find what she expected and hoped at the end of the flower patch. A moment later, a smile spread across her face as she sighted a clearing, completely devoid of flowers just ahead. She ground to a halt at the thresh hold of the clearing. Dash was panting heavily, her body felt on the verge of giving out. Despite her panic and fear, she relaxed her body, conserving all her remaining strength for what came next. Now all I have to do is wait. It wont be long. Turning her head she closed her eyes pricked her ears, listening intently for the sounds of her pursuers. The wind swirled and the rain loudly splashed down on the trees. She couldn't tell if it was the adrenaline or the wild environment she had been surviving in, but her senses felt sharper and her mind felt clearer. Amidst the chaos of the storm, she could hear the rapidly approaching paw steps splashing through the water and, though she wasn't sure she felt like she could determine their individual positions. They would be upon her soon. Opening her eyes she spun around, getting into position facing the clearing. 'I'll need everything I got for this. One wrong step and that's it. Come on body, don't quit on me now!' She tentatively extended her wings, wincing in pain as her muscles pulled on her ribs. Her body became hot, her vision blurred, she felt a wave of nausea from the intense pain. She steeled herself against the pain as she crouched into position. Suddenly with a howl, the timber wolves burst through the ferns and bushes. She was surrounded, backed against the predators and the clearing. She turned her neck just enough to get a look at them. Sure enough all four were ready to pounced.

“Come and get me.” She said softly before wiping her head back in front of her, and sprinting into the clearing. Just as she hoped the wolves gave chase bounding after her. They were fast, in her condition the easily out paced her and quickly gained ground. She could feel one's steps through the ground beneath her, and the air moving away from it's body as it closed it. It had to be only centimeters way. Please be here! Come on, come on! As if on cue, she felt the drenched ground below her begin to quake.

“Gotcha!” Taking from pools of strength she never knew she had she thrust her wings down and jumped, bounding into the air just as a high pitched yelp broke out behind her. The moment her hooves again touched the ground she ran for her life, as fast as she could for the other end of the clearing, not once daring to look back. The ground rumbled in front of her, narrowing her eyes she continued in a straight line, playing chicken with the monster under the ground. In a blur of movement a large vine shot up from the ground, sending mud and water spraying out, splattering over Dash's already dirty and tattered coat. Mud coated her face and mane and a splash in her left eye half her vision useless. With only one eyes on the tendril she charged at it. Sensing her it lashed it's self at her, falling straight do at her like a collapsing tree. Mentally she counted each moment until she could feel the moving air at it's shaft rustle her fur. At the very last moment, only an inch away from being crushed, she side stepped. The vine crashed down sending water flying out. Her heavy breathing and sudden movements worsened her injury, making every second feel like a large and heavy hammer was pounding a railroad spike into her side. Just a little further! Knowing she had just used up her last maneuver she closed her eyes, praying as she blindly ran forward. Please let me make it! Please! Her hearing became dull, every sound blurring together into an incomprehensible and incoherent white noise. The crack of thunder the only thing harsh enough to pierce the haze of howls, barks, rain and wind. She opened her only usable eye as she felt a tree fast approaching. Her vision too was blurry, she didn't know if it was from the rain, her tears or from a loss of blood. She slowed down to a trot, every muscle burned with exhaustion. She panted, heavily and painfully. She couldn't go on much longer. Looking down, her body felt light with relief. A white flower. She took a couple tentative steps forward, until she was surrounded by the flowers, before turning to see if she was still pursued. I was right... I was right! She smiled weakly as she watched the wolves get torn apart and dragged under ground by dozens of writhing vines while totally forgetting about her.

“Heh.. heh heh... I guess... I made it.” She laughed dully. Assured that she was safe, she trudged onward, doing her best to ignore the pain. I'm coming Twi, I'm coming for you.
*****************************************************************************************************

“Twilight! Twi!” She called out, her voice was raspy and tired. Her legs felt like cement and every motion intensified the already nearly incapacitating pain. Blood was still oozing from her wounds, though most of it had clotted off. Her greater concern was her rib. Fears of internal bleeding plagued her thoughts. Still, she willed her body with every step. Worry and doubt began to take over as she realized she had lost her sense of direction, she looked around frantically but everything looked the same. Over head the typhoon surged on, the deluge of rain had only grown stronger and she found herself having to lean against the wind, adding to the stress on her body. Amidst all this the ever present fear remained that any predator may make an easy kill of her in her current state, the storm was likely the only thing keeping them at bay.

“I- I can't keep going..” She with shallow, rapid breaths she stopped and fell against a tree beside her. All her pain was blended together as she stopped moving, only breathing made the pain in her side intense enough to stand out. Rainbow Dash slumped down, it was all she could do to stay on her hooves. I'm so tired... I just want to lay down. I want to sleep... I can't. I have to find Twilight... But how? Is it hopeless? She felt her eye lids growing heavy along with the rest of her body. Suddenly, a shadowy figure moved out from the trees before her, far enough away that it's features were mostly obscured by the down pour. Her Heart raced and her mind snapped to alertness, Panic set in moments later. Her she felt a cold chill run down her body. No... Why now?! This forest is just toying with me! I- I'm gonna die out here! I'm going to be torn to pieces and eaten! She stared at the creature, it's back was turned to her. Anger flared up inside her, rage at the unfairness of it all. I'm getting out of this place alive and with Twilight! I'm not going to let these stupid trees get the best of me. I'll live damn it! Quietly and slowly, she began to back up, squinting at the figure, trying to define it's detail, to lean just she was up against. Then, she noticed something about the creature... Hooves? It looks like a pony! But it's tall and, out of it's head.. Antlers? It doesn't look like a predator. Maybe it knows where Twilight is! But... should I risk it? I don't have a choice, I need to find her and I'll die for sure if I wander around in this storm much longer. Okay, it's settled, I'll face what ever it is head on!

“Hey!” She called out at the top of her lungs, the accompanying rush of pain made her wince. Slowly, the creature turned it's head, keeping the rest of it's body perfectly still. Like an owl, it's head turned all the way facing her. It's snout was slightly longer than a pony and, in between it's antlers appeared to be a unicorn horn, she couldn't see it's eyes. As Dash watched it look to her, everything felt so unreal and dream like. So much so she seriously thought it may have been a hallucination. That is, until it opening it's eyes. Just as slowly as it turned it's head it opened it's large eye lids revealing solid glowing blue orbs that took up a large portion of it's face. It was look right at her, she could just tell it wasn't some beast of the forest. For a moment she was mesmerized by it's eyes, her pain and even her body ceased to feel real or relevant. Then, her mind flashed with images, the one thing that mattered most to her now. She steeled herself, she couldn't move a muscle in her body, she wasn't even sure she could speak, but she had to try.

“Have you seen my friend!? Have you seen Twilight!” She screamed. The trance was broken as she yelled, all her pain returned, but even that didn't matter to her. Just as soon as the echo of her cry died into the sounds of the storm the creature turned away from Dash and walked into the forest. She couldn't explain why, but she felt an impetus, a drive to follow it. It was like a compulsion, before she knew it, her hooves began moving her towards the trees it had vanished in. Massive bolts of lighting arced in the sky above, the storm was right on top of her and the rain water that accumulated on the ground now rose a quarter the way up her hooves and it was still rising. I can't stay here, and that thing might know where Twilight is. It may be dangerous, but it's all I have. Reluctantly, she trudged after it, hoping that what awaited her was her her friend, and not death.

She walked through the woods, though she couldn't see the creature she followed she knew it was near. Her body seemed to move independently of her will, leading her in the direction of what ever she had seen. Her mind was numbed and so was her pain, as though she were half asleep. What thoughts she could conceive were of her curiosity as to what would happen when she caught up to it, and whether Twilight was alright. Left and right she made her way through the trees, guided by the compelling force. Suddenly, the fog in her mind lifted as she neared a massive tree. She could see it's canopy above all the trees around her, it's high status out competing the surrounding trees, leaving this area sparsely populated. She emerged though the last of the smaller trees to see the massive trunk of the largest tree she had ever seen. It easily made Golden Oaks Library look like a sapling.

Her body came back to her, as did all the pain, though her curiosity and awe left it duller than before. She felt a familiar sensation, uneasy but irresistible. Looking to the side of the tree, at the base of it's trunk, was her guide. It stared at her with it's hypnotic glowing blue eyes. She had a much better look at it now, it did indeed have both antlers and a unicorn like horn. It was covered in light green fur but it's hind half of it's body almost seemed to be covered in scales with a nearly reptilian tail, at the tip of which was a thick tuft of fur. She had never seen or felt anything like it. It stared at her for a long moment, she didn't move a muscle the entire time it stared at her, she felt like she was under a microscope. In a blur it spun around and ran behind the tree, Rainbow Dash couldn't help but notice that it's hooves didn't splash or even leave ripples in the water. I've come this far, I need to see what it wants. She continued following it around the gargantuan tree, she then felt something strange under her hooves. Stone? The grass and mud had been replaced by flat, smooth stone. Coming around the tree, she didn't see the creature as she expected, instead what she saw surprised her more.

“No way...” She stood baffled, staring up the tree as the rain drenched her. It was a castle, or rather the spire of a castle made out of cut stone. A tree had wrapped around the tower, growing into it and over it twisting like a serpent around it. The cobble stone steps were still mostly intact. She scanned quickly around for any sign of the creature, but it was nowhere in sight. Taking one last dubious look at the tree bound tower she climbed it's steps and entered.

“Twilight! You in here!?” She called out, her voice echoing in the dark against the dusty walls. The echo faded and no response came. She sighed in defeat, a feeling of hopelessness again working it's way through her mind. Suddenly a ball of light ignited at the ceiling. Causing Dash to jump in surprise.

“Is any pony here!?” There was a noticeable trace of fear in her voice, made no better when no answer came. She proceeded further in, nervously looking around her.

The tower was as tall almost as tall as the tree. To her surprise a spiral staircase lead all the way to the top. Roots, branches and vines covered nearly every surface. The tower it's self was devoid of furnishings or decoration. Not surprising. This place must be way old. It's amazing it's still standing. I guess the tree is supporting it. Something about that seemed poetic to her. She strained her sore neck, looking all the way to the top. Up at the top of this thing is probably the highest place I can go without flying. Maybe I can see where Twilight might be hiding from up there. It was small, but she could feel a flicker of hope, and that was all she needed. Slowly but steadily she began ascending the stony steps, wearily avoiding any cracks in the eroded structure. She was surprised that there wasn't any leaks as far as she could see. This place must have been really well made. But why is there a castle in the middle of the jungle and how did it light up like that? She mused over the possibilities until she reached the top, stopped at the very last step, by a decaying wooden door. She looked it over, hoping it wasn't locked, doubting she had the strength left to break down a door. Please be open. Slowly she reached her hoof to the door, to wishing to aggravate any more pain. With a light push the door creaked open. It was pitch black, just as the tower had been. On a hunch, she walked into the inky darkness and, just as she thought, it light up. It was a small, circular room. On the floor, engraved in the stone seemed to be thin, ornate circles of gold. The gold spun off in intricate swirls and symbols. At it's center was a perfectly clear gem the size of a hoof. Looking up from the floor, she saw in front of her, mounted on the wall, a polished metal mirror. Just like the floor, the mirror was outlined with gold, and it too at it's centre had a small purple gem. Cautiously she stepped into the room towards the mirror. Looking at herself she look like a wild animal. Mud and branches stuck to her, she was sopping wet and patches of her fur were missing along with some of her feathers. Her belly and chest were stained with blood.

“Wow, I'm a mess.” She laughed softly to minimize her pain. Stepping closer to get a better look her hoof stepped in the centre of the room, right on the gem. Suddenly the crystal in the mirror begun to glow and the silver turned pitch black. Rainbow Dash leaned in, looking deeply into the mirror as an image slowly became more clear. Though dark and cloudy at first, soon she could see something moving withing the mirror. It was in a dark place and a small purple light came from it's head. After another moment, the picture was clear enough. She stepped closer, nearly pressing her nose against it. She felt tears welling up in her eyes as she whispered.

“Twilight.”

Isolation

“Rainbow Dash, I don't like the looks of the sky. How much farther do you think those cliffs are? If we don't get there soon we need to consider some other means of shelter and quick.” Twilight's nervous voice trailed off as she looked up up at the sky. The dull gray clouds were obscuring the waning day light, casting a dim shadow over the forest.

“If you would let us fly...” Dash replied with a hint of mock frustration. They walked closely, side by side. Rainbow Dash listening intently to the forest the whole time. She was well aware of Twilight's objection to flying, but at this point, the risks of staying on the ground would out weigh the risks of flying. She was familiar with storms, and this one would be a bad one.

Twilight shook her head rapidly in disagreement. “No. It's way to dangerous to fly. You said it yourself, a storm like this is practically made of unstable currents, even at it's edge where we are now. On top of that, what about rouge lighting. We should keep walking, it's much safer on the ground." She knew that wasn't entirely true, without caution the ground was perilous.

Rainbow raised an eyebrow. “Right... Tell that to that vine monster, or the quick sand. Or, how about that giant two headed snake! What about those spiders? Yeah Twi, the forest floor is a paradise. At least nothing is trying to eat us up in the sky.” She mocked sarcastically, though with a good natured smile. Twilight however, didn't return the comforting gesture. Instead she frowned, glancing up at the clouds before looking back at her friend with the same worried look.

“If anything happens up there, and we get hurt or crash, we could die Dash. You may be confident enough to fly in that but I'm not. One mistake it's all over. We're in the middle of the jungle, nopony around to help us, no doctors or clean shelter. A single cut could kill us if it gets infected. We need to take as few risks as possible until I perfect the flash back spell and clear my name.” Her expression became even more burdened with worry and contemplative as she spoke.

“On top of that, my magic barely works here. I can feel it getting weaker every day we spend here. For some reason, the flash back spell doesn't seem to be diminishing at all though. This jungle is a strange place and we don't understand a thing about it. Until we know more, we need to be careful.” We don't know where we are in relation to Equestria. We could be on the completely opposite side of the planet. Finding evidence is only half the problem, we still need to somehow make it back... make it back alive. The first step is to find civilization.

Rainbow Dash's lighthearted attitude quickly deflated as Twilight listed all the things that could go wrong. A serious and even hurt look flashed across her face. She's right, but we can't keep taking the safest route if we want to make any progress. Doesn't she trust me? I told her I wouldn't let anything happen to her.... Depression and uncertainty weighed heavily in her chest as doubt clouded her mind. We've almost died four times since we've been here. At the beginning, Twilight's magic got us out of a lot of trouble, but she's right, fighting that vine thing proved we can't rely on it much longer, and we still don't know why it left us alone. If we don't start paying better attention to this place we'll be in serious trouble. It's just dumb luck we've survived this long, and that wont last forever. Maybe Twilight's right... maybe we should try to stay on the safe side, but I don't think just waiting around down here is safer then flying. We could fly low and avoid most of the strong winds, and if anything happens I'll be there. I'll carry Twilight if I have to. I really don't like the feeling I've been getting down here... I feel like we're being watched. Since this morning. Maybe I'm paranoid, but I just don't want to be on the ground. Instinct I guess.

“That pegasus we saw was flying north. If we keep walking we have a chance of finding where he lives. Perhaps there's a town or village nearby. Even if it's just a single hermit, it's still better than nothing. If we fly we may miss him and, right now we need to find whatever help we can get.” Twilight looked to the forest floor as she spoke, sounding less than convinced by herself.

“Twilight, I'm not even sure that's what we saw anymore! Besides, what would a pegasus be doing all the way out here?!” Her tone was exasperated as the uneasy feeling that had been following her since morning began to take it's toll on her nerves. She immediately regretted her harsh tone as Twilight flinched and stepped slightly further away from her. Sensing the dismay in her voice, she looked up at the cyan pegasus, Twilight's fretful lavender eyes meeting hers.

“I'm sorry Dash, I know it's unlikely. I just...” She trailed off, looking forlornly back to the ground. It really is unlikely. After all, we don't even know a fraction of the things that live in this jungle. What ever it was, it was fast, faster than Dash even. I don't know of anything else it could be... Or rather, I can't think of anything else I want it to be. I know it's a long shot, but it's all I have to go on. Without a goal, without a direction, I don't know how I'll keep focused and calm in this place. I need this, for the both of us. But.. It's stupid and dangerous of me to put our lives in danger for such a faint and unlikely hope. I don't know what else to do...

“No Twilight, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap at you like that. I just don't feel comfortable here right now. I would just feel much safer up in the sky. Besides, my eyesight's amazing, if there is a house down there I'll see it.” She looked bashfully to the side away from Twilight, her wings twitching nervously, partly out of the growing uneasy feeling, and partly due to what she wanted to say.

“I- if it'll make you feel safer I could carry you while we fly. I swear, I wont let anything happen to you.” She stammered nervously. The uncomfortable and complex mix of feeling that fluttered in her chest was hard to describe and only made her want to take to the sky more. Twilight could almost have sworn she saw a blush spread across her friend's face.

“I-” Before she could say another word the ground suddenly crumbled, giving way beneath her hooves. A piercing scream followed as Twilight plunged into the narrow cavern. Rainbow Dash turned her head to where twilight was standing just a moment before, only seeing her head dip just below the ground. Her scream echoed as she fell down the shaft.

She tumbled, her legs, head and wings scraping against the wet but solid stone. Her hooves desperately trying to cling to a solid surface only to slide off. On instinct she tried to unfurl her wings, only succeeding in sheering off feathers and flesh from their tips. Her skull slammed against the walls with a loud and sickening thud. She felt her mind go dark for a brief moment She winced in pain before her quick descent ended in an abrupt plunge into almost icy cold water and hard, slick stone.

“Twilight!” She heard a panicked voice call out to her from above. Her mind was hazy from the impact and her back and wings were throbbing with intense pain. She found breathing difficult as something pushed down upon her, squeezing on her chest. It was pitch black, all except for a single, dim and grey shaft of light illuminating down on top of her from where she had fallen. W- what happened to me? What's going on? She thought, her mind slowly recovering. She shifted her body, trying to alleviate the pressure on her chest. Suddenly, after only seeming to shift an inch her body fall again, this time sideways, carried away by an overwhelming force. Her back slid against something hard as she was pulled past it. Frantically she attempted to through her hooves around the object, the only stable thing she could perceive in this tumultuous nightmare. Her forelegs wrapped around it, though slick, it was thin enough to grasp. She held on for dear life as the force pulled her away from her oasis. A river! An under ground river! Twilight concluded as her body bobbed up and down, the current trying with fury to drag her way. Water rushed into her mouth, trying to force it's way into her lungs. She violently coughed up the cold water, clinging ever tighter to the only thing keeping her alive.

“Twilight! Twilight! Hold on! I'm going to get you out of there!” Rainbow Dash called out, her voice choked and trembling with panic. Slowly Twilight looked up to the dim light above her, partly to see light and her friend, and partly to keep her mouth and nose as much above water as she could. Straining her neck she could see the outline of Rainbow Dash, looking as though she were preparing to jump.

“No! Don't do it! It's too narrow to fly! You'll get trapped down here too!” Twilight screamed up, pleading.

“I'm not leaving you down there Twilight!” Her cracked voice echoed through the blackness.

“I'm going to try and teleport out of this! Just wait for me okay!” She shouted back.

The uncertainty in her own voice must not have been lost on Rainbow as her voice became more frantic in response. “No Twilight, don't try it! You're magic hasn't been working right, if you teleport away from that rock you'll get swept away!”

“I have to do something and I'm not letting you come down here!”

“Twilight don't!” Dash begged, but too late. She could see a faint glimmer of violet light emanating from the tip of Twilight's horn. Fear flared in her heart as she watched helpless.

Come on Twilight focus... focus. She closed her eyes and tried to focus through her stinging, sharp headache. Her horn flickered with it's translucent purple aura. Mentally straining herself, she attempted the spell. Her horn glowed brighter for a moment, then sparked pathetically before dying out.

No.. She closed her eyes and tried again, achieving weaker and weaker results.

No, no, no! Work! Please work! She tried once more, shutting her eyes tight. Pain shot through her head, her ears rang. Her body became weak causing her to nearly lose her grip, and yet...

“Nothing... nothing at all. My magic.. It's gone! Rainbow! I- I can't use my magic!” Her voice was now filled with mortal fear as she clung tighter to her rock. I can't use my magic! Flying is out of question, if I open my wings I'll get swept away. A-am I going to die down here?! Alone and in the dark. T- they'll never find my body, they'll never know that I'm innocent. Oh girls.. Mom, Dad and Spike, I'll never see them again! And Rainbow Dash, I'm so sorry, If I die, please go on without me. You have to live.. Please.. “Live.” She whispered, her tears mixed with the frigid water. She felt her beaten and battered body loosing to the relentless flow of the river. She looked back up, for one last look at light, one last look at her friend.

“Hang on Twilight! I'm going to get a vine and pull you up! You hang on you hear me!? You don't let go no matter what! I'll be right-” Suddenly, in a blur of green, brown and cyan, Rainbow Dash was knocked back from the small opening as something slammed into her from the side. A terrified yelp erupted from the surface. Suddenly Twilight's body surged with new strength and fright.

“Rainbow Dash!”
****************************************************************************************

“Rainbow! What's happening! Answer me!” Twilight screamed again, but the only response she received was horrifying snarls, barks and growls and the grunts of a familiar voice.

“Get... Off!” Came a determined cry from her friend out of sight. She stared up helplessly as a battle raged. Suddenly a dark figure flew over the opening of the pit, skidding to a halt with it's face hanging just over the edge, looking down at her with glowing greens eyes and snarling hungrily. Twilight froze as her eyes met it's. Timber wolves!

A fraction of a moment later a rainbow blur slammed into it at incredible speed, sending it's woody skeleton flying. Dash came to a screeching halt right on top of where the beast once lay. Flaring her wings protectively she faced to forest and growled loudly, lashing her tail back and forth, each hair standing on end.

“Rainbow Dash you have to run!” Twilight screamed out, bringing further tears to her eyes. She felt her momentary increase in strength fade as the rushing water began to overwhelm her once again.

“Are you crazy? Just shut up and hold on! I'll have these mutts taken care of in ten seconds flat then I'm getting you out of there!”

“You can't fight them Rainbow, you have to get away!”

“I'm not leaving you! I'm getting you out of there and that's final!” Twilight watched as Dash reared up of her hind legs and spread her wings as wide as possible appearing as large as she could. Twilight couldn't tell how many she was facing, but she was clearly out numbered.

“Dash behind you! Watch out!” A wolf had silently crept around her, ready to pounce on her back. It lept at her. Twilight watched as it sprung forward, the only thing her mind could picture was her friend dying to protect her. She wanted to shut her eyes but couldn't take her eyes off the wolf as it's belly took over her view from the bottom cave, nearly obscuring what little light she had. With a single flap Dash shot skyward, letting the timber wolf land painfully on the ground. Sticks flew in various directions as it lay where Dash once stood, looking down at Twilight, like the easy, helpless prey she was. To Twilight, it almost appeared as though it were contemplating jumping in to get at her. Her heart raced they stared at each other, eyes locked on one another. The primal moment of hunter and hunted between the two was brought to an abrupt end as Rainbow Dash propelled herself at it, sending it into a tumble along the ground.

“Stay away from her!” She shouted, her voice labored and panting heavily.

She can't fight them like that! They'll just regrow and who knows how many of them there are. If she stays here she'll be torn to pieces. Even if she does manage to fight them off, that stubborn pegasus will try to come after me down here. I don't have much longer, I've lost all my strength and I can feel myself losing my grip, millimeter by millimeter. If she tries to come down here after me she'll die to. I wont let both of us die is this pit! She has to get out of this hell and find a way home! She's innocent, I dragged her into this, if anypony deserves this it's me not her.

“Rainbow Dash!” She cried, squeezing her eyes tight, though she could still her the blood chilling snarls of the hungry wolves.

“Kind of busy trying to save your life Twi!” She grunted as a shrill yowl echoed through the cave.

“Rainbow Dash please listen to me! You have to get out of here!” She pleaded to her friend, who was fighting for both their lives. She was Dash's flank backing up just above the holes opening. Her hind leg nearly slipping into the dark void that Twilight was sure has become her tomb. Rainbow Dash was being pushed back, as Twilight feared, she was losing. I'm sorry Rainbow Dash, I'm doing this to save you. I hope you'll forgive me.

“Rainbow! There's a light at the end of this tunnel, in the direction the water is flowing. It's faint but there is an opening! It's north of us!”

“What are you saying Twilight!?” She asked, her voice becoming hoarse with rage directed at her attackers.

“I'm saying leave! I'll be fine! The river comes out onto the surface north of here. I need you to be there Rainbow. I need you, so please fly away!” This was it, her legs were on the threshold of failing, her limbs shook violently as they struggled to keep her anchored for just a few more seconds. Just until she knew her friend would be safe. Much to her dismay and pain, Rainbow Dash didn't respond, instead she stepped back as far against the opening of the pitfall as she could, using her wings for balance. Twilight could tell she wasn't the only one on her last legs. But at least she can escape!

“Dash please! I'm begging you! Fly away! Meet me north of here, I swear I'll be there! Please Rainbow Dash, trust me! I need you to be there!” With those last words her muscles lost the fight against the torrent, and she fell back into the water. Looking up, the last thing she saw were familiar cyan wings ascending into the safety of the sky. I'm sorry Rainbow.. I'm so sorry. Please get out of here alive for both of us. She felt a sharp impact on the back of her head as her body was dragged under the stone shelf, following the current further under pitch black ground.
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“It's no good...” She said defeated, handing her head as the glow ebbed from her eyes. Her still soaked fur was dripping wet. A deep gash above her brow obscured her vision with it's bleeding. Her wings felt tattered and her whole body was sore. “I black out after that, there's no way for me to tell how long I drifted or if I went down any tributaries. I could be anywhere.”

Water dripped constantly from the ceiling and walls of the cave. It was pitch black, her only sense she could rely on was hearing, and the groaning and bubbling that echoed from seemingly all direction didn't make hearing pleasant. She could feel she was standing in a small, shallow pool of water, the same one she had awoken in. Rainbow Dash.. Where are you? I- I know I did the right thing, I know I did... but I don't want to be down here alone. I'm scared, I'm scared and powerless! She shut her eyes tight against the all encompassing darkness. The musty smells of the cavern were almost stifling. At least I'm alive... and Rainbow is waiting for me! Knowing her, she'll look for me even in the middle of that storm. I can't let her wander around in that while I just wallow here.

“I have to move.” A fire kicked up in her voice, filled with renewed strength. Shakily she stood from the cold and shallow pool, excess water dripping off her fur. Closing her eyes she took a deep breath. Come on, come on.. Just a little bit of magic, just a spark. Straining her exhausted and aching mind she felt a miniscule amount of magic flow through her horn. She opened her eyes, the once pitch blackness illuminated by a weak and flickering purple light that burned at the tip of her horn. What she used to be able to do with virtually no effort now seemed to be taking the magic and focus of extremely advanced magic, and even at that, the glowing spell was unstable. 'But it's something, and that's all I need. The cave that stretched before her was surprisingly linear, a nearly perfectly straight shaft that tunneled into the dismal depths. Behind her flowed the rived she drifted from. The cave was cold, even in the low light of her magic she could see her breath. I know what I came from, trying to go back is pointless. I need to move forward. Don't worry Rainbow, I'm still alive, and I will find you, I promise. Tentatively she took her first steps, the faint glow of her horn cutting through the darkness. The click her hoof made on impact with the hard floor carried through the cave.

Steeling herself, Twilight began her slow trek. There's nowhere to hide down here. I could be walking straight into the den of some monster for all I know. That's been our problem since we were sent here, we don't know anything about this place and if we don't learn fast it's going to get us killed. I didn't even know there were timber wolves here. Oh why didn't I listen to Rainbow Dash?! She felt something was off, somehow, she new they were following us. If I wasn't so afraid, this wouldn't be happening. That gave her pause for thought as she padded down the tunnel. Anything to keep her mind occupied, distracted from the ever growing feelings of fear and worry of being trapped in this dark place. I don't think that's right. Caution has to come first here, if we're reckless we will die. Now more than ever we need to think carefully about everything we do. Trying convince Rainbow Dash of that isn't going to be easy. She was going to stay and try to fight off Celestia knows how many timber wolves! If she had made even one mistake, she could have been seriously hurt! And out here, seriously hurt can quickly turn into being a meal for any one of the monsters we've seen, or worse, the ones we haven't seen. She shuttered to think of all the monstrosities out there, any number of them her friend could be facing alone. Her body was trembling, partly from exhaustion and partly from the heat being sucked through her drenched fur. Cold water dripped from the cavern's ceiling onto her back, further whisking away her dwindling warmth.

Suddenly, a glimpse of motion caught tore her from her thoughts. Her heart skipped a beat from terror as her head shot. She froze mid step and she felt a deeper chill than even the cold of the cave couldn't compare to. It was a ways away, but she could clearly see a pair of large, glowing blue eyes staring right at her. Her fear became numb as she stared into its mesmerizing eyes. She felt tired and her eye lids became heavy. Her magical light flickered, getting dimer and dimer by the second. I should run. I should get away. but for some reason... I Before she could finish her thought, her body seemed to move on it's own accord, hoof over hoof growing closer to the creature. Then, without warning the pair of eyes vanished from sight. Twilight felt her body come back over her control, the dream like fog that numbed her mind lifted. Still, she felt drawn, pulled by an almost compulsive force to where the eyes had vanished. There was something magical about what ever that was. If It wanted to harm me, I'm in no condition to fight back, it could have done me in right then. She didn't notice but, before she had even decided to move, she had already begun walking towards it. She felt an uncomfortable fear, like she was being watched, but the inexplicable drive to continue on. Her magical glow became brighter as she walked through the tunnel. How is it able to move down here without making so much as a sound? At the very least I should be able to hear it splashing though the puddled down here. Even if it was flying I should still hear it's wing beats, sound is amplified greatly by the stone walls.

A powerful feeling overcame her. Like something was staring at her from her right side, only inches away. Stopping dead in her tracks she felt the furn on her neck stand on end. Hesitantly she turned her head, fear again welling up in her chest expecting to meet those large eyes and what ever owned them, face to face. What she found, was more darkness. Straining her eyes and magic, she could make out the entrance of a diverging tunnel. So this isn't a straight away. I need to be careful. If I get lost down here I may never find my way back to the surface. A dull blue light began to glow further down the tunnel, it almost looked like it was turning towards her. Then, both orbs of light were again completely on her, and she again began to feel the same out of body sensation as before as her legs took her down the tunnel. Just as Twilight had closed half the distance between them, the pair of eyes again vanished. Twilight felt her hypnotic trance linger longer this time than the last and her mind was taking longer to recover. She had to fight with her mind to respond to her will, after a few long moments she could feel herself regaining control of her body. Coming to a stop she listened for any sounds indicating that the owner of those eyes had moved, but the only sound she could hear was the dripping of the water from the cave's roof, and the rapid beating of her own heart. She again began walking in the direction the eyes were last.

I don't like that feeling, what ever it was. It's terrifying, my body didn't feel like mine. It felt like I was just an observer in my own mind watching something else steer me. And yet... I feel drawn to what ever it is. I know I can't go back, I have no choice... Are those thoughts even mine? Is that how I feel? Or is what ever that was still somehow in control, manipulating my thoughts? I'm scared, but I can't stop moving. Continuing down the corridor, she past several other divergent paths, however, she could just feel she was still going the right way. She noticed too, that her pain was less intense, even her splitting headache was now just a dull and negligible throbbing. She turned slowly down another side tunnel, hardly aware that she had done so. Only noticing the change by the texture of the cave floor. What was once rough and uneven was now smooth and flat, unnaturally so. Bringing her horn to the floor she could see that it appeared to be made from dull grey hoof cut stone. The walls too, upon inspection, were also made of stacked and masoned stone. The violet light flickered and dimmed once again as her reserves of magic ran dry. Gritting her teeth she shut her eyes tight, she tried to draw any remaining power she could, but it was no use. With one last small burst of light, it finally died, leaving her to wander the darkness with nothing but her mysterious and frightening guide.

Even as her magic failed her she kept walking down the corridor. She could feel the air becoming warmer and dryer as she walked unaided by sight. Keeping her tail constantly against the wall she was able to stay orientated without bumping from wall to wall. Despite her blindness, she kept her eyes open, knowing at any moment she would see those eyes again, and she would follow it ever deeper into this labyrinth. Sure enough the floating blue eyes reappeared, and Twilight felt her mind and body quickly fall into the lull of it's gaze. Just as soon as it came it vanished once more, and Twilight followed mindlessly down another passage.

“L- light?” She whispered dreamily as she rounded the corner. She saw a faint white glow coming from a small hall off to the side. The height of the entrance was much shorter than the tunnel she was currently in, only about twice her own height. Her tiredness and soreness returned, almost flowing back into her body. She groaned as her back and wings burned from the contusions, and her headache and stinging would that caused it also returned with a vengeance. She felt the presence of the being that guided her begin to wane. She limped slowly to the threshold of the illuminated hall. She stopped, her eye's widened with disbelieving surprise as she looked down to the end of the corridor. There, standing in front of the white light that now shined at the opposing end from her, was her guide. It stood taller than her, as tall as Celestia. It had large, glowing blue eyes and a pony like head from which sprung what looked like both antlers and a long, unicorn horn. She couldn't make out it's finer detail as her eyes strained to adjust to the bright light. Twilight stared in amazement for a long moment her mouth agape, not sure what she would say, only feeling she should say something. Many things came to mind, but only one thing left her lips.

“What are you?” She whispered. As soon as she spoke her words, the creature turned away from her and walked calmly into the light, disappearing from her sight completely.

“Wait!” Twilight called out, her voice echoing in all directions. Fighting against the pain with a rush of determined adrenaline she chased it into the light, though a canter was all she could manage. Stepping into the brightly lit room her light bleached eyes strained to make out anything. As her eyes adjusted she found herself in wide cylindrical room... Alone. Looking around she couldn't see an exit in sight. The room ceiling was at least ten times as tall as herself. The walls were adorn with ornate glyphs and symbols that seemed to be made of gold laid into the stone. The source of the light was small sphere of magical energy the shined with a pure white light floating just feet below the ceiling. Twilight slowly turned around, taking in every detail of the room in wonderment.

“What is this place? What's it doing in the middle of the jungle!” A smile spread across her face as she examined the chamber. A large mirror of polished metal and rimmed with gold seemed built into the wall opposite the entrance. A small purple gem was set at it's centre. Twilight's eyes glowed with curiosity, the way they usually did when she studied a fascinating subject. Looking at the floor she found a large golden circle set in the stone, runic markings and a large transparent gem at it's center. She examined the runes with an inquisitive look.

“These runes are foreign to me, but this set up... It looks like the components of a powerful enchantment. Based on the size of the circle, the materials and their orientation, it seems to be a high yield, noncorrosive dimensional overlay provoker. The runes on the wall seem to indicate that this is some sort of network of similar dimensional overlays, all in rapidly shifting mode so they don't degrade or collapse. It's amazing! This kind of magic mimics the theorized Altaibierre drive! A field that simultaneously collapses space in front of a target object and expands it behind it! It's just unbelievable that this kind of magic exists in an enchantment! It requires so much power and has a nearly infinite range. If calibrated right it hold the key to unlimited time travel! I've only heard about teleportation via quantum mechanics but this out strips that by magnitudes! I-” Before she could utter another all went dark, plunging her back into blindness. Instead of fear she felt frustration and confusion.

“I wasn't done reading. I need to get a better look at those runes, maybe I can use this to get out of here and find Rainbow Dash” She took a steadying breath and calmed her mind. It's been a little over five minutes since my magic ran dry, it's not much but maybe enough of it recovered that I can decipher how to active the-

“Twilight!” A familiar voice called out. Twilight spun around to the direction of the voice. A faint glow began emanating from the mirror on the wall, an image becoming clearer and brighter. She stared, mouth agape in surprise.

“Rainbow Dash?”

Reunion

“Rainbow Dash? Is that you!” Twilight padded up to the base of the mirror. It's her.. She's alive! Her body felt light with relief and tears welled up in her eyes.

“Twilight!? Twilight you in there? What's going on?! Where are you?!” Rainbow's frantic, labored voice flowed through the mirror as though she were standing right in front of Twilight.

“Yes! I'm here Rainbow, I- I don't know where I am! Some sort of underground chamber!” Tears began to fall down her face, soaking into her still wet fur as she saw the mangled state her friend was in. Oh Rainbow Dash, I'm sorry I let this happen..

“Don't cry Twilight! I'll find you before you know it and I'll get you out of there! Just wait for me okay! Do you have any idea where you are at all? Did you see any land marks?”

Twilight shook her head somberly. “No... I've been wandering around down here the whole time. I have no idea where.... wait! Rainbow Dash, is there something that looks like a big circle made of gold where you are? It would have a gem in the centre and strange markings. Do you see anything like that?” Her excited outburst seemed to take Dash off guard as she turned her head away from the mirror.

“Yeah? How did you know?” She asked in perplexed surprise.

“Dash, It's a time space drive! If I can activate it, I can come straight to you instantly!” She smiled hopefully. Turning away from the mirror, she cantered to the centre of the chamber standing right above the large gem.

“Twi? Twi!? Where'd you go? Are you alright!” Her voice was strained and panicked as she pushed her face right up against the mirror, squinting her eyes tight to try and see any faint shadow in the inky darkness.

“I'm alright Rainbow! I think I found a way to come to you!” Her voice echoed throughout the dark chamber, the hard wall reflecting the sound superbly. This enchantment seems to run off it's own power source. Based on the fact that it's rapidly shifting, limited mode space-time antagonist, the magical energy shouldn't be continuously flowing through it, or else it would corrode into an unstable dimensional fold and collapse. That means the flow of power needs to be completed by an additional magical connection. I don't have much power, but all I need to do is complete the circuit... if I can find one. Straining her eyes she followed the glimmer of the gold rings. Come on! It has to be here! I can't think of any other way it would remain viable... unless I'm wrong about everything. Maybe It's not an Altaibierre drive. Maybe I was just seeing what I wanted to see. A pang of despair began to take hold in her chest. No! That thing... what ever it was, It brought me here for a reason, I know Rainbow Dash is safe thanks to it, and I just feel it was trying to help me. I'll find the disconnect, I have to! It wasn't a moment after that thought that the light that ran along the edge of the gold ring from the mirror faded briefly. Stooping down, she could just make out a break in the gold ring, and in between was a small, round indent of the stone.

“Found it.” She whispered relieve with a small satisfied smile. Okay, it just needs a flow. Any magic will do, the smallest spark.... Theoretically. Taking a deep breath, she cleared her mind and bowed her head, the tip of her horn making contact with the inch deep indent. The cold metal leads of the circle made contact with her horn on opposing sides. She strained herself, trying to draw out any lingering magic with in her.... but to no avail. She was so depleted that not even a single spark came forth. No! No, come on. Just a little spark! Please! Her heart began racing as the prospect of not being trapped here, just out of reach of her friend, became more and more real. Gritting her teeth and shutting her eyes tight she tried once more to elicit even a small charge, but it was fruitless. Panting from the strain she pulled her head back up and sat down before the space in the circle. Looking at the dim floor dejected. Wait... The flash back spell. I made to mimic Zecora's potion from when Discord's plants were attacking Ponyville. In order to activate it I had to use “alicorn” magic. I still don't completely understand what it was, but that magic felt different than the magic I'm used to. I can still use it here, even though my normal magic is depleted and my other spells are ineffective. Maybe, that magic is just inherently different than other magic. It may be possible that a different type of magic could still complete the magical current. I don't know enough about how this enchantment works or how the flash back spell works... maybe, I just don't understand how magic really works. But I have to get back to Rainbow Dash, I have a chance to get out of this place alive! With determined fire in her eyes she again set her horn down into the floor. She closed her eyes, focusing inward, feeling for where the magic was drawing from. A dark, deep purple aura began to flow from her horn. It carried a different essence than the normal, light colored, translucent glow her horn usually produced. Suddenly, the instant her magic met the golden leads an immense arc of magical energy surged through Twilight's body like lightening. For a moment her body felt as though it were on fire, complete with the sound of water rapidly turning to steam off her fur. I coursed through her for a moment, it's power paralyzing her. Then, in a flash of bright, white light, she was thrown across the room, slamming into the base of the mirror. She could faintly hear Rainbow's voice calling out to her.

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“Twilight! Are you alright? Twilight get up! Answer me Twi!” Rainbow screamed into the small mirror, standing on her hind legs with her hooves against the wall supporting her. Adrenaline and fear momentarily tearing her mind for the searing pain in her side and her general malaise. Come on Twilight! Please get up. There has to be something I can do! I can't just watch her die! Don't make me go through that Twi, please get up. Don't make me watch helplessly while you suffer alone. Don't leave me alone in this place. Don't make me go home without you! Tears were streaming down her face relentlessly. Her body convulsed from her sobs, pulling on her side, exacerbating the pain.

“Damn it Twilight get up!” She screamed, her voice was choked with tears. She stared at Twilight's limp body, unresponsive to her pleading cries. “You have to get up Twi, you can't die here! I need you! I...” A blindingly bright light filled the room, tearing her from her words. Turning away from the mirror she found the light was emanating from the gem in the centre of the room. Her body became frozen in it's place as soon as she made eye contact with it. Her vision became filled with white as the light bathed over her. Impulsively, she shut her eyes tight.

“R- Rainbow?” A voice meekly whispered her name. Gingerly, she opened her eyes. The blindingly bight light was replaced with a dimmer, more tolerable intensity. The room too had changed, it was bigger, and smelled differently. She could also no longer hear the storm rage overhead. Looking down to the floor in front of her, she found the source of the voice.

“Twilight!” She grunted as the pain became more apparent, her adrenaline inevitably ebbing. Rainbow limped over to her, her body was feeling weaker every second. Don't you give out now Rainbow, just a bit longer then you can rest. Damn, I really hurt. I- if I'm bleeding internally... Twilight, I'll get you out of here, but you may have to make it home without me. Twilight now lay at her hooves, weakly looking up at her.

“Rainbow Dash.. It worked.” She smiled softly as she slowly shifted her body to stand.

“Are you alright? That looked really bad. Here, let me help you.” Dash put her foreleg under Twilight's and pulled her up. The pain in her side burned like hot iron as her flashed with heat and a wave of nausea swept over her from the pain. She bared the pain stoically, though she felt like screaming out as Twilight's weight pulled on her. In a daze, Twilight failed to notice the pain filled look in her friend's eyes.

“Yeah.. I think so. I didn't expect that. A magic over load. It should have flowed seamlessly through my own magic and completed the circuit, but instead it over loaded me. It's an amazing amount of power.” Now recovering her senses, she shakily extricated herself from Rainbow Dash's support. Looking around the room, disappointment took over her expression.

“No.. It didn't work. I was supposed to be transported to you, not the other way around! Or Rainbow I'm so sorry I...” She stopped, struck speechless at the state the pegasus was in. Glancing down the foreleg Dash had held to support her, she saw her fur was stained with her friend's blood. Rainbow Dash was soaked. Her face and mane were covered in mud and patches of her fur were forcibly torn from her. She was covered in minor scrapes, but her chest and belly had deep gashes running almost the length of her body down to her hind legs. They had clotted for the most part but some blood still oozed from the deepest parts. Her tattered right wing was held inches out from her swollen and disfigured side. She looked like she had been through hell. Tears quickly came to Twilight's eyes.

“Twilight? What's wrong? Don't worry, I promised I'd get you out of here and I will. We're together now so the hard part is behind us. So don't cry okay.” Dash's hopeful smile only made Twilight's guilt and heart ache intensify. She stared almost blankly at Rainbow as her teared streamed effortlessly down her muzzle.

“Come on Twilight, It'll be okay. Ya can't go losing it on me now, I can't figure out how to get us out of here alone.” She tried to pull off her characteristic cocksure smile, but only managed a half smile before a bout of coughing struck her. Each cough felt like it was forcing her broken rib to pierce her insides further and further. She brought her foreleg over her mouth to keep from coughing in Twilight's face, and to hide her painful grimace. Then, she tasted something that terrified her. A metallic taste. Pulling her foreleg away from her mouth she found just what she had feared. Blood spattered across her cyan fun, a quick glace up at Twilight showed that her once worried expression was now extremely distressed and fearful. Did she see? No, how could she?

“Rainbow... I-”

“So how do we get out of here?” She asked hastily, cutting off Twilight before turning away from her, looked around busily.

“You're in no condition to move! You need to-”

“Need to what? Stay down here? Forget it, I'll rest when I can see the sky again. Besides, it's just a scratch. We're getting out of here Twilight!” Her tone was harsh. She glared at the wall, never turning to meet Twilight's worried eyes. Taking a trembling breath, her expression and voice softened. She looked over her shoulder, to see her friend's hurt and guilty expression. “I'm sorry, I know it look's bad but I'll be fine. We can't stay down Twi. I'm not smart like you, so I can't get us out of here on my own. I need you Twilight, so please stay strong for me. Otherwise, I don't know if we'll make it.”

“Okay... I'll try. W-we can't go back the way I came in, there's no way out. I'll see if we can use this magic to get us out” She spoke dejectedly, knowing she wouldn't be able to sway the stubborn pegasus. I need to get us out of here fast then, from the looks of it she can barely stand and even speaking looks like it's hurting. She walked over to the walls, glancing over at Rainbow Dash frequently, who was also fruitlessly looking at the runes. Twilight stared up at the ornate and complex making that plastered the wall. I don't know any of these symbols, but they seem to follow basic magical formulas and patterns. It's strange, I feel like I have some of my power back. Not all, but some. Could that overload have recharged me somehow? That doesn't make any sense though, It shouldn't work that way. But what else could have caused it? She became engrossed in her thought and deciphering the glyphs, pulling her mind away from the pain in her own body, but a lingering worry remained for her friend's well being. Even if we get out of here, then what? I thought my injuries were bad, but the state Dash is in, she wont be able to travel in this condition. We'll be forced to either say in one place or move very slowly. Those timber wolves aren't the only predators in this jungle. They'll be drawn to the scent of her blood and the sounds of her breathing and groans. We'll be easy, slow and weak prey. The odds that we'll survive the next few days are slim enough, but I can't clean her wound properly out here and she's been dragging herself through the mud and dirt with those open and deep lacerations. If she succumbs to infection, she could become septic and die within a day, especially in her state. Horrifying images of what could come to pass flashed through her mind. Her body quivered with a frightened chill as she tried to push the images back.

All the more reason I need to focus. The very least I can do is make sure this place isn't her tomb. Turning her head she swept her gaze over the entire room. Ceiling, walls and floor. Despite appearing to follow the base magical formula, it seemed noting more than incoherent gibberish, with only bits and pieces making up fragmented spells. She focused her attention back to the Altaibierre drive and at the runes surrounding the gem at it's centre. She stare at it in deep contemplation, narrowing her eyes as a realization slowly came to her. I was right about what it was, but none of the symbols around it correspond to any on the walls. Why is that? Wait... The standard magical formula, it doesn't seem to be in place anywhere else in here. Just on the Altaibierre drive? But why? Hold on, the symbols in the circle, they may follow the magical standard, but they also follow something else! Spinning around faster than she thought her beaten body capable of, she returned her attention to the wall. Sure enough, she found what she thought she would find. Each rune had a number of dashes or smaller glyph incorporated into it, all of them had a certain number of them in certain clusters. She looked back to the golden rings on the floor and grinned brightly. Though the gold laid in the floor were circles, the symbols came to be a spiral

“The golden spiral... One, one, two, three, five, eight. It's the Fibonacci sequence! The symbols themselves don't matter, it's not a language it's an encryption. The symbols follow certain patterns, and not just the magical standard or the Fibonacci sequence, but if I add up the geometry of the room and golden ratio, and divide it by the the speed of light multiplied by the magical standard formula and utilize the Leibniz series from there it reveals pi! This is more than just one timespace spell, it's a library! A massive computer with mathematical patterns and equations overlaying each other. The number of possible outcomes from each interaction of the equations yields different results. This is amazing!” She shouted gleefully, her discovery almost giving her the energy to jump up and down with excitement. Despite her enthusiasm however, Rainbow Dash seemed less than thrilled.

“That's great and all Twi, but does it tell you how to get us out of here?” She spoke softer than usual, her voice seeming distant and hazy as she leaned against a wall for support.

“Maybe. The symbols at the base of the crystal correlate to zero, one, one. The first three numbers in in the Fibonacci sequence, then use a formula to for the dimensions of this room, I can find the location by the direction of the upper most pentacle of the magical standard geometry. I have a feeling that the zero, one, one also correlates to a base two system, also known as binary. I think the command for touch or activate will be in that code, which appears to be tertiary in order of code depth.” She closed her eyes and immersed herself in deep thought as she worked through the math as fast as she could. The room fell into near silence for minutes as she worked though the formulas. The only sound that could be heard were hat of Dash's labored breathing, a sound that urged her to think faster. Suddenly, her eyes shot open and she spun around to face Rainbow Dash, or rather, the wall that was supporting her. Upon examining the wall she quickly found what she had hoped to find.

“I was right, it is in base two, which means...” Dash watched beside her as she raised a hoof, placing it against a particular symbol. As soon as it made contact, the gem in the centre of the chamber again lit up with a dim white light and the room began to shake.

Twilight and Dash both turned to the sound of stone scrapping against stone that screeched behind them. A large slab of wall was being raised off the floor, revealing a rectangular corridor. Twilight look back to Rainbow Dash.

“It worked! Dash I did it!” She smiled excitedly, but her glee was quickly snuffed out as she saw her friend, who's condition seemed worse than only a few minutes ago. Despite her state, she smiled weakly back at Twilight.

“Of course... you did, I wasn't worried for a second.” She chocked out a soft laugh before succumbing to another agonizing coughing fit. Blood spattered on her fur. She tried in vain to hide it from Twilight, who saw the crimson specks fly from her mouth.

“Come on, let's get you out of here.” Twilight offered her shoulder to Dash for support. Shakily, Dash moved from her perch against the wall and leaned on Twilight's side. She could now barely support herself as most of her weight was put on the weakened Twilight. She could here Rainbow's unsteady and shallow breathing, and her body felt unusually warm. No, not yet! She shouldn't have a fever yet, she just got injured. I hope I'm wrong.

“Come on Dash, we're getting out of here. Walk with me.”

“S-sure thing Twi.” She replied, her voice was dull, but a trace of her characteristic bravado still permeated her tone. Together, they slowly made their way across the room, Twilight's sore body begging her to stop and rest as the excess weight sapped her remaining physical strength quickly. She willed herself to keep moving as they left the room. Suddenly, the sound of moving stone groaned behind them. Twilight turned her head back just in time to see the last glimpse of light vanish behind the stone door. It was pitch black now. Steeling herself, she pressed on. There's no turning back. I'm getting us out of here damn it!

“Twilight... I'm sorry I got like this.” She wheezed. Tentatively, she extended her wing around Twilight. Though opposite her injured side, the movement still force a grunt of pain out of her as she leaned more heavily on her friend.

“Don't apologize. Just save you're strength. I'll get us out of here.” Forcing her muscles to cooperate she trudged forward. The air began to take on a distinct smell, and cave was starting to warm up, though still uncomfortably cold. She could also feel, both to her dismay and relief, that they were on an incline. They were heading to the surface.

“Twilight... If I can't get better you have to leave me behind.”

“Don't talk like that Rainbow Dash! We are making it out of this. I'm not letting you die out here!” The floor was becoming more and more uneven. It was a natural cave. Soon Twilight could hear rain from the storm still raging above.

“Rainbow! Light! I see Light! We're almost there!” With a rush of strength she pulled herself and Dash up the cave floor. Upon reaching the top of the hill, Twilight's heart soared with relief. The cave opened wide to the forest just beyond, the cave kept dry by a rocky outcropping. I never thought I would be so happy to see the jungle!

“We made it! Rainbow we-” Before she could get out her next words she felt the weight she had been bearing leave her body as Rainbow Dash collapsed on the cave floor. She didn't even fight the fall as she landed limply, her head slamming into the solid stone.

“Rainbow! Rainbow Dash!” Twilight cried, rushing over her friend. She put her nose against Dash's. It only took one second to confirm her worst fears.

“Rainbow Dash, you're burning up. But.. you would have had to be sick for longer than this for it to progress to this point. Rainbow... how long have you been sick?” Weak wheezing left her throat as Dash struggled to move herself before her body quickly gave out again.

“I- I'm sorry Twi.” She stammered, before her body relaxed into unconsciousness, leaving Twilight once again, essentially alone.

Revelation

The rain showered down more lightly now and the lightning was merely flickers in the sky. Thunder rolled in the distance. The storm was almost over, but another storm raged within the body of the pegasus who lay trembling on the cold cave floor. Twilight sat helplessly by her friend, who was barely hanging on to conscious. She could do nothing as her friend groaned and occasionally writhed in pain, her anguished and labored breaths echoed around them. Twilight couldn't help but count the ways in which they may soon meet their end.

With the sound of her breathing, she is sure to draw predators. I just don't know how long I can protect her. Even if the predators don't get her, there's only a slim chance her body will be able to fight off this infection. Then... Gruesome images flashed through her mind. The thought of having to leave her beloved friend's body to be picked at and scavenged, never to be recovered, flashed through her mind. She felt nauseous, it was all she could do to keep from vomiting at the thoughts, but she had barely eaten and losing calories out here could kill her or leave her prone to infection. I-if Rainbow dies, I'll bury her body. I won't let this forest tear her apart. She deserves a real burial, she- she... Tears flowed down her muzzle as the very real prospect of having to bury her friend out in this forsaken place not only possible, but likely. The way she looks, she might not last the rest of the day.

Another agonized groan emanated from Dash's throat as she crumpled tighter into a ball. Twilight bent down, placing her ear to Dash's chest. She was hot and her entire body was trembling from the cold and the infection. Her heartbeat was unsteady and rapid as it worked frantically to keep it's owner alive, giving it's diminished blood supply to the most damaged area's of her body whilst trying to fight off the infection that had taken hold. Twilight strained her hearing and focus as she tried to count each tepid beat through Dash's shaking and struggled breathing. After a minute, she lifted her head back up.

“Seventy beats per minute, that's not good... What am I even doing, I can't take care of you here. Rainbow Dash, I'm sorry. I'm sorry I let you get dragged into this, I should never have let you come with me.” Grief and helplessness made her body feel heavy and weak, almost bringing her to her knees. No Twilight, not yet. You can't despair now. I have to protect Rainbow Dash. I have to help her, how ever I can. She deserves better than to die out here and be buried in some shallow grave where whatever monsters that live in this forest can dig her up. I can't do it, I just can't go on if I have to watch her die. What will I say to her family? What will I say to the girls?... No, her heart hasn't given up and neither can I! I'll do what I can for her. Taking a deep breath, Twilight calmed herself.

“Rainbow Dash, I need to move you on your back to try and keep your wounds dry or they could get infected.” Twilight gently nudged her side, carefully avoiding her injured rib. In response, Dash groaned softly. Good, the less awake you are for this, the better. It's going to hurt, but letting her wounds fester on the cave floor is exposing her to all sorts of infections. If she gets a second one, there's no way her body could fight this off. Tentatively she placed one hoof on Dash's shoulder and the other under her hind leg by her pelvis.

“Alright Rainbow, I'm going to move you. It's going to hurt but try not to move much, it'll aggravate your injuries.” She said softly, not actually wanting to wake her. “Okay. One, two... Three.” She slowly pulled Rainbow towards her. Dash winced as she was moved, contorting her

face against the pain and gritting her teeth. After the painstaking turn, her back was laid down on the cave floor as gently as Twilight could, but still, the soft impact jerked Rainbow awake.

“Gah!” Dash grunted, slowly opening her eyes. The first sight she saw was Twilight's large and glistening eyes looking into her own.

“T-Twilight...” She whispered blearily.

“Shh, try not to talk. You need to save your strength.” Twilight answered. As she spoke, Dash could hear her voice cracking with held back tears.

“I'm sorry I woke you. I needed to get you on your back. We need to keep your wounds dry and I want to look at them. Go back to sleep, you'll need to rest if you want to get better.” She smiled weakly, injecting some bravado into her words, but her act did little to give her any hope. She looked down at her friend's lacerations. They were superficial for the most part, but some were deep and yellowish-white pus was draining from them. These look terrible. I'm surprised they've completely clotted by the size and depth of some of these.

“W-wa...” Rainbow croaked weakly as she fought to lift her head. Twilight quickly slid her hoof behind her neck to support her.

“Try to stay still Dash, you can't waste your energy. Just rest, I'll take care of what ever you need. I'll get you out of this alive, I promise.”

“I- I need... water.” Her voice raspy from her parched throat as she spoke. Twilight softly placed her head back down.

“It's still raining. I'll see what I can do. Just go back to sleep for now okay.”

“I... don't want to... go... back to sleep.” Dash wheezed between shallow breaths. She shakily reached her hoof up and, taking hold of Twilight's, looked up at her with her dull, tired eyes. “I'm afraid... I won't wake up Twi.” Rainbow said, echoing the deepest fear in Twilight's heart. The admission of fear from Rainbow Dash, the mare Twilight considered to be the bravest and strongest she knew, stripped away almost all of what little hope she clung to. Her tired eyes spilled forth tears despite her best efforts to keep a brave face, for both their sakes.

“Don't worry about that Rainbow. I won't let you die out here... I promise. So please, just rest, your body needs sleep to fight this. I'll keep you alive, no matter what Dash. So rest, I'll be right with you when you wake up.” It took all her strength to give her friend a comforting smile, but it hurt her so much to do so. If she keeps getting worse, there's nothing I can do but be by her side... Rainbow Dash, please hang on, you have to fight this, you can't die. Weakly, Rainbow nodded before her eyes eased shut and her muscles relaxed. Twilight carefully placed Dash's hoof by her side and stepped back, satisfied she was asleep as she breathing became more relaxed.

“Now... I need to get her some water.” Twilight trotted towards the mouth of the cave, keeping an ear on Dash's breathing as she left her. If it wasn't raining we would be in a lot more trouble. I suppose I could use a leaf to hold the water, but first I need to make sure it's not poisonous.

Reaching the caverns entrance, she stood staring at the expansive wilderness. The rain flowed down the mouth of the cave forming small waterfalls. The pleasing scent of petrichor filled the air. Scanning the trees nearest her, she found a tree with large, low hanging leaves. Perfect... As long as it's not poisonous I can collect fresh rain water it in. She glanced up towards her horn. I can feel a little of my magic has returned, but I still don't know why. Or why it's diminished in the first place. I should have enough to carry a leaf and some water though. She turned back for one last look at Rainbow Dash before stepping into the forest.

Small but steady drops of rain pelted her again, beginning to drench her freshly dried fur. Craning her neck she looked to the sky, there was a clearing in the trees immediately surrounding their shelter: the stony floor that extended into the forest was an inhospitable place for plants. The rain stung as if fell into her eyes and mouth. The sky was a light grey but she couldn't pin the position of the sun. I hate not knowing what time it is. How long has it been since I've slept? I'm so tired. Okay, focus Twilight, you need to get that leaf. She came to a stop at the base of the wide trunk of the tree in question. It was a species she had never seen nor read about before and that made her weary. Closing her eyes, she called upon her magic. Concentrating as hard as she could, a dull glow shined from her horn and the same violet glow enveloped the target leaf. Quickly though, her magic's aura flicked rapidly before it was snuffed out.

“No! Why is my magic draining again? What's going on?!” Clenching her jaw, she tightly shut her eyes and took a deep breath. She pooled all her focus and strength, the effort physically straining her body as her horn again lit up. Have... to do this quickly! The moment the leaf was again over taken in her aura she jerked her neck back, adding her bodily strength to her magic. Her magic once again quickly died out, but the leaf fell freely to the forest floor before her. Exasperated, Twilight released a heavy breath and walked towards her prize. This is bad, at this rate, I'll have no magic left at all in a couple of days.

Suddenly, a branch snapped from just beyond her line of sight into the forest. She froze, just steps from the leaf, her eyes wide with fear. She held her gaze towards the direction of the ominous sound. Her heart raced, pounding in her ears, readying her to move on a moments notice. It was only now that she noticed the forest, besides the pouring rain, was silent. Devoid of the chirps or tweets of its more friendly residents: a predator was near. Somewhere in those trees, Twilight knew, it was drawn by the scent of blood and Dash's weak breath. Even now, as she stood petrified in fear and anticipation, it was readying its teeth to make either of them its meal.

I- I have to get back to Rainbow... Her body was visibly trembling as she fought with her limbs to make them move. Her ears stood erect, trained on the slightest sound that stood out against the rain. An abrupt sound rang from the woods as leaved kicked up behind a blur of motion. Twilight's heart skipped a beat as she prepared for what may come, but the sound of rustling leaves quickly became more and more distant. She stood perfectly still. Breathing as little as she could, as she listed to the sound grow fainter and further. A minute passed and soon the comforting sounds of the jungle returned. Still in fear, she stayed for a moment longer, keeping her eyes trained on the where she had seen the blur.

W-what was that? What ever it was, it will be back, It'll keep coming back until we're asleep, until we are most vulnerable. That's how the predators are here... This place, it's nothing like home, it's nothing like any pony has experienced that I know of. Here, we are just an uncooperative dinner for the monsters that lurk around us, always following us, always waiting.

“We're going to die here.” She whispered, resigning herself to what she felt was an indisputable fact of reality. Her muscles began to relax. If Rainbow Dies, I won't go on. I don't want to be hunted. I don't want to be torn to pieces. I don't want to be eaten alive. I don't want to be alone. There's a lot of poisonous plants here I could eat. Twilight scanned the ground in front of her and after a moment she found a sufficiently long stick. Taking the stick between her teeth she ran it under the leaf and lifted it off the floor. I don't think there is a way out of this. It's hopeless. With a heart heavy with despair, she turned back towards the cave.

********************************************

“What should I do?” Twilight whispered, laying on the cave floor as she stared at the leaf that rested only inches from her face. It was large and smooth, easily as big as her head and it was strong enough not to have torn in the process of removing it. If I test it on myself and Dash does get better, it would only reverse our roles. Or, more likely, I get poisoned and we are both incapacitated and what ever it was that's out there kills us both while we are defenseless. Twilight listed to Dash's groans and breaths: she needed the water soon.

“I have to do something.” With that in mind the leaned forward, stretching her neck and lowering her head until her lips hovered only a centimeter over it. Steeling herself, she closed the gap and pressed her lips to the waxy surface. She held her lips to it for a few moments longer before pulling away. If my lips begin to burn, tingle or itch, I'll know it's poisonous. Slowly she stood up, her legs shaking from the strain. The sound of rain was gradually becoming softer as the storm died down and the clouds became lighter. Exhausted, she made her way back to Rainbow Dash.

“Rainbow, I'll have your water soon. I just need to make sure it's safe okay.” Twilight said softly. Dash had rolled back on her good side while Twilight was out getting the leaf. She quietly approached Rainbow until she was standing over her, debating internally whether to wake her.

“T-Twilight...” Dash hoarsely whispered. She didn't turn to look at Twilight, her beaten and exhausted body felt too weak to move now.

“What is it Rainbow?” She spoke gently, almost the way Fluttershy would speak to her sick animals, but with a darker undertone of hopelessness.

“You should...” She was interrupted as a painful cough erupted from her throat. “Gah!” She gasped as she covered her injured side with her hood, though she knew it would do no good to protect it. Her breaths were rapid and shallow, and each one made her side burn. Twilight could only watch the pathetic sight as the once strong pegasus cringed and whimpered in agony on the floor. She turned her head away, feeling like it was somehow disrespectful to watch her like this. Eventually, her breathing calmed as did the whimpers and she continued.

“You should leave me.”

“No...” Twilight said softly, she felt like crying once again. Crying, not because she was in pain, but because she knew, that it was logical. “Don't say that... Don't.”

“Twi... we can't... both survive. If you stay... we both die.”

“No Rainbow. You can't leave me alone out here. I won't watch you die!” She shut her eyes tight, squeezing salty tears from their corners.

“If you leave... you wont have to watch.”

“Dash... Dashie, There's something out there. Something's waiting for us. If I run It'll get me. I'd rather die in here, with you.”

“Y-you're scrawny... and out of shape.” She took a slow, but deep breath as her body trembled. “I would... make a better meal.” Her sides shook as she let out a weak chuckle followed immediately followed by a dull moan.

“No... I'm not leaving you. If you die here, I'll be right behind you. There's no way out of this, there is no getting home. There's no proving me innocent. It doesn't even matter anymore! Dash, I'm sorry!” Twilight buried her face in to Rainbow's neck. Her fur was soft and her body was hot from the fever, she was careful to not put too much pressure as she cried into her pelt. Her tears soaked into Dash's fur. Twilight could feel every heartbeat pulse through her neck.

“I'm so sorry. I'm sorry I got you into all of this, I'm sorry I let you follow me into this hell! I'm sorry I failed Dash... I'm sorry. I don't want you to die. I don't want to lose you! I can't lose you!” I don't want to lose her. She's done more than keep me alive, she's kept me smiling, even through all of this. She protected me, she saved me time and time again, always putting herself in danger for me. I have no right to give up on her. I won't lose her, I refuse! She felt a warm and tender hoof hold hers, shakily, but tightly.

“I'm sorry... I didn't tell you... that I was sick. I couldn't let you... worry. I thought I could handle it. Twilight... I'm sorry, I couldn't protect you.”

“I wont let you die Dash! If you die I'll lay beside you until I starve or whatever is out there finds us. I'll die if you do Rainbow, so please, you promised you wouldn't leave me alone. So fight this, fight this and come back to me Rainbow. I need you. Please... don't die.” As she spoke, Dash's grip on her hoof remained firm, pressing her foreleg against her lowed side. Though Twilight couldn't see it, a small smile came to Rainbow's face before her muscles gave out to exhaustion.

“I'll stay with you... as long as I can.” She weakly murmured before easing back into sleep's gentle embrace. Twilight stayed where she was, listening to her heart and breaths and taking in her warmth. Why is it turning out like this? Rainbow Dash, please pull through. She lifted her head and began wiping away her residual tears.

“There has to be something I can do.” Twilight turned away from Dash, taking up post, guarding the entrance, she stood like a sentry. For all the good it will do. Without my magic... Wait? Why wasn't my magic working. It felt recharged after that shock in that chamber, and it didn't change this whole time... until I stepped outside! What makes outside different than in here though?

Twilight stared out to the forest, her eyes scanning back and forth for any movement. Water flowed down from the roof of the cave, refracting the dim light into glistening colors. What is it about this place? Nothing makes sense. Twilight stared mesmerized by a falling stream of water that formed and writhed in front of her.

“Rain...” Twilight reached her hoof out and let the cool water fall over it. “It's the rain! The water in this forest! The plant's the animals, even us! That's what's draining my magic! That's why all the monsters we've fought have been immune to my magic!” Twilight shouted, smiling excited at her discovery.

“Wait... but why does my flashback spell still work? Does it really run off an entirely different type of magic? But... I’ve never heard of such a thing. I wonder...” She trailed off as she slowly shut her eyes. Where do I feel it the most? Where is that magic coming from? Where?... Twilight fell into a trance as she focused inward, searching for the source of her new magic. She began to cast her spell. She felt it, a distant warmth. Deeper. It's there, I know it is. A wellspring of magic that I've scarcely tapped. Focus. Her breathing and heart rate slowed she fell into a meditative state. The spell built up, coming closer and closer to competition. The more complete her spell became, the closer she felt to this new power. It was dangerous experiment, if she used the spell, she would be taken into the past, and both her and Dash would be vulnerable.

“I'm close.” She murmured. She began taking very slow but deep breaths. In through her nose, out through her mouth. Twilight could feel a power build with each inhale and ebb with each exhale. A luminescent lavender haze began to swirl like vapor around her. I can feel it! It's there, the magic. It's strange, normally my magic feels like it's in my chest, my heart. This, it's amazing... right between my eyes, but below my horn. It's massive, there's so much there.

“What is this?” She opened her eyes, as she did, the haze of energy vanished. She looked down at her hooves. A new kind of magic, one that seems unaffected by the water here. Now, I just need to learn how to use it. She looked up, back to the jungle. What she saw made her fur stand on end and her blood run cold. A pair of eyes, glinting yellow stared at her through the brush, it's body obscured. They stared at her, unblinking, watching her. Her breathing sped up to match her heart rate. They stared at each other, Twilight's muscles tightening, ready to spring into action at any moment. Do something! You have to do something! Fear and panic built up in her, but also a new and powerful feeling... rage. She gritted her teeth and narrowed her eyes as she took a deep breath.

“Aaaahhhhh!” She screamed at the top of her lungs, The sound ringing out into the jungle. She bolted away, kicking up dirt and leaves as it ran. Still, Twilight could only make out its hind end as it ran: it was roughly the size of a wolf, but with spotted fur and a short tail. Twilight stood, panting. Her throat sore from the force with which she projected her yell.

“Twi... w- what's happening? Run... I'll hold it off.” Dash said weakly binging to rise to her hooves. She growled against the pain as she forced every muscle to stand.

“Don't strain yourself!” Twilight rushed to Dash's side, placing her hoof behind Rainbow's back and easing her back to the floor. “It's gone, for now. What are you thinking? You'll hold it off?! What did you mean by that Dash? If you did that, that thing could have eaten you alive! It wouldn't be fast, it would be slow and painful! you would watch yourself get torn apart and eaten. Is that really something you want to put either of us through?!” Dash's body relaxed once again. She smiled at Twilight, her eyes were distant and dull.

“I'm going to die anyway... I would rather die... protecting you.”

“Don't talk like that! What would I do without you? You have to live Rainbow, you have to stay by my side!” She begged, pleading through her cries. Rainbow Dash just kept her gentle smile.

“Even... if I die... I'll be by your side. I won't... leave my friend's hanging.” Dash said as she began to succumb to fatigue. Twilight slowly shook her head as she watched her friend fall back into unconsciousness.

“Rest Rainbow. It's about time I protected you. You'll live and we'll get out of this together. So sleep for now, I'll keep you safe.”

**********************************************

Come on Twilight, you did It once you can do it again. She lay on the floor only a tail length from Rainbow Dash. Her eyes were closed but she was sure to keep her ears trained on the entrance. One of the very few good things about being here was that her senses had gotten sharper since her exile. Keeping an ear out for danger, she fell back into a meditative state. Her mind was clear, the sound of the rain and her breathing melded together to form a relaxing white noise. Without even beginning to cast the flashback spell, she was able to find that sea of magic that rested between her eyes.

Okay... Take a deep breath. In- She inhaled deeply through her nose, focusing on the energy she felt flow with each breath. Then out... With a soft but drawn out exhale through her mouth, she felt the magic flow, flooding her mind and making her body feel electrified with energy. The hazy mist of magic again swirled around her. Wisps coalescing into smoky streams. Sparks of white arced between and around them. She could feel a connection to the smoke, like an extension of herself. Twilight reached deeper and deeper inward, calling on more of the magic. It felt massive, larger than the magic she had before she was exiled. It was immense. Is there even a limit? How much can I draw from this? What can I do with so much power? As she drew more magic, the swirling violet smoke began to look like a raging storm, spinning and arcing with power. It's becoming unstable... I don't know how to control it. I don't even know what it is. Opening her eyes, she loosened her focus, cutting off her connection to the newly discovered power. With a sigh, she relaxed her body and mind.

“I just wish I knew how to use it.” She looked outside, the storm would be over soon and with it, her access to fresh water. She gently licked her lips. It's been a while and they feel fine. I guess I should try to collect some water.

“Rainbow, I'm going to get you some water. I'll be right back.” After waiting a moment, no response came. Only the sound of Dash's rapid and shallow breathing filled the cave. I don't know if she'll be able to fight this infection off. All we can do it wait. With that, Twilight picked the leaf up, pinning it's stem end to it's tip with her teeth. Cautiously she walked outside. Her eyes darted back and forth, ensuring there was no danger. The chorus of insects and birds was in fullswing, giving her a sense of peace. Twilight held her head up to the sky along with the leaf, water began to pool in it as she held it as steady as she could.

I can't believe there's an entirely different source of magic I've never known about. I thought I knew almost everything there was to know about magic. I guess I was wrong. If I could just create a spell... It's not that simple, I've used it to look into the past, but it seems to have entirely different attributes than my normal magic. Water began flowing from the leaf as it overflowed. I guess it wasn't going to hold very much. I'll just have to make multiple trips. Turning around, Twilight carefully made her way back to the cave. Reaching Rainbow, she gently nudged her with her hoof, her neck was becoming increasingly sore from the position she had to hold it in.

“Twi... What's that?” She asked blearily.

“Wawer.” She said, her words muffled through her teeth. Gingerly, Twilight slid her hoof underneath her neck and held Dash's head up. Straining her neck muscles she reached the leaf forward, holding it in front of Dash's mouth. Without a word, Rainbow put her lips to the makeshift cup and guzzled down the barely mouthful of water. Suddenly she went into a choking fit, the spastic movements of her chest searing at her hurt rib. Twilight dropped the leaf and held Dash up higher to prevent her from choking.

“You shouldn't drink so fast.” She said as she massaged Dash's back to ease her choking.

A loud and blood curdling cackle shrieked from the cave entrance, causing both Rainbow and Twilight's eyes to widen in terror. Twilight spun around, resolutely standing her ground between it and Rainbow Dash. There, at the mouth of the cave, stood the predator that had been stalking them. It had a short flat snout and menacingly sharp teeth.

“A hyena...” Twilight whispered as she staggered backwards until she could feel Dash's fur against her hind leg. Twilight growled, her fear giving way to primal rage.

“T-Twi... run...away.” Dash whispered. As she tried to force herself to stand.

“Bamidele! Have you found them?” A voice with a familiar accent called out. To Twilight's disbelief, the source of the voice stepped into sight, standing side by side with the predator: a zebra.

Day zero

“Twilight Sparkle, you are hereby sentenced to Exile!” Celestia's voice boomed as the gavel slammed down with a hard crack, echoing through the room. Her fiery gaze burned through her former pupil as she stared down with disgust at Twilight. Soft whispers filled the court room, agreeing nods and spiteful glares were directed at the former princess.

No, no! How did this happen? I- I didn't do anything wrong! Twilight's eyes were clouded with tears and her legs became weak. She was trembling, her thoughts racing and her heart beating so fast she felt like it could burst at any moment. Her strength and will sapped from her body, she knelt down, her shaky legs no longer able to support her body. Rapid and shallow breaths left her lips as she struggled to breath through her sobs. Turning to the stands, she looked to her friends; for what? She didn't know, there was nothing they could have done. Through her bleary vision she could see her four friends, Fluttershy was being help by Pinkie Pie who was stroking her mane, trying to quell her crying. Applejack bolted up, a fierce anger washed over her normally collected face.

There's nothing you can do Applejack... There's nothing anypony can do.

Just before the farm pony could leave her seat a white hoof took her by her shoulder. Rarity solemnly shook her head, something was conveyed between the two the Twilight couldn't see, something, a look in Rarity's eyes showed to Applejack that it was hopeless. That was the only explanation because, after a long moment of looking into her eyes, Applejack sat down. Her face was contorted in rage, her eyes squeezed shut as she looked away. That was it, that told Twilight everything she needed to know, everything she already knew. She was alone, there was truly nothing that could be done.

“Do you understand Twilight Sparkle? Your punishment for your treason will be banishment, exiled the harshest of lands, alone, for the rest of your life.”

“Y-yes...” Her voice cracked as she spoke in little more than a whisper. Her eyes were shut tight and her head hung low as she felt her life fall apart. There lay the evidence that showed her to be guilty in the eyes of her mentor and the ruler of the land, laying right on a table encased in glass beneath the high podiums that her judge, jury and executioners sat. Papers, that's what put her away, that's what is destroying her life she thought. Testimonies of a guard, a magic investigator and one from her own brother, written in paper, the documents stolen, found in her possession, the communication to the enemy, detailing a hideous plot written in her writing, found in her library. She tried, she tried so hard to prove her innocence, but Princess Celestia's verdict was already decided long before this moment, likely when she was first arrested.

“Then your life sentence beings now. Twilight Sparkle, you are no longer permitted to set hoof in this land, upon site you are to be executed if you should ever return. Also, hence forth, any physical communication shall be considered contraband, and anypony found in possession of any form of tangible correspondence shall be treated as an accomplice to treason and shall be sentenced to imprisonment without trial. Any form of magical communication will be traced and the receiving party, if they do not report you immediately, will be treated as an accomplice. You will also not be granted asylum by any ally nation of Equestria. Any nation found to be granting you asylum will be treated as protecting a war criminal and will be an enemy of Equestria.”

As Princess Celestia read off the conditions of her banishment, Twilight fought to not break down. She had to fight off every impulse to cry, to beg for understanding, to curse the unfairness of it all, but, under the weight of anger and rejection that was coming from some of the ponies she loved more than any other, including her own brother, her voice fell short, dying as a weak breath past her lips.

“Further more, you will be branded with the mark of a traitor. More than just a symbol of your shame and guilt, this magical engraving into your flesh and soul will alert us if you attempt to set hoof in this land, and the moment you cross an inch into our soil your magic shall be sealed away, never to be used again. Shining Armor, mark the traitor.”

Twilight's head shot up, her eyes wide open. Trails from her tears led down her face and drops pooled on the floor beneath her. She looked to her older brother as her slowly turned his head to face Princess Celestia. It felt agonizingly long, the time it took his serious, grave eyes to meet hers before he spoke.

“Yes, Princess.” His voice was calm, but as he turned back and looked down at his sister, she could see pain, rage, regret and sorrow in his eyes. It broke Twilight's heart, to see that, the only thing she couldn't find in his eyes, was remorse. His horn lit up, charging with immense magic. Twilight helplessly closed her eyes, knowing there was nothing she could do. She quietly accepted her fate. Suddenly, her body felt hot, stiflingly hot as the magic burned into her, it felt worse than the worst fever she's ever had. Her mouth and throat dried and her vision blurred. She fell to the floor in pain as a searing hot sensation burned into her flank, overlapping her cutie mark. Gritting her teeth only a strained whimper escaped her.

'I won't let them see me like this, I have to be strong!' Her thoughts turned to her friends as she weathered the pain. 'I won't let the last thing they see be me screaming in pain.' All too slowly, the fiery sensation retreated, leaving her nauseous and weaker than ever. She lay panting on the floor, desperately trying to keep her composure.

“The seal's magic is absolute, it is not just his magic, but combined with Princess Luna's and my own, it is unbreakable and a mark you will be left with for the rest of your days. Now, it is time. You will leave this land and are never to return!” Princess Celestia's eyes ignited in a blinding white and her horn lit up. The still air in the court room began to swirl. Twilight struggled to her hooves as she stared before her fate. No... please. I didn't do it... I don't deserve this. Please.

“Stop!” A scream to rival Princess Luna's royal voice called. The entire room turned to the direction of the voice, even Princess Celestia was caught off guard as her spell vanished. Wait, I know that voice! Twilight whipped around just a moment before the massive wooden doors she had been ushered through violently blasted open and apart followed by a bright rainbow trail. The guards were dumbfounded as the prismatic streak darted to the floor and a pegasus mare skidded along the ground, grinding to a halt only meters away from Twilight.

“Rainbow Dash!” Twilight's jaw dropped. There she stood, with those eyes blazing with definite purpose and unyielding resolve as she glared up at Princess Celestia. Then, the patter of small feet came from the hall the Rainbow had just made her grand entrance from, as Spike ran as fast as he could behind them, huffing and carrying a rather dusty and hefty old tome. He came to a stop behind Rainbow, wiping sweat from his brow before looking around the room nervously.

“Rainbow Dash! What are you thinking!” Twilight screamed as she eyed the guards, just coming to their senses pick up their spears behind.

“Yes, I would also like to know. Explain this... interruption. I hope this is not some foolhardy attempt at a rescue.” Her horn lit up once again with a dim light, the fragments of the broken door floated into the air, reassembling themselves once again into the massive and heavy doors without a blemish before slamming shut with finality. With a glance at the court guards she commanded them to drop their stand down, of course, they did just that as Rainbow approached the Princess.

“Princess, you know Twilight wouldn't do any of the things you said she did, she just wouldn't! She couldn't! She saved your flank more times than I can count and don't get me started on all the things she's done for Equestria! How can you just ignore all that!”

“How dare you speak to her royal highness with such disrespect! You dare barge into this room with such sentimentality and no proof and then disrespect the Princess!” Shining Bolted up, his rage boiled over and his magic flared up, engulfing Rainbow Dash and forcing her to the floor, crushing her under his magic. Rainbow struggled to to so much as move her wings but his grip was too strong. She coughed as she struggled to lift her throat off the hard floor.

“Shining stop! Please! She can't breath! You're hurting her!” Twilight rushed to her friend's side.

“This is all your fault Rainbow Dash! You have no respect and no regard for authority or rules! You're recklessness and disgusting attitude is what encouraged my own sister to become a traitor! You! You did this! This is all your fault!”

“That's enough.” The Princess said calmly, glaring down not at him, nor even at Rainbow, but her deathly glare was directly solely at Twilight.

“But your highness!”

“Do I need to ask again?” She spoke just as softly, but her tone was freezing and frightening. Twilight had never heard such a voice from her benevolent mentor. It sent a shiver down her spine. The tone was enough to ever shake Shining Armor of his rage as he glared down one last time at Rainbow Dash before releasing her.

“No, Princess...”

“Is this all you have to say, Rainbow Dash? I am well aware of her past, more so than anypony, but this does not give her license to try to end the peace of this land. She will face her punishment. She is to be exiled, alone for the rest of her life for her crimes.” Princess Celestia spoke again with the icy tone. Rainbow pulled herself off of the floor coughing and rubbing her throat.

“Article 17, section 8 of the Royal Banishment decree.” An intrigued look took over Celestia's face, almost bringing out an amused smile that she forced back. Princess Luna had been little more that a face, one could almost have places a cut out of her and achieved the same end, but just then, as Rainbow spoke she looked up to her sister, her eyes were deep and her expression complex but it seemed like she had just comprehended something that had once puzzled her.

“Rainbow, what are you talking about?” Twilight said as she helped her friend stand.

“Do you really know what you are saying?” Celestia said, still seeming as though she were pleasantly surprised, as though something entertaining had presented it's self.

“Yes, I do! Spike, the book!”

“R-right!” He opened the tome, rapidly flipping though pages until he came to an abrupt stop. Rainbow spun around and tore the book out of his claws, placing it down on the floor between her and Celestia.

“Article 17, section 8 of the Royal Banishment Decree,” Rainbow began, glancing between the book on the floor and the Princess looming over her. Dash's tail lashed back and forth, both in anger and nervousness. She fought to keep her voice from trembling, loyalty and outrage fueling her will and courage. “A law that was used only once before, when Princess Luna herself was banished to the moon! A member of royalty, stripped of their rule for treachery may be banished with their closest followers. It was an idea to keep followers of Luna from starting an uprising.”

“they chose to get banished with her, isn't that right?” Rainbow Dash shot a glance at the Princess of the Night, who looked down at her with a gaze as soft and cool as the full moon. Her expression was deep, but impossible to read. Twilight watched, her usually sharp mind, sluggish from stress and heartbreak, was only beginning to catch on to what Rainbow was getting at.

“So, you are admitting to being a radical? Once banished, you can never return. Unlike my sister, Twilight was not overcome by a spirit of emotion, her betrayal was one of cold thought and logic. There is no redemption to be found.”

“Listen! I'm telling you, she didn't... she didn't...” The flash of rage began to die as she spoke. Despair clouded her eyes and her shoulders slumped. Taking a deep, shaky breath, she calmed herself. “Yes... I admit it, I'll follow Twilight, no matter what!”

“Rainbow...” Twilight whispered, stunned out of better words she at her friend as tears sparkled in her eyes.

“And so will we!” Rainbow spun around to face the familiar voice behind her. Applejack stood staunchly, clear conviction burned in her eyes. Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie all stood with her, all affirmed their support of their friend in the face of banishment.

“Do you all realize what you're saying!?” Twilight snapped, facing her friends. She was stunned, there wasn't even a hint of fear or hesitation among them. All she could see was the same strength and solidarity in each of them.

“Relax sugar cube, we aren't gonna let you go just like that. We-”

“Twilight's right. You didn't think this through...” Everypony's was stunned to hear those words in that solemn tone coming from Rainbow Dash as she took up Twilight's side, facing their friends.

“Rainbow, what are you saying?” Fluttershy spoke, she nervously glanced between her friends and Princess Celestia, who was quietly watching them.

“You can't simply expect us to do nothing can you? Twilight is important to us all dear, we aren't going to-” Rarity's began, but was swiftly cut off and Rainbow interjected.

“Listen! I know you all want to help but you need to think about this!” Rainbow stomped her hoof and turned her gaze towards Applejack. “AJ, What about Granny Smith? What about Sweet Apple Acres, you sister and brother? You can't just disappear for Celestia knows how long.”

Applejack opened her mouth to retort, but she couldn't. With a sigh, her mouth closed and she brought her gaze to the floor. Almost under her breath she spoke. “None of us should be go'n alone...”

“No.” Everypony looked up. Princess Celestia, who had been silently observing now spoke. “I will only allow one of you to accompany Twilight Sparkle, this way...” She brought her eyes down on Twilight who looked back up at her. A cold shiver ran down her spine as Celestia addressed her. Terror filled Twilight's heart as though Celestia were a monster, a predator creeping towards her. Twilight gulped as she braced herself as Celestia continued. “This way you know, that should you return, you will not be the only one to face the consequences. Do you understand Twilight Sparkle?”

“Y-yes... yes I do.” Twilight wasn't sure if the Princess could even hear her, her words came out as nothing more than a whisper.

“Then I'll go!” Rainbow turned to face Celestia, stepping between the imposing Princess and her friend.

“Now hold it right there!” Applejack stepped forward. “Why should you be the one to take that risk? Lookie here, there are ponies here that would miss you to ya know. What about Scootaloo?”

“You shouldn't even be thinking about it!” Twilight blurted out. Her voice was desperate and her eyes pleading. “It's too dangerous. I can take care of myself, I'm not going to let my friends be put in that much danger for me! If you all stay, you can prove that I'm innocent and then Celestia will bring me back!”

“You're right Twilight, it is too dangerous! That's why we aren't going to let you go alone.” Rainbow turned from Twilight and looked back at their friends. “Look, I'm not that smart, it was Spike that found that dusty old law book in the first place. I won't be any good trying to prove Twilight's innocence here, I promise I'll keep Twilight safe but please... please, find the truth, convince Celestia... I'm begging you...”

Dash's voice began to crack, as she fought off tears that were coming to her eyes. Applejack looked too Fluttershy and Rarity, after a long moment, Fluttershy gave a small nod shortly followed by Rarity. Pinkie looked sadly at Twilight and Rainbow and, without looking back at Applejack, nodded slowly. Taking a deep breath, Applejack stepped forward.

“Alright Rainbow, you got it. We won't rest till we've gotten to the bottom of this whole mess and you two are home safe. You just promise that both of you get back on one piece.”

“Thanks AJ, I promise we'll both come back.”

“Rainbow... are you sure? We have no idea where we'll end up and we could be there for a very long time.”

“Relax Twi, with all of us working together we'll be back in no time!” Rainbow's cocksure grin spread across her face, her chin raised and her chest out. Twilight felt, for the first time in days, hope. She wouldn't be alone in a cell anymore. She's right, there's nothing my friends can't do. Together, everything will be alright.

“Thank you...” Tears streamed down Twilight's face, this time, not tears of fear, frustration or sorrow, but tears of joy, grateful tears. “Thank you so much girls. I- I know everything will be alright. We'll all be together again soon.”

“No... we won't”

“That's right we will!” Rainbow smiled.

“If that is what you have decided... Rainbow Dash, you have confessed to crimes worthy of banishment. You will be banished with whom you swear fealty to.” Celestia boomed as she handed down the sentence. “Shining Armor, brand her.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” The next moment, Shining Armor's horn was enveloped in a bright aura. Then, just as with Twilight, a beam of magic shot forth from it, blasting Rainbow with magic before she could even brace herself.

“Don't do it! Please Rainbow Dash... it's a mistake. Don't come with me.”

Rainbow gasped as a burning pain seared through her body. Gritting her teeth, she was brought to her knees from the pain. The burn suddenly concentrated over her cutie mark. She shut her eyes tight and the pain began to fade. As the spell sunk in, Rainbow took deep, heavy breaths, recovering for her loss of air from the pain. Sweat was dripping from her brow and her body was trembling. Her abdomen contracted and relaxed as though she were fighting off the urge to vomit.

“Rainbow! Rainbow I'm so sorry! I should have stopped you. I shouldn't have been so selfish. Why!? Why did I let you go through with it!”

“Now, you are both to begin your exile immediately.” Celestia's horn and eyes lit up. Suddenly, a blinding white light grew in front of Twilight and Rainbow, forming a porthole.

“It's not too late. You could still take it back... No, it is too late. I let this happen. I let it happen. I should have gone alone! Damn it!”

“Step forward, and begin your sentence.” Celestia commanded.

“Come on Twi, let's go. Just think of it as a vacation. We'll be back in a couple days tops.” Rainbow gave a reassuring smile to Twilight.

“R-right. We'll be alright.” Twilight turned back for one last look at her friends. “Be careful girls, I'll be back soon.” With renewed strength, they stepped forward, into the porthole, into the bright, white light.

“Stop!” she screamed, her voice echoing, silencing all other voices. Time it's self yielded to her scream and everything came to a dead stop. She could see the two figures, just moments before they vanished into the porthole. Loud sobs filled the frozen court room. Tears came to a halt in mid air, freezing in time like everything else, they hung there against gravity, it looked like a photo taken just before rain strikes the ground. Twilight's jaw was clenched and her body shook. “I- I could have stopped her. I could have stopped this all, but I was too scared!”

“Damn it!” She looked around the room, everything was just as she remembered it. Everything in it's place. She tread through her floating tears, past the portal that her past self confidently walked into, dragging with her, a victim of her selfishness and misfortune. She trotted all the way up to the seats that her brother, Princess Luna, and her former mentor sat and judged her from. She looked up, forlornly at Celestia, the Princess's eyes stopped on the porthole she had opened, she was watching intently as they vanished into the jungle.

“I wonder if she knew where she was sending us. Did she know what would befall us? Y-you could have done something... You could have stopped her!” Twilight screamed again at the top of her lungs, her heart pounded with rage. “Why didn't you stop her from coming!? You knew she was just doing it for me! You knew and- and yet you... you let her come with!”

“No... I let her come... this is all my fault.” Her rage died down and her body nearly went limp. She felt hot and weak. She staggered to the table that housed her guilt, pressing her forehead to the cool feeling glass. She shut her eyes and wept quietly. “I'm sorry Rainbow Dash... I'm so sorry.”

“I did this to you Rainbow... I- I-” She opened her eyes, rubbing the haze of tears away with her hoof. “I don't know what to do.” She looked down at the evidence, the proof of her treachery. The stolen documents. They were old, the parchment clearly aged and worn.

“Wait... something isn't right.” Twilight scanned over the papers lying on the table, coming to a stop on a single parchment laying between two others, only half exposed, it was the stolen document found in her possession. It was subtle, only with years of writing and studying could she tell... “The ink... It's oxidized differently on this parchment, differently from all the others.”

“No... how can that be? Is it a forgery? That can't be right. Why? Even if... even if is a fake, if it was Celestia she could certainly have done better. No, there's no way Celestia would have done this to me! But still, how could she not have noticed? I'm not wrong, there is something off about that ink, it's not as old as the ink on the other documents. Somepony definitely framed me but... that means somepony has the original! If I find it maybe I can-”

“Sparkle, Twilight Sparkle.”' A voice called, interrupting her.

“No! No, I'm almost there, this is a lead, it's the first clue I've found! I can't-”

“Sparkle, It is your friend, Rainbow Dash, I have words about her for you. You must awaken.” The voice spoke almost urgently, in an exotic accent.

“R-Rainbow Dash?” Suddenly, everything began to fade to black, replacing the courtroom with a dark void.

“Awaken!”
*********************************************************

“Wha!?” Twilight bolted to alertness. The now familiar scent of the jungle filled her nostrils. It was getting dark, the sky above dyed pink and orange as the sun fell behind the horizon and the sounds of the night time wilderness were beginning to fill the air. Twilight spun around to see a Zebra with bright blue eyes staring at her.

“Oh, Halimah, it's you. I'm sorry, I was using this spell, I get a little lost in it sometimes and... wait! Rainbow! How is Rainbow Dash?!" Twilight said frantically as she glanced in the direction of their camp Halimah had been at for the better part of the day, fervently tending to Rainbow Dash. Twilight knew, the fact that she was here with her now meant she was done and she could only pray that she had came to bring her good news.

“There is no need for apologies, I know well what you were doing. Your companion is well, Bamidele is watching over her now as she sleeps, her wounds are clean and her sickness is treated. Now we must let her body rest so she may recover fully, but she will recover.” She gave a gentle, reassuring smile.

“Thank you, thank you so much Halimah...” Twilight felt her legs go weak with relief and a smile spread across her face. “Really... thank you.”

“No need to thank me, come, let us go be with her. The night dwellers will be out to feed soon, we should stay close to our fire and Bamidele.”

“R-right... that sounds like a good idea. But, I do have to thank you, you saved her, I'm more grateful than you'll ever know for that.” Twilight bowed her head, not knowing how else to show her gratitude. When she looked up, Halimah was looking at her with a warm smile before turning away and walking towards their camp. Twilight followed close behind, keeping her ears to the forest, knowing that, somewhere in there, we predators, and at that very moment, could have been watching her. Rainbow is safe and now, we have something, it's not much, but it's something to go on.

“I followed her, to where Rainbow Dash lay, asleep and bandaged all over. The smell of herbs clung to her fur and feathers. As she rested, her body healed with the help of the medicine given to her by Halimah. Even now, I'm convinced, had she not found us that day, neither I nor Rainbow Dash would have survived the night that followed.The night that would soon be upon us.”