Shadow Over Equestriaby Cmdr BrohoofChaptersCalm Before the StormAn Ancient EvilGlimmer of HopeBattle PlansTo High PerchAn Eggciting RaceDragon HunterStorm Brewing Unsinkable?Smell of Sulfur in the MorningDescentCasualtiesVisionsReady?D-DayTo the Desert Calm Before the Storm(Note from Author: This is my second story featuring the Spirit. I wrote the story to pick up almost immediately when my last left off. While you don’t need to read the first to understand most of it some things from the previous one are mentioned. I recommend you read The Desert Spirit first) Spirit was gradually getting used to his life in Ponyville. Even thought he was a human he was treated like a regular citizen. Ever since his heroic efforts saving ponies, including the Apple Families youngest pony Apple Bloom, in the southern deserts he had become a celebrity. He also learned that his presence in the deserts was no longer needed. The explorer pony Artie Fact had taken maps the Spirit had made from his time in the desert and passed them on to the royal guard. Princess Celestia seeing the need for protection in the south created the Desert Shields, a group of guards whose job it was to patrol the deserts. Before the guards were sent to the deserts they were given training by the Spirit who was now residing on the Apple Farm. A small group of colts were gathered around the Spirit who was giving a lecture on the dangers he had faced. “As you can see the greatest danger in the desert is not the creatures that reside there, but the lack of water and shelter.” The Spirit began to conclude his class “Any questions?” “What about the Diamond Dogs?” A gray colored colt asked “Ah the dogs while they are a nuisance they will not bother you unless they believe they have an advantage. With your comrades already patrolling the deserts the threat has grown less and less.” The Spirit glanced around his students then to a white colt wearing a pith helmet. “Well then” the Spirit continued “I would like to introduce Lieutenant Dusty he will be taking you to your new assignments in the desert good luck.” The Spirit walked away as the Lieutenant pony began discussing the groups travel route to the desert. “Can you play now?” Apple Bloom asked. She had been sitting patently outside the Spirits class. “Sure thing Apple Bloom I don’t have anything else planned this afternoon. What do you want to do?” The Spirit looked down at the little filly slightly galloping to keep up with the Spirits pace. “Hmmm how about hide and go seek?” She asked “That’s no fair I’m ten times bigger than you” The Spirit chuckled “Apple Bloom” a voiced called out. Apple Bloom turned to see two familiar fillies coming toward them. “Hey Sweetie Bell, hey Scoot” Apple Bloom called out to her friends. Sweetie Bell and Scootallo ran up to Apple Bloom “Want to go to the club house today” Sweetie Bell asked “Ah but this is the first chance I get to play with Spirit” Apple Bloom said looking up at the human. “Well he can come too” Sweetie Bell added Scootaloo let a slight whimper when she said that. “Still scared of me Scootaloo?” The Spirit said “N…N…No” The orange Pegasus stammered The Spirit laughed at the nervous filly “Go on Apple Bloom go play with your friends.” “Are you sure” She asked “Yeah I’m kinda sleepy anyway.” The Spirit said yawning “Well alright come on girls” Apple Bloom said as he three fillies ran off toward their clubhouse. The Spirit continued on the Apple Family house where Granny Smith was making dinner. “What’s on the menu tonight Granny?” the Spirit asked as he entered “I’m making apple turnover with an apple salad” Granny answered as the Spirit hung his head in the door way. “I would kill for a pepperoni pizza right now.” The Spirit muttered to himself “What’d ya say youngin?” Granny asked “Oh nothing Granny sounds good.” The Spirit said as he sat down in a chair in the Apple family living room. “Hello?” a knock at the door jostled the drowsy Spirit The Spirit got up and opened the door and saw a purple unicorn staring up at him. “Hello Twilight looking for Applejack?” “No you actually” Twilight said “What can I do you for? Wait is this because I spilled water on your books listen I said…” “No it’s not that” Twilight smiled “This came for you at the library” Twilight pulled a scroll from bag and handed it to the Spirit. “For me?” The Spirit said staring at the scroll. “It’s from the Princess” Twilight added “I didn’t open it because it said for your eyes only.” The Spirit cracked the wax royal seal the held the scroll closed. He unfurled the it and read to himself. Sir Spirit, Your presence is requested at Canterlot Castle. I must discuss a very serious matter with you that poses a threat to all who inhabit Equestria. Please depart as soon as you receive this message. I’m sure my student, Twilight Sparkle, is the one who delivered this message to you. I also request her presence as well. I do not want you to tell anypony where you are headed. Time is of the essence. Sincerely Princess Celestia P.S. I will be sending an escort to carry both of you directly to the palace. It will arrive after sundown outside Ponyville. The Spirit handed the letter to Twilight. “The Princess wants us to go to Canterlot.” “What? Why?” Twilight asked as she quickly scanned the letter “This is can’t be good. Come on we don’t have much time.” An Ancient Evil“What could be wrong?” Twilight asked the Spirit as he was clinging to the side of the flying chariot. “I don’t know but I hope we get there soon. This mode of flying doesn’t suit me. It’s too open” The Spirit said said white knuckled. “Over there you can see the castle.” Twilight pointed her hoof. The moon was situated behind the gleaming city of Canterlot. The Pegasus guards gently landed the chariot on the palace grounds. The Spirit jumped off breathing a sigh of relief. “I never want to ride that again.” “Good evening” a golden armored earth pony said as he approached Twilight and the Spirit. “I’m Commander Irons head of the castle guard. The Princess has ordered me to escort you to the throne room” As the group made their way to the throne room the Spirit was looking all around at the lavish décor of the palace. “I have to admit” the Commander spoke “it’s quite the honor to meet both the Knight of Equestria and the Princess’ best student.” “You flatter us sir” Twilight added as she nudged the Spirit who was staring intently out a window at a statue of a draconequus. “Huh oh yes of course” the Spirit answered having no clue to what he was answering “Here we are the throne room.” The commander held the door open for the two to enter. Twilight and the Spirit walked into the magically lit throne room. Princess Celestia was sitting atop a high stair case at the far end of the room. Princess Luna was standing next to her discussing something. “Welcome to Canterlot Castle Sir Spirit.” Celestia interrupted Luna who turned to see their visitors. The Princess walked down from here throne to greet the two ,Luna followed behind her. As she approached both Twilight and Spirit made a bowing motion. “How do you like the castle Spirit?” Celestia asked “It’s amazing I’ve never seen anything like it.” The Spirit answered “Excuse me Princess” Twilight said clearing her throat “but what’s going on you’ve never sent a letter that I have to keep a secret.” The Princess glanced at the obviously nervous pony and gave her a sadden look. “Equestria in is danger” “In Danger?” a startled Twilight gasped “what kind of danger?” “An enemy from very long ago that nearly succeeded in destroying everything.” Celestia said “How long ago? Is it Discord again?” Twilight asked “This threat makes Discord seem peaceful” Celestia began to walk away from the group. “It happened over 2000 years ago Luna and myself were just just fillies.” Celestia added glancing at Luna. “2000” Twilight gasped “I’m sorry” the Spirit began “but how can anything over 2000 years old still be a threat?” Celestia turned back to face them “It would be easier to show you please follow me” Celestia and Luna both led them to a room connected to the throne room. The room was modestly decorated compared to the rest of the palace. No windows, no paintings, only several chairs situated in a circle around a floating purple sphere. “Whats this?” the Spirit asked "It will allow us the show you the threat" Celestia said as her and Luna approached the sphere. “Please have a seat and close your eyes” Twilight and the Spirit both looked at each other as they both approached the sisters. Twilight sat on the floor while the Spirit took one of the chairs beside her. “Now relax and clear your mind” Celestia said softly The Spirit closed his eyes he could hear the twinkle of magic then a tingling sensation shot through his body. “Now open your eyes.” Celestia said Both Spirit and Twilight opened their eyes to find the simple room gone. They were now in a small castle garden. The ivory walls of Canterlot castle gone instead cobblestone was in its place. The moon was also gone it was mid day now. “Where are we?” The Spirit said as he looked around at his new surroundings. “Old Canterlot” Luna added “2000 years ago” Both Twilight and the Spirit gave a shocked look to the sisters. “How did we go back 2000 years?” Twilight asked “The most anypony has ever gone back was a month and that was Starswirl the Bearded and he was only able to do it once.” “We did not go back in time the orb shows memories” Celestia stated “we are in the memory of Luna and myself.” “Come on sis” a voice called out “Slow down” another voice called Two small fillies entered the garden. A small white alicorn with a black one was right behind her. The two began chasing each other around the garden. “Is that…” Twilight began “That is us” Celestia said with a smile as she watched her younger self play. “Aww you both we’re so cute” the Spirit said “Quiet” an embarrassed Luna said “There you two are I’ve been looking for you.” A new deep voice said The group turned to see who the new voice belong too. The Spirit fell back not believing what he saw. A male human wearing armor similar to the Royal Guards was standing in front of him. “It’s a human” he said amazed as the guard approached him and walked right through him toward the filly princesses. “What’s one of your kind doing here?” Twilight asked the Spirit “I don’t know.” The Spirit replied still in shock “Come on girls your parents are waiting” the human said “Aww but Sir Lance we want to play. That royal stuff is so boring.” past Celestia pouted “Yeah can’t we play a little longer” past Luna added “I’m sorry” Sir Lance said “the King wants you there” The Knight led the two girls out of the garden out of view of the group. The garden faded away and they were standing in an empty white room. “Before we continue a little explanation is in order.” Celestia said “I’ll say what’s another human doing here?” The Spirit asked “I’ll get to that.” Celestia added “Twilight you remember the story of Hearths Warming Eve?” “Of course it tells how Earth Poines, Unicorns, and Pegasus came together to form Equestria.” Twilight said “That story is not entirely true.” Spoke Luna “What do you mean?” a surprised Twilight asked “The story is true but that was the second time the ponies allied together. The threat I mentioned that occurred long ago broke them up when they lost the King and Queen.” Celestia said sadly “It was through the effort of the humans that we were able to defeat Shadow.” “Shadow?” Twilight said "I’ve never heard of any being by that name “Shadow was the evil that threatened us long ago” Celestia shuddered at the thought of it “After we defeated it all record of it was banished.” “If you defeated it how is it still a threat” Spirit asked “We only thought we defeated it” Luna said “We only weakened it, after a costly battle it went into hiding to regain its strength.” “This next memory is the first we saw of Shadow” Celestia said as the room shifted again The group was now standing in a cobble throne room. Standing before a large male alicorn with a female unicorn by his side. On his other side was the knight from earlier. The group could just make out the two sisters sitting behind the knight. “Whats next on the agenda Sir Lance?” the large alicorn asked “We have Chancellor Berri requesting…” the knight was interrupted by a loud magical explosion in the middle of the throne room. An orb hovered at the spot of the explosion. The ground around the black orb was scorched. “Surrender” a gravelly voice emitted from the orb. “Guards!” the knight yelled Quickly the orb was surrounded by several colts and armored humans. “Surrender” the voice said again A human guard leapt forward bringing his pole arm down onto the orb. The orb let a low hum and in a flash the surrounding guards fell to the floor. “Surrender” the voice said in the same tone “What do you want” The male alicorn demanded “Everything” the orb responded “Will you give it to me?” The king looked at his queeen and the sword drawn knight by his side. “No” the king stated staring down the orb “Very well” instantly the orb disappeared as quickly as it appeared. “Sir Lance bring in the royal mages” The king immediately began walking out of the room “and see that your men are taken to the infirmary” “Of course sire” The Knight said sheathing his sword The room again faded away and they were back into the empty white. “So that’s the threat.” The Spirit said still taking in what he saw “What exactly was it?” “We never learned” Celestia said “any encounter with it ended in disaster. Those who had contact with it where destroyed or turned into its servant. In fact many creatures we see today are creations from it though seriously tamer without their master.” “What do you mean its creations?” Twilight asked “The more fearsome creatures in Equestria where not around until Shadow appeared the Windigoes, Ursas major and minor, Timberwolves, Manticores, hydras, and even Discord. “ Luna said “It was even able to control humans and ponies to a degree” Celestia added “Every loss we had made Shadow more and more powerful.” “So how did you defeat it or at least hurt it in that last battle?” Spirit asked “We used the Elements of Harmony” Celestia added “Of course” Twilight said “With me and my friends being able to use the elements now we should be able to defeat Shadow no problem.” “That was my hope” Celestia added “it took all seven elements last time to merely banish it.” “Seven?” a confused Twilight said “That’s correct” Celestia said “The seventh element was lost at that final battle along with the humans.” The room again changed. They were now deep in a forest standing in a clearing. The clearing was filled with tents and the sound of humans and ponies in armor. The sky was covered in black clouds. “This way” Celestia said as she walked towards the middle of the tent city. As they passed through the compound Twilight and Spirit glanced into tents as they passed. Catching fragments of conversations. “I can’t believe it’s all gone” a warrior pony said “It all happened so fast” a human said “Can we go home momma?” a filly asked its mother “This is our last stand” A human soldier said as he paced in front of a group gathered around him “I hear it took out an entire city in a blink” someone in the group whispered The group finally arrived at a large tent in the center of them all. Inside were six ponies each wearing an Element of Harmony. On the other side was Celestia and Luna,who looked about the age of Twilight, along with a very haggard Sir Lance. “There has to be another way Sir Lance?” Celestia pleaded “I’m sorry princess we don’t have any time left” he said sadly looking at the princesses “We can’t lose you too” Luna said as she brushed her head against Sir Lance’s armor. “If we don’t do this now all will be lost.” Sir Lance said as he hugged both ponies. “It’s time sir” a battle weary soldier said poking his head in the tent “Very well” he said as he stood. He pulled on a necklace under his armor and revealed a small glowing jewel in the shape of a star. He clutched in his hand and stuffed it back into his armor. As he walked out of the tent the six ponies followed behind him. Once outside the non-Pegasus’ of the group stepped onto chariots pulled by gryphons. The two sisters watched as the group headed to a black pyramid hovering in the sky. All observers on the ground held their breath as loud booms and smoke poured from the pyramid. A bright light emitted from the pyramid all had to avert their eyes. When the light subsided the pyramid was gone the dark clouds that had covered the skies began to dissipate. The crowd also noticed that all of the humans had disappeared from their midst. The grypons returned with one less passenger. The six bearers of the elements walked through the crowd of pones and placed the sword of Sir Lance in front of them along with his now dim necklace. The room again faded this time they returned to the current Castle Canterlot. “The humans” a tearful Celestia spoke breaking the silence “the humans sacrificed themselves to save us all.” “But why?” Twilight added “Hope” Celestia said “The element of hope was carried by Sir Lance it was the strongest of all the elements. Sir Lance believed that he could use the power of hope do destroy Shadow. Nobody knew exactly what would happen. Some of the royal mages believed nothing would happen others said everything would be destroyed.” “How do you know Sir Lance didn’t destroy Shadow?” Sprit asked “We we’re not able to investigate Shadow until much later. With the king and queen gone, humans no longer walking Equestria, and the loss of one of the elements the ponies split. Luna and I went into hiding we were still too young to rule. When things finally settled and we took charge of Equestria we began to notice strange occurrences. The many creations of Shadow still roamed the land they should have disappeared along with him.” “When I was Nightmare Moon I could feel the presence of Shadow.”Luna added. “Then if we couldn’t defeat Shadow then how do we stand a chance now with only six elements?” Twilight asked Celestia looked at the Spirit “Because I believe we have found a new Hope.” Glimmer of Hope“Me?” the Spirit asked “Yes” Celestia said her gaze still fixed on Spirit “What could I possibly do?” he said sitting back in a chair “We want you to wield the element of Hope.” Luna said approaching Spirit “and lead us against Shadow.” “I’m no leader” The Spirit said as he stared at the floor “Non-sense” Celestia said stepping closer to him “I can tell from your actions that you would be a great leader.” “But what could I do? I saw what happened how do we know it will work this time and what if I mess up and wipe us all out.” “Things will be different this time...we have time to prepare.” Celestia said “Why have we not been preparing before now” Twilight spoke up Celestia looked at her student “There was no human here to use the element of Hope. Only a human can use it” “That’s something I wanted to ask about” the Spirit began “how are humans here?” “Humans were here for as long as I can remember.” Celestia answered “But where I’m from we’ve never hear of any of this.” Spirit responded “I cannot answer that if it’s merely a coincidence that humans exist elsewhere or your home is where humans went when they disappeared. All I can say is that you are here now and that we need you.” Celestia said as she looked the Spirit in the eye. The room was silent as the Spirit contemplated all he had just learned. He leaned back in the chair and rubbed his eyes with his hands. He looked at the three ponies staring at him awaiting his next word. “All right where do we begin” he said in a serious tone. “Huzzah!” an excited Luna exclaimed Celesita let out a sigh of relief “Thank You Spirit” Celestia led the group to the palace vault. “First thing we need is to see if the element of Hope will even respond after being without a human for so long.” Celestia and Luna approached the large vault door their horns both glowed as the door opened. A musty smell came from the unsealed vault. They entered and passed shelves of strange objects and dusty books. At the back of the vault was a pedestal. Floating on the pedestal was the sword that the Spirit saw Sir Lance carry. Hanging on the hilt was the necklace that grew dim at his disappearance. “Go on” Celestia said to the Spirit “take the element” Spirit reached his hand through the magic holding up the sword. He gently lifted the necklace off the sword and pulled it close to himself. He stared at the small gem in his hand. “Is it working?” Twilight asked “I don’t know.” He said “should I say something?” He awaited a response “Princess?” he turned to look at the group of ponies. They were standing motionless still staring at him. “Twilight?” the Spirit said approaching them. Spirit then could feel they the same tingling sensation from earlier around him. The vault faded away in its place he was standing in a dark throne room. The room was completely bare with the exception of a raised platform on one end and a doorway opposite it. The door swung open revealing Sir Lance flanked on each side by the past owners of the elements. “Show yourself!” Sir Lance yelled into the room Shadow magically appeared atop the platform on the far side of the room. “Your end is now!” Sir Lance said as he pointed his sword toward the orb “You are wrong knight” the orb answered “NOW!” Sir Lance commanded The ponies around him focused on the orb each of their elements sending a magical beam toward the orb. It moved closer to the group unaffected by the elements magic. “Enough” the orb said calmly as it began to hum. The ponies where knocked back into the wall behind them. Sir Lance stabbed his sword into the ground holding on to it tightly. “Why fight it knight?” the orb said mockingly inches from the knights face “You will not leave here.” The orb continued “I know” Sir Lance said he reached into his cracked armor and pulled out the element of Hope. “What’s this?” the orb asked “YOUR END!” Sir Lance yelled as he thrust his hand deep into the orb “NOOOOOOO!” Shadow called out in pain Light filled the room so bright the Spirit fell to the ground covering his eyes. “Spirit!” Twilight yelled as she stood over the Spirit. “Are you ok?” “I was there.” He said “Where?” Twilight asked “At the battle, I saw Sir Lance fight Shadow. I saw what happened in that pyramid.” “Amazing” Celestia said “the element must have held its last moment within it.” “Look” Luna exclaimed The Spirit looked in his hand the once dark gem was shining brighter then when Sir Lance held it long ago. “It seems we were correct about you” Celestia said “Twilight I want you to return to Ponyville and bring your friends here we will begin planning for Shadow’s return at once. “Of course princess” she answered as she began to leave the vault. Spirit began to follow Twilight out. “Sir Spirit” Princess called out “I would like you to stay here I have more I wish to discuss.” Spirit looked back at Twilight “I’ll see you soon" The two princesses led Spirit to a large vacant room in the castle. Celestia casted a spell and at once the room lit up. Rows of empty tables ran the length of the room. “What’s this room for?” Spirit asked “This is where we will plan everything” Celestia said “You have our entire kingdom at your command. Anything you ask we will do our best to help you.” “Wow” Spirit said still not believing all that had just occurred moments ago. “Is it too late to go back to the desert?” he grinned “I’m afraid so” Celestia said "You already took the element of Hope" “We are assigning all available ponies to help you. As we speak our scholars are brining every bit of information we have from 2000 years ago” Luna interrupted “I thought it was all gone?” Spirit said “Nothing about Shadow itself but more mundane things such as records and reports around that time.” Luna continued “We are hoping maybe they will give us some insight on when Shadow will appear "Well then...lets get started" Spirit said as he walked to the center of the room Battle Plans“That’s just terrible” Fluttershy said bringing her hooves to her mouth The current owners of the Elements were gathered in a train car headed to Canterlot. Twilight had just caught her friends up to date on the events that the Spirit and she saw two days earlier at the castle. “So we’ll beat this Shadow thing up in no time now that we’re here” Rainbow Dash said proudly “I hope your right” Twilight added “So where is Spirit?” Applejack asked changing the subject “He stayed at the palace the Princess said she had some more she wanted to discuss with him.” “I have to admit, it makes me nervous to know we are going to be going up against something that powerful.” Rarity said thinking back to all the other foes they faced. “I know what you mean” Twilight said “The princess said that this Shadow made Discord seem nice.” “Discord wasn’t that bad” Pinkie Pie chirped “He did make it rain chocolate after all” “Girl sometimes I think all those sweets go straight to your head” Apple Jack said as she looked at the pink pony The ponies reminded silent all thinking about what lay on the path ahead. “We’re here” Twilight announced The ponies departed the train and trotted through the streets of Canterlot until they reached the main gate to the Castle. The group approached the two royal guards standing watch. “Excuse me sirs” Twilight said “I’m Twilight Sparkle and these are my friends..” “Ah Ms. Sparkle” one guard said “Come right through we’ve been expecting you and your friends. The Princess informed us to direct you to the war room.” “War room?” Fluttershy squeaked “That doesn’t sound very nice” “Sir Spirit named it” the other guard said “He is there too” “Well I guess that’s our first stop then come on girls” Twilight said to her waiting friends. The guards gave directions to the group to where Spirit had set up his war room. The group approached a door that was slightly ajar. The closer they got they could hear a loud commotion within. “Get me everything you can on the gryphons.” A voice commanded Twilight pushed open the door and the group gathered in the door way to get a view at what was causing all the commotion. The room was busy with ponies running back and forth with large books, maps and various papers. Groups of unicorns were on one side discussing and casting various spells as they consulted old looking tomes. In the center of the room was a scale three dimensional model of Equestria. Surrounding the model was chalk boards with notes and figures drawn all over them. “Artie!!” a voiced yelled from the behind one of the central chalk boards “Coming sir!” the sand colored pony yelled squeezing through the group of ponies in the door way. He made his way to where the voice came from then dashed back toward the door. “Artie” Twilight said catching the frantic Artie Fact before he disappeared “Oh hello Twilight sorry I don’t have time to chat work to do” The colt began to run away. “Wait we were told to come here” Twilight called out to the already preoccupied colt. “I wondered when you guys would show up” the voice that was causing all the commotion said The group turned to see the Spirit smiling at them. “Spirit!” the group exclaimed The Spirit was now wearing armor similar to Sir Lance’s. He had also taken Sir Lance’s sword and was wearing the element of Hope. “Looking sharp” Rainbow said as she fluttered around the Spirit “The armor and sword was Princess Celestias idea” he admitted. “Well you centrally look like a knight in shining armor now” Rarity said “Thanks” an embarrassed Spirit said “I prefer my uniform you made honestly” “What’s with all the papers?” Pinkie Pie asked as she tried picking up a paper under a stack of books knocking them over onto a focused unicorn. “Sorry” she said with a giggle “This is the war room” the Spirit said as he turned and walked to the center of the room the ponies followed behind him “from here we are going to plan the defense of Equestria.” “So what’s the plan?” Apple Jack asked The group all circled around the model of Equestria. On closer inspection the map was a magical real time model of Equestria clouds moved, grass and tress waved in the wind, and water flowed. “OHHHH” Pinkie Pie said as she looked closer at the map “I CAN SEE MY HOUSE FROM HERE!” she yelled The Spirit laughed at the energetic pony. “Now for the plan. As of now we don’t know when or where Shadow will appear. Till then all we can do is prepare for the worst.” “How do we prepare?” Twilight asked “After looking over some old plans that managed to survive. I realized that the greatest mistake that happened last time is that none of the attacks against Shadow was focused.” “What’d mean focused?” Apple Jack said looking at the map “Each time a group attacked they were alone.” The Spirit said as he placed his hand on old stack of papers “The dragons refused to aid the ponies, the Diamond Dogs hid in their underground homes not allowing anyone the safety that their caves offered, the gryphons although they helped in the end were only a small amount. Even the ponies and humans themselves where scattered during the crises. It wasn’t until Sir Lance gathered the majority of them together was he able to come up with his last ditch plan.” “So what are we going to do now” Twilight asked glancing at the books stacked around her. “We are going to gather all the groups in Equestria it is my hope that with all of our combined strength, wisdom, and sheer power that we will defeat this evil once and for all.” “I knew you were the right choice” Princess Celestia said as she approached the group “Good Morning Princess” the Spirit said as he nodded his head “What is your first move?” she asked “The gryphons” the Spirit said as he pointed to a mountain in the eastern edge of Equestria “They allied with you before and I believe they will be the easiest to recruit to the cause. “What can we do?” Twilight asked the Spirit “I would like to take Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash with me since they have dealt with gryphons the most.” “What about the rest of us we want to help too” Apple Jack said steeping forward “Don’t worry I have plans all of your skills .Once we return we will head out get the next group of allies. For now I want the rest of you to stay here and organize our efforts. Twilight I would like you to aid the mages and organize all our information.” “Got it” Twilight said as she trotted toward the other unicorns. “Rarity we are going to need armor for each of the groups I was thinking of something that can defend against magic. If you could design it that would be great” “Hmmm that’s not something I’m used too but I’m sure I could come up with something.” Rarity said her mind racing with ideas “Nothing frilly” Rainbow yelled to the pony as she trotted out of the room “Apple Jack, Pinkie I would like you two to organize the movement of everybody that will not be directly fighting Shadow. Elders, young ponies and the families of those who will be in the line of danger” “You can count on us” Applejack said as she dragged Pinke Pie away from the map. “Well then” the Princess added seems as if you plans are coming together “I hope so princess” the Spirit responded as the turned back to his table filled with papers. To High PerchIt was still dark when Spirit, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy left Canterlot and headed toward the gryphon home of High Perch. “I don’t why we have to ride in this thing” an upset Rainbow Dash said as she hit her hoof on the side of the carriage being pulled by other pegasus’ “I can fly you know” “It’s a long way to High Perch I don’t want you to get tired before we get there” Spirit answered as he looked up from a book. “What are you reading Spirit?” Fluttershy asked as she looked over his shoulder “It’s a book about the customs of the gryphons. They are a very proud species according to this they don’t like to follow anyone they don’t respect.” “You sound like Twilight, Well when they get a look at me and my amazing skills they will have no choice but to want to join us.” Rainbow boasted “Don’t go challenging them just yet Rainbow” the Spirit pulled a scroll from his pack “The Princess wants us to give this scroll to the gryphon leader. Hopefully we can simply ask for their help and don’t have to spend any more time there than necessary.” “Ugh that’s so…lame” Rainbow said “I don’t know” FLuttershy began “I like the idea” “You would” Rainbow said as she fell back into her seat “Are we there yet?” “It’ll be awhile.” Spirit said still looking at his book “Get some sleep if you want I’ll wake you when we get there.” “Whatever” an already bored Rainbow said “What about you?” Fluttershy asked putting a hoof on Spirits book “Huh what about me?” “You don’t look like you’ve slept the past three days” “I did” the Spirit said “I took a nap…I’m sure I did” Spirit said thinking back “Here just relax a little” Fluttershy placed a pillow behind the Spirits head “I don’t have time to…” The Spirit was already asleep before he finished his sentence Spirit stood in the same room where Sir Lance fought Shadow. “How did…” he said aloud “Knight” an evil voice said Spirit quickly turned to see the black orb hovering silently in front of him. “You!” the Spirit grabbed for his sword. “That will not be needed” the orb said. Magically throwing the sword from Spirits hand, it stuck into a nearby wall. Spirit drew back his fist to deliver a blow to the orb. His hand passed through Shadow unhindered. “Be still” Shadow said as he knocked Spirit back and pinned him to the wall. Spirit struggled to free himself. The orb approached the trapped knight. “I have a deal for you knight” Shadow said as he released him Spirit stood staring at the pulsing orb. “I won’t deal with you” “Then I shall leave you with my offer. You cannot defeat me and you know it. Abandon your efforts and I shall send you home.” “Home?” the Spirit asked “Earth” Shadow responded “How do you…” “That is my offer” “Spirit wake up” a soft voice called Spirit awoke back in the carriage a concerned Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy staring at him. “Are you alright?” Fluttershy asked as she put a hoof to his head “You were muttering something and covered in sweat.” “I’m fine” Spirit said catching his breath “just a nightmare” “We’ll get ready I think we’re almost there” Rainbow said looking out the window. “Home…” Spirit muttered to himself Spirit moved next to Rainbow to look out the window “There it is” he pointed “Woah” the group said The gryphon home of High Perch consisted of many nest shaped buildings that jutted out from the side of a large mountain. At the very top was a castle. Two gryphons approached the carriage and spoke to the pegasus’ pulling it. “Strangers you are to go directly to the castle we will escort you.” One of the gryhons said. The carriage was guided to a courtyard in the High Perch castle. Spirit, Rainbow and Fluttershy departed the carriage and were met by a gryphon wearing a crown and surrounded by several royal looking gryphons. “Welcome to High Perch travelers” the crowned gryphon boomed “it has been ages since we have had visitors.” He began walking toward the group “Sire” one of the gryphons called out “You are the king gryphon I assume.” Spirit said bowing at the gryphon approached. The king chuckled “You are correct stranger I am King Odam and I would have to assume you are the Knight of Equestria.” The group looked at the king with a slight surprise. The king began to chuckle again. “We may be far in the mountains but the news of your actions even reached us here and you match how other have described you. Come your journey must have been long my advisors will see to your friends.” The king gestured to the tired pegasus’ standing by the carriage The king led the group to a large dining hall. The king took his place at the head of a table. “Sit I’m not sure what the cooks have prepared but I’m sure you will find it to your liking.” Spirit sat in the set by the king with Fluttershy and Rainbow opposite him. Servant gryphons entered the room and placed silver plates with food in front of each of them. The king’s plate was filled with various seeds. The ponies had oats and apple themed meals. The Spirits plate was the same as the ponies. He let out a little sigh. “Not hungry?” the king said looking up from his meal “It’s not that it’s just that we do not have much time to linger your highness.” Spirit said pushing away his plate “Hmmm I figured as much” the King said sadly “We never get visits during good times” “I don’t see why” Fluuttershy said “You have a very beautiful city.” “Why thank you” the king perked up “Now then what can I do for you?” The Spirit handed the scroll from Celestia to the king. The king broke the seal with his sharp talon and read to himself. “I see…” he said with the smile gone from his face “as much as I would like to help it’s not up to me.” “What!” Rainbow Dash said as she began to hover in the air “You’re the king aren’t you?” “That’s correct my multi colored friend.” he said “The why can’t you help?” she said as the Spirit pulled here to the ground. “It is the way of my people we will not follow those who have not proven themselves in our eyes.” “A challenge then!” Rainbow yelled as she began to hover again “Rainbow” Spirit said “I challenge you...to whatever!” She continued “Um…Rainbow I don’t think” Fluttershy whispered Rainbow Dash was hovering over the king bringing her face to his. The entire room was looking at the king and the blue colored pony. Fluttershy had sunk low in her seat, slightly peering over the edge of the table. The Spirit was holding his head in his hand. The king let out a loud laugh “I like you girl” he said looking at the feisty pony. “Very well tomorrow you and your friend there will go up against our best gryphon in the Egg Migration race.” “Alright” Rainbow said doing a loop in the dining room “Wait I didn’t…but” Fluttershy said as she ran to the king The Spirit was standing on a balcony at the castle that overlooked the region below. “There you are” Rainbow called “What are you doing here the king is having a celebration for the race tomorrow” “Just thinking” he said as he looked at the moon and Equestrian night sky “About what?” Rainbow hovered to face the Spirit The Spirit thought for a moment. “Rainbow what would you do if you could never return to your home?” Rainbow Dash landed next to the Spirit thinking hard “Nothing is impossible I would do whatever it took to get back.” She said proudly “Whatever it took huh” the Spirit said looking at her. He pulled the glowing element of hope from around his neck and looked at it. “I’m heading to bed” he left the confused Pegasus standing in the moon light. He passed Fluttershy as he entered the castle. “Oh hello Spirit” she said as Spirit passed her. He didnt respond as he walked out of sight. “What’s his problem?” Rainbow said approaching Fluttershy “He’s homesick” Fluttershy said sadly “What?” Rainbow said “Think about it he’s the only one of his kind here.” “Oh…” Rainbow said thinking back to their conversation “We have to try our best tomorrow. He is trying his best.” “Agreed” Fluttershy told her friend. An Eggciting RaceThe next morning the group gathered in the courtyard at the gryphons castle. They stood in the middle of a large group of gryphons all talking about the challengers and their strange friend. “So what’s this challenge about anyway?” Rainbow Dash asked annoyed by the gryphon stares. “No clue” Spirit said “maybe we should have figured that out BEFORE we challenged them.” “Heh..maybe” Rainbow said “I wish we didn’t have to wait here” Fluttershy mummerd as she stood behind Spirit. “Don’t worry Fluttershy I’ll win this thing in ten seconds flat” the multi colored pony said as she stretched her wings. Trumpets sounded the entrance of the gryphon king. He entered the crowd to the thunderous cheers of the assembled gryphons. The king was followed by three female gryphons each holding an egg. The entourage stopped in the middle facing the ponies and human. “Today we have two outsiders to participate in the Egg Migration race.” The king announced to the audience “as you all know the race is held to symbolize the dangers our females faced in ancient times when they took their eggs to the ceremonial hatching grounds.” “Gryphons come from eggs?” the Spirit whispered to Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash “Duh” Rainbow said “where did you think they came from? Cocoons?” Fluttershy laughed at the puzzled human. “Now challengers please take your eggs.” The king gestured to the female gryphons. The two ponies each took and egg and placed into their bag. “Wait who am I racing against? Fluttershy? No disrespect but she’s not much of a racer.” Rainbow asked the King “She’s right” Fluttershy said cheerfully hoping to be let go from the race. “She usually likes to make an entrance” the king grinned As soon as the king finished his sentence a gryphon landed behind the ponies. “Well…Well if it isn’t my old friend Rainbow Crash and her wimpy friend Fluttercry. The gryphon jeered “Gilda?!” a surprised Rainbow said “Of dear” Fluttershy whimpered “What are you doing here? You’re the best flyer here?” Rainbow asked “Duh…who else could it be” The gryphon said spreading her wings Rainbow suddenly burst out laughing “What are you laughing at?” an angered Gilda asked “You’re the best?” Rainbow said holding a laugh “I beat you so many times in the junior speedsters it isn’t even funny…wait it is!” she continued to laugh “Hmph” Gilda said as she grabbed the egg “that was in Cloundsdale you're on my turf now” “Pffft I could beat you anywhere.” Rainbow said still chuckling The king interrupted the racers “Well then seems like we are in for a good show today. Gilda you know the rules but I will explain them for our guests here. Our ceremonial hatching grounds are days away you will not be flying there. At the bottom of the mountain is a stone nest we use to symbolize them. The first racer to touch the nest with their egg and bring it back here safely will be this year’s champion.” “Sound easy enough” Rainbow stated “When the trumpets sound the race will began please approach the starting line.” The king said The three racers approached the line both Gilda and Rainbow staring each other down. Fluttershy patted her egg “Don’t worry Shelly” “Shelly!...you named the egg?” Rainbow looked at Fluttershy “Of course you didn’t?” Fluttershy watched Rainbow let out a sigh. The trumpets again sounded starting the race. Both Gilda and Rainbow bolted from the line. Fluttershy dropped to the ground surprised from the trumpets blast. “Go Fluttershy!” The Spirit yelled from the sidelines “What? OH!” She said as she began to fly away Rainbow quickly gained the lead over the larger gryphon. As she turned to see how far behind Gilda was she felt something buzz her head. “Huh?” she said as she turned back. Buzzards were dive bombing her attempting to grab the contents of her bag. She stopped to swat away the growing group of buzzards. Gilda quickly passed the struggling Rainbow. “Gotta watch for them Rainbow Crash” Gilda called back “Get off of me” Rainbow said breaking free of the buzzards. She quickly caught up to the gryphon. They each began to try to out maneuver the other. Rainbow would perform a loop Gilda would follow. Each trying to prove the other was better. Soon the stone nest came into view. Gilda touched her egg to the nest and quickly pulled away back up the mountain. As Gilda cleared the nest large snakes burrowed up from the ground. Rainbow stopped as quickly as she could, coming inches from a snakes snapping jaw. She nimbly weaved in and out from the snakes. Touching the egg to the nest and headed back to try and catch the already ahead Gilda. As Rainbow approached the castle she could just make out Gilda almost to the finish line. She made her body as streamlined as possible her target Gilda. Rainbow rocketed toward the unaware gryphon and tackled her mid air. Both Gilda and Rainbow crashed hard into ground in front of the finish line. The crowd all gasped at the fallen racers. Rainbow slid across the finish line while Gilda fell just before it. “I WON!” Rainbow cheered as she jumped up “Not so fast CRASH!” Gilda called out “take a look at your egg” she said as she walked across the finish line. “What?” Rainbow reached in her bag pulling out pieces of egg shell “NO” a disheartened Rainbow uttered “Looks like I win” The gryphon said mockingly to the pony as she handed her egg to the king. “Sorry Gilda but you lose too” The king said eyeing the egg. “WHAT!!” Gilda squawked The king turned the other side of the egg to face Gilda which reviled a large crack. “But if I didn’t win and Gilda didn’t win” Rainbow looked at Gilda’s egg. “No” a horrified Gilda said “There you go Shelly home sweet home” Fluttershy said gently placing her bag and its contents past the finish line “Anybody but her” Gilda said The crowd all cheered for the yellow pony. “Oh my” she said “is it something I did.” “You won Fluttershy!” the Spirit said running up to her “I did?” she said confused “You sure did” Rainbow said grabbing her the around neck “Oh I’m sorry I know you wanted to win” Fluttershy said looking at the ground “It’s ok Fluttershy I’ll give you this one. As long as we beat Gilda I’ll be alright” Dragon HunterLater after the race the group, along with Gilda, was in the throne room standing before the gryphon king. “Marvelous job Fluttershy” the King beamed “It was nothing really I’m sorry what happened to your other eggs” Fluttershy said “Don’t worry” the king laughed “those were not real eggs we don’t risk them for the races” “You mean Shelly will never hatch?” Fluttershy said a little sadly “Now with the Shadow business how can we be of assistance?” The king said his cheerful tone changed to a serious one. “The ponies are all already working on defenses and plans” The Spirit began “we need all the help we can get on the preparations. With your kind more suited to long distance flying we were hoping you could lend a…uh…claw” The king was silent for a moment “consider it done I will send Gilda as a messenger between the Princess and myself.” “But dad!” Gilda protested “Dad?” Rainbow asked “No buts Gilda consider it a chance to redeem yourself after losing the race…I thought I taught you better.” The king said to the gryphon “Fine” she turned to the group “I’ll meet you there” she took off flying out a castle window “I swear she takes after her mother” the king said aloud “I’m sure you have quite a lot of work ahead as do we until we meet again ladies” the king bowed “Sir Knight” They headed back to the courtyard where the carriage along with the rested Pegasus’ was waiting. “Way to go” one of them called out to Fluttershy “We saw the race too” “Taught her everything she knows” Rainbow said The journey back to Canterlot was uneventful. Fluttershy explained how she easily drifted through the dangers of the race since they were busy with Gilda and Rainbow. “But how did you get past the snakes at the nest?” Rainbow asked “Oh I just asked them if I could visit the nest and leave. They were quite friendly especially Steve.” Fluttershy responded “You asked them…” Rainbow stared dumbfounded Spirit laughed at Rainbow Dash as she replayed the race in her head. “Face it Rainbow she got the better of you” he continued “Yeah I know” she replied “so what’s the plan know we gonna go fight some dragons?” Rainbow began shadow boxing “Dragons!” Fluttershy began “Not for you two” “What why!?” Rainbow asked as Fluttershy breathed a sigh of relief “I want you two to help coordinate with the gryphons to get our air routes secured and supply lines going.” Spirit said looking at a map of Equesrita with lines and notes written on it. “That sounds so boring” Rainbow groaned “and safe” Fluttershy added “I know but its necessary here take a look this is what I’m thinking.” As Rainbow and Fluttershy looked at the paper in his hand The Spirit spent the rest of the trip working out details with the two Pegasus’ on his plans for the skies in Equestria. In no time the carriage had landed in Canterlot where the entire city was abuzz with activity. The cliffside city had a semi circle of narrow towers with purple glowing orbs around it. The side of Canterlot overlooking the valley below had similar towers in various stages of construction floating in the open air. “What are those?” Rainbow asked as they departed the carriage. “Magic barrier generators” Twilight called out “Hopefully they will protect the city. We also have them being built in Ponyville, Manehatten and Cloudsdale will be the last one to get them.” “I thought you unicorns could just cast a barrier?” Rainbow Dash asked looking at the towers. “We can but it takes loads of concentration and it’s very tiring. With these anypony can turn them on with the flip of a switch.” “Did you design them?” Spirit asked craning his neck to look at the towers. “I can’t take all the credit” she said “They are modeled after some of Starswirl’s work” “How long till they’re done?” the Spirit asked the purple pony Twilight quickly did some math in her head “Canterlot’s should be done soon. Ponyville didn’t need as many so they might be done already. Manehatten should be done soon too. We are having difficulty with the floating ones since almost only pegasus can work on them. That’s why Cloudsdale is last.” “I like them” the Spirit said “Hopefully they don’t ever get used. How did the gryphons respond to our request?” Twilight asked “Fluttershy had to show off for them but they are with us” the Spirit lauged as Twilgiht gave the yellow Pegasus a look. “It’s a long story” Fluttershy said sheepishly Early the next morning Rainbow and Fluttershy set off to begin the Spirits plans with the gryphons. Spirit was once again standing in the war room looking at the growing pile of information around him. He began reading snippets of info aloud. “Reports of increased hydra activity in the swamps. Desert Shield guards claim Diamond Dogs have disappeared into their caves. Gryphons have begun ferrying heavy supplies from Canterlot to outlying villages. Civilians advised to be ready to move at a moment’s notice. Appaloosa abandoned due to week long duststorms.” “It’s defiantly coming isn’t it?” A royal voice said behind the Spirit “I’m afraid so” he said tuning to face Princess Luna “Do you think we stand a chance?” she asked The Spirit looked at the Princess “all we can do is try” he said “I have no home to go too. I don’t think I could lose another world.” “I’m glad to hear you call Equestria your home.” She said approaching the Spirit “It’s all I have now I don’t know how I got here or how to return home” The Spirit thought back to the deal Shadow offered. “For what it’s worth. I’m glad you’re here” The Princess said as she left the Spirit to his thoughts “Good morning Princess” Rarity said as she passed the Princess on her way out. “Ah good morning Rarity” Luna said awkwardly she wasn’t quite used to all the visitors in the palace “Rarity glad you could make it how goes your project?” The Spirit asked. “Well it’s defiantly different” she said as she magically floated a stack of papers to the Spirits hand. “Here is what we designed so far.” Sketches of ponies, gryphons and dragons all wearing various styles of armor filled each page. Notes accompanied each picture detailing the advantages and disadvantages. “I’m impressed” the Spirit said glancing briefly at each picture “I think you found a new calling” “Hardly” Rarity began “those designs don’t allow me to show the beauty that I like to show. Since they made for many to wear I can’t put the little personal touches I enjoy in each dress and the materials are just so heavy.” “Have you started making any yet” Spirit asked “Princess Celestia assigned a large group to me. We have made one of each we were waiting for you to decide.” “Me?” the Spirit said “This is your project Rarity I’ll go with whatever you think is best.” “Really” a surprised Rarity said “Why thank you I appreciate your confidence. We’ll get started right away.” The white unicorn began to leave the room. “Rarity can they start without you?” Spirit asked She stopped for a second “Yes I suppose so the design phase is over now all we have to do is assemble them. Why? “I’m taking you and Twilight to help me win the dragons to our side.” The Spirit said as he looked at the lava fields on the map. “I don’t know what I can do to make the dragons join us.” “Twilight said the dragons have no official leader, but they traditionally follow the eldest dragon we win him over we gain the dragons support.” The Spirit said “I still don’t know how I could help” Rarity continued “One of the hardest parts is finding the elder. Twilight read that the older the dragon is the more they stay in one spot. The more they stay in one spot the bigger their stash of treasure is.” “T…treasure” Rarity stuttered now intrigued “I was told that you have the power to find large amounts of gems and I was hoping…” “I’ll do it!” Rarity exclaimed “Good we are taking a boat down river then we can walk a short distance to the dragon lava fields. Meet us at the Canterlot docks when you’re ready.” “I’ll be there with bells on” Rarity said with gems dancing in her head. Spirit honestly believed to see here wearing bells when they met again. Storm Brewing Storm Brewing Twilight and Spirit both stood in Canterlot harbor watching the crew of the Rusty Reel, a fishing boat, get their boat underway to depart. “Have you ever dealt with dragons before Spirit?” Twilight asked standing on a crate to be more eye level with Spirit “Spikes the first dragon I’ve met face to face. I saw and adult fly over the desert but that was from a distance.” Spirit said “I’ve had a few run ins with them they are quite intimidating” “I’m ready” Rarity announced to the two. Twilight and Spirit both stared at the unicorn who had a cart filled with luggage that was being pulled by a palace guard. “Rarity this isn’t a vacation we can’t bring all of this with us.” Spirit said as he looked through various things from the cart. “Is that a couch?” “You don’t expect me to rest on a hard chair do you? Now where is our yacht?” Rarity said looking around for the fanciest vessel. Spotting the Princesses personal yacht she headed toward it. “I’ll just put my things in there.” “Whoa” Twilight said jumping in front of Rarity “That’s our boat over there” Twilight gestured to the fishing boat. “You’re kidding” Rarity began to laugh. She looked at Twilight and Spirit as they didn’t say a word. “Please be kidding” Rarity was sitting in the middle of the deck of the Rusty Reel as it tugged out of port. “This is so humiliating” she said “for a lady such as myself to travel on this bucket” “Come on Rarity it isn’t that bad” Twilight called as her and Spirit leaned over the side of the boat. “It smells” Rarity stated “That’s the fish we unloaded before you boarded.” A deckhand pony called out “Tell me again why we are going on this boat” Rarity pleaded to Spirit “Because the waters near the lava fields are rocky and this is the sturdiest boat around.” Spirit said staring into the water “Then why don’t we fly?” She asked “If we get spotted by dragons too soon it might be a short trip” he added “And why couldn’t I bring my things?” she continued “No room” Twilight said “And where are the handsome sailors? I thought sailors were supposed to be handsome and romantic.” Rarity looked at the crew who consisted of a bearded scruffy colt and a scrawny deckhand who was mopping the deck. “That’s just in the romance novels you keep reading in my library” Twilight lectured “you should really try other genres” “Relax Rarity” Spirit said "you’re missing some really nice scenery” “How can I relax when it smells like a tuna’s house?” Rarity responded as she joined the two on the side of the boat. Rarity looked at the forest on the edge water. The water was crystal clear various fish and other creatures could be seen swimming alongside the boat. “Hmm it is quite nice” she admitted “See” Twilight said “it’s not all bad “Aye its lovely compared to where you’re all headed.” A gruff voice said. The group looked behind them to see an older colt with a grey mane and a peg back left leg. He walked toward the group his back left knocked against the wooden deck of the boat. “Hello Capt. Fin” the Spirit greeted the colt “no problems departing?” “Everything is fine” Capt. Fin said as he began to eye Rarity “I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure.” Capt. Fin grabbed Rarity by the hoof and kissed it. Rarity immediately pulled it away and laughed awkwardly. “Ah…eh how charming” she looked at Twilight who was stifling a laugh “and this is my friend Twilight." Rarity grabbed Twilight and placed here in between herself and Capt. Fin. “Nice to meet you Captain so you’re in charge of this boat” Twilight said kindly “Huh…Well yes” The Captain said as he moved toward Rarity again. Twilight moved herself between them again “I would very much enjoy getting a tour of your fine vessel” Twilight said “Plenty of time for that later lass” Captain Fin said a little annoyed. “Oh well I was hoping you would share some of your sea stories as well?” Twilight said faking a sad tone. Capt. Fin perked up at the mention of sea stories “You…You want to hear my stories well then let’s get that tour started!” an excited Capt. Fin led Twilight below decks of the boat. “There I was a mighty storm at my back and the great white shrimp in my net….” Capt. Fin trailed off as he disappeared out of sight. Twilight mouthed a “You owe me” to Rarity as she followed the Capt. Rarity let out a relieved sigh. “I thought you wanted a handsome sailor Rarity?” Spirit teased “Hmm well maybe Twilight was right time for a different genre. So what do we do when we find this elder dragon?” Rarity asked “I honestly don’t know. From what I understand dragons can be very greedy creatures I hoping we can buy their help. As for what a dragon would want is beyond me.” Spirit said staring back into the water Rarity stood silently next to the Spirit “Where are you from?” “Huh” the Spirit said slightly startled. “Where are you from?” she said again “Far away” the Spirit curtly “You’ve said that before. We know nothing about you yet you are helping.” “Tell you what” Spirit said looking at Rarity “when all this is over I’ll tell you all about me and where I came from” “Promise” Rarity asked “Promise” He said “For now let’s focus on the task at hand.” “…and that’s how got the ole’ tree stump here” Capt. Fin said as he and Twilight emerged from below decks “How fascinating Twilight said faking enthusiasm.” She looked at Rarity and Spirit as she rolled her eyes “How much further will we reach our destination Captain?” Spirit interrupted the colt’s stories. Capt. Fin glanced at his surroundings and looked into the sky. “We’ll reach our destination before sundown though it looks as if a storm is heading our way.” “A storm?” Twilight said “The pegasus’ were told to hold off on the storms for a while.” “Well somepony didn’t get the memo.” Capt. Fin said as he walked toward his crew. “Mr. Pequod batten the hatches and prepare the Reel for a storm.” “Aye Aye Cap’n” the bearded colt began his work Capt Fin turned to his guests. “I suggest you get below deck while we'll handle everything topside.” Rarity quickly headed below desk as the first drops landed on the boat. Spirit and Twilight looked up at the sky as they followed Rarity. “I’ve got a bad feeling about this” Twilight said to the Spirit “Not even a pegasus created storm should appear this quickly. You think Shadow is involved?” “No idea. Hopefully it’s just you being paranoid” Spirit said as he pulled a hatch closed behind him Unsinkable?While the crew of the Rusty Reel was working on keeping the boat afloat Rarity, Twilight and Spirit were sitting in the crew quarters riding out the storm. The boat rocked back and forth in the heavy winds and rough waters. “Ugh I don’t see how this doesn’t bother you” Rarity said to Spirit as he was looking out a porthole “I’ve been on boats before. Never in a storm this bad though or in a boat this small” “Something isn’t right about this storm” Twilight said as she attempted to keep her balance “You mentioned something about telling the pegasus’ to hold off on storms. How do they manage that?” Spirit asked “It’s simple really. Most weather in Equestria is controlled by Cloudsdale occasionally natural storms do occur. When we don’t want storms to happen we ask them to keep an area clear. Before we left I sent word for them to keep it clear for our journey.” “So maybe they are busy and missed this place?” Spirit sat down next to Twilight Twilight continued “I doubt it; Pegasus’ are very meticulous when it comes to the weather and if they did forget the storm wouldn’t be this bad. It’s like it was suddenly forced to happen there wasn’t a cloud in the sky when we left Canterlot.” A loud thud vibrated through the boat causing its occupants to fall to the floor. “What was that” Rarity said as she stood up “I don’t know but it didn’t sound good” Spirit said as he walked to the hatch leading outside “I’m going to go see what happened.” Spirit pushed against the wind when he opened the hatch. Once on deck he saw the crew running around frantically Capt. Fin. “Captian” Spirit yelled over the noise Capt Fin turned to Spirit when he called out he walked toward him as Spirit bent down to speak Capt Fin easier. “We heard a loud thud from below everything ok?” he asked “We hit something” the colt said “we tried our best to avoid it but it caught us in the stern.” “How bad?” “Not sure yet.” The skinny deckhand wearing a rain coat ran up to the Captian. “Capt Fin Sir its bad sir” the soaked colt reported. “How bad?” a concerned Fin asked “Whatever we hit ripped a hole almost half-way down the port side sir” Capt Fin thought for a moment “Abandon ship men!” “Aye Aye Cap’n” the colt turned and ran off to spread the order “You can’t be serious we won’t last five seconds in this storm” Spirit asked “We won’t last long on the Reel either!” Capt Fin replied “How far are we from or destination?” “Another hour maybe two. Why?” Fin asked “If you can keep the boat afloat that long you can run it aground there it will give you time to fix it and we don’t have to risk the water in lifeboats.” Spirit suggested Capt Fin thought over the Spirits plan. “Worth a try but I want everypony ready in case it gets worse” Capt Fin turned to his crew “Belay my last men keep on our current course, if the Reel is going down let it be known she completed her last mission.” “Aye aye Cap’n” the crew said slightly relieved that they would not be abandoning their boat Spirit returned to a waiting Rarity and Twilight. “So what’s going on?” Twilight asked “The boat hit something it caused a hole and we are sinking” Spirit said “SINKING... mares and fillies first!” Rarity said as she dashed for the door. “Now hold on” Spirit said grabbing Rarity back “Capt Fin is going to try to get the boat to our destination and crash there so we don’t have to risk it in the lifeboats. “Why does that not sound any better” Rarity asked “It isn’t much better” Spirit added “Is there anything you girls can do magically to aid the crew?” Twilight thought for a minute “I might be able to place a barrier between the water and the hole, but I’ve never made one in the middle of a storm on a sinking boat.” “Rarity?” Spirit asked “I’m afraid I won’t be of much use my magic is nowhere near as powerful as Twilight’s.” With the entire crew and the help of Twilight the boat was still afloat, albeit sitting slightly lower in the water, after an hour. Spirit and Rarity were standing next to a concerned Capt Fin. The storm had not subsided at all. “How are we looking Captian?” Spirit asked “We are almost there” he said “if we can hold on just a bit longer” Captain Fin had just finished his sentence when was rocked by anther thud. The crew along with Rarity, Twilight and Spirit were scattered across the deck. “Report!” Capt Fin yelled to his crew. One of them looked over the side of the boat “Looks like something caught the same side the hole is bigger now.” “Doesn’t matter “ Capt. Fin said “ I can see the beach were looking for” he pointed toward the shore. “ALL AHEAD FULL RAMING SPEED!” “What does that mean?” Rarity asked Spirit “It means we’re going to crash hold on!” He said as he grabbed Rarity and held onto the side of the boat All occupants of the Rusty Reel held their breath and waited for the inevitable crash. They could hear the boat catching on various things in the shallow water. The boat finally came to rest in a gravel beach. They all cheered as they were no longer in the rough waters The skies eventually cleared to reveal the evening sun. With the storm gone the waters retreated and left the Rusty Reel stranded on the beach. They all stood on the beach to see how bad the damage. A large gash on the left side stretched all the way to the rear of the boat. The group slept overnight in the beached boat before they headed off into the lava fields. “Will you be alright here?” Spirit asked Capt. Fin “Don’t worry about us” Capt Fin replied “We are due back in Canterlot in three days we have enough supplies to last two weeks. Once we don’t check back in the harbor will send a search party out they also know our destination so this will be the first place they look. I’m more worried about you all I’ve never met a group wanting to go into the lava fields.” “We have too” Spirit answered “I wish you luck and uh to you Ms. Rarity I wondered if after you completed your trip would you like to get a private cruise on my new boat? I promise much a much better time than this one.” Capt Fin said as he trotted closer to Rarity “Oh would you look at that” Rarity said as she pushed Twilight and Spirit away from the beach “Got to get going lava fields, dragons, and what not….” The group left Capt Fin standing on the beach as they disappeared into the forest. One of the crewmembers approached Capt Fin. “Cap’n you want us to move supplies off…” the crewmember began “Tell me boy do you think I’m the most handsome Captian around?” Fin said still watching the forest “Uh sir” the confused crewmember said “you feeling alright?” “Bah of course I ‘am “Capt Fin said as he trotted back to his boat Smell of Sulfur in the MorningThe group made their way through the dense forest. Rarity and Twilight followed Spirit as he used his sword to cut through the occasional brush and vines. The weather was much more humid than they were used to. “How do you know where we are going?” Rarity called up to Spirit “Well” he began as he hacked away at more vines “The map shows the edge of the lava fields starts when we get through this forest. The beach we landed at….” “Crashed at” Rarity said “The beach we crashed at was the closest point to leave from so if we walk in this direction for a while” he pointed in front of them “we should come out at the lava fields.” “We should be getting close Rarity why don’t you see if you can sense any gems.” Twilight said “Sure thing” Rarity focused “then began to cough and brought he hoof to her nose “Ugh what’s that dreadful smell?” Spirit began to sniff the air “Sulfur” he said as he ran forward “What did you call me!?” Rarity yelled to Spirit “It’s sulfur Rarity” Twilight began “Lava usually gives off that smell.” “This trip keeps getting better doesn’t it?” Rarity said dryly “Come on lets catch up” Twilight ran after Spirit Rarity and Twilight burst through some trees to see Spirit standing on the edge of a steep cliff. The forest abruptly ended at the cliff. In the valley below pools of lava where scattered all around the ground was black from where lava had been cooling. The valley continued as far as the eye could see. “So the elder dragon is here?” Rarity asked “Hopefully this seems the most likely place” Spirit said looking down the cliff “Come on there’s more of a slope over there we can get down that way. They carefully made their way down the slope till they reached the valley floor. “Watch where you step” Twilight said as she eyed the ground around here “Rarity try your spell now” Spirit said “Right” Rarity again focused on finding the largest amount of gems “Woah!” Rarity said as she began to float out toward the lava field Twilight and Spirit both grabbed Rarity before she got any further “I take it you sense something?” Spirit asked “I’ve never sensed something like that before” Rarity said “Well looks like that way is our starting point” Spirit began walking toward where Rarity was floating to. The group walked in the direction with Rarity checking every so often to see if they were getting closer to the source. After a few detours past rivers of lava and tar pits the group traced the source to a large cave opening. They crouched behind a large obsidian boulder watching the cave intently. “You think it’s in there?” Spirit asked “No doubt” Rarity said “Let’s wait and see if a dragon comes in our out.” “That’s probably not a good idea.” Twilight added “Why?” “Dragons can stay in their cave for over a hundred years if they have too.” Spirit let out sigh “well I guess we’re going to have to go in. Wait here I’m going to take a look inside I’ll call you over.” Spirit ran from behind the boulder to the edge of the cave and peered into the opening. “This doesn’t seem like a good idea” Rarity told Twilight “Come one we’ve taken on dragons before so what if this is the most powerful dragon around.” Twilight said making herself nervous. Spirit waved back to the waiting ponies. “Come on” Twilight said Rarity and Twilight ran over to the waiting Spirit. They stood at the entrance of the large cave and peered into the depths. “Hurry up lets go in” Spirit said as he walked into the cave It wasn’t long after the group entered the cave when the light from outside was no longer reaching them. The cave was gradually sending them under ground the further they went the darker it got. “Twilight, Rarity think one of you can give us a little light?” Spirit asked as he narrowly avoided a low ceiling “Sure thing” Twilight responded. The cave was filled with a purple light that was emitting from Twilights horn. “How far do you think it goes?” Rarity asked as they stopped for a moment “No clue this cave was probably created by lava a long time ago.” Spirit said “Can you sense anything” “It’s strange” Rarity as she tried to sense gems again “Earlier it was one powerful vibe now I can sense two things.” “Can you tell where they are at?” Twilight asked “The weaker one is up ahead and below us, the other seems like it’s very deep underground” “No time to waste let’s keep moving, Twilight can you keep the light going?” Spirit asked “It’s no problem spells like this are simple and don’t require much concentration” Twilight answered The group traveled further into the cave system till eventually they turned a corner and could see a room that was well lit. “Put your light out Twilight!” Spirit whispered The three stood in the darkness their eyes focused on the lit room. They could see movement in the room from the occasionally shadow would pass in front of the entrance. “Should we go in?” Twilight asked “Well we did come to meet a dragon Rarity is this where your gem sense is leading us?” Rarity focused again “Yes this is the weaker one” “Stay close and be ready to run. Twilight probably a bad time to ask but can you make a magic barrier that can protect against fire?” “I don’t know dragon fire is one of the most powerful things around but I can try” “Better than nothing” The group quietly approached the entrance. With a better view inside they could see mountains of gold, silver, and gems of all colors shapes and sizes. The light was coming from a large hole in the roof of the cave. On one side of the room the group could see a large brown dragon sleeping on top of a pile of treasure. The group entered the room proper being careful not to wake the sleeping beast. “Well now what?” Rarity whispered “I can’t believe I’m staring at a dragon” Spirit said awestruck “We found one so what we just ask for it to kindly help us?” Rarity continued “Sure” Spirit said “Excuse me Dragon!” he yelled “WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!” Rarity yelled as she dropped to the ground “ARE YOU CRAZY?!” Twilight followed suit The Dragon awoke and stood on it pile of treasure. It stretched its wings which reached almost each side of the room. The dragon towered over the human and ponies, its large yellow eyes were fixed on the three in front of it. “I’m going to look like a roasted marshmallow” Rarity cried “Sorry to bother you but” Spirit cleared his throat “we need your help…you see there is this uh...” The dragon lowered its head to get a better view of the human “and we already got the gryphons…and uh” Spirit began to ramble as the dragon got even closer “I never thought I would see a human again.” The dragon said in a female voice Twilight both looked up from their spots and stared at the dragon. “I haven’t seen your kind in over a thousand years.” The dragon said “A thousand years…so you remember what happened.” Spirit answered “I will never forget that time” The dragon began to think back “So many losses, so many friends” “That’s why we’re here” Twilight began as she stood back up “That evil is back” “I know child, he never left” the dragon responded “You knew?” “Ever since your kind thought it defeated and the humans disappeared I knew. I knew it would return someday which is why I have made it my duty to protect this place.” “Why protect this place?” Rarity asked “I mean it is nice treasure but the location” “This treasure is nothing compared what lies below” “Below?” “When that wicked orb first appeared we dragons thoguht of a way to beat it, The Blood Ruby” “I’m sorry but I’ve never heard of that” Twilight interrupted “It is an ancient treasure that has been gifted down to the eldest dragon when their predecessor has passed. It is said to have untold power.” “So why didn’t you use it before?” Spirit asked “It was lost” the Dragon said sadly “What happened aren’t you the elder dragon ?” “Not at the time human. When the orb attacked, it attacked us all many where lost and scattered our elder was the first to go. He hid the Blood Ruby and was overwhelmed before he could tell his successor, me its location. But I have found it; it’s here at the bottom of this cave system.” “That terrific news” Twilight said as she looked at Spirit “Will you use it to help us fight Shadow?” “I’m sorry child but I miss spoke. I found the ruby but I have not yet acquired it.” “Why?” “When my predecessor hid it here this was an active volcano since then the lava has left small shafts scattered throughout. The ruby has settled in a deep narrow shaft In case you haven’t noticed I’m not made for caving.” The dragon again spread its wings “But it is here right?” Spirit asked “Yes” “Well no problem we’ll get it on one condition” The old dragon laughed “I always liked you humans you may be small but you have ways to bring others to your side. What’s the condition then?” “You and your kind help us fight Shadow and we’ll give you your Ruby after we win.” “I can see nothing wrong with that I want to defeat that thing as much as you do. It’s a deal As a symbol of our agreement have this” The dragon plucked a scale from its back and handed it to the human. Spirit held the scale up with both hands. Even thought it was a large as his upper body it was a light as feather and felt very sturdy. “Show that to any dragon you meet and they will know that I have vouched for you.” “Thank you...I’m sorry but we never introduced ourselves I’m Spirit this is Rarity and Twilight Sparkle” Spirit gestured to the two ponies “You can call me Twilight ma’am” “An honor to meet you my name is Valam” “I have to say” Rarity said “Your quite different from other dragons I’ve met” Valam laughed “I’m far too old to play the fearsome fire breathing dragon. I can still show the younglings a thing two though.” “How old are you exactly?” Spirit asked “Now that’s just rude Spirit” Rarity scowled the human “Age is a badge of honor to us dragons. Our lives are filled with danger to live to an old age is something to be proud of. I have lived for over three centuries.” “Centuries!” Spirit gasped “That’s amazing” “I have seen much in my time…tell me human what brings your kind back to us?” Spirit shrugged “I honestly don’t know I was in trouble and when I came too I was here” “Interesting, enough talk you have a Ruby to find then we have a battle to plan this way” Valam led the group to another cave system on the far side of the room. “Down this cave is a series of shafts. I have found no other way to the bottom of them besides a sheer drop. I believe that all the shafts lead to one central chamber inside that chamber is the Ruby.” “How do you know it’s there?” Spirit asked “I can sense it.” Valam told the human “We’ll be back in no time” Spirit said as he headed toward the shaft. After almost an hour the group reached the series of shafts Valam had told them about. They peered over the edge the light from Twilights horn could not reach the depths of the hole. “How far down do you think it goes?” Rarity asked as she backed away “Let me check” Spirit pulled three small tubes from a bag he had Rarity and Twilight watched Spirit attempt to break the tubes in half. They gave a loud crack then a green glow emitted from them. “What are those?” Twilight asked as she dimmed her horn “Glow Sticks” Spirit said as he tossed them over into the darkness. They all peered over the edge until the glow sticks stopped falling and were barely visible at the bottom of the shaft. “Alright we know how deep it is how do we get down there?” Rarity said still looking at the bottom of the shaft. “We climb” Spirit had already taken off the bulky armor and was wearing his tan clothing from before “How it’s a straight drop?” Twilight said watching the Spirit dig through his bag “I’m going to rappel” Spirit began to tie rope around his waist and tied the other end to a stalagmite. “Rappel? Wait you’re not going alone!” Twilight interrupted Spirit Descent“Be careful you two” Rarity shouted down to the shaft “Are you sure you don’t want to wait with Rarity?” Spirit asked as he already started his descent into the darkness. Twilight was tightly clinging on to the Spirits back even thought she was securely tied to him. She allowed herself a nervous laugh “Of course I mean what if you ran into trouble down here and had no help” “I suppose just don’t think about how far the fall is if something goes wrong.” Spirit said back After a few minutes the duo reached the bottom where the glow sticks had landed. Spirit knelt down and loosened the rope to allow Twilight to get off. As he was unhooking himself Twilight looked around at their new area. The place was filled with a green glow. A pool of water was as smooth as glass was nearby. Besides the sound of Spirit and herself the only noise they could hear was the occasionally drip of water . “See anything?” Spirit asked “No I’m afraid this is the wrong shaft.” Twilight said dreading the thought of going up and down another shaft. “I don’t think so look at the ceiling.” Spirit pointed up in the faint glow they could barely make out the openings of other shafts “Looks like all roads lead here.” “But there’s nothing here but rocks and water.” Spirit sighed “Alright let’s take a break and I’ll get us ready to climb back up. Grab some water and I’ll get the rope ready.” Twilight walked toward the pool of water that was just outside the light of the glow sticks. Twilight began to cast her light spell from earlier. Nothing happened. “What the…?” She focused again this time harder still no light emitted from her horn. “What’s going on!?” Twilight now frustrated tired as hard as she could she still couldn’t cast any spells “You okay?” Spirit asked the panting Twilight. “My…magic…isn’t…working.” Twilight said between breaths “What do you mean not working?” “I can’t cast any spells see” Twilight concentrated again “Uh I don’t see anything.” Spirit said with a confusing look “Exactly!” Twilight exclaimed “Something is blocking my spells” “Are you sure you’re not just tired?” “No something in this room it blocking my magic!” “You think it’s the ruby?” “I can’t think of anything else that it could be.” “Walk around the room and try your spells maybe we can figure out where it is. Unless it has a very long range.” Twilight walked to different points in the room it wasn’t until she was well away from the pool of water was she able to use her magic again. “So it’s coming from the water?” “Seems so” Twilight peered into the water “Look, at the very bottom!” Spirit looked to where she was gesturing and he could faintly make out a red glimmer between all the black rocks. “Do you have any more of those light sticks?” Twilight asked “Yeah maybe one” Spirit pulled another glow stick out cracked it and tossed it into the dark water. They watched the stick sink to the bottom near the red glimmer. “I can see more clearly now there’s defiantly something there.” “Should we just dive in?” Spirit asked “Looks safe” Spirit stood on the edge of the water as Twilight dove in and swam toward the lighted area. He waited for what seemed like an eternity until she finally surfaced. “Did you get it?” “Take a look” Twilight lifted the large ruby over her head. The ruby was double the size of a basketball and gave off a faint glow in the dark cave. “Nice job Twilight come on let’s get out of here.” Spirit had rigged up himself and Twilight to climb back up the shaft. “That wasn’t so bad” Twilight said proudly “No that was easy not counting the boat wreck, lava fields, fire breathing dragons, and descending into the unknown depths…like a walk in the park.” “You know what I meant” Twilight said back “I think it might actually be all right.” “You had a doubt?” “Do you hear something?” Twilight asked “Yes you doubting my fearless leadership” “No I’m being serious.” Twilight said “Listen” Spirit stopped climbing and listened intently. A low rumble was coming from the walls it grew until the shaft began to vibrate. “What is that?” Twilight asked The room violently shook Spirit nearly lost his grip “I think that was a tremor” “You mean like an earth quake?” Twilight asked “Yeah we better get moving.” Spirit climbed as quickly as he could the shaft was occasionally shaking . “Oh thank Celestia” Rarity called down “I was starting to worry when the cave shook” “We’re ok” Twilight called back “We got the ruby too” Twilight held up the ruby to show Rarity “Oh how lovely” she said admiring the ruby Spirit got close to the edge where Rarity was watching them. “Ok Twilight pass the ruby up to Rarity then she can lift you up” The ponies followed Spirit instructions “Now lift me….” The shaft violently shook knocking Spirit back into the shaft “SPIRIT!” the unicorns screamed as they leapt to the edge and caught the rope holding him up in just the nick of time. “Spirit are you alright” Twilight called down “Yeah” Spirit grunted Twilight and Rarity gingerly looked over the edge still holding onto the rope. Spirit was holding on to the rope with both hands and was now tangled up in the rope. “Twilight can you teleport him up?” Rarity said straining against the weight of Spirit “No the ruby cancels out all magic” Twilight said as she glanced back at the ruby The two ponies were slowly losing ground as the slid closer to the edge. “Any ideas up there?!” Spirit weakly called up “Don’t worry we’ll save you” Twilight yelled back “Rarity take the ruby and run as far as you can I’ll try to teleport him once you’re far enough away.” “Twilight you can’t possibly hold him up that long we can barely hold him now.” “It’s the only way we can’t stand here forever eventually we are going to get tired.” “All right you ready” Rarity asked Twilight wrapped as much of the rope around here as she could “Ready” Rarity quickly snatched up the ruby and bolted away. Twilight lurched forward as she took all of Spirits weight. “What happened?” Spirit called “Rarity is taking the ruby away so I can use my magic.” Twilight was already at the edge. She could see Spirit staring up at her. “Twilight” Spirit said as he looked up at here sadly “You can’t hold on much longer you’re going to get pulled over.” “No I got this.” She said as she struggled to maintain here position “Come on Rarity” “Twilight let me go its better one of us falls than both of us” “No I can’t let you down.” Twilight said as she stared back at Spirit. She was now leaning halfway over the edge. Spirit took a hand off the rope and tossed the Element of hope up “What are you doing” Twilight said “Hold on” “If you don’t let me go….” Spirit pulled a knife and held the blade against the rope “NO DON’T!” Twilight yelled as tears streamed down her face. She lurched forward just as Spirit sliced the rope holding him up. “SPIRIT NOOOOOO!” Twilight yelled as Spirit fell back toward the darkness CasualtiesTime seemed to slow down Twilight concentrated hard until her horn began to glow. Spirit was almost out of sight when she cast her spell on him. He was teleported behind Twilight and landed with a thud. “DON’T EVER SCARE ME LIKE THAT” Twilight cried as she hit him with her hoof “Thanks” Spirit said as he stood up Twilight and Spirit headed back to Valam’s chamber. They met an exhausted Rarity along the way. “I…was…..afraid ….I “Rarity panted “You did good Rarity where is the ruby?” “Valam has it” Rarity said catching her breath The group continued on to meet the elder dragon. She was standing in the chamber holding the ruby in her massive claws. “I never thought I would see this again. That seems to be going around a lot today first a human then the ruby” “Glad we could be of service” Spirit said “With that ruby we have your support correct?” “Of course human I will oversee things personally.” “Thank You” Twilight said “Well let’s get going” Spirit looked at the two ponies “Long walk back for us” “If you want” Valam said “I can give you a lift I’ve always wanted to see the Pony capital up close and where better to work with you than there” “You mean give us a ride?” Rarity asked “Correct” “On you?” “Yes” Valam replied “Alright let’s go!” Spirit ran toward Valam Valam lowered herself to allow them an easier climb up. Spirit was already on her back while Rarity and Twilight were slightly nervous. “Come on!” Spirit yelled “this is going to be awesome.” The group carefully positioned themselves on the massive dragons back. “Spirit I thought you didn’t like flying?” Twilight asked “Yeah but how many chances do you get to ride a dragon?” “Ready” Valam asked “Yup” an excited Spirit exclaimed “I’m not so…” Valam took of vertical toward an open hole in the roof of the cave. The opening was just narrow enough for them to fit “WOAH!” the group exclaimed Within seconds they were far above the lava fields. They could see the entire lay of the land and how massive the fields were. Valam headed off towards the edge of the forest where the group had entered. They flew low over the wreck of the Rusty Reel to the amazement of the still stranded crew. “Did ya see that Cap’n!?” a deckhand said in amazement “Aye looks like our friends were successful in their mission. Now stop lollygagging and get back to work!” “You think they saw us” Twilight yelled over the wind “How could they miss us?” Spirit replied back Canterlot quickly came into view on the horizon “I can’t wait to get back I’m going to the spa first thing” Rarity told the group Valam landed in the courtyard startling the guards there. They quickly surrounded the dragon their pole arms at the ready. “Easy boys” the guard captain said “take a closer look” Valam lowered her wings to reveal her passengers. The group jumped off and approached the captain of the guard. “Quite the entrance Sir” he said “I would assume the dragon is on our side.” “I have a name” Valam said sternly “its Valam” The captain stepped back slightly “Uh..of ..of course I meant no disrespect.” “I will go meet your princess now” Valam said as she took off with a powerful flap from her wings she took off to the large balcony connected to the throne room. “Glad she’s on our side” the captain muttered “Back to you posts” he commanded the guards “Also Sir Spirit Princess Celestia instructed us to tell you to see her as soon as you returned” “Thank you Captian. Come on” Spirit was already heading to the throne room As they walked to the throne room the palace was filled with a somber mood. Every pony they passed seemed to be staring off into the distance preoccupied with something. “Whats wrong with everypony?” Rarity asked “You sense that too?” The group entered the throne room the two princesses where there along with Applejack and Pinkie Pie. “Hello” Celestia said even she didn’t seem to be her usual self “Did you meet Valam already?” Spirit asked “Yes I asked her to wait till we discussed something with you.” The white alicorn remained seated at her throne. “Is this about why everybody seems so down?” Spirit asked “Yes.” “Well what’s wrong?” “We’ve been attacked.” Celestia said sadly The room was silent. To Spirit being attacked had been part of daily life he could tell the ponies were struggling with this new experience. “How bad?” Spirit said as he approached Celestia “Cloudsdale is gone” Rarity and Twilight gasped at the news. “How many made it out?” “We…we don’t know I sent a group to scout the area. If you’ll excuse me but I need to be alone.” Celestia left the room. Spirit looked at the floor thinking about what to do now. “Damnit” he muttered “I’ve been to slow” “Don’t blame yourself” Twilight tried to comfort the angry human “you’ve been trying hard” Spirit stormed out the throne room the ponies watched him leave. As Spirit made his way through the castle he met Artie Fact “Good evening Sir Spirit I’ve just returned from the desert with your things I was very careful transporting them they are in your quarters.” “Huh” the Spirit was preoccupied with the Cloudsdale news. “Oh right thank you” Spirit went to his room and sat on his unused bed He spent most of his time planning and reading he slept mostly in the war room or during their travels. His “things” Artie had spoke of where things that came with him when he came to Equestria. He glanced through the object not one was a personal object all of them tools of war. Spirits train if thought was broken by a knock at his door. “Come in” he announced Applejack poked her head into the Spirits room “Hey there you all right?” “Yeah...I’ve just been under a lot of stress” Applejack sat down next to the Spirit on his bed. “We all have” “I’m usually good with stress but I’ve never had so many counting on me. When I heard what happened I felt like I let all those in Cloudsdale down.” Applejack placed a hoof on Spirits shoulder “You had no way of knowing.” “I know. Applejack are you worried about your family?” “Of course.” Applejack thought for a moment “Spirit do you have any family?” He looked at the orange pony “No my parents passed away long ago I was an only child.” “What about a special somepony?” Spirit laughed “No never did find the one too busy I guess.” “Well you’re always welcome in the Apple Family.” “Thanks. Come on lets go see if the scouts have returned from Cloudsdale” Several gryphons and Luna’s guards were in the throne room delivering a message to Princess Luna. “Sir Spirit” Luna called “glad you could join us. Lieutenant please tell Spirit what you told me” “Yes ma’am” the bat winged pony faced Spirit and saluted “Sir” “At ease Lieutenant. What did you find?” Spirit returned the salute” “Cloudsdale is a total loss” Spirit grimaced at the news “We we’re unable to enter the city proper we could see the ruins from the ground and Shadows forces occupied the city” “Shadows forces?” Spirit asked “Yes sir they almost look like ghosts. They have the appearance of a pony but have solid yellow eyes and are as black as the night itself.” “Survivors?” Applejack asked “We found a few scattered on the outskirts below the city but I don’t think we found over twenty. Most of them were too terrified to speak.” “Make sure they are taken care of” Spirit ordered “Of course sir…there is something else” the Lieutenant stated “What is it?” “We captured one of the enemy. It was somehow knocked unconscious and was trapped.” “Where is it now?” “The palace guards have it sealed in one of the vaults below” “I want to see it” Spirit said with a hint of anger in his voice VisionsApplejack and Spirit were standing outside a vault door that was under heavy guard. Spirit was pacing back and forth. “What are you going to ask it?” Applejack asked “Where Shadow is, why they are attacking us, their numbers, anything can give us an advantage.” Princess Luna met the group at the door “Are you sure this is a good idea Sir Spirit” she asked “Yes like I was telling Applejack any info would be a valuable resource.” “How is your sister is she alright” Applejack asked “She took the Cloudsdale news very hard. I’ll let her know of your concern” Luna said “Let’s get this over with. Guards be ready for anything.” The royal guard surrounded the vault door as Luna opened it. Inside was the silhouette of pony sitting in the middle of the room. A magical collar was around its neck and a bubble of magic encased it. The group entered the vault the guards staying behind as Luna closed the door behind them. The pony did not acknowledge their presence. Spirit stepped forward to get a better look it. The pony opened its eyes and stood staring down the human. “The Knight of Equestria” it hissed “You know me?” Spirit asked as he paced in front of the bubble “We know of you. Our master tells us.” “Your master?” “You know him as Shadow to us he his Master” “So he is scared of me he warns you about me.” The pony let out a sickening laugh “Scared…Master tells how you will join us” “Why would I want to join those who I’m going to defeat?” “Master says you will betray the ponies to go home” “Your Master is wrong” “Master is never wrong” the creature grinned revealing its teeth “Why do you follow your Master?” “Master created me” “But you have a mind of your own why follow something evil?” The creature didn’t speak “Master is Master” it said curtly “How did you get captured?” Luna asked “Ah the lesser of the Princesses” the creature turned its yellow eyes toward Luna “MY SISTER AND I ARE EQUALS” Luna shouted Spirit leaned and whispered into Luna’s ear “It’s just trying to upset you don’t let it get under your skin.” Luna relaxed herself “Answer the question” The creature again smiled “I was only captured because Master wanted it to happen” “Wanted to….” Spirit was cut off mid sentence. The creature broke the magic holding it down and tackled Spirit. “FOR MY MASTER” The creature sunk its teeth deep into Spirits un armored shoulder Spirit cried out in pain as he tried to get the creature off of him. Applejack ran to Spirit side and bucked the creature as hard as she could. If flew off from the Spirit and crashed hard into the stone wall of the vault. It vanished into to smoke as it fell to the ground. “It burns!!” Spirit cried as he clutched his wounded shoulder. “Hold on” Applejack said as she stood over the wounded human Spirits vision went fuzzy as Luna opened the vault door. He could barely make out the guards as they rushed him out of the vault. He was in and out of consciousness when awake his shoulder felt like it was on fire. Spirit was once again standing in Shadows throne room. “We meet again Knight” Spirit recognized the voice “Getting desperate now are we?” Spirit taunted Shadow “Hardly” Shadow appeared before the knight “have you thought about my offer” “Yes” “And?” Shadow asked “I won’t betray my friends” “What friends you risk your life for them and what do they want form you MORE” “They only need my help because of you” “Let me send you home then none of this will be your problem.” “I doubt you can even send me home” “It simple all that I require is the use of your body” Spirit laughed “Right like I would allow you to do that” “All I need is to use of that element you wear since only humans can use it. Then while I control your body I can send you home with my magic.” Shadow summoned an orb with earth inside of it. Spirit looked into the orb at the familiar planet “All you have to do is surrender to me in person when next we meet.” Spirit glanced at Shadow then back to earth. “It’s as simple as that” Shadow said as Spirits vision began to fade again. This time he was in the tent where Sir Lance spent his final moments in Equestria. Spirit saw the old knight looking over maps and plans just like he had been doing just days ago. Sir Lance looked up sensing Spirits presence. “Ah hello there” he said looking back at his work “Your Sir Lance…but I saw you disappear” “Disappear” Sir Lance broke away from his work and approached Spirit and placed a hand on his shoulder “Then my plan worked tell me is that foul creature gone!?” “No” Sir Lance looked disappointed “Then my sacrifice was in vein. I thought the full power of the element was enough to defeat it.” “What was your plan exactly?” Sir Lance walked to a chair and sat staring at the ground. “I had hoped that if I used the Element of Hope to its full potential the magic would be strong enough to stop it.” “Why didn’t it work?” “That creature…is not of this world…he is split between our world and some other place.” “What do you mean?” Sir Lance looked at Spirit “It cannot be harmed by anything we can do unless it has a physical body here” “How do you know these things?” “You learn a lot about something when you fight for your life. You must be the new carrier of the element then.” “That’s correct.” “So you’re fighting the fight now.” “Yes” “I had a plan for that too. Before I left to fight Shadow I put part of myself inside the element. So I could warn the next person” “So that’s why you’re here” “Right and how I didn’t know if my plan worked. Tell me Celestia and Luna are they ok.” “Yes Celestia and Luna rule the land together you kept Shadow away for over a thousand years” Sir Lance gave a weak smile “Then perhaps it was worth it after all.” “Why did all the humans disappear when you used the element?” “So Star-swirl was right” Lance said aloud “We didn’t know the cost of using the full power of the element.” “How do I defeat him?” Spirit finally asked Sir Lance looked Spirit in the eye “Destroy it when it has a physical from it’s the only way to finish it once and for all.” “But if its physical form isn’t even here how do I destroy” “If I could tell you that I would have defeated it long ago. That’s all we have time for good luck young Knight.” “WAIT!” Spirit yelled as he sat up. He could feel a stiff pain in his right shoulder. He was alone in his room in the castle. He looked down at his heavily bandaged shoulder and attempted to move it. The door to his room opened as Applejack and Fluttershy trotted inside. “Spirit you’re awake” they said “How long have I been out?” “Three days” Applejack said “We got worried when we couldn’t wake you up” Fluttershy said quietly “Anything happen while I was out?” “Nothing new everypony is scared after what happened to Cloudsdale” Spirit began to get dressed in his tan colored clothing. “What are you doing?” Fluttershy asked “We still have to get the Diamond dogs on our side” he said as he pulled his shirt over the bandage “But you just woke up” “I know we don’t have any time to waste.” “Well alright!” Applejack cheered “lets get started” Spirit made his way to the war room where he was greeted by cheers of the ponies and gryphons gathered there. Arite Fact and the rest of the Element bearers were sitting around the map waiting for Spirit. “Glad to see you back” “You’ve been taking it easy while I’ve been away?” Spirit joked to the colt “Of course not” the colt said jumping up “Alright catch me up to speed” Spirit sat behind his desk. Artie cleared his throat and approached the magical map. “As you can see the Magical Barrier Generators are all up and functioning in Canterlot, Manehatten, and Ponyville.” Blue orbs surrounded each city on the map. “We have already evacuated other small villages and farms to these cities. With the loss of Cloudsdale.” Artie gestured to the now vacant spot on the map “All recourses are being divided up among the other cities. Valam has seen to it that the skies over each are kept clear.” “How is she doing that” Spirit interrupted “She brought many dragons with her it’s quite the sight.” Artie answered “What about our allies how are their cities protected?” “We don’t believe Shadow will attack the Gryphon home of High Perch, the Dragons have no single city and no pony really knows where the Diamond Dog home is.” “I do” Spirit said “and that’s where we are headed next.” Ready?That evening Spirit met with the Diamond Dog’s Chief and explained to him the situation. “I see” the elder dog spoke “How could I refuse to help especially after what you did for us!” “Thank You” “I’ll send some of our best diggers once things have settled down here.” Spirit left the stone building where the elder lived and met Applejack and Pinkie Pie who were chatting with some of the locals “Well..?” Applejack asked Spirit gave the thumbs up. Applejack cocked her head “What’s that mean?” “It means we’re good they are going to help” Pinkie Pie let out a cheer and threw confetti in the air “Hooray more friends to invite to my parties!” She began to dance around a group of dogs as Spirit and Applejack watched. “She knows what’s going on right?” Spirit asked “Sometimes I wonder.” They bid farewell to their new dog allies and began the journey back to the train station in one of Lt. Dusty’s carts. “They seem a lot nicer than the Diamond Dogs I remember.” Pinkie looked back at the valley. “That’s the last of them then” Spirit was looking at some papers “ The Gryphons, Dragons and now the Dogs all that’s left is to wait and prepare” Back at the empty village the train was already prepped and waiting for them. Then sun disappearing past the horizon as the train made its way back to Canterlot. Spirit began to doze as the clickety clack of the train lulled him to sleep. Applejack and Pinkie Pie stared at the sleeping Spirit. “He sure is something?” Applejack asked “Huh what do you mean I thought the Princess said he was a hue mun?” “No..I mean look at what all he’s done in the little time we’ve known him. If he hadn’t have been here I would have lost my sis then all he is doing now.” “Yeah…He is a little scary though.” “What?! How can you say that” Applejack said in a defensive tone Pinkie shrunk back a little “Well I mean remember in the desert when he said he made the dogs pay..?” “Yeah..so?” “I’m just saying we don’t really know what he is capable of that’s all” Applejack turned to look at the sleeping Spirit he was snoring peacefully in his seat. “We can trust him” Applejack looked back to Pinkie Spirit was sitting behind his desk in the war room looking over papers once more. He was gently rolling the Dragon’s Blood Ruby back and forth on his desk as he read. Twilight approached Spirit he didn’t notice her walk behind him. She climbed onto the back of his chair to look over his shoulder. “What are you thinking?” She said “AAHHHH!” Spirit threw papers into the air “Don’t scare me like that” Spirit was breathing heavy “Sorry” Twilight giggled “Came up with a plan yet?” Spirit massaged his forhead “Not a great one” he looked at the scattered papers “Aside from a full frontal assault I don’t really see any other way” Twilight attempted to pick up his papers with magic but the Ruby blocked her “I wish you wouldn’t keep that thing around.” “Heh I promised Valam I’d look after it while she was away.” “Oh that’s pretty!” Pinkie Pie said staring at the ruby “But I like my element better” she looked at the balloon shaped gem around her neck . “Yeah I…WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH THAT!” Twilight gasped “The Princesses said she wanted us to have them at all times just in case that’s why I came here to get you. She also said something about practicing with them” “Well you can’t practice here that ruby cancels all magic” Twilight gestured to the ruby “Really? Pinkie Pie concentrated then a beam shot out from her element and ricocheted around the room sending papers and books flying till it finally dissipated into the air. “Pinkie how did you do that?” Spirit asked “All I did was…” Pinkie began to concentrate again “Just stop” Twilight held up her hooves “let’s just help clean up this mess and don’t worry about your plan Spirit I’m sure you’ll think of something.” Spirit sat back at his desk as he stared at the dragon’s ruby. “SPIRIT….SPIRIT!!!!” Artie Fact yelled as he entered the room at full sprint headed toward Spirit. “What is it?” Spirit looked at Artie as the colt caught his breath “The…Princess she….you…throne room…”Arite gasped “She wanst so see me?” Artie nodded his head Spirit made his way to the throne room where Princesses Celestia and Luna were waiting. “Whats the matter Artie looked like he’s seen a ghost” Princess Celestia walked to her position at the top of the staircase throne. Luna approached the Spirit and levitated a scroll in his hand. “We received this from one of the gryphon scouts” Luna said Spirit looked at Luna then down to the scroll he read mumbled as he read. “Strange object spotted… heading toward Canterlot…large black pyramid….unable to get close…risk being spotted.” Spirit looked back at the princesses “So it’s coming” “Yes” Luna said sadly “We believe that it will arrive sometime tomorrow morning” “Sir Spirit have you a plan?” Celestia asked “Yes but the cost will extremely high” he explained his plans for the attack to the two princesses. After an hour Spirit finished explaining his plan. Celestia shuddered at the thought of battle “very well we trust you completely” “I will try my best to not let you down” Spirit said as he left the throne room. He walked out to the castle gardens where preparations were being made. He spotted the girls practicing with their elements. He walked behind them as they were finishing up. “Alright good job girls let’s take a break” Twilight ordered. “Hey Spirit!” Rainbow Dash said as she landed next to him “How is everything going with you all?” Spirit asked smiling at the colorful ponies “We’re ready!” Rainbow yelled “Really maybe I won’t even need to do anything I’ll let you all take care of it whileI go relax.” Spirit allowed himself a laugh “No way not after what you dragged all of us through” Rarity smiled back at Spirit “We are going to go grab some food you want to come with us?” Twilight asked “I’ll catch up with you later you go ahead” Spirit leaned on a crate of supplies Spirit watched the group disappear out of sight then Applejack came back by herself. “Not hungry?” Spirit asked “I can wait” She said sitting down next to Spirit “What’s the matter I can tell something’s wrong?” Spirit looked up into the sky “Shadows coming” Applejack didn’t say a word “After all this planning, all this work…what if l….what if I’m wrong?” Spirit sat on the ground “Hey we’ve come this far don’t give up now” She tried to comfort him “I want to give you something” Spirit pulled a necklace with two silver discs on it from around his neck and handed it to Applejack. She dangled it from her hoof and looked at the discs shine in the light. “What are these?” she asked “Its…just something of mine I wanted you to have I was going to give them to Apple Bloom but..” “Hey give them to her yourself…” Spirit looked sternly at Applejack “I cant. I don’t think I’m going to make it out of this.” “Now don’t..” “Just keep them please.” “Alright.” Applejack looked back at the necklace “Well enough of this sad stuff lets go eat big day ahead of us” Spirit perked up and started walking back to the palace. After a restless night Spirit headed to a balcony outside the throne room where Princess Luna was scanning the horizon. The sun was beginning to rise in the east the sky was turning an orange. “I hope this isn’t our last sunrise” Luna said aloud Spirit stared out across the land “Any sign of it?” “No” Clouds began to form overhead, slowing swirling and growing until they completely darkened the sky. “A storm?” Spirit asked “No the sky was to remain clear! Look over there” Luna pointed her hoof. An ominous shape began to descend over the city. It was the black pyramid. Almost immediately the towers surrounding the city began to glow and covered the city in their protective magic. Down below on the streets the citizens hurried to the underground bunkers that the dogs had dug. Dragons, gryphons and Pegasi hovered around the dome checking for weaknesses. Luna and Spirit headed to the throne room where Princess Celestia had just returned from raising the sun. “You saw it too?” she asked “Yeah how long…” Shadow appeared in the middle of the throne room just like it had done centuries ago. The room grew quiet all eyes were fixed on the orb. “Surrender to me. I will give you one day to decide” As quick as Shadow appeared it vanished in a cloud of black smoke. “Well that’s out of the question” Spirit broke the silence “Sir Spirit are you ready to attack?” Celestia asked “No there are still some preparations to make” “Hurry as quick as you can we will attack tomorrow” D-DayA day had passed since the black pyramid appeared in the skies of Equestria once more. The time for gathering allies was over after all the preparations they were ready. A representative from each of the group was present in the war room Spirit and the two princesses were in the center. The room had been cleared of everything but the magical map and single board to make room for the crowd had gathered. Spirit was wearing his tan clothing with a modified set of armor made from the scale Valam had given him. The chatter that filled the room went silent as Spirit began to speak. “We knew this day was coming. It has been in the back of our minds.” Spirit walked around the map looking back and forth at each group “I know not everyone in this room sees eye to eye on things but we cannot do this alone. We all need each other if we are to make it through this. I can’t promise you that everything will be all right. I can’t promise you that everyone in this room will return but I can promise one thing…We’ll give this thing the fight of its life and let it know that we will not lay down and let it just take us!” The room erupted with applause and cheers. “Please everyone to their positions until we give the signal.” The room emptied with the exception of the representatives and the element bearers. “Everyone knows what to do?” Spirit asked the room. Gilda stepped forward “We fly over the battle field assisting where needed.” “My kin will keep the shadow army grounded while you make your way into the pyramid.” Valam spoke “Also your special request Spirit” Spirit nodded as Twilight looked at him wondering what his special request was. “We’ll keep civilians safe in the tunnels we’ve dug under the city and stop anything that tries to enter” Francis spoke up “All right “Spirit looked at the group of ponies each wearing their element “While Shadows army is busy fighting we’ll sneak in then use the elements to destroy him” “Do it quickly” Luna said “I don’t know how long we can hold out against them” “Everybody get ready to move” Spirit said as each headed to their position. Princess Celestia called out to the Spirit as he and the ponies began to leave “A moment before you leave Sir Spirit?” Spirit looked back at the ponies “I’ll meet you at the tower.” The six ponies all walked side by side through the palace halls “I’m so nervous” Fluttershy mumbled “Don’t worry look at all this stuff Shadow won’t know what hit him.” Rainbow gestured out to the palace grounds where ponies, gryphons and smaller dragons were preparing. “Don’t forget about the shield!” Applejack added “It’s never been fully tested” Twilight admitted “I wonder what that special request of Spirit’s is?” Rarity thought back “Kind of an odd time to have a party besides I’m the one that plans all the parties?” Pinkie Pie remarked “I don’t think it’s a party Pinkie.” Rarity told the pink pony Twilight stopped and headed back toward the war room “I’m going to go back ask Spirit when he gets done talking with the princesses.” Twilight galloped back to the war room and stopped and put her ear against the closed door. She could barely hear talking inside. “Did you tell them” Twilight could hear Celestia’s voice “No” Spirit admitted “They wouldn’t let me follow through if I did.” “Are you sure it will work?” Luna asked “It seems like the only option if what I learned from Sir Lance is true.” “As much as I don’t like it I think your right. Will they do it?” Celestia spoke “They have to” Spirit said sadly Twilight was startled when Spirit opened the door and nearly knocked her over. “Twilight! How long have you been there?” Spirit asked “I uh just got here I wanted to walk with you.” She lied “Oh…ok let’s catch up with the others.” Twilights mind was racing. What was the special request? What was Spirit planning? What didn’t he tell them? “Twilight?” Spirit asked “Huh what?” the pony was brought out of her thoughts “I said how are you feeling?” “I’ve been better” she admitted “a little nervous” “Me too” The seven element carriers where standing on the tallest tower in the castle. The sky was filled with black clouds barely any light could shine through. The pyramid was now directly above Canterlot. Down below the combined forces of ponies, dragons, and gryphons all stood at the ready. Massive amounts of shadows began to pour from the pyramid. Shadows in the shape of various ponies gryphons and even dragons descended onto the shielded city. “Do it!” Spirit yelled Twilight shot an orb of purple light into the air signaling the army below. The shadow dragons breathed green fire onto the magical barrier creating holes allowing an entrance for the shadow army. As the group watched the chaos below them two shadow gryphons landed on the tower behind them them. “Um Spirit?” Fluttershy tapped on Spirits back “Huh?” Spirit turned to face to the two gryphons. He quickly pulled a small black object from a holster on his leg and aimed it at the gryphons after two pops the Shadows vanished. “Nice one!” Rainbow said looking where the shadow had been “What is that thing?” “Just a little trick from my world.” Spirit said “Now where is…” Before Spirit could finish his sentence three real gryphons landed “Sorry were late” one of the gryphons said “Hop on and lets go” Pinkie Pie and Applejack hopped onto the back of one gryphons while Rarity and Twilight got on the other. “Stay close to the gryphons” Spirit said to Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy as he mounted the last gryphon. The shadow army paid the group no attention as they landed at the massive entrance to the black pyramid. “Stay in view and come get us as quickly as you can.” Spirit ordered the gryphon “Don’t worry about us…good luck!” the gryphon leader called back as they flew away. “This is it” Spirit said as the ponies formed up behind him. The inside of the pyramid was empty. A hallway led deeper into it no doors, no branches it just lead up toward the top of the pyramid straight to a wooden door one of which was familiar to Spirit. “I’d bet everything Shadow is in here” he said “Ready?” Spirit looked at the group of ponies they each gave him a nod. He threw open the door like he had watched Sir Lance do long ago. Finally Spirit met the orb in person it seemed larger than before. It floated toward them “I’ll admit you are much more of a pain than you predecessor” the orb said “You’re going down” Rainbow yelled back “Really what makes you think that?” Shadow said in an insulting tone “Cuz we got Spirit now” Appejack said standing next to Spirit A loud cracking noise filled the room as part of the ceiling fell. The dragons had attacked the pyramid reveling Shadows throne room to the sky. “My Spirit you sure put on a convincing show.” “I did what you asked; I brought them here now live up to your end.” Spirit said as he approached Shadow “What are you talking about?” Twilight asked “The look on your face is priceless” Shadow said with a hint of joy “Your “Spirit” as you call him has betrayed you.” The group gasped as Spirit walked to Shadow’s side “How could you!?” Applejack asked “after all that” “We trusted you!” Twilight yelled Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie began to cry “Why?” Rainbow looked at the Spirit “I’m sorry” Spirit looked at the ground as Shadow laughed maniacally. “Let’s get this over with I have a world to destroy.” “Yes” Spirit said sadly “Why are you doing this?” Twilight called out “Ignore them” Shadow told Spirit Shadow began to hum and Spirit began to yell in pain. The ponies looked on terrified at the events going on in front of them. Shadow disappeared as Spirit collapsed to the floor. “What happened?” Rarity said aloud Spirit jumped from the ground and stretched his arms “Ahhh” he said his voice had changed to Shadows “it’s been so long since I’ve had a physical form.” Spirit turned his sights on the ponies “as for you.” Shadow drew Spirits sword then dropped it as he grabbed his head. “what’s this fighting me?” Spirits voice changed back to normal as he yelled “Now…I’ve…got…you” Spirit said struggling to control his body. He reached into a pouch and pulled out an orange device similar to his weapon and aimed it at the hole in the ceiling. A ball of light flew from the orange object through the ceiling. Spirit dropped it as Shadow spoke again “What are you doing we had a deal!” Through the hole the ponies could see Valam drop the Blood Ruby into the room it landed hard next to Spirit. “Whats this?” Shadow asked “You’re trapped” Spirit said “NO...!” Shadow yelled as he tried to leave Spirits body “And with a physical form you can be defeated” Spirit turned to face the ponies The ponies all realized what that meant “No….” Twilight said “Use the elements on me it will destroy Shadow.” Spirit said as he clutched his side in pain as Shadow tried to take over again. “We can’t do that.” Applejack objected. “What about you?” “You have to hurry I don’t know how long the ruby can hold.” Spirit glanced at the Blood Ruby as it began to crack from holding back Shadows magic. “You had this planned all along didn’t you?” Twilight asked “Yeah” “All right” Twilight said “No you can be serious there has to be another way!” Applejack jumped in front of Spirit “Don’t worry Applejack…” Spirit said “Guys whatever were going to do make it quick!” Rainbow was watching the crack in the ruby grow. The ponies each walked up to Spirit to say their goodbye “Thank You” Fluttershy said through her tears “I was really looking forward to throwing you a party” Pinkie Pie managed to say “You never told me where you’re from” Rarity pretended to scold the human Rainbow Dash approached them human not looking him the eye “I’m glad I got to meet you” she said quickly walking away. “We’ll never forget you” Twilight said Applejack ran up and placed her front legs over the human he gave the pony an awkward hug. They formed a circle around the human “As soon as the ruby shatters do it” Spirit said barely able to stand. The seconds seemed like an eternity. The ruby began to creak and shattered into dust. “NOW!” Twilight yelled Each pony focused their element onto the Spirit his element glowed and shattered filling the room with light. They could hear the voice of Shadow fade away. When the light subsided in the middle of the room stood a statue of a human. “Is is it over?” Applejack asked “Yeah” Twilight said sadly They all approached the statue of their friend “Look!” Pinkie Pie said she pointed her hoof at the statues face “He looks happy” Sure enough the Spirit was smiling. “Come on sis” Apple Bloom called out as she ran through the palace garden. Spirits silver necklace was jingling around her neck. “Carful there’s still construction going on.” Applejack warned her sister Canterlot was still under repair months after the war against Shadow. New buildings had been built to replace those that were too damaged to save. “Over here” Apple Bloom disappeared behind some scaffolding into a domed structure. “Now Apple Bloom what did I tell you…about” Applejack trailed off as she saw the statue of Spirit in the middle of the room. Apple Bloom stood at the pedestal of the statue looking up at the human. “Hello Spirit” she said “I miss you. Why did he have to go?” Apple Bloom turned to her sister. “Aw come here sugar cube” Applejack held Apple Bloom “He did it to save us…all of us. If it wasn’t for him…” “I know I didn’t even get to say goodbye” Apple Bloom sniffled “Go on do it now” Applejack nudged her toward the statue. She looked up at the smiling human “I wanted to thank you for what you did…and everything…I hope to see you again someday.” “Come on little sis let’s get going those apples won’t sell themselves” Apple Bloom and Applejack trotted out of the memorial. Apple Bloom turned back to get another look at Spirit and she could have sworn that the Spirits smile was a little bit bigger. To the Desert To the Desert It seemed like it had been years since Spirit had been in the desert in reality it had only been weeks. “I’m amazed the trains are still running” Applejack said sitting next to Spirit as he stared out at the familiar desert. “After this trip they won’t be running all travel has been canceled until all this is over.” Spirit said “So we have to walk back?” Pinkie Pie asked “No I mean after we finish our business in the desert.” “Good, I don’t like walking that far anyway.” The train came to a stop at an empty station. The group departed the train and stood on the platform. “Where is eveypony?” Applejack said looking around “All evacuated” the conductor said “Ah so who is going to make all the dessert?” Pinkie Pie sounded a little sad “Desert not dessert “ Spirit sounded out the two words “Is that all you think about is sweets?” “Yes why?” she said cheerfully The group walked through the empty streets in the village. “This is kind of spooky.” Applejack said as she looked at the bare marketplace stalls “I know no pony is even inside their homes” Pinke Pie called from inside a home “How did she…? She was just” Spirit looked to where Pinkie Pie had been walking next to him Applejack looked up at the Spirit “it’s best if you don’t think about it.” They stopped at the edge of the village and stared out at the large sand dunes that lay before them. “Alright did you bring everything I said?” Spirit asked the ponies “Yup” Applejack opened her bag reviling large amounts of water. “Me too I barely had room for my other stuff” Pinkie Pie’s bags were filled with party supplies “What?” Pinkie Pie looked at Spirit. “Well at least you brought water. Come on I want make it to the Desert Shield camp by night fall.” The group walked into the dunes until they were surrounded by sand as far as the eye could see “How do you know where you’re going?” Pinkie Pie asked “It simple I use the sun and the wind to tell me where I’m headed.” Spirit told the pink pony “WOW really that’s so cool” She exclaimed “No I just use this compass.” Spirit said dryly as he showed her the compass Applejack laughed at the disappointed pony. “So where is the Diamond Dogs home?” “There is a valley just opposite the village. The Diamond Dogs have set up a village of their own there.” “Why do they live all the way out here?” “I don’t know all they do is mine for crystals. They don’t seem to enjoy the company of others they only time they interact with others is when they try to catch them and force them to work in their mines.” “and that’s when you save them right?” Pinkie Pie asked “Right” “So what makes you think they will help us? You said it yourself they’re not very keen on talking to others.” Applejack asked “I’ve been getting reports that the dogs have disappeared into their mine systems. The last time they did that something bad had happened to them I figure we help them with what whatever has happened they’ll owe us and help us to repay the favor.” “What happened to them last time?” Pinkie Pie asked Spirit “Me” he said as he reached the top of a large dune. From the top of the dune the group could see a camp of the Desert Shield guards next to an oasis. They made their way down the dune and headed toward the camp. The guards had positioned carts around the camp as a makeshift wall with guards patrolling the outside. As they approached the entrance a guard wearing a pith helmet met them. “Good evening Sir” The colt saluted Spirit “Evening Dusty” Spirit returned his salute “How is everything?” “We’ve been expecting you it’s been quite here…I don’t like it” Dusty said “Any updates?” “Nothing new since the last report. We will break camp immediately and drop you off just outside the valley leading to dog territory.” Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Spirit rode in the back of the guards cart as they headed toward the dogs home. “Earlier you said that you were a problem for the dogs what did you mean by that?” Applejack said as she rocked gently in the cart. Spirit looked up in the night sky then back at the two ponies “It was about a year ago the dogs had got the jump on one of my friends that was with me in the desert. I tracked them to their home that’s how I found it in the first place. It took me a week to finally prepare enough to mount a rescue I fought my way deep into their mineshafts when I found my friend…” Spirit paused “When I found my friend they had worked him to death.” The Ponies looked at the Spirit sadly “What did you do?” Pinkie Pie asked He looked at her with a look she hadn’t seen on his face before. “I made them pay” he said They didn’t ask Spirit any more questions about his past the rest of the trip The sun was already high in the sky when they reached to entrance to the valley. The guards had set up camp again at the bottom of a dune. Spirit and the ponies where at the top looking down into the valley. Spirit was watching the valley through a set of binoculars. “What do you see?” Pinkie Pie asked “Nothing.” “Is that good?” “There’s usually dogs all over the place. Something defiantly happened down below.” Spirit said as he put away his binoculars “Let’s go take a look up close” They carefully approached the valley keeping an eye for any dangers. When they entered the valley there where many entrance in the valley walls. “What are all these?” Applejack peered down one “Mineshafts the dogs cut into the rock” “Where do they lead?” “There is a large network of them right beneath our feet. All running to one central chamber that where all of the dogs are.” Spirit answered “If I remember correctly that’s the one we need to take” Spirit pointed to the largest mineshaft of them all. The floor of the cave had mine cart track running as far as the eye could see. Every so often the walls where braced up with wooden beams. Torches lined the walls keeping the main tunnel well lit. “How far does this go?” Applejack said as the Spirit held her back “What’s the matter?” Spirit put his finger to his lips and pulled the two ponies into a side passage way. “Pinkie you got any rock candy?” Spirit whispered “Do I” Pinkie Pie rummaged through bag pulling out various shapes and colors of candy she placed them in Spirits hand “Thanks” he said as he tossed them out into the shaft “Hey don’t waste my candy” Pinkie Pie said “Shhhh watch” Spirit pointed at the candy They heard footsteps approach them and could hear something running. “Ohhhh I thought we cleaned this place out” a voice said. A small dog wearing a vest walked up to the candy and picked it up. “What’s this? This isn’t diamond.” The dog was suddenly lassoed and fell to the ground “Nice job Applejack” Spirit said as he stepped from the shadows “Thank you “Applejack finished tying up the dog The dog gave Spirit a horrified look “I…I…I’ve heard of you” “Excuse me” Pinkie Pie interrupted “ but if you’re not going to eat that I would like it back.” She gestured to the candy in the dogs paw. “Uh okay” the dog dropped the candy “Thank You” Pinkie Pie said happily as she trotted off The dog looked around him then back to Spirit “What do you want please don’t hurt us we’ve already got trouble.” “What kind of trouble?” “Some of our tunnels collapsed a while ago some of our family and friends have been trapped.” “Whats your name?” Spirit asked the dog “I’m Rex” “Well Rex we’re here to help.” Spirit smiled Rex was running as fast as he short legs would go. The group had no trouble keeping pace with him. “Are you sure you can help?” Rex panted “We’ll do whatever we can.” Applejack answered “This is wonderful we were starting to give up. Right up here” Rex led the group into a large cavern that housed the Diamond Dogs. Houses had been carved into the rock like a village made of stone. The ponies stopped and stared at the stone houses. “We’ll come on then” Rex called back. He led them to a large Amphitheatre that was dug into the rock. A handful of dogs filled the seats all watching several dogs on the stage. “BOSS!” Rex yelled as he made his way to the front “ I FOUND HELP!” he ran onto the stage and looked up to one of the dogs. “What are you talking about Rex?” the dog asked “There!” he pointed up the Spirit and the ponies The crowd turned to see what help had arrived some gasped and ran toward the stage. Spirit held his hands up and announced to the crowd.” I mean you know harm I’m here to help” “A likely story” the Boss dog said “I remember the last time you were here” he pointed to an eye patch he wore. “That was your previous leaders fault. We told him to leave the ponies alone and yet even after that you still didn’t listen.” “We parted ways with those who wish to harm the ponies…” the Boss said “We want peace” “Then it looks like we’re in business. Now what’s this disaster?” “A few days ago we had a collapse in one of our main mineshafts nearly our entire village was there?” “What were all of you doing there?” Applejack asked “When we work it’s a community effort it’s a lot harder without sla…er ponies helping us” Rex added “So how did you all make it?” Spirit looked at the handful around him “We were tasked with cleaning the village while the rest worked in the mine.” The boss said “You’re the janitors?” Spirit said holding back a laugh “It’s a respectable position!” the Boss yelled “Not really boss…” Rex said as the Boss smacked him in the back of the head “What caused the collapse?” “No idea we’ve been working around the clock to get them out but we just don’t have enough workers.” The boss said sadly as all the dogs hung their head. “And that’s where we’re at” the Boss said to the group “How long can they last you said it’s been days” Spirit asked “Assuming they can get to the supplies in the mineshaft and the amount of dogs they have till tonight.” “Pinkie go get Lt. Dusty tell him we’ve got a rescue mission.” Spirit ordered With the assistance of the Dusty and his guards they made significant progress toward the trapped dogs. “ALMOST THERE!” the Boss yelled Spirit and the Boss where working side by side both swinging pick axes as hard as they could. Applejack and one of Dusty’s guards where assisting the other dogs in bracing the rescue tunnel. Finally Sprits pickaxe broke through to air. They looked at each other and quickly dug out the hole. “Hello!” the Boss yelled into the hole “over here” a weak voice called out They quickly helped the stranded dogs out of the shaft it wasn’t long until the area was empty save for the Boss and Spirit. “Is that all of them?” Spirit asked as he watched the Boss pace back and forth “I was sure he would be here!” the Boss said “What who?” “My pup! He was trapped here too.” the Boss sat down on the ground “Don’t worry maybe he’s deeper down.” Spirit calmed the dog The two searched up and down until they heard a slight whimper “you here that?” the Boss said as he ran on all fours toward the whimper. They found a black pup curled up in a crashed minecart “MY BOY!” the Boss cried as he picked up the pup. “Dad!” the Pup yelled “I knew you’d come” “Let’s get you out of here” he patted the pup on the back. As they made their way back to the exit the entire shaft began to shake. “Tremors!” the Boss yelled “This cave is already unstable we need to move!” The two ran as fast as they could the exit was just in sight when the Boss was pinned under a falling beam. “PAPA!” the pup yelled as he ran to his father’s side Spirit and the pup pulled on the beam it didn’t budge “Come on!” Applejack yelled as she jumped through the hole she saw the pinned dog and rushed over. “Take my son” the Boss said pushing him toward Appejack. Spirit nodded to the pony as she dashed off with the pup in tow. “You get out of here too” Spirit laughed “what so you can blame me for leaving you” Applejack cleared the exit of the cave as a loud crash and dust emitted from the rescue tunnel. “Where’s the Boss?” Rex asked “Where’s Spirit” Pinkie Pie added Applejack looked back into the dust filled cave. As she saw two figures emerge the Boss was hanging on to Spirit as he hobbled out of the cave. “Dad” the pup ran and jumped onto his dad. “Francis I knew I could count on you” an elder dog said “Francis?” the Spirit narrowed his eyes at the dog “What? What kind of a name is Spirit anyway?”
Calm Before the Storm(Note from Author: This is my second story featuring the Spirit. I wrote the story to pick up almost immediately when my last left off. While you don’t need to read the first to understand most of it some things from the previous one are mentioned. I recommend you read The Desert Spirit first) Spirit was gradually getting used to his life in Ponyville. Even thought he was a human he was treated like a regular citizen. Ever since his heroic efforts saving ponies, including the Apple Families youngest pony Apple Bloom, in the southern deserts he had become a celebrity. He also learned that his presence in the deserts was no longer needed. The explorer pony Artie Fact had taken maps the Spirit had made from his time in the desert and passed them on to the royal guard. Princess Celestia seeing the need for protection in the south created the Desert Shields, a group of guards whose job it was to patrol the deserts. Before the guards were sent to the deserts they were given training by the Spirit who was now residing on the Apple Farm. A small group of colts were gathered around the Spirit who was giving a lecture on the dangers he had faced. “As you can see the greatest danger in the desert is not the creatures that reside there, but the lack of water and shelter.” The Spirit began to conclude his class “Any questions?” “What about the Diamond Dogs?” A gray colored colt asked “Ah the dogs while they are a nuisance they will not bother you unless they believe they have an advantage. With your comrades already patrolling the deserts the threat has grown less and less.” The Spirit glanced around his students then to a white colt wearing a pith helmet. “Well then” the Spirit continued “I would like to introduce Lieutenant Dusty he will be taking you to your new assignments in the desert good luck.” The Spirit walked away as the Lieutenant pony began discussing the groups travel route to the desert. “Can you play now?” Apple Bloom asked. She had been sitting patently outside the Spirits class. “Sure thing Apple Bloom I don’t have anything else planned this afternoon. What do you want to do?” The Spirit looked down at the little filly slightly galloping to keep up with the Spirits pace. “Hmmm how about hide and go seek?” She asked “That’s no fair I’m ten times bigger than you” The Spirit chuckled “Apple Bloom” a voiced called out. Apple Bloom turned to see two familiar fillies coming toward them. “Hey Sweetie Bell, hey Scoot” Apple Bloom called out to her friends. Sweetie Bell and Scootallo ran up to Apple Bloom “Want to go to the club house today” Sweetie Bell asked “Ah but this is the first chance I get to play with Spirit” Apple Bloom said looking up at the human. “Well he can come too” Sweetie Bell added Scootaloo let a slight whimper when she said that. “Still scared of me Scootaloo?” The Spirit said “N…N…No” The orange Pegasus stammered The Spirit laughed at the nervous filly “Go on Apple Bloom go play with your friends.” “Are you sure” She asked “Yeah I’m kinda sleepy anyway.” The Spirit said yawning “Well alright come on girls” Apple Bloom said as he three fillies ran off toward their clubhouse. The Spirit continued on the Apple Family house where Granny Smith was making dinner. “What’s on the menu tonight Granny?” the Spirit asked as he entered “I’m making apple turnover with an apple salad” Granny answered as the Spirit hung his head in the door way. “I would kill for a pepperoni pizza right now.” The Spirit muttered to himself “What’d ya say youngin?” Granny asked “Oh nothing Granny sounds good.” The Spirit said as he sat down in a chair in the Apple family living room. “Hello?” a knock at the door jostled the drowsy Spirit The Spirit got up and opened the door and saw a purple unicorn staring up at him. “Hello Twilight looking for Applejack?” “No you actually” Twilight said “What can I do you for? Wait is this because I spilled water on your books listen I said…” “No it’s not that” Twilight smiled “This came for you at the library” Twilight pulled a scroll from bag and handed it to the Spirit. “For me?” The Spirit said staring at the scroll. “It’s from the Princess” Twilight added “I didn’t open it because it said for your eyes only.” The Spirit cracked the wax royal seal the held the scroll closed. He unfurled the it and read to himself. Sir Spirit, Your presence is requested at Canterlot Castle. I must discuss a very serious matter with you that poses a threat to all who inhabit Equestria. Please depart as soon as you receive this message. I’m sure my student, Twilight Sparkle, is the one who delivered this message to you. I also request her presence as well. I do not want you to tell anypony where you are headed. Time is of the essence. Sincerely Princess Celestia P.S. I will be sending an escort to carry both of you directly to the palace. It will arrive after sundown outside Ponyville. The Spirit handed the letter to Twilight. “The Princess wants us to go to Canterlot.” “What? Why?” Twilight asked as she quickly scanned the letter “This is can’t be good. Come on we don’t have much time.”
An Ancient Evil“What could be wrong?” Twilight asked the Spirit as he was clinging to the side of the flying chariot. “I don’t know but I hope we get there soon. This mode of flying doesn’t suit me. It’s too open” The Spirit said said white knuckled. “Over there you can see the castle.” Twilight pointed her hoof. The moon was situated behind the gleaming city of Canterlot. The Pegasus guards gently landed the chariot on the palace grounds. The Spirit jumped off breathing a sigh of relief. “I never want to ride that again.” “Good evening” a golden armored earth pony said as he approached Twilight and the Spirit. “I’m Commander Irons head of the castle guard. The Princess has ordered me to escort you to the throne room” As the group made their way to the throne room the Spirit was looking all around at the lavish décor of the palace. “I have to admit” the Commander spoke “it’s quite the honor to meet both the Knight of Equestria and the Princess’ best student.” “You flatter us sir” Twilight added as she nudged the Spirit who was staring intently out a window at a statue of a draconequus. “Huh oh yes of course” the Spirit answered having no clue to what he was answering “Here we are the throne room.” The commander held the door open for the two to enter. Twilight and the Spirit walked into the magically lit throne room. Princess Celestia was sitting atop a high stair case at the far end of the room. Princess Luna was standing next to her discussing something. “Welcome to Canterlot Castle Sir Spirit.” Celestia interrupted Luna who turned to see their visitors. The Princess walked down from here throne to greet the two ,Luna followed behind her. As she approached both Twilight and Spirit made a bowing motion. “How do you like the castle Spirit?” Celestia asked “It’s amazing I’ve never seen anything like it.” The Spirit answered “Excuse me Princess” Twilight said clearing her throat “but what’s going on you’ve never sent a letter that I have to keep a secret.” The Princess glanced at the obviously nervous pony and gave her a sadden look. “Equestria in is danger” “In Danger?” a startled Twilight gasped “what kind of danger?” “An enemy from very long ago that nearly succeeded in destroying everything.” Celestia said “How long ago? Is it Discord again?” Twilight asked “This threat makes Discord seem peaceful” Celestia began to walk away from the group. “It happened over 2000 years ago Luna and myself were just just fillies.” Celestia added glancing at Luna. “2000” Twilight gasped “I’m sorry” the Spirit began “but how can anything over 2000 years old still be a threat?” Celestia turned back to face them “It would be easier to show you please follow me” Celestia and Luna both led them to a room connected to the throne room. The room was modestly decorated compared to the rest of the palace. No windows, no paintings, only several chairs situated in a circle around a floating purple sphere. “Whats this?” the Spirit asked "It will allow us the show you the threat" Celestia said as her and Luna approached the sphere. “Please have a seat and close your eyes” Twilight and the Spirit both looked at each other as they both approached the sisters. Twilight sat on the floor while the Spirit took one of the chairs beside her. “Now relax and clear your mind” Celestia said softly The Spirit closed his eyes he could hear the twinkle of magic then a tingling sensation shot through his body. “Now open your eyes.” Celestia said Both Spirit and Twilight opened their eyes to find the simple room gone. They were now in a small castle garden. The ivory walls of Canterlot castle gone instead cobblestone was in its place. The moon was also gone it was mid day now. “Where are we?” The Spirit said as he looked around at his new surroundings. “Old Canterlot” Luna added “2000 years ago” Both Twilight and the Spirit gave a shocked look to the sisters. “How did we go back 2000 years?” Twilight asked “The most anypony has ever gone back was a month and that was Starswirl the Bearded and he was only able to do it once.” “We did not go back in time the orb shows memories” Celestia stated “we are in the memory of Luna and myself.” “Come on sis” a voice called out “Slow down” another voice called Two small fillies entered the garden. A small white alicorn with a black one was right behind her. The two began chasing each other around the garden. “Is that…” Twilight began “That is us” Celestia said with a smile as she watched her younger self play. “Aww you both we’re so cute” the Spirit said “Quiet” an embarrassed Luna said “There you two are I’ve been looking for you.” A new deep voice said The group turned to see who the new voice belong too. The Spirit fell back not believing what he saw. A male human wearing armor similar to the Royal Guards was standing in front of him. “It’s a human” he said amazed as the guard approached him and walked right through him toward the filly princesses. “What’s one of your kind doing here?” Twilight asked the Spirit “I don’t know.” The Spirit replied still in shock “Come on girls your parents are waiting” the human said “Aww but Sir Lance we want to play. That royal stuff is so boring.” past Celestia pouted “Yeah can’t we play a little longer” past Luna added “I’m sorry” Sir Lance said “the King wants you there” The Knight led the two girls out of the garden out of view of the group. The garden faded away and they were standing in an empty white room. “Before we continue a little explanation is in order.” Celestia said “I’ll say what’s another human doing here?” The Spirit asked “I’ll get to that.” Celestia added “Twilight you remember the story of Hearths Warming Eve?” “Of course it tells how Earth Poines, Unicorns, and Pegasus came together to form Equestria.” Twilight said “That story is not entirely true.” Spoke Luna “What do you mean?” a surprised Twilight asked “The story is true but that was the second time the ponies allied together. The threat I mentioned that occurred long ago broke them up when they lost the King and Queen.” Celestia said sadly “It was through the effort of the humans that we were able to defeat Shadow.” “Shadow?” Twilight said "I’ve never heard of any being by that name “Shadow was the evil that threatened us long ago” Celestia shuddered at the thought of it “After we defeated it all record of it was banished.” “If you defeated it how is it still a threat” Spirit asked “We only thought we defeated it” Luna said “We only weakened it, after a costly battle it went into hiding to regain its strength.” “This next memory is the first we saw of Shadow” Celestia said as the room shifted again The group was now standing in a cobble throne room. Standing before a large male alicorn with a female unicorn by his side. On his other side was the knight from earlier. The group could just make out the two sisters sitting behind the knight. “Whats next on the agenda Sir Lance?” the large alicorn asked “We have Chancellor Berri requesting…” the knight was interrupted by a loud magical explosion in the middle of the throne room. An orb hovered at the spot of the explosion. The ground around the black orb was scorched. “Surrender” a gravelly voice emitted from the orb. “Guards!” the knight yelled Quickly the orb was surrounded by several colts and armored humans. “Surrender” the voice said again A human guard leapt forward bringing his pole arm down onto the orb. The orb let a low hum and in a flash the surrounding guards fell to the floor. “Surrender” the voice said in the same tone “What do you want” The male alicorn demanded “Everything” the orb responded “Will you give it to me?” The king looked at his queeen and the sword drawn knight by his side. “No” the king stated staring down the orb “Very well” instantly the orb disappeared as quickly as it appeared. “Sir Lance bring in the royal mages” The king immediately began walking out of the room “and see that your men are taken to the infirmary” “Of course sire” The Knight said sheathing his sword The room again faded away and they were back into the empty white. “So that’s the threat.” The Spirit said still taking in what he saw “What exactly was it?” “We never learned” Celestia said “any encounter with it ended in disaster. Those who had contact with it where destroyed or turned into its servant. In fact many creatures we see today are creations from it though seriously tamer without their master.” “What do you mean its creations?” Twilight asked “The more fearsome creatures in Equestria where not around until Shadow appeared the Windigoes, Ursas major and minor, Timberwolves, Manticores, hydras, and even Discord. “ Luna said “It was even able to control humans and ponies to a degree” Celestia added “Every loss we had made Shadow more and more powerful.” “So how did you defeat it or at least hurt it in that last battle?” Spirit asked “We used the Elements of Harmony” Celestia added “Of course” Twilight said “With me and my friends being able to use the elements now we should be able to defeat Shadow no problem.” “That was my hope” Celestia added “it took all seven elements last time to merely banish it.” “Seven?” a confused Twilight said “That’s correct” Celestia said “The seventh element was lost at that final battle along with the humans.” The room again changed. They were now deep in a forest standing in a clearing. The clearing was filled with tents and the sound of humans and ponies in armor. The sky was covered in black clouds. “This way” Celestia said as she walked towards the middle of the tent city. As they passed through the compound Twilight and Spirit glanced into tents as they passed. Catching fragments of conversations. “I can’t believe it’s all gone” a warrior pony said “It all happened so fast” a human said “Can we go home momma?” a filly asked its mother “This is our last stand” A human soldier said as he paced in front of a group gathered around him “I hear it took out an entire city in a blink” someone in the group whispered The group finally arrived at a large tent in the center of them all. Inside were six ponies each wearing an Element of Harmony. On the other side was Celestia and Luna,who looked about the age of Twilight, along with a very haggard Sir Lance. “There has to be another way Sir Lance?” Celestia pleaded “I’m sorry princess we don’t have any time left” he said sadly looking at the princesses “We can’t lose you too” Luna said as she brushed her head against Sir Lance’s armor. “If we don’t do this now all will be lost.” Sir Lance said as he hugged both ponies. “It’s time sir” a battle weary soldier said poking his head in the tent “Very well” he said as he stood. He pulled on a necklace under his armor and revealed a small glowing jewel in the shape of a star. He clutched in his hand and stuffed it back into his armor. As he walked out of the tent the six ponies followed behind him. Once outside the non-Pegasus’ of the group stepped onto chariots pulled by gryphons. The two sisters watched as the group headed to a black pyramid hovering in the sky. All observers on the ground held their breath as loud booms and smoke poured from the pyramid. A bright light emitted from the pyramid all had to avert their eyes. When the light subsided the pyramid was gone the dark clouds that had covered the skies began to dissipate. The crowd also noticed that all of the humans had disappeared from their midst. The grypons returned with one less passenger. The six bearers of the elements walked through the crowd of pones and placed the sword of Sir Lance in front of them along with his now dim necklace. The room again faded this time they returned to the current Castle Canterlot. “The humans” a tearful Celestia spoke breaking the silence “the humans sacrificed themselves to save us all.” “But why?” Twilight added “Hope” Celestia said “The element of hope was carried by Sir Lance it was the strongest of all the elements. Sir Lance believed that he could use the power of hope do destroy Shadow. Nobody knew exactly what would happen. Some of the royal mages believed nothing would happen others said everything would be destroyed.” “How do you know Sir Lance didn’t destroy Shadow?” Sprit asked “We we’re not able to investigate Shadow until much later. With the king and queen gone, humans no longer walking Equestria, and the loss of one of the elements the ponies split. Luna and I went into hiding we were still too young to rule. When things finally settled and we took charge of Equestria we began to notice strange occurrences. The many creations of Shadow still roamed the land they should have disappeared along with him.” “When I was Nightmare Moon I could feel the presence of Shadow.”Luna added. “Then if we couldn’t defeat Shadow then how do we stand a chance now with only six elements?” Twilight asked Celestia looked at the Spirit “Because I believe we have found a new Hope.”
Glimmer of Hope“Me?” the Spirit asked “Yes” Celestia said her gaze still fixed on Spirit “What could I possibly do?” he said sitting back in a chair “We want you to wield the element of Hope.” Luna said approaching Spirit “and lead us against Shadow.” “I’m no leader” The Spirit said as he stared at the floor “Non-sense” Celestia said stepping closer to him “I can tell from your actions that you would be a great leader.” “But what could I do? I saw what happened how do we know it will work this time and what if I mess up and wipe us all out.” “Things will be different this time...we have time to prepare.” Celestia said “Why have we not been preparing before now” Twilight spoke up Celestia looked at her student “There was no human here to use the element of Hope. Only a human can use it” “That’s something I wanted to ask about” the Spirit began “how are humans here?” “Humans were here for as long as I can remember.” Celestia answered “But where I’m from we’ve never hear of any of this.” Spirit responded “I cannot answer that if it’s merely a coincidence that humans exist elsewhere or your home is where humans went when they disappeared. All I can say is that you are here now and that we need you.” Celestia said as she looked the Spirit in the eye. The room was silent as the Spirit contemplated all he had just learned. He leaned back in the chair and rubbed his eyes with his hands. He looked at the three ponies staring at him awaiting his next word. “All right where do we begin” he said in a serious tone. “Huzzah!” an excited Luna exclaimed Celesita let out a sigh of relief “Thank You Spirit” Celestia led the group to the palace vault. “First thing we need is to see if the element of Hope will even respond after being without a human for so long.” Celestia and Luna approached the large vault door their horns both glowed as the door opened. A musty smell came from the unsealed vault. They entered and passed shelves of strange objects and dusty books. At the back of the vault was a pedestal. Floating on the pedestal was the sword that the Spirit saw Sir Lance carry. Hanging on the hilt was the necklace that grew dim at his disappearance. “Go on” Celestia said to the Spirit “take the element” Spirit reached his hand through the magic holding up the sword. He gently lifted the necklace off the sword and pulled it close to himself. He stared at the small gem in his hand. “Is it working?” Twilight asked “I don’t know.” He said “should I say something?” He awaited a response “Princess?” he turned to look at the group of ponies. They were standing motionless still staring at him. “Twilight?” the Spirit said approaching them. Spirit then could feel they the same tingling sensation from earlier around him. The vault faded away in its place he was standing in a dark throne room. The room was completely bare with the exception of a raised platform on one end and a doorway opposite it. The door swung open revealing Sir Lance flanked on each side by the past owners of the elements. “Show yourself!” Sir Lance yelled into the room Shadow magically appeared atop the platform on the far side of the room. “Your end is now!” Sir Lance said as he pointed his sword toward the orb “You are wrong knight” the orb answered “NOW!” Sir Lance commanded The ponies around him focused on the orb each of their elements sending a magical beam toward the orb. It moved closer to the group unaffected by the elements magic. “Enough” the orb said calmly as it began to hum. The ponies where knocked back into the wall behind them. Sir Lance stabbed his sword into the ground holding on to it tightly. “Why fight it knight?” the orb said mockingly inches from the knights face “You will not leave here.” The orb continued “I know” Sir Lance said he reached into his cracked armor and pulled out the element of Hope. “What’s this?” the orb asked “YOUR END!” Sir Lance yelled as he thrust his hand deep into the orb “NOOOOOOO!” Shadow called out in pain Light filled the room so bright the Spirit fell to the ground covering his eyes. “Spirit!” Twilight yelled as she stood over the Spirit. “Are you ok?” “I was there.” He said “Where?” Twilight asked “At the battle, I saw Sir Lance fight Shadow. I saw what happened in that pyramid.” “Amazing” Celestia said “the element must have held its last moment within it.” “Look” Luna exclaimed The Spirit looked in his hand the once dark gem was shining brighter then when Sir Lance held it long ago. “It seems we were correct about you” Celestia said “Twilight I want you to return to Ponyville and bring your friends here we will begin planning for Shadow’s return at once. “Of course princess” she answered as she began to leave the vault. Spirit began to follow Twilight out. “Sir Spirit” Princess called out “I would like you to stay here I have more I wish to discuss.” Spirit looked back at Twilight “I’ll see you soon" The two princesses led Spirit to a large vacant room in the castle. Celestia casted a spell and at once the room lit up. Rows of empty tables ran the length of the room. “What’s this room for?” Spirit asked “This is where we will plan everything” Celestia said “You have our entire kingdom at your command. Anything you ask we will do our best to help you.” “Wow” Spirit said still not believing all that had just occurred moments ago. “Is it too late to go back to the desert?” he grinned “I’m afraid so” Celestia said "You already took the element of Hope" “We are assigning all available ponies to help you. As we speak our scholars are brining every bit of information we have from 2000 years ago” Luna interrupted “I thought it was all gone?” Spirit said “Nothing about Shadow itself but more mundane things such as records and reports around that time.” Luna continued “We are hoping maybe they will give us some insight on when Shadow will appear "Well then...lets get started" Spirit said as he walked to the center of the room
Battle Plans“That’s just terrible” Fluttershy said bringing her hooves to her mouth The current owners of the Elements were gathered in a train car headed to Canterlot. Twilight had just caught her friends up to date on the events that the Spirit and she saw two days earlier at the castle. “So we’ll beat this Shadow thing up in no time now that we’re here” Rainbow Dash said proudly “I hope your right” Twilight added “So where is Spirit?” Applejack asked changing the subject “He stayed at the palace the Princess said she had some more she wanted to discuss with him.” “I have to admit, it makes me nervous to know we are going to be going up against something that powerful.” Rarity said thinking back to all the other foes they faced. “I know what you mean” Twilight said “The princess said that this Shadow made Discord seem nice.” “Discord wasn’t that bad” Pinkie Pie chirped “He did make it rain chocolate after all” “Girl sometimes I think all those sweets go straight to your head” Apple Jack said as she looked at the pink pony The ponies reminded silent all thinking about what lay on the path ahead. “We’re here” Twilight announced The ponies departed the train and trotted through the streets of Canterlot until they reached the main gate to the Castle. The group approached the two royal guards standing watch. “Excuse me sirs” Twilight said “I’m Twilight Sparkle and these are my friends..” “Ah Ms. Sparkle” one guard said “Come right through we’ve been expecting you and your friends. The Princess informed us to direct you to the war room.” “War room?” Fluttershy squeaked “That doesn’t sound very nice” “Sir Spirit named it” the other guard said “He is there too” “Well I guess that’s our first stop then come on girls” Twilight said to her waiting friends. The guards gave directions to the group to where Spirit had set up his war room. The group approached a door that was slightly ajar. The closer they got they could hear a loud commotion within. “Get me everything you can on the gryphons.” A voice commanded Twilight pushed open the door and the group gathered in the door way to get a view at what was causing all the commotion. The room was busy with ponies running back and forth with large books, maps and various papers. Groups of unicorns were on one side discussing and casting various spells as they consulted old looking tomes. In the center of the room was a scale three dimensional model of Equestria. Surrounding the model was chalk boards with notes and figures drawn all over them. “Artie!!” a voiced yelled from the behind one of the central chalk boards “Coming sir!” the sand colored pony yelled squeezing through the group of ponies in the door way. He made his way to where the voice came from then dashed back toward the door. “Artie” Twilight said catching the frantic Artie Fact before he disappeared “Oh hello Twilight sorry I don’t have time to chat work to do” The colt began to run away. “Wait we were told to come here” Twilight called out to the already preoccupied colt. “I wondered when you guys would show up” the voice that was causing all the commotion said The group turned to see the Spirit smiling at them. “Spirit!” the group exclaimed The Spirit was now wearing armor similar to Sir Lance’s. He had also taken Sir Lance’s sword and was wearing the element of Hope. “Looking sharp” Rainbow said as she fluttered around the Spirit “The armor and sword was Princess Celestias idea” he admitted. “Well you centrally look like a knight in shining armor now” Rarity said “Thanks” an embarrassed Spirit said “I prefer my uniform you made honestly” “What’s with all the papers?” Pinkie Pie asked as she tried picking up a paper under a stack of books knocking them over onto a focused unicorn. “Sorry” she said with a giggle “This is the war room” the Spirit said as he turned and walked to the center of the room the ponies followed behind him “from here we are going to plan the defense of Equestria.” “So what’s the plan?” Apple Jack asked The group all circled around the model of Equestria. On closer inspection the map was a magical real time model of Equestria clouds moved, grass and tress waved in the wind, and water flowed. “OHHHH” Pinkie Pie said as she looked closer at the map “I CAN SEE MY HOUSE FROM HERE!” she yelled The Spirit laughed at the energetic pony. “Now for the plan. As of now we don’t know when or where Shadow will appear. Till then all we can do is prepare for the worst.” “How do we prepare?” Twilight asked “After looking over some old plans that managed to survive. I realized that the greatest mistake that happened last time is that none of the attacks against Shadow was focused.” “What’d mean focused?” Apple Jack said looking at the map “Each time a group attacked they were alone.” The Spirit said as he placed his hand on old stack of papers “The dragons refused to aid the ponies, the Diamond Dogs hid in their underground homes not allowing anyone the safety that their caves offered, the gryphons although they helped in the end were only a small amount. Even the ponies and humans themselves where scattered during the crises. It wasn’t until Sir Lance gathered the majority of them together was he able to come up with his last ditch plan.” “So what are we going to do now” Twilight asked glancing at the books stacked around her. “We are going to gather all the groups in Equestria it is my hope that with all of our combined strength, wisdom, and sheer power that we will defeat this evil once and for all.” “I knew you were the right choice” Princess Celestia said as she approached the group “Good Morning Princess” the Spirit said as he nodded his head “What is your first move?” she asked “The gryphons” the Spirit said as he pointed to a mountain in the eastern edge of Equestria “They allied with you before and I believe they will be the easiest to recruit to the cause. “What can we do?” Twilight asked the Spirit “I would like to take Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash with me since they have dealt with gryphons the most.” “What about the rest of us we want to help too” Apple Jack said steeping forward “Don’t worry I have plans all of your skills .Once we return we will head out get the next group of allies. For now I want the rest of you to stay here and organize our efforts. Twilight I would like you to aid the mages and organize all our information.” “Got it” Twilight said as she trotted toward the other unicorns. “Rarity we are going to need armor for each of the groups I was thinking of something that can defend against magic. If you could design it that would be great” “Hmmm that’s not something I’m used too but I’m sure I could come up with something.” Rarity said her mind racing with ideas “Nothing frilly” Rainbow yelled to the pony as she trotted out of the room “Apple Jack, Pinkie I would like you two to organize the movement of everybody that will not be directly fighting Shadow. Elders, young ponies and the families of those who will be in the line of danger” “You can count on us” Applejack said as she dragged Pinke Pie away from the map. “Well then” the Princess added seems as if you plans are coming together “I hope so princess” the Spirit responded as the turned back to his table filled with papers.
To High PerchIt was still dark when Spirit, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy left Canterlot and headed toward the gryphon home of High Perch. “I don’t why we have to ride in this thing” an upset Rainbow Dash said as she hit her hoof on the side of the carriage being pulled by other pegasus’ “I can fly you know” “It’s a long way to High Perch I don’t want you to get tired before we get there” Spirit answered as he looked up from a book. “What are you reading Spirit?” Fluttershy asked as she looked over his shoulder “It’s a book about the customs of the gryphons. They are a very proud species according to this they don’t like to follow anyone they don’t respect.” “You sound like Twilight, Well when they get a look at me and my amazing skills they will have no choice but to want to join us.” Rainbow boasted “Don’t go challenging them just yet Rainbow” the Spirit pulled a scroll from his pack “The Princess wants us to give this scroll to the gryphon leader. Hopefully we can simply ask for their help and don’t have to spend any more time there than necessary.” “Ugh that’s so…lame” Rainbow said “I don’t know” FLuttershy began “I like the idea” “You would” Rainbow said as she fell back into her seat “Are we there yet?” “It’ll be awhile.” Spirit said still looking at his book “Get some sleep if you want I’ll wake you when we get there.” “Whatever” an already bored Rainbow said “What about you?” Fluttershy asked putting a hoof on Spirits book “Huh what about me?” “You don’t look like you’ve slept the past three days” “I did” the Spirit said “I took a nap…I’m sure I did” Spirit said thinking back “Here just relax a little” Fluttershy placed a pillow behind the Spirits head “I don’t have time to…” The Spirit was already asleep before he finished his sentence Spirit stood in the same room where Sir Lance fought Shadow. “How did…” he said aloud “Knight” an evil voice said Spirit quickly turned to see the black orb hovering silently in front of him. “You!” the Spirit grabbed for his sword. “That will not be needed” the orb said. Magically throwing the sword from Spirits hand, it stuck into a nearby wall. Spirit drew back his fist to deliver a blow to the orb. His hand passed through Shadow unhindered. “Be still” Shadow said as he knocked Spirit back and pinned him to the wall. Spirit struggled to free himself. The orb approached the trapped knight. “I have a deal for you knight” Shadow said as he released him Spirit stood staring at the pulsing orb. “I won’t deal with you” “Then I shall leave you with my offer. You cannot defeat me and you know it. Abandon your efforts and I shall send you home.” “Home?” the Spirit asked “Earth” Shadow responded “How do you…” “That is my offer” “Spirit wake up” a soft voice called Spirit awoke back in the carriage a concerned Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy staring at him. “Are you alright?” Fluttershy asked as she put a hoof to his head “You were muttering something and covered in sweat.” “I’m fine” Spirit said catching his breath “just a nightmare” “We’ll get ready I think we’re almost there” Rainbow said looking out the window. “Home…” Spirit muttered to himself Spirit moved next to Rainbow to look out the window “There it is” he pointed “Woah” the group said The gryphon home of High Perch consisted of many nest shaped buildings that jutted out from the side of a large mountain. At the very top was a castle. Two gryphons approached the carriage and spoke to the pegasus’ pulling it. “Strangers you are to go directly to the castle we will escort you.” One of the gryhons said. The carriage was guided to a courtyard in the High Perch castle. Spirit, Rainbow and Fluttershy departed the carriage and were met by a gryphon wearing a crown and surrounded by several royal looking gryphons. “Welcome to High Perch travelers” the crowned gryphon boomed “it has been ages since we have had visitors.” He began walking toward the group “Sire” one of the gryphons called out “You are the king gryphon I assume.” Spirit said bowing at the gryphon approached. The king chuckled “You are correct stranger I am King Odam and I would have to assume you are the Knight of Equestria.” The group looked at the king with a slight surprise. The king began to chuckle again. “We may be far in the mountains but the news of your actions even reached us here and you match how other have described you. Come your journey must have been long my advisors will see to your friends.” The king gestured to the tired pegasus’ standing by the carriage The king led the group to a large dining hall. The king took his place at the head of a table. “Sit I’m not sure what the cooks have prepared but I’m sure you will find it to your liking.” Spirit sat in the set by the king with Fluttershy and Rainbow opposite him. Servant gryphons entered the room and placed silver plates with food in front of each of them. The king’s plate was filled with various seeds. The ponies had oats and apple themed meals. The Spirits plate was the same as the ponies. He let out a little sigh. “Not hungry?” the king said looking up from his meal “It’s not that it’s just that we do not have much time to linger your highness.” Spirit said pushing away his plate “Hmmm I figured as much” the King said sadly “We never get visits during good times” “I don’t see why” Fluuttershy said “You have a very beautiful city.” “Why thank you” the king perked up “Now then what can I do for you?” The Spirit handed the scroll from Celestia to the king. The king broke the seal with his sharp talon and read to himself. “I see…” he said with the smile gone from his face “as much as I would like to help it’s not up to me.” “What!” Rainbow Dash said as she began to hover in the air “You’re the king aren’t you?” “That’s correct my multi colored friend.” he said “The why can’t you help?” she said as the Spirit pulled here to the ground. “It is the way of my people we will not follow those who have not proven themselves in our eyes.” “A challenge then!” Rainbow yelled as she began to hover again “Rainbow” Spirit said “I challenge you...to whatever!” She continued “Um…Rainbow I don’t think” Fluttershy whispered Rainbow Dash was hovering over the king bringing her face to his. The entire room was looking at the king and the blue colored pony. Fluttershy had sunk low in her seat, slightly peering over the edge of the table. The Spirit was holding his head in his hand. The king let out a loud laugh “I like you girl” he said looking at the feisty pony. “Very well tomorrow you and your friend there will go up against our best gryphon in the Egg Migration race.” “Alright” Rainbow said doing a loop in the dining room “Wait I didn’t…but” Fluttershy said as she ran to the king The Spirit was standing on a balcony at the castle that overlooked the region below. “There you are” Rainbow called “What are you doing here the king is having a celebration for the race tomorrow” “Just thinking” he said as he looked at the moon and Equestrian night sky “About what?” Rainbow hovered to face the Spirit The Spirit thought for a moment. “Rainbow what would you do if you could never return to your home?” Rainbow Dash landed next to the Spirit thinking hard “Nothing is impossible I would do whatever it took to get back.” She said proudly “Whatever it took huh” the Spirit said looking at her. He pulled the glowing element of hope from around his neck and looked at it. “I’m heading to bed” he left the confused Pegasus standing in the moon light. He passed Fluttershy as he entered the castle. “Oh hello Spirit” she said as Spirit passed her. He didnt respond as he walked out of sight. “What’s his problem?” Rainbow said approaching Fluttershy “He’s homesick” Fluttershy said sadly “What?” Rainbow said “Think about it he’s the only one of his kind here.” “Oh…” Rainbow said thinking back to their conversation “We have to try our best tomorrow. He is trying his best.” “Agreed” Fluttershy told her friend.
An Eggciting RaceThe next morning the group gathered in the courtyard at the gryphons castle. They stood in the middle of a large group of gryphons all talking about the challengers and their strange friend. “So what’s this challenge about anyway?” Rainbow Dash asked annoyed by the gryphon stares. “No clue” Spirit said “maybe we should have figured that out BEFORE we challenged them.” “Heh..maybe” Rainbow said “I wish we didn’t have to wait here” Fluttershy mummerd as she stood behind Spirit. “Don’t worry Fluttershy I’ll win this thing in ten seconds flat” the multi colored pony said as she stretched her wings. Trumpets sounded the entrance of the gryphon king. He entered the crowd to the thunderous cheers of the assembled gryphons. The king was followed by three female gryphons each holding an egg. The entourage stopped in the middle facing the ponies and human. “Today we have two outsiders to participate in the Egg Migration race.” The king announced to the audience “as you all know the race is held to symbolize the dangers our females faced in ancient times when they took their eggs to the ceremonial hatching grounds.” “Gryphons come from eggs?” the Spirit whispered to Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash “Duh” Rainbow said “where did you think they came from? Cocoons?” Fluttershy laughed at the puzzled human. “Now challengers please take your eggs.” The king gestured to the female gryphons. The two ponies each took and egg and placed into their bag. “Wait who am I racing against? Fluttershy? No disrespect but she’s not much of a racer.” Rainbow asked the King “She’s right” Fluttershy said cheerfully hoping to be let go from the race. “She usually likes to make an entrance” the king grinned As soon as the king finished his sentence a gryphon landed behind the ponies. “Well…Well if it isn’t my old friend Rainbow Crash and her wimpy friend Fluttercry. The gryphon jeered “Gilda?!” a surprised Rainbow said “Of dear” Fluttershy whimpered “What are you doing here? You’re the best flyer here?” Rainbow asked “Duh…who else could it be” The gryphon said spreading her wings Rainbow suddenly burst out laughing “What are you laughing at?” an angered Gilda asked “You’re the best?” Rainbow said holding a laugh “I beat you so many times in the junior speedsters it isn’t even funny…wait it is!” she continued to laugh “Hmph” Gilda said as she grabbed the egg “that was in Cloundsdale you're on my turf now” “Pffft I could beat you anywhere.” Rainbow said still chuckling The king interrupted the racers “Well then seems like we are in for a good show today. Gilda you know the rules but I will explain them for our guests here. Our ceremonial hatching grounds are days away you will not be flying there. At the bottom of the mountain is a stone nest we use to symbolize them. The first racer to touch the nest with their egg and bring it back here safely will be this year’s champion.” “Sound easy enough” Rainbow stated “When the trumpets sound the race will began please approach the starting line.” The king said The three racers approached the line both Gilda and Rainbow staring each other down. Fluttershy patted her egg “Don’t worry Shelly” “Shelly!...you named the egg?” Rainbow looked at Fluttershy “Of course you didn’t?” Fluttershy watched Rainbow let out a sigh. The trumpets again sounded starting the race. Both Gilda and Rainbow bolted from the line. Fluttershy dropped to the ground surprised from the trumpets blast. “Go Fluttershy!” The Spirit yelled from the sidelines “What? OH!” She said as she began to fly away Rainbow quickly gained the lead over the larger gryphon. As she turned to see how far behind Gilda was she felt something buzz her head. “Huh?” she said as she turned back. Buzzards were dive bombing her attempting to grab the contents of her bag. She stopped to swat away the growing group of buzzards. Gilda quickly passed the struggling Rainbow. “Gotta watch for them Rainbow Crash” Gilda called back “Get off of me” Rainbow said breaking free of the buzzards. She quickly caught up to the gryphon. They each began to try to out maneuver the other. Rainbow would perform a loop Gilda would follow. Each trying to prove the other was better. Soon the stone nest came into view. Gilda touched her egg to the nest and quickly pulled away back up the mountain. As Gilda cleared the nest large snakes burrowed up from the ground. Rainbow stopped as quickly as she could, coming inches from a snakes snapping jaw. She nimbly weaved in and out from the snakes. Touching the egg to the nest and headed back to try and catch the already ahead Gilda. As Rainbow approached the castle she could just make out Gilda almost to the finish line. She made her body as streamlined as possible her target Gilda. Rainbow rocketed toward the unaware gryphon and tackled her mid air. Both Gilda and Rainbow crashed hard into ground in front of the finish line. The crowd all gasped at the fallen racers. Rainbow slid across the finish line while Gilda fell just before it. “I WON!” Rainbow cheered as she jumped up “Not so fast CRASH!” Gilda called out “take a look at your egg” she said as she walked across the finish line. “What?” Rainbow reached in her bag pulling out pieces of egg shell “NO” a disheartened Rainbow uttered “Looks like I win” The gryphon said mockingly to the pony as she handed her egg to the king. “Sorry Gilda but you lose too” The king said eyeing the egg. “WHAT!!” Gilda squawked The king turned the other side of the egg to face Gilda which reviled a large crack. “But if I didn’t win and Gilda didn’t win” Rainbow looked at Gilda’s egg. “No” a horrified Gilda said “There you go Shelly home sweet home” Fluttershy said gently placing her bag and its contents past the finish line “Anybody but her” Gilda said The crowd all cheered for the yellow pony. “Oh my” she said “is it something I did.” “You won Fluttershy!” the Spirit said running up to her “I did?” she said confused “You sure did” Rainbow said grabbing her the around neck “Oh I’m sorry I know you wanted to win” Fluttershy said looking at the ground “It’s ok Fluttershy I’ll give you this one. As long as we beat Gilda I’ll be alright”
Dragon HunterLater after the race the group, along with Gilda, was in the throne room standing before the gryphon king. “Marvelous job Fluttershy” the King beamed “It was nothing really I’m sorry what happened to your other eggs” Fluttershy said “Don’t worry” the king laughed “those were not real eggs we don’t risk them for the races” “You mean Shelly will never hatch?” Fluttershy said a little sadly “Now with the Shadow business how can we be of assistance?” The king said his cheerful tone changed to a serious one. “The ponies are all already working on defenses and plans” The Spirit began “we need all the help we can get on the preparations. With your kind more suited to long distance flying we were hoping you could lend a…uh…claw” The king was silent for a moment “consider it done I will send Gilda as a messenger between the Princess and myself.” “But dad!” Gilda protested “Dad?” Rainbow asked “No buts Gilda consider it a chance to redeem yourself after losing the race…I thought I taught you better.” The king said to the gryphon “Fine” she turned to the group “I’ll meet you there” she took off flying out a castle window “I swear she takes after her mother” the king said aloud “I’m sure you have quite a lot of work ahead as do we until we meet again ladies” the king bowed “Sir Knight” They headed back to the courtyard where the carriage along with the rested Pegasus’ was waiting. “Way to go” one of them called out to Fluttershy “We saw the race too” “Taught her everything she knows” Rainbow said The journey back to Canterlot was uneventful. Fluttershy explained how she easily drifted through the dangers of the race since they were busy with Gilda and Rainbow. “But how did you get past the snakes at the nest?” Rainbow asked “Oh I just asked them if I could visit the nest and leave. They were quite friendly especially Steve.” Fluttershy responded “You asked them…” Rainbow stared dumbfounded Spirit laughed at Rainbow Dash as she replayed the race in her head. “Face it Rainbow she got the better of you” he continued “Yeah I know” she replied “so what’s the plan know we gonna go fight some dragons?” Rainbow began shadow boxing “Dragons!” Fluttershy began “Not for you two” “What why!?” Rainbow asked as Fluttershy breathed a sigh of relief “I want you two to help coordinate with the gryphons to get our air routes secured and supply lines going.” Spirit said looking at a map of Equesrita with lines and notes written on it. “That sounds so boring” Rainbow groaned “and safe” Fluttershy added “I know but its necessary here take a look this is what I’m thinking.” As Rainbow and Fluttershy looked at the paper in his hand The Spirit spent the rest of the trip working out details with the two Pegasus’ on his plans for the skies in Equestria. In no time the carriage had landed in Canterlot where the entire city was abuzz with activity. The cliffside city had a semi circle of narrow towers with purple glowing orbs around it. The side of Canterlot overlooking the valley below had similar towers in various stages of construction floating in the open air. “What are those?” Rainbow asked as they departed the carriage. “Magic barrier generators” Twilight called out “Hopefully they will protect the city. We also have them being built in Ponyville, Manehatten and Cloudsdale will be the last one to get them.” “I thought you unicorns could just cast a barrier?” Rainbow Dash asked looking at the towers. “We can but it takes loads of concentration and it’s very tiring. With these anypony can turn them on with the flip of a switch.” “Did you design them?” Spirit asked craning his neck to look at the towers. “I can’t take all the credit” she said “They are modeled after some of Starswirl’s work” “How long till they’re done?” the Spirit asked the purple pony Twilight quickly did some math in her head “Canterlot’s should be done soon. Ponyville didn’t need as many so they might be done already. Manehatten should be done soon too. We are having difficulty with the floating ones since almost only pegasus can work on them. That’s why Cloudsdale is last.” “I like them” the Spirit said “Hopefully they don’t ever get used. How did the gryphons respond to our request?” Twilight asked “Fluttershy had to show off for them but they are with us” the Spirit lauged as Twilgiht gave the yellow Pegasus a look. “It’s a long story” Fluttershy said sheepishly Early the next morning Rainbow and Fluttershy set off to begin the Spirits plans with the gryphons. Spirit was once again standing in the war room looking at the growing pile of information around him. He began reading snippets of info aloud. “Reports of increased hydra activity in the swamps. Desert Shield guards claim Diamond Dogs have disappeared into their caves. Gryphons have begun ferrying heavy supplies from Canterlot to outlying villages. Civilians advised to be ready to move at a moment’s notice. Appaloosa abandoned due to week long duststorms.” “It’s defiantly coming isn’t it?” A royal voice said behind the Spirit “I’m afraid so” he said tuning to face Princess Luna “Do you think we stand a chance?” she asked The Spirit looked at the Princess “all we can do is try” he said “I have no home to go too. I don’t think I could lose another world.” “I’m glad to hear you call Equestria your home.” She said approaching the Spirit “It’s all I have now I don’t know how I got here or how to return home” The Spirit thought back to the deal Shadow offered. “For what it’s worth. I’m glad you’re here” The Princess said as she left the Spirit to his thoughts “Good morning Princess” Rarity said as she passed the Princess on her way out. “Ah good morning Rarity” Luna said awkwardly she wasn’t quite used to all the visitors in the palace “Rarity glad you could make it how goes your project?” The Spirit asked. “Well it’s defiantly different” she said as she magically floated a stack of papers to the Spirits hand. “Here is what we designed so far.” Sketches of ponies, gryphons and dragons all wearing various styles of armor filled each page. Notes accompanied each picture detailing the advantages and disadvantages. “I’m impressed” the Spirit said glancing briefly at each picture “I think you found a new calling” “Hardly” Rarity began “those designs don’t allow me to show the beauty that I like to show. Since they made for many to wear I can’t put the little personal touches I enjoy in each dress and the materials are just so heavy.” “Have you started making any yet” Spirit asked “Princess Celestia assigned a large group to me. We have made one of each we were waiting for you to decide.” “Me?” the Spirit said “This is your project Rarity I’ll go with whatever you think is best.” “Really” a surprised Rarity said “Why thank you I appreciate your confidence. We’ll get started right away.” The white unicorn began to leave the room. “Rarity can they start without you?” Spirit asked She stopped for a second “Yes I suppose so the design phase is over now all we have to do is assemble them. Why? “I’m taking you and Twilight to help me win the dragons to our side.” The Spirit said as he looked at the lava fields on the map. “I don’t know what I can do to make the dragons join us.” “Twilight said the dragons have no official leader, but they traditionally follow the eldest dragon we win him over we gain the dragons support.” The Spirit said “I still don’t know how I could help” Rarity continued “One of the hardest parts is finding the elder. Twilight read that the older the dragon is the more they stay in one spot. The more they stay in one spot the bigger their stash of treasure is.” “T…treasure” Rarity stuttered now intrigued “I was told that you have the power to find large amounts of gems and I was hoping…” “I’ll do it!” Rarity exclaimed “Good we are taking a boat down river then we can walk a short distance to the dragon lava fields. Meet us at the Canterlot docks when you’re ready.” “I’ll be there with bells on” Rarity said with gems dancing in her head. Spirit honestly believed to see here wearing bells when they met again.
Storm Brewing Storm Brewing Twilight and Spirit both stood in Canterlot harbor watching the crew of the Rusty Reel, a fishing boat, get their boat underway to depart. “Have you ever dealt with dragons before Spirit?” Twilight asked standing on a crate to be more eye level with Spirit “Spikes the first dragon I’ve met face to face. I saw and adult fly over the desert but that was from a distance.” Spirit said “I’ve had a few run ins with them they are quite intimidating” “I’m ready” Rarity announced to the two. Twilight and Spirit both stared at the unicorn who had a cart filled with luggage that was being pulled by a palace guard. “Rarity this isn’t a vacation we can’t bring all of this with us.” Spirit said as he looked through various things from the cart. “Is that a couch?” “You don’t expect me to rest on a hard chair do you? Now where is our yacht?” Rarity said looking around for the fanciest vessel. Spotting the Princesses personal yacht she headed toward it. “I’ll just put my things in there.” “Whoa” Twilight said jumping in front of Rarity “That’s our boat over there” Twilight gestured to the fishing boat. “You’re kidding” Rarity began to laugh. She looked at Twilight and Spirit as they didn’t say a word. “Please be kidding” Rarity was sitting in the middle of the deck of the Rusty Reel as it tugged out of port. “This is so humiliating” she said “for a lady such as myself to travel on this bucket” “Come on Rarity it isn’t that bad” Twilight called as her and Spirit leaned over the side of the boat. “It smells” Rarity stated “That’s the fish we unloaded before you boarded.” A deckhand pony called out “Tell me again why we are going on this boat” Rarity pleaded to Spirit “Because the waters near the lava fields are rocky and this is the sturdiest boat around.” Spirit said staring into the water “Then why don’t we fly?” She asked “If we get spotted by dragons too soon it might be a short trip” he added “And why couldn’t I bring my things?” she continued “No room” Twilight said “And where are the handsome sailors? I thought sailors were supposed to be handsome and romantic.” Rarity looked at the crew who consisted of a bearded scruffy colt and a scrawny deckhand who was mopping the deck. “That’s just in the romance novels you keep reading in my library” Twilight lectured “you should really try other genres” “Relax Rarity” Spirit said "you’re missing some really nice scenery” “How can I relax when it smells like a tuna’s house?” Rarity responded as she joined the two on the side of the boat. Rarity looked at the forest on the edge water. The water was crystal clear various fish and other creatures could be seen swimming alongside the boat. “Hmm it is quite nice” she admitted “See” Twilight said “it’s not all bad “Aye its lovely compared to where you’re all headed.” A gruff voice said. The group looked behind them to see an older colt with a grey mane and a peg back left leg. He walked toward the group his back left knocked against the wooden deck of the boat. “Hello Capt. Fin” the Spirit greeted the colt “no problems departing?” “Everything is fine” Capt. Fin said as he began to eye Rarity “I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure.” Capt. Fin grabbed Rarity by the hoof and kissed it. Rarity immediately pulled it away and laughed awkwardly. “Ah…eh how charming” she looked at Twilight who was stifling a laugh “and this is my friend Twilight." Rarity grabbed Twilight and placed here in between herself and Capt. Fin. “Nice to meet you Captain so you’re in charge of this boat” Twilight said kindly “Huh…Well yes” The Captain said as he moved toward Rarity again. Twilight moved herself between them again “I would very much enjoy getting a tour of your fine vessel” Twilight said “Plenty of time for that later lass” Captain Fin said a little annoyed. “Oh well I was hoping you would share some of your sea stories as well?” Twilight said faking a sad tone. Capt. Fin perked up at the mention of sea stories “You…You want to hear my stories well then let’s get that tour started!” an excited Capt. Fin led Twilight below decks of the boat. “There I was a mighty storm at my back and the great white shrimp in my net….” Capt. Fin trailed off as he disappeared out of sight. Twilight mouthed a “You owe me” to Rarity as she followed the Capt. Rarity let out a relieved sigh. “I thought you wanted a handsome sailor Rarity?” Spirit teased “Hmm well maybe Twilight was right time for a different genre. So what do we do when we find this elder dragon?” Rarity asked “I honestly don’t know. From what I understand dragons can be very greedy creatures I hoping we can buy their help. As for what a dragon would want is beyond me.” Spirit said staring back into the water Rarity stood silently next to the Spirit “Where are you from?” “Huh” the Spirit said slightly startled. “Where are you from?” she said again “Far away” the Spirit curtly “You’ve said that before. We know nothing about you yet you are helping.” “Tell you what” Spirit said looking at Rarity “when all this is over I’ll tell you all about me and where I came from” “Promise” Rarity asked “Promise” He said “For now let’s focus on the task at hand.” “…and that’s how got the ole’ tree stump here” Capt. Fin said as he and Twilight emerged from below decks “How fascinating Twilight said faking enthusiasm.” She looked at Rarity and Spirit as she rolled her eyes “How much further will we reach our destination Captain?” Spirit interrupted the colt’s stories. Capt. Fin glanced at his surroundings and looked into the sky. “We’ll reach our destination before sundown though it looks as if a storm is heading our way.” “A storm?” Twilight said “The pegasus’ were told to hold off on the storms for a while.” “Well somepony didn’t get the memo.” Capt. Fin said as he walked toward his crew. “Mr. Pequod batten the hatches and prepare the Reel for a storm.” “Aye Aye Cap’n” the bearded colt began his work Capt Fin turned to his guests. “I suggest you get below deck while we'll handle everything topside.” Rarity quickly headed below desk as the first drops landed on the boat. Spirit and Twilight looked up at the sky as they followed Rarity. “I’ve got a bad feeling about this” Twilight said to the Spirit “Not even a pegasus created storm should appear this quickly. You think Shadow is involved?” “No idea. Hopefully it’s just you being paranoid” Spirit said as he pulled a hatch closed behind him
Unsinkable?While the crew of the Rusty Reel was working on keeping the boat afloat Rarity, Twilight and Spirit were sitting in the crew quarters riding out the storm. The boat rocked back and forth in the heavy winds and rough waters. “Ugh I don’t see how this doesn’t bother you” Rarity said to Spirit as he was looking out a porthole “I’ve been on boats before. Never in a storm this bad though or in a boat this small” “Something isn’t right about this storm” Twilight said as she attempted to keep her balance “You mentioned something about telling the pegasus’ to hold off on storms. How do they manage that?” Spirit asked “It’s simple really. Most weather in Equestria is controlled by Cloudsdale occasionally natural storms do occur. When we don’t want storms to happen we ask them to keep an area clear. Before we left I sent word for them to keep it clear for our journey.” “So maybe they are busy and missed this place?” Spirit sat down next to Twilight Twilight continued “I doubt it; Pegasus’ are very meticulous when it comes to the weather and if they did forget the storm wouldn’t be this bad. It’s like it was suddenly forced to happen there wasn’t a cloud in the sky when we left Canterlot.” A loud thud vibrated through the boat causing its occupants to fall to the floor. “What was that” Rarity said as she stood up “I don’t know but it didn’t sound good” Spirit said as he walked to the hatch leading outside “I’m going to go see what happened.” Spirit pushed against the wind when he opened the hatch. Once on deck he saw the crew running around frantically Capt. Fin. “Captian” Spirit yelled over the noise Capt Fin turned to Spirit when he called out he walked toward him as Spirit bent down to speak Capt Fin easier. “We heard a loud thud from below everything ok?” he asked “We hit something” the colt said “we tried our best to avoid it but it caught us in the stern.” “How bad?” “Not sure yet.” The skinny deckhand wearing a rain coat ran up to the Captian. “Capt Fin Sir its bad sir” the soaked colt reported. “How bad?” a concerned Fin asked “Whatever we hit ripped a hole almost half-way down the port side sir” Capt Fin thought for a moment “Abandon ship men!” “Aye Aye Cap’n” the colt turned and ran off to spread the order “You can’t be serious we won’t last five seconds in this storm” Spirit asked “We won’t last long on the Reel either!” Capt Fin replied “How far are we from or destination?” “Another hour maybe two. Why?” Fin asked “If you can keep the boat afloat that long you can run it aground there it will give you time to fix it and we don’t have to risk the water in lifeboats.” Spirit suggested Capt Fin thought over the Spirits plan. “Worth a try but I want everypony ready in case it gets worse” Capt Fin turned to his crew “Belay my last men keep on our current course, if the Reel is going down let it be known she completed her last mission.” “Aye aye Cap’n” the crew said slightly relieved that they would not be abandoning their boat Spirit returned to a waiting Rarity and Twilight. “So what’s going on?” Twilight asked “The boat hit something it caused a hole and we are sinking” Spirit said “SINKING... mares and fillies first!” Rarity said as she dashed for the door. “Now hold on” Spirit said grabbing Rarity back “Capt Fin is going to try to get the boat to our destination and crash there so we don’t have to risk it in the lifeboats. “Why does that not sound any better” Rarity asked “It isn’t much better” Spirit added “Is there anything you girls can do magically to aid the crew?” Twilight thought for a minute “I might be able to place a barrier between the water and the hole, but I’ve never made one in the middle of a storm on a sinking boat.” “Rarity?” Spirit asked “I’m afraid I won’t be of much use my magic is nowhere near as powerful as Twilight’s.” With the entire crew and the help of Twilight the boat was still afloat, albeit sitting slightly lower in the water, after an hour. Spirit and Rarity were standing next to a concerned Capt Fin. The storm had not subsided at all. “How are we looking Captian?” Spirit asked “We are almost there” he said “if we can hold on just a bit longer” Captain Fin had just finished his sentence when was rocked by anther thud. The crew along with Rarity, Twilight and Spirit were scattered across the deck. “Report!” Capt Fin yelled to his crew. One of them looked over the side of the boat “Looks like something caught the same side the hole is bigger now.” “Doesn’t matter “ Capt. Fin said “ I can see the beach were looking for” he pointed toward the shore. “ALL AHEAD FULL RAMING SPEED!” “What does that mean?” Rarity asked Spirit “It means we’re going to crash hold on!” He said as he grabbed Rarity and held onto the side of the boat All occupants of the Rusty Reel held their breath and waited for the inevitable crash. They could hear the boat catching on various things in the shallow water. The boat finally came to rest in a gravel beach. They all cheered as they were no longer in the rough waters The skies eventually cleared to reveal the evening sun. With the storm gone the waters retreated and left the Rusty Reel stranded on the beach. They all stood on the beach to see how bad the damage. A large gash on the left side stretched all the way to the rear of the boat. The group slept overnight in the beached boat before they headed off into the lava fields. “Will you be alright here?” Spirit asked Capt. Fin “Don’t worry about us” Capt Fin replied “We are due back in Canterlot in three days we have enough supplies to last two weeks. Once we don’t check back in the harbor will send a search party out they also know our destination so this will be the first place they look. I’m more worried about you all I’ve never met a group wanting to go into the lava fields.” “We have too” Spirit answered “I wish you luck and uh to you Ms. Rarity I wondered if after you completed your trip would you like to get a private cruise on my new boat? I promise much a much better time than this one.” Capt Fin said as he trotted closer to Rarity “Oh would you look at that” Rarity said as she pushed Twilight and Spirit away from the beach “Got to get going lava fields, dragons, and what not….” The group left Capt Fin standing on the beach as they disappeared into the forest. One of the crewmembers approached Capt Fin. “Cap’n you want us to move supplies off…” the crewmember began “Tell me boy do you think I’m the most handsome Captian around?” Fin said still watching the forest “Uh sir” the confused crewmember said “you feeling alright?” “Bah of course I ‘am “Capt Fin said as he trotted back to his boat
Smell of Sulfur in the MorningThe group made their way through the dense forest. Rarity and Twilight followed Spirit as he used his sword to cut through the occasional brush and vines. The weather was much more humid than they were used to. “How do you know where we are going?” Rarity called up to Spirit “Well” he began as he hacked away at more vines “The map shows the edge of the lava fields starts when we get through this forest. The beach we landed at….” “Crashed at” Rarity said “The beach we crashed at was the closest point to leave from so if we walk in this direction for a while” he pointed in front of them “we should come out at the lava fields.” “We should be getting close Rarity why don’t you see if you can sense any gems.” Twilight said “Sure thing” Rarity focused “then began to cough and brought he hoof to her nose “Ugh what’s that dreadful smell?” Spirit began to sniff the air “Sulfur” he said as he ran forward “What did you call me!?” Rarity yelled to Spirit “It’s sulfur Rarity” Twilight began “Lava usually gives off that smell.” “This trip keeps getting better doesn’t it?” Rarity said dryly “Come on lets catch up” Twilight ran after Spirit Rarity and Twilight burst through some trees to see Spirit standing on the edge of a steep cliff. The forest abruptly ended at the cliff. In the valley below pools of lava where scattered all around the ground was black from where lava had been cooling. The valley continued as far as the eye could see. “So the elder dragon is here?” Rarity asked “Hopefully this seems the most likely place” Spirit said looking down the cliff “Come on there’s more of a slope over there we can get down that way. They carefully made their way down the slope till they reached the valley floor. “Watch where you step” Twilight said as she eyed the ground around here “Rarity try your spell now” Spirit said “Right” Rarity again focused on finding the largest amount of gems “Woah!” Rarity said as she began to float out toward the lava field Twilight and Spirit both grabbed Rarity before she got any further “I take it you sense something?” Spirit asked “I’ve never sensed something like that before” Rarity said “Well looks like that way is our starting point” Spirit began walking toward where Rarity was floating to. The group walked in the direction with Rarity checking every so often to see if they were getting closer to the source. After a few detours past rivers of lava and tar pits the group traced the source to a large cave opening. They crouched behind a large obsidian boulder watching the cave intently. “You think it’s in there?” Spirit asked “No doubt” Rarity said “Let’s wait and see if a dragon comes in our out.” “That’s probably not a good idea.” Twilight added “Why?” “Dragons can stay in their cave for over a hundred years if they have too.” Spirit let out sigh “well I guess we’re going to have to go in. Wait here I’m going to take a look inside I’ll call you over.” Spirit ran from behind the boulder to the edge of the cave and peered into the opening. “This doesn’t seem like a good idea” Rarity told Twilight “Come one we’ve taken on dragons before so what if this is the most powerful dragon around.” Twilight said making herself nervous. Spirit waved back to the waiting ponies. “Come on” Twilight said Rarity and Twilight ran over to the waiting Spirit. They stood at the entrance of the large cave and peered into the depths. “Hurry up lets go in” Spirit said as he walked into the cave It wasn’t long after the group entered the cave when the light from outside was no longer reaching them. The cave was gradually sending them under ground the further they went the darker it got. “Twilight, Rarity think one of you can give us a little light?” Spirit asked as he narrowly avoided a low ceiling “Sure thing” Twilight responded. The cave was filled with a purple light that was emitting from Twilights horn. “How far do you think it goes?” Rarity asked as they stopped for a moment “No clue this cave was probably created by lava a long time ago.” Spirit said “Can you sense anything” “It’s strange” Rarity as she tried to sense gems again “Earlier it was one powerful vibe now I can sense two things.” “Can you tell where they are at?” Twilight asked “The weaker one is up ahead and below us, the other seems like it’s very deep underground” “No time to waste let’s keep moving, Twilight can you keep the light going?” Spirit asked “It’s no problem spells like this are simple and don’t require much concentration” Twilight answered The group traveled further into the cave system till eventually they turned a corner and could see a room that was well lit. “Put your light out Twilight!” Spirit whispered The three stood in the darkness their eyes focused on the lit room. They could see movement in the room from the occasionally shadow would pass in front of the entrance. “Should we go in?” Twilight asked “Well we did come to meet a dragon Rarity is this where your gem sense is leading us?” Rarity focused again “Yes this is the weaker one” “Stay close and be ready to run. Twilight probably a bad time to ask but can you make a magic barrier that can protect against fire?” “I don’t know dragon fire is one of the most powerful things around but I can try” “Better than nothing” The group quietly approached the entrance. With a better view inside they could see mountains of gold, silver, and gems of all colors shapes and sizes. The light was coming from a large hole in the roof of the cave. On one side of the room the group could see a large brown dragon sleeping on top of a pile of treasure. The group entered the room proper being careful not to wake the sleeping beast. “Well now what?” Rarity whispered “I can’t believe I’m staring at a dragon” Spirit said awestruck “We found one so what we just ask for it to kindly help us?” Rarity continued “Sure” Spirit said “Excuse me Dragon!” he yelled “WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!” Rarity yelled as she dropped to the ground “ARE YOU CRAZY?!” Twilight followed suit The Dragon awoke and stood on it pile of treasure. It stretched its wings which reached almost each side of the room. The dragon towered over the human and ponies, its large yellow eyes were fixed on the three in front of it. “I’m going to look like a roasted marshmallow” Rarity cried “Sorry to bother you but” Spirit cleared his throat “we need your help…you see there is this uh...” The dragon lowered its head to get a better view of the human “and we already got the gryphons…and uh” Spirit began to ramble as the dragon got even closer “I never thought I would see a human again.” The dragon said in a female voice Twilight both looked up from their spots and stared at the dragon. “I haven’t seen your kind in over a thousand years.” The dragon said “A thousand years…so you remember what happened.” Spirit answered “I will never forget that time” The dragon began to think back “So many losses, so many friends” “That’s why we’re here” Twilight began as she stood back up “That evil is back” “I know child, he never left” the dragon responded “You knew?” “Ever since your kind thought it defeated and the humans disappeared I knew. I knew it would return someday which is why I have made it my duty to protect this place.” “Why protect this place?” Rarity asked “I mean it is nice treasure but the location” “This treasure is nothing compared what lies below” “Below?” “When that wicked orb first appeared we dragons thoguht of a way to beat it, The Blood Ruby” “I’m sorry but I’ve never heard of that” Twilight interrupted “It is an ancient treasure that has been gifted down to the eldest dragon when their predecessor has passed. It is said to have untold power.” “So why didn’t you use it before?” Spirit asked “It was lost” the Dragon said sadly “What happened aren’t you the elder dragon ?” “Not at the time human. When the orb attacked, it attacked us all many where lost and scattered our elder was the first to go. He hid the Blood Ruby and was overwhelmed before he could tell his successor, me its location. But I have found it; it’s here at the bottom of this cave system.” “That terrific news” Twilight said as she looked at Spirit “Will you use it to help us fight Shadow?” “I’m sorry child but I miss spoke. I found the ruby but I have not yet acquired it.” “Why?” “When my predecessor hid it here this was an active volcano since then the lava has left small shafts scattered throughout. The ruby has settled in a deep narrow shaft In case you haven’t noticed I’m not made for caving.” The dragon again spread its wings “But it is here right?” Spirit asked “Yes” “Well no problem we’ll get it on one condition” The old dragon laughed “I always liked you humans you may be small but you have ways to bring others to your side. What’s the condition then?” “You and your kind help us fight Shadow and we’ll give you your Ruby after we win.” “I can see nothing wrong with that I want to defeat that thing as much as you do. It’s a deal As a symbol of our agreement have this” The dragon plucked a scale from its back and handed it to the human. Spirit held the scale up with both hands. Even thought it was a large as his upper body it was a light as feather and felt very sturdy. “Show that to any dragon you meet and they will know that I have vouched for you.” “Thank you...I’m sorry but we never introduced ourselves I’m Spirit this is Rarity and Twilight Sparkle” Spirit gestured to the two ponies “You can call me Twilight ma’am” “An honor to meet you my name is Valam” “I have to say” Rarity said “Your quite different from other dragons I’ve met” Valam laughed “I’m far too old to play the fearsome fire breathing dragon. I can still show the younglings a thing two though.” “How old are you exactly?” Spirit asked “Now that’s just rude Spirit” Rarity scowled the human “Age is a badge of honor to us dragons. Our lives are filled with danger to live to an old age is something to be proud of. I have lived for over three centuries.” “Centuries!” Spirit gasped “That’s amazing” “I have seen much in my time…tell me human what brings your kind back to us?” Spirit shrugged “I honestly don’t know I was in trouble and when I came too I was here” “Interesting, enough talk you have a Ruby to find then we have a battle to plan this way” Valam led the group to another cave system on the far side of the room. “Down this cave is a series of shafts. I have found no other way to the bottom of them besides a sheer drop. I believe that all the shafts lead to one central chamber inside that chamber is the Ruby.” “How do you know it’s there?” Spirit asked “I can sense it.” Valam told the human “We’ll be back in no time” Spirit said as he headed toward the shaft. After almost an hour the group reached the series of shafts Valam had told them about. They peered over the edge the light from Twilights horn could not reach the depths of the hole. “How far down do you think it goes?” Rarity asked as she backed away “Let me check” Spirit pulled three small tubes from a bag he had Rarity and Twilight watched Spirit attempt to break the tubes in half. They gave a loud crack then a green glow emitted from them. “What are those?” Twilight asked as she dimmed her horn “Glow Sticks” Spirit said as he tossed them over into the darkness. They all peered over the edge until the glow sticks stopped falling and were barely visible at the bottom of the shaft. “Alright we know how deep it is how do we get down there?” Rarity said still looking at the bottom of the shaft. “We climb” Spirit had already taken off the bulky armor and was wearing his tan clothing from before “How it’s a straight drop?” Twilight said watching the Spirit dig through his bag “I’m going to rappel” Spirit began to tie rope around his waist and tied the other end to a stalagmite. “Rappel? Wait you’re not going alone!” Twilight interrupted Spirit
Descent“Be careful you two” Rarity shouted down to the shaft “Are you sure you don’t want to wait with Rarity?” Spirit asked as he already started his descent into the darkness. Twilight was tightly clinging on to the Spirits back even thought she was securely tied to him. She allowed herself a nervous laugh “Of course I mean what if you ran into trouble down here and had no help” “I suppose just don’t think about how far the fall is if something goes wrong.” Spirit said back After a few minutes the duo reached the bottom where the glow sticks had landed. Spirit knelt down and loosened the rope to allow Twilight to get off. As he was unhooking himself Twilight looked around at their new area. The place was filled with a green glow. A pool of water was as smooth as glass was nearby. Besides the sound of Spirit and herself the only noise they could hear was the occasionally drip of water . “See anything?” Spirit asked “No I’m afraid this is the wrong shaft.” Twilight said dreading the thought of going up and down another shaft. “I don’t think so look at the ceiling.” Spirit pointed up in the faint glow they could barely make out the openings of other shafts “Looks like all roads lead here.” “But there’s nothing here but rocks and water.” Spirit sighed “Alright let’s take a break and I’ll get us ready to climb back up. Grab some water and I’ll get the rope ready.” Twilight walked toward the pool of water that was just outside the light of the glow sticks. Twilight began to cast her light spell from earlier. Nothing happened. “What the…?” She focused again this time harder still no light emitted from her horn. “What’s going on!?” Twilight now frustrated tired as hard as she could she still couldn’t cast any spells “You okay?” Spirit asked the panting Twilight. “My…magic…isn’t…working.” Twilight said between breaths “What do you mean not working?” “I can’t cast any spells see” Twilight concentrated again “Uh I don’t see anything.” Spirit said with a confusing look “Exactly!” Twilight exclaimed “Something is blocking my spells” “Are you sure you’re not just tired?” “No something in this room it blocking my magic!” “You think it’s the ruby?” “I can’t think of anything else that it could be.” “Walk around the room and try your spells maybe we can figure out where it is. Unless it has a very long range.” Twilight walked to different points in the room it wasn’t until she was well away from the pool of water was she able to use her magic again. “So it’s coming from the water?” “Seems so” Twilight peered into the water “Look, at the very bottom!” Spirit looked to where she was gesturing and he could faintly make out a red glimmer between all the black rocks. “Do you have any more of those light sticks?” Twilight asked “Yeah maybe one” Spirit pulled another glow stick out cracked it and tossed it into the dark water. They watched the stick sink to the bottom near the red glimmer. “I can see more clearly now there’s defiantly something there.” “Should we just dive in?” Spirit asked “Looks safe” Spirit stood on the edge of the water as Twilight dove in and swam toward the lighted area. He waited for what seemed like an eternity until she finally surfaced. “Did you get it?” “Take a look” Twilight lifted the large ruby over her head. The ruby was double the size of a basketball and gave off a faint glow in the dark cave. “Nice job Twilight come on let’s get out of here.” Spirit had rigged up himself and Twilight to climb back up the shaft. “That wasn’t so bad” Twilight said proudly “No that was easy not counting the boat wreck, lava fields, fire breathing dragons, and descending into the unknown depths…like a walk in the park.” “You know what I meant” Twilight said back “I think it might actually be all right.” “You had a doubt?” “Do you hear something?” Twilight asked “Yes you doubting my fearless leadership” “No I’m being serious.” Twilight said “Listen” Spirit stopped climbing and listened intently. A low rumble was coming from the walls it grew until the shaft began to vibrate. “What is that?” Twilight asked The room violently shook Spirit nearly lost his grip “I think that was a tremor” “You mean like an earth quake?” Twilight asked “Yeah we better get moving.” Spirit climbed as quickly as he could the shaft was occasionally shaking . “Oh thank Celestia” Rarity called down “I was starting to worry when the cave shook” “We’re ok” Twilight called back “We got the ruby too” Twilight held up the ruby to show Rarity “Oh how lovely” she said admiring the ruby Spirit got close to the edge where Rarity was watching them. “Ok Twilight pass the ruby up to Rarity then she can lift you up” The ponies followed Spirit instructions “Now lift me….” The shaft violently shook knocking Spirit back into the shaft “SPIRIT!” the unicorns screamed as they leapt to the edge and caught the rope holding him up in just the nick of time. “Spirit are you alright” Twilight called down “Yeah” Spirit grunted Twilight and Rarity gingerly looked over the edge still holding onto the rope. Spirit was holding on to the rope with both hands and was now tangled up in the rope. “Twilight can you teleport him up?” Rarity said straining against the weight of Spirit “No the ruby cancels out all magic” Twilight said as she glanced back at the ruby The two ponies were slowly losing ground as the slid closer to the edge. “Any ideas up there?!” Spirit weakly called up “Don’t worry we’ll save you” Twilight yelled back “Rarity take the ruby and run as far as you can I’ll try to teleport him once you’re far enough away.” “Twilight you can’t possibly hold him up that long we can barely hold him now.” “It’s the only way we can’t stand here forever eventually we are going to get tired.” “All right you ready” Rarity asked Twilight wrapped as much of the rope around here as she could “Ready” Rarity quickly snatched up the ruby and bolted away. Twilight lurched forward as she took all of Spirits weight. “What happened?” Spirit called “Rarity is taking the ruby away so I can use my magic.” Twilight was already at the edge. She could see Spirit staring up at her. “Twilight” Spirit said as he looked up at here sadly “You can’t hold on much longer you’re going to get pulled over.” “No I got this.” She said as she struggled to maintain here position “Come on Rarity” “Twilight let me go its better one of us falls than both of us” “No I can’t let you down.” Twilight said as she stared back at Spirit. She was now leaning halfway over the edge. Spirit took a hand off the rope and tossed the Element of hope up “What are you doing” Twilight said “Hold on” “If you don’t let me go….” Spirit pulled a knife and held the blade against the rope “NO DON’T!” Twilight yelled as tears streamed down her face. She lurched forward just as Spirit sliced the rope holding him up. “SPIRIT NOOOOOO!” Twilight yelled as Spirit fell back toward the darkness
CasualtiesTime seemed to slow down Twilight concentrated hard until her horn began to glow. Spirit was almost out of sight when she cast her spell on him. He was teleported behind Twilight and landed with a thud. “DON’T EVER SCARE ME LIKE THAT” Twilight cried as she hit him with her hoof “Thanks” Spirit said as he stood up Twilight and Spirit headed back to Valam’s chamber. They met an exhausted Rarity along the way. “I…was…..afraid ….I “Rarity panted “You did good Rarity where is the ruby?” “Valam has it” Rarity said catching her breath The group continued on to meet the elder dragon. She was standing in the chamber holding the ruby in her massive claws. “I never thought I would see this again. That seems to be going around a lot today first a human then the ruby” “Glad we could be of service” Spirit said “With that ruby we have your support correct?” “Of course human I will oversee things personally.” “Thank You” Twilight said “Well let’s get going” Spirit looked at the two ponies “Long walk back for us” “If you want” Valam said “I can give you a lift I’ve always wanted to see the Pony capital up close and where better to work with you than there” “You mean give us a ride?” Rarity asked “Correct” “On you?” “Yes” Valam replied “Alright let’s go!” Spirit ran toward Valam Valam lowered herself to allow them an easier climb up. Spirit was already on her back while Rarity and Twilight were slightly nervous. “Come on!” Spirit yelled “this is going to be awesome.” The group carefully positioned themselves on the massive dragons back. “Spirit I thought you didn’t like flying?” Twilight asked “Yeah but how many chances do you get to ride a dragon?” “Ready” Valam asked “Yup” an excited Spirit exclaimed “I’m not so…” Valam took of vertical toward an open hole in the roof of the cave. The opening was just narrow enough for them to fit “WOAH!” the group exclaimed Within seconds they were far above the lava fields. They could see the entire lay of the land and how massive the fields were. Valam headed off towards the edge of the forest where the group had entered. They flew low over the wreck of the Rusty Reel to the amazement of the still stranded crew. “Did ya see that Cap’n!?” a deckhand said in amazement “Aye looks like our friends were successful in their mission. Now stop lollygagging and get back to work!” “You think they saw us” Twilight yelled over the wind “How could they miss us?” Spirit replied back Canterlot quickly came into view on the horizon “I can’t wait to get back I’m going to the spa first thing” Rarity told the group Valam landed in the courtyard startling the guards there. They quickly surrounded the dragon their pole arms at the ready. “Easy boys” the guard captain said “take a closer look” Valam lowered her wings to reveal her passengers. The group jumped off and approached the captain of the guard. “Quite the entrance Sir” he said “I would assume the dragon is on our side.” “I have a name” Valam said sternly “its Valam” The captain stepped back slightly “Uh..of ..of course I meant no disrespect.” “I will go meet your princess now” Valam said as she took off with a powerful flap from her wings she took off to the large balcony connected to the throne room. “Glad she’s on our side” the captain muttered “Back to you posts” he commanded the guards “Also Sir Spirit Princess Celestia instructed us to tell you to see her as soon as you returned” “Thank you Captian. Come on” Spirit was already heading to the throne room As they walked to the throne room the palace was filled with a somber mood. Every pony they passed seemed to be staring off into the distance preoccupied with something. “Whats wrong with everypony?” Rarity asked “You sense that too?” The group entered the throne room the two princesses where there along with Applejack and Pinkie Pie. “Hello” Celestia said even she didn’t seem to be her usual self “Did you meet Valam already?” Spirit asked “Yes I asked her to wait till we discussed something with you.” The white alicorn remained seated at her throne. “Is this about why everybody seems so down?” Spirit asked “Yes.” “Well what’s wrong?” “We’ve been attacked.” Celestia said sadly The room was silent. To Spirit being attacked had been part of daily life he could tell the ponies were struggling with this new experience. “How bad?” Spirit said as he approached Celestia “Cloudsdale is gone” Rarity and Twilight gasped at the news. “How many made it out?” “We…we don’t know I sent a group to scout the area. If you’ll excuse me but I need to be alone.” Celestia left the room. Spirit looked at the floor thinking about what to do now. “Damnit” he muttered “I’ve been to slow” “Don’t blame yourself” Twilight tried to comfort the angry human “you’ve been trying hard” Spirit stormed out the throne room the ponies watched him leave. As Spirit made his way through the castle he met Artie Fact “Good evening Sir Spirit I’ve just returned from the desert with your things I was very careful transporting them they are in your quarters.” “Huh” the Spirit was preoccupied with the Cloudsdale news. “Oh right thank you” Spirit went to his room and sat on his unused bed He spent most of his time planning and reading he slept mostly in the war room or during their travels. His “things” Artie had spoke of where things that came with him when he came to Equestria. He glanced through the object not one was a personal object all of them tools of war. Spirits train if thought was broken by a knock at his door. “Come in” he announced Applejack poked her head into the Spirits room “Hey there you all right?” “Yeah...I’ve just been under a lot of stress” Applejack sat down next to the Spirit on his bed. “We all have” “I’m usually good with stress but I’ve never had so many counting on me. When I heard what happened I felt like I let all those in Cloudsdale down.” Applejack placed a hoof on Spirits shoulder “You had no way of knowing.” “I know. Applejack are you worried about your family?” “Of course.” Applejack thought for a moment “Spirit do you have any family?” He looked at the orange pony “No my parents passed away long ago I was an only child.” “What about a special somepony?” Spirit laughed “No never did find the one too busy I guess.” “Well you’re always welcome in the Apple Family.” “Thanks. Come on lets go see if the scouts have returned from Cloudsdale” Several gryphons and Luna’s guards were in the throne room delivering a message to Princess Luna. “Sir Spirit” Luna called “glad you could join us. Lieutenant please tell Spirit what you told me” “Yes ma’am” the bat winged pony faced Spirit and saluted “Sir” “At ease Lieutenant. What did you find?” Spirit returned the salute” “Cloudsdale is a total loss” Spirit grimaced at the news “We we’re unable to enter the city proper we could see the ruins from the ground and Shadows forces occupied the city” “Shadows forces?” Spirit asked “Yes sir they almost look like ghosts. They have the appearance of a pony but have solid yellow eyes and are as black as the night itself.” “Survivors?” Applejack asked “We found a few scattered on the outskirts below the city but I don’t think we found over twenty. Most of them were too terrified to speak.” “Make sure they are taken care of” Spirit ordered “Of course sir…there is something else” the Lieutenant stated “What is it?” “We captured one of the enemy. It was somehow knocked unconscious and was trapped.” “Where is it now?” “The palace guards have it sealed in one of the vaults below” “I want to see it” Spirit said with a hint of anger in his voice
VisionsApplejack and Spirit were standing outside a vault door that was under heavy guard. Spirit was pacing back and forth. “What are you going to ask it?” Applejack asked “Where Shadow is, why they are attacking us, their numbers, anything can give us an advantage.” Princess Luna met the group at the door “Are you sure this is a good idea Sir Spirit” she asked “Yes like I was telling Applejack any info would be a valuable resource.” “How is your sister is she alright” Applejack asked “She took the Cloudsdale news very hard. I’ll let her know of your concern” Luna said “Let’s get this over with. Guards be ready for anything.” The royal guard surrounded the vault door as Luna opened it. Inside was the silhouette of pony sitting in the middle of the room. A magical collar was around its neck and a bubble of magic encased it. The group entered the vault the guards staying behind as Luna closed the door behind them. The pony did not acknowledge their presence. Spirit stepped forward to get a better look it. The pony opened its eyes and stood staring down the human. “The Knight of Equestria” it hissed “You know me?” Spirit asked as he paced in front of the bubble “We know of you. Our master tells us.” “Your master?” “You know him as Shadow to us he his Master” “So he is scared of me he warns you about me.” The pony let out a sickening laugh “Scared…Master tells how you will join us” “Why would I want to join those who I’m going to defeat?” “Master says you will betray the ponies to go home” “Your Master is wrong” “Master is never wrong” the creature grinned revealing its teeth “Why do you follow your Master?” “Master created me” “But you have a mind of your own why follow something evil?” The creature didn’t speak “Master is Master” it said curtly “How did you get captured?” Luna asked “Ah the lesser of the Princesses” the creature turned its yellow eyes toward Luna “MY SISTER AND I ARE EQUALS” Luna shouted Spirit leaned and whispered into Luna’s ear “It’s just trying to upset you don’t let it get under your skin.” Luna relaxed herself “Answer the question” The creature again smiled “I was only captured because Master wanted it to happen” “Wanted to….” Spirit was cut off mid sentence. The creature broke the magic holding it down and tackled Spirit. “FOR MY MASTER” The creature sunk its teeth deep into Spirits un armored shoulder Spirit cried out in pain as he tried to get the creature off of him. Applejack ran to Spirit side and bucked the creature as hard as she could. If flew off from the Spirit and crashed hard into the stone wall of the vault. It vanished into to smoke as it fell to the ground. “It burns!!” Spirit cried as he clutched his wounded shoulder. “Hold on” Applejack said as she stood over the wounded human Spirits vision went fuzzy as Luna opened the vault door. He could barely make out the guards as they rushed him out of the vault. He was in and out of consciousness when awake his shoulder felt like it was on fire. Spirit was once again standing in Shadows throne room. “We meet again Knight” Spirit recognized the voice “Getting desperate now are we?” Spirit taunted Shadow “Hardly” Shadow appeared before the knight “have you thought about my offer” “Yes” “And?” Shadow asked “I won’t betray my friends” “What friends you risk your life for them and what do they want form you MORE” “They only need my help because of you” “Let me send you home then none of this will be your problem.” “I doubt you can even send me home” “It simple all that I require is the use of your body” Spirit laughed “Right like I would allow you to do that” “All I need is to use of that element you wear since only humans can use it. Then while I control your body I can send you home with my magic.” Shadow summoned an orb with earth inside of it. Spirit looked into the orb at the familiar planet “All you have to do is surrender to me in person when next we meet.” Spirit glanced at Shadow then back to earth. “It’s as simple as that” Shadow said as Spirits vision began to fade again. This time he was in the tent where Sir Lance spent his final moments in Equestria. Spirit saw the old knight looking over maps and plans just like he had been doing just days ago. Sir Lance looked up sensing Spirits presence. “Ah hello there” he said looking back at his work “Your Sir Lance…but I saw you disappear” “Disappear” Sir Lance broke away from his work and approached Spirit and placed a hand on his shoulder “Then my plan worked tell me is that foul creature gone!?” “No” Sir Lance looked disappointed “Then my sacrifice was in vein. I thought the full power of the element was enough to defeat it.” “What was your plan exactly?” Sir Lance walked to a chair and sat staring at the ground. “I had hoped that if I used the Element of Hope to its full potential the magic would be strong enough to stop it.” “Why didn’t it work?” “That creature…is not of this world…he is split between our world and some other place.” “What do you mean?” Sir Lance looked at Spirit “It cannot be harmed by anything we can do unless it has a physical body here” “How do you know these things?” “You learn a lot about something when you fight for your life. You must be the new carrier of the element then.” “That’s correct.” “So you’re fighting the fight now.” “Yes” “I had a plan for that too. Before I left to fight Shadow I put part of myself inside the element. So I could warn the next person” “So that’s why you’re here” “Right and how I didn’t know if my plan worked. Tell me Celestia and Luna are they ok.” “Yes Celestia and Luna rule the land together you kept Shadow away for over a thousand years” Sir Lance gave a weak smile “Then perhaps it was worth it after all.” “Why did all the humans disappear when you used the element?” “So Star-swirl was right” Lance said aloud “We didn’t know the cost of using the full power of the element.” “How do I defeat him?” Spirit finally asked Sir Lance looked Spirit in the eye “Destroy it when it has a physical from it’s the only way to finish it once and for all.” “But if its physical form isn’t even here how do I destroy” “If I could tell you that I would have defeated it long ago. That’s all we have time for good luck young Knight.” “WAIT!” Spirit yelled as he sat up. He could feel a stiff pain in his right shoulder. He was alone in his room in the castle. He looked down at his heavily bandaged shoulder and attempted to move it. The door to his room opened as Applejack and Fluttershy trotted inside. “Spirit you’re awake” they said “How long have I been out?” “Three days” Applejack said “We got worried when we couldn’t wake you up” Fluttershy said quietly “Anything happen while I was out?” “Nothing new everypony is scared after what happened to Cloudsdale” Spirit began to get dressed in his tan colored clothing. “What are you doing?” Fluttershy asked “We still have to get the Diamond dogs on our side” he said as he pulled his shirt over the bandage “But you just woke up” “I know we don’t have any time to waste.” “Well alright!” Applejack cheered “lets get started” Spirit made his way to the war room where he was greeted by cheers of the ponies and gryphons gathered there. Arite Fact and the rest of the Element bearers were sitting around the map waiting for Spirit. “Glad to see you back” “You’ve been taking it easy while I’ve been away?” Spirit joked to the colt “Of course not” the colt said jumping up “Alright catch me up to speed” Spirit sat behind his desk. Artie cleared his throat and approached the magical map. “As you can see the Magical Barrier Generators are all up and functioning in Canterlot, Manehatten, and Ponyville.” Blue orbs surrounded each city on the map. “We have already evacuated other small villages and farms to these cities. With the loss of Cloudsdale.” Artie gestured to the now vacant spot on the map “All recourses are being divided up among the other cities. Valam has seen to it that the skies over each are kept clear.” “How is she doing that” Spirit interrupted “She brought many dragons with her it’s quite the sight.” Artie answered “What about our allies how are their cities protected?” “We don’t believe Shadow will attack the Gryphon home of High Perch, the Dragons have no single city and no pony really knows where the Diamond Dog home is.” “I do” Spirit said “and that’s where we are headed next.”
Ready?That evening Spirit met with the Diamond Dog’s Chief and explained to him the situation. “I see” the elder dog spoke “How could I refuse to help especially after what you did for us!” “Thank You” “I’ll send some of our best diggers once things have settled down here.” Spirit left the stone building where the elder lived and met Applejack and Pinkie Pie who were chatting with some of the locals “Well..?” Applejack asked Spirit gave the thumbs up. Applejack cocked her head “What’s that mean?” “It means we’re good they are going to help” Pinkie Pie let out a cheer and threw confetti in the air “Hooray more friends to invite to my parties!” She began to dance around a group of dogs as Spirit and Applejack watched. “She knows what’s going on right?” Spirit asked “Sometimes I wonder.” They bid farewell to their new dog allies and began the journey back to the train station in one of Lt. Dusty’s carts. “They seem a lot nicer than the Diamond Dogs I remember.” Pinkie looked back at the valley. “That’s the last of them then” Spirit was looking at some papers “ The Gryphons, Dragons and now the Dogs all that’s left is to wait and prepare” Back at the empty village the train was already prepped and waiting for them. Then sun disappearing past the horizon as the train made its way back to Canterlot. Spirit began to doze as the clickety clack of the train lulled him to sleep. Applejack and Pinkie Pie stared at the sleeping Spirit. “He sure is something?” Applejack asked “Huh what do you mean I thought the Princess said he was a hue mun?” “No..I mean look at what all he’s done in the little time we’ve known him. If he hadn’t have been here I would have lost my sis then all he is doing now.” “Yeah…He is a little scary though.” “What?! How can you say that” Applejack said in a defensive tone Pinkie shrunk back a little “Well I mean remember in the desert when he said he made the dogs pay..?” “Yeah..so?” “I’m just saying we don’t really know what he is capable of that’s all” Applejack turned to look at the sleeping Spirit he was snoring peacefully in his seat. “We can trust him” Applejack looked back to Pinkie Spirit was sitting behind his desk in the war room looking over papers once more. He was gently rolling the Dragon’s Blood Ruby back and forth on his desk as he read. Twilight approached Spirit he didn’t notice her walk behind him. She climbed onto the back of his chair to look over his shoulder. “What are you thinking?” She said “AAHHHH!” Spirit threw papers into the air “Don’t scare me like that” Spirit was breathing heavy “Sorry” Twilight giggled “Came up with a plan yet?” Spirit massaged his forhead “Not a great one” he looked at the scattered papers “Aside from a full frontal assault I don’t really see any other way” Twilight attempted to pick up his papers with magic but the Ruby blocked her “I wish you wouldn’t keep that thing around.” “Heh I promised Valam I’d look after it while she was away.” “Oh that’s pretty!” Pinkie Pie said staring at the ruby “But I like my element better” she looked at the balloon shaped gem around her neck . “Yeah I…WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH THAT!” Twilight gasped “The Princesses said she wanted us to have them at all times just in case that’s why I came here to get you. She also said something about practicing with them” “Well you can’t practice here that ruby cancels all magic” Twilight gestured to the ruby “Really? Pinkie Pie concentrated then a beam shot out from her element and ricocheted around the room sending papers and books flying till it finally dissipated into the air. “Pinkie how did you do that?” Spirit asked “All I did was…” Pinkie began to concentrate again “Just stop” Twilight held up her hooves “let’s just help clean up this mess and don’t worry about your plan Spirit I’m sure you’ll think of something.” Spirit sat back at his desk as he stared at the dragon’s ruby. “SPIRIT….SPIRIT!!!!” Artie Fact yelled as he entered the room at full sprint headed toward Spirit. “What is it?” Spirit looked at Artie as the colt caught his breath “The…Princess she….you…throne room…”Arite gasped “She wanst so see me?” Artie nodded his head Spirit made his way to the throne room where Princesses Celestia and Luna were waiting. “Whats the matter Artie looked like he’s seen a ghost” Princess Celestia walked to her position at the top of the staircase throne. Luna approached the Spirit and levitated a scroll in his hand. “We received this from one of the gryphon scouts” Luna said Spirit looked at Luna then down to the scroll he read mumbled as he read. “Strange object spotted… heading toward Canterlot…large black pyramid….unable to get close…risk being spotted.” Spirit looked back at the princesses “So it’s coming” “Yes” Luna said sadly “We believe that it will arrive sometime tomorrow morning” “Sir Spirit have you a plan?” Celestia asked “Yes but the cost will extremely high” he explained his plans for the attack to the two princesses. After an hour Spirit finished explaining his plan. Celestia shuddered at the thought of battle “very well we trust you completely” “I will try my best to not let you down” Spirit said as he left the throne room. He walked out to the castle gardens where preparations were being made. He spotted the girls practicing with their elements. He walked behind them as they were finishing up. “Alright good job girls let’s take a break” Twilight ordered. “Hey Spirit!” Rainbow Dash said as she landed next to him “How is everything going with you all?” Spirit asked smiling at the colorful ponies “We’re ready!” Rainbow yelled “Really maybe I won’t even need to do anything I’ll let you all take care of it whileI go relax.” Spirit allowed himself a laugh “No way not after what you dragged all of us through” Rarity smiled back at Spirit “We are going to go grab some food you want to come with us?” Twilight asked “I’ll catch up with you later you go ahead” Spirit leaned on a crate of supplies Spirit watched the group disappear out of sight then Applejack came back by herself. “Not hungry?” Spirit asked “I can wait” She said sitting down next to Spirit “What’s the matter I can tell something’s wrong?” Spirit looked up into the sky “Shadows coming” Applejack didn’t say a word “After all this planning, all this work…what if l….what if I’m wrong?” Spirit sat on the ground “Hey we’ve come this far don’t give up now” She tried to comfort him “I want to give you something” Spirit pulled a necklace with two silver discs on it from around his neck and handed it to Applejack. She dangled it from her hoof and looked at the discs shine in the light. “What are these?” she asked “Its…just something of mine I wanted you to have I was going to give them to Apple Bloom but..” “Hey give them to her yourself…” Spirit looked sternly at Applejack “I cant. I don’t think I’m going to make it out of this.” “Now don’t..” “Just keep them please.” “Alright.” Applejack looked back at the necklace “Well enough of this sad stuff lets go eat big day ahead of us” Spirit perked up and started walking back to the palace. After a restless night Spirit headed to a balcony outside the throne room where Princess Luna was scanning the horizon. The sun was beginning to rise in the east the sky was turning an orange. “I hope this isn’t our last sunrise” Luna said aloud Spirit stared out across the land “Any sign of it?” “No” Clouds began to form overhead, slowing swirling and growing until they completely darkened the sky. “A storm?” Spirit asked “No the sky was to remain clear! Look over there” Luna pointed her hoof. An ominous shape began to descend over the city. It was the black pyramid. Almost immediately the towers surrounding the city began to glow and covered the city in their protective magic. Down below on the streets the citizens hurried to the underground bunkers that the dogs had dug. Dragons, gryphons and Pegasi hovered around the dome checking for weaknesses. Luna and Spirit headed to the throne room where Princess Celestia had just returned from raising the sun. “You saw it too?” she asked “Yeah how long…” Shadow appeared in the middle of the throne room just like it had done centuries ago. The room grew quiet all eyes were fixed on the orb. “Surrender to me. I will give you one day to decide” As quick as Shadow appeared it vanished in a cloud of black smoke. “Well that’s out of the question” Spirit broke the silence “Sir Spirit are you ready to attack?” Celestia asked “No there are still some preparations to make” “Hurry as quick as you can we will attack tomorrow”
D-DayA day had passed since the black pyramid appeared in the skies of Equestria once more. The time for gathering allies was over after all the preparations they were ready. A representative from each of the group was present in the war room Spirit and the two princesses were in the center. The room had been cleared of everything but the magical map and single board to make room for the crowd had gathered. Spirit was wearing his tan clothing with a modified set of armor made from the scale Valam had given him. The chatter that filled the room went silent as Spirit began to speak. “We knew this day was coming. It has been in the back of our minds.” Spirit walked around the map looking back and forth at each group “I know not everyone in this room sees eye to eye on things but we cannot do this alone. We all need each other if we are to make it through this. I can’t promise you that everything will be all right. I can’t promise you that everyone in this room will return but I can promise one thing…We’ll give this thing the fight of its life and let it know that we will not lay down and let it just take us!” The room erupted with applause and cheers. “Please everyone to their positions until we give the signal.” The room emptied with the exception of the representatives and the element bearers. “Everyone knows what to do?” Spirit asked the room. Gilda stepped forward “We fly over the battle field assisting where needed.” “My kin will keep the shadow army grounded while you make your way into the pyramid.” Valam spoke “Also your special request Spirit” Spirit nodded as Twilight looked at him wondering what his special request was. “We’ll keep civilians safe in the tunnels we’ve dug under the city and stop anything that tries to enter” Francis spoke up “All right “Spirit looked at the group of ponies each wearing their element “While Shadows army is busy fighting we’ll sneak in then use the elements to destroy him” “Do it quickly” Luna said “I don’t know how long we can hold out against them” “Everybody get ready to move” Spirit said as each headed to their position. Princess Celestia called out to the Spirit as he and the ponies began to leave “A moment before you leave Sir Spirit?” Spirit looked back at the ponies “I’ll meet you at the tower.” The six ponies all walked side by side through the palace halls “I’m so nervous” Fluttershy mumbled “Don’t worry look at all this stuff Shadow won’t know what hit him.” Rainbow gestured out to the palace grounds where ponies, gryphons and smaller dragons were preparing. “Don’t forget about the shield!” Applejack added “It’s never been fully tested” Twilight admitted “I wonder what that special request of Spirit’s is?” Rarity thought back “Kind of an odd time to have a party besides I’m the one that plans all the parties?” Pinkie Pie remarked “I don’t think it’s a party Pinkie.” Rarity told the pink pony Twilight stopped and headed back toward the war room “I’m going to go back ask Spirit when he gets done talking with the princesses.” Twilight galloped back to the war room and stopped and put her ear against the closed door. She could barely hear talking inside. “Did you tell them” Twilight could hear Celestia’s voice “No” Spirit admitted “They wouldn’t let me follow through if I did.” “Are you sure it will work?” Luna asked “It seems like the only option if what I learned from Sir Lance is true.” “As much as I don’t like it I think your right. Will they do it?” Celestia spoke “They have to” Spirit said sadly Twilight was startled when Spirit opened the door and nearly knocked her over. “Twilight! How long have you been there?” Spirit asked “I uh just got here I wanted to walk with you.” She lied “Oh…ok let’s catch up with the others.” Twilights mind was racing. What was the special request? What was Spirit planning? What didn’t he tell them? “Twilight?” Spirit asked “Huh what?” the pony was brought out of her thoughts “I said how are you feeling?” “I’ve been better” she admitted “a little nervous” “Me too” The seven element carriers where standing on the tallest tower in the castle. The sky was filled with black clouds barely any light could shine through. The pyramid was now directly above Canterlot. Down below the combined forces of ponies, dragons, and gryphons all stood at the ready. Massive amounts of shadows began to pour from the pyramid. Shadows in the shape of various ponies gryphons and even dragons descended onto the shielded city. “Do it!” Spirit yelled Twilight shot an orb of purple light into the air signaling the army below. The shadow dragons breathed green fire onto the magical barrier creating holes allowing an entrance for the shadow army. As the group watched the chaos below them two shadow gryphons landed on the tower behind them them. “Um Spirit?” Fluttershy tapped on Spirits back “Huh?” Spirit turned to face to the two gryphons. He quickly pulled a small black object from a holster on his leg and aimed it at the gryphons after two pops the Shadows vanished. “Nice one!” Rainbow said looking where the shadow had been “What is that thing?” “Just a little trick from my world.” Spirit said “Now where is…” Before Spirit could finish his sentence three real gryphons landed “Sorry were late” one of the gryphons said “Hop on and lets go” Pinkie Pie and Applejack hopped onto the back of one gryphons while Rarity and Twilight got on the other. “Stay close to the gryphons” Spirit said to Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy as he mounted the last gryphon. The shadow army paid the group no attention as they landed at the massive entrance to the black pyramid. “Stay in view and come get us as quickly as you can.” Spirit ordered the gryphon “Don’t worry about us…good luck!” the gryphon leader called back as they flew away. “This is it” Spirit said as the ponies formed up behind him. The inside of the pyramid was empty. A hallway led deeper into it no doors, no branches it just lead up toward the top of the pyramid straight to a wooden door one of which was familiar to Spirit. “I’d bet everything Shadow is in here” he said “Ready?” Spirit looked at the group of ponies they each gave him a nod. He threw open the door like he had watched Sir Lance do long ago. Finally Spirit met the orb in person it seemed larger than before. It floated toward them “I’ll admit you are much more of a pain than you predecessor” the orb said “You’re going down” Rainbow yelled back “Really what makes you think that?” Shadow said in an insulting tone “Cuz we got Spirit now” Appejack said standing next to Spirit A loud cracking noise filled the room as part of the ceiling fell. The dragons had attacked the pyramid reveling Shadows throne room to the sky. “My Spirit you sure put on a convincing show.” “I did what you asked; I brought them here now live up to your end.” Spirit said as he approached Shadow “What are you talking about?” Twilight asked “The look on your face is priceless” Shadow said with a hint of joy “Your “Spirit” as you call him has betrayed you.” The group gasped as Spirit walked to Shadow’s side “How could you!?” Applejack asked “after all that” “We trusted you!” Twilight yelled Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie began to cry “Why?” Rainbow looked at the Spirit “I’m sorry” Spirit looked at the ground as Shadow laughed maniacally. “Let’s get this over with I have a world to destroy.” “Yes” Spirit said sadly “Why are you doing this?” Twilight called out “Ignore them” Shadow told Spirit Shadow began to hum and Spirit began to yell in pain. The ponies looked on terrified at the events going on in front of them. Shadow disappeared as Spirit collapsed to the floor. “What happened?” Rarity said aloud Spirit jumped from the ground and stretched his arms “Ahhh” he said his voice had changed to Shadows “it’s been so long since I’ve had a physical form.” Spirit turned his sights on the ponies “as for you.” Shadow drew Spirits sword then dropped it as he grabbed his head. “what’s this fighting me?” Spirits voice changed back to normal as he yelled “Now…I’ve…got…you” Spirit said struggling to control his body. He reached into a pouch and pulled out an orange device similar to his weapon and aimed it at the hole in the ceiling. A ball of light flew from the orange object through the ceiling. Spirit dropped it as Shadow spoke again “What are you doing we had a deal!” Through the hole the ponies could see Valam drop the Blood Ruby into the room it landed hard next to Spirit. “Whats this?” Shadow asked “You’re trapped” Spirit said “NO...!” Shadow yelled as he tried to leave Spirits body “And with a physical form you can be defeated” Spirit turned to face the ponies The ponies all realized what that meant “No….” Twilight said “Use the elements on me it will destroy Shadow.” Spirit said as he clutched his side in pain as Shadow tried to take over again. “We can’t do that.” Applejack objected. “What about you?” “You have to hurry I don’t know how long the ruby can hold.” Spirit glanced at the Blood Ruby as it began to crack from holding back Shadows magic. “You had this planned all along didn’t you?” Twilight asked “Yeah” “All right” Twilight said “No you can be serious there has to be another way!” Applejack jumped in front of Spirit “Don’t worry Applejack…” Spirit said “Guys whatever were going to do make it quick!” Rainbow was watching the crack in the ruby grow. The ponies each walked up to Spirit to say their goodbye “Thank You” Fluttershy said through her tears “I was really looking forward to throwing you a party” Pinkie Pie managed to say “You never told me where you’re from” Rarity pretended to scold the human Rainbow Dash approached them human not looking him the eye “I’m glad I got to meet you” she said quickly walking away. “We’ll never forget you” Twilight said Applejack ran up and placed her front legs over the human he gave the pony an awkward hug. They formed a circle around the human “As soon as the ruby shatters do it” Spirit said barely able to stand. The seconds seemed like an eternity. The ruby began to creak and shattered into dust. “NOW!” Twilight yelled Each pony focused their element onto the Spirit his element glowed and shattered filling the room with light. They could hear the voice of Shadow fade away. When the light subsided in the middle of the room stood a statue of a human. “Is is it over?” Applejack asked “Yeah” Twilight said sadly They all approached the statue of their friend “Look!” Pinkie Pie said she pointed her hoof at the statues face “He looks happy” Sure enough the Spirit was smiling. “Come on sis” Apple Bloom called out as she ran through the palace garden. Spirits silver necklace was jingling around her neck. “Carful there’s still construction going on.” Applejack warned her sister Canterlot was still under repair months after the war against Shadow. New buildings had been built to replace those that were too damaged to save. “Over here” Apple Bloom disappeared behind some scaffolding into a domed structure. “Now Apple Bloom what did I tell you…about” Applejack trailed off as she saw the statue of Spirit in the middle of the room. Apple Bloom stood at the pedestal of the statue looking up at the human. “Hello Spirit” she said “I miss you. Why did he have to go?” Apple Bloom turned to her sister. “Aw come here sugar cube” Applejack held Apple Bloom “He did it to save us…all of us. If it wasn’t for him…” “I know I didn’t even get to say goodbye” Apple Bloom sniffled “Go on do it now” Applejack nudged her toward the statue. She looked up at the smiling human “I wanted to thank you for what you did…and everything…I hope to see you again someday.” “Come on little sis let’s get going those apples won’t sell themselves” Apple Bloom and Applejack trotted out of the memorial. Apple Bloom turned back to get another look at Spirit and she could have sworn that the Spirits smile was a little bit bigger.
To the Desert To the Desert It seemed like it had been years since Spirit had been in the desert in reality it had only been weeks. “I’m amazed the trains are still running” Applejack said sitting next to Spirit as he stared out at the familiar desert. “After this trip they won’t be running all travel has been canceled until all this is over.” Spirit said “So we have to walk back?” Pinkie Pie asked “No I mean after we finish our business in the desert.” “Good, I don’t like walking that far anyway.” The train came to a stop at an empty station. The group departed the train and stood on the platform. “Where is eveypony?” Applejack said looking around “All evacuated” the conductor said “Ah so who is going to make all the dessert?” Pinkie Pie sounded a little sad “Desert not dessert “ Spirit sounded out the two words “Is that all you think about is sweets?” “Yes why?” she said cheerfully The group walked through the empty streets in the village. “This is kind of spooky.” Applejack said as she looked at the bare marketplace stalls “I know no pony is even inside their homes” Pinke Pie called from inside a home “How did she…? She was just” Spirit looked to where Pinkie Pie had been walking next to him Applejack looked up at the Spirit “it’s best if you don’t think about it.” They stopped at the edge of the village and stared out at the large sand dunes that lay before them. “Alright did you bring everything I said?” Spirit asked the ponies “Yup” Applejack opened her bag reviling large amounts of water. “Me too I barely had room for my other stuff” Pinkie Pie’s bags were filled with party supplies “What?” Pinkie Pie looked at Spirit. “Well at least you brought water. Come on I want make it to the Desert Shield camp by night fall.” The group walked into the dunes until they were surrounded by sand as far as the eye could see “How do you know where you’re going?” Pinkie Pie asked “It simple I use the sun and the wind to tell me where I’m headed.” Spirit told the pink pony “WOW really that’s so cool” She exclaimed “No I just use this compass.” Spirit said dryly as he showed her the compass Applejack laughed at the disappointed pony. “So where is the Diamond Dogs home?” “There is a valley just opposite the village. The Diamond Dogs have set up a village of their own there.” “Why do they live all the way out here?” “I don’t know all they do is mine for crystals. They don’t seem to enjoy the company of others they only time they interact with others is when they try to catch them and force them to work in their mines.” “and that’s when you save them right?” Pinkie Pie asked “Right” “So what makes you think they will help us? You said it yourself they’re not very keen on talking to others.” Applejack asked “I’ve been getting reports that the dogs have disappeared into their mine systems. The last time they did that something bad had happened to them I figure we help them with what whatever has happened they’ll owe us and help us to repay the favor.” “What happened to them last time?” Pinkie Pie asked Spirit “Me” he said as he reached the top of a large dune. From the top of the dune the group could see a camp of the Desert Shield guards next to an oasis. They made their way down the dune and headed toward the camp. The guards had positioned carts around the camp as a makeshift wall with guards patrolling the outside. As they approached the entrance a guard wearing a pith helmet met them. “Good evening Sir” The colt saluted Spirit “Evening Dusty” Spirit returned his salute “How is everything?” “We’ve been expecting you it’s been quite here…I don’t like it” Dusty said “Any updates?” “Nothing new since the last report. We will break camp immediately and drop you off just outside the valley leading to dog territory.” Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Spirit rode in the back of the guards cart as they headed toward the dogs home. “Earlier you said that you were a problem for the dogs what did you mean by that?” Applejack said as she rocked gently in the cart. Spirit looked up in the night sky then back at the two ponies “It was about a year ago the dogs had got the jump on one of my friends that was with me in the desert. I tracked them to their home that’s how I found it in the first place. It took me a week to finally prepare enough to mount a rescue I fought my way deep into their mineshafts when I found my friend…” Spirit paused “When I found my friend they had worked him to death.” The Ponies looked at the Spirit sadly “What did you do?” Pinkie Pie asked He looked at her with a look she hadn’t seen on his face before. “I made them pay” he said They didn’t ask Spirit any more questions about his past the rest of the trip The sun was already high in the sky when they reached to entrance to the valley. The guards had set up camp again at the bottom of a dune. Spirit and the ponies where at the top looking down into the valley. Spirit was watching the valley through a set of binoculars. “What do you see?” Pinkie Pie asked “Nothing.” “Is that good?” “There’s usually dogs all over the place. Something defiantly happened down below.” Spirit said as he put away his binoculars “Let’s go take a look up close” They carefully approached the valley keeping an eye for any dangers. When they entered the valley there where many entrance in the valley walls. “What are all these?” Applejack peered down one “Mineshafts the dogs cut into the rock” “Where do they lead?” “There is a large network of them right beneath our feet. All running to one central chamber that where all of the dogs are.” Spirit answered “If I remember correctly that’s the one we need to take” Spirit pointed to the largest mineshaft of them all. The floor of the cave had mine cart track running as far as the eye could see. Every so often the walls where braced up with wooden beams. Torches lined the walls keeping the main tunnel well lit. “How far does this go?” Applejack said as the Spirit held her back “What’s the matter?” Spirit put his finger to his lips and pulled the two ponies into a side passage way. “Pinkie you got any rock candy?” Spirit whispered “Do I” Pinkie Pie rummaged through bag pulling out various shapes and colors of candy she placed them in Spirits hand “Thanks” he said as he tossed them out into the shaft “Hey don’t waste my candy” Pinkie Pie said “Shhhh watch” Spirit pointed at the candy They heard footsteps approach them and could hear something running. “Ohhhh I thought we cleaned this place out” a voice said. A small dog wearing a vest walked up to the candy and picked it up. “What’s this? This isn’t diamond.” The dog was suddenly lassoed and fell to the ground “Nice job Applejack” Spirit said as he stepped from the shadows “Thank you “Applejack finished tying up the dog The dog gave Spirit a horrified look “I…I…I’ve heard of you” “Excuse me” Pinkie Pie interrupted “ but if you’re not going to eat that I would like it back.” She gestured to the candy in the dogs paw. “Uh okay” the dog dropped the candy “Thank You” Pinkie Pie said happily as she trotted off The dog looked around him then back to Spirit “What do you want please don’t hurt us we’ve already got trouble.” “What kind of trouble?” “Some of our tunnels collapsed a while ago some of our family and friends have been trapped.” “Whats your name?” Spirit asked the dog “I’m Rex” “Well Rex we’re here to help.” Spirit smiled Rex was running as fast as he short legs would go. The group had no trouble keeping pace with him. “Are you sure you can help?” Rex panted “We’ll do whatever we can.” Applejack answered “This is wonderful we were starting to give up. Right up here” Rex led the group into a large cavern that housed the Diamond Dogs. Houses had been carved into the rock like a village made of stone. The ponies stopped and stared at the stone houses. “We’ll come on then” Rex called back. He led them to a large Amphitheatre that was dug into the rock. A handful of dogs filled the seats all watching several dogs on the stage. “BOSS!” Rex yelled as he made his way to the front “ I FOUND HELP!” he ran onto the stage and looked up to one of the dogs. “What are you talking about Rex?” the dog asked “There!” he pointed up the Spirit and the ponies The crowd turned to see what help had arrived some gasped and ran toward the stage. Spirit held his hands up and announced to the crowd.” I mean you know harm I’m here to help” “A likely story” the Boss dog said “I remember the last time you were here” he pointed to an eye patch he wore. “That was your previous leaders fault. We told him to leave the ponies alone and yet even after that you still didn’t listen.” “We parted ways with those who wish to harm the ponies…” the Boss said “We want peace” “Then it looks like we’re in business. Now what’s this disaster?” “A few days ago we had a collapse in one of our main mineshafts nearly our entire village was there?” “What were all of you doing there?” Applejack asked “When we work it’s a community effort it’s a lot harder without sla…er ponies helping us” Rex added “So how did you all make it?” Spirit looked at the handful around him “We were tasked with cleaning the village while the rest worked in the mine.” The boss said “You’re the janitors?” Spirit said holding back a laugh “It’s a respectable position!” the Boss yelled “Not really boss…” Rex said as the Boss smacked him in the back of the head “What caused the collapse?” “No idea we’ve been working around the clock to get them out but we just don’t have enough workers.” The boss said sadly as all the dogs hung their head. “And that’s where we’re at” the Boss said to the group “How long can they last you said it’s been days” Spirit asked “Assuming they can get to the supplies in the mineshaft and the amount of dogs they have till tonight.” “Pinkie go get Lt. Dusty tell him we’ve got a rescue mission.” Spirit ordered With the assistance of the Dusty and his guards they made significant progress toward the trapped dogs. “ALMOST THERE!” the Boss yelled Spirit and the Boss where working side by side both swinging pick axes as hard as they could. Applejack and one of Dusty’s guards where assisting the other dogs in bracing the rescue tunnel. Finally Sprits pickaxe broke through to air. They looked at each other and quickly dug out the hole. “Hello!” the Boss yelled into the hole “over here” a weak voice called out They quickly helped the stranded dogs out of the shaft it wasn’t long until the area was empty save for the Boss and Spirit. “Is that all of them?” Spirit asked as he watched the Boss pace back and forth “I was sure he would be here!” the Boss said “What who?” “My pup! He was trapped here too.” the Boss sat down on the ground “Don’t worry maybe he’s deeper down.” Spirit calmed the dog The two searched up and down until they heard a slight whimper “you here that?” the Boss said as he ran on all fours toward the whimper. They found a black pup curled up in a crashed minecart “MY BOY!” the Boss cried as he picked up the pup. “Dad!” the Pup yelled “I knew you’d come” “Let’s get you out of here” he patted the pup on the back. As they made their way back to the exit the entire shaft began to shake. “Tremors!” the Boss yelled “This cave is already unstable we need to move!” The two ran as fast as they could the exit was just in sight when the Boss was pinned under a falling beam. “PAPA!” the pup yelled as he ran to his father’s side Spirit and the pup pulled on the beam it didn’t budge “Come on!” Applejack yelled as she jumped through the hole she saw the pinned dog and rushed over. “Take my son” the Boss said pushing him toward Appejack. Spirit nodded to the pony as she dashed off with the pup in tow. “You get out of here too” Spirit laughed “what so you can blame me for leaving you” Applejack cleared the exit of the cave as a loud crash and dust emitted from the rescue tunnel. “Where’s the Boss?” Rex asked “Where’s Spirit” Pinkie Pie added Applejack looked back into the dust filled cave. As she saw two figures emerge the Boss was hanging on to Spirit as he hobbled out of the cave. “Dad” the pup ran and jumped onto his dad. “Francis I knew I could count on you” an elder dog said “Francis?” the Spirit narrowed his eyes at the dog “What? What kind of a name is Spirit anyway?”
