The Blank Flank Adventurer

Chapters

Government Ponies
Point of No Return
A trap, what could go wrong?
Mending Wings
Reunion
Nothing to Fear
Still Afraid
Dashing to Conclusions
All is well that ends well
Where Your Loyalties Lie

Government Ponies

The Blank Flank Adventurer
Chapter 1: Government Ponies

It was a quiet evening in the small village of Ponyville. The streets were practically empty, save for a lone pony. Dream Feather did not know enough about the quaint town to consider his solitude particularly strange. There was one thing out of place enough to catch his attention, a poster that had been pinned to every post and wall he could see.

Missing? Element? Celestia?

His thoughts were a jumbled mess as he quickly scanned the nearest poster. Even though he had not expected to give it a second glance, he was quickly drawn in by the questions that raced through his mind.

How could a pony ever go missing? I've lost track of objects before, but a pony? Much less any pony of importance to Celestia?
And, why do I feel like I've met this pony before?

The pony pictured at top of the poster stared at him with magenta eyes that seem to shine with confidence and pride. Her distinctive rainbow colored mane made his mind race with glimpses of a forgotten memory. He read the poster much more closely this time.

'Rainbow Dash
Female Pegasus
Leader of the weatherteam of Ponyville and holder of the Element of Loyalty
The pegasus Rainbow Dash has gone missing and Celestia has called for all ponies to report any relevant information to Twilight Sparkle at the Ponyville Library'

Element of Loyalty? Is that some sort of government office I have not heard of? It seems mighty strange for somepony out here to be of such rank. And why can't I remember where I've seen her before?

The pony sat down in front of the sign and pondered, having completely forgotten about his original reason for visiting Ponyville. He was still trying to remember where and when he had seen this pony before when his thoughts where interrupted by a low voice.

“What do you know about this pony my good friend?“

Of course this startled him, but at the same time he felt a wave of calm rushing through his body. He suddenly felt very safe and peaceful. This pony had to be his friend, how else could he or she make him feel so secure?

“I don't think it's a very interesting tale, but if you want to hear it...“

Dream Feather became lost in his memories, his voice becoming monotone, “It was two years ago, I was working on my latest piece of literature.“

I was close to completing the most important part of my book, the foreword. No one can write a good book without a foreword. But my focus was disturbed by a burst of noise as the door to my house was forced open, almost falling off its hinges.

I slowly turned myself toward the entrance of my house. There were a good number of things I had expected, but, I must admit, the thing my eyes finally rested upon was certainly not one of them. The source of the disturbance was another pony, but she looked very strange to me. Her mane and tail were strangely colorful and her coat was a light blue.

“Ugh, not again...“

The pegasus picked herself up, seemingly not caring that she had just crashed through my door. She started to take in her new surroundings and ended up focusing on the only interesting object in the whole room; the machine I had been writing with.

I was rather confused by these events to say the least. No pony wakes up in the morning and expects somepony to literally fly into their house. I tried to use my diplomatic skills to find out the cause of this sudden intrusion.

“Hello?“

I fell silent. To be honest, I was never the best at starting conversations with ponies that had crashed into my house.

The cyan pony turned towards me and gave a sheepish grin as she seemed to finally notice the owner of the building she had just entered.

“Oh, hey... Sorry about that! This kind of stuff happens when you practice as much as I do.“

The blue pony turned her head away from me and resumed her inspection of my typewriter.

At this point I had managed to overcome some of my confusion and remembered that I should be quite upset about this intrusion.

“I think you owe me a name. And... practicing what exactly? Crash--“

“My flying skills! How else will I become the fastest flyer in all of Equestria? I'm Rainbow Dash, the only pony to pull off a sonic rainboom!“

This pony seemed oddly self assured considering she had crashed into my house a moment ago. I briefly wondered if she had taken some damage to her head.

I found myself lacking an appropriate response to her declaration. So I just mumbled something in hopes that she would know where to take the conversation. “I have no idea what a sonic rainboom is, but I'll just assume that it's some special type of crash.“

Why I had to pick something offensive to mumble, I have no idea. It was definitely a bad choice.

“Says the pony sitting in a house with just a strange metal thingie. I'd challenge you to a race to show you how good I am, but you don't look very fast. Have you even used those wings before?“

Even though she just said I wasn't worth racing, she still flexed her wings and gave me a strange look. Did she expect me to dispute her claim or something?

“I...um sorry? And for your information, this 'thingie' is a typewriter. It allows me to write for long periods of time without straining myself.“

I tried to change the subject and slowly took a step backwards. I also gave a comforting grin. More to comfort myself than Rainbow Dash.

But don't be mistaken, even though I was wary of her short temper, I also was drawn in and intrigued by her. Her words were rough and prideful, but she was at least nice enough to simply insult me in response to my own mean comment, rather than assault me. Her mane and tail also fascinated me, as have never seen such strange coloration before.

She looked at me like I had just burst into song or something. I couldn't help but wonder how many of my conflicting emotions were showing on my face. Probably far too many.

“You are one weird pony. You still haven't told me your name, you know? And why would a pegasus ever want to write for a long time? This 'typewriter' thing seems pretty silly to me.“

She seemed uncertain of the word. Not surprising, considering typewriters are not commonly used technology in Equestria. I had to have mine imported.

“It's for writing books! I am an author, and I going to become famous for my work.“

I pulled myself together and stood proud as I spoke. I probably looked a bit like she did when she was boasting of her flying skills. I managed to refrain from mentioning that I thought writing was much more worthy of such an attitude then simply flying fast.

"I don't care much about books, but I've never heard of a famous author that wasn't a unicorn."

The rainbow maned pony seemed to be getting bored of just standing around and started to flap her wings to prepare them for more flying.

I kept my calm and gave a soft grin as it seemed my self control had brought the conversation back from the edge of disaster.

“Which is why I have this typewriter. It creates the letters for me, all I have to do is put pressure on the correct metal plate.“

Rainbow Dash just gave an overexaggerated nod. It was obvious that she was reaching the end of her attention span.

“Yeah that's cool I guess. Well I better get back to flying, can't let my body fall asleep. But you really shouldn't be sitting here all day. You should get out there and use those wings! If you keep wasting away in here, you're gonna become a bookworm.“

She giggled at the thought of bookworms, she must have considered books a complete waste of time.

I did not giggle. I didn't even grin. I glared at her, “It certainly can't be a worse waste of time then fl-- I mean crashing all day!“

I could not understand why she would care about her wings so much. Were they really such an important part of her life?

“Hey! I was just trying to warn you about wasting your time. Unicorns can learn magic from books, but what can you do with them? You're a pegasus! You should get out there and work on getting that cutie mark. I didn't get mine by sitting in a house all day!.“

She spoke quite passionately on the subject. She seemed to truly believe that she was giving good advice. I should have seen that she meant no offense to me.

Sadly, I wasn't very good at understanding other ponies back then.

“Close the door, from the outside, and do not bother me again!“

I barely heard her give a quick “Bye“ before leaving. I didn't care. All I did was sit down and continue writing. It was a slow and painful process, made even worse by my anger, but there was nothing else for me to do.

“Adventures are not to be had, but to be written...“ I said out loud, forcing myself to believe it.

She never did bother me again.

When Dream Feather came back to his senses he was still staring at the poster. He was sitting there all alone.

Why did I just recite that memory out loud? I thought there was somepony here who asked me about it.... But that would be really silly. Why would anypony care to know about this, and why would I tell them if they did?

And now that I remember her, I can't help but wonder about what happened to that girl. She was the strangest pony I have ever met, but she did not seem the government type. She was so focused on becoming a great flyer. How did she end up becoming an Element, whatever that is? Will I ever become as important with my writing?

"Writing..." He looked back at his flank and gave a quiet sigh. He softly whispered to himself, "Maybe she had a point. For most of my life I've been writing these stories no one wants to read. Rainbow Dash, on the other hoof, is important enough to have Celestia looking for her. But what is this Element of Loyalty? I want to figure this out, no matter what."

He took another look at the poster and quickly found what he was looking for, the contact information "Report any relevant information to Twilight Sparkle at the Ponyville Library."

A library? That's a strange place to house a representative of Celestia. Was there really nowhere more appropriate in this town?

It was not Dream Feather's first time in Ponyville. He usually came here to buy any supplies he needed. Ponyville was less crowded than Cloudsdale, which made it easier for him to keep his distance from other ponies. However, this lack of interaction also meant that he had learned very little about the village itself. As such he had not heard about the Elements of Harmony or the ponies which represented them.

He made his way to the library, which didn't take long. Wings had their uses after all, though he still couldn't understand why Rainbow Dash had been so obsessed with them. The library was easy to find, a building made out of a living tree is pretty hard to miss. Knocking on the door, his thoughts wandered once more to the odd housing choice.

"Why a library? Did they need reference materials to help them find Rainbow Dash? Or maybe she went missing near here and they hoped to find clues? And that name 'Twilight Sparkle,' I'm sure I've heard it before..."

Before he could give it much thought, the door opened and he was greeted by a purple unicorn. Her mane was disheveled and she looked rather stressed.

She seemed to brighten up quickly. Whether to hide her worries or because she hoped for good news he did not know. "Hello there. I'm afraid the library is closed."

The mare paused for a moment.

"Or are you here to share some information about Rainbow Dash?"

Dream Feather cringed a little as he saw the purple unicorn's eyes shine with hope. He took a small step backwards, because he felt uncomfortable.

"I'm sorry, but no. I just saw the poster and decided to come here...“ Dream Feather paused and tried to think of what to say next. But the only thing he could think about was the fact that he should have planned out what he would say before knocking on the door, not after.

Before he could find more words, Twilight had found her own and gave a questioning stare.

“You don't have any information on Rainbow Dash, but you came here after seeing the poster. Why would you do that? Do you know her?“

Dream Feather suddenly felt very silly as he thought about the reason for his being here.

“No. Well, not really. I came here to find out more about this Rainbow Dash and The Element of Loyalty. My name is Dream Feather. Are you Twilight Sparkle?"

He hoped this pony would not be too upset about his curiosity getting the better of him.

His secret hopes went unanswered. The mare's body language changed in an instant. She took a step forward and looked down at him as she raised her head high.

“You see news that somepony has gone missing and the first thing you do is disturb the ponies who are doing everything they can to find her? Either you are the most curious pony ever, or the most inconsiderate! Either way you don't seem like the kind of pony I would want to share important information with.“ The unicorn lectured, practically shouting as she glared at Dream Feather. Her frustration at her search's lack of success was obvious in her voice.

Dream Feather took another few steps back and was stuttering as he desperately searched for the correct words. "I—I am sorry, I just thought-- Well I'm a writer and as such thought there might be an interesting story in all this...“

He trailed off and tried to give a comforting smile. It was meant to comfort himself rather than Twilight. Old habits die hard.

Twilight did not seem to care for that particular smile at all.

“Oh great! A pony who wishes to write his little news story on the disappearance of Rainbow Dash. You should have told me that earlier, now I am so ready to tell you everything.“ She growled sarcastically at him.

“N-No! Not for a news story...“ Dream Feather tried to make himself understood, “I am a writer of ponyfiction and I love mysteries and government affairs! I wanted to find out more about the government branch called 'The Element of Loyalty' or whatever that is. I wanted to see why somepony so important to Celestia was placed in such a small village.“

He blurted his words out as quickly as he could. He really did not want to be interrupted by this agitated pony.

“Surely the oddest government pony I have ever met... Not that I've met many government ponies.“
He thought to himself as he tried to understand how had he managed to get caught in this situation.

The purple pony gave him a scrutinizing look, but she finally seemed to calm down a little.

“You are certainly not from around here.“

She stopped examining him and finally took a step back as she spoke in a softer tone, “That still doesn't excuse the fact that you were being very inconsiderate, but I'll let it slide for now. Come in. If you could explain yourself better maybe I will answer some of your questions.“

Dream Feather was relieved at this change of attitude. He had been worried about what it would mean if he had upset a government official. He was glad he didn't have to find out.

“Thank you.“ He didn't know what else to say and decided to accept the generous offer.

He followed the mare into the main room of the library. The familiar feelings of joy and comfort he got from being surrounded by books helped him relax for the first time since Twilight had begun with her accusations. So far everything he had seen in this village seemed like smaller, less cloudy counterparts to the same places in Cloudsdale, but this library was very different from rest of Ponyville. He would freely admit that this library held knowledge far beyond his own personal collection. The titles of some of these books implied that they had been written somewhere far away, by a variety of different cultures. He wondered how a village so small had acquired them.

“Dream Feather!“

Dream Feather was startled back into reality. His mind had drifted to distant places and lands as he tried to take in the knowledge that surrounded him.

“Oh! Sorry. There are so many books here that I could not help but wonder where they came from. I doubt a village like this would have need of so many obscure books.“

Twilight gave a soft smile at this remark and nodded understandingly.

“You are correct with that assumption, but the explanation will have to wait for another time. First we have something more important to discuss. You said that you're an author? I've never heard of a book written by Dream Feather or any other pegasus, for that matter.“

She held her smile but it had gained an edge that Dream Feather couldn't identify.

“Well... I use an object called a 'typewriter' to help me write. But I... um I have yet to publish any of my work.“

He gave an awkward smile and nodded at his own explanation, feeling like he had managed it rather well.

“Okay then... You said you came here because you were curious about Rainbow Dash and The Element of Loyalty. What do you know already?“ Twilight inquired. She seemed relieved to have something to distract her from her worrying.

Dream Feather tried his best to think of a response that wouldn't force him to talk about his encounter with Rainbow Dash. He wasn't really proud of the things he had said in that meeting.

“Well... nothing? At least nothing worth talking about to anypony I know or do not know, at all.“

He looked towards one of the bookcases and tried to act like he was totally calm. Based on Twilight's reaction, Dream Feather could tell that he had not succeeded.

“I don't know why you're so against telling me. It's like you're trying to hide something. Something which would upset me if you told me--“

"I am not!“ Dream Feather yelled out, feeling upset at her admittedly justified suspicion. It only took him a moment to remember that he was talking to a government official. He tried to calm down and bring back his smile.

“I mean... I'm not hiding anything. I just don't feel like telling some pony I hardly know about my life.“

His earlier outrage only served to make Twilight more suspicious of him. Dream Feather was unable to think of a way to alleviate her doubts. He was too distracted worrying about what it meant to be under suspicion from a pony working for Celestia. If this pony thought he had something to do with the disappearance of Rainbow Dash, it would definitely be an unpleasant experience.

“You really shouldn't interrupt ponies like that.“ The purple pony moved over to the door and closed it, sealing off Dream Feather's only hope of escape. “All I wanted to know was if you were hiding anything that might help me find Rainbow Dash. Now it seems like you're panicking and ready to run. For Rainbow Dash's sake I cannot let you go now. Not unless you tell me everything you know about her.“

The disappearance of her friend had taken a toll on Twilight. The stress and frustration had built to the point that she was willing to do whatever it took to uncover some clue or lead. Her tone of voice told Dream Feather everything he needed to know. He wasn't getting out of here without explaining his encounter with the missing pegasus pony.

Before Dream Feather could respond a new voice cut in, "Twilight, what are you doing? I know you're upset, but don't you think you are overreacting a little here? Rainbow Dash knows how to take care of herself. I doubt any pony as timid as this guy had something to do with her going missing."

The calming voice came from a baby dragon that Dream Feather had somehow missed in his inspection of the room.

"Do you really think anypony who managed to steal away Rainbow Dash would be stupid enough to come here and start asking questions about her?" The dragon continued his attempts at reasoning with the stressed mare. Dream Feather was not sure why this dragon seemed to be on his side. The only explanation he could think of was that the dragon was just worried about Twilight and did not want her to do something she would regret at a later time.

Twilight thought about the dragon's words for a moment before opening her muzzle to respond, but before she could state her conclusion the door behind her opened with such force that it sent the purple unicorn flying. An orange colored earth pony stood in the doorway.

"Sorry sugarcube, had no idea you were hugging the door. There's been news about RD, but we can't waste time sitting around here. I'll explain everything on the way, come on!" The pony rushed her explanation out so quickly that nopony else had time to interrupt her. Dream Feather quietly wished he had as much determination as this mare seemed to possess, though he was quite glad he didn't have her strong country accent.

The pony was so centered on saving Rainbow Dash that she either did not notice Dream Feather or did not think there was enough time to introduce herself.

Twilight rose to her hooves, shaking away the sudden impact, "We should get going then. Spike watch Dream Feather until I get back! I still have some questions for him.“

With that Twilight and the earth pony took off, leaving behind a confused pony and a worried dragon.

“Wait! What if you girls need my help? And how am I supposed to stop a pegasus from leaving?“ Spike shouted after the mares as they grew more distant.

Only one thing was sure to Dream Feather, "This is not how government ponies are meant to behave. Not at all."

Point of No Return

Dream Feather turned to face Spike and frowned, "Dare I ask what just happened?"

Spike was deep in his thoughts and continued to stare at the door. His concern for Twilight and her friends was quite apparent.

After a short while he turned toward the brown pegasus and spoke quietly, “I'm sorry about all this. This is not how Twilight usually acts, but with everything that's happened lately she's been really stressed.“

Dream Feather couldn't help but flinch when he heard the bitter sorrow in Spike's voice. He could not figure out why Rainbow Dash's disappearance was having such an extreme impact. Obviously a missing pony was a big deal, especially a pony as important as Rainbow Dash apparently was. And such a disappearance would definitely affect those closest to her, but their reactions seemed disproportionate. They were treating this like it was an abduction or a murder instead a disappearance.

“If you don't mind me asking so bluntly, how exactly did Rainbow Dash disappear?“

Spike was fairly certain that Twilight wouldn't want him to share any details with this strange pony. But Twilight wasn't exactly in her clearest state of mind at the moment. And this Dream Feather didn't seem even the slightest bit dangerous.

“Well it was more than her just disappearing. It was closer to a foalnapping or something. Let me explain.“

Dream Feather nodded, eager to finally get the information he sought.

“It happened during her daily flight practice. She was giving some pointers to a younger pegasus when she was struck by a lightining bolt out of nowhere! There wasn't a cloud in the sky. Anyway, the filly she was helping rushed to the library and told Twilight that Rainbow Dash fell into the Everfree Forest.“

“The Everfree Forest? As in the same forest that is filled with dangerous monsters?“ asked Dream Feather. He shuddered and was suddenly very glad that it was not his job to find Rainbow Dash.

“Yes. That's why Twilight and the others went to find Rainbow as soon as they found out. They found where she crashed down, but there was no sign of her. Of course they searched for her for as long as they could, but the Everfree is not the kind of place you want to wander around at night.“

Now everypony's attitude made much more sense to Dream Feather. Their friend had been attacked by something or somepony. No wonder Twilight Sparkle had seemed so frantic and stressed.

“Well, I'm sure Rainbow Dash is fine. She's one of the strongest ponies I know.“ Spike said, obviously feigning confidence in an attempt to reassure himself.

Dream Feather gave his comforting smile once again, but this time it wasn't for his own benefit, “I am sure your faith in her is well placed. But, what is it exactly that has given you such confidence in her safety?“

“Rainbow Dash isn't gonna let anypony push her around. She'll never stop fighting or give up. And she's one of the Elements of Harmony!“

“Why would she be safer if she was an Element of H---“
Dream Feather's jaw suddenly dropped as his mind puzzled together what the dragon said.
“The Elements of Harmony? As in, the Elements of Harmony from the stories?“

“Well, yeah. Have you been living under a rock for the past two years? The Elements have saved Equestria from a bunch of awful stuff. Don't you remember when Discord came back? Everything was going crazy! How did you miss all of that?“

Dream Feather was stupefied. He knew that he didn't get out much, but he never thought he was this out of touch with current events. “So... Princess Celestia has been using the Elements of Harmony to keep us safe from an assortment of terrible threats? But... what does that have to do with Rainbow Dash? Why is she called the Element of Loyalty?"

“Wow, you really have been living under a rock. Well, you at least know that Nightmare Moon came back two years ago right?“ Spike said, wondering if anypony could really be so out of the loop.

“I heard something about that...“

“It's a long story, but all you really need to know is that Twilight and her friends wielded the Elements and turned Nightmare Moon back into Princess Luna. Now some ponies refer to them by the Elements they represent.“

Even though it all seemed very simple to Spike, Dream Feather was obviously having problems processing the deluge of information.

“What do you mean 'the Elements they represent?'“

Spike sighed, obviously tired of explaining the same thing over again, “During the fight, Nightmare Moon broke the stones which contained the Elements of Harmony. But this didn't destroy the Elements themselves. Twilight said that the Elements can't actually be destroyed since they exist inside ponies, or something like that. Anyway, the pony that best exem- uh exempli... exempalfed?“

“Exemplified?“ Dream Feather suggested.

“Yeah that's it! The pony that best exemplified each Element became that Element's wielder. So Rainbow Dash, the most loyal of ponies, became the bearer of the Element of Loyalty.“ Spike's excitement at finding the correct word faded. His own mention of Rainbow Dash had brought back his concerns. “And that's why her disappearance is such a big deal. The Elements are very important to all of Equestria. If any of them are missing, the rest won't work right.“

Dream Feather figured out what Spike was hinting at and couldn't stop himself from voicing his realization, “So whoever abducted Rainbow Dash probably intends to sabotage the Elements of Harmony...“ Dream Feather felt his throat tighten as his mind came to an uncomfortable conclusion. “Which means that they would want at least one of the ponies essential to their use dead.“

He immediately regretted speaking his thoughts aloud, as he remembered Spike's earlier display of false confidence.

However, Spike did not react at all as Dream Feather had feared he might. Spike looked rather hopeful, almost as if Dream Feather had just stated a positive fact.

“Maybe not...“

Dream Feather's confusion was apparent.

“If the Elements can't be destroyed, then killing their current wielders would just allow somepony else to use them. The new bearer could be anywhere. If whoever is behind this wants the Elements to be unusable, then they will have to keep Rainbow Dash seperate from the others. Without killing her.“

Spike seemed certain about this and Dream Feather was not about to argue with him. Even if he was worried about the next phase in this villain's plan. He doubted anypony would go through this much trouble to capture one of the Elements and then have no idea what to do next.

It was then that his mind suddenly recalled the earlier conversation he had, the one which sparked his curiosity about Rainbow Dash in the first place.

Almost like that strange pony wanted me to come here and find out more about Rainbow Dash... But why? Have they been listening to us this whole time? But what would they gain doing so? If they are the one behind the disappearance then I doubt that any of this information is new to them.

He was pulled from his thoughts when he spied a glimpse of something moving up the stairs. He started forward, his gaze focused on the staircase.

Spike was very confused by his sudden movements. Dream Feather was walking right past him, heading for the stairs that led to Twilight's room. Dream Feather's abrupt actions and single minded focus worried Spike, but he did his best to keep calm and find out what was happening, “Dream Feather, are you alright? You can't just walk off like that, I'm supposed to be watching over you afterall. Twilight wasn't her normal self earlier, but that doesn't mean that I can let you go wherever you want.“

But Dream Feather seemed very focused on whatever had grabbed his attention. He only stopped once he had reached the stairs themselves. He turned towards Spike and shook his head a bit, as if trying to wake himself up.

“I am sorry to have worried you, but I thought I saw something here on the staircase. Is there somepony else here? Or does Twilight keep a pet perhaps? I could swear that I saw something moving.“ The pegasus spoke speculatively, as he glanced up the stairs again before deciding it was probably not his place to be starting a commotion like this. He had expected Spike to respond to him by now. When he turned back towards the entrance hall he found himself rather confused by the lack of a certain young dragon.

“Spike?“

Suddenly Dream Feather felt a sharp pain ripping through his body. Followed by a more familiar pain as his head hit the floor. His vision darkened as the room around him seemed to shift, growing more distant as his conciousness faded.

All he knew was darkness. A void deprived of sound and light.
Then his mind was pulled back into the waking world by a sharp pain. Dream Feather felt terrible, like he had been trampled by a stampede of cows. His thoughts were clouded with exhaustion and pain.

“-do to Spike? Talk or I'll take your wings off!“

He heard shouting, but he was still too out of it to make any sense of the words. Somepony was obviously very upset.

“Calm down sugarcube! He isn't understandin' a word of what you're saying. Let him get his bearings straight before you go interrogatin' him.“ He heard another voice as he slowly came to his senses. He was awake enough now to feel the full force of the pain his body was in. A loud yelp tore out of his throat. The pain was far beyond any amount he was used to experiencing.

Finally thinking somewhat clearly, he began to register his surroundings. He was still in the library, but now he was encircled by five ponies. They were all staring at him and Dream Feather was growing more nervous with each passing second. Before he could speak he found himself pressed against the floor of the library by magical force. The same magic lifted his head, forcing him to look directly at Twilight Sparkle.

“He's aware enough! I want you to tell me precisely what happened to Spike while I was away!“ Her voice was raised in anger, sounding even louder in the silence of the library. The magical force holding him in place squeezed tightly, as if she was trying to wring the answers from his body.

The oppressive grasp only succeeded in prying a pained whine from Dream Feather. He decided it would be in his best interests to speak, but his mind felt empty. He searched his memory and found a sudden cascade of images flooding his senses. He spoke aloud as he pieced together his recollection. He was so desperate to answer the livid unicorn that he didn't even consider reviewing these newly recalled moments before announcing them to the assembly, “I... I do not remember completely. There was something in here, in the library. On the stairs. Then... I attacked Spike?“

Twilight growled angrily and the magical bonds tightened further. The ensnared pegasus felt like he was being crushed to death in her telekinetic grip.

Suddenly the pressure was gone. A white unicorn was standing before him, an incredulous look on her face. He could see a bright pink earth pony holding onto Twilight. Whether the strange hug was meant to calm Twilight down or simply break her concentration he could not say, but he was grateful none the less.

“You do not seem to have a good understanding of the situation you're in. Why would you admit to attacking Spike? Maybe you should take some time to think before you speak. Your careless choice of words is only making you look worse.“ The white coated mare seemed to believe that he was slow, but at least she was being reasonable.

Dream Feather was so confused by his own memories that he couldn't even begin to defend himself or his actions, if indeed he had taken any such actions. Perhaps he could make them understand how little he understood if he took this unicorn's advice and chose his words more carefully.

“I don't know why... I mean, I did not attack him! Or at least I don't have any reason to have done such a thing. But my memories... Well, I can remember attacking him, but it's all wrong. There was this shadowy figure... Please believe me when I say that I did not attack Spike of my own will!“ Dream Feather's attempts at a clear explanation fell apart. His mind was besieged with grisly scenes of terrible violence. Crimes he would never commit, and yet his own memory seemed to claim otherwise. He could hardly think with such horrifying memories crowding his mind.

“I believe that he is, or at least was, working for this 'shadowy figure'! He claims that he didn't attack Spike of his own will, but it sounds like he's just making excuses. Maybe his partner left him to take the blame once he had Spike?" Twilight's accusations would have bothered him a lot more, but they had served to draw his thoughts away from that awful imagery. Twilight turned away from the other mares and questioned him directly, “Did this shadowy figure also force you to come here and make all those inquiries about Rainbow Dash?“

The pink earth pony that he noticed before approached him now. Her cheery disposition seemed to brighten up the room, even if she was the only one wearing a smile.

“Come on Twilight, there's no need for all this meanness. I know we're all upset, but we're not going to get anything done if we're busy playing the blame game. Maybe it'd be easier for this gloomy pony to answer if he didn't feel like we were gonna bite his head off. Ooh! Or he could try explaining everything with a song!“

Dream Feather was bewildered. He dealt with a lot of strange things today, but this pink pony definitely took the cake. Well, right after those strange, hopefully fake, memories anyway.

“Song? What kind of pony would explain something through song?“ In spite of his bafflement, he found himself liking the energetic earth pony. Her bright attitude and nonsensical statements had served to break a lot of the tension he was feeling. Still, he rushed to answer Twilight's question before this strange pony could attempt to demonstrate her suggestion.

“Well... I did come here of my own free will, yes. But when I did I had no idea this all was so serious. I thought Rainbow Dash had simply gotten lost or something. I didn't have a clue about how a government pony could have gone missing. I was just too curious and...“

Dream Feather tried to remember why he had been so curious and why that curiosity had driven him to the library. He wasn't the type of pony who often sought out interaction with others. His eyes grew wide as he pieced together the chain of events that led him to this moment in time.

This cannot be... Whoever asked me about Rainbow Dash on that street, he or she set me up to be here while Spike would otherwise be alone. But that means that they knew Twilight would be gone...

An uneasy atmosphere filled the room. The mares warily watched the wide eyed stallion, waiting for whatever thought had interrupted his explanation.

“Wait, I thought you had a lead on Rainbow Dash's location. What happened to that?“ He heard an upset noise come from Twilight's direction. The other ponies didn't look pleased that this suspicious pony had stopped his own defense in order to request more information from them.

The yellow pegasus was the only one willing to answer his question. Though she spoke so quietly that he almost missed it, “I noticed Rainbow Dash at the edge of the Everfree Forest today, but when I called out to her she walked away into the forest. I knew there must have been something wrong, she'd never just leave her friends behind like that. I couldn't follow her alone though. What if my friends thought I'd gone missing too?“

The pegasus mare was hanging back behind the other ponies, almost like she was trying to hide. Dream Feather didn't need to see her face to know that she was very hurt by Rainbow Dash's strange reaction.

“Fluttershy called us all together and we searched the forest for Rainbow Dash. We had to stop after a few hours though. The Everfree Forest is just too dangerous to stay in for a long time and finding somepony in there is nearly impossible. Especially if they don't want to be found. We still don't know what's going on with Rainbow Dash, but we have to assume that her earlier appearance was meant as a distraction.“ Twilight finished the story for the shy pegasus.

Dream Feather was still trying to piece together the whole sequence of events, but he was sure he understood the basics now. For whatever reason, whether it was her own choice or not, Rainbow Dash wasn't going to be joining her friends.

But I thought she was the Element of Loyalty, I cannot believe it would be so easy to twist her against her own friends.

However there was one thing that was even more confusing to him than the ease with which Rainbow Dash was turned away from her friends.

“Why is Spike so importa-“ Dream Feather was glad he caught himself before finishing that sentence. He had no doubt that his original word choice would have displeased Twilight. He put a little more thought into his word placement and began again, “I mean, what importance does Spike bear to whoever is doing this? Wouldn't it make more sense to capture another Element?“

All the ponies frowned at this and turned their heads toward Twilight. She did her best to make Dream Feather and the others understand why her assistant was so important.

“Because he is our direct connection to Celestia. It would take far too long to contact Celestia without magic. Even longer without Rainbow Dash or another fast flyer to carry the message. Not to mention the obvious danger involved in traveling to Canterlot while some mystery pony is preparing a trap“

It was at that moment that Dream Feather finally began to grasp his situation. He had been dragged into an adventure against his will. A very dangerous adventure, with a mysterious and powerful villain. Even worse, the other ponies saw him a suspect. After what happened with Spike, there was no way Twilight was going to just let him go home.

“Well, it must be somepony who knows all of you very well. Otherwise he wouldn't be able to plan all of this ahead of time.“ Dream Feather suggested. He hoped that being of some help would convince these ponies that he had no evil intentions.

Twilight gave him a dubious look, as if trying to figure what he was hoping to accomplish by helping them, “There is some truth to that, but I doubt it would be some pony from Ponyville. Whoever is doing this may have taken the time to study us before making their move. I don't think it really matters at the moment. Right now we need to do something, because I am not leaving Rainbow Dash and Spike in bad hooves.“

All the other mares nodded, determination shining in their eyes.

The white unicorn gestured towards Dream Feather and said, “What should we do with this pony then? Let him go home and-“

“No!“ Twilight's sudden shout definitely grabbed everypony's attention. “We are not letting him out of our sight. He's partly responsible for what happened, whether he intended it or not. We can't let him go until we know that he won't be hurting anypony else.“

“But Twilight, I really can't see how he could harm anypony. Anyway, if we drag him with us he might get in our way or end up gettin' himself hurt.“ The orange pony replied to Twilight. The other mares seemed to agree with her assessment. However, Twilight remained unconvinced.

“Well, I am not going to let him go free just because none of you think he is a threat. The least dangerous looking creatures can be some of the most horrifying! Don't you remember the parasprites? They didn't look very threatening either. No, we are going to keep him close. And if none of you are willing to keep an eye on him, then I'll just have to do it myself.“

It was obvious that the others still didn't agree with her, but they knew better than to not take their friend's concerns seriously.

“Anyway, Princess Celestia should be told about Spike's disappearance, but we'll have to deliver the message ourselves. But if we take the time to go to Canterlot, then we'll be leaving Rainbow and Spike in this pony's hooves for almost a whole day. I don't know what we should do, but no matter what we decide we'll have to wait until tomorrow. It's too late to get started now. We're going to need to be prepared for whatever course of action we take. And that means being well rested.“ With how tired everypony looked this seemed like a good decision to Dream Feather. Twilight continued, “Dream Feather will stay here with me. And Fluttershy I want you to stay here tonight too. I really don't think it's a good idea to have you so far away from everypony else at a time like this.“

Twilight had shifted to a calmer tone as she fell back into the leadership position she had taken on quite often in the past. Dream Feather had to admit to himself that she was obviously well suited to the role. He just wished that he could get her to trust him.

If the pony behind these disappearances knows as much about Twilight and her friends as I think they do, then they must know that this is how they will react. If that's the case then Twilight is playing right into whatever plan they have set up. She seems like a good leader, but her mistrust towards me is blinding her. Is this why that mysterious pony dragged me into this? To distract them?“

The yellow pegasus that Twilight had called Fluttershy seemed uncertain of Twilight's plan. She objected, her voice barely louder than before, “I- Uhmm... my animals, I can't leave them alone Twilight. We've been searching for Rainbow Dash all day. What if one of them needs my help?“

“I can stay with you Fluttershy! We can throw a party for all your animal friends! It'll be super duper fantabulous!“ The pink pony who had acted so strangely earlier was still acting just as strangely. Dream Feather didn't really understand her thought process. If they needed to rest up for tomorrow then there's no way they'd have the time or energy to throw a party.

“Fine then, Pinkie will stay with Fluttershy and I'll look over Dream Feather on my own. Now you should all get home before it gets too dark. Everypony make sure to come back here tomorrow as early as possible so we can plan out the best course of action.“ Twilight was obviously running out of patience. She didn't really look forward to being alone with the awkward, potentially dangerous pegasus, but she had no energy left to argue the point.

The other mares left after everypony bid each other a good night. But Twilight wasn't planning on sleeping just yet. She still wanted some answers from Dream Feather. He had gotten distracted by a pile of books while the others were saying their goodbyes. She approached him cautiously, worried that he might just be capable of the level of violence she had accused him of earlier.

“Just so you know, I don't care how innocent you say you are. I'm going to be keeping an eye on you until I have proof that you had nothing to do with any of this. Mind explaining what you were doing before Spike was foalnapped?“ The tone of her voice made it apparent to Dream Feather that she didn't really care whether or not he minded. But it was the pain that she exuded when she spoke of Spike that forced him to try and warn her about the mistakes she was making.

“We were talking about Rainbow Dash and what had happened to her. From what I've heard, I believe that whoever is behind this lured me here to serve as distraction. In fact, I believe that he is playing you to break your group of friends apart.“ He had intended to explain his findings calmly, but found that his irritation at the lot he had been cast with tinged his words.

Twilight was stunned. She saw no reason why this pony would be speaking so bluntly to her. His tone stated clearly that he expected her to mistrust him no matter what he said.

“Well... I think that you're working with this pony. And now you're trying to win my trust. You claim that this pony controlled you and made you attack Spike?“ Despite the harshness of her words, she seemed much calmer than before.

“That is what I remember. Or at least, the only explanation I can come up with based on what I remember. Honestly, I believe that this pony must have some great talent with magic to be able to do all of this. Are there such things as mind or memory alteration spells?“ Dream Feather had given up on being discreet. If this pony was going to take any word he said as some proof of his wrongdoings then he could only hope to at least give her a clue of what to look out for.

“Yes, there are a few spells like that. I've never met anypony who was really proficient in their use however. I know one or two of them myself, but misuse of those spells can get you in serious trouble. Do you think that whoever is behind this might have used such a spell on Rainbow Dash?“

To Dream Feather's surprise Twilight seemed to be opening up a little. Strangely, it seemed that she responded better to him saying exactly what he was thinking, instead of trying to say what he thought she wanted to hear. Maybe he had caused all this suspicion towards himself with a simple miscommunication. That white unicorn, that he had heard addressed by the others as Rarity, was right. His careless choice of words was causing him no end of trouble. If only all those years of writing could translate to skill at social interaction.

Maybe she finally sees that I am trying to help her. That I wouldn't bother doing such a thing if I meant harm to her or her friends... or maybe she is just lacking something better to do at the moment.

“I wouldn't know. I honestly have very little knowledge about magic or how it can be applied. I just know that I am not an evil pony and that I would never have harmed Spike if I was in control of myself.“

Twilight gave a soft smile and looked outside at the stars. She spoke in a calm, quiet tone of voice, something he had yet to hear much of from her. “I don't trust you Dream Feather, we both know that. But if you can help us figure this out and find whoever is behind this, I will be in your debt. I'll make sure you aren't charged with any crimes and that nopony views you poorly because of the things that this pony has forced you to do against your will. That is, if you are telling the truth.“

She seemed to be telling him that as long as he helped them, she would forgive him for what he'd done. While he appreciated the sentiment, it didn't stop him from wishing that she would just let him go back to his quiet house. Away from all this danger and mystery. Writing about adventures, rather than living them.

When she saw that he had become lost in his thoughts, Twilight decided that it as good a time as any to sleep,“I wish you a good night. You can sleep anywhere in this hall. And don't even think about running away in the night. If you run then I'll know you've been lying. And there is nothing in all of Equestria that would stop me from making you pay for hurting my friends.“

With those parting words, she made her way up the stairs and into her bedroom.

Dream Feather sighed and tried to make himself comfortable in one of the room's corners.

Well at least she calmed down a little, I think. She seems to care more about saving her friends than bringing me to justice. Bring me to justice... I still can't believe I would have attacked Spike, even if somepony used magic to make me do it. These hooves have struck blows?

His thoughts trailed off into an uneasy sleep. His mind heavy with worries and guilt.

A trap, what could go wrong?

The Blank Flank Adventurer
Part 3: A trap, what could go wrong?

Light pierced Dream Feather's eyes as he slowly opened them. It took him a moment to remember the events of the previous day, particularly the reason he was sleeping on the floor. He could not help but voice a pained groan as he moved his tired and sore body. Sleeping in an uncomfortable position was the least of his problems, but it was still very unplesant.

"I see you're finally awake. Do you always sleep so long?"

The voice startled him, but he soon recognized it as belonging to the unicorn named Twilight Sparkle. He wasn't used to the company of other ponies, but he had to admit that Twilight was easy to relate to. Even if she was frantic and stressed out. At least she had a good reason to be in a bad mood. He turned towards her and smiled. He was feeling strangely comfortable, though he couldn't fathom why exactly he felt so at ease.

"Hello Twilight." He blushed, "I guess? I don't really know how to respond to such a statement. Has the sun risen yet?"

He could not help but chuckle. Yesterday's worries and fears were gone and he felt like they had never been worth worrying about in the first place. His only concern was that no matter how much he tried he couldn't recall exactly what had happened.

As he continued to struggle with his recollection of yesterday's events, everything around him began to feel fake and wrong.

I've never seen Twilight this... calm. And she's acting like she's knows me, when we've practically just met. And since when do I NOT worry about something? Concentrate and remember Dream Feather. If somepony wants me to forget then that makes it even more important that I remember.

Twilight was so still it was as if she was frozen at a single point in time. The library had suddenly become dead silent and colder than a snowstorm. Dream Feather was no longer feeling comfortable.

After what felt like an eternity, Twilight finally spoke, "I know what you did Dream Feather. And you are going to pay for it with your blood."

Twilight's voice was cold and Dream Feather could not help but take a step backwards. Her smile had faded. It was impossible for Dream Feather to determine her mood from the strange expression she now wore.

This is not real, I mean...it can not possibly be real. Time does not suddenly stop! And nopony could have such a sudden shift in personality.. What is going on? Is this a dream? A vision? Magic?

"I... I'm sorry? Could you tell me what you are referring to?" He asked her with a small stutter in his voice.

His surroundings felt so unreal, yet he could do nothing to fight the terror that was quickly overwhelming him. He glanced out the window, but there was a thick darkness obscuring his vision of the outside world.

"Spike trusted you, and you attacked him like a savage beast. If you feel any regret for your actions, you will accept your punishment." She said in the same frigid tone as before.

Dream Feather desperately clung to the conclusion that this must be some form of nightmare, but logic holds no sway over fear. Before he could overcome his horror enough to respond, Dream Feather noticed that his hooves felt wet. By reflex, he looked down and immediately regretted it. For at his hooves lay Spike's body, with both the corpse and his hooves covered in blood and viscera.

"Bu- I...I did n-" He mumbled and tried to take another step backwards. His unsteady retreat was halted by something cold and hard. Unable to push past his dread enough to search for another angle of escape, Dream Feather instead looked back up at Twilight, who was now coated in shadows.

"Oh yes Dream Feather, you most certainly did. You feel the guilt for your actions. Your memories do not lie. The question is, what will you do to fix this problem? Are you willing to die to set things right? Or will you kill to survive?"

The voice was still emotionless, but Dream Feather was in no condition to notice such things. He had drawn himself up against the ice cold wall behind him and was begging for his life.

"Please! I didn't do anything! I didn't harm him!" He shut his eyes tight, shivering and dreading what was to come.

Silence stretched on for a long time, before he managed to open his eyes again. Unfortunately, he was still trapped in the dark frozen nightmare, but a few things had changed. For one thing, now there was an knife laying on a table next to him. And now Twilight was no longer an imposing figure, instead she was bound and helpless.

Dream Feather was utterly baffled and could only stare at the strange imagery which greeted him. Until the same monotone voice that had previously come from Twilight seemed to echo from every direction at once.

"You or her. Kill or be killed."

The knife lifted into the air, as if by magic, and hovered in front of his mouth with its blade pointed at Twilight. He didn't take the knife, he couldn't. He was still too shocked, too stunned to even consider taking action.

After a very long silence he whispered to the darkness, "I'd rather die than kill..."

The response came, not from the same source as before, but rather from his voice. The words being shaped by his mouth aganst his will, "Are you certain?"

Dream Feather received no opportunity to answer the question, as he saw the blade suddenly spin around and felt an sharp pain in his throat. He tried to scream...

Dream Feather was screaming when he woke up. It took him a moment to realize that the nightmare was over. He was back in the library, but to his relief it was much brighter and warmer than the one from his horrible vision. The room was crowded with the five mares he had met the previous day.

"Are ya sure he's alright? He seems really out of it." The orange pony said, sounding very concerned. Her name was Applejack if his memory was correct.

"It's probably a bad dream brought on by his guilt for his actions. I would say this reaction proves his involvment, but he mentioned the menace of memory and mind manipulation magics yesterday. With that possibility in mind, I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. At least, for now." Twilight responded. Dream Feather was very glad to hear her voice filled with emotion and life.

"Mind manipulation? Such magic is hardly commonplace. However, I do not doubt that whatever villain is behind these events would dare to use them." The other unicorn, Rarity if he wasn't mistaken, was obviously very concerned about the possibility.

The other ponies fell silent. They knew very little about magic, but the thought of somepony being able to alter their memories didn't exactly sound pleasant. Even Pinkie Pie had lost her seemingly ubiquitous smile.

"I have the same worries. Anypony who would attack and foalnap other ponies, isn't likely to flinch away from misusing any magic they have access to. Sadly, we have no way of knowing how powerful this pony is or what the limitations of such spells might be. My own knowledge of the subject is cursory at best and..." Twilight trailed off for a moment and frowned, "And I have no expeditious means of contacting Celestia for more information."

Dream Feather felt quite small and unimportant as he heard all of this. How could he, a simple author, help these ponies fight an evildoer who seemed to have everything planned out?

I am in way over my head. What do I know about adventures and fighting evildoers anyway? How are all those stories I've read supposed to help me deal with the real thing? All I've ever done is read and write about them, but it's not the same...

He was pulled from his thoughts by the sound of Applejack's voice, strong and certain as she made her case, "It's still better than doing nothing! Just talking about how dangerous this evil pony is won't get anything done. We have to go out there and get our friends back!"

Evidently, he had missed part of the conversation while he was absorbed in his own thoughts. Twilight give a sigh as she glanced at her friends. While all of them were obviously anxious to take action, it seemed that some of them did not share Applejack's opinion on what that action should be.

"Well, we can't go running into the Everfree without a plan and expect to find this evildoer. That would be an even bigger waste of time than 'just talking.'" Rarity said, giving Applejack a look that Dream Feather couldn't quite understand. It was like she had expected Applejack to suggest such a thing.

"I agree with Rarity. We are not wasting time Applejack, rather we're making sure we use our time efficiently. We need to discuss what options we have. Anypony with an idea feel free to speak up." Twilight explained, her tone filled with sympathy for Applejack. She wanted to be out there searching as well, but she knew that charging in blindly was a mistake they couldn't afford.

"We should contact Celestia and tell her of recent events." Rarity proposed.

Applejack spoke up immediately, "And tell her what? Going to Celestia would be a big waste of our time. Even if we brought her back here with us, the pony behind this all would just stay hidden away. I say we start tracking them down right now!"

"Applejack, you are not thinking this through! We would be accomplishing nothing, but wasting time if we start wandering around in the Everfree with nothing to go on." Rarity shot back at her.

"Girls! Both of you make good points, but we have to go at this with thought and not emotions. Rarity, what are we going to tell Celestia that she doesn't already know? That Spike is gone and we don't know if we can trust Dream Feather? We could leave Dream Feather under the supervision of the Royal Guard, but that doesn't bring us any closer to finding our friends. And Applejack, if we just search the Everfree on our own without any indication of where we should be looking, we''ll be putting ourselves in danger with little hope of actually finding Spike and Rainbow Dash." Twilight quickly took back control of the conversation. It was obvious she found the argument between her friends exasperating.

If we have no way of finding the villain... then we should make them come to us instead. Some sort of ambush perhaps? That's how the heroes I've read about would do it.

"All of us going to Canterlot would take too long and sending only a few ponies would be like asking for them to get attacked. And if the Everfree is as dangerous as you say, then searching around for somepony that doesn't want to be found would be foalish. So instead of searching for them, we should make them come to us. Lure them to someplace where we'll be prepared to face them." Dream Feather related his thoughts as best as his could, feeling slightly nervous about suggesting anything to the tense ponies.

Twilight was obviously surprised by his idea. She hadn't expected him to contribute to the conversation at all with how silent he'd been.

"A trap? That sounds reasonable. We probably wouldn't be able to track him or her down anyway. What kind of trap do you propose we should use?" Her positive response helped bolster Dream Feather's courage. Maybe this was how he could help?

"Based on what Spike told me, I believe that this pony is targeting the Elements. Waiting until one of you is vulnerable. We can use this knowledge to lure them to us. We could split up into groups and start searching the Everfree, but make sure we have some way of contacting each other. If we can make it look like one of the Elements is alone or something, we should be able to catch them off guard."

A gentle murmur swept through the room as the five mares considered his plan.

Applejack was the first to decide how she felt about the idea, "I'd say that sounds like something a lot more useful than sitting around and doing nothing. I'll even agree to be the bait, if it means we can get RD and Spike back!"

"Yeah! Once we've caught this meany pony, they'll have to tell us where Dashie and Spike are! Then we can throw a super terrific party!" The pink pony bounced arround the room as she spoke. Her rambunctious behavior dispelled the tension that had built up.

Twilight, however was not as easily convinced that such a vague plan would succeed. She spoke words of caution, "Let's not get ahead of ourselves now. This plan might not be a bad idea, but we have to consider everything that could go wrong. If we take action without the proper preparation, we could end up even worse off than we are now."

"I do not approve of this plan at all. You are suggesting that we intentionally place ourselves in exactly the situation that this villain would want. Seperated from our friends in the most dangerous location in Equestria. Twilight is right, too many things could go wrong. It seems to me that the best option we have at the moment is making the trip to Canterlot."

After Rarity had spoken the room fell silent for a moment. Neither Fluttershy nor Twilight had given conclusive statements as to their opinions. Everypony knew Fluttershy was not going to speak up on her own and Twilight had hoped to maintain her neutrality.

"If nopony else has any objection, then it looks like we have decided to go through with this. But this plan needs to be more than just splitting into small groups and hoping for the best. What exactly did you have in mind Dream Feather?"

Dream Feather couldn't hide the surge of excitement and joy that rushed through him. He'd never really had anypony depend on him before. The fact that they were willing to trust him with this task made him happier than he would have expected.

If this plan works then the villain will be caught and my innocence will be proven. I will finally be able to return to my normal life. Everypony will be safe and sound. This plan has to work...

The five mares were staring at him expectantly. There was another part to having somepony rely on you, he realized. The pressure. Suddenly he wasn't feeling so great about having everything depend on his plan.

"Well, I had not really planned this out. I was just throwing the general idea out there. But obviously we need to divide into groups and set some sort of signal for each group." Dream Feather awkwardly concluded.

The other ponies were obviously anticipating a more detailed plan than what he had to offer.

"Alright, if we are going to attempt this then we need much better planning. Dream Feather doesn't know any of us well enough to arrange the groups and choose the signal. So I'll handle all of the specifics, if nopony has any objections." While Twilight spoke she turned towards Dream Feather. Obviously the last part of her statement was directed at him, but he could see no reason why he would want to object. Afterall, he rather disliked being in the spotlight and she was certainly a more adept leader than himself.

With Dream Feather making it apparent that he had no complaints, Twilight continued, "We will form two groups of three ponies each. The first group, which will contain Rarity, Pinkie, and Applejack, will go to Zecora's hut. The second group, which will consist of Fluttershy, Dream Feather, and myself, will search a seperate path that runs parallel to the first group's. Both groups should take the time to investigate any possible leads they notice until the first group reaches Zecora's hut. Once the three of you arrive at Zecora's, Applejack will leave to begin searching on her own while Pinkie and Rarity do their best to keep an eye on her without revealing themselves."

"And if we spot anything unusual, then we somehow contact you?" Rarity questioned.

"Yes, something simple will work best. Make the brightest light you can with your magic. That should be visible to me as long as the first group stays close enough to Applejack. Then I'll teleport the three of us to your location and we'll catch the pony behind all of this off guard. Actually if your light is sudden and intense, you may be able to startle them long enough for Applejack to take care of everything herself. But we won't be relying on that."

Everypony considered the plan silently for a moment.

"Sounds like a good plan to me. All I have to do is play bait for a bit. And once this evil pony shows up, I'll show him what he gets for hurting my friends." Applejack spoke with such passion that Dream Feather could not help but wonder how loyal Rainbow Dash must be, for her to be considered the Element of Loyalty, instead of Applejack.

The walk to the Everfree Forest was not very long. As they got closer to the edge of the forest, Dream Feather couldn't stop thinking about all the tales and horror stories he'd read about the terrifying place. Why had he thought this would be a good location for the ambush?

"Alright, it's time for us to split up. We will search for any clues or leads until the sun starts to set. Everypony should be back here by the time it gets dark. Then we will discuss our findings. That is sadly the best we can do to help our friends. Now everypony remember to stay vigilant, a moment of inattention could have a terrible cost."

The apprehension in Twilight's words was apparent to them all. The other mares did their best to raise her spirits.

"Don't worry Sugarcube, I won't let my guard down for a second."

"Of course Darling."

"There's no need to be so gloomy. We'll have our friends back before you know it!"

"...I'm sure everything will turn out okay."

Dream Feather was too preoccupied by his own fears to pay much attention to the others. "Why does this forest have to look so grim?" He muttered to himself. After noticing that he'd been speaking out loud, he felt incredibly silly. He was the one who proposed this plan in the first place and now he was getting cold hooves because of some creepy forest. Luckily, none of the other ponies heard him or at least they didn't make a big deal out of it if they did.

After seperating into their predetermined groups, the six ponies entered the foreboding forest.

"So... how dangerous is this forest really? How many of the stories are just old mare's tales made to scare young colts and fillies?" Dream Feather couldn't stop himself from asking. He wasn't entirely certain he wanted to hear the answer.

"The Everfree Forest is every bit as dangerous as it is made out to be. Maybe even more so. However, as long as you stay close to us, you should be fine." Twilight reassured with a surprising amount of compassion in her voice.

With Twilight's words alleviating some of Dream Feather's fears, he noticed that Fluttershy seemed to be even more on edge than he was. He was terrified, but at least he knew how to hide and suppress it. Afterall, freaking out would only make things worse. Fluttershy, on the other hoof, seemed to be getting even worse the further they ventured into the Everfree. Twilight's reassurance had proven fairly effective for his worries, maybe if he talked to Fluttershy he could draw her attention away from their dark surroundings?

"Hello. I am Dream Feather, but you probably already know that..." Dream Feather wore his comforting smile, he was certain they could both use a little comfort at this point. He cleared his throat and continued, "I just wanted to learn more about you and the Element you hold. It is not every day I get to meet a hero like you."

"...learn more about me? A hero? I'm not a hero, I'm just... a normal pony." Her response was whispered so gently that Dream Feather could barely make out her words. He wondered how somepony could have such an appropriate name, and also how such a timid pony could be one of the Elements of Harmony. He knew he was very socially awkward, but at least he could talk.

"Alright... But you saved the world with your friends before, right? I mean, I heard Spike talk about Discord and some other things. If you have faced those kinds of threats, then why are you so scared of this forest?" Dream Feather wasn't ready to give up on the conversation just yet. He felt sympathy for this pony who was clearly no more apt to adventure than he was. To his luck the mention of Discord seemed to have grabbed Fluttershy's attention.

"Discord was a big meany. But that's not the same as this... The Everfree Forest isn't dangerous because it's mean. It's dangerous because these animals are very territorial or hungry."

Dream Feather was surprised by Fluttershy's response.

She is very timid, but she's no coward. She just doesn't want any confrontation if she can avoid it. And her insight about the dangers of the forest demonstrates a greater degree of understanding towards the monsters than I would have expected from anypony, let alone one so scared of the Everfree.

"I guess I can understand that. If it's no trouble, could you tell me what Element of Harmony you represent? Your words have only made me more curious." Dream Feather wanted to know more about this gentle pegasus. This was the third pony he'd met who intrigued him so, the other two being Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash. Was it something about the Elements of Harmony that drew his attention? Or were all ponies this interesting and he had simply never spent enough time talking to them to realize it?

"I bear the Element of Kindness. I um... I spend a lot of time caring for the animals around Ponyville... So maybe that's why. I mean... I always try to be nice. I'm really not a hero though, I just want everypony to be safe and happy. I don't want anyone to get hurt." Fluttershy's voice got a little louder as she talked.

"That is a very respectable go-" Dream Feather was interrupted by a brilliant flash of light in the distance.

"That's the signal! Hold still for a moment while I teleport us to Applejack. Be ready for anything."

Dream Feather fell silent and waited for Twilight to work her magic. He couldn't believe that he had gotten so distracted talking to Fluttershy that he'd completely stopped paying attention to his surroundings. What if they had missed an important clue while they were talking?

While he was waiting he glanced over at Fluttershy, she seemed a lot more determined now that her friends were in danger. Dream Feather, however could not shake an uneasy feeling as he thought about everything that might go wrong.

If this forest is so dangerous, what if something else attacks Applejack and forces Rarity to give the signal? Or what if this villain targets some other pony instead of going for the bait? It's not like we can easily see what's happening with all these trees in the way. Actually, now that I think about it... couldn't any unicorn send the signal? There are so many holes in this plan! What was I thinking?

Before he could bring any of his concerns to Twilight's attention, the teleportation spell began. It was over in a flash, a brief moment of weightlessness and then he was somewhere else.

Alone.

The spell worked, but I don't see anypony... This was definitely not a part of the plan.

Dream Feather could feel his panic rising. He had no idea where in the Everfree Forest he was and the fact that nopony else was around did not bode well for him. Strangely, he felt even more concerned about the others than he did about his own predicament.

It is safe to assume that if I'm not where I'm supposed to be, then Twilight and Fluttershy aren't either. Lost alone in the most dangerous place in all Equestria. WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO?!
Why didn't Twilight know this could happen? Why didn't I realize how stupid this plan was sooner?

He heard a noise and immediately dropped prone, hoping that whatever it was wouldn't notice him. After a few minutes of hugging the ground with nothing happening, he had calmed down enough to stand up again.

Ok... cowering in fear certainly never helped anypony. I have to keep my wits about me and try to find the others.

He examined his surroundings in greater detail. It didn't help much. This area of the forest was so densely packed with trees that he couldn't see very far. If only he could get on top of the trees, he'd be able to see so much farther... Dream Feather smacked himself in the face with his hoof. He couldn't believe he had completely forgotten about his wings.

Without wasting another moment he took to the air. For the first time in his life, he felt a deep appreciation and respect for his wings. He'd have to take better care of them from now on.

As he approached the canopy, he noticed the reason why it was perpetually dark in the Everfree Forest. The branches had formed together into a tightly knit barrier of wood. Dream Feather took a moment to doubt his planned course of action. If he tries to break through these branches he might end up severely hurting himself. Or his wings. And then he'd be completely stuck.

Well, I could wait here for the others to find me. Or try navigating the forest by hoof. But with how dangerous it is in here, I'd surely end up with worse wounds than these branches can possibily cause. Or I might become food for some hungry creature... I don't even want to think about that.

With that possiblity pushing him onwards, he steeled himself and flew into the weave of branches. It felt like flying into a brick wall. Dream Feather gave a howl of pain as the strangely sharp pieces of wood seemed to reach out and dig into his soft skin. But it was too late to stop now, his momentum had carried him through several layers of the branches. He continued to struggle against the thorny protrusions and for a brief moment it felt like he was making headway. Then his body refused to continue the fight. He wasn't strong enough. He plummeted back down to the hard forest floor.

Dream Feather's mind was a muddled mess. He lay amongst the strange plants covering the ground for several minutes, as he recuperated from his failure and his fall. Even after he had cleared his thoughts, he continued to lie on the hard ground. He couldn't bring himself to move his hurt and tired body.

I am not supposed to be here. Why did I ever step outside my cloudhouse door? My hooves took me somewhere I never wanted to be... I hope the others are okay. I've managed to ruin everything so far.

His surroundings seemed to fade away as he lay there unmoving. Dream Feather knew that he couldn't just stay like that. He knew that he had to try to escape. That he had to find a way out. He opened his eyes again and looked around.

Okay, I am still alive. If anything wanted me dead I would be at this point... So nothing wants me dead? At least right now. All I have to do is walk far enough in any direction to get out of the forest. Once I'm out of the forest I can find my way back home. Unless I can manage to break through the rest of those branches. That would be much quicker.

He looked up at the branch cover once more and sadly concluded that it would be impossible for him to break them all. He just wasn't strong enough, he couldn't fly fast enough. Simply thinking about it made the many cuts and wounds he had receieved burn, the pain dominating his focus for a moment.

Maybe if I were Rainbow Dash or one of the famous Wonderbolts. But not me... not Dream Feather, I am a pony who's always concentrated on mental strength, not physical. How can all those books I've read help me now? What use is there for all that time spent writing?

He sat back down on the ground and gave a sigh. It didn't matter how much he tried, there was nothing to use as a guide. The sun was almost completely hidden by the tightly woven branches and all of the trees looked the same to him. It wasn't like there were a lot of books on how to survive in the Everfree. Nopony was suicidal enough to do the research.

Is this really how I am going to die? Stuck in this stupid forest, because some stupid unicorn messed up her stupid spell? Okay... it probably wasn't Twilight's fault. But what am I supposed to do now?

Mending Wings

The Blank Flank Adventurer
Part 4
Mending Wings

Still nothing... it has been hours since that teleportation spell went wrong. How can this forest be getting even darker? I wonder if I am going to die here...

Dream Feather's hope of being rescued by Twilight and her friends had almost completely faded. He didn't even know what had happened to the five mares, but he wasn't ready to give up yet. Once the sun was up he would use his last option. Picking a direction at random and walking till he escaped from this dreadful forest.

His heart skipped a beat when his thoughts were interrupted by a voice. "What are you doing here? And who are you? Don't turn around until I say you can."

Dream Feather had been excited to hear another pony, but their hostile tone froze him in his tracks. The voice was strangely familar and his mind struggled to place it to an owner.

"I am Dream Feather. I'm um... I'm lost and-" As he attempted to explain himself, his curiosity got the better of him and he tried to sneak a peak at the pony behind him. He didn't expect the immediate and violent response that he received. Dream Feather's head ached from the newest injury in his recently formed collection. He was not at all accustomed to pain.

"I told you not to turn around! And don't lie to me! I know you were with the others. Why are you all hunting me?" the strange pony shouted. This pony didn't seem to realize that Dream Feather couldn't form a response in his current state.

As his vision faded Dream Feather caught his first glimpse of his assailant.

Rainbow mane...

Dream Feather awoke to pain, the hard ground, and a hoof pressing his head into the previously mentioned hard ground. He groaned and tried to remember how he had ended up in this position. Concentration was nearly impossible with his mind clouded by the agony he was experiencing.

"Are you going to talk now?"

Dream Feather was confused by the demand. He couldn't remember how he got into this situation, let alone what this pony wanted him to say. He struggled to piece together the thoughts and memories drifting through his mind.

A rainbow coloured mane? Ugh... why is it so hard to focus? Okay this should be simple... there aren't really that many ponies with rainbow manes. The only one I've ever met was... Rainbow Dash.

"Rainbow Dash! What happened?" he questioned. Corralling his thoughts was still very difficult, but he was beginning to get ahold of them. The dazed pegasus couldn't believe that Rainbow Dash had been the one to attack him. Why was she being so hostile towards him? He was hardly all that threatening considering the shape he was in at the moment.

"I'm the pony asking the questions here! Why are you helping those ponies that are trying to hurt me? And why do I feel like I've met you before?" Rainbow Dash's questions only managed to make him more confused.

"What? What ponies are trying to hurt you?"

"The ponies you are helping. I don't know why, but they are trying to find me. Tell me why and I'll let you go." The pegasus mare removed the hoof holding him in place and backed away, giving Dream Feather room to stand up. Finally able to move around, he adjusted his sore body and examined the mare. She wasn't in much better shape than he was and the expression on her face spoke of panic and fear.

Whatever happened to her, it must have been very traumatizing. She seems so scared... she's not acting anything like the confident pony Spike described, nor the brash filly that I remember. Remember... how come she can remember me, even just a little bit, but she doesn't remember her friends? Some kind of amnesia? Or could it be...

"They are not trying to hurt you, they are trying to help you. Those ponies I was with are the Elements of Harmony. They are your friends. Do you remember any of that?" Dream Feather hoped that his words might help the confused mare recall something, but it seemed that she was only becoming even more puzzled.

Her mind must have been toyed with, just like mine.

"Everything I know about those ponies, the Elements or whatever, feels weird. It's like I'm trying to remember a dream. But I can kinda remember meeting you before. And even though those memories seem really old, they feel a lot clearer than most of my other memories. Who are you?" Rainbow Dash spoke with a mixture of suspicion and hope. Clearly, having some lucid recollections was a relief, even if it cast the rest of her perceptions into doubt. Dream Feather knew exactly what she was referring to, he felt so uncertain about yesterday's events that he could no longer tell what had actually happened.

I guess that whoever messed with Rainbow Dash's mind did not bother to change older memories? I think I met her before she met the Elements, or at least before she became friends with them. I need to convince her to meet with them. If anypony can fix this, it's Twilight.

With that objective in mind, the would-be writer spoke again, "How much do you remember about me? I am Dream Feather, a pegasus that wants to write books. I write on that 'strange metal thingie', does that ring any bells? The pegasus who's house you crashed into?"

Dream Feather actually surprised himself with how well he could recall their previous meeting. Rainbow Dash stared at him for a moment and then, for the first time in the conversation, she smiled. It was little more than a silly grin, but it was definietly better than the fear and anxiety that she had embodied up to that point.

"Now that you mention it... that strange metal thingie.. yeah I remember that, I think. But crashing into your house? That doesn't sound like me at all."

The good cheer of the cyan pegasus seemed to make the forest brighter. Dream Feather couldn't stop the smile that spread acrossed his face.

That's much closer to the pony that I expected. But we can't get distracted now. We have to get back to Twilight and the rest of the Elements, somehow. I really hope that Twilight knows some way to fix, or at the very least, mitigate the effects of this mind magic.

Dream Feather studied the mare in front of him, hoping that she was in better condition for travel than he was. She was covered in small injuries, scratches and bruises mostly The worst of the damage seemed to be centered around her wings. As he looked closer, he realized that something seemed terribly wrong with their shape. She shifted, obviously uncomfortable with his sudden scrutiny and he had to suppress a wave of nausea. Her movements had helped him realize exactly what was so strange about her wings.

So many breaks... and in such strange places. And the directions they're facing... I can't believe this.. somepony must have purposefully set those wings wrong! I can't even imagine how much agony she must be experiencing right now! How is she moving around at all, let alone standing tall and acting like nothing is wrong?

Rainbow Dash must have noticed the terror and revulsion in his gaze, because she quickly turned around to see what he might be staring at. Finidng nothing out of place, she spun back to face him.

"What's gotten into you now? Is this some kind of trick?" the rainbow maned pony questioned suspiciously. Now that he was aware of the scope of her injuries, he was able to hear and see the pain that she was struggling to hold back with every word and motion.

Though he regretted the loss of her lighthearted attitude, Dream Feather did not have the willpower to take his eyes off of her mangled wings. It was another moment before he could bring himself to speak and Rainbow Dash's patience was very clearly running out.

"Your... your wings. By Celestia, they're ruined! What happened to them?" He realized almost immediately that he could have been a bit more tactful. Rainbow Dash, who had up till this point seemed almost oblivious to her own wounds, froze and slowly turned her head to look at her wings. Although her expression was now stone cold, Dream Feather could tell that she was doing her best to keep from breaking down from the pain.

"A few days ago I crashed in this forest, because somepony attacked me. And that crash busted my wings up really bad. I've been grounded since then. I'd probably be dead if not for the... help I received." To Dream Feather it seemed like it was even more difficult for Rainbow Dash to admit to having received help than it was for her to talk about the damage she had sustained. After another short silence Dream Feather pulled himself upright, standing as tall as he could in spite of his own injuries.

I cannot be such a whiny pony! If she is standing proud even with two completely ruined wings, then I can hold myself together too.

"So, you think that your crash was caused by the ponies I was helping? Is that it? They told me that some other mysterious pony attacked you. And even though I do not know them very well, I must say that they do not seem like the type that would attack anypony. But that's not what we need to worry about right now, your wings are much more important. Could I have a look at them? I might not be a doctor, but I have read my fair share of medical texts." He wasn't sure how much good he could actually do, but he had to try. He was also hoping to get a closer look at the damage, as it seemed unlikely to him that a crash landing could break and twist wings in that manner.

Rainbow Dash was understandably cautious. "What do you plan to do? There's no way you can fix this. Like I said, I already had somepony help me and he did all he co-"

"Please! Just let me take a look. Maybe there's nothing that I can do, but if they mend as they are right now... you might never fly again. I only met you once, a long time ago, but even I know that you would be miserable without your wings." Dream Feather interrupted, surprising himself even more than her.

Rainbow Dash took a step back from the suddenly determined stallion. The confict between her thoughts and emotions was obvious. It seemed she couldn't bring herself to trust Dream Feather completely, she was just too scared. Whether it was fear of betrayal or of false hope, it was impossible for him to discern.

"Never fly again? I don't think I could handle that. I know you're telling the truth, my wings don't feel right at all." she muttered. The pegasus mare tried to shift one of her wings, but had to stop when the movement pulled a gasp of pain from her. Dream Feather watched silently, feeling awkward but understanding that he couldn't push her into this anymore than he already had.

"Alright you can take a look at them. I'm putting my trust in you here, but if you try to attack me you won't even have ten seconds to regret it." Rainbow Dash stated.

Dream Feather felt strangely energized by her agreement, even the pain from his wounds seemed to vanish. The Element of Loyalty was putting her trust in him. That's not something everypony could claim. He would do his best not to disappoint her.

He approached her side and began inspecting her broken wings. The sight was even more sickening up close, but he forced himself to concentrate on the task at hoof.

"Thank you Rainbow Dash. If you are willing to lie down I will be able to more easily inspect your wings. And you really don't have anything to worry about from me. Even lying down, you could knock me out before I stood a chance. I have never stricken another bei- er well, pony before." Dream Feather spoke in his calmest, gentlest voice, though he stumbled slightly during his last statement. Realizing that he could no longer be confident in such a claim of nonviolence was an unexpected blow to his composure. He wished he could muster up a comforting grin.

Rainbow Dash tensed up for a moment at the request, but then complied and lay down on the hard forest floor.

She seems a lot more cooperative now then only a few moments ago. Those wings must have her deeply worried and yet she hid all of her pain and fear from me so well. Spike really wasn't exaggerating when he talked about her strength. Spike... Did I really hurt him? What if I do something li--

"You don't seem to be doing much. Are you sure you know what you're doing?" Thankfully, the prone mare had interrupted his thoughts before they could spiral out of control.

Dream Feather blushed at her remark. He started thinking of an excuse, but decided not to waste his time when there were more important matters to tend to. He resumed his inspection, using his head to probe the wings and check the damaged areas while holding the wings in place as gently as he could with his hooves.

"You know... that pony who helped me after the crash, I don't really trust him. It seemed like he made my wings worse, or at least didn't do much to help. But those ponies you were with, how much do you trust them? What if they've been lying to you?" Rainbow Dash asked, genuinely curious.

Dream Feather frowned, they were reasonable questions and he didn't actually have any answers. He trusted Twilight, but didn't really have a good reason for that trust.

Rather than completely ignore the questions, he decided to think aloud while he continued examining her wings. "Why would they be trying to hurt you though? If they're lying about being your friends or the Elements of Harmony, then why would they care about you? What possible motive could drive them to search for you?"

Rainbow Dash seemed to become lost in her thoughts for moment, before she muttered, "Maybe because I'm the only pony to ever perform a Sonic Rainboom?"

Dream Feather didn't really know what a Sonic Rainboom was, but he remembered her mentioning the same thing the first time they met. He also remembered making a very unkind comment about it being 'some special type of crash.' He shifted uncomfortably for a second and thought about trying to apologize for his offensive words, but couldn't bring himself to speak.

I guess it doesn't really matter at this point. And no matter which side of this is actually trying to hurt Rainbow Dash, I know who's side I'm on... hers. And that starts with fixing these wings. This is not going to be pleasant, but if I'm careful I just might be able to help. At least I didn't read all those books for nothing.

Dream Feather had learned all that he could from inspecting the wings. And though he hated to talk about the horrific injuries and the only treatment option he could provide, he knew he had to tell Rainbow Dash everything.

"These breaks couldn't have come from the crash. Your wings have been forcefully broken by multiple impacts. This damage seems to be of a magical nature. I can think of no other explanation for so many clean breaks. There's not a single crushed or shattered bone, which might mean that something stopped your fall before you hit the ground. And on top of all that, the bones were set incorrectly. I'm pretty sure that whoever 'helped' you isn't somepony that you should trust. Setting them like this... I will probably have to rebreak them and then set them correctly or you might never fly again."

Dream Feather had gotten carried away during his explanation and one glance at the injured mare's sickened expression was enough for him to realize his mistake.

Slightly less details would have worked better. I'm talking to a real pony with real injuries here, not debating some theoretical condition with myself!

The stallion was still berating himself for his careless words when Rainbow Dash finally spoke, "Forcefully broken by multiple impacts? With magic? Are you saying that the pony who helped me did all of that himself? He also set my wings. And you say they are set wrong. So, he probably set them wrong on purpose? And you have to break them to reset them? But-"

She was obviously panicking and losing her composure. Dream Feather decided to interrupt before she could get even more carried away.

"Dash, none of that matters right now! We can't do anything about whoever did this, at the moment. The only thing we can focus on now is fixing your wings. And yes, I will have to break them in order to set them. I am not going to lie, it's going to hurt a lot. But if you can handle it, your wings might heal well enough for you to fly again one day." Dream Feather tried to sound as reassuring as he could. In his own thoughts, he had to admit that he was nowhere near as confident regarding the procedure as he was pretending to be. He had no real experience after all, but at this point he knew that he couldn't make things worse. Even if there was only a small chance of this working it was still better than leaving the wings in their current condition.

"I fly too much to not know the basics about wing injuries. I know that what you're saying makes sense. I can't just leave my wings like this. There's no way I'd be able to fly with them like this. So, yeah. Go ahead." Rainbow Dash sounded certain, but she was also cringing in anticipation of the predicted pain.

He was glad she had agreed, but he couldn't ignore the pressure that being responsible for her well being now placed on his mind.

I can do this. But it's not going to work if she's this tense. She'll probably end up beating me over the head before I can get a single wing set. If I am going to do this, I will have to calm her down first.

Dream Feather gently placed his hoof on Rainbow Dash's wing and spoke with the same reassuring tone he had used before. He was probably less ready for this than she was, but he had to try his best.

"Alright all you have to do is hold still, I'll handle everything. Just don't move too much and you'll be fine."

Dream Feather didn't think it wise to rush through this, even if that would spare his 'patient' some of the pain. He took the first wing into his hooves and started by finding the best place to turn it, then began to put pressure on it. It made an sickening noise before finally moving. He did not even have to look at Rainbow Dash's face to know that she was in immense pain. He wrestled with feelings of nausea for a brief moment before continuing his dreadful work.

It was a short eternity of horrible cracking noises and careful twisting before he was finished. He wasn't certain he had done everything right, but the wing at least looked like a wing was supposed to look. If you ignored how damaged it was anyway.

Only after he was satisfied that he had done what he could for that wing, did he take the time to look at injured mare's face. His heart sank when he saw her expression, she was in pure agony. Her mouth was opened in a silent scream. Dream Feather couldn't help but feel impressed by her ability to remain still through what must have been torture.

"I am really sorry, but... there is one more left and I should probably get it over with now before you change your mind." he whispered, mostly to himself as he didn't believe that she was in any state of mind to understand him. He was suprised when she nodded and for a brief moment flashed him a confident grin. As if she was saying, "Oh this? This is nothing that I can't handle."

I can't believe this! She is by far the strongest pony I have ever met. I probably would have passed out by now. This is inspiring. If she can hold together this well, then I have no right to complain... just one wing left.

Slightly more determined than before, he moved onto the remaining wing. Much like its twin, this wing had many clean breaks and no splintered or crushed bones, which meant all he had to do was bring the wing back into the correct position. He began to twist and turn it just as he had the other one. The snaps were just as loud and disturbing as before, but he didn't give them a moment's thought. Rainbow Dash was handling the pain so well, he couldn't let some grisly noises and sensations affect him.

After both wings were set, he let himself fall backwards to the forest floor. The process had been exhausting, completing the gruesome work had strained the limits of his willpower. After a short rest he managed to bring himself back to a sitting position. Rainbow Dash hadn't moved at all and he couldn't tell whether she was still awake or not.

"It's all over. I can't tell you how impressed I am. I don't think any other pony could have gone through that as well as you did. With any luck, your wings should heal in due time."

She didn't respond at first and Dream Feather felt quite silly for talking to the likely unconscious mare. He decided to take another look at her wings and immediately noticed that he had forgotten about one very important thing. He would need to put splints on both of her wings otherwise his work and her suffering would be pointless. He also needed to remind her not to move her wings at all until they could get a real doctor to say they were fine. He slowly stood up, ignoring the protests of his tired body. After a relatively short search, he managed to find a good number of thin branches on the forest floor. Several of them were likely a result of his earlier struggle to escape the forest.

It was difficult work, not helped by the fact that his body and mind were falling asleep, but in the end he managed to create some crude replicas of the wing splints he had seen in his books.

He had no way of knowing how good he had done. Most medical ponies would have been impressed considering his inexperience, but Dream Feather just felt bad that he could not do more to help Rainbow Dash. Examining her closer, he could see that she seemed to be sleeping peacefully.

That's probably for the best. She'll need plenty of rest to recover. And with how well she handled that, she definitely deserves some sleep. I must admit, I could use some rest as well. But can I really just lie down and pass out? What if something attacks us while I sleep?

Even though his mind was still debating the dangers of slumbering in such a hazardous place, he found himself lying on the ground. His eyes began to close against his will. Between the uncomfortable floor of Twilight's library and his nightmares, he had not slept very well the previous night. So it was no surprise that he fell asleep quickly, although he had never settled his internal argument. His mind faded away from the gloomy forest, images of Rainbow Dash's horribly disfigured wings flashing through his thoughts alongside gruesome snapping sounds.

Tonight's dreams would be even worse than yesterday's nightmares.

Reunion

Reunion
The Blank Flank Adventurer
Part 5

Dream Feather awoke, feeling almost as tired as he had before he slept. Sleep was no longer the comfort it was meant to be. His nightmares had changed it into a form of torture. The weary pegasus could barely remember the contents of his dreams, but the terror they contained clung to him tightly.

He shook himself to clear his mind. He had no time to ponder dreams, not when the real world was no better than his nightmares. Dream Feather was lying on the cold, hard ground of the Everfree Forest, the most dangerous place in all of Equestria. A quick scan of his surroundings revealed that Rainbow Dash was exactly where she had been the night before, much to his relief.

It looks like she is still asleep. With everything that she has gone through, she probably needs every second of rest she can get. I wish there was something more I could do to help her. I should check on her wings, but I don't want to wake her up...

Dream Feather had a habit of holding small internal debates; it helped him think and was a decent way to pass the time. He considered a variety of topics, focusing mostly on how they were going to escape the forest and what they were going to do once they did. He did not manage to come to any real decisions before his thoughts were interrupted by a ray of light. The forest was getting brighter and thin beams of radiance were shining through the thick canopy above. The sun was rising.

I hope the others are all okay... I do not believe that their story was all made up. But even if they did lie to me, their fear of this forest seemed very real. So they probably stuck to their plan and left the forest when the sun set. And now it is sunrise, I'm half a day late already. But.. if Twilight and Fluttershy were scattered by that teleportation spell too-

"Are these splints? When did you make these?" Rainbow Dash's voice came from beside him. "Hey, are you listening to me?"

Dream Feather was so startled that he couldn't fully process her words at first. He had been completely lost in his thoughts and hadn't even noticed that the cyan pegasus was awake.

He took a breath to calm his nerves before answering,"I made them after I finished..."

Dream Feather words trailed off as he was struck by a vivid recollection of breaking Rainbow Dash's wings. He knew that it was the right thing to do. That what he had done was meant to help, not harm. But that didn't stall the nausea he felt, the disgust at his own actions. The mare was staring at him now, confusion evident on her features. He wondered if she could even understand the strange conflicting emotions that held sway over his thoughts.

"After I finished fixing your wings. If your wings are going to mend correctly, then the splints will be necessary to hold them in place. I made them out of some sticks and plants, so they are not very durable. It would be for the best if you could try to move your wings as little as possible, at least until a real doctor can examine them." He gave a weak smile, glad to be of some help, but knowing that his assistance had been shoddy at best. Rainbow Dash seemed pleased by his explanation and smiled back at him.

After a short silence, she turned to stare up at the sunlight streaming through the trees. "Well, now that my wings are as good as they're gonna get, what should we do next? We probably need to get out of this forest, but I'm sure that those 'Elements' are waiting for me... you said you don't know how much you trust them?"

Her tone was cautious, but it seemed that all of her distrust was directed towards the other mares, not Dream Feather. Dream Feather felt both honored and awkward, she was trusting him more than the ponies that were supposedly her best friends.

I would hate to lead her into a trap, but I don't know what other options we have. We need to get a doctor to take a look at her wings. And... I have no reason to distrust the Elements. At the very least, they are more trustworthy than the pony that 'helped' Rainbow Dash.

"I don't think we have much of a choice to be honest, we can't just stay in the Everfree forever. But no matter what, I am on your side and I won't let anypony harm you." the stallion stated confidently, but felt incredibly silly as soon as the words left his mouth. Was there really anything he could do to protect Rainbow Dash?

"Hey! I can take care of myself no problem! You'll probably end up needing me to protect you!" Her reply was immediate and indignant, but her irritation vanished as she continued, "But you're right, we can't just sit here all day. We'll have to take our chances!"

The cyan mare smiled at him and started trotting in a seemingly random direction. Dream Feather was confused. Did she think that he was implying she was so weak she needed help? And if she was so upset by his words, why was she smiling like nothing was wrong?

"Are you coming? I'm not going to carry you." Her playful tone didn't help clear up his confusion at all.

The dumbfounded stallion moved to follow after her, with mounting uncertainty. It seemed to Dream Feather that she had chosen their path on a whim, but she was so certain about it. Though he continued to tag along behind her, he couldn't help pondering the reason for her confidence. After a short but painful internal debate, he reached a conclusion that seemed to fit.

"You used the direction of the sun to determine which way we need to go? But we have no idea where in the forest we are! Why are you so self-assured when you're basically just guessing?"

"Guessing? Me? No way! I can find my way anywhere! I'm a weather pegasus, you know? This kind of thing is a piece of cake!" Rainbow Dash was frowning again. It seemed that his doubt had brought back her bad mood.

Alright, she does not like to be questioned at all. In hindsight, I should have guessed as much. I was being more than a little bit rude...

Dream Feather hung his head and followed the mare quietly. He did not dare to talk, afraid that he might accidently say something insulting again. He did his best to get lost in his thoughts, but the silence was tense and unnerving.

"I wasn't actually angry, you know? And I never said you had to stop talking. It's kinda boring walking like this, it'd be so much more exciting if I could use my wings. And we'd get there about one hundred times faster too!" Rainbow Dash struck a pose as she boasted of her speed. It was enough to cut through the tension, forcing a chuckle out of Dream Feather.

So I was misunderstanding her then? I need to remember not to take everything she says so seriously.

Keeping that thought in mind, he started talking again. They discussed all manner of subjects and even spent some time telling each other stories. The amicable discussion kept them so preoccupied that neither of them noticed how easily they were able to traverse the forest. Not a single disturbance or obstacle impeded their path through the most dangerous place in Equestria.

"And that, is what ponies call a Sonic Rainboom."

Their trip had remained uneventful, but Dream Feather was too amazed by the confident mare's story to think twice about it. He couldn't believe that he had never heard anypony talk about the Sonic Rainboom, aside from Rainbow Dash herself. He hoped that he would get a chance to witness such a spectacular event.

"Alright, we're pretty close to the edge of the forest now. Right around Ponyville I think. What do you think we should do? Just walk out there and deal with them directly?" While the cyan pegasus still seemed confident, he could detect an undertone of dread in her quesitons.

Dream Feather didn't respond immediately. As soon as Rainbow Dash had fallen silent, he had noticed something strange. Their surroundings were entirely too quiet, but pondering the unnatural stillness and peace of their journey would have to wait. In the hush of the forest, he could just barely make out the sound of something moving. Rainbow Dash was shooting him an inquisitive look, but he simply held up a hoof in an attempt to signal for quiet.

It's getting louder, which means it's getting closer. Whatever it is, it isn't that big, no bigger than a pony. I can't tell if...

"Twilight, do you really think he was lying to us all along? He seemed like a nice pony, not mean at all..."

All of Dream Feather's guess work became pointless when he heard what was clearly Fluttershy's ever so soft voice. He was about to greet them when Rainbow Dash suddenly grabbed his tail and pulled him away from the approaching ponies. Dream Feather winced as a branch smacked into his side. Being pulled through the dense forest by a frantic pony wasn't exactly pleasant.

What is she doing? If she's trying to run from Twilight and the others, it's not going to work. We are making way too much noise. There's no way they won't notice us.

Once the mare had stopped dragging him through the forest, he collected himself and asked the questions that were bothering him: "What was that all about? I thought we are going to talk to them?"

As he spoke he examined the pegasus in front of him and quickly realized that he would be receiving no answer. Rainbow Dash was a bundle of nerves. She was backed up next to a tree, pressing herself against it as if it would protect her. Her eyes were wide and constantly darted around, searching for some unseen threat. She seemed frozen in her terror, but the shaking, tense energy that radiated from her suggested that she might start running again at any moment.

This... this is abhorrent! That pony did even more damage to her mind than he did to her wings! If I ever meet this despicable monster...

For just a moment, his anger had overwhelmed him and thoughts of violence had filled his mind. Thankfully, he snapped out of his musings when he heard the sound of somepony approaching. He did his best to prepare for the imminent confrontation. As he turned towards the sounds, he saw Twilight Sparkle gallop into the clearing, followed shortly after by Fluttershy. The unicorn mare looked furious and her horn was already glowing, in preparation to unleash her magic. Dream Feather wondered how all of this must look through her eyes, here was Rainbow Dash cowering against a tree with him standing nearby. Right after they had run away from the Elements and only a day after he had disappeared.

"Twilight... I found Rainbow Dash! I..." He struggled to find the words to convince them that it wasn't what it looked like, but Twilight's glare silenced him before he could make any progress.

Fluttershy ignored him and rushed over to the injured mare. Rainbow Dash flinched away from the gentle pegasus and collapsed to the ground, seemingly going catatonic. At that moment, a bright light flared out from the lavender pony's horn. The sudden flash took Dream Feather by surprise and left him seeing spots.

"Have you really? What convenient timing! But I have to wonder, were you trying to bring her to us? Or force her away from us? You were running away, if I'm not mistaken. And you somehow vanished during my teleportation spell the other day." The unicorn's voice was filled with ire and sarcasm. She seemed ready to continue lashing out with accusations and questions, but she stopped as two more ponies came rushing through the forest. Applejack and Pinkie Pie had arrived. Applejack was looking worse for the wear, bandages covered her side and she seemed to be in intense pain.

So, she was attacked and that's what triggered the signal? But what attacked her? Some kind of monster? Wait... how come I haven't seen a single creature the entire time I've been in the Everfree? Rainbow Dash and I made so much noise earlier...

While he pondered the oddity, the other ponies moved over to the prone pegasus, but Twilight hadn't budged an inch. Her fierce stare pierced his thoughts and left him with no words. Now the other ponies were staring at him too, demanding answers.

The silence was broken by an oddly somber Pinkie. "I think we should get Dashie back to Ponyville quickly. She doesn't seem alright at all."

The other ponies seemed to agree completely. It was then that Dream Feather noticed that he couldn't move any more. The glow of Twilight's magic surrounded his form, rendering him immobile.

"We'll have to take Dream Feather too. We can't give him a chance to escape again. Who knows what he might try next? Applejack and I will keep our eyes on him." The words of the unicorn struck the bound stallion hard. He had lost any good will or trust that these ponies felt towards him and there was nothing he could do about it. At this point, being imprisond in Ponyville was probably the best result he could hope for.

Dream Feather never got a chance to show his willingness to submit to custody, as at that moment the forest erupted into a flurry of noise and movement. Before anypony could react a large creature jumped past the immobile stallion, heading straight towards Twilight. She reacted swiftly, dropping the magic which held Dream Feather in place and using it to hold off the aggressive beast instead. As the newly freed pegasus stumbled to his hooves, he quickly identified the attacker.

The body of a lion, tail of a scorpion, bat-like wings... a manticore!? And it just leapt right past me! If it's hungry or just territorial, then why did it ignore me? Why is...

His thoughts trailed off as a horde of monsters burst out from the surrounding forest. Instinctively, he threw himself to the ground, trying to get as far out of their way as he could. But to his surprise these beasts took no notice of him, charging around him towards the other ponies. While they did not seem to bear any aggression for Dream Feather, he was still in danger of being trampled. He struggled to take to the sky, but his wings refused to open. It seemed that fear and shock had frozen them in place.

The frantic stallion was forced to roll to the side as a large serpentine form tumbled backwards, almost crushing him. The creature looked similar to a dragon, but Dream Feather thought it more closely resembled a drake. He couldn't just sit there and examine it though, he had to get to somewhere safe. Running through the chaotic conflict was so confusing that he accidently collided with one of the creatures. It was only his quick identification of the monster as a cockatrice that saved him from being turned to stone. With his gaze directed towards the ground in front of him, he tried to keep moving, hoping that the cockatrice would ignore him like all the other attackers had.

After what felt like an eternity, he dared to take a few glances at his surroundings. Seeing no signs of a reptilian body with a chicken head, the pegasus lifted his head and looked around. He was surprised to find himself outside of the battlefield. He couldn't tell if it was his own efforts that had brought him to safety or if the combat had simply moved past him on it's own. Dream Feather took a deep breath, allowing himself a moment to calm down after the harrowing experience.

Feeling much less panicked than before, he attempted to spread his wings and was pleased by their prompt compliance. Dream Feather took flight, knowing that it would be easier to stay out of the way and see what was happening from the air. The full weight of the event came to him, as he stared at the multitude of creatures that were assailing the five mares. The supposed Elements were doing their best to fend off the onslaught, but he could see that things were not going well. He wanted to help them, but there was a certain pony that he was even more worried about.

Even as he focused on searching the battle for Rainbow Dash, he could not stop himself from gaping when he saw Fluttershy staring directly at a cockatrice. He had no time to wonder what she was thinking and quickly averted his gaze. He didn't want to watch as she was turned into stone. But looking at another section of the melee did not make him feel any better, as he quickly spotted Applejack fighting for her life against what appeared to be an unusually vicious two-headed dog.

For a moment, he put aside his search for Rainbow Dash and thought about trying to help hold off the monsters. But Dream Feather had no idea what he should do to assist the besieged ponies. He didn't even know if there was anything he could do. He was no fighter, but he could try to distract some of the creatures. Although, they seemed to be ignoring him completely. And even if he got their attention, he'd probably just end up getting eaten or turned into stone. While he was debating with himself, he caught a glimpse of a rainbow colored mane. Without even thinking about it, he landed next to the shaken pegasus and started pulling her to her hooves.

She seems a lot more responsive than just a few moments ago. The fighting must be breaking through her fear. I have to make sure nothing harms her. We should run now, but.. can we really just leave them to deal with this?

"Twilight, can`t ya teleport us out of here? All of us, right now!" Applejack's thick accent rang out over the cacophony of the battle.

Dream Feather peered into the chaotic mess, searching for Twilight. She was easy to spot, her magic was still fending off the manticore, but she was also struggling to deal with the drake that had nearly crushed him. The stallion was amazed by her power and skill, but holding off two of the largest and most dangerous creatures simultaneously must have been taking all of her concentration.

If I could somehow distract one of those monsters, then Twilight might have enough time to pull off her teleportation spell. But I can't leave Rainbow Dash unprotected! Besides, those things would rip me apart... and even if the spell worked, I already know that it can be tampered with...

His internal debate was interrupted when Rainbow Dash suddenly growled angrily from beside him. She looked ready to charge into the fray, but Dream Feather knew that she was in no condition to be fighting. He jumped in front of her, pushing her back gently with his hoof.

"Dash! Dash listen, I don't know what you're planning to do, but I can tell you right now that it would be suicide. Remember your wings! You're too badly injured to be getting involved in something this dangerous." His words seemed to get through to her, but Dream Feather could tell that she wouldn't be willing to just sit there and watch for very long. He had made his decision, even if he hated himself for it.

"Come on Dash, we're getting out of here. If they truly are the Elements then they can take care of themselves. There's not much we can do for them anyway." He tried to sound confident about his reasoning, but he couldn't dismiss his own doubts. He ran off into the forest without waiting for a reply, leaving Rainbow Dash to make her own decision.

Dream Feather came to a stop in a small clearing. He was too tired to go further and the sounds of violence had already faded into the distance. He sprawled out on the ground panting.

How can it be so quiet here?After what we just left behind, this silence is almost surreal. Did the fighting end already? If they really are the El-

Just then Rainbow Dash burst through the underbrush, walking up beside him. She wasn't even breathing hard from the run, but she seemed very agitated. Her frustration didn't surprise him, she didn't seem like the type that would be okay with running from a fight.

"I am really sorry... it's just... staying there would have been pointless. Even if you weren't as badly hurt as you are, we still wouldn't know if we should be helping them in the first place. I mean... I don't want to see them get hurt, but well... " He couldn't seem to communicate his thoughts. His mind was a disorientating storm of feelings.

To his surprise, Rainbow Dash nodded and flashed an understanding smile.

She understood that? Huh... but what should we do now?

This time she had the answer to his question before he even asked it.

"We'd better get out of here quickly, it's not safe at all. We should go to Ponyville." Her voice was strange, she sounded shaken and uncertain. Dream Feather got the feeling that she was holding something back. Still, he had to agree that Ponyville seemed like their best bet.

Maybe she is just trying to hide how shaken up she is. I know that my mind is a total mess right now and even though she is much stronger than me... some feelings cannot be controlled. I just want to get out of here.

"Alright, you should probably lead the way though, being the weatherpony and all." he said, attempting to cheer her up with a little humor.

Rainbow Dash simply nodded, not even acknowledging his failed joke. She glanced up at the sunlight for a moment and then started walking.

Where are we now anyway? We almost made it to Ponyville, but then Dash panicked and dragged me back into the forest. And then we ran from those monsters... it can´t be a coincidence that they all attacked at that moment. All of those different beasts working together? Obviously they were being controlled somehow... but why didn't they attack Rainbow Dash and me?

The forest was completely quiet as they trotted along. Dream Feather struggled with his thoughts, especially his decision to leave the other ponies behind. He knew that he didn't really owe them anything, but that didn't mean he wanted something bad to happen to them.

I hope Twilight managed to get them all out of there...

"I bet you're wondering if you did the right thing back there." Her word choice was as blunt as always, but Dream Feather had to admit that she was more insightful than he expected. Not that he was trying to hide his feelings or anything.

"Yes, even though I know this was for the best... what if I made the wrong choice? We left them behind because of my-"

The mare suddenly thrust her hoof in front of his face, signaling him to be quiet. She flashed another smile and began walking again as she spoke, "You're way overthinking this! You can't be blamed for everything that goes wrong. I didn't leave that fight because you forced me to, I chose to leave. "

She is just trying to comfort me, but she's obviously lying. She would have charged right in if I hadn't stopped her.

He gave a fake smile, but he couldn't stop himself from pointing out the falsehood. "If you left because you thought that it was the right thing to do, then why were you so ready to join that fight moments before?"

The cyan pegasus didn't say anything for a minute and Dream Feather wondered if he had struck a nerve. When she finally answered his question, it was with none of the anger that he had been expecting.

"I wasn't myself back there. I don't know what happened, but from the moment we heard those ponies talking I couldn't really control myself... and when those monsters came out of nowhere, I felt like I had to protect them. Like I was supposed to fight by their sides until the very end..." Rainbow Dash trailed off when she saw that the stallion had stopped moving.

I never told her that she was the Element of Loyalty! She doesn't know... but that means that she...

Dream Feather burst into motion, spinning around to face the direction they had come from. Back to the place where the ponies that held the Elements of Harmony might still be fighting for their lives.

"You know, you have a really bad habit of ignoring ponies when you're thinking. What is it?" He barely heard Rainbow Dash's question as his blood pounded in his ears.

Dream Feather briefly debated between taking the time to explain what he had realized and just running as fast as he could and hoping that she would follow. He decided to do both. He knew that Rainbow Dash could easily keep up with any pace he set.

"Come with me, I'll tell you while we run!" And with that he took off. Once the confused mare had caught up to him, he began explaining. "This might sound really strange, but after what you just said I'm certain that those ponies were actually the Elements of Harmony."

He paused for a second to take a few deep breaths. He wasn't well suited to the large amounts of physical exertion that had filled these last few days.

"They told me that you are the Element of Loyalty. And now you're talking about feeling like you have to protect them. Even though you don't remember them, even though you're terrified of them, you want to help them. That certainly sounds like loyalty to me."

Rainbow Dash`s confusion at his reasoning was obvious, but she didn't question it. Their sprint quickly brought them to the location of the ambush. They had been galloping as fast as Dream Feather could manage.

Now he was staring at the tree that the pegasus mare had been cowering against earlier. It struck him as something that didn't happen often. And with just that event the tree had become a landmark to him. But his attention quickly shifted to the surprisingly clean battlefield.

He had expected to find at least one or two bodies. If not the ponies, then the creatures. But there was nothing of the sort. Beyond some damaged trees and crushed leaves and twigs, there was nothing which would hint at the struggle that recently took place here. Rainbow Dash was standing beside him and looked just as baffled as he was, maybe even more so.

How?! Calm... calm down. They cant be dead, that much is certain. After all, they are the Elements of Harmony, so the pony behind all of this wouldn't want them to die. If Spike and I were right anyway. Please dont let them be dead...

Dream Feather couldn't keep his body from collapsing. He was exhausted and this latest shock to his system was just too much. He hadn't known them very well, but Twilight and her friends seemed like good ponies. He couldn't believe that he had just left them behind like that. He had abandoned them and had even driven Rainbow Dash to do so as well.

There was nothing we could have done... nothing. We would have just shared their fate, whatever that fate is. But what now? We could still go to Ponyville, maybe they also managed to make it back there?

The weary stallion pulled himself to his hooves. Rainbow Dash was pacing around the area. He wondered if she was trying to find tracks or something. If he was right, she wouldn't find what she was looking for.

"Twilight, the lavender unicorn, must have used that teleportation spell of hers. I don't know how she managed to pull it off in that chaos, but it's the only theory that makes sense. What do you think?"

Rainbow Dash turned to face him and looked pleasantly surprised to see him standing. Maybe she had expected him to give up by this point?

"That sounds right to me. But where does that leave us? If they are safe and they are truly the Elements, then we should probably get back to Ponyville. Right?" She sounded hopeful, but he could tell how uncertain she was.

Dream Feather wanted to reassure her, but he had his own doubts about the theory weighing down his mind. If the pony behind this had been able to mess with Twilight's spell once, then he could probably do it again. It seemed likely that none of them had made it back to Ponyville.

If I tell her that they are somewhere in the forest, I don´t have a clue what she might do. She was so scared of them that she couldn't even move, but once they were in danger she was ready to throw her life away to help them. It almost seems like the Element in her is fighting back against whatever has been done to her mind. Still... if she goes running off to rescue them now, it will only make things worse.

"I am sure that they are fine. They're probably already planning another expedition into the Everfree. If we move quickly we might arrive in Ponyville before they set out." Dream Feather gave his best comforting grin as he attempted to assuage her worries. He hated lying to Rainbow Dash, but he knew that telling the truth just wouldn't work in this case.

With a heavy heart, he gestured for the her to lead the way once again. They walked in silence. Dream Feather was absorbed in his thoughts and Rainbow Dash had apparently decided to leave him to his internal debate for now. She led him through the forest carefully, he was so distracted that she had to guide him around roots and branches so that he didn't run into them and hurt himself.

What are we going to do once we get to Ponyville? She needs medical attention badly, but I doubt that this evil pony is just going to leave her alone. The Elements can't do much against him if they are all separated like this. I will have to stay by her side and protect her while she heals... but what can I do? If the evil pony comes for her, all I can do is run away... I guess the only option left is to take her to Canterlot. Celestia should be able to keep her safe... if we can make it that far...

"Rainbow Dash, Dream Feather! By Celestia, am I glad to have found you two!"

They froze at the edge of the forest. They could see Ponyville in the distance, but standing in front of them was Rarity. Dream Feather's mind scanned through his memories, he couldn't believe that he hadn't noticed her absence during the earlier confrontation. Had she stayed behind in Ponyville?

"Rarity? What are you doing here all on your own? Why didn't you go with the others?"

They stepped out of the Everfree Forest and approached the white unicorn. Rainbow Dash looked wary, but she wasn't panicking like she had when they encountered Twilight and Fluttershy. Now that he was closer he could see that Rarity looked exactly the same as she had the last time he saw her, not a hair out of place in her well kept mane. No wounds or anything. It certainly seemed odd, but it supported the theory that she had been in Ponyville all day.

"I will explain on the way back, but for now we really should get you two back to Ponyville."

Does she even know what happened to the rest of the Elements? Probably not. I guess I'll have to-

Before he could finish his current train of thought, Rainbow Dash suddenly backed away from them and braced herself like she had during the combat in the woods. He could only stare at her in confusion.

"Dream Feather! That's the pony that 'helped' me by setting my wings!" The memory of the pain seemed to wash across Rainbow Dash's features, as if she experiencing it all over again. Dream Feather understood her words, but he couldn't comprehend them. Rarity was the one that had ruined the cyan pony's wings?

Before he could ask the pegasus mare to explain herself, she rushed at them. Dream Feather barely had time to throw himself out of the way of her reckless charge. By the time he had stood up again, he knew that something was horribly wrong. It was quiet, there were no sounds of violence. His eyes found Rainbow Dash, who was now laying motionless on the ground, but Rarity was missing. Where she had stood mere moments before, there was now a stallion. He had a dark grey coat and his cutie mark was confusing, to say the least.

A lens? Like the ones used in glasses... this is the pony responsible for everything that's happened? I refuse to believe his special talent is making reading glasses! But that isn't important right now. If this villain can take out Dash that easily, then I don't really stand a chance against him. I need to find some way to grab her and get out of here.

Dream Feather glanced at Rainbow Dash's unconscious form again. He stood up as tall as he could and glared at the unicorn across from him. This stallion had a very heavy air around him, an intimidating aura.

"Dream Feather, you have done your job very well. You have been perfect for leading the Elements towards their ends. But our little game is not yet over. The Elements still live and it is time for you to help me finish them off." The mysterious pony had a voice that seemed to resonate with power and surety. He knew that there was nothing Dream Feather could do to stop him and he had no qualms about letting Dream Feather know it too.

Dream Feather took a step backwards unintentionally. His body shook. It wanted to flee or maybe just give up. But the sight of Rainbow Dash's still body reminded him of his promise and he stood his ground. He ran through his thoughts as quickly as he could, he didn't think that this pony would have much patience for his long internal monologues.

He's trying to intimidate me, make me scared of him so that he can force me to do whatever he wants.. I have to keep my mind clear, I can't let his magic get to me. He has no reason to fear me, all I have to do is play along and... no! How can I even think that? I can't just leave the Elements, he plans to kill them!

"What exactly do you want from me? I have nothing to do with the Elements nor do I have any power which you can use. I doubt that I would be of much use in defeating the Elements of Harmony. They don't even trust me anymore." Dream Feather's head ached. It seemed like everything was becoming distant and hazy, he could hardly even focus on the injured pegasus mare that he strived to protect. The unicorn in front didn't feel hazy at all, actually he was clearer than before and seemed to loom over Dream Feather. He could tell that his perceptions were being tampered with, but there was nothing he could do about it.

"The Elements are scattered throughout the Everfree Forest. All you have to do is go back into that forest and find them. Bring them to me, one by one. It should not be difficult, once you are finished you will be free to leave. Do you agree?"

Dream Feather almost agreed immediately, all he had ever wanted was to be detached from this adventure. This was his way out! The pegasus shook his head, trying to clear away the clutter of compelling thoughts. He had to focus, he couldn't let this unicorn's magic overpower his will.

"No... you obviously need me and I know I can get more out of this. What can you offer me beyond my own safety? What about Rainbow Dash? I need her to guide me through the forest and you need me to find the Elements. Grant me her safety and my own, then you'll have my assistance. " Dream Feather mustered up all of his mental strength for his demand. He would not be persuaded otherwise on this issue.

Dream Feather's reaction obviously surprised the dark pony. For a single moment, the veil of confusion surrounding the would-be writer's mind lifted, allowing him to think clearly. But the strange magic returned quickly, and it was even worse than before. Dream Feather's thoughts twisted as the large, imposing figure glared at him.

"Do you feel like you have any say in the outcome of these events? Dont be stupid Dream Feather, you are nothing more than a pawn in my game, just as we are all pawns in Celestias. Still, I have no need of this pegasus. Her life is yours. But if you betray me, you will be responsible for her slow and painful death, as well as your own."

The malicious pony motioned towards Rainbow Dash and Dream Feather felt a jolt of pride. He had managed to keep his promise. At the same time however, he felt sickness overcome him. The unicorn's threat settled into the forefront of his thoughts. He could also feel his strength fading, he didn't have the energy to remain defiant any longer.

I know I can't trust him to keep his word, but this is the best I can do. This is the most that I could hope for... there's nothing more I could do...

Dream Feather gathered the remnants of his strength. There was one more thing he had to say.

"If you do not care about Rainbow Dash, then what is your goal?"

He didn't really expect an answer, so he was very surprised when the grey unicorn replied.

"Twilight Sparkle´s demise"

Even as his mind began to panic at the response, he felt his body collapsing. The darkness enclosed around him, but it felt comforting. Almost protective. Dream Feather allowed himself to slip away from the waking world. Even his nightmares would be better than this reality.

Nothing to Fear

Chapter 7: Nothing To Fear

Why do I feel so strange? I do not recall this place and there doesn't seem to be one of the Elements close by either. So why was I led here? And why does it feel like something is missing... Not something, somepony! Where is Rainbow Dash?!

Dream Feather was once again lost in the Everfree Forest. The trance that he fell into while following that guiding light had allowed him to distance himself from the scene of his violence. He couldn't tell how long he been walking or how far he had travelled. Not that it mattered much at this point, as his mind was set on the fact that his only ally seemed to be missing. His surroundings offered no hints to Rainbow Dash's possible location.

Maybe after what I did to Applejack, she decided she didn't want to help me anymore...

A voice that was quickly growing all too familiar to Dream Feather filled his mind, distracting him from his brooding thoughts.

"First you plot to betray me and then you foolishly force my hoof. Did you expect your actions to go unpunished? Do not tell me that you have already forgotten who holds all the cards in this game? You should be glad that I have been generous enough to spare your life in spite of your defiance. It's unfortunate that your companion had to pay the price for you instead."

The poor pegasus gave an involuntary twitch as those words seemed to cut through his mind. Images of a broken and mangled Rainbow Dash danced at the edge of his vision as he shook like a leaf in the wind.

Calm yourself Dream Feather! He must be bluffing. Even if he intends to kill Twilight somehow, he's gone out of his way to capture or neutralize every one of the Elements that he can. There's no way he'd kill Dash now just to get back at me. I am little more than a pawn to him. It is hardly worth upsetting his own plan just to punish a pawn. Following that reasoning she must be more or less safe, even if that means that she has also been captured or whatever it is he's doing with the other Elements. This is the perfect opportunity to find out if he can actually read my mind.

Dream Feather allowed his trembling legs to deposit him on the ground, as tears welled up in his eyes. He screamed loud enough to make his throat feel hoarse, "You horrible monster! We had a deal, and you broke it! Everything I did was to protect her. And now you have stolen her life away, just like that? You are a fool. You have taken away my only reason to do your bidding!"

The pegasus was glad that his tears and anger were real, he was never the best at acting. From what he recalled of similar situations in some of the fantasy books he'd read, his response felt suitably dramatic. He was forced to reasses his assumption when he felt the cold touch of sharp metal against his neck. For a moment, he wondered if he had overplayed his point and the villian no longer considered him useful. But if that was true, then he would already be dead.

"Have you forgotten that you still have one life to protect? She died in your stead and now you seek to throw away the time that her death bought you? Keep in mind that you were mere strangers when this began. Your life will be the same once this is over, her death will have no impact upon you. Do you understand my words? Or are you a fool as well as a coward?"

He will not kill me, he still needs me for... something. Just like he needs the Elements of Harmony. I have to keep going, there is still time to fix this. Dash needs my help now more than ever. And now I know that even if he can read thoughts, he cannot do it all the time.

Dream Feather's tears flowed freely while he lay on the ground. Hopefully some sobbing would be enough to convince the malevolent pony that he was afraid for his life. After a few moments, he took a breath and regained enough of his composure to speak.

"I don't want to die. You are right, there is no use throwing my life away now. But you really shouldn't have... Killed Rainbow Dash, I needed her help. And as long as she was loyal to me that meant she was loyal to you."

Silence filled the forest. Dream Feather couldn't help but wonder if his ruse had been discovered. He found it hard to believe that he would be able to deceive a master of illusions. A distant glimmer shone through the trees, pulling him from his doubts and filling him with relief.

"Your loyalty to me was never greater than your loyalty to her. That could not be allowed. Now go, find the others and take care to remember the price of failure. You only have one life left to lose and I shall not ignore any further foolishness."

It didn't matter to Dream Feather what the voice was saying. The would-be writer now knew for certain that the mysterious villain wasn't actually reading his mind. He had lied to the liar and gotten away with it. Dream Feather's hope now lay solely with the Elements, or more specifically, Twilight Sparkle. If any pony had a chance of defeating this villian then it was the magically gifted unicorn.

With that thought grapsed tightly, he followed the strange light again. His mind swiftly slipped into the same strange stupor that the villain's spell always seemed to induce. When his awareness returned, he was staring at a very sad looking pink earth pony. Dream Feather could swear that her hair used to be more lively and her depression seemed almost unnatural. The forest looked darker and even the air felt somehow heavier. Making sure not to startle her, he spoke in his softest, calmest voice.

"Pinkie Pie? Are you alright? I finally found-" He stopped speaking when the poor pony let out a pitiful sob. Dream Feather just stood there awkwardly. He had no experience comforting crying mares and the strangely tense atmosphere was seeting his nerves on fire. The silence was broken when Pinkie Pie slowly raised her head and spoke in a broken voice, staring directly the pegasus even though she seemed to take no notice of him.

"All of them are gone. Friends don't abandon each other. Friends don't betray one another. They don't want to be my friends..."

The whole scene gave off an awful, almost sickly feeling vibe. The distressed pony seemed like a completely different mare from the cheery one he had met before. And the things she was saying didn't make much sense either. He couldn't understand why she would make such strange assumptions after being separated from her friends.

"They have not abandoned you Pinkie Pie. All of you were scattered throughout the forest. If you just come with me then I can help-" He tried his best to point out the truth of what happened, but it didn't seem like she was listening to him at all. His suggestion that she accompany him certainly got a reaction though.

"Dashie ran away from us... We were lured into a trap! And she looked so scared. You were there... YOU made her do that!" Pinkie's accusation made him flinch. While he hadn't been intentionally helping the villain when those creatures attacked, it was still likely that he was being used without his knowledge. And after that, he had started working for that awful pony and luring the mares into traps.

Before he could dwell upon his feelings of guilt, the earth pony suddenly leapt forward and tackled him. Her eyes were filled with rage as she pushed him against the ground. Dream Feather's back ached from being shoved against the protruding root of a nearby tree while Pinkie's slammed her forelegs into him repeatedly. Desperate to get her off of himself, the stallion struck out with one of his hooves. While the strike did connect, it didn't seem to faze the seemingly insane pink pony in the slightest. He tried to raise his other hoof to protect himself from her attacks, but she simply changed tactics. She dropped the entirety of her weight upon him, trapping him between her and the ground.

"Trying to hurt me like you hurt Dashie?! You took away my friends! Give them back or I'll take something away from you!"

At this point Dream Feather began to understand the likely cause of her instability. That mysterious pony's mind magics could make him feel and see things that weren't real. That magic made one of the bravest ponies he'd ever met terrified of her best friends. This was what magic like that could do to a lonely pony afraid of losing her friends. The realization did little to help with his current situation. He was having trouble breathing, earth ponies were generally tougher and sturdier than pegasi, and he wasn't exactly the strongest pegasus out there. If he couldn't convince Pinkie to calm down soon, he might actually suffocate under her weight.

"Please don't hurt me! Dash is safe and your friends are unhurt. I am here to help you find them!" Dream Feather would have continued to plead his innocence, but his last shout had taken too much of his air and he was beginning to feel lightheaded. She wasn't listening to his pleas anyway, she just grinned at him maliciously.

"How does it feel to be crushed by your guilt and your fears? I couldn't stop them from being taken away, but I won't let that happen again. Tell me where they are!" With this Pinkie Pie finally rolled off of him, but before he could fully recover she brought her legs down on his wings, pinning them to the forest floor. Dream Feather could see that it might be possible for him to use his now free legs to knock her to the side, but he wasn't sure that his blow would have enough force to do so before she could ruin one of his wings. He decided that it was better to take the time to fill his lungs with air and think things through.

Where in the world is that unicorn? He can't just let me die out here! I mean... he needs me, right? I don't want to get killed, least of all by one of the Elements of Harmony driven mad by the loss of her friends. I have to get my wings free, they are my only advantage.

The words that he spoke were not the ones that he had intended, but something about the mare's stare seemed to force the truth out of him."I do not know where they are. I am as lost and afraid as you are. Look at me! I lost Dash and without her I can't do anything correctly! I can't even talk to the Elements of Harmony without them assaulting me... How am I supposed to save her now?"

His glare contained the strange mixture of frustration and despair that seemed to consume his entire being. Pinkie seemed confused and stunned by his outburst. She lifted one of hooves and for a moment Dream Feather wondered if she was going to let him go, but then she suddenly brought her hoof back down. The loud snapping sound echod throughout the forest, followed shortly by his screams as the pain began to register. He kicked his hooves out as hard as he could, angry and franctic. The strikes connected with Pinkie and threw her back just enough for him to roll out from underneath her. This caused the pain from his wing to intensify as it dragged across the ground. Thankfully, his adrenaline kicked in, allowing him to ignore the pain long enough to stand up.

Dream Feather looked over at the earth pony as she recovered from his attack. He could tell that she was ready and willing to continue the fight. Between the pain from his wing and the complete lack of damage caused by his own attack, it seemed obvious that he didn't stand a chance.

I could always try to run. Even as energetic as she was before, she did not seem like the athletic type, but then again I am hardly a pinnacle of athleticism. And with my wing... Broken... I wish I had more experience with this sort of thing. Well, what would Dash do?

It was no surprise that he looked towards Rainbow Dash as an example. Until recently, she was the only pony he had on his side. He respected her and she had even been dealing with wings that were in much worse condition than his was. So when Pinkie Pie rushed towards him, he did what he thought the brash pegasus would have done. He fought.

Dream Feather jumped and lashed out with his front right hoof, just as the pink mare reared back and kicked out with her own. His attack struck true and made a loud noise as it slammed into the side of her head, but at the same time he felt her hoof collide with his other front leg. The surprising force behind the blow made it clear that he was lucky it had hit his leg, rather than his head. Still, he wasn't lucky enough. Pinkie's attack had done serious damage, as was made evident when he stumbled upon landing and found that trying to support his weight with that hoof caused him almost as much pain as the aching from his ruined wing. As he brought his gaze back to the mare, he found that his luck was even better than he'd expected. There was blood running down her cheek and she looked like she might fall over at any moment.

The pegasus wondered how it was possible that a weakling like him had hurt a pony so much with a single blow, but his musings were interrupted as the rush of adrenaline wore off and the pain from his injuries seemed to triple in intensity. The agony tore a noise from his throat, halfway between a whine and a growl. He peered at Pinkie's shaken form. He knew that this was his best opportunity to end the fight, with how dazed she looked he could probably knock her out with just one more hit. As he considered his options, the voice of his real enemy rang inside his head, doing nothing to lessen the pain he felt.

"Don't tell me you're thinking about sparing her? She's trying to kill you. And we've already discussed the consequences of failure, haven't we?"

Dream Feather gave an involuntary twitch as the words sounded clearly in his mind, inspite of the haze of torment that seemed to obscure everything else. The reminder was enough to stir up his memories of Rainbow Dash. He had to save her. He had to fix everything. The stallion regained his senses just in time to receive a pink hoof to his head. The sudden strike made him black out for just a moment as he collapsed onto the ground. By the time he was aware again, Pinkie was once more towering over his prone form.

I wasted my chance and did not attack her and THIS is how she repays me? That damned monster was right. If I fail now it won't just be my life which is forfeit. I swore I'd protect Dash and I meant it. No holding back or we'll both die. And Twilight Sparkle and the others too probably.

With his resolve steeled, he began flailing all three of his good legs in a desperate attempt to get the mare away from him. It seemed that his earlier luck held true, her head wound was severe enough that she couldn't focus to defend herself. She managed to fight back with her own powerful blows, but she wasn't capable of keeping up with his frenzied attacks. His strikes earned him enough room to breathe, but Dream Feather didn't even consider stopping his assault as the mare backed away from him. He couldn't afford to give her another chance to recover her wits. This time, he followed after her, stumbling to his hooves and slamming her into ground. The pain from his own wounds screamed at him, but it only fueled his anger as he struck her again and again, ceaselessly raining attacks down upon her bloodied body.

Suddenly his mind and body froze, as the screams of a very familiar voice cut through the shroud of pain, rage, and adrenaline. He was too far out of it to understand what was being said, but something about the voice made him stop. While he was trying to figure out why, he was once again tackled to the ground. The impact was powerful, it seemed that whoever had rammed into him this time was moving much faster than Pinkie had been, but somehow it was less painful. In his current state, he was unable to deduce why that might be and he didn't even try to examine his attacker before lashing out at them desperately. This combatant was much more experienced in fighting than Pinkie was and used his wild flailing as an opportunity to pin down each of his legs. To Dream Feather's surprise, the pony pinning him down didn't seem interested in attacking him at all. She was just holding him in place and talking. It was only after he had taken a few breaths that he was able to recognize the pegasus and understand her words.

"-struggling! I'm trying not to hurt you here, but you're making it hard. Please, just stop already Dream Feather!"

Now that he was beginning to calm down, he was able to process his recent actions without fury he had felt before. He didn't like what he saw. "Dash? Pinkie attacked me and I... Is she alright?"

Rainbow Dash paused at his words, before finally stepping to the side and releasing him. She trotted over to the earth pony's unmoving body as she spoke, but the only thing he could focus on was the blood that he could see running down her neck. "You didn't have to go this far! I understand self-defense, but she wasn't fighting anymore. She wasn't even moving anymore! Is that jerk really getting to you this much?"

Dream Feather didn't know what to say. The guilt he felt was almost overwhelming and it wasn't helped by the knowledge that he'd also managed to hurt Dash while she was trying to stop him. It felt too much like an excuse to blame it all on the evil unicorn for manipulating him. His inner turmoil was interrupted by the arrival of that very same scheming pony.

"Now Dashie, you really shouldn't have done that. It's not very nice to run off and disobey the only pony keeping you safe and alive now, is it?" His voice and appearance were the same as before, but seemed somehow different. There was an almost friendly, affable sort of aura about him now. The deceptively kind visage just made Dream Feather's anger return. And he wasn't alone in that response either.

"This is your fault at least as much as it's his! Give me one good reason why I shouldn't be ripping you apart right now!" While Rainbow Dash's threat sounded serious, it was obvious to all three of them that she stood no chance against the manipulative pony. As such, the unicorn remained unfazed and actually smiled.

"But who is going to help Pinkie Pie if I am torn to pieces? I am the only unicorn around and, while I am no doctor, I might be able to save her from the fate of being eaten by some random monster. Or maybe beaten to death by some crazy pegasus. I only told you to bring them to me, Dream Feather. I didn't realize you were so bloodthirsty."

The ashamed stallion wanted to protest, but he lacked the words and the strength to voice them. He watched, barely clinging to consciousness, as the unicorn picked up Pinkie Pie with his magic and walked away while gesturing for Rainbow Dash to follow. She hesitated and Dream Feather could understand why. With the villain's magic slightly preoccupied holding Pinkie, this would be a perfect chance to attack. But by herself she stood no chance, and he was too injuried to even make himself stand at the moment. Even if she somehow won, she would have to handle being deep inside the Everfree Forest with two badly wounded ponies.

Although Dream Feather knew all these problems, he was too far gone to really comprehend them. To him it seemed that Rainbow Dash was choosing to follow that monster over staying with him while he was in more pain than he had ever been.

Can I blame her? I am the one who allied himself with that villain and forced her to lie to her friends. Now I've nearly beaten two of her friends to death... Maybe she did choose not to follow the monster. Maybe I'm the monster. And he didn't bother getting me back into shape to help him capture the others. Am I of no use to him now? Why didn't he kill me?

He was too exhausted to ponder any further. His pains were the only thing he had to keep him company as he slipped in and out of a restless sleep haunted by nightmares of death and failure.

Still Afraid

Dream Feather yelped as pain shot through his ruined wing, returning him to consciousness. Slowly and carefully getting up from the ground, he found a tree to lean on while he gathered his thoughts. He was filled with guilt and shame as he recalled everything he'd done at the behest of that vile unicorn. Somehow, despite the frustration overwhelming him, his mind felt clearer than it had in days. It seemed so obvious now that he never should have aided that villain, no matter what threat was used against him.

What was I thinking, 'playing along in hopes of gettting him to let down his guard?' I should have known that would never work!

Observing the forest around him, Dream Feather felt an odd sense of detachment. The Everfree was as terrifying as ever, but after so long spent wandering through it, it was hard for him to get worked up over the dangers it posed.

I cannot believe my luck, or my lack thereof. Most ponies never even set hoof in these woods and here I am, lost deep within it for the second time in less than a week! How long have I been in here? It feels like I have not eaten in days! I wonder if any of these plants are safe for ponies... What am I thinking? Who knows what horrible things might be growing here! And I have more important things to be worried about anyway. Almost all of the Elements of Harmony have been captured. Which is mostly my fault... And I no longer have Rainbow Dash to help me. Which is also my fault... I have to fix this! And if I die trying, well at least I'll be free from all this...

A sliver of a memory wormed its way into his mind. He could barely remember anything from that horrible nightmare he experienced his first night in Ponyville, but somehow the questions he was asked seemed clear as day. He shuddered as he pondered his answer and how close he had come to proving himself wrong. He had been faced with death and had chosen his own survival over the well being of others. And he didn't even exactly survive completely intact anyway. Looking over his own wing to the best of his abilities he found it to be in bad shape, but nowhere near as bad as Rainbow Dash's wings had been. It would heal in time, but it definitely wasn't fit for flight at the moment.

Not like it matters anyway. Even if I could fly, I have no idea where I should go. He's not guiding me around like a pawn anymore and tracking his path in this place will be practically impossi... That's impossible!

Not far from Dream Feather's resting place lay a very clear set of hoofprints that wound their way through the dense foliage and off into the darkness of the forest.

This has to be some kind of trap. Even if Dash left these behind, he had to know about it. He would not miss something like that. But why would he even bother with me anymore? Why set a trap for me? Is there some reason he needs me out of the picture? Maybe there is some way that I can still stop him. I know following this trail is probably exactly what he wants, but wandering about aimlessly is not going to help anypony. I guess I just have to approach this head first and do what I can to mitigate the damage.

With his mind desperately searching for some skill he had or some knowledge he held, which might somehow make him a threat to a unicorn with powerful magic at his command, Dream Feather started trotting alongside the entirely too obvious trail. Tracking through the grim forest on his own was more than enough to remind him once again of the numerous dangers that lurked amongst the trees, and his mental self inspection was quickly sidetracked when he heard the distant howling of some beast. His earlier detachment from his surroundings was completely gone now. Dream Feather quickened his pace, all the while scanning the shadows around him for any sign of danger or movement.

Is this supposed to be some kind of cruel joke? Why in Equestria would he want to lead me here?

The tracks had led Dream Feather to a chasm so deep that he could not see the bottom. He could, however, see the castle that lay on the other side of the chasm. Even from across the massive fissure, he could make out quite a bit of the ruined structure. It didn't take long for his mind to connect the ancient castle before him to legends he had read. According to a certain book that the six mares had recently made him reassess the veracity of, the Everfree Forest held the remains of the Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters. The one that was used before Nightmare Moon's banishment. Unless his memory of the legend was in error, this was also the place that supposedly held the Elements of Harmony. Or, it had until Twilight and the others used the Elements to defeat Nightmare Moon and transform her back into Princess Luna. Well, that's what Spike told him had happened and he was inclined to believe the missing dragon. Thinking about the abducted baby dragon brought Dream Feather's mind back to the task of fixing his mistakes and somehow stopping the one responsible for it all. His next course of action seemed clear. Examining the side of the cliff, he could spot only one way across the perilous abyss separating him from the castle.

Why am I not surprised?

The old wooden bridge before him simply swayed disturbingly in the breeze.

Bad enough that this bridge looks like it should have been dismantled generations ago, but there is also a murderous unicorn lying in wait to spring some kind of trap. Though if this bridge is a trap, it probably is not meant for me. I cannot think of a single reason why he would even need to set up a trap to stop me... is that seriously the only thing I have on my side?

He stood there arguing with himself for a moment, before finally deciding to get it over with. Steeling his resolve, Dream Feather carefully began to test the stability of the bridge. After a few careful steps, he was assured enough to begin crossing the rickety construction of wood and rope. He tried his best to ignore the unsteady movements of the bridge, keeping his gaze on the castle. He was barely half way across when something suddenly moved past the corner of his vision. Startled, he took several quick steps backwards causing the bridge to shake unsettlingly beneath his hooves. Overtaken by the fear that whatever he'd seen moving would loose one of the ropes holding the bridge aloft, Dream Feather rushed forward as fast as he could, not caring how much the bridge shook as long as he reached the other side. His silent prayers were answered, as he ran onto the land safe and sound, the bridge still swinging back and forth wildly behind him.

But before Dream Feather could slow down from his frantic sprint, he tripped on something and tumbled forward roughly.. His head was still ringing from striking against the hard forest floor when a soft voice spoke up.

"Oh... it's you Dream Feather. I'm so sorry. I... I thought you were umm..."

The nervous pegasus continued to stumble over her own words as Dream Feather stood back up. His face lit up in relief and joy as he beheld the seemingly unharmed pony. His own words began to tumble out, unintentionally interrupting her quiet apologies.

"Fluttershy! You do not know how glad I am to see you! We have to find-"

His rushed explanation came to a halt when a sudden flash of light shone from the other side of the terrifying chasm. What he saw quickly drained the happiness from his features. Fluttershy caught on quickly and turned to examine area as well. The two of them stared at the scene for several seconds before Dream Feather recovered enough of his senses to duck into the nearby vegetation in an attempt to hide himself from view. Fluttershy followed him into his hiding place a moment later and they crouched down with bated breath as they watched the unicorn across the chasm calmly walking towards the precipice.

If I followed his tracks then how could be possibly be behind me? Does he know that I am here? Does he know that-

His mind froze in the middle of his thoughts as another pony came into view with a cry of pain. He recognized the voice immediately.

Rainbow Dash!

She wasn't moving towards the ledge of her own accord, instead she was being violently thrown forward by the glowing magic surrounding her form. She was yelling something at the fiendish pony, but Dream Feather found himself too far away to hear any of the words clearly. Even though he knew it was ill advised, his curiosity got the better of him and made him shift closer carefully in an attempt to better hear the conversation. His slow advance stopped when a loud snap echoed through the air. One of the ropes holding up the bridge had snapped, no doubt helped along to its demise by his earlier panic. The unpleasant sight of the bridge twisting and ripping free of one side of the chasm was accompanied by the rustle of plants as Fluttershy followed his lead and crept closer. Her presence at his side actually relieved some of his worries. No matter how scared or timid she seemed, she wasn't just going to abandon him or Rainbow Dash. This brief bright moment was quickly broken when Rainbow Dash once again thrust closer to the edge of the gorge.

"You think I'm scared of you? I've faced dragons and even Discord himself! I'm not gonna back down from a jerk like you. Go ahead, throw me down there already. I've had it with your games! "

Dream Feather could tell that she was in immense pain, her voice was laced with agony even though she did her best to remain stoic. For a moment there was silence, but when it became apparent that the nefarious pony did not intend to respond, Rainbow Dash lept towards him. She lashed out at the stallion, but he simply sidestepped her reckless assault. Before she could fall to the ground, his magic enveloped her and pushed her once more towards the grand chasm. The captive pegasus slid along until she was dangling half off the ledge, supported by only her front hooves. Seeing her hanging there, her back legs kicking about uselessly and her limp wings lacking the splints he had crafted, Dream Feather had to use all of his self control to stop himself from trying to jump to her rescue. He knew that attempting to do so would simply result is his own damaged wing collapsing under the strain.

This is insane! I can't just sit here and watch, but even if my wing was safe to fly with it would still be suicide to just rush in and hope that monster wouldn't try to stop me. He can't kill her. He would never kill her, right? Spike said... but then, what did Spike know? He had not met this creep back then. He did not know what this pony is capable of or what he is after.

Before he could ponder the grim thoughts further, he was distracted by the sound of movement beside him. Fluttershy was readying herself to take flight, she was ready to face her own fear to save her friend. It didn't take long for the sight to inspire a new line of thought for Dream Feather.

He has to know we're here, he lead me here after all. And this has to be a trap, he wouldn't just kill her after all this work. This is meant to be a spectacle. He wants us to see... No, he wants Fluttershy to see! He's not after me, why would he be? The whole point of this is to get to Fluttershy! Dash wouldn't want me to let Fluttershy get hurt. I can't abandon her to his schemes like I did with the others! Dash would want me to be loyal, no matter the cost.

Deciding that time of the essence, Dream Feather rushed to explain what he believed was happening to Fluttershy, but before he could utter a single word, a loud cry of suffering erupted from Rainbow Dash. Surprised, he turned and saw that she was still hanging onto the ledge, but the sickly glow of the unicorn's magic was now surrounding her wings.

"Oh dear Dashie, these wings don't feel right at all. Are you sure they are flight worthy? I guess we'll just have to find out, but don't worry. It won't be lonely where you're going, not for long anyway. Though I can't guarantee that you'll see Dream Feather again, he's just too much of a coward I'm afraid. I'll make sure to tell him goodbye for you."

Dream Feather's body was frozen in place, he had no desire to watch was what happening, but he could no longer turn his eyes away. The rush of wind and sound of flapping next to him made it obvious that Fluttershy wasn't as paralyzed as he was. Two simple words floated across the chasm and awoke him from his daze.

"Goodbye Dashie."

With these words echoing in his head, Dream Feather lept, not towards Rainbow Dash and certain death, but rather towards Fluttershy. She had just begun to lift into the air when his body slammed into her and sent both of them back to the ground, dangerously close to the edge of the chasm. He quickly recovered from the tumble and stood up, examining Fluttershy who was still shaking herself free from confusion and disorientation caused by the sudden tackle. He hadn't meant to hit her with such force, but before he could offer his apologies or help her to her hooves, he was distracted by the lack of a rainbow mane dangling from the side of the cliff. The true meaning of Rainbow Dash's disappearance was slowly burning into his mind when the villain's amused voice intruded upon his thoughts.

"Brilliant! Scared little Dream Feather, I had no idea you were capable of such a thing! I knew you were desperate, but to let poor Dashie fall to her death like that? And for what? Did you think that you could somehow earn my approval? You make me laugh. Such cowardice! But you have proven one thing beyond a shadow of a doubt: You aren't worth killing. Somehow, you end up helping me all the time anyway. So go home and take a rest, I'll be sure to visit you with some kind of reward when this is all over."

Dream Feather was barely able to process the words, his mind was too preoccupied with the fate of Rainbow Dash, his first real friend.

Where did she go? Did he really just let her fall? Did I? No... this isn't right! This can't be happening.

"Dash..."

For Dream Feather, uttering her name hurt him more than any of the fights he had been in since arriving in the Everfree Forest. He began to repeat her name softly to himself, but he didn't get far before he was interrupted by the anguish of the pony next to him. Fluttershy was not the sobbing, broken wreck he was expecting. She was crying, but her face was set in a hard, focused stare. The moment he gazed into those eyes, filled with rage and sadness, he found himself trapped. He couldn't move, he couldn't speak, he couldn't even breathe.

"Have you been working for that unicorn, the one that killed my friend!?"

The question forced his mind to shift restlessly, his mouth opened and words formed through no command of his own. He wasn't being mind controlled, it felt more like a burning guilt and shame had overtaken him. Why would he lie? It wouldn't change what he had done.

"Y-yes! I... I was!"

He could offer no explanation, no excuses. He couldn't even avert his gaze. He was forced to watch the emotional turmoil evident in those expressive eyes. She continued to stare at him, almost unmoving while her eyes displayed a raging tempest of anger, despair, and disappointment. He was suddenly all too aware of how close to the edge of the cliff he was standing.

"What about the rest of my friends? Where are they? What happened to them?"

It was easy for Dream Feather to see in her gaze the worry that overcame the rest of her emotions at that moment. Even in this situation, he couldn't help but feel sorry for the pegasus that currently held him captive. He knew what he had to say, knew that there was no room for lies, but he feared what the words would do to her. The horrid task was taken from him by the monster that he hated more than he'd ever hated anything before.

"Go on, tell her! Tell her about how you betrayed them! How you tricked them, sold them out and even viciously assaulted them! How you mercilessly rained blow after blow down upon them, even when they were already unconcious!"

The words struck deep into Dream Feather's heart and his legs grew weak. He fell to the ground, finally free from the force of Fluttershy's stare, but now held by the much less gentle grasp of his own regret. After a moment, he managed to collect himself enough to looked back at Fluttershy. She was frozen in place, her tears overflowing, but not making a single sound.

"I'm sorry! I am so very sorry. I have so much blood on my hooves already, I've done so many horrible things... But I didn't want to hurt anypony! I want everything to be like it was before! I just want this to be over!"

Dream Feather continued to sob uncontrollably, a torrent of imcomprehensible words escaping him. He cried until he felt like he hd no tears left. His incoherent mumblings slowly died down and the forest grew silent once more. Then he felt himself sliding along the ground.

His eyes shot open to reveal that he was being held in grasp of that vile pony's magic. He was dragged all the way over the edge of the cliff while he did his best to glare at the villain. He could barely make out the ghost of a smile upon the unicorn's face before the telekinetic field vanished. Dream Feather desperately stuck his hooves out, scrambling to find something to stop his descent. For once luck was on his side and he managed to pin a thin vine between his hooves.

Breathing heavily, the pegasus frantically tried to pull himself back up, but he was straining just to hold himself in place, ascent was impossible. His front legs simple weren't strong enough to lift his entire body on their own. His eyes darted about quickly, searching for something, anything at all that could help him. His gaze landed upon the distraught mare that was curled up on the ground silently sobbing.

"Fluttershy! I need your help! Please... Please help me! I-"

Dream Feather's pleas were interrupted when the vine he was clinging to snapped. He flailed about senselessly, his hooves digging into the hard ground jsut enough to slow his slipping. His sudden good luck held though, and his hoof caught on the tip of a rock. He looked again towards Fluttershy, knowing he didn't have long before his leg would fail him. His heart soared with hope when he saw her standing above him, but when he gazed into her eyes all he saw was a cold, emotionless void.

"Help... please..." Dream Feather begged, but Fluttershy just stood motionless, watching calmly as his hoof began to slip. His fear and frustration quickly rose even as he slowly fell. "What are you doing?! You're the Element of Kindness! You can't just let a helpless pony fall to his death!"

Fluttershy simply lowered her head and whispered into his ear.

"Kindness is dead. You killed it. You killed all of them. And now... I'll kill you."

Dream Feather's body froze in terror and he could nothing but watch as Fluttershy brought her hoof down upon his, slowly pushing his hoof off of the rock that was his last lifeline.

"Fluttershy..."

He managed to say her name one more time before his hoof came loose and he fell into the chasm.

There's nothing more I can do, nothing that struggling would accomplish. Everything I have done, every step I have taken has caused more suffering and pain. I've ruined everything and now I won't even have a chance to fix my mistakes. This is it...

As Dream Feather's body began to pick up speed the whistling of air passing his ears became louder and louder. He closed his eyes and simply listened. He knew that he would not live to hear that noise stop, so he was very surprised when it suddenly did. A moment later he hit the ground hard and pain shot through him.

What in the world? How am I alive right now? That hurt, but a fall from that height should have been deadly! Was that chasm smaller than I thought?

Opening his eyes, Dream Feather was surprised to find himself in a hallway made of stone, rather than at the bottom of a crevasse. He could even see the sky through the broken roof.

This makes no sense! A moment ago I was falling to my death and now I find myself in what I am sure must be that castle. Some kind of teleportation spell? Who would bother saving me? I really doubt he would care, especially after he tossed me over the edge in the first place! Maybe this is all a dream or something?

The questions burned in Dream Feather's mind, demanding answers that he could not figure out. For a while he was scared to move, unsure if he might suddenly find himself falling once more. He knew he couldn't stay there forever, but before he could settle on a course of action he heard the echo of distant voices. They were very faint, but that didn't stop Dream Feather from recognizing a voice he thought he would never hear again.

Dash?

The voice decided his path for him, and he moved through the corridors and rooms as quickly as he could. The conversation faded away as he walked, but he knew the direction the sounds came from and he wasn't going to stop until he found out what was happening.

As he got closer to origin of the voices, the hallway around him seemed to grow more intact before it finally ended at the remains of what was once the throne room of the princesses. Even in its current state, Dream Feather was still awed by the sight of the legendary castle, but he could not spare any time to admire it. He had more important things to worry about. He scanned the room for the mare that he had heard, barely even registering the worn beauty of the once majestic hall. The sound of soft hoofsteps drew his attention and he turned to see all of his hopes confirmed. Before him stood the brash cyan pegasus that he had merely moments ago watched fall to her seemingly certain death.

"Hey Dream Feather! Looking for somepony? Somepony awesome, like me maybe?"

Rainbow Dash gave a friendly smirk and nodded at his skeptical gaze. Before he could find the words to express what he was feeling, another familiar pony approached them.

"Twilight? I don't understand. How... why are we not dead?"

The confused stallion stumbled over his words, unable to properly formulate all the questions he wanted to ask. But Twilight seem to understand him anyway and began calmly answering his questions, including the ones he had been unable to ask.

"Don't worry, I can explain everything. While Rainbow Dash and you were trecking about the forest, I was doing the same. I found you talking to Applejack, but I could tell that something wasn't right. I stayed back and watched. I wish I could have intervened, but with that unicorn present there wasn't much I could do. Since then I've followed along as well as I could without revealing myself to him, watching everything that happened."

Dream Feather shifted uneasily. He had done a lot of horrible things. If she was watching the whole time, then she probably was not pleased with him.

"Don't be mistaken, I'm not mad at you. I saw everything, so I know that my assumptions about you were incorrect. I could see what he was doing to you, manipulating you like that. I'm sorry I wasn't able to get you two away from him earlier, I needed to wait for a moment when he was distracted. If he'd noticed me teleporting either of you, then there was no way I would have been able to get the other one out of there. And once you ran into Fluttershy, I had three ponies to worry about."

She frowned, examining the horrible state of the ponies she had rescued.

"I wish that things hadn't gotten so out of hoof. At least I was able to get all three of you out of there while his playing his little mind games."

Dream Feather just stared at Twilight Sparkle in awe. He knew that being the Element of Magic meant she would surely have great magical power, but the amount of control and skill that it would take to safely teleport a pony in free fall, let alone one she was so far away from at the time was staggering. He'd never heard of any unicorn that could teleport somepony that they couldn't even see. He doubted that even Princess Celestia could have managed such a feat. And teleporting three ponies and herself in such a short period of time would require astounding amounts of magic.

"Wait, all three of us? So is Fluttershy here too?"

Twilight looked towards the hallway he had walked through and sighed.

"She should be around the castle somewhere. My teleportation spell isn't meant to be used under those cirumstances and it was more important that I got you all here safe and sound, than that you all ended up in exactly the same spot. Fluttershy should be nearby. She's either looking for us now, or too scared to move."

"Too scared to move? After what she just said and did, I doubt that she is as timid as she seems."

Of course, I nearly killed Pinkie Pie and I have never even imagined hurting another pony before. Who am I to judge somepony? That villain made me do things I would never have thought myself capable of. Given the circumstances, there is no way to tell how many of her actions were her own. And no way to tell how many of my actions have been my own...

"Don't even start with that nonsense, we can't afford to turn on one another and start distrusting each other now. What she did wasn't her fault, unless you intend to argue that those things you did to Pinkie and Applejack are entirely your fault as well!"

Even though her words mirrored his own thoughts, hearing them spoken aloud still struck him hard. He couldn't shake the memory of their still forms and the blood on his hooves. The terrible images vanished when Rainbow Dash pushed his side softly.

"Come on, I know you aren't a bad pony. Just listen to Twi already! I'm itching for some payback, but if we're gonna get it we need to stand together. All of us."

Rainbow Dash's signature confidence and blunt wording managed to pull him from his dark thoughts once more.

"Sorry, all of this has just been getting to me. I just want this whole debacle to end, but I guess that will not happen unless we make it happen. I will do what I can to help."

With his acceptance of the situation, Twilight Sparkle seemed to slip back into the leadership role he'd seen her fill before. Her attitude grew serious, but not mean or demanding, and she spoke with force and assurance.

"First things first! We need everypony here before we can begin planning. Dream Feather, it would be best if you could go find Fluttershy and bring her back here. I'm still recovering from teleporting so many ponies in a row and I haven't had a chance to examine Rainbow Dash's wings yet. Besides, it's obvious that you and Fluttershy have some issues you need to resolve before you'll be able to work together. Do you think you can handle that?"

This is it. I've said that I need to fix my mistakes and Twilight is giving me a chance to do so right now. I'm not sure how I will handle being face to face with a pony that just tried to kill me... But if I cannot handle this, then what use am I? I will mend the wounds I've caused! No matter what.

"I'll do it. I plan to right all of the wrongs that I have commited, starting with my most recent. Expect me and Fluttershy to be back soon."

Twilight smiled and nodded, pointing him back towards the hallways he would need to search. Her simple acceptance, the confidence that she seemed to have in his ability to set things right bolstered his own confidence greatly.

"That's what I wanted to hear. You better get started now. The castle isn't very large, but we don't have any time to waste."

Dream Feather gazed at Twilight and Rainbow Dash one more time, before walking towards the corridors and the pegasus that was hidden somewhere within them. As he was leaving the throne room, Twilight said one more thing, sounding almost embarrased.

"And I just want to say that Rainbow Dash was right to trust you. You are a good pony, Dream Feather. You shouldn't blame yourself for what's happened. That malicious mastermind has played us all for fools and he's the one that is truly at fault."

Dream Feather smiled to himself and felt something he had not felt since this whole nightmare started. Pride. The rare emotion was quickly replaced by awe and admiration as he wandered through the small and broken down, yet somehow still majestic castle of the Royal Pony Sisters. This was a real historical place that had spawned legends of its own. If he had the time, he would have liked nothing more than to spend a few hours simply imagining what the castle used to look like before it fell into ruin.

The search took less time than Dream Feather thought it would. He had barely begun exploring when he heard the sound of quiet sobs coming from a nearby room. He did his best to steady himself for the conversation ahead and then pushed aside the rotted remains of the door.

All of his preparation, his determination, and his newfound pride, shattered the moment he entered the room. Fluttershy was huddled in the corner of the room, crying and mumbling, looking like nothing more than a broken wreck of her former self. The way her current state seemed to mirror that of the castle gave him a moment's pause, but he quickly overcame the shock and began moving towards her slowly, making no sudden moves so as not to terrify her further. His fear and suspicion of the weeping pegasus seemed absurd now.

Alright, I have found her. But what do I do now? Should I just try talking to her? How will she react when she sees me?

Dream Feather's thoughts trailed off as he stared at the scene of despair. Somehow, Fluttershy's suffering struck at his own thoughts and feelings, her listless form calling up those memories of Pinkie Pie and Applejack. Their broken bodies lying at his hooves. His legs shook and he almost joined the pony in tears. But he had a purpose and he knew that he had to be stronger, so that he could help Fluttershy. So that he could help all of them. His will rekindled, he decided it was now or never.

"Fluttershy, please listen to me. Can you hear me? Do you understand what I am saying?"

The sobbing sound slowly stopped as Fluttershy peered up at him between strands of her mane. Her fear was obvious, even through her sorrow.

"Don't worry. I am real and, more importantly, I am still alive. Twilight saved me. She saved all of us, even Dash. Fluttershy, you didn't hurt me and I can promise you that I am not here to hurt you."

Moving slowly, Dream Feather carefully extended his hoof to help her stand up. The confused pegasus stared at his hoof for a long moment, before she finally accepted his offer. Hope spread across her features as she seemed to gather her thoughts, doing her best to stop the tears that were still running down her face. He waited for her to speak, but realized quickly that she did not seem inclined to say anything at the moment.

"I know you are probably confused, I am still confused myself. Honestly, I'm not the best pony to explain things, Twilight could do a much better job."

Fluttershy met his gaze tentatively, the repeated mention of Twilight's name seemed to have gotten her attention.

"But I'll just have to do my best. Listen, I-"

Dream Feather's words got stuck in his throat and he spent the next several seconds trying his best to recover. He forced himself past the awful images that were once again assaulting his mind and tried to figure out what to say to the distressed mare waiting patiently for his explanation.

"I know what you are feeling. The feeling of terror when you see what you are actually capable of. The awful things you never could have done, but somehow you did them anyway. The guilt. It feels like there's nothing you can do. You can't make a difference, can't change anything. I've faced that myself and I've only just begun to understand that there really is no way to change what has already happened. That you can't run away from those things. You can't hide from them."

The words were pouring out of Dream Feather now before he could even think about what he was saying. He realized that these words were meant as much for him as they were for Fluttershy.

"But that doesn't mean that you can't fix things. No matter what, there's still good that you can do, still ways that you can make up for your mistakes. You cannot run from those feelings, but you can face them. And if you have done enough good to balance out the bad, you might even overcome those memories."

After having finished his speech, Dream Feather realized that this was far from what he had intended to say. And he also realized that following this logic, he would have a lot of good to do if he ever wanted to rid himself of the painful feelings. The task seemed almost impossibly large to him, but somehow it only seemed to strengthen his resolve. There was a long silence as Dream Feather pondered this, before Fluttershy finally spoke to him for the first time since she had stated her intention to kill him.

"He wasn't lying when he talked about the things you did, was he? All of the horrible things you did to my friends... Those are the memories you are talking about. That's why you know what it feels like to face the worst parts of yourself."

Her voice was soft and filled with pain, but deep beneath the pain Dream Feather imagined he could hear her yearning for forgiveness. He wasn't sure if it was actually there or if he was just projecting his own feelings onto her.

"Yes, and that's also why I can see what you did in a different light. I've been there myself, so I know that what happened wasn't all your fault. It wasn't entirely your choice... But I also know that those platitudes won't stop you from blaming yourself. You'll regret that moment for what feels like forever. My own experiences also let me say two more things and actually mean them. I'm sorry. And I forgive you."

There was silence after this, but the change in Fluttershy's expression and the fact that she did not go back to hiding her face or sobbing showed Dream Feather that he had at least partially succeeded in making her feel better.

"I don't know about you, but I want to work towards outweighing my mistakes by doing some good. And I think helping Twilight and Dash deal with that menace is a perfect place to start."

Dashing to Conclusions

"I told you he could handle it. When have I ever been wrong?" Rainbow Dash smugly informed Twilight Sparkle while she rushed over to Dream Feather and Fluttershy. Twilight's approach was much calmer, as was her deadpan response.

"I never voiced mistrust in his capabilities, I was only commenting on how long he had been gone. Or have you forgotten about the pony that's apparently trying to capture us?" Twilight shook her head softly before speaking up again, suddenly serious. "Now that everypony is here, we need to focus on the matter at hoof."

"Finding a way to stop the villain and get the others back?" Dream Feather inquired, shifting his body and getting ready to burst into action.

"Yes, we can't let this go on any longer. This unicorn is too ruthless and too dangerous. He's done horrendous things and even tricked some of us into performing horrible acts."

Fluttershy voiced a pained noise before backing away from the circle of ponies, trying to hide her face beneath her long mane. Dream Feather was quick to offer her a reassuring smile, while Rainbow Dash placed a hoof across her back and pulled her back into the group. Fluttershy slowly lifted her head and returned the smile. Seeing that the situation was resolved, Twilight continued her speech.

"But I fear that now that his original plans were disturbed he will stop his mindgames and switch to even more vicious tactics. We might be momentarily safe, but we cannot waste much time here. Not while our friends are still out there and subject to his dark whims."

This statement made one thing clear in every pony's mind: they had to go back out and save their friends, no matter what dangers they might face. The silence which befell the group during their contemplations was broken by the most unlikely of them all.

"But why is he doing all of this? Why would anypony do such...." Fluttershy fell silent, unwilling to finish asking her question. The others already knew what she was going to say, the events were still fresh in their minds. The only pony with an answer was Dream Feather, who turned to address Twilight.

"I am not sure why, but he seemed specifically focused on you, Twilight. He spoke of... of your demise. And he mentioned something about Celestia too." Dream Feather knew that what little information he could provide didn't really mean anything. The villain's goals still seemed arbitrary to him and he couldn't even begin to explain the motivations behind his actions. Twilight, however, seemed very interested and Dream Feather could tell that her mind was racing to connect some things together.

"Did any of you ever have a good look at his cutie mark?" Twilight inquired after a moment of thought. Dream Feather was quick to reply.

"It was a lense of some sort. If I had to guess, I'd say his special talent was something to do with perception. Alteration or illusion, most likely."

Nodding, Twilight returned to her ruminations, speaking some of her thoughts out loud.

"All these facts feel like puzzle pieces. Whenever they fit together, it feels like there's something I should remember. Or somepony. And yet, I can't recall any of it clearly! It's like it was washed away by time... or maybe-"

"Does it really matter who this pony is or why he's doing all of this? I just want to get our friends back and make him pay for everything he's done. That's what we should be focusing on." Rainbow Dash interrupted Twilight's contemplations, obviously impatient and eager to rescue the other ponies.

Twilight slowly nodded. Strangely enough, she seemed almost glad to stop working on the riddle before her. "Rainbow Dash is correct. For all we know, that unicorn could be preparing to attack us at this very moment. To be honest, I am surprised that we have remained uninterrupted for so long as it is."

The words struck a chord in Dream Feather, bringing to the forefront some thoughts that had been bothering him about the ancient castle.

"Don't you find it odd that there are no forest creatures here? Look around us, beyond some minor plant life this place is completely deserted. If this place is so old, why has the forest not yet made it its own?" Dream Feather mused aloud.

Twilight stared at him curiously for a moment while the other two ponies examined their surroundings. He could almost see the gears shifting inside Twilight's mind as she turned contemplative once more.

"Good observation, there has to be a reason for this..." Twilight trailed off as her horn began glowing with her magic, her eyes closing as she concentrated.

Silence pervaded the room for a time, long enough for Rainbow Dash to grow impatient and begin shifting about, obviously uncomfortable with extended periods of inactivity. Just when it seemed to Fluttershy and Dream Feather that the cyan pegasus was at the edge of her patience, the light of Twilight's magic dissipated.

"There seems to be some magical resonance from a very powerful protective spell. Back when this castle was built, the princesses must have put a magical barrier on it. I don't know what it was meant to protect against, but even now enough of its structured presence remains that the wild creatures of the Everfree are unwilling to approach the castle." Twilight explained, seemingly enthralled by the avenues of study that the information represented to her.

Dream Feather nodded slowly; he had expected something along those lines and the next step seemed obvious to him.

"Then we have to find a way to fight him here, where he will be without allies. Anywhere else and he could simply take control of the forest's monsters again and overwhelm us easily."

"He probably knows that too. So unless we can trick him into entering the castle, he will simply wait for us to starve. Or worse yet, use our friends as bait to make us leave," Twilight replied, obviously disturbed by the potential outcomes.

She has a good point. I can't think of any reason that he would throw all of his advantages away, when he is the one holding all the strings at the moment.

"I don't see what the problem is. Twi's good with her magic stuff. Can't you just copy whatever spell was cast on this castle?" Rainbow Dash stated, sounding exasperated and confused.

Twilight and Dream Feather turned to look at Rainbow Dash curiously, wondering why they hadn't even considered such an obvious possibility. After the idea had fully sunk in, Twilight responded, sounding very uncertain.

"Well, I don't have much of anything to work off of to replicate the spell. And I feel confident that the original spell was cast by more than one pony or even the princesses themselves. But, given enough time, I might be able to learn enough about the structure of this spell to reproduce its effects on wild animals. But even if I could pull it off, how would that help us?"

Rainbow Dash shot Twilight a look that clearly stated that she was missing the point, before answering in a cocky tone.

"Well you two are so focused on keeping his pet monsters away from us when we fight him, so I figure if you know the spell you could just cast it wherever we need it and then we could beat the tar out of him."

Dream Feather found himself nodding along with the brash statement. He didn't know that much about how magic worked, but Rainbow Dash's confident phrasing made the idea seem sound.

"I think you are underestimating the complexity of this spell. A barrier spell of this sort can't easily be cast on the fly. It would take preparation and a lot of energy. And even then, it would only cover a limited space, all he would have to do is wait outside of its area of effect. We'd be in the same situation as we are now, except that I'd most likely be exhausted from performing the spell." Twilight replied at length, pointing out the numerous flaws in the plan. She knew that shooting down ideas like this wasn't doing them any good, but she also feared that they weren't fully grasping the situation. This wasn't a problem that could she solve with just one spell. Especially considering the way their opponent had use one of her favorite spells against them. Twilight's eyes suddenly lit up as an idea sprung to her mind.

"If he really is focused on me, then what would he do if he knew that I was separated from the rest of you? I know this might sound like a terrible idea, but what if I teleported myself into the forest somewhere?"

Rainbow Dash responded almost immediately, taking the opportunity to point out the most obvious flaw of her plan.

"Are you crazy? Did you forget the part about him being able to mess with your teleportation spell? I know you got it to work earlier, but I thought you said that was because he was distracted at the time and wasn't ready for it. There's no way he won't be on the lookout for it now."

"But that's just it! He can mess with my spell all he wants and it won't do him any good. Considering that we didn't all end up in some cage when I first used my spell, I feel safe in assuming that he can't actually control where we end up. Instead, it seems that he disrupts the magical pattern surrounding the destination portion of my teleportation spell. I won't bore you with my theory in detail, but to put it simply, where I end up should be mostly random within a certain area." Twilight explained excitedly.

At this Dream Feather began to connect the points Twilight had laid out, allowing himself to ponder her plan out loud.

"So you intend to have him disrupt your spell, teleporting you to a random spot in the forest all alone? You plan to divert his attention toward yourself, I assume? You could then use the shield spell to protect yourself from the monsters and force him to confront you directly. Meanwhile, we would be left with more freedom to find the others, even though there will probably be a hoard of angry animals waiting for us. But to what end? Even without that fiend tracking us or hindering us, how are we supposed to find the place where he's keeping them?"

Twilight frowned and looked toward the corridor that led to the castle's exit. Dream Feather had managed to piece together most of her plan, but he had also discovered the one point which she was still unsure about.

"Honestly? I don't know. If one of us had some clue about where he might be hiding our friends..." With those words she paused briefly, glancing rather overtly at Rainbow Dash before continuing. "Then you might be able to free them before he could even locate me. And then you could either come assist me, or if the others are in really bad shape, get them out of the forest and contact Celestia."

"Are you seriously expecting me to let you go out there and face that nut all on your own, while I run away like some coward? It's bad enough that I left you all when he screwed with my mind, but I'm never going to abandon my friends ever again!" Rainbow Dash burst out, very distressed by Twilight's suggestion. Even a pony as socially awkward as Dream Feather could tell that such an idea would never work for the pony that represented loyalty itself.

But Twilight made a good point. Even if we could find the other Elements in time to be able to help her with that villain, we have no idea what he might have done to them. It doesn't seem likely that he would leave them in any shape to resist or possibly fight back. They will probably be in dire need of medical care.

"Dash, I am Celestia's personal student. I know how to protect myself. I promise you, he isn't going to get the better of me. But I won't be able to fight him as long as he is holding our friends hostage. If you free them and come to my aid, then I'm sure we'll be able to end this once and for all. And I don't want you charging into a pointless fight... if he somehow defeats me before you can free the others, then the loyal thing to do would be to make sure that everypony else gets out of here alive. If we've underestimated him and he's capable of overwhelming me, then the only ponies that can handle him are the princesses."

Dream Feather couldn't help but wonder why Twilight seemed so set on convincing Rainbow Dash to agree to her plan. It seemed that there was something regarding the plan that she hadn't shared yet. But when he glanced at Rainbow Dash, it was obvious that she was the one hiding something, not Twilight.

"Alright, fine! I might know where he's keeping the others, but I still don't like this plan. Couldn't I be the bait instead? You could teleport me out there and-"

"First of all, you are not his main target. And secondly, you can't use unicorn magic and would be unable to cast the spell to protect yourself from his army of creatures. And finally, you're the only one that has a clue of where he's keeping our friends. No, you have your part in this plan and I have mine. It won't work any other way. Now you know where he's hidden the others because he took you there with Pinkie, correct? That's one of the few mistakes he's made and we need to capitalize on it.

Rainbow Dash looked ready to argue some more, but after staring at Twilight for a moment she finally gave up her struggle. Her head dropped, muffling her voice slightly while she answered Twilight's question.

"Yeah, I was there and I can probably lead us there again. It isn't that far from here. If you really have to go through with this, then we should be able to come help you pretty quickly, but I doubt he'll give us enough time. He wants you dead Twi... and he'll do anything to get what he wants."

Hearing Rainbow Dash's concern, Dream Feather couldn't help but raise the issue that was bothering him about the plan. “There is one thing I don't understand. How do you plan to stop him from just leaving the fight? I mean, even if distracting him would give us more time to free the others, it could just as easily lead to him ignoring you and dealing with us while we are out on our own and completely exposed. Up to now he has never confronted you directly... why would he change that now?”

“I think I've got a way around that; I already know a powerful shield spell my brother invented, I could simply modify said spell to match the structure of this one, combine them and create a completely new spell with the properties of both!” Twilight seemed to glow while ranting about her idea. She explained the concept eagerly even though none of the other ponies could truly comprehend the advanced magical theory. After she paused and looked at the rather blank faces she giggled softly before speaking once more. “Point is, the spell will be able to force the villain to stay inside it with me, trapping him so he can't attack anypony else.”

Dream Feather could not help but wonder at the immense magical talent that seemed to run in Twilight's family. She was the holder of the Element of Magic itself and her brother had apparently invented his very own shield spell. He shook his head and mumbled to himself. “I doubt there has ever been a better group of ponies to get stuck in a life-threatening situation with.”

There was a heavy silence as all the ponies present knew that they weren't going to come up with a better plan, and the knowledge that every moment they delayed would give the villain more time to prepare made waiting painful. Yet nopony was fully pleased with the current plan and while Fluttershy was nowhere near as vocal as Rainbow Dash, taking a glance at her confirmed Dream Feather's guess that she was definitely not excited about splitting up again.

"Alright, we shouldn't waste any more time. Dash, I am trusting you to make the correct decisions. Now, you should really get going. I'll need some time to study the spell protecting this castle, but by the time you're outside I should be all ready."

Twilight didn't seem willing to debate the plan further. She calmly walked to the corner of the room before closing her eyes and calling upon her magic once more. Dream Feather felt a shiver run through his body as his heart seemed to clench painfully. This could be the last time that he would see the lavender unicorn; it was like watching her prepare for her own death. Rainbow Dash seemed to be just as affected by the somber scene as he was, but managed to speak anyway, though her normally brash tone sounded quite forced.

"Alright, it's time to find the others. And then? Payback."

"How exactly do you plan to get through the horde of creatures out there? I doubt they will just let us pass by peacefully, even if he's not actively forcing them to attack us."

"Don't worry, I'm sure we'll find a way. Twi told me to handle this and there's no way I'm gonna fail her. So, we're gonna make it."

Dream Feather fell silent, desperately trying to wrap his head around the bizarre logic, but when Fluttershy walked up beside him his heart hardened. Alongside these ponies, he was sure he could face anything.

It hadn't taken them long to find their way out of the ruined castle. Now that they were standing in the open air once more Dream Feather felt somehow different than before. He had expected the Everfree to sap his willpower and energy, the way it had since he first set hoof in the dangerous forest. But it seemed to have no power over him anymore, as if the confidence that he drew from his companions made the dreary forest into just another obstacle to face down. He didn't have long to ponder the change before the first roar echoed through the forest, quickly followed by a second and a third. As more and more creatures added their own calls to the cacophony, Dream Feather couldn't help but depend upon the sources of his new strength even more.

Shifting his view so that he could see Rainbow Dash, he watched as she flexed each of her legs in turn. Then she continued forward, seemingly unphased by the intimidating sounds of the monsters. Her steps were all it took for the forest to explode with life. A manticore charged at them, leaping into the air towards the determined pegasus. With a swiftness Dream Feather could never hope to achieve, Rainbow Dash leapt to the side and spun around, landing on all fours before shifting all of her weight to her front legs and delivering a powerful kick to the beast's chest just as it crashed to the ground where she had been standing a mere moment prior. The manticore gave a pained howl as something within its chest snapped.

Dream Feather cringed at the sound, but the creature shrugged off the injury quickly enough. Normally it might have retreated after such a wound, but the magic that was manipulating the beast only allowed aggressive behavior. The manticore lashed out with its claws, trying to slice through the nimble mare as she danced around the attempts on her life with almost casual ease. Unfortunately, the manticore was not alone. Dream Feather noticed the second manticore approaching Rainbow Dash from behind while the mare was still focused on the first. He couldn't watch the perilous dance any longer.

Snarling, he blindly charged foward putting all of his strength and momentum into a desperate kick that struck the second manticore right before it could sink its claws into the distracted mare's back. The manticore fell back, yowling in pain and rage. Dream Feather's attack alerted Rainbow Dash to the new threat and bought her enough time to reposition herself, no longer trapt between the beasts. Not that the shaken manticore seemed to be interested in her anymore anyway. Its bloodshot eyes stared directly at Dream Feather, who no longer had his sudden rush of adrenalin to blind him to the fear that the threatening creature inspired in him. He threw himself to the ground just as the claws swung over his head and took off part of his mane. He didn't rest for even a moment, quickly rolling away from the next attack, the deadly stinger of the manticore's tail sinking into the ground beside him. He prepared himself for another desperate dodge before noticing that the vicious beast seemed to have frozen. Then he noticed the almost oppressive silence, he could no longer hear the sounds of Rainbow Dash's fight against the other manticore.

Panic overwhelming him, Dream Feather cast his gaze towards what he was sure would be a gruesome sight, only to find himself staring incredulously at an unexpected and confusing situation. The manticores had stopped moving, eyes locked with Fluttershy's. The timid pegasus was staring down both of the vicious, frenzied, and absurdly dangerous creatures. And it was working. Before Dream Feather could do so much as pick himself up off the ground, two cyan hooves struck one of the manticores in the head, accompanied by another sickening crack as the manticore collapsed. A moment later Rainbow Dash repeated the attack on the remaining manticore.

Rainbow Dash trotted over to Dream Feather after that and offered him a hoof. He gladly accepted her help and quickly pulled himself to his hooves again. She examined him briefly before marching off without a word. He shared a look with Fluttershy for a moment, their mutual confusion evident, but the feat that he had seen the timid mare accomplish seconds before raised its own confusion within him and made him turn away from her, apparently potent, eyes. But he could tell that Fluttershy was just as lost as he was about Rainbow Dash's newest behavior. Their leader was moving with a different stride than normal, she seemed surrounded by a somber air. She'd always been confident and determined, but he'd never seen the violence and force that she appeared to radiate now. As Dream Feather and Fluttershy followed behind her, he approached as close as he dared and spoke up in his most diplomatic tone.

"Dash, are you alright?"

The mare seemed confused by his question, turning to look at him as she replied.

"Of course, that thing didn't even touch me!" As her eyes met Dream Feather's and then shifted to Fluttershy's realization struck her, "Oh. I guess I went a little overboard there... it's just... we have to be quick! Twilight is depending on us, she trusts me to do this."

She paused for a moment before nodding to herself. "I'm sorry, don't worry about me. I'm fine, but... I just need talk to Fluttershy alone real quick."

She gestured for Dream Feather to keep an eye on the forest as she pulled Fluttershy aside. He wasn't sure what they were talking about, although now that he looked he could tell that Fluttershy was actually quite shaken by something. He was sure that Rainbow Dash would fix it and besides, he was more concerned with how still the forest had became after their fight. Before those manticores had attacked them he had heard dozens of different creatures howling and roaring and making every variety of noise. He just couldn't figure out why they'd been assaulted by only two of them.

It didn't take long for Rainbow Dash to tell Fluttershy whatever it was that had she pulled her off for and the three of them resumed their march, right up to the massive chasm that separated the ruins of the ancient castle from the rest of the Everfree. As they peered across the gap, the howls from earlier returned. Dream Feather wasn't entirely sure, but it seemed like the beasts had been waiting for them to reach this point. With a chasm to one side of themselves, their space to maneuver and their options for running were limited. After all, two of them were in no condition to fly.

Even if I am right about them purposely waiting for us to back ourselves into a dead end, what would that imply? Is this a sign of strategic positioning and that those monsters out there are still under that horrible unicorn's direct control? Or is this sort of patience and opportunistic behavior normal for a bunch of creatures recently released from magical manipulation? Has Twilight managed to grab his attention yet or not?

While he was sidetracked by his thoughts, Rainbow Dash had been looking around them for anything they could use to get past their latest obstacle. She was mumbling to herself as she frantically searched for a solution. "Come on. Come on Dash, there's gotta be something we can use. What do we do?"

Dream Feather shifted nervously as he looked toward his right, seeing an entire pack of Timberwolves approaching them slowly. He returned his attention to the chasm, once again having to face the fact that nothing of the bridge was left to fix. Part of him began to wonder if this had all somehow been a part of that villain's plan from the beginning, but all thoughts besides escape were cast aside when he heard the baying of the wolves drawing ever closer. And then there was the sound of wing strokes and the rush of air passing through his mane.

Pulling himself from his panic he realized that Fluttershy had somehow managed to lift him up and fly while carrying his weight. His surprise at the situation was almost enough for him ignore the dangerously long fall that awaited him if she lost her grip. A moment later he was once again standing on solid ground, now on the other side of the ravine. Fluttershy was gone before he could so much as voice his appreciation, but she quickly returned with Rainbow Dash held tightly in her grasp. For her part, Rainbow Dash managed to mumble an embarrased, "Thank you." It was obvious that the strong flyer had never expected that she would have to rely on Fluttershy to carry her somewhere.

"And here I thought you could hardly fly! I doubt that I would have been strong enough to carry either of you across that pit on my own. You are a mare of many surprises Fluttershy. Thank you." Dream Feather spoke gratefully as the three resumed their journey. Fluttershy blushed, but didn't respond as she was having trouble keeping up with the much faster pace that Rainbow Dash was setting now that they were in the forest proper.

Things are going surprisingly smoothly, Dash's determination seems to have inspired Fluttershy as well... Still, it took us longer to get this far than I was hoping. I just hope that Twilight is alright, but I guess worrying about her now will not make us get there any faster. Rainbow Dash knows where to go and finding the others should be our primary concern-

Before Dream Feather could finish his thoughts he felt something slam into his side, the momentum from the attack throwing him across the forest floor until he slid into a tree. All he could focus on was the pain in his chest as he breathed heavily. He knew he had to move, he had to defend himself from whatever attacked him. He struggled to pick himself up, but a wave of nausea forced him back to the ground. He was still trying to overcome sudden illness when a yellow hoof pulled him back onto his hooves and steadied him. Letting Fluttershy guide his shaken body he found himself rushing through the forest again, as fast as the they could manage with her supporting half of his weight while his breaths came in pained gasps.

He slowly began to pull himself back together, his disorientation passing enough for him to stumble alongside Fluttershy without leaning on her.

What is happening? What was that? What hit me? Ugh... wait... how come we are not being attacked now? We aren't moving fast enough to escape whatever caught us back there... where's Dash?!

Daring to momentarily take his focus off of simply moving forward, he glanced around for the missing pegasus. The answers to all of his questions presented themselves when he gazed behind himself, nearly tripping over a tree root in the process. Rainbow Dash was in the distance, doing her best to catch up to them while simultaneously fending off nearly a dozen timberwolves.

Is that the same pack that was stalking us before? How did they get across the chasm?

Thoughts spun through Dream Feather's mind as the chase continued. The adrenalin rush was beginning to fade and his pace slowed as he fully registered the pain of his injuries. The sounds behind him drew ever closer and his thoughts took a grim turn. And then, just when he was contemplating throwing himself to the wolves to hopefully buy Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy more time, the dark soil and rampant plant life of the forest were replaced by a small stream of cool water splashing up around his hooves.

He had just reached the other side of the tiny river when he heard Rainbow Dash's voice, practically right behind him. "Left! Follow the stream left!"

Fluttershy turned in the indicated direction immediately and Dream Feather did his best to catch up to her, realizing how far behind he had fallen. When he heard the sound of a wolf howling so loud that it seemed to be coming from his own shadow, he couldn't contain his curiosity and glanced behind him again. Rainbow Dash was moving much faster than he was, but she was moving in such an erratic pattern, making sudden turns and weaving between trees, that she was only slowly closing the distance between them. The reason for her strange sprint was obvious: the timberwolves were all around her and occasionally one would attempt to bite at her or slam into her, but her frantic movements were allowing her to evade every attack while seemingly paying them no attention.

He was still staring at the spectacle behind him when he noticed the source of the previous howl. One of the timberwolves was actually in between him and Rainbow Dash, running through trees on his right. He saw the wolf turning around and readying itself to intercept the mare behind him, but when he opened his mouth to warn her he paid the price for his distraction, tripping over a root and literally eating dirt. He rushed back to his hooves as quickly as he could, the sounds of violence and pain behind him practically demanded his attention, but he knew he couldn't spare it any longer. He would just have to believe in Rainbow Dash and focus on his own running. If he fell again he knew that he wouldn't be able to get up in time. And knowing Rainbow Dash, there's no way she would leave him there alone.

He was still running as fast as he could, pushing himself to his limits when Fluttershy suddenly stopped. He slowed down as much as he was able to with the short warning he had, but he was forced to stop so suddenly that he kicked up a cloud of dirt and barely managed to keep himself standing.

In front of them was a large stone wall, overgrown with vines and towering above them. The wall seemed completely solid with no sign of any windows or doors. They were still staring at the wall in confusion when Rainbow Dash rushed past both of them and ran into the barrier without slowing down at all. Dream Feather was stunned when he saw the mare pass through the solid stone as if it didn't exist, leaving no trace of herself behind. The sound of the timberwolves behind them forced Fluttershy and Dream Feather to follow their friend's lead. He couldn't stop himself from closing his eyes right before the impact that never happened.

Opening his eyes, he discovered that the three of them were standing in a small room at the top of a staircase leading down into the earth. Taking a moment to examine his companions, now that they seemed fairly safe, he could clearly see the multitude of cuts and bruises that covered Rainbow Dash's body. There were even some bite marks on the exhausted mare and there were plenty of darkened patches where her coat was matted with blood. He hoped that most of the blood wasn't hers, otherwise she might collapse from blood loss alone.

"Hey... what are you two... looking so worried about? We made it... safe and sound," Rainbow Dash spoke between her gasps for breath. Apparently, he had not managed to keep his concern from being obvious.

"I was just-" He began to reply, before deciding to be honest with her "Dash, you are bleeding rather heavily and you do not appear to be in any shape to be standing right now. We did make it here, thanks to you, but now you need to sit down and rest. Fluttershy and I can find the others while you recover."

Rainbow Dash snorted and started to make her way down the stairs, but didn't make it very far before she slipped and nearly fell down the steep staircase. Frowning, she tried to stand back up, only to find Fluttershy gently holding her still. She gave a long frustrated sigh before finally climbing back up the stairs with Fluttershy's help.

"Alright, fine. I'll stay here for the moment and... guard the entrance, just in case. But if you two take too long, I'll come down there myself!"

Dream Feather felt like there was more the mare wanted to say but she simply turned towards the entrance, letting herself slide down the wall with a pained groan. She kept her gaze carefully focused on the transparent wall that had looked so solid from the other side. Dream Feather gave a silent nod to Fluttershy. It was clear that she was just as worried as he was, but also equally unsure of what more they could do. In quiet agreement the two ponies descended the staircase, leaving Rainbow Dash to her self imposed vigil.

Before long the stairs ended, depositing them in a small chamber that only contained a bare wooden table and three doorways. Dream Feather looked around for any clues or directions before sighing.

"I really hate to advise this, but considering how pressed we are for time we should probably split up in order to search these passageways quicker."

Fluttershy nodded in response, before casting a concerned glance back up the stairs.

"I guess... that makes sense. But please be careful. There could be traps or something..." She mumbled her agreement before tentatively moving over to the corridor on their left. Dream Feather watched the nervous mare leave and even offered a comforting smile when she glanced back at him. Then she was gone and for the first time since Twilight Sparkle had saved them, he was alone.

Shaking off his sudden loneliness, he trotted across the room to the passageway directly in front of him. As he cautiously walked forward and deeper into the underground fortress he could not help but wonder if that villain had ever expected that somepony might actually find his lair. Unlike what Fluttershy had assumed, he seemed like he was too arrogant in Dream Feather's opinion to waste time setting up traps. He had to be extremely confident in his illusions to even think about attacking the Elements of Harmony.

The passage wasn't very long and Dream Feather soon found himself in a new room. This room had no other exits, but looked much more comfortable and lived in than the previous one. It even had a bed and several other pieces of furniture, most of which had open books lying on them. Dream Feather walked through the room, taking the time to examine several of the scattered tomes. While there were a wide variety of topics on display, most of the books seemed to be focused on magical theory, history, and strangely enough, foals' fairy tales. Dream Feather knew that this wasn't the time to delve deeper into that monster's studies, but his curiousity got the better of him and soon he found himself examining books and reading their titles.

Some of the books were easy to identify as coming from Canterlot and even a few by authors he'd heard of before. While Dream Feather had never studied magical theory, he had read enough books to be able to recognize authors and publishers. Amongst the books there were several that seemed foreign, hailing from places that he had dreamed of visiting, but had never truly expected to see. The sheer quantity of knowledge before him was both amazing and frightening. The pony that had collected this information was likely facing down Twilight Sparkle at this very moment.

Frustration with the situation and with himself overwhelmed Dream Feather for a moment. He tossed aside the book he was looking at and turned to leave the room, dissapointed in how much time he'd wasted in one room when he was supposed to be searching for the captured ponies. As he crossed the room a very peculiar book caught his attention once more. He sighed, already resigned to the fact that his curiosity wouldn't let him ignore the book now that he'd seen it. The book had no title and seemed both newer and more worn than most of the tomes around him. If he had to guess, he'd say that it looked more like a journal than an actual published book.

Exasperated with his lack of willpower and dreading what he might learn, Dream Feather opened the book to the first page and began to read. The writing was unexpectedly messy and looked rush, as if the author was too excited to slow down.

I made it! Not only have I gained entry into the famed Canterlot University of Magical Arts but I also had an opportunity to meet Celestia. She's heard of me before! Of my work and my studies, the same that granted me a fully sponsored position in her fine university. She was beautiful, wise, majestic... everything a goddess should be! And so much more.

Dream Feather had not intended to read any further, time was of the essence and his curiosity regarding the book was fulfilled, but his habits were so engrained that it was hard for him to put down a book once he'd started reading.

At any rate, with my place here secured and contact made with her Majesty it is only a matter of time till I have another major breakthrough and undoubtedly prove my worth to her. And then she'll take me up to her side as her personal protégé! And as I can not let such an important part of Equestrian history go undocumented, I have taken to recording my experiences in this journal. But time is being wasted, I should start on my work... no such thing as rest for those who have dreams as grand as mine.

The entry ended there, leaving some space below it before the next one started.

Things seem to be going better and better for me! Today I had another chance to talk to the princess, she found time in her busy day for a meeting with me. She showed great interest in my work, everything from my central research to my side projects and even the things I have researched as mere hobbies. And yet to my surprise, her main interest seemed to lay in my research about the magic of our past and the magical artifacts which have been lost for too long for even her to remember if they existed in the first place. She acted strangely insistent on the topic, almost as if she was hoping for me to mention something specific... maybe she is testing me? I heard rumors that-

The text continued on, but Dream Feather had stopped reading mid-sentence when his ears picked up the sound of hoofsteps approaching him. His body froze. Slowly, he began to turn around, fear coursing through him. Before he could manage to turn himself around completely, he heard an unexpectedly elegant voice.

"Hello there, Dream Feather was it? Excuse my interruption, but Fluttershy sent me to inform you that she has found everypony."

The words she spoke put most of Dream Feather's fears to rest, but it was the sight of the white unicorn mare called Rarity that allowed him to truly relax. Her coat was dirty and unkempt, a stark contrast to the way she looked in his memory of her, but compared to most of the other ponies he had seen recently she seemed perfectly healthy. He couldn't help the smile that spread at the sight, it gave him reason to hope that the other ponies might be in better shape than when he last saw them. At least that vile manipulator didn't seem to have tortured the ponies he had abducted.

"Ah, thank you Rarity. In that case we should probably get back to the others right away. There isn't much of interest here anyway, just a bunch of old books... but Twilight might find this book interesting." With those words, Dream Feather closed the diary he had been reading. His heart ached to read more, but he knew that now was not the time.

Rarity glanced at the book before nodding and leaving the room. Dream Feather started to follow after her when he noticed an old, well worn saddlebag laying beside a very simple looking bed. He nudged open the flap of the bag and carefully placed the diary inside. Then he spent a minute awkwardly attempting to affix the saddlebag onto his own back without damaging his wings further before Rarity trotted back into the room, confused by his delay. He sent her an embarrassed shrug as the bag fell to the floor once more. She huffed, but the small smile on her face displayed her amusement clearly.

With Rarity's help, it was only a moment before they were on their way to meet up with the others, saddlebag securely attached to Dream Feather's side. As they walked, he did his best summarize the situation in order to break the awkward silence that had settled between them. "I do not know how much Fluttershy told you, but the only pony we do not have with us is Twilight. She went out to face the pony behind this so that we would have time to come rescue you all."

Dream Feather shuffled uncomfortably for a moment, worried about how the mare would react to the information. To his surprise, Rarity simply nodded and smiled.

"I can tell how worried you are about her, but you really shouldn't be dear. Twilight Sparkle is an extraordinary unicorn with amazing magical talent. And though she would not admit to it, she has studied a far greater variety of spells than simply those used in her research or her everyday life. Do you truly believe that she would be unable to face another unicorn?" The confidence that Rarity showed in her friend's abilities seemed to alleviate some of Dream Feather's concerns as well. He couldn't stop himself from returning her smile.

By that time they had reached the room with the staircase and he saw Fluttershy with the other abducted ponies, both of which looked heavily bruised and battered. Nausea and guilt swept through him and he lowered his head ashamedly, incapable of meeting the eyes of the two mares he had viciously attacked. Part of him was honestly surprised when neither of them assaulted him or ran away from him. They had every right to hate him, despise him, and even fear him, but he didn't hear so much as a single exclamation or threat. In fact, Fluttershy was the first one to speak, breaking the tense silence with a tone that seemed every bit as stern as her normal voice was timid.

"I've already told them the most important parts, anything more will just have to wait until-" Fluttershy stopped mid-sentence when Rainbow Dash came running down the stairs. She was still bloody and busted up, but she had at least managed to collect herself a little. Her appearance managed to gather gasps from the recently rescued ponies.

"It's awesome to see you all again, and I would love to stay and chat, but you all need to come up here and check out what's happening!" Rainbow Dash forced the words out as fast as she could before running back up the stairs.

Dream Feather watched the remaining mares turn to face each other and shrug simultaneously before they followed after the panicked pegasus. As he made his own way up the stairs, he noticed a particular absence. Rarity, Applejack and Pinkie Pie were climbing the stairs right ahead of him, but no matter where he looked he could find no trace of Spike. The baby dragon had been foalnapped right in front of him, even if he couldn't remember it he still felt partly responsible. Before the guilt and concern could further consume his thoughts, he realized that he had reached the top of the stairs. And what he found wasn't at all what he was expecting.

The Everfree Forest was quiet. The beasts that had chased them were gone, replaced by a thick mist which limited their vision drastically. However the fog was not enough to stop them from seeing the bright purple beam of light that arose from the forest and stretched into the sky.

While almost every unicorn could create light with their magic, the difference between this light and the lumination that other unicorns were capable of was like the difference between a tornado and a gentle breeze. The light's intensity, the ease with which it penetrated the thick fog, and not to mention its immense size. It was clear that the unicorn behind this spell was more powerful than anypony thought possible. Maybe even as powerful as Celestia herself.

Dream Feather stared amazed, listening to the others mumble and murmur. The impressive display had apparently stolen the words right out of their mouths. He was still sitting there awestruck when Rarity walked up beside him and proudly declared, "You see? Any pony who can do something like that can more than take care of herself. So don't worry, she'll be fine until we can get there."

And yet, without any further communication, they all took her words as a cue to begin running towards that distant source of light. Dream Feather's body ached. He was tired and hungry. He was sure they all were, some more than others. But they all ran with everything they had. No second thoughts and no hesitation.

All is well that ends well

Panting from exhaustion Dream Feather found himself quite challenged to keep going as his tired body was struck all over from the Everfree's leaves and branches. They caused him to flinch and involuntarily slow down, requiring him to glance over the other ponies running alongside him, taking in their various wounds and letting their strength inspire him to takethat one more step.

At least nothing has tried to stop us since we reached that hideout... almost questionable that the villain would give up on us.. but maybe Twilight is indeed keeping him distracted. I just hope the beacon of light is a sign of her leftover strength... and not her desperation.

His thoughts came to a halt and vanished into the depth of his mind when more pressing things arose. The group had hauled because infront of them shone now a bright wall of energy. Dream Feather's assumption was that it had to be Twilight's shield spell. Quickly moving closer to the energy wall each of the ponies tried to look onto the other side, succeeding only to have their dearest hopes ruined. On the other side lay Twilight, besides the light emitting from her horn there were no signs of her consciousness. cradled in her legs was Spike, the way his body was shaking and his glare glued on the unicorn standing infront of him made it obvious he was much more awake then his companion. The unicorn he was so focused on looked familiar to Dream Feather, it was ofcourse the same which had the blame for all terrible recent events. Seemingly he had noticed their arrival, slowly turning toward them and flashing a smile that made Dream Feather shudder with a freezing feeling.

"Ahhh, I see you have found me. I am sorry though, the light is only shinned by my wish, not hers."

As if to prove his point the light extinguished in an instant, leaving everything looking much grimmer and darker. Dream Feather was still doing his best to shake off the brainfreezing effect of the unicorns voice when Rainbow Dash came into sight. Seemingly her resolve unshaken she had strided toward the wall of energy and flashed a smirk of her own, her body no longer limping though Dream Feather believed to be able to see blood still dripping from her sides.

"You have a lot to answer for... and I am here to make you do so, so get ready for the beating of your life!"

The mare lept toward the energy wall, her determination and lack for self preservation an inspiring sight. Dream Feather had half expected the wall of energy to keep the mare out, but it did not and let her pass without any sign of complaint. The other elements and Dream Feather quickly followed in her charge. Unlike what Dream Feather had expected however Rainbow Dash did not continue her charge, instead turning back toward her friends. This alone gave Dream Feather a moment of though, his step and body halting while he was just a hoofs distance from the field of energy. He saw the others step through but instead of taking another step he focused on the unicorn on the other side.

He had always been hidden, why would he show himself so clearly now? Not to mention that Spike seems strangely... motionless, there is something that just feels off about this...

In a flash of a motion Dream Feather spun his body around, looking straight into the villain's face. The unicorn had a wide smirk and chuckled threateningly as he gave a push at Dream Feather, forcing him through the field of energy and onto the other side.

The surprised pegasus pony managed not to lose his footing as he stumbled backwards, reflexively voicing a snarl and trying to strike at the pony, which never came to connect due to being fully stopped by the magical field he had just been pushed through.

The unicorn's chuckle turned now into a laugh, his eyes feeling like poisoned daggers to Dream Feather as he made contact with them, before said unicorn turned away from him and spoke with a voice loud enough to address all of them.

"Ohhh, so simple and yet efficient... Have you all understood yet what just happened? No? Hmmm...."

His question was still ringing in through the forest air as the magical halfsphere suddenly began to shrink inward, slowly but consistently leaving less and less space in the inside. All of the ponies inside had now understood for sure, Rainbow Dash and Applejack trying to break through the field, but it did not budge or halt.

Staring outside with a murderous intent Dream Feather now also spotted what he assumed to be the real Twilight and Spike, both of them laying right to the side of the villianous unicorn. They were moving and Dream Feather even saw the lavender mare's eyes open. Coming back to consciousness the mare tried to stand back up, but weither by magic or just exhaustion she failed to do so. Dream Feather's observation of the mare came to a stop when his body once more made contact with the magical forcefield it having progress enough in its shrinking to force him further toward the middle.

Quickly shifting his glances all around himself he saw various ponies trying to break free from, or at least halt, the advancing forcefield. Feeling a surge or terror rise in his mind Dream Feather tried to calm himself, finally focusing on the events which had brought him here. Thinking about the past days it became clear to him that his current position had been caused to a great amount by actions taken out of fear and the most basic instinct, survival.

Survival is what drove me to make many of my mistakes... ruin plans and be manipulated. And it didn't always have to be my survival... sometimes other things can too seem vital to our survival... Even a pony like him has to value something...

His inner monologue came to a halt, giving way to action. While he was not even sure he really understood why he was doing them he still knew he had to be quick about it.As the leaned against the slow moving wall he turned his head toward his side, using his teeth to open the old saddlebag he had recently acquired. With a hint of a grin he pulled out the book and turned toward the male unicorn outside the field. He placed the book down on the forest floor and started to open it to a random page, reading out loud.

Today the godess introduced me to a new pony. She said that this pony had proven to be quite brilliant and show the same signs of potential I have, that she hoped I would help her where needed and act as a tutor. By the description Celestia gave this pony was still rather young and unguided. While I wondered if another ponies presence could distract me from my work I eagerly agreed, I am confident this will only help in gaining the godesses respect.

The pegasus looked up, a grin across his face as he stared right into the unicorns rather surprised expression. The two stared at each other for just a moment before a glow surrounded the book, but it did not move as Dream Feather put his whole weight on it, causing the page to rip slightly. Both ponies were hurt by the idea of this but the unicorn let go first, snarling as he yelled out.

"I could kill you right now and take this book back... what are you really trying to do?!"

Dream Feather did not break the eye contact, his soft grin turning into a smirk as he gave a glance to the ponies around him, all but Applejack and Rainbow Dash having momentarily halted their search for an escape to instead focus on the duel of words which was happening infront of them.

"You probably quite easily could, but you have five other ponies who would love to see you suffer for what you did to them... all of which have now just heard your threat and are at this very moment considering ripping this book into tiny pieces. Do you want that?"

With this the pegasus roughly flipped through a few pages of the book, his practices eyes scanning it with a readers glare before placing his hoof at a new passage. The text in this passage was much less orderly written, the lines drawn with too much pressure and conveyed an emotion of anger.

The stupid filly ruined everything! This is what I am given for trying to help and educate her? Teach her my knowledge, tricks and ideas. And now Celestia has called her..

At this point there was smeared ink instead of further words, till further down the page were words written once more in an orderly and somewhat monotone fashion.

Today Celestia called me over to speak with me in private. With a feeling of pride and respect I went to talk to her. The news she gave me however were not quite what I had expected. She said that she was ready to take the filly Twilight Sparkle as her personal prodigy and I was freed up from my duties of teaching her and could once more focus on my studies. It is obvious that this is some kind of trick she is playing, trying to make me feel a competitive need to get ahead and work for the attention I desire. I will do as my godess ordered.

The page ended there and the whole world hung in silence for a moment, non of the ponies wishing to interrupt the heavy air that had formed. The force field at this point had driving the ponies inside close enough together to make them slightly push against each other, but it had stopped there. Looking up Dream Feather saw the mysterious evil unicorns eyes stare into seemingly nothingness. The silence was shattered by Twilight, who had heard everything which had been read.

"You... Starshine? Bu...but... you loved me... taught me..."

The air around Dream Feather suddenly felt cold and he was unable to keep his eyes on the two ponies infront of him, instead turning more pages as he quickly skimmed them. Hoping to find an answer for Twilight, and himself.

I have tried everything and even succeeded to find answer's to many of the questions I had about my field of magic... and yet I feel only further away from my goals. After revealing my finds to Celestia she eagerly told me I was well on my way to great fame and bringing progress to all ponies of Equestria, and then once more left me... her graceful spirit yet again withdrawn from my sight. This was not helped by the young mare Twilight Sparkle, who constantly stayed at my queen's side, greeting me as if I was some old friend. It was obvious she was trying to tease me, to shatter my resolve and show me how she had succeeded in stealing my godess... If she was not here...

There was a short break of text and Dream Feather used it to look around himself, seeing that even Rainbow Dash and Applejack had halted their attempts of escape to listen to what he was reading, their interest peaked. Looking back at the book the Pegasus continued with the text further down the same page.

I know that you should no longer be in my possession, but I just could not bring myself to leave you, I am not ready for her to read the words said in his book. Now however, I fear she might never hear them. I have ungracefully been excluded from the Canterlot University for Magically Gifted Unicorns. All because of that demonic filly at Celestia's side. All I had to do was to get her away from my godess, and now I am the one expelled. This is however not over, I will return to my godess soon, and show her how wrong she was to trust in Twilight's 'potential'.

And there Dream Feather closed the book, having read enough to comprehend the general idea of what had brought all of them here, and what he had to say.

"And so you are here to show Celestia that she was wrong? Killing Twilight is your idea of proving your superiority? And this book, the one thing you saved for yoursef so many years ago? Some sort of prove of who you are, and why you had to do all these things? So nopony will paint you a crazed unicorn who couldn't handle the pressure of the magical stepladder but instead a dedicated hero who went to unbelievable length to show his godess that he was a worthy prodigy? Do you still truly believe this will work?"

Starshine seemed to have finally broken from his trance, staring over to Twilight and then Dream Feather he tried to force a smile. He however possessed little of his normally threatening aura.

"Ofcourse it will! My godess set me up for this, this test of ultimate competition between her students! And as for the book... I can always rewrite it!"

This left the two ponies to stare at each other with thoughtful eyes, as if both of them were trying to gauge the strength within the other, giving a soft smirk Dream Feather replied.

"Come on, Starshine, I saw that stare of yours... your expression of reliving a terrible memory. You had long forgotten why you were doing this. Everypony wants and tries to forget things they can no longer carry, and your studies in illusion magic has allowed you to influence ponies memories and thoughts. You did that to me and Rainbow Dash... and Twilight. But you also did it to yourself, to forget. But now that you see all parts of the puzzle laid out infront of you, does it really still look structurally sound?"

Starshine and Dream Feather continued to have eyes locked, till finally the unicorn broke the gaze. He instead turned around, looking down at Twilight and then up at the shining moon.

"She was the first to try to kill these ponies... and her actions forced with it my own actions. If it had been any other pony I would have accepted it... but Twilight, the pony I had helped become what she was today... who had stolen my godesses attention and admiration. She had become something mumbled about only in thousand year old legends, and I knew that it proved Celestia right... the filly's potential had been proven."

The stallion looked now at the floor, a tear dripping on the forest floor.

"I had invested my whole childhood into gaining one ponies admiration, and then this filly comes in and ruins all of my plans... only for me to invest the rest of my life, and then be outdone again. To murder Twilight would have meant nothing, but to twist the bonds of the elements and make them husks of what they are meant to be.... power even Discord had not possessed... but neither did I"

He turned back, giving each of the ponies representing an element a curious glance.

"I do not know if it is impossible to break the bond all of you share... but it is most certainly not within my power, I understand that now."

And then finally he focused on Dream Feather.

"But you Dream Feather, you are just as breakable as I was... and I apologize for this, but if my godess finds out what I have become I want her to be able to understand that it was not a fault of my own but a fault of my fate."

With this the unicorns horn glowed bright and Dream Feather felt his body shift, him being slowly pulled out of the energy field, Rarity instantly using her magic to pick up the book but not yet beginning destruction of it. Dream Feather's body came to halt infront of Starshine, who looked him into the eyes.

"You have gone throuh so much already, so often shown signs of your own insanity... but the godess won't understand unless I explain it to her in a method she can't ignore... an example."

As he said that his horn glowed again, the magical field he was holding starting once more to shrink down. The ponies inside did not waste a moment, Applejack and Rainbow Dash instinctively pushing themself against the field, trying to halt it. Rarity's horn began to glow, trying to form a magical barrier to protect herself and the other ponies.

"We both know you are the only pony able to save them... I want you to kill me Dream Feather, you will go down the same road of insanity I was forced on, and then show my goddess that insanity... how it can make any pony its slave!"

With this the field began to shrink at increasing speed, Dream Feather giving a stunned look backwards as the yelps and grunts from the other ponies drew his attention. Beside him Twilight tried to stand up but her exhausted and tired body was quickly thrown against a tree. Glaring back at Starshine he tackled the pony, pining him to the floor and striking the unicorns face. He was trying to break the ponies concentration and not kill him but Starshine held onto his deadly spell with a feral grip. Dream Feather dared only a fraction of a moment to glance at the shield and ponies inside, he believed to be able to see the field flicker but continue to hold and shrink.

He looked into the face of the unciron beneath him, who grinned madly as the first panicked screams ringed through Dream Feather's ears. It was too much for him and he let himself be overcome by the most basic instincts of survival. Instead of hitting the unicorn with his hoofs he used them to pick up Starshine's head and smash it onto the hard floor. He did not waste a moment to look back and see if the spell had vanished. Dream Feather only heard faint screams as he smashed the head into the floor once more, followed by pounding his hard hoofs onto the pony below him, blood seeped over his hoofs and into his fur. He had become completely numb to his own actions by the time reality grabbed him in the form of a cyan mare who pulled him from the bloody mess that used to be Starshine. He felt himself be surrounded and hugged by the pony and saw glimpses of cyan fur but his mind was frozen, and his body shaking.

As he half sat and half lay there, in the hoofs of the mare he had spend so many grosume moments with, he barley caught a glimpse of the events happening around him. He believed himself to see Twilight, up and trotting around, and Spike. Somewhere he saw a green flame and heard hustled conversations but the only thing his mind really focused on was the bloody mess he could see in the corner of his eyes. Rainbow Dash had turned him away from it, thinking he could no longer see it but being too distracted to notice he had shifted his head exactly so he could. The pegasus felt he could find answers in that bloody mess, answers to questions he had yet to ask himself.

At some point he could no longer take it and closed this eyes, with disgust turning himself over and rolling out of the mare's hoofs and onto the floor, only for his face to grimace from the pain that directly followed as his broken wing was squeezed between the forest floor and his own weight.

While the pain helped to sober him up the whimper coming from him had also drawn other ponies attention, Rainbow Dash shifting to rest her head at his side. She spoke with a much softer and shyer voice then he was used from her, Dream Feather was unsure if she was trying to be soothing, or just simply afraid of him.

"Hey there... just stay calm. We'll be... through all of this very soon."

Seeing Twilight walk over the pegasus tried to shift his head to look at her, but his eyes could not focus, only seeing a blur of purple as he broke down in tears.

"I killed him! I wanted to kill him all this time... and now I ended up doing it on his will! Twilight... tell me he was wrong."

There was a somber silence after this, non of the ponies speaking but Dream Feather being able to feel all of their eyes on him, his bloody body. Dream Feather heard a muttering, he believed to hear Rainbow Dash's voice but could not make out the words and then finally Twilight responded.

"Starshine is.... was obviously quite insane, it was not your fault that he made you do... this."

While Dream Feather could not quite make out why but he felt unpersuaded by her responds. But it was followed by Dash's voice, which sounded at least like she was trying to be her old self, and lighten his mood.

"What Twilight is trying to say is that unicorn was..." There was a short silence, Dream Feather assumed Rainbow Dash had turned to look back at the bloody mess. "completely wrong about you. You are not... like him at all."

Before anything ells could be said there suddenly was a flash of light that caused Dream Feather to shy away from it, before he was restrained by a comforting hug from Rainbow Dash. After the light had passed Dream Feather's eyes were no longer resting on Twilight or Rainbow Dash but instead the large white alicorn he had hear so much about. The stallion instantly tried to pick himself up and bow to the mare, but having half stood up he crumbled under his own exhaustion,burring his muzzle and body in the dirt.

The in armor adorned goddess and queen seemed to have noticed this, turning her attention toward the pony. While she had a smile on her expression the blood covered pony could feel her questioning and powerful eyes burn into his soul and mind. His mind raced with worries and thoughts about what she must be thinking, finding him covered in blood like this. He began to speak, stuttering as he does.

"M...my highness... I am sorry for..."

The distraught pegasus could not continue, sobbing once more as he glanced over at the bloody mess. He had to do it, or so his mind wants to insist, but he had still taken another ponies life. To his surprised it was Twilight who jumped in for him, trotting over to the princess and bowing to her as she spoke.

"He... he has gone through a lot as of late. I beg you do not bring judgment before having heard everything that has happened."

Seemingly this was enough for the queen of the sun shift her focus to her prime student and other elements of friendship. Her eyes graced each of them, her expression a somber but unreadable facade as her perfect eyes took note of each of their injuries and the likely hardships they had endured.

"Twilight, I need a full report on what occurred... but for now I believe all of you need some rest."

Celestia's voice seemed fully unique to Dream Feather, it had such authority he could never consider disobeying it, but there was also a loving warms, as if it was clear she would be there for anypony, and do her best to treat them as a friend rather then subject.

There was another flash of light and suddenly Dream Feather found the cold and harsh forest floor replaced with warm and embracing marble stone.

While it did not help banish the recent events it allowed him to breath in deeply and conjure the strength to look up at the other ponies. To Now that all of them were finally save, that they no longer had to worry about a missing friend, they finally showed their exhaustion and injuries.

The exhausted stallion did his best to pick up his body. However, once he was standing up his body shuddered and his mind wondered if the feeling of warms was not from the marble but the blood that was covering him. There was no conversation being held and looking up Dream Feather found himself looking straight into the eyes of Celestia. He locked eyes with her for just a moment before crumbling under her stare and looking away. Only a few moment's later a group of guards entered the room and took their places all around the sudden visitors.

The guards looked shocked and confused but still stood respectfully still. Dream Feather inspected them the best he could, feeling uneasy under their stare, feeling as if the blood covering him was becoming hotter and wetter.

Suddenly one of the ponies began to speak, even though the large white stallion looked like the guard leader he stood less steady then his companions, his voice shaky as he spoke.

"My queen, I... I insist to know what happened with my... with these ponies."

Celestia gave an understanding nod before replying, her voice seeming even softer than before.
"I do not know yet, nor is it my place to tell. I wish you to see them to some medical attention before bringing them back for a feast."

The guard captain nodded, and motioned for the other ponies to follow him, seemingly not able to overcome what ever was worrying him enough to keep him quite. To Dream Feather's surprise Rainbow Dash trotted to his side as they made their way to wherever they were being led. She looked at him with a painful smile, but he avoided the eye contact an instead looked onto the marble floor.

"Whatever they might think about you... they are wrong. They were not there, it will be difficult for them to.... understand."

Dream Feather looked at the warm marble floor, nervously shifting his good wing as he picked up the moment of hesitation in Rainbow Dash's speech. It was not that she did not understand what he had to do, but that she found it difficult to accept it. Murder was not a thing any of these ponies ever came close to even consider, much less to accept someone who had done so, no matter the conditions.

Dream Feather's attention was drawn away from this thought by seeing Twilight and the head guard walking alongside each other. Twilight seemed to be limping but he was more concerned with the two whispering.

Maybe... maybe I have just grown paranoid over the past days, but I can not help but feel like they are talking about me... who is that pony?

The pegasus stallion found that he surprised himself as he suddenly broke his own silence, speaking hoarsely as he repeated the question.

"Who is that pony?"

He could feel the nervous shake of Rainbow Dash beside him, seemingly she knew more then he did.

"That's Twilight's big brother, Shining Armor. He is nice, but rather protective of Twilight. He might question you, about... recent events."

The cyan mare physically flinched as she said "recent events" and it drew up Dream Feather's eyes, a worrying thought creeping into his mind.

I have never seen her do that before.... I understand that they are unpleasant memories, but I was there and I don't react like... that. As if something outright struck her everytime she...

He did not get to finish that thought as suddenly guard ponies hushed him into a room, away from Spike and the elements of friendship. He looked around distraught but did his best to calm himself when Shining Armor walked in, his expression a mask that hid any strong emotions he might have had.

"Dream Feather, yes?"

Even though the pegasus had done his best to calm, the authority in the unicorns voice made him nervous, losing most of his control. He looked away from the stallion and down at his bloody body, shifting as he tried to hide his obvious guilt.

"Ye..yes."

Shining Armor backed away just a little from Dream Feather and it only helped unnerve the pegasus further.

"Miss Twilight says that she finds it painful to think about you, and is unable to clearly tell me what happened back there. Considering it is my duty to make sure that everypony stays safe I hope you can more clearly paint me a picture of those events."

Unable to tell him what happened? She was right there! I had no choice... he could not have... his magic didn't work on... he really wants me to go insane.

With that rather threatening realization Dream Feather tried to gather his thoughts, focusing on bringing across the most respectable answer he could give, all the while torturing himself through yet so recent and disturbing memories. He focused his eyes on the unicorn, trying to understand his stance, but in responds only got focused on himself.

"There was a pony who hunted and attacked us. Starshine, I believe you might know him from being Twilight's mentor at a time in her earlier years."

The guard captain listened with honest curiosity, hiding any impact these statements could have behind a veil of professionalism. He replied matter of factually.

"And you killed him? Did you surprise him?"

The pegasus stallion shook softly, trying to keep a steady voice.

"He forced me to kill him, he was insane... he wanted to break the magical bond of the Elements and show that he could outdo even Discord. I... I made him understand how far he had gone, and how pointless everything was... then he forced me to kill him."

After Dream Feather had finished his purposely short explanation he felt himself under the studying eyes of Shining Armor, he felt a strange sort of fear that had not been there even in the deadly grasp of Starshine, a fear that he could end just as badly. Finally the silence was broken by the unicorn, who put on a somewhat unsteady smile.

"This whole thing is very questionable... Twilight not remember something and you telling me he forced you to kill him. But, I made mistakes before... and I don't wish to judge you on something I don't yet understand, stay here and I'll make sure you will get some medical attention."

Dream Feather nodded gratefully, knowing that this was the best he could have hoped for. However, as Shining Armor walked out he gave what seemed a last nervous glance back at Dream Feather, or more exact the area he would have cutie mark, if he had one. As he waited for the promise attention his mind continued to ran amok, trying to figure out the best solution before things could become worse.

They don't remember what happened... but there is no way Starshine had time to cast his magic for very long, the memories must be there somewhere. Dash helped me even though she must have had the same problems as Twilight... maybe she will understand.

As promised a pony with a bandaged broken bone for a cutie-mark walked in only moments after Shining Armor had left. With him also entered two guards and some ponies which looked like nurses. The pony with the broken bone cutie mark looked to be a well standing doctor, a unicorn carrying himself with confidence and grace as he laid eyes on Dream Feather, and looked rather horrified at his condition quickly telling his assistants to clean Dream Feather and allow him to look over the real extent of the wounds.

Dream Feather could not help but yelp as his broken wing was touched, but after a not too long time the doctor spoke up, his voice strong but not threatening.

"Your wing has multiple fractures and is broken at two places. I would say you are rather lucky Celestia agreed to pay for any medical attention you might need, the operation and attention required to fix this will take many months."

Before he turned to walk out he also added. "She also insisted this would be handled quickly, I plan to have everything ready by later today. And don't worry, it should not be very painful."

With that Dream Feather was left alone, though only for a moment before Shining Armor walked in once more. He seemed a bit more prepared then the last time they had talked.

"I asked the other ponies who seemed to have been present at the time of Starshine's... death. All of them seem to have the same symptoms of just not remembering very well, all but you. Wish to tell me anything more?"

The pegasus did his best to keep eye contact with the unicorn, shifting only slightly as he spoke.

"Their memories were.. altered... or at least obstructed. Starshine had a thing for doing that... if you don't believe me you can read in his diary. I already told you what he wanted me to do, I need to talk to Rainbow Dash."

Shining seemed to react to this, he motioned for Dream Feather to follow him and he did, the two leaving the room as Shining Armor replied.

"Why Rainbow Dash exactly? She asked to speak to you too."

"She and I were separated and on our own for much of the past few days in that forest, if anypony can remember what happened... anypony but me, it is her."

Soon Dream Feather found himself in a impressive sized hall with a large dinning table, all of the Elements and Celestia were present. Dream Feather gave nervous glances to the ponies he had spend life and death situation with, most of them had not noticed him or chosen to ignore him, only Twilight giving a quick glance and Rainbow Dash a weak smile.

Being guided over to Rainbow Dash Shining Armor let Dream Feather take a seat, making sure to take his own seat right beside him. He gave a weary nod at Dream Feather, making sure it was obvious he had his eyes on him. Rainbow Dash however was the first to speak.

"I accept what you did... I had toyed with the thought to...to... kill him, myself... but I am surprise--"

Dream Feather cut her off with the most sincerer voice he could muster, almost sounding like he was begging.

"Dash, stop. You have to listen to me and do as I say..." hearing a shifting from Shining Armor's side he lets out a sigh, continuing "please... Try to remember what happened when he died... YOU were there, what I did was not by my own choice but forced on me."

There was a silence, Rainbow Dash staring thoughtfully into Dream Feather's face. Her eyes closed and her face contracted with pain, seeing this Dream Feather began to speak once more.

"The energy field... the trap, Starshine's Diary... I talked him out of killing us."

There was a continued silence, and finally Dream Feather reached out with a hoof.

"Remember what you said... I aint like him, I'll never be..."

Finally the cyan mare opened her eyes, taking Dream Feather's hoof and staring at him thoughtfully.

"Of...ofcourse you'll never be like him... he was a monster and I already told you I understand what you did. You don't have to justify it to me."

Silence continued to hang as Dream Feather could not help but feel anger inside his heart rise. Forgiveness had not been his goal, forgiveness implied having something he
had to be forgiven for. Unable to reply but also unable to withdraw himself he just sat there for the moment, before Rainbow Dash was called away by Twilight.

As the other ponies took their bites and held their discussions about past events Dream Feather just sat there, on one side Shining Armor keeping a watchful eye on him and on his other side a vacant seat owned by the mare he had trusted never to abondem him. At one point he stood up and walked out to the closest balcony. Shining Armor had as expected gotten up to follow him, but once Dream Feather had stepped outside he saw no sight of him anymore, ignoring the lack of the unicorns presence he instead focused on the garden infront of him. In a better time he would have found it quite soothing, now it just served to remind him how far from home he was, both in a physical and mental state.

This musing however was interupted by a voice he had not expected to hear, Spike.

"Dream Feather?"

This was the second time he had been talked to in such a shy manner, but he found it quite pleasant to have anyone speak to him at this time, turning his head he nodded at the dragon to continue.

"Twilight had mentioned what you said about my kidnapping... said about what you did."

Dream Feather shuddered to think back to that day, not only did it seem so very far gone, but the memory also felt painful and dark to think about. Very painful and dark to think about. Not giving it any more thought he nodded quickly, letting Spike continue once more.

"I was there, you didn't attack me at all... You lied, without knowing you did. What he did to you back there, and now no-pony is able to tell me what happened to Starshine while I as unconscious... they tell me you murdered him."

Voicing a sigh the pegasus turned back to look at the garden, feeling much to weak to argue. To his surprise the baby dragon was not done yet.

"They are lying to me, without knowing they are. That unicorn was the most violent pony I had ever seen, and considering how he made you lie about yourself... I don't see why he couldn't have made them lie about you too."

The pegasuses ears picked up a shuffling before hearing a few final words.

"Thankyou, for whatever you did back there... I know it was necessary to keep Twilight safe."

Turning his head it a sense of awe at the little dragons ability to piece together the truth he could see that Spike had once again disappeared inside, currently hugged tight against Twilight's tired looking body. Dream Feather smiled softly before being once more caught off guard by somepony.

"Spike is quite deductive, he picked it up from the smartest unicorn I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, and teaching."

Dream Feather turned toward the voice, finding himself looking at Celestia, being quick to respectfully bow to her. She waved a hoof, commanding him to be at ease.

"It is by my apology for the troubles you had to face, and now still have to face. While I was not present myself I have payed close attention to your actions and words, and Spike's testimony only concluded my assumption that you have been framed. And while I can not change my student's or any of her friend's mind, I assure you that are not to be unfairly judged by the state of Equestria or the godes's you so rightfully serve."

This was rather much for the pegasus to accept, he had been struggling to prove his innocents, only for the most powerful pony in Equestria to pardon him without any of the prove he had been trying to find. He could not help but let some of the tension from his body escape, giving a grateful bow as he let the sungodes continue.

"And if I may inquire for it, I wish to hear your full retelling of the events Twilight and her friends seem to be unable to recall."

Dream Feather smiled and nodded eagerly, daring to turn away and look back out at the garden as he replied. Thanking her he began his recounting of the past events, in more depth then to Shining Armor as he felt less of a rush to bring things to their right.

By the time Dream Feather's retelling of the most recent events had finished the time had grown late, Celestia having started the setting of the sun while he had continued. Having waited for him to finish she turned toward him and smiled, this time being the pony to give a respectful bow.

"What happened back there was terrible, and will not be without its scars upon you. But I knew Starhine for many of my years, and you are not him nor will you ever be him."

As she said the next sentence her face seemed to distort in sadness and disappointment.

"Sadly however, even I can not return Twilight or her friends their memory, this is a art of magic only Starlight had ever truly broken, and it seems he decided to take it into his grave with him. Unless his diary has notes on it, but I fear my glances through it revealed non of such nature."

Dream Feather had somewhat assumed this would be the case, nodding somberly he replied.

"I understand... Could I however have permission to borrow the book? I might be able to find something of interest in it... even if only to the help with the struggles I might yet face."

Celestia seemed to consider this for only a fraction of a moment before nodding and smiling back once more.

"Ofcourse, I was planning to offer you your stay here for the time being as it is. While I have one of the bests working on your wing and am confident he will fix it with expert precision , it is not a thing of haste and you'll be grounded for a while still. "

Turning to look at the now rising moon and smile softly Dream Feather nods, letting the burdens of the recent events leave his mind for this one moment.

"Thankyou my goddess. I am sure that within these walls I will recover quickly. And while I do so, I will study Starshine's diary and inform you if I find anything of interest."

Author's Note

Here it is, the final chapter of Blank Flank Adventurer. It is not technically finished as it never got edited and it was supposed to have a rewrite(there are some plotpoints that don't add up and there was a scene I meant to write in). But because my whole life got turned upside down and I lost my editor and a bunch of other stuff back when I was originally writing this chapter I had never got to finishing it. I actually have not touched this in approximately a year and it was written before I ever even came up with 'Lunar war'.

I consider this story my magnum opus and I am 100% proud of it, I reread it about two months ago and it still holds up. Sure it has its problems and mistakes, but it upholds what I value in a story, that is a coherent plotline that doesn't fall on 'because' reasoning to explain events and actions.

There was a squeal planned for this story, it was supposed to focus on Dream Feather's study of the diary and his struggling with the events that had befallen him in this story, currently no plans to write it and the little I had gotten done has since been lost.

Either way, my hope is that someday in the future I can come back to this chapter and rewrite it to be up to par.
But till then, thank you for having read the Blank Flank Adventurer, I hope you enjoyed the journey.
-Sapare

Where Your Loyalties Lie

Why did I agree to do that pony's dirty work?! Now I have to hunt down and capture those poor ponies. There's no way I can do this! I'm talking about attacking the legendary Elements of Harmony... But if I don't do it then Rainbow Dash will suffer. I promised to protect her. What am I supposed to do?

Dream Feather's sleep addled mind was running in circles as he trotted over to Rainbow Dash's unconscious form. His brief rest had done him more harm than good.

I need to calm down... There has to be something I can do. Maybe I can trick that jerk into thinking that I am working for him and then help the others get the upper hoof-

He was shaken out of his thoughts when he glanced down at the pegasus mare in front of him. Rainbow Dash's body was a bloody mess; a twisted, mangled pile of broken bones and grotesque injuries. Dream Feather was unable to turn his gaze away from the horrifying sight for a long, agonizing moment. After the shock had passed, the frantic stallion rushed to the prone form and desperately checked for some sign of life.

Rainbow Dash was dead. Dream Feather started shaking her body, hoping that she would suddenly and miraculously recover. His attempts were in vain and he could do nothing but stare at the husk of the pony who was once so full of energy.

His mind was completely blank until a familiar and unwelcome voice broke through his stupor. “You are not very good at keeping promises, are you Dream Feather? Betray me and this vision will pale in comparison to the reality you shall face.”

The world around him seemed to shift as the brutalized body was replaced with a mostly healthy, but very confused Rainbow Dash. She was probably awoken by his panicked shaking. Her perplexed expression changed into a look of concern as she watched him tremble from a mixture of fear and relief. The two ponies stared at each other without word or motion until Dream Feather could no longer stand it and turned to face Ponyville instead. He hoped that the cyan mare hadn't noticed his tears; he didn't want her to know how helpless he felt at the moment. He stared at the small town, doing his best to ignore the horrific images that continued to haunt his thoughts.

It is so close now... and yet we would never make it there. And as long as that villain is around, Ponyville is no safer than-

A gentle touch brought Dream Feather's pondering to a halt and drew his attention back to the other pegasus. Rainbow Dash seemed surprisingly calm, she was even smiling as she spoke, “I have no idea what you did, but we're still alive and that pony isn't around anymore so... Well, I guess I'm trying to say thanks.”

Although she had not outright questioned him, Dream Feather still felt that he owed her an explanation.

But what should I tell her? Can I really tell her that I made a deal with the horrible monster that broke her wings? She isn't going to like this.

“There is no reason to thank me. He let us go. I did nothing deserving of gratitude... I just let that villain talk me into accepting an offer.” He tried to present a comforting smile with his words, but he wasn't able to fake a cheery disposition for very long.

Dream Feather was completely unsurprised by the change his words wrought upon the colorful mare's mood. Her suspicion was obvious in her voice as she questioned his explanation, “An offer? What kind of offer?”

Should I just tell her everything outright? Even that her life was a part of the bargain? Maybe she does not need to know everything. The basics should be enough for now.

“I agreed to hunt down the ponies that represent the Elements of Harmony... And bring them to him.”

“You can't be serious! Why would you ever agree to something like that?” The outrage in Rainbow Dash's voice was exactly what he had expected, but he still felt the need to defend his decision.

“Because I didn't want to die! It was not like I had much of a fighting chance against somepony that-” Dream Feather wanted to explain the other half of his plan, but Rainbow Dash cut him off with an angry growl. He found himself missing her smile as her concern and gratitude vanished, replaced with scorn and fury.

“I knew you were some kind of egghead, but I never expected you to be such an awful coward. I let it slide when you ran from that fight in the woods. It was a very sudden attack and we weren't even sure that those other mares were trustworthy back then. But now? Now you're betraying the Elements, betraying me, because you're scared?!”

Dream Feather flinched and gave a meek whine in response. He hoped that she would calm down once he explained the rest of the plan to her, but he still felt slightly ashamed of how afraid he had been of the mind manipulating pony.

“I was not done talking. I will not betray the Elements, least of all you, but I had to play along to survive! Both of us will have to play along to survive, just until we get an opportunity to strike.”

For a long moment the weather pegasus just stared at Dream Feather with an unreadable expression. Slowly she began to regain her composure, though she seemed wary of his suggested plan. “You expect me to just play along? Sit there and watch while you hand over my friends to that monster?”

The stallion had been doing his best to ignore the implications of that part of the plan, but he couldn't expect Rainbow Dash to do that same. He tried to make sure that she understood it was their only viable option. “I know that you, the Element of Loyalty, are probably the last pony that could do something like this, but we really do not have much of a choice. You've already tried to assault him directly. We have no chance of beating him that way. The only method that might work is playing along until he drops his guard. We need to wait for the perfect moment to strike.”

Am I really doing this? I am trying to persuade the Element of Loyalty to help me find and betray the other Elements of Harmony. All for what? Some fool's hope that we might get a chance to catch that villain by surprise?

While wondering if there was something fundamentally wrong with his ability to plan, Dream Feather turned to gaze upon the Everfree Forest. As if all of the other problems that plagued his scheme weren't enough, it also meant that they would have to once again venture into those dangerous woods. He knew that as long as they were working for that mysterious pony, they had nothing to fear from the various creatures in the Everfree. But even that knowledge did little to make the grim forest seem appealing.

All of a sudden, Rainbow Dash lifted her head high and met his gaze. Her eyes were brimming with confidence and determination. Dream Feather could feel his spirits rekindling from the energy and self assurance that seemed to exude from her form.

“That sounds like a plan. Maybe it's not a great one, but as long as I'm here everything is certain to work out. That jerk isn't going to get the best of me again!”

When I first met her she seemed so alien to me. And even now I cannot understand how she draws so much strength from her own will. It is strangely... fascinating...

“We're not going to get anything done if we just sit here! Get moving already so we can get this 'game' started.” Rainbow Dash's returning energy seemed to have brought back her typical impatience as well. She was already trotting into the woods, having apparently gotten tired of waiting for him while he was absorbed in his thoughts.

Dream Feather hurried to catch up with the brash mare. He suddenly noticed how glad he was to have her there with him. Her tenacity and willpower were exactly what he needed to keep himself motivated. Unlike his first trip into the Everfree Forest, he was unconcerned with the darkness and possible dangers. He had to no reason to fear with Rainbow Dash at his side.

The trip proved to be as uneventful as Dream Feather had expected, which gave him plenty of time to get his mind in order. They wandered the forest for a long time, uncertain of where they were headed or how they were supposed to track down the other Elements. Finally, just when Rainbow Dash was about to lose her patience with the aimless meandering, they happened across a familiar location.

This is where those creatures ambushed us... This is the closest thing to a landmark that I know of in the Everfree. If that vile pony left us a means of finding the Elements, then he probably left it here. I hope he did something like that anyway... Unless he expects us to aimlessly wander through the forest until we stumble across one of the others. I hope he didn't take what I said about Rainbow Dash guiding me literally. She knows as little about where they might be as I do.

As he searched the area for some clue, he shared his thoughts with the cyan mare. “My original theory was that they used a teleportation spell to escape from their attackers. However, since our 'employer' can somehow tamper with that type of spell, it seems likely that they are all scattered throughout the forest. That also means that conventional means of tracking will be useless. There has to be some sort of clue...”

As his gaze passed over the familiar tree, he was besieged by a vivid recollection of Rainbow Dash cowering next to it. He briefly became lost in his thoughts as he remembered his earlier mistake, but was brought back to reality by his companion's voice.

“I'm pretty sure this wasn't here before.” Rainbow Dash sounded apprehensive as she stared at the scroll lying on the ground in front of the tree.

Dream Feather nodded in agreement. There was no way they would have missed a scroll in their last examination of the area. Which meant that this must be the clue that he had been hoping to find here. After placing the parchment on the ground in front of him, the would-be writer quickly opened it and read the contents.

Follow the light to the Elements and then bring the Elements to the light. The light will lead you at all times. Remember it is up to you to keep your 'friend' from interfering. If you fail to do so, you forfeit her life and your own.

Reading the message stirred up a new feeling in Dream Feather. Until now he had not fully grasped the role that was expected of him. He was little more than an uncooperative tool to the evil pony; a simple object that would either fulfill its task or be thrown away. The realization filled him with a strange sort of defiance. He wanted to rebel, to cast away the agreement and refuse his role.

“What are we supposed to do with a blank scroll?!” The question caught Dream Feather by surprise. He turned his head and stared at Rainbow Dash, confused by her sudden outburst. Glancing back at the scroll under his hoof, he saw the same words as before.

There's the text, clear as day. It's impossible to miss... or at least to me it is. What is the point of making it invisible to Rainbow Dash?

Dream Feather pondered the reasoning behind this latest bit of oddness before concluding that it wasn't really that important at the moment. Taking his hoof off of the scroll, he allowed it to roll up and left it by the tree. He searched his surroundings for the light that the missive mentioned and was able to spot a faint glimmer in the distance.

“It is not blank. I can see the words on it just fine. I guess he does not want you to read it for whatever reason. The only thing on it are instructions, so I do not see the point, but who knows what that mad pony is thinking? It says that we should follow that light over there and it will lead us to the other Elements.” He gestured in the direction of the distant glow, but Rainbow Dash seemed even more confused than before. It seemed that she was unable to see the light as well.

I don't understand why that villain needs my help at all. If he's just going to guide me to each of those mares, then why can't he capture them himself? And why would he bother letting Rainbow Dash be my 'guide' when she can't even see the light that is leading us? This all makes no sense! Unless there's some reason why he can't just capture the Elements himself...

Dream Feather nodded to the perplexed mare to reassure her that it was okay. Rainbow Dash seemed to shrug off her confusion and followed him, surprisingly without question. The socially awkward stallion was almost ready to start up a conversation himself, when he noticed that the light wasn't getting any closer. It actually seemed to move away from him whenever he made a step towards it. The elusive beacon seemed to goad him on in a manner that he found curiously entrancing. He soon became so fixated on the seemingly never ending chase that he stopped paying any attention to his surroundings.

Dream Feather followed the light for a period of time that felt simultaneously long and short. When the hypnotizing radiance finally blinked out of existence, he found himself dazed and lost. Regaining his senses, he frantically searched for his companion and found her staring at him with an odd expression.

I cannot believe that I completely ignored her this entire time! What would I have done if I had lost her? Or if she gotten hurt? Thankfully, she seems to be okay, but if that's how I am going to behave every time we are looking for one of the Elements, then it might not be safe for her to follow me around anymore... but why did that light disappear anyway?

“This time was different from your normal spacing out, wasn't it?" Rainbow Dash asked with a mixture of concern and fear.

Dream Feather was caught off caught by her question. He didn't expect her to realize that this was different from his habit of getting lost in his thoughts.

“You assume correctly. This was... very different. I lost control of myself. I wasn't aware of my surroundings at all. I was entirely focused on that light. I don't even know how long we were walking for or if-”

His awkward explanation was cut short when they heard the sounds of something moving through the forest in their direction. Rainbow Dash seemed to ready herself for a violent encounter, but Dream Feather was unconcerned. After all, none of the creatures attacked them before they became that villain's assistants, so it would make no sense if they were targeted by the forest's beasts now.

It didn't long for the being to reach them and burst through the underbrush into their small clearing. Rainbow Dash relaxed at the sight of the orange earth pony that Dream Feather remembered as Applejack. The apple farmer was still wearing the bandages that he had seen on her before the ambush, but now they were tinted dark red with dried blood.

The pegasus stallion had been expecting one of the Elements to show up and he was quick to initiate conversation. “Applejack! I am so glad we found you! I am sorry that we abandoned all of you earlier, but-”

To Dream Feather's surprise, the orange mare immediately trotted over to Rainbow Dash ignoring him completely. Applejack nuzzled her friend briefly, but it was the pegasus mare's reaction that really startled Dream Feather. She didn't shy away or cower at all. She seemed completely unafraid and calm.

An awkward silence filled the clearing for a moment until Applejack whispered something to Rainbow Dash and then turned to face the stallion. When she had rushed past him, she had placed herself between him and the cyan mare. Her thickly accented voice was filled with anger as she addressed Dream Feather.

“From the moment I met you, I've tried my best to give you the benefit of the doubt. I like to believe in the good of everypony, but everything has just gone from bad to worse since you showed up! You and your stupid plan! I know you're gonna try to trick me again, maybe even kill me this time, but do you really have to force RD to betray us like this? Isn't killing us enough for you?!”

The pain and rage in Applejack's rant left Dream Feather frozen. He could think of no response for her harsh accusations. But while he was unable to think of an appropriate defence, his mind was racing with a terrifying realization. The honest mare's words had brought back the memory of his only conversation with Spike.

How did I not see this earlier? Applejack just asked the question that I should have been contemplating this entire time! If killing the Elements of Harmony isn't enough, then what IS? And the Element of Loyalty is-

His thoughts were interrupted by a surprising outburst from Rainbow Dash. “Applejack, he isn't forcing me to do anything! He's done his best to help me. Just look at these splints! He made them after fixing my wings. Trust me, Dream Feather isn't a bad pony.”

In spite of the pegasus mare's pleading, Applejack continued to glare at Dream Feather. But now her gaze held as much confusion as suspicion. As the strange staring contest dragged on, the would-be writer could feel his will begin to collapse under the pressure. Thankfully, the earth pony hung her head in defeat before he broke down and told her everything.

"You win... I can't possibly argue against R.D.'s word, even if this whole thing feels like a setup."

Dream Feather certainly didn't feel like he'd won anything. He wished he could confess and reveal what was really happening, but he already knew how that would end. It seemed that he had no choice. That fact didn't make him feel better about deceiving Applejack.

Maybe Rainbow Dash can't help me find my way through the Everfree, but she is perfect for gaining the trust of the Elements. Applejack is right, I really am forcing her to betray her friends! Making the Element of Loyalty betray the others, is that his plan? Would that somehow destroy the Elements? Or render them useless? What if-

His thoughts were once again interrupted by the cyan pony. "Come on Applejack, trusting the Element of Loyalty isn't some kind of loss. We're all on the same side here! I'm your friend, I would never betray you."

The apple farmer just nodded weakly, but at least she seemed to have drawn some comfort from her friend's little speech. Rainbow Dash's words were only making Dream Feather feel worse about what they were doing.

If I go through with this then I will be just as bad as that despicable pony... But if I don't then Rainbow Dash and I are as good as dead! I have to find a ways to stop her from betraying all of her friends without breaking my agreement. Though I doubt that villain will even hesitate to ignore our deal once it is of no use to him.

Being stuck in a no-win situation was making Dream Feather's thoughts run in circles. A bright light glowed in the distance, seemingly impatient. The mysterious stallion wouldn't be happy if they kept him waiting. For now, he would have to take over the conversation to stop Rainbow Dash from lying anymore than she already had.

"I do not wish to ruin the joy of this reunion, but we should probably get out of here. The fiend behind all of this might be planning another move as we speak."

Great logic there! Let's rush forward without thought when the one after us is particularly fond of traps. Makes perfect sense! I just hope Applejack doesn't realized how flawed that course of action is.

Applejack seemed dubious of his suggestion and he wondered if his first attempted lie would give away the whole deception. Luckily for Dream Feather, the orange mare nodded after a moment and gestured for them to lead the way. Without another word Dream Feather started to trot towards the magical illumination at a decent pace. He tried to focus on not falling into some kind of trance like last time.

The silence of the journey was broken when Applejack asked the obvious question. "Where are we going exactly?"

I wish I knew... Though I don't think that knowing would help at all anyway. Obviously the villain wants me to bring the Elements to him, but he could be anywhere! What am I going to tell Applejack?

Dream Feather wanted to answer her question himself, as he was unwilling to let Rainbow Dash become even more involved in this charade than she was currently. He quickly thought up as many explanations as he could, then picked the one which sounded the most believable.

"We managed to find Twilight and Pinkie Pie earlier. I think that we should meet up with them before we continue searching for the others."

His confidence in his ability to lie was shaken when Applejack almost immediately pointed out a flaw in his logic. "If you already found them, then why aren't they with you now? Shouldn't we all be sticking together?"

Why would a group split up even when it makes more sense to have all of them stay together? Maybe if somepony was too hurt to travel...

"Pinkie Pie... was attacked by a timber wolf. She is in no condition to be searching the Everfree Forest. So Twilight stayed behind to see if she could help Pinkie Pie with her magic, while Rainbow Dash and I look for everypony else. We couldn't just leave you all alone in the forest after all."

Dream Feather's nerves were on fire as he waited through the tense silence for Applejack's answer. If she didn't believe his lie, then things could get ugly fast. He was relieved when she simply continued, seemingly accepting his explanation. Rather than questioning him further, she started a hushed conversation with Rainbow Dash. It was obvious that she didn't want him involved in their chat, but that was okay with Dream Feather. He would have had a hard time remaining focused on any sort of discussion anyway, since their guiding light seemed to grow more mesmerizing with each passing second.

"So where are Twilight and Pinkie?"

Dream Feather found himself standing before the same tree as earlier, his only real landmark in the forest. He was unsure when he had arrived, but he quickly realized what must have happened.

"Well..." His attempt at forming some kind of excuse trailed off pitifully. He had expected the mysterious pony to be waiting for them at their destination. Dream Feather glanced over at Rainbow Dash, but she seemed to be just as uncertain as he was.

"I knew it. I knew you were lying! Darn it RD! I trusted you!"

The glare that Applejack directed at them cut Dream Feather to the core. The pain she felt and the betrayal the she was experiencing were communicated clearly by her eyes. The raw emotions left the stallion petrified. Their tense standoff was interrupted by a cold, familiar voice.

"Strike her down now."

For a brief, disturbing moment, Dream Feather accepted the command and moved to accomplish his new task. He stopped himself before he could do something he'd regret and glanced at the other ponies to see if they had also heard the vicious imperative. Applejack was tensed and ready for a fight. Any chance he might have had to surprise her was long gone now. Dream Feather closed his eyes, hoping that this was just another illusion. His hopes were quickly dashed when he finally opened his eyes. If anything, it seemed that Applejack was even angrier than before.

This is bad! Applejack looks like she might attack me at any second. And if she tries to hurt me, I am almost certain that Rainbow Dash will strike her first. An even worse betrayal than before... We'll be playing right into that fiend's terrible machinations.

“We can work this out without violence! I know how all of this looks, but I am not under that monster's thrall.”

Dream Feather tried to calm the earth pony down, but he knew that there was little use to his words. He took in his surroundings once more and considered all of the possibilities. The clearing was bare of anything which might be of use to him. He could only think of one way to solve this, without forcing Rainbow Dash to assault one of her friends.

“Alright... alright I surrender! Let's all just calm down. I don't want to hurt you.” With those words Dream Feather settled on the ground, placing himself in a prostrate position. Thankfully, Rainbow Dash followed his lead instead of trying to attack the orange mare. He wasn't surprised to see that his sudden submission had left Applejack bewildered.

“What? What's going-” Applejack question was interrupted by another voice coming from the forest. Rather than the cold voice from before, this was a panicked voice with an accent similar to Applejack's own.

“Applejack! Help! He has Big Macintosh and the others. I'm scared! This forest is so dark.“

Dream Feather had expected that the vile pony would have any number of tricks he could use to fix their current situation, but this particular solution chilled the pegasus stallion to his bones. He didn't know the filly that voice belonged to, but Applejack obviously did. At first she seemed to be doing her best to ignore the obvious ploy, but as the cries for help continued Dream Feather could see that they were taking a toll upon the orange pony. It didn't take long for her to break down and start frantically searching the area for the source of the voice. “Applebloom? Applebloom! Where are you?!”

I really do not want to do this... But this is the only chance we are going to get.

Dream Feather quietly stood up and began cautiously approaching the panicked mare. He took care not to move too quickly or alert her to his movements. Thankfully, she was too preoccupied by the filly's screams to pay much attention to her surroundings. Taking a deep, but silent breath, he struck his hoof against the back of Applejack's head. The blow landed clean and he could tell that she was quite shaken by the assault. But he also knew that it wouldn't be enough. So he lashed out again. And again. The dull thud of his hoof connecting with her head echoed through the air repeatedly, forming a sickening cadence.

He struggled to regain control of his body and stop himself from hitting the already unconscious pony again. Forcing himself away from Applejack's still form, he stared at the blood covering his hoof. Numbly, he shifted back over to the motionless body and checked the bloody mare for vital signs. She was still alive, but her breathing was slow and weak. It was only now that he noticed how quiet the clearing had become.

Did I really just do that? I... I had to. I couldn't make Rainbow Dash do it. But why didn't I stop? Why did I hurt her so badly?

Dream Feather turned to face Rainbow Dash, unsure of how she would react to his actions. She had pulled herself up from her prone position and she was staring at him in confusion. She was obviously shocked and Dream Feather could think of nothing to say. He simply walked away from the violent scene, moving in the direction of a distant glimmer.

I succeeded in keeping Rainbow Dash from harming her fellow Element, but now I feel more like a failure than I ever have before.