The Ninth Fantasy - Equestria

Chapters

2. Means to Fight
3. The First Seal
4. Missing Mountain
5. The Second Seal
6. Towards Home
7. Royal Confrontation
8. Debriefing
9. Flutter Do
10. Expression
11. Calm Before
1. Link Between

2. Means to Fight

As the eight of them entered the Everfree forest, something within the mist watched them with a curiosity it thought it had long abandoned. Three of them do not belong. Was it the overseer's doing? It saw that of the eight, only two had the means to fight. The monsters of the mist did not perish to mundane attacks and magic, it required weapons of power. I see, so that's why she's here. Without the means to fight, even the weakest of monsters would be all that was needed to bring an end to them.

The seals hold, the mist pores, the moon has changed. But the mist stagnates. The overseer doesn't want it to spread, how curious. Still, those eight, they will fall here without the means to fight. It considered the eight carefully, it knew of them, and began to place their names as it saw them. Lost Hero. Innocent Magician. Honest Knight. Summoning Princess. Loyal Warrior. Indulging Fool. Kind Introvert. Generous Healer. He called out to his friend, the only on he had, and she listened to his request. A means to fight for each of them, I will grant.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sunset Shimmer fell back from the impact. They were attacked by a group of wolves some time after entering the Everfree, and the only ones that seemed capable of harming them was Steiner and Pinkie. Twilight and Rarity's magic had no affect on the wolves, Rainbow Dash was protecting Vivi, while Fluttershy was cowering in the trees, unable to reason with the wolves. This is not what I had in mind when I decided to come help! She thought as she got up, Steiner slew the wolf that had hit her before it could have another go. Just what is going on! Applejack and Spike are trapped in some other land or world, while I'm stuck here, along with Steiner and Vivi, and all that in addition to this mist and the monsters made of it! She thought in frustration, the fight momentarily dispelling her composed attitude.

Twilight teleported out of the way of a charging wolf, and Steiner came in to finish it as well. It had been attack after attack, and only Steiner was able to slay the monsters, all the others could do was distract them. Pinkie's party cannon didn't harm the wolves, but it did confuse them, sometimes causing them to attack each other. As Steiner got into the rhythm of the fight, his hits started taking down the wolves with a single strike. Still, they were outnumbered, the mist seemed more than eager to reveal more of the canines.

“We can't keep going on like this!” Twilight said in a panic, which only got worse as the mist got thicker around them.

"I'm inclined to agree!" Rarity shouted as she jumped over a wolf trying to charge her.

“I knew I should have left to feed Angel.” Fluttershy whimpered out, moving to a different tree as a wolf tried to climb up the one she was perched in. Steiner was looking winded, there was only so much the knight could handle.

“Perhaps we should come back with an army!?” Sunset suggested as she dodged a charging wolf. The wolves suddenly stopped their attack, looked and sniffed the air, then suddenly fled.

“All right! We showed them!” Rainbow Dash declared, who had kept Vivi out of the scuffle by carrying him on her back. A cloud of lime green dust pored out from the forest and surrounded the party.

“Surely, you didn't sway, and it scared them away” Replied a voice from the mist, with a hint of sarcasm. The mist parted slightly, revealing a zebra, she was carrying a large number of things with her and looked surprise when she saw the humans.

“Who are you! Are you friend or foe?” Steiner asked as he placed himself in front of the zebra.

“She's a friend, Steiner!” Twilight replied, making the knight back down. “Zecora! Am I glad to see you're safe!” Sunset, Vivi and Steiner eased up at Twilight's warm greeting.

“Zecora!” Dash said, “Have you been kicking flank in here without us?” She asked enviously.

“Good to see you're alright, Zecora.” Fluttershy said with a smile.

“I'm also happy to see you well, though my home was unsafe to dwell. The beasts of the mist are strange, maybe you should carry weapons for a change?” She turned and beckoned them, “I know of a stranger who can provide, and may even prove to be a guide.”

“A stranger? Is it somepony we can trust?” Twilight asked.

“Somepony to trust, I do not know, but I am not fussed , for my departure was slow. She came and saved my home, where the beasts found me alone. But come, see with your own eyes, and see whether she is to be despise.” Moving forward, everyone followed Zecora, and the monsters of the mist didn't pursue them. The green cloud seeping from an open flask on her saddlebags seemed to keep the monsters away.

“Did she give you that?” Sunset asked, indicating the flask.

“Oh no, this I brewed on my own. Though the recipe I needed to be shown. Causes monsters of the mist to run and trip, and it's all from the magic of what I did equip.” She finished, indicating the bags. Twilight and Sunset shared a confused look.

“So the saddlebags grants you power like the Alicorn Amulet did for Trixie?” Twilight asked, Zecora shook her head as Steiner spoke up.

“Weapons and armor have power hidden within.” He explained, as if talking to a new recruit. “By wielding it, you gain that power, if it suits you.” He indicated his sword, “This blade has an innate focus against beasts. By slaying the monsters, I become use to its property, and I can then wield the beast killer ability with any other weapon I use from then on.”

“Some abilities allow you to attack or call upon magic.” Vivi added, and Steiner let him continue. “I had a staff before ending up in Equestria that let me cast fire. I would be able to help if I had mastered it.” He said, looking a little ashamed that he couldn't help.

“Master Vivi,” Steiner said, putting a hand on Vivi's shoulder, “worry not, my blade is more than enough!”

“Clearly, a fine warrior you are, even if your armor looks subpar,” Zecora commented with a small grin.

“S-Subpar! This is the armor of a captain!” He said indignantly.

“When we have a moment,” Rarity began “you should reeaally let me take a look at it, Mr. Steiner. I think I can work something together to make it look... nice~” She said as her eyes pored over the armor, ideas flowing behind them.

“Er, if we have the time.” He replied, not quite sure what to make of that. It was shortly after this that they reached Zecora's home.

“Fortunate it is I heard you,” Zecora began, “for I just finished my new brew. Inside you can rest, while I go find my guest.” Leading them inside, she scooped up some brew she had in her cauldron into a large number of flasks, and gave most of them away to Twilight and the others. “A brew to heal your pain, more I shall make for your gain.” She moved to another cauldron and stirred its contents, then she hung the flask seeping the green cloud at the door, “I shall return in a moment, for I am lacking a key component. My guest should be close by, I'll send her while I resupply.” And she left them alone in her hut.

“Does she always talk like that?” Vivi asked. It really is impressive, Twilight knows some interesting ponies. Sunset thought.

“Yep, that's Zecora,” Twilight replied with a grin, “We're lucky to have her as a friend.”

“Your friends are very diverse, a boon when enemies approach from all sides.” Steiner said respectfully. Sunset noticed from the corner of her eye that Pinkie had fallen asleep, all that fighting along with her fatigue finally doing her in.

There was a knocking at the door, and Twilight opened it with her magic, revealing a human. She was shorter than Sunset, had short gold hair, green eyes, red and white clothing, and a tail, wait, she has a tail?. She blinked, showing no surprise that no one was directly behind the open door.

“Oh, hello. Zecora told me you needed help?” She asked, unsure how to address the crowd in Zecora's home.

“Yes,” Sunset replied, “Zecora said you could provide us weapons to fight the monsters of the mist.” Being more than useless in a fight would be nice.

“Why would you want to fight them?” She asked, her monotone reminded Sunset of Pinkie's sister, though this girl talked faster then Maud. “As long as you avoid the forest, the monsters won't bother you." She stated, "Do you have a purpose in the forest?” She finished, no emotion hinting at the intentions behind her inquiry.

“We need to reach the source of the mist,” Twilight explained, “but the monsters are making that hard.”

“And despite that, you want to continue forward, knowing you may have to fight your way there?” She asked, getting a nod from almost everyone, minus Pinkie and Fluttershy. Sunset noticed that her eyes were smiling, though the rest of her face was still without emotion, “In that case, let me give you what you'll need to do just that.”

“You're going to just give us weapons?” Sunset asked skeptically. Weapons were not a common commodity in Equestria, only the personal guard of the princesses carried weaponry, and more often than not it was for aesthetic reasons.

“That's why I'm here,” She replied, as if it was natural.

“Wait, you're here to supply weapons?” Steiner asked, he eyes narrowing as if she was some sort of villain.

“That's my job, to provide those in Equestria that are willing to fight weapons to combat the mist.” She admitted.

“But for what reasons? And just what is your name?” Rarity asked, trying to get to the point.

“Oh, I'm sorry,” she said apologetically, “I'm Mikoto, and I do it because I'm ordered too.” Then she added, “But I would do it regardless, I like Equestria, and giving its people weapons helps everyone.”

“And who ordered you to help us?” Steiner asked.

“I'm sorry, I cannot say,” She replied.

“Everyone, that's enough.” Twilight said, stopping the questions, “You said you're here to help, what did you have in mind for us?”

“Ah, my friend actually had something special for you in mind.” She said as she brought in a small wagon caring the items of interest. All of them had a small note tied to them, indicating ownership.

Sunset and Twilight shared a look, well, don't look a gift horse in the mouth, so they say. Sunset moved up to Mikoto first. Mikoto blinked at her, not reaching through the pile as Sunset realized she didn't know their names.

“I'm Sunset Shimmer,” Then she waved to the others and each of them introduced themselves, “And the one sleeping on the blue cannon is Pinkie Pie.”

“Shimmer... Shimmer...” Mikoto said as she looked through the pile, finding what she was looking for, she presented a short sword and a small shield. They looked mundane, made of iron, but looked as sturdy as the blade Steiner had, just smaller. A sword to fight, and shield to defend, perfect! She took a liking to them as she accepted the sword and buckler from Mikoto. Grasping the pair, she felt a power from within the sword, and another from the shield. Moving aside for the others, Rainbow Dash was quick to fill the void she made.

“I'm not taking anything unless it's awesome. So whacha got for me?” She asked skeptically, eyeing the pile as if everything in it was beneath her. Mikoto gave her a set of iron greaves, one for each hoof. They looked like they could do some damage with a solid kick. “How is this awesome?”

“Um...” Mikoto replied, suddenly lost in thought, “You get to be up close and personal?" she suggested, adding “You can look them in the eye when you beat them?” Rainbow Dash seemed to be considering that before replying.

“Well, that's cooler than a sword and shield, but can they like, I don't know, be on fire or something?” An idea flashed across her face as she added, “Or shoot lightning!? That would be awesome!”

“Rainbow Dash.” Twilight said, with impatience, “Beggars can't be choosers.”

“Right right, Thank you Mikoto.” She said sarcastically. Rarity looked concerned as she stepped up.

“And you want nothing in return? It just doesn't feel right.” She admitted as Mikoto gave her a small rod with a opaque gem embedded at the end. It looked plain, and it was obvious she wanted to comment on it. But she accepted it graciously, wrapping it in her magic, her eyes widened. She appraised the rod before letting out a spell, wrapping everyone in a blue light that made them all feel rejuvenated.

“That was a cure spell, if I'm not mistaken.” Steiner observed, bowing down to Rarity, thanking her, making her blush.

“Oh my, I didn't know I could even do magic like that!” She admitted.

“It's the power the 'weapon' provides you.” Mikoto explained, “Use the rod enough and you can cast the spell without it.” When Dash heard that, she immediately put on her iron greaves and shortly after did a somersault that destroyed a part of the wall.

“Uh, oops.” Dash said with a blush, her smile informing everyone that she considered that awesome. “Yea, this'll do, for now.” Sunset wanted to try her weapons ability as well, but didn't want to ruin more of Zecora's home in the process. Vivi overlooked the pile while Twilight was chiding Dash, his eyes fell on a staff a little longer than the rod Rarity got, and was drawn to it.

“Is that for me?” He asked, and Mikoto nodded, he picked up the staff, looking relieved to have it. Leaving two items left. So I'm guessing Steiner isn't getting one since he already has a sword, but that still leaves us one short. There was a sword with a clear gem embedded in the hilt, and a tambourine. Twilight noticed it at the same time Sunset did, and they shared a smile as she levitated it to Fluttershy, who was looking over the hole in the wall.

“Oh, this is for me? It doesn't really look like a weapon. And there's nothing wrong with that.” She said, smiling as she picked it up. Shaking it, it let out a beautiful rattle that drew everyone's attention, making her blush. “Uh, sorry.”

“So, is that for me, or Pinkie?” Twilight asked as she eyed the blade, and picking it up, she saw her name on the label. “Pinkie doesn't get one?”

“My friend told me the others already have a weapon. Maybe she isn't using hers?” Mikoto wondered, “Well, now that you've gotten your weapons, I must go. There are other ponies that will need my aid, I'm sure we'll meet again soon. Slay plenty of monsters with those and I'll provide you with better ones.” As she made to leave, she stopped, remembering something.

“Oh, just so you know, I'm only giving out weapons, you'll have to handle armor and nick-knacks on your own. Sorry.” She bowed to all of them, everyone but Dash and Pinkie returned in kind, caught off guard by her humble gesture.

"Wait a second, Mikoto." Twilight said, making her stop and turn around, "Did you save Zecora? She told us you did," Mikoto nodded.

"I found her trying to fend off several wolves a couple hours ago." She calmly informed, "I aided her, and provided her with her saddlebags for protection. Now she has a spell that wards monsters away. As I said, I want to help Equestria, so I naturally helped somepony that was in danger."

"Well, thank you," Twilight said, "for the weapons, and for saving our friend." And the others thanked Mikoto in turn. Is she blushing? Mikoto bowed again and left.

Twilight eyed her sword while Rarity tried to patch the hole in the wall. Everyone looked at their new weapons, feeling empowered. If this lets all of us fight on the same grounds as Steiner, then reaching the source should be easy. She thought with a smile as Twilight addressed everyone.

“Once Zecora's returned,” She said as she used her magic to aid Rarity, “Let's continue on our way. We need to see where the mist is coming from, where it's thickest.”

“Do you think there's a way back from there?” Vivi asked, “I don't mind staying, there isn't anyone waiting for me back in Gaia.” Which drew unexpected silence from everyone.

“What ever do you mean dear?” Rarity asked, moving to his side.

“My grandfather passed away last week.” Then seeing the sad looks everyone was giving him, quickly added, “I'm fine, but besides him, there wasn't anyone else I knew. You've spent more time with me than anyone else besides him. I wouldn't mind staying here, you're all very nice.” He admitted as he played with the hem of his vest.

“Master Vivi, if you wish to stay, I will respectfully encourage you.” Steiner declared, “I, however, need to return to my queen's side. The princess turned sixteen today, for me to disappear on such a day is a mark against my honor! I must apologize to them both and hope they let me keep my rank.”

“Well, hopefully we'll be able to send you back, once we find the center of this mist,” Twilight assured. Vivi was treated with more care from there, but he didn't seem to mind. Not long afterwards, Zecora returned with a Phoenix on her back.

“I have finally found what I sought, and luckily it wanted to be caught.” The phoenix ruffled its feathers with a whistle, and Zecora caught the down that fell from its body, she walked over to her other cauldron, “Give me a moment please, so I can send you off in ease.” If she noticed the shabby repair job to her wall, she didn't comment on it. Taking some of the material from the cauldron, she blew it on the phoenix feathers, and they glowed orange as she presented them to everyone. “Brought low by great hurt, this down will revert.”

Taking the phoenix down, they thanked her, and after being assured that she was going to be fine, they all went back into the Everfree, after waking up Pinkie.

“What! I'm awake! Who's asleep? I'm not asleep~! That's who! Hey~! Nice toys~!” She sputtered out as she followed after everyone else. It wasn't long before they were attacked by the wolves again. But this time, the fight, well, was still one sided. But this time, in the party's favor.

Rainbow Dash somersaulted from wolf to wolf, turning them to mist with each impact. Steiner and Sunset attacked any that went for Vivi, Rarity, and Fluttershy. Fluttershy had soothed a wolf to her side, and it was fighting for her.

“It's so strange, it's like I can understand them now, but only one at a time.” She admitted with confusion.

“This. Is. Awesome!” Proclaimed the blue pegasus.

“I'll admit, this is sort of fun!” Twilight said as she teleported behind a wolf and ran it through with her sword, carried in her magic. A wolf she didn't see barreled right into her, sending her down in pain. As she got up she was wrapped in a blue healing glow, and she thanked Rarity as she struck down the wolf that knocked her down.

“Think nothing of it dear~” Rarity said as she got behind Steiner, and he slew another wolf trying to get to his charges. A group of three wolves burst into the fray from the forest, but they were all caught in a large blast of fire, and when the smoke cleared, all that remained was mist.

“What power! Truly your magic is beyond formidable, Master Vivi!” Steiner complemented, making the little mage blush. The explosion of the party cannon sounded the cry of another wolf not sure what to attack. As a wolf moved to attack Fluttershy, Sunset slipped in front of the mare, blocking the blow, deflecting the brunt of the attack, and immediately counter attacking, making the wolf perished.

With Twilight and Rainbow Dash disrupting the wolve's formations, and Steiner and Sunset Shimmer protecting their support, the fight ended in short order, the forest seemed unwilling to send anymore wolves towards them, after having so many perish to their strength. There is power in equipment, this is almost ridiculous. Is this how the mist works? Only weapons from another world can slay these monsters? Sunset wondered. With their resounding victory, they continued on, invigorated by the battle, into the heart of the Everfree Forest.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sunset Shimmer

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Items Equipped: *New Item Acquired*

*Iron Sword and Buckler: Cover, Deflection

Lvl Up! Lvl-3 HP 144/144 MP 18/28

AP 11/17

Cover (6) - You take damage in place of an ally.

Abilities:

Counter: Action Command - Counter attacks when physically attacked. Deals bonus damage.

Sword and Board:

Deflection 10 MP - Lowers damage taken for an ally for a duration.

Author's Note

Stuff! Words! Mikoto was a character I wanted to see more of in FFIX, well, here she is.

3. The First Seal

I'm still ten wolves behind him! Rainbow Dash thought as the group finished up another pack of wolves. She had been keeping count of the number of monsters Steiner has slain, and been trying to catch up, and surpass him. He got a good lead early on since she didn't have a weapon, and now she intended to change that. She noticed the way he grinned at her when he took out that last wolf of the pack. He knows I'm trying to catch up! It! Is! On!

Their trek through the forest since getting the weapons from that strange girl had been significantly safer then before, making it like a normal stroll through the Everfree, so relatively safe. Trying to figure out where it was the thickest seemed to have Twilight at a loss, as it didn't seem to get that much thicker as they moved deeper into the forest. With nightfall not being too far away, the group decided to head towards the Castle of the Two Sisters, and check on the Tree of Harmony while there.

“I like the idea where we go home,” Fluttershy began, after hearing that plan, “and not sleep over at the abandoned castle in the thick of a forest shrouded in mist. Oh, did I also mention that forest was the Everfree?” She was staying close to the first wolf she 'tamed' after getting her 'weapon'. She even named it 'Fanglesnuffs', which Dash considered completely ridiculous.

“We'll be fine Fluttershy.” Rainbow Dash assured, “I mean, you live right next to this forest, right? And why are you keeping that monster? It's made of mist, it's not even a real animal.”

“Oh, Rainbow, you'll hurt his feelings.” She said as Fanglesnuffs growled at the blue mare, prompting Dash to roll her eyes.

“I have to agree with Ms. Dash,” Steiner began, why is he so formal? “Keeping a monster as a pet will not end well.”

“Now now,” Rarity interjected, “She's the animal expert here, let her do what she wants.” Steiner and Dash shared a look, they were not trusting their backs to that wolf.

To everyone's surprise, the mist was actually getting thicker now that they were moving towards the castle. Not too long afterwards, an hour before sunset, they reached the canyon and the bridge that led to the castle. Because of the mist, they couldn't see the bottom of the ravine the tree lay within. Carefully climbing down the staircase, they were caught off-guard when a black vine with teal thorns lashed at those in front, Dash and Steiner.

“Plunderseeds! Why!?” Twilight screamed as everyone moved to defend themselves from a storm of lashing vines erupting from the bottom of the ravine.

“We need to stop trusting Discord!” Dash replied as she attacked the vine that had smashed her into the ground. It was hearty, but still took more hurt than her very first encounters with the vine, another hit would break it apart. Awesome, these greaves can take these down! She thought as she did a somersault, breaking the vine, making the entire line of it turn into mist.

“It's mist!?” Dash proclaimed in confusion, and the only reply she got was Steiner cutting down a vine that had wrapped around Fluttershy. She was almost crying from the assault, but a blue glow covered all of them, healing the harm the thorns caused.

“Fluttershy, dear! Get in the air!” Rarity cried out as another batch of vines came at them, and Fluttershy did just that. Dash noticed Vivi was standing still, focusing on his staff as one of the vines lashed at him, but it was intercepted by Sunset.

Pinkie Pie was looking a little frustrated, her cannon was knocking vines away, but they didn't suffer from confusion like the wolves did. Pinkie's contribute was appallingly limited because of that.

“Rainbow Dash!” Twilight shouted, “Try and clear out the mist so we can see the source of these vines!”

“I'm on it!” She replied, taking flight, hoping no vine clouds were about to bump into her. She flew fast and with a sharp turn sent a funneled gust down to the ground, clearing out the ravine of mist. In the center of the ravine was a bulbous mass of vines, where they all connected from. With the mist temporarily gone, Dash blitzed the bundle, getting three hard hits in short order. Her brash attack left her exposed, however, and when it lashed at her, it sent her flying against the wall, and as she fell, she hit the ground hard, forcing the air out of her lungs.

As darkness started to wash over her vision, she heard a light popping sound next to her, and a warmth washed into her, invigorating her and making her breathing easier. Getting up she saw Twilight looking at her surprised, then happy.

“It worked! Zecora is a life saver!” She said as she hugged Dash, and Rarity's healing light washed over her, patching up what remained of the pain and ache.

“Thanks you two, but we got a monster to tackle, so keep your eyes on the prize!” Dash declared as she got out her friend's embrace and blitzed the core of the vines again. As her attacks finished, she backed away from its range, and a massive explosion of fire enveloped the mist monster, making a large number of its vines dissipate.

“Well done master Vivi! Another blow like that and the fight is ours!” Steiner declared with bravado. In response, all the vines curled up, and exploded out, lashing at everyone. Everyone but Vivi and Sunset were hit, he shield deflecting the ones that had attacked her and the black mage.

Fluttershy's wolf howled in anger, and charged at vines that caught the yellow mare, causing the vines to dissipate as Fluttershy was freed from her bonds. She hugged the wolf, and Dash had to admit, that rescue did look kind of awesome, and cute. Twilight teleported free of the vines, Steiner hacked his way out, and Pinkie blew hers off, leaving Rarity and Dash trapped.

Before either of them could free themselves from the vines, Vivi let out another blast of fire, and the core shrieked in pain, before melting away into mist. The vines holding Dash and Rarity dissipating, and the monster slain, they all regrouped and Rarity worked her magic, rejuvenating everyone.

“That was pretty awesome,” Dash said, rubbing Vivi on the head. “You pack a serious punch.” He thanked her for the compliment, and after everyone was ready to continue, they went into the cave housing the Tree of Harmony, greatly hoping it was just fine. And to their surprise, it was. It looked the same as it always had, the vines seemed to have never even encroached to it.

“Is is suppose to look like that?” Steiner asked, unsure if the crystalline tree was normal or not.

“It's just perfect!” Twilight exclaimed, and letting out out a sigh of relief, added, “after seeing those roots again, I was terribly worried something had happened to the tree.”

“I never had a doubt~!” Pinkie declared, and Dash wasn't sure if she was being serious or not. Pinkie could be hard to read at times.

“That hasn't always been there, has it?” Fluttershy asked, pointing to the side of the cave near the tree. There was a large opening where mist was very clearly seeping out of.

“Wow,” Sunset said, eyeing the mist, “That was near the tree? But the tree looks just fine.” She admitted, considering Twilight's reaction to seeing the tree.

“Maybe the tree has some protection from the mist?” Vivi suggested.

“The mist,” Twilight began, looking speculative, “it must have fed some remnants of the plunderseeds. I really hope there's a way to get rid of the mist, we don't need another plunderseed incident,” she admitted.

“Well,” Dash said, “what are we standing around out here for? Let's check it out!”

Walking towards the cave, they stuck close together, in case something else was waiting to attack them from within. Walking through the cavern for a little bit, Twilight's magic lighting the way, they came upon a room. The mist parted as they entered, seeming to avoid the center of the room, and hugging the walls to allow visibility within.

The room had a engraved stone floor, a raised circular platform more than big enough for all of them to stand on. In front of the platform was a circle tablet floating in the air at head's height. Behind the tablet was a large black crystal that was seeping out mist, which flowed to the walls and out the cavern. The crystal was as tall as a pony, and it shimmered with a dark light.

“Well, looks like we found our problem.” Dash proclaimed, glaring at the dark crystal. “Let's smash it!” She shouted as she moved to do just that, but unceremoniously slammed into an invisible wall, ow. Her smash sent a pulse of energy through the invisible barrier, momentarily revealing its shape. The stone tablet was set into the wall, and it perfectly surrounded the crystal in an orb. Rubbing her face, Dash returned to her friends, trying to hide her embarrassment, she avoided eye contact with her friends as they appraised the room.

When Twilight walked on the platform, a part of it lit up, revealing an eight pointed star. A single line of it was alight, it was purple, matching Twilight's coat.

“Neato!~” Pinkie proclaimed as she got on the platform too, and a line of the star turned pink. “Whacha think Twilight? Should we all stand on it and see what happens?” She asked. Twilight was considering it, looking to the tablet. Her eyes appraising it got Dash's attention as well.

The circular tablet had a tree emblazoned on it. The tree was similar in appearance to the tree of Harmony, but it had no leaves of any kind. It had eight branches, and on each branch was a small circle with features made out on each of them. The tree's trunk also had a circle on it, but it was clear and smooth, lacking any features within.

“Let's try taking down that shield before seeing what happens when we try lighting up the star.” She said, and they all worked to attack the shield. Nothing they did seemed to have any affect on it. The shield pulsated and glowed, it shimmered and sparkled, but it never gave or weakened.

“Well, there went that effort.” Sunset said resignedly as she looked to the platform, then to Vivi and Steiner. “Have either of you seen this before?” The Gaians shook there heads, prompting to Sunset and Twilight to share a look, nodding in unison.

Just what have those two been through to pull that off? Rainbow Dash thought as she looked between them, her brow furrowed with envy. She stole her crown! And now another short visit later they're buddy buddies? I get she's the princess of friendship, but isn't it risky to trust her so quickly? The element of loyalty wondered as Twilight turned to everyone, speaking up

“Alright everyone, let's do this and hope it doesn't make things worse.” She said sheepishly. Pinkie had never gotten off the platform, and had her goofy smile beaming as the others got on, lighting up the star. Sky blue for Dash, white for Rarity, light yellow for Fluttershy, red for Sunset Shimmer, green for Vivi, and orange for Steiner. Those last two had surprised everyone else, the green and orange matched Spike and Applejack. When all of them were on the platform, it glowed brightly, enveloping them all in rainbow light. As the light washed over her, Dash felt a warmth in her heart. Then it all quickly washed away, and the platform lost all its colors.

“What!? That's it!” Dash replied, having expected something awesome to happen. A light show wasn't enough to impress the mare, after all, she wasn't a filly. She wasn't the only one that was disappointed.

“No, that had to do something, we just don't know what!” Twilight declared as she walked up to where the shield was and poked it. Yep, it's still there. This is looking like a waste of time!

“Maybe we should have the others take a look at it?” Rarity suggested. Steiner walked up to it while she said that, scrutinizing the tablet.

“We haven't tried breaking this.” He pointed out as he touched it, and it glowed orange, the light making him step back and draw his sword. The tablet glowed brighter and brighter, and Dash felt a tingle crawling up her spine as the crystal also started to glow orange. Everyone took a step back, then ducked down when the crystal let out an orange pulse that flew out in all directions, traveling through the wall and everyone in the room.

Getting back up, Dash looked around, and saw everyone was alright. The crystal was now orange, radiating brilliantly, and it was no longer spilling out mist, in fact, the mist that was flowing out of the cavern had vanished as well. The tablet had also changed, and she moved closer to look at it.

“Hey guys, check this out!” She said in surprise. The tree was replaced with a pair of swords crossed over each other, forming an 'X', and over the blades was an apple.

“I think I now know what that platform did.” Twilight said after seeing the changes, “The tablet didn't do anything when we touched it before activating the platform,” she looked to Steiner, a realization coming to mind. “Steiner, what's your outlook on lying?”

“It's reprehensible and dishonorable!” He quickly replied, making Twilight smile.

“Applejack, our missing friend, would agree with you. Her cutie mark,” Twilight said, indicating her own cutie-mark to Steiner, “was three apples.” She then indicated the tablet, “and her coat was that color,” she finished, pointing to the crystal.

“You're suggesting that her and I are similar? And when I touched the tablet, it and the crystal took on her features?” She nodded in turn, then looked to Vivi, her eyes alight with revelation.

“Vivi, when you got on the platform, your color was light green, the same color as my assistant, Spike's, scales.” She pointed out, looking between them. “When you came to our world, they must have ended up in yours, probably in the same place you were at the time it happened.” She said with a smile, then frowned.

“But, that means Spike and Applejack are in another world!” Rarity repeated, the surprise being a bit much for her. I have to admit, Applejack being in another world is hard to swallow. And Rarity voiced Dash's question that followed her thought. “How are they suppose to return?”

“I honestly don't know. There's a link,” she said as she eyed her sword. “We stopped the mist, but we need to find out how Gaia's magic is entering Equestria, and also how to send you two back. I bet that if we can get you two back home, we'll get Spike and Applejack back in the process.” She finished, then eyed Vivi suddenly, who looked sad at the prospect or returning.

“Worry not master Vivi,” Steiner said, quick to comfort the black mage, “I shall look after you and help you make friends in Alexandria, maybe even the princess,” then quickly added, “assuming I don't lose my rank.” His words succeeded at comforting Vivi, and he nodded at the offer.

“Ahh~,” Rarity said with a sweet grin, “that's so kind of you.” She was clearly impressed by how the knight was acting.

“Um, girls, and guys, we still have a problem.” Fluttershy got in. Everyone's eyes fell to her, almost making her flinch. Fanglesnuffs was still at her side. Wait, the wolf is still here? And it looked like that fact wasn't lost on the others.

“So we took care of the mist, but the monsters still remain,” Sunset proclaimed.

“If the monsters are still around, it would be best to rest in the castle above, in a defensible room.” Steiner suggest. “Assuming we're done here.” He added as he poked the barrier with his sword, the shield still being wrapped around the orange crystal.

“Yes,” Rarity affirmed, “let's get our beauty rest, then we can move on to what comes next.”

“What comes next?” Dash asked, “We took care of the mist, so now we have to find the link? Where would we look?” She honestly had no idea, that's why she was happy to be friends with one of the biggest egg-heads in Equestria.

“We can ask Discord and the princesses about that, tomorrow.” Twilight said, looking over her friends, she then eyed the crystal and bore a worried expression. “I don't think we're quite done with the mist though,” she admitted.

“Why?” Vivi asked.

“Because of Mikoto. Mist must be in other parts of Equestria, if removing it was so easy, then she wouldn't be handing out weapons for free to help us ponies fight the mist.” That makes sense, so I guess that means we'll be fighting more monsters. Rainbow Dash wasn't too against the idea, she still had to catch up to Steiner's tally.

“Well,” Sunset began, eyeing the exit, “let's worry about that tomorrow, we've been pretty productive today, so let's go get some rest.” Wait, who made her the boss? Rainbow Dash didn't like how it seemed she was the only one bothered by that, but kept it to herself. As they worked their way up to the castle, they were not bothered by anything within the forest, and after finding a good room for everyone to sleep in, they all called it a night.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rainbow Dash

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Items Equipped:

Iron Greaves: Tumbling Kick(mastered)

Lvl Up! Lvl-5 HP 176/176 MP 22/38

AP 18/18

Pegasai's Flight (0) - You have wings that let you fly.

Abilities:

Blitz: Action Command - Make a random number of attacks between 1-4, but take double damage till your next turn.

Aerial Arts:

Tumbling Kick 8 MP - Causes damage to single target, and causes slow.

Author's Note

Keeping track of eight characters in a single chapter is boggling. Party split imminent.

Give it time Dash, give it time.

4. Missing Mountain

Rarity stirred awake, she was having a hard time sleeping. Applejack and Spike were in another world, and they didn't know how to bring them home. Steiner was snoring lightly, while standing up, in front of the doorway. The sight alone nearly dispelled her worry, at least momentarily, almost making her laugh.

They had taken shelter in one of the old bedrooms, and were sleeping on what remained of the bed and blankets, after Rarity had patched them up, of course. Vivi had the bed to himself, while she and her friends were clustered under the blankets.

She noticed that Twilight was standing near the window, looking out. She was bathed in the red moonlight, and Rarity didn't think it suited her colors. Rarity could make out the hints of the sunrise, and carefully got up and moved to Twilight's side.

“Trouble sleeping too?” She asked quietly, Twilight nodded as she looked down to the forest. From this vantage, the Everfree stretched out in all directions, the red light accenting the strangeness of the forest.

“I'm worried about Spike and Applejack,” she admitted, looking over her shoulder to look at her sleeping friends. “When the others wake up, I want to take another look at that crystal. I think magic from Gaia is poring in through it. And I think I may be able to make a spell similar to what sent Applejack over after looking at it.” She said, presenting the plan to her unicorn friend.

“You said that they swapped places,” Rarity affirmed, “Applejack and Steiner, but who was the spell specifically cast on? It couldn't have been both at the same time, right?” She asked. Teleportation magic was far removed from Rarity's skill set, but she knew that if any pony had the answer, it was Twilight.

“Applejack.” She replied, “I'm certain it was cast on her. Someone wanted her sent over to Gaia. I suppose whoever did it didn't want all of us to be together.” Rarity nodded, we're at our strongest when we're all together, does this person fear us? Twilight continued, “The person that sent her must have something to do with, well, everything going on right now.” She eyed Steiner and Vivi, then turned back to Rarity.

“We're worried they're gone, but I can only imagine how they feel. They're trapped in another world teeming with monsters, with no apparent way to return home.” Twilight said sadly as she looked back to the moon, “I really hope we can get them back, I can't bear the thought of never seeing them again. Spike's still a baby, I'm scared of what this separation will do to him. And I'm certain Applejack's worried about us and the farm.” She said, and Rarity hugged her worry ridden friend. They were both worried, but there was little they could do for them, and Rarity didn't like that, not one bit.

“Once we check out the crystal,” Twilight reaffirmed, a fire in her eyes, “I'll try and work a spell to send them back home.” Then, letting out a sigh, said, “If it doesn't work, we'll head to Canterlot and talk to Celestia and Luna.” She then frowned, “Having Spike around to send letters to the Princess never made me realize how out of touch with Celestia I'd be without him.”

“I really hope they're doing alright over there,” Rarity admitted sadly.

“I hope so too,” Twilight replied as they quietly waited for dawn.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The watcher in the mist was disturbed. One of the seals was disabled. Just one, and already it could feel that something was different. More of Gaia's magic was now permeating the Equestrian air. He asked his friend if she knew who had found the seal. He wasn't surprised to learn it was those he had given the means to fight. Releasing the seal removes the mist, in the long run, it's better for Equestria, but the watcher in the mist hoped that not all were released. For it feared the monster that lay trapped within the seals being freed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After a short scuffle with some wolves, they had returned to the cave at Twilight's suggestion. Dash kept an eye down the tunnel to make sure they weren't attacked while overlooking the crystal. Pinkie was looking better than ever now that she had gotten some proper rest, which made Rarity a little happy. Staring at the orange crystal, Twilight felt around with her magic, learning what she could from outside the crystal's barrier and looked towards Steiner and Vivi.

“Would you to mind telling me about the differences between Gaia and Equestria?” She asked of them. They shared a look, and Steiner brought his hand under his chin as he thought.

“Well, for one, the monsters are a little different. They don't change into gil or restorative items when defeated,” he admitted.

“Monsters turn into rewards when defeated?” Rarity asked with surprise, imagining implementing it into her boutique somehow. Hunting monsters that dropped rare cloth or gems came to mind. Oh, that would be so much better than buying- She started to think, then recalled that her magic was more support than offense.

“Yes, when they break into mist, some of the mist changes into money and items. The monsters are quite dangerous, as you know, so not many seek to make money from their destruction. That doesn't seem to happen here.” He said, a little disappointed, considering all the monsters they slew yesterday. “There's also a large lack of ponies, at least on the Mist Continent. Your friends will stand out.”

“Spike is a baby dragon,” Twilight corrected as she thought on his words.

“Oh! Sorry for the confusion, but still, he should stand out as well.” He admitted with a nod of his head.

“Any idea why Gaian magic trumps Equestrian magic?” Sunset asked. It is frustrating that all I can do against those beasts is heal my friends and run away, if I could at least lift them or something like that... Rarity thought as Vivi answered Sunset's question.

“Well, maybe Gaia's is older? Or maybe more dense. Um, there's plenty of magic in Equestria, but it feels thinner, as though it's not as heavy.” Rarity nodded with understanding, as did Sunset and Twilight. The unicorns, and former unicorn, understood the feeling, some places have more magic than others. Canterlot, for instance, is brimming with magic, while Appleloosa not so much. The others were only confused by Vivi's observation. Twilight was thinking on their input, trying to put something together. She then looked to the crystal again and nodded her head.

“Steiner,” Twilight began, “I'm going to try to send you back, please stay still,” he immediately stood rigid, making Rarity smile. A knight obediently obeying the princess, why couldn't Blue Blood have been more like Steiner, more like a noble knight.

“Before I depart,” Steiner interjected, turning to everyone, “I wanted to thank you for your aid, and hope we can work some means to converse again in the future.” He finished, bowing down to all of them. He turned and informed Vivi to seek him out in Alexandria. Seeing Vivi nod to Steiner's suggestion, Twilight tried her spell. I really wish I could have done something about that armor, Rarity thought with a sigh. Get some shine on that armor, and he would be just perfect~.

Twilight began casting her spell, and Steiner was encased in her magic, and started to float as Twilight's horn glowed brighter and brighter. Wait, Rarity thought, just noticing something, when we first met, Discord's magic didn't work on him, so shouldn't ours? Is it because we have weapons now? She thought as she watched the spell finish. With a pop, he was gone. Then with another pop, he was right were he began. Twilight slumped down, rubbing her horn. Oh dear, she must have pored everything she had into that.

“It appears it didn't work.” Steiner said, stating the obvious. Then he noticed Twilight's pained expression, and quickly added “But I thank you all the same, and apologize for the trouble,” trying to make her feel better.

“Oh, it's no trouble at all~!” Discord commented from above them, surprising the whole lot. “How is everypony?”

“Just fine Discord, our friends can fight the monsters now.” Fluttershy admitted as she pat her adorable pet. I just have to make sure to keep Opal away from Fanglesnuffs. Then briefly wondered how Angel would take the canine.

“I see that interesting mist is gone, funny thing, I learned a new trick when I dabbled around with it. Care to see?” he said with a large grin.

“Oh! Oh! I do! I do~!” Pinkie proclaimed, getting a happy cheer from Discord.

“Wait, what are you going to-” Twilight began to ask, but with a snap of his fingers, all of them were blinded by a flash of light, and when it cleared, they were inside the Canterlot Castle. Vivi and Steiner were confused by the change in scenery.

“What!?” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, “How'd we get here!?” She asked as she looked around, having been guarding the cavern when Discord did his 'trick', whom she just noticed. “Oh, Discord.” She finished, glaring at him. He gave her a 'who, me?' look as Twilight appraised him.

“You can use your magic on them now?” She asked, slightly annoyed for not telling them what he was going to do, and slightly happy they were in Canterlot. Her question made Discord grin all the more.

“Come now Twilight, you just used your magic on him, surely you noticed that.” Realization dawned on her face as she eyed the sword at her side. “That's right, although I don't need some pointy toy to pull it off, I'm just amazing like that. Now, don't you all have a date with the princesses? They're waiting for you~” He cackled as they started to move through the castle to the royal chamber.

“So this 'Canterlot',” Steiner began as he took in the surroundings, “is it a different kingdom from your own, Princess- erm, Twilight?”

“No, I don't really have a kingdom. In Equestria there are four Princesses,” Twilight then explained about each of them, including herself as they moved through the castle.

“I see, so you have no queen or king, just princesses? That's interesting.” Steiner admitted. They came upon the royal chamber, and the guards let them all in. “Mr. Discord, if you could magic us all here, why didn't you take us to this spot?”

“Well, where would be the fun in that, tin man?” He replied, getting a scowl from the rusty knight.

“No doubt, he just wanted to make us wait a few moments longer,” Luna replied with a smile, eyeing her company. Celestia, Luna, and Cadence were all present in the room, prompting Steiner to bow, and Rarity decided to follow suit, to avoid making him be the only one to bow to them. Her actions prompted the rest to follow suit, which Celestia found amusing.

“Greetings,” Celestia began, “Steiner and Vivi, and welcome to Equestria. I am Princess Celestia, Twilight's former mentor. Maybe we can help return you two to your home.” She said, then noticed Sunset Shimmer, who was behind the group, trying not to draw attention to herself. Even as a human, Celestia recognized her, and gave her a soft, reassuring smile. Sunset responded with an awkward grin of her own. After everyone gave out their greetings, Twilight when straight to the chase.

“I tried a spell to return them, but my magic wasn't strong enough.” She admitted with disappointment, “Perhaps with your aid...” Twilight suggested, getting a nod from Celestia.

“If you have the means,” Celestia said, “then lead, and we shall assist.” She finished, giving Twilight a trusting smile, which only made her nervous.

“Well, okay. Steiner, let's give this another try.” Looking over her shoulder at the princesses, determination lit her eyes, and she tried her spell again. Steiner was again wrapped in her magic, and after a few moments, Celestia, Luna, and Cadence added their own. As he glowed brightly, it looked like it was going to work. Steiner disappeared with a pop, and for a moment it was quiet in the room. Discord then frowned and commented on the spell.

“Well, that's not good.” He said right before Steiner popped back, violently, sending him crashing into one of the stain-glass windows. Rarity looked on in horror as she realized which one he had hit. The window had held, but a large crack began growing across it, threatening to shatter it at any moment. She watched as it crossed the figures in it, breaking some of them in half, and causing rifts to appear between many of them. The last thing she saw before it finally shattered, was the faces on the glass. It was theirs. It was the Window of Harmony.

The magic of the spell carried through the royal chamber, bouncing off the walls. Dash and the others moved out of the spell's path as Twilight tried to control it, but with the added power of the four princesses, no one seemed to have the ability to stop it. Rarity saw it heading straight for Fluttershy and moved to save her from it. As did Pinkie Pie, but she was closer to her than Rarity was.

Pinkie tackled Fluttershy, knocking her out of the path of the spell. Rarity moved to save Pinkie, but she didn't reach her friend in time. The spell hit her friend, wrapping her in a glowing aura pulsating with the colors of the princesses' magic. She stared wide eyed at her friend, and Pinkie had the oddest expression of shocked confusion. Discord snapped his fingers in an effort to save Pinkie, but it seemed to have no effect. She disappeared with a pop, which was followed by a frightening silence.

Everyone looked on where the pink mare had been. Several moments passed, all of them hoping that she would return with a pop. And after several tense moments, there was indeed another pop, but it wasn't Pinkie that returned. It was some human like person with white skin, dressed as a chef with a matching hat, and a very long tongue. Out of the corner of her eye, Rarity noticed Discord appraising a missing finger. He quickly shook his hand and it reappeared, making him give a little frown.

“No... Pinkie!” Twilight shouted, and her cry was immediately followed by the others. “Pinkie...” she said again, sadly. She stood there for a moment, then turned to Steiner and Vivi. She looked like she wanted to say something, but all that came out was weak stuttering, guilt that her friend was gone evident on her face. Rarity moved to her side and hugged her, assuring her while Celestia took charge of the situation.

"Steiner, Vivi, I'm afraid that the two of you are stuck in Equestria, we have no known means of returning you, and for that, you have our most humble apologies." She then turned her attention to the outsider as the four friends moved together in a warm embrace. The four of them took solace in each other, they had lost a friend, and it happened right before their eyes.

“Where I be?” The strange creature asked. As Celestia began to address the stranger, Rarity moved from the group to help Steiner up, healing the wounds he got from the failed spell. He looked disappointed, and terribly worried about his fate, as it was now apparent he was going to be stuck in Equestria for some time. Vivi moved to his side to comfort him.

“Greetings outsider, I am afraid we have brought you to our world by accident, and I'm afraid we do not know how to send you back.”

“There good food here?” It asked, none too bothered by being in a different world.

“Uh, yes.” Celestia replied, getting a happy look from the thing.

“Very good. Me Quina, glad to meet you.” As Rarity appraised the creature, Twilight regained her composure, they had lost another friend, possibly for good. Rarity choked on that thought. For good? As that thought sunk in, Rarity suddenly found herself fighting tears. Twilight however, showed no emotion.

There was still the matter of what was going on with Equestria, so Rarity understood why. Twilight needed to be strong. She needed her to be strong. Though Rarity did not envy her friend for having to be so.

“Any idea what happened?” Twilight looked like she had an idea forming, but wanted to run it with them first.

“Looks like the spell outright refused Steiner, and settled for the next person it could send over,” Luna said somberly.

“Yes. Pinkie is now in the other world. I got a glimmer of what's going on when it happened, however.” Discord said, “Some sort of powerful ritual is at work. Unified Fantasy, its power is staggering, I suspect not even all the combined magic of Equestria would be enough to dispel it. From what I saw, the ritual is making the connection between Gaia and Equestria stronger. In fact, I'd say the only reason they're connected at all is because of it.”

"Unified Fantasy?" Cadence asked Discord, who simply shrugged at her.

“Unified Fantasy? So then we need to look into that!” Twilight proclaimed, having something to go with. They were now short three friends, and she intended to find a way to get them back.

“Well, that is certainly an ominous presence.” Discord said as he looked up to the sky, which was the ceiling. A pulse of light washed through the castle, making Rarity fall down in pain, her horn throbbing, as if she had walked straight into a door. Looking through the pain, she saw that the princesses were in a similar state. The others looked completely fine, and they all moved to help their downed friends. Then another wave of light washed through the castle, redoubling the pain as Rarity tried her best to stay conscious.

Discord looked up and frowned at the pain his friends were suffering, and snapped his fingers. There was no flash of light, which surprised the spirit of chaos. Another pulse washed over the castle, Rarity endured it a third time, but with it, Luna, Cadence, and Celestia vanished, and Discord became opaque. His eyes shot open in alarm as he looked to the others. Twilight was unconscious and starting to shimmer and become transparent, and seeing this, Discord blew into his other hand, making it as large as himself, and snapped it, turning the world a blinding white.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As the light cleared away, Rainbow Dash took in her surroundings, off in the distance, she could make out Rainbow Falls, and in the opposite direction, she saw Canterlot Mountain. There was a storm cloud above it, and from the cloud white rings of light pulsed to the ground, wrapping the entire mountain within the rings. She was alone, in the air, and didn't know if Discord had gotten all of them out of there. In a state of confused panic, she flew with great haste to Canterlot, leaving a sonic rainboom behind her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Fluttershy was in a forest, the odd creature Quina and Fanglesnuffs nearby. Both shared a confused look as she looked to the local fauna. Oh dear, we're all the way in White Tail! She looked to the east, but couldn't see Canterlot through the foliage. Telling Quina she would be right back, she flew up to get a better look to the city she had just been in.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rarity heard the roaring of waves before her vision cleared. As her vision straightened, she noticed Steiner, Vivi, and Sunset were at her side. Getting up, she saw that they were near a particularly large waterfall. Neighagra Falls? Her eyes were drawn south, Canterlot mountain wasn't too far away. From the clouds over the mountain was what seemed to be a large red eye floating over Canterlot. It was pulsating the white waves that had hammered her horn, and made the princesses disappear. Of the four of them, her greatest worry was for Twilight. Far to the west, Rarity noticed a ring of rainbow light, a sonic rainboom.

Her attention was drawn back to Canterlot as the pulsating stopped. Then the eye shined, and the entire mountain was covered in a white cone of light, so bright that it hurt to look at. When the cone vanished, the mountain vanished with it. In the void, where the base of the mountain would have been, was mist. Beyond, with Canterlot no longer in the way, she could make out Ponyville. As she stared, the cloud, and the eye, seemed to shimmer and vanish.

It's... Gone. She stared at where Canterlot was, in complete shock, the concept slowing becoming accepted to her. The voices of her friends were lost on her as she stared. The castle. The Princesses. The high society. All my Canterlot friends. Twilight. Fluttershy. They're all... gone. As she looked on, something salty trailed into her open mouth, and realized she was crying. Truly, this is the worse possible thing. And this time, she knew she was right.

~~~~~

Rarity

~~~~~

Items Equipped:

Ore Rod: Cure,(mastered) Panacea

Lvl-5 HP 152/152 MP 62/68

AP 17/17

Abilities:

Glamour:

White Magic:

Cure 6 MP - Restores HP of single/multiple targets.

Panacea 4 MP - Removes Venom and Poison.

Author's Note

Rated 'T' for teen.
I'm a terrible person and I'll rot in Tartarus for my sins.

5. The Second Seal

Sunset Shimmer looked on where Canterlot had been, trying to recall the good memories she had of the city, but only ended up drawing on the shame of having left it for the human world. She was frustrated with herself. She wanted to feel sad, to cry for what had happened, but all she felt was shock, and it frustrated her. Rarity was crying, and Sunset wanted to comfort her, but that Rarity wasn't the same she was friends with. They were similar in so many ways, but there was no friendship between her and the pony. Sunset felt a tug on her shirt and saw Vivi giving her a sad look, then looked towards Rarity.

We... we can't stay here. We need to get to what remains of Canterlot! She thought as she eyed the mist that had filled in where the mountain's base was. Giving Rarity more time to herself, Sunset looked around, taking in their surroundings. They were on the eastern side of Neighagra falls, atop the cliff. She spotted a hoof-made path hugging the cliff's face that wormed down into the... mist. Is that mist? Or vapor from the falls? Looking down the cliff, she couldn't see the ground at the bottom. It was covered in either fog or mist for several miles around the falls. The mist covered a great deal of land to the east. What was east of the falls again...? Oh! Hollow Shades forest! And beyond the forest is Filly Delphia.

In the distance to the south she saw where the river that the falls fed left the mist. It traveled a little before being swallowed by the mist around what remained of Canterlot. If we get down to the bottom, we can follow the river to Canterlot. Having her bearings, she finally addressed the others.

“We can't stay here, we need to get to Canterlot.” And hopefully, they would run into the others in the process. She got a nod from Steiner as he looked over towards Rarity.

“I agree, we need to see what befell the city, and see if there are any survivors.” Then after a brief moment of silence, he sheepishly said, “I, I'm terribly sorry for the loss.”

Sunset was slightly troubled by how unfazed he was about it, but his apology sounded genuine. Was he familiar with such tragedies on Gaia? Sunset wondered worriedly as she noticed that Rarity hadn't moved. Vivi walked up to her, calling her name, and she briefly glanced over her side, her focus on Canterlot finally broken.

She slowly turned to the others, giving them her attention. Her face was a mess, eye liner had run down her cheeks, and Sunset wouldn't let it stand. She would want that cleaned up. She got close to Rarity, and moved to clean her face, Rarity looked at her confused before Sunset cleaned her up. She didn't move, and let Sunset do the task, and in quick order, Sunset stepped away from her, her face cleared up. Rarity felt her cheeks and saw the mess her make-up had made on Sunset's sleeve.

“Oh, dear," she said, embarrassed. "Thank you,” she added with a weak, genuine smile. She looked around to the others and composed herself. “Yes... Yes, We need to go to Canterlot. We can't stay here and cry when somepony could use our help,” she finished with some forced bravado.

“Rarity, are you going to be okay?” Vivi asked her, his voice laced with worry.

“I will be dear, I will be,” She assured, giving him a small smile. Rarity looked to the others, then looked around to where they were. “How are we suppose to get down?”

“I spotted a path that may lead down to the bottom,” Sunset explained, “Rarity, would you know why Discord sent us here?”

“I honestly don't know. He may have had a reason, or it may have just been a random location.” I doubt that, there must be a reason for it. If it was random, then wouldn't we be split up? Well, more split up anyway. Sunset nodded at her reply and looked down the path, moving towards it.

“Once we reach the bottom,” Sunset explained, “we can follow the river to Canterlot, let's hurry.” And with that, the rest of them followed after her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rainbow Dash had reached the spot where the mountain had been. She was above the mist, and it perfectly concealed the ground. She wasn't going to have any of that, and flew in a tight circle, getting a small tornado going, and used it to blast away the mist like she had done yesterday. However, this gust was much bigger, she intended to get rid of all of the mist covering the area, and she succeeded. The area clear of it, her sharp perception went to work looking for what she could find. Please, oh please, let them be okay!

The ground was smooth stone, as if it had been perfectly cut, giving the pegasus the impression that the mountain had merely been taken away some how. At least, that's what she told herself to keep from breaking down in tears. She was Rainbow Dash, and crying was not awesome. Being a field of flat, smooth, gray stone, it was easy for her to spot the only thing that stood out. She was happy at first, then alarmed, then angry. Twilight was sitting in the back of a small cart, Mikoto was pulling her, towards Dash.

Dash quickly closed the distance, looking over Twilight in shock. She was slightly transparent, and unconscious. She seemed to be shimmering from see-through to normal, and it made Dash all the more worried. She addressed Mikoto, believing she was to blame for Canterlot's disappearance.

“What have you done! What did you do to my friend! To Canterlot!” She shouted as she tried to tackle Mikoto, but she hit a barrier between the two of them, her impact knocking both of them over. Dash got up quickly and placed herself on Mikoto's barrier, using her weight to pin her to the ground through the shield. Mikoto stared at her, her face expressionless, but her eyes showed fear, sorrow, and regret.

“I'm sorry. I didn't want this. I didn't do this, but I'm not free of blame.” She said as she looked Dash in the eyes, “I want to help Equestria, I'm saddened by this just as much as you-”

“NO! You are not!” She said, slamming the shield fruitlessly, “What is wrong with her!” She yelled, pointing a hoof at Twilight. Mikoto looked to Twilight and considered for a moment before answering.

“She's trapped between realms. Whether she settles here or there is up to her.” Her explanation only confused Dash.

“Between realms? Worlds? She's stuck between here and that Gaia place?” Mikoto shook her head.

“No, someplace different, someplace that's always been connected to Equestria.” She explained, “I don't know it's name, but I'm sure she's been there before.” Dash didn't like that answer, but didn't think she'd get any more if she tried digging deeper.

“And why do you have her?” She was done with shouting, but the threat was still laced within her tone.

“Because she needs to be with her friends. I was going to bring her to Ponyville. You and Twilight are important, as are the others, and you need to help her.”

"Of course I'm going to help her! And just how are we important?” She asked as she gave Twilight a concerned look. I need to get her to Zecora, she may know how to help her.

“You're one of the seal breakers. If any of you should perish, Equestria would be consumed by the mist.” That raised all kinds of red flags to the pegasus.

“If she's that important, then undo what you did to her!”

“If I did, she would be kept prisoner.” Mikoto said, clearly not liking the idea. “Take her, protect her, and the others.”

“The others! Where are they!?” Mikoto hesitated before replying.

“Four of them are to the north east, and another is far west. I'm not sure where the pink one is.” Dash knew, sort of, and didn't feel like informing the pinned 'provider'. “Can you get off me now? You need to get her to Ponyville.”

“You, are not the boss of me!” Dash proclaimed, then got off Mikoto and grabbed the handle of the wagon Twilight was resting in with her tail. She glared at the outsider before moving towards Ponyville. She needed to take care of Twilight first, and she hoped her other friends were fairing better than Twilight was. That Mikoto, what is her deal? She wants to save us, then does that to Canterlot!? She thought as she sped on. If she wasn't worried about Twilight, she would have tried to force the answers out of Mikoto.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was pretty clear at this point, that it was mist lying at the bottom on the climb down. Not too long after they had entered it, they were attacked by the monsters within. There were no wolves, but a mix of large monsters resembling pudding, as well as large lizards with no arms that had oversized beaks. Though the party lacked a number of their friends, they found the monsters none too difficult to vanquish.

The pathway was thick enough for them all to stand side by side. Steiner and Sunset would get up close and keep the monsters away from the others. With Vivi's offensive magic, and Rarity's supportive magic, the monsters had no chance against them. Working down the cliff side, they walked past a cave entrance hidden behind the waterfall, and immediately halted at it. Mist was very clearly poring out of it. The mist drifted out of the cave and was dragged down by the winds generated by the waterfall, filling the valley below.

“You don't suppose there's another one of those crystals here, would you!?” Rarity asked, yelling above the roaring water to be heard. With the falls being several feet from them, they were all soaked to the bone from the water, and none of them were happy about it, least of all Rarity.

“If it's just those large gems causing the mist,” Steiner shouted, “than there may likely be one within this cave!” Did Discord send us to the falls because it was close to one of these crystals? Sunset wondered as Vivi spoke up.

“If it's making the mist, shouldn't we stop it!?” He asked, getting a nod from Rarity and Sunset. Wanting to get away from the crashing noise, they all went inside, keeping a vigilant eye out as Rarity lit the cave with her magic.

With the density of the mist, they couldn't see too far ahead, but the cave had many large stalagmites and stalactites. The cave felt ancient, and as Sunset lost herself in the awe of the location, they were attacked by more monsters.

These monsters were different from the ones outside. They were made of stone, composed of several boulders, their arms were pointy stalagmites, and they hit hard. They were slow and big, being easy to dodge, but getting hit usually ended with someone getting sent flying. Steiner and Sunset's attacks did little more than scratch the stone monsters, and it was Vivi's magic that took care of them. Truly, his magic was a boon to the others.

“Vivi!” Rarity cheered, “I don't know what we'd do without you~.” She complimented him after they had taken down another rock golem. Several of the rocks making up its body dissipated into mist as it perished, revealing that only parts of it were the actually mist monster.

“Truly!” Steiner affirmed, getting a smile from Rarity. “Master Vivi, your power is simply amazing!" Something occurred to the knight as he approached the black mage, "I was wondering, if you'd be willing to indulge in an idea of mine.” Steiner asked of Vivi, and after a short talk, they worked together a means of Vivi augmenting Steiner's attacks with his magic. It looks like they've put Canterlot behind them, for now. Sunset thought with a smile, she was happy that they could make light of the situation.

The next rock golem they came across fell victim to Steiner and Vivi's new combination. They combined their might together to summon fire from his sword as he struck the golem, causing great harm to it. Sunset wondered if this was another trick Gaian magic was capable of, and tried to pull off the same trick with Vivi. It didn't work, however, and it frustrated Sunset that she couldn't figure out why. Maybe the power my weapon grants me is more defensive than offensive. Or it's simply incompatible with the fighting style?

Fighting with the blade and buckler was turning into an interesting experience. She had never used such weapons before, but she felt the blade guiding her swing, the shield whispering how to move to best protect herself and the others. These items, their power is incredible, and these are suppose to be the most mundane of equipment? She thought in surprise, she could only wonder what more powerful weapons were capable of.

Traveling through the cavern, they followed the direction the mist was poring from, leading them gradually downward towards its source. Being lost in thought over her equipment, she was caught off guard by the ambush. Something fell from the ceiling, lashing at Sunset and sending her flying back against the cavern wall, getting a cry of alarm from the others. As she staggered to her feet, she felt Rarity's healing mend her aches as she appraised her attacker.

It was an insect-like creature, with a humanoid shape. Its body was thick, its limbs heavy, it had a short horn on its head, clawed fingers and insect like wings. It was also big, bigger than Steiner, and heavier from the looks of it.

“Is that a changeling!?” Rarity asked in surprise as it turned towards her. Seeing it about to attack her, Sunset got in the way of the attack, and was knocked back into the wall again for her efforts. Getting back up, she raised her shield, taking up a defensive stance.

“We need to take it down quickly!” She cried out, “I don't think we'll be able to manage if it has friends!” Sunset declared as it attacked her again, and she knocked the blow aside with her shield. Steiner flanked the creature, and when he attacked, he took off one of its wings, and they saw the severed wing dissipate into mist. Even with their combined attack, it still took some effort to take it down, but it was destroyed before it could wear them down. With the monster slain, they took a breather, as Sunset turned to Rarity.

“You asked if that was a changeling? It certainly didn't do much changing,” Sunset pointed out.

“Well, it resembled one at least.” Rarity admitted, looking over Vivi and Steiner as she explained, “Changelings can look like ponies, and they feed off of our love. I find it strange that it resembled one so well. I mean, if you had given that thing we fought the shape of a pony, it would have looked exactly like a changeling. Though I will admit, it was certainly hardier than any changeling I've ever encountered.”

“I really hope there aren't more of them ahead.” Steiner admitted, “We barely managed one.” Then looking towards where they were heading, he asked, “So, are changelings made of mist?” Rarity shook her head, “Then let's call that thing we fought a mistling to avoid confusion.” He suggested, and no one saw any reason to suggest otherwise.

“Now, I hate to be the bearer of bad news,” Rarity said, a little disappointed with herself, “but I think my magic has run out. I don't believe I'll be able to cast another heal until I recover.”

“I'm close to being drained of magic as well,” Vivi admitted. Sunset looked through their possessions, they each had a couple of Zecora's healing potions left, but Twilight had all of the phoenix down. Sunset was considering between pushing forward, or turning back.

“Well, let's hope for the best.” She said, making her decision. “We need to go forward, if there is one of those crystals here, than stopping the mist it's spilling out will also get rid of the mist around the area. Assuming it does the same thing the one in the Everfree did.”

“Not having to travel through the mist would make it easier to avoid the monsters,” Steiner added. Having decided to move forward, they continued cautiously through the cavern, keeping an eye out and avoiding possible ambushes. It wasn't long before they reached their destination. In the chamber ahead was the crystal, radiating its black light. The set up was exactly the same as the one in the Everfree. A platform with an eight pointed star, a floating round tablet with an eight branched tree. And from what Sunset could tell, another barrier, as there were two mistlings in the room. Both of them were infatuated with the crystal, and thus didn't notice the loud clanking of Steiner's armor when they reached the room. One of them was gently clawing at the barrier, looking at the crystal longingly. Oh great! Sunset thought bitterly, We've got to take them down to get to the tablet.

“Okay,” Sunset whispered, getting an idea together, “Vivi, I want you to focus your magic, and prepare to use your fire on the one near the barrier. Try to be as efficient as possible with it. Steiner, you and I are going to try and take it down fast.” He nodded, then Sunset hesitated as she turned to Rarity.

“And let me guess, you want me to distract the other one?” She asked, catching Sunset off guard. She nodded dumbly at her question. “Well, that should be easy enough, just be quick about it.” She hesitated, restrained fear worn on her face, “I... don't like this idea, but we don't have too many options right now.” Sunset nodded and apologized, “Don't worry dear, we need to do this.” She said with a smile, clearly happy with Sunset's concern for her. With the plan divvied out, they put it in motion.

Rarity levitated her rod into the room and clubbed her target in the back of the head. It quickly turned and spotted her and roared, making the mare's ears drop in fear as she turned tail and ran, and it pursued her. The second one wasn't completely on the uptake and failed to follow the other, leaving it alone, to the relief of the others. Please Rarity, be okay. Her safety hinged on the likelihood that a pony could outrun a mistling.

The three of them took on the straggler, and managed to take him down quickly with Vivi's focused magic. The mistling had gotten a hit off on both Sunset and Steiner, and they were both looking rough for it. However, after a few potions, both were ready to fight again, and they made to follow Rarity, but to their surprise, Rarity returned. She was injured, but that didn't stop her from running right behind the others as the second mistling entered the room. Vivi gave Rarity the last of their potions as he told the others his magic had run out. Steiner and Sunset shared a look, this last one was on them, and they weren't sure they could best it.

They both engaged the mistling before it could try and continue harassing Rarity. Sunset brought up her shield as Steiner slid behind the mistling. It attacked, but with the shield raised, she deflected the brunt of the attack, but was still knocked back. Steiner swung wide, cleaving off its wings, and it swung wide in return, sending him flying against the cavern wall. These brutes are ridiculous! She stabbed at its back, and it swung at her, and she deflected another blow, being knocked back again. She saw Steiner get up and charge it, and it turned to meet his charge. Sunset moved quickly, seeing the attack it was about to take Steiner down with. As Steiner's attack connected, Sunset had slipped to his side and tripped him, getting a yelp of surprise from the knight. His fall made the mistling's swing miss him, catching Sunset in the side instead. She crashed into the wall, in the same spot Steiner had. She didn't have all that armor like he did, and it knocked the wind out of her, and she doubled over in pain. The mistling eyed the two of them with a smile, it saw how close to defeat they were. And in the moment it should have been spending attacking, his foes were aided. Sunset and Steiner were bathed in a blue healing light, to their surprise, and getting up, they both ran the mistling through before it could recover from its confusion, and it dissipated into mist. Their victory claimed, the two of them gave Rarity a skeptical look.

“What?” She said with a sheepish smile, “I said 'I think' that I was out a magic, glad to see I was wrong.” With the room cleared, they all gathered before the tablet.

“I wonder,” Steiner began as he reached out and touched the tablet, but nothing happened. “I see.”

“Mind if I try deactivating this one?” Vivi asked.

“Well, assuming it works the way we think it does, you go right ahead dear.” Rarity said, and Vivi walked up to the tablet, stood on his toes, and touched it, then fell over as the table came to life. It glowed a bright light green, and the crystal did as well, clearing out the blackness that had filled it. The crystal pulsated and let out a blast of green light in all directions, washing over the party and beyond.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

She wasn't far from Ponyville now, then she could fly to Zecora and bring her to Twilight. Rainbow suddenly felt a mental pull to the north east, and her attention was drawn to it. Beyond the Canterlot plain, she saw a green wave of light spreading out, like a rainboom, and it quickly flew past her and Ponyville, making her mane tingle. Did they find another of one of those crystals? She wondered, then shook her head. One problem at a time! And with that, she continued on to Ponyville, hoping Twilight would turn out okay.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sunset Shimmer

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Items Equipped:

Iron Sword and Buckler: Cover(mastered), Deflection(mastered)

Lvl Up! Lvl-9 HP 388/420 MP 8/38

AP 13/19

Cover (6) - You take damage in place of an ally.

Abilities:

Counter: Action Command - Counter attacks when physically attacked. Deals more damage than Attack.

Sword and Board:

Deflection 10 MP - Lowers damage taken for an ally for a duration.

Author's Note

Thunderfury: Ride the Lightning (mastered)

Ele: Atk - Thunder, Increases Thunder Damage, Increases WoW cred.

Light Saber: Force Push (mastered)

Ele: Atk - Holy, Increase Critical chance, Increases SW cred.

**Swords not appearing in this story, Light Saber, Thunderfury, Excalibur II**

6. Towards Home

If it hadn't been for Quina, Fluttershy would still be crying her eyes out. Some time after the apparent ruin of Canterlot, s/he had wondered off to find food. When s/he returned, s/he asked the crying mare if 'this was yummy'. Looking through her blurry vision, she saw that Quina had a nest with three phoenix eggs in it. She starred dumbly at it for a moment, not quite processing what Quina had in mind. Then Quina licked the brim of his/her lips with that really long tongue of their's. Quina... is going to eat them!? Her sorrow was abandoned for alarm, she snatched the nest away from Quina with speed Fluttershy wasn't aware she was capable of.

“No!” Then realizing she shouted at Quina, replied, “I mean, no. This is not something yummy, you do not eat phoenix eggs, now let's go put this back before the parents start to worry.”

“Ahh~, want good food!” Quina replied, “Can I eat this?” s/he asked as s/he walked up to Fanglesnuffs and sniffed the large wolf, which growled at Quina in turn.

“No, you cannot eat my new friend.” Is eating all s/he cares about? Fluttershy wondered as Quina walked over to a small group of plants.

“How's this?” S/he asked as they grabbed a snake right out of the bushes.

“Um, no.” She replied, then flinched as the snake bit Quina, who didn't seem to notice.

“Where good food, little pony?” Quina asked as s/he causally tossed the snake over their shoulder, making Fluttershy swoop over and catch it, apologizing to the snake as she put it on the ground. Glancing in the direction she believed Ponyville was, she considered Quina's question. My friends are in trouble, and Quina is hungry. Oh, I can't just sit here.

“There's some good food in Ponyville, I promise. It's this way, would you follow me?” She asked of the stranger that had replaced her eccentric friend. Quina nodded eagerly, to Fluttershy's relief. She had no idea what she was going to do if Quina had refused. As they moved, the world briefly turned light green and Fluttershy felt her mane tingle. What was that? She wondered as she looked around in a panic, but no answer was forthwith. Hoping it was nothing bad, she calmed down and moved on. With Quina following her, they headed towards Ponyville, after returning the nest that is.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When Twilight came to, she found herself suspended in a field of stars. She didn't feel complete, like half her weight was missing. The feelings in her limbs came and went as she appraised herself. She was surprised to see through her hooves, her body was transparent, and the opacity fluctuated. She felt a familiar presence behind her, that of her respected, and loved mentor. But when she turned around to look, there was no one there, to her sad disappointment.

Taking in her surroundings, she realized she had been here before. Right before she gained her wings, when she completed Starswirl's spell, she was sent here. Why am I here? I need to return to Canterlot! She remembered the light, the ache in her horn, the sensation of everything falling away. Then she remembered losing Pinkie, and her sadness only worsened. I can't linger here, I need to return home. I need to find out more of Unified Fantasy and see if there's a way to get my friends back. There just has to be a way! And at her desire to return home, the space she floated in changed. Her eyes were drawn to a light emanating from behind her, and looking, she saw that she was now floating above Equestria, far, far above Equestria, and for the very first time, she saw her world as a whole.

She stared in wonder at the blue and green sphere, its skies dotted with clouds, and the awe dispelled her sadness for a short time. From one coast to the other, she saw the geological features she was familiar with, and though she couldn't spot the cities, she was able to see them through her mind's eye where they lay on Equestria. As she looked, she saw a pulse of green light growing over the planet, its source being born around Neighagra Falls. The pulse reached out towards the stars and her eyes followed the wave as it brushed past her. Far behind her, opposite Equestria, the pulse washed over a hidden world, briefly revealing the opaque planet as the green wave brushed past it. Then the wave of green vanished, and so did the world it touched, leaving Equestria and its moon alone among the stars.

Was that Gaia? She wondered as she looked towards Equestria longingly. How do I return?

“Well, you're a smart enough pony to figure that out.” A familiar voice replied, and Twilight would normally be annoyed to hear his voice, but instead found relief in it, and shouted out to him, hoping he had answers.

“Discord! Where am I? What happened to the others!?” A good number of the stars in the field combined together, making out Discord's silhouette.

“The rest of your friends are safe, though Canterlot is gone, whether for good or not I am unsure, and the princesses have been banished, just like you.” He said, the stars fading and glowing to imitate her transparency. “Although you could say they're more banished than you,” he added with a sarcastic chuckle. Canterlot and the princesses are gone!?

“How can you laugh at a time like this?” Twilight asked as she looked at herself, once again feeling sorrow well up. My parents! No... Why? Before the tears could start to fall, the star made apparition of Discord put his hand on her shoulder, causing her to look up at him in surprise, he was giving her a sad smile.

“Why can I laugh? Something did what I wanted to do not so long ago, and it made it look so effortless. Now here I am, in pieces, trying to help a former enemy so she can save the same ponies that turned me to stone. How can I not find that funny?” He finished with another chuckle, only this one was hearty, lacking any sarcasm. She didn't know if it was his laugh, or the absurdity of it all, but she found herself smiling at his mirth.

“You're in pieces?” She asked, using her natural curiosity to protect her from breaking down. There were questions that needed to be answered, and problems to be addressed.

“Oh yes, I really am. It looks like my efforts to save Pinkie, you, and the others was really demanding on my integrity. I mean really, me? Discord? Saving ponies? I got really torn up by the whole thing.” His silhouette said as it crumbled to pieces.

“But enough about me,” then he scoffed, “oh my goodness I can't believe I just said that. You ponies are a bad influence!” He huffed, appearing next to Twilight, his normal self, looking annoyed. “Twilight, you need to return,” he said, indicating Equestria over his shoulder, “Your friends need you, and all the other ponies as well. With the other three gone, you're the last princess remaining, they will look to you in this crisis.” He gave her a sly smile, “Now's your chance to do princess things, you're now going to be doing a lot more than just smiling and waving and kissing foals.”

He was right. And that thought immediately made Twilight apprehensive, but the feeling didn't last. Looking to Equestria, she nodded. If the princesses are banished, then there is probably a way to unbanish them. But just how do I get back?

“Oh, it should be easy for you, of all ponies. Just do what you always do when you want to go somewhere.” Can he read my thoughts out here? “No, I'm just really good at guessing~! Now do that thing you do.” She assumed he was referring to teleporting, and was about to try just that, but she turned to him.

“What about you? Is there a way to put you back together?” She asked with concern. He was her friend too, and it looked like he needed help as well.

“Your concern really touches me. It feels all icky and warm and fuzzy,” he admitted with a frown. “No magic you can conjure up will put this broken egg back together again. But I'll manage somehow, and maybe even stir things up while I'm at it. Now stop dallying here, the mist has appeared in other parts of Equestria, and the sooner it's stopped, the better. Go help our friends, and look after Fluttershy for me.” Twilight nodded, and gave Discord a weak smile as she teleported away with a pop.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

They tried to retrieve the one the overseer sent over. He clearly did not like that. The Watcher in the Mist thought as he looked over his sad friend. She wanted to help, but the overseer went and did that. He could only offer her kind words, for he had no physical form to comfort her with. The second seal was disabled. So quickly after the first. He could feel anger bubbling under the surface of his thoughts, but kept it contained. He felt something return to Equestria and looked on. Ah, the princess has returned. He told his friend about the princess, and she thanked him, and moved to leave. His words enabled her, and she worked to continue helping Equestria in the only way she could.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After having deactivated the tablet, the four of them decided to take a break. The tablets new shape was that of a pair of mage staffs crossed like a '+' sign, wreathed in fire, which Vivi took a liking too. They headed out to near the cave's exit where the waterfall was. And rested where the daylight could reach them, without the heavy moister of the waterfall drenching them. Rarity would rather her mane stayed dry for a little while longer. As much as they would have preferred to move forward, without potions, their pace was limited by how much healing Rarity could summon forth, so they rested.

“Well Steiner,” Sunset began, “if there is a way for you to return to Alexandria, Twilight would be the best bet to finding it.”

“I wonder,” Vivi said, looking to the others, “do you think something like this is happening back on Gaia?”

“I certainly hope not! What's going on here is terrible!” Steiner proclaimed, then looked at the others apologetically, “Sorry.”

“No, you're quite right. This is the worse.” Rarity admitted with a frown, the thoughts of Canterlot bubbling up to the surface of her thoughts. She was quick to push them down, she didn't want to get all teary eyed right at this moment.

“Still, I am stuck here,” Steiner solemnly admitted, then looked to the others with a fire in his eyes. “So I shall offer my blade to protect you all and your nation until I return home. I owe you that much, but more than that, I want to help.” His declaration made Rarity's heart skip a beat, which she immediately took notice of. Wait, was that...? She thought as she started to blush. Do I ...? No, it can't be! His actions have definitely drawn her attention since she first saw him yesterday, If it wasn't for his rusty armor... She thought as she pictured him wearing something she could put together for him. A tuxedo to make him look dashing- Her face was completely red as she realized how handsome he would look in a tux.

“Lady Rarity,” Steiner asked, “are you alright?” H-He called me 'lady'! “Are you feeling feverish?”

“I, I'm feeling just fine, but thank you for your concern.” She admitted, a little dramatically, getting an odd look from the others. “I just need some fresh air, don't mind me~. I'll be back shortly.” Going outside, she immediately regretted her method of dodging the situation. In short order her mane was ruined, a fact that was nagging at her from the back of her mind. This is not good! I can't have feelings for Steiner! He's not even a pony! Still, he is kind. And loyal. And he called me a lady. And strong. And he's kind of bumbling, which is just adorable~. Rarity glared at the waterfall as she realized what what happening, No no Rarity! It's nothing more then a little... infatuation! There is no time for such things! At least not while Equestria is in such grave peril! No no, I'm just feeling a little flushed, that's all, yes, that's it.. She let out a little 'humph!' and stomped a hoof on the ground as if to settle the matter once and for all. Yes, just a simple, harmless infatuation that will go away soon enough.

Getting that notion out of her head, she looked through the waterfall, almost imagining the vista beyond, showing that Canterlot was gone. Her ears fell as she recalled the city's fate. She was going to take that city by storm, she had already managed to be well known by many of the elite there. She worked her hardest ever since she got her cutie mark to pull it off, and now Canterlot was gone. She shook her head before the thoughts of never seeing the ponies that lived there started to weigh her down.

She felt someone tap her shoulder, and saw Sunset Shimmer by her side, beckoning her back. I should probably return to them, ugh, my mane. I don't want them to worry anymore. Taking her hand she went back into the cave.

“Terribly sorry about that, I've had a lot on my mind." She admitted as she avoided eye contact with Steiner.

“We understand. Things have been terrible since yesterday." Sunset said, looking towards Canterlot. That's right, she's lost her way back to the other world, it's clear she misses it. And there's also Steiner and Vivi. We really have had the rough of it. Having little else to say, they continued resting near the cave's exit, all the while, Rarity worked to avoid Steiner's gaze.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rainbow Dash had planned on leaving Twilight with Applejack's family, but to her surprise, and relief, Twilight awakened, her body no longer showing any transparency.

“Twilight! You're okay!” She said as she hugged her recovering friend, hard.

“Gah! Rainbow Dash!” Twilight gasped out, but her friend didn't let up, and Twilight knew why. Her heart ached from her friend's care, and she reciprocated the hug. After a minute in the embrace, Twilight let go, assuring Dash. “I'm okay now.” She said as Dash let go, quickly rubbing her eyes before smiling at Twilight. “Thanks for looking after me.”

“Hey, think nothing of it. How do you feel? Up for flying?” Dash asked enthusiastically.

“I think so,” she replied as she gave her wings a few flaps. “Why?”

“Well, to find the others!” Dash declared, as if it was obvious.

“Unless you know exactly where they are, it would be better to stay here. They'll all most likely head to Ponyville, and we should be here waiting for them.”

“Nuh uh! We're going to go out there and find them!” Dash declared stubbornly.

“Dash, I'm nowhere near as fast as you.” Twilight admitted as she thought for a moment. “How does this sound? You go out and look for them, and I stay here and look after Ponyville? If you miss the others, I'll be here to let them know you're alright.”

“You, you want to stay?” Dash asked in confusion.

“I need to talk to the mayor.” She replied as she noticed that Canterlot Mountain was gone. She fell silent as she looked where the city once was, then shook her head. “With the princesses gone, I need to get word out to the other cities. Everypony needs to know about the mist and the monsters.” Twilight then eyed the sun. “When Luna and Celestia both disappeared last time, the sun and the moon were in the sky together. The fact that they aren't right now must mean that the princesses are out there somewhere. And if they are, Canterlot must be as well.” Twilight affirmed, looking determined to stay and try and look after Equestria. Dash hesitated, Twilight had just woken up, and Dash wasn't comfortable with leaving her alone so suddenly.

“You're sure you don't want to come with me?” Dash asked, a little hurt.

“That's not it. I want to come with you, but this is important as well. I'm a princess, Dash, I need to look after Equetria until Celestia or Luna return.” She admitted, though she was far from happy with it. Dash looked between Twilight and towards the northeast, where Mikoto had said the others were. I, I want to stay with her, but I want to find the others! Oh, what do I do? The element of loyalty wondered, wracking her brain for an answer. Luckily for Rainbow Dash, she has a good friend, who is an excellent egg-head, and who is also a princess by her side to help her.

“Rainbow Dash,” Twilight began, her voice taking on a lightly authoritative tone, “I want you to go find the others. We need them back in Ponyville, and you're the fastest, most perceptive pony I know. I know you can do it, and I wouldn't trust anypony else with this task.” She finished as she gave Dash a warm smile. Twilight wasn't just asking her to find the others, she was ordering her to. Dash was enlightened in a moment of clarity. By following Twilight's order, she could help her friends without feeling like she was leaving Twilight behind. She has all of Ponyville by her side, and I am the fastest pony around! Dash thought as she nodded to her friend.

“You can count on me! I'll find them before the sun sets!” She assured, and seeing Twilight's smile, she bolted off, leaving a rainbow trail in her wake. She had friends to find, and she wasn't going to let the princess, her friend, down.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Having left the wall of water behind them, they had noticed that the mist that had been around the base of Canterlot Mountain was also gone. I guess the crystal's magic reached that far as well, Rarity thought. They had only rested for an hour, they wanted to be at 'Canterlot' by the time the sun had set. They hoped the rest would be enough to carry them there.

Sunset was leading the group, while Steiner was watching their backs. Rarity appraised Sunset, she was exactly as Twilight had described her, and her humble nature had really won her over. Though she may have once stolen Twilight's crown, as far as Rarity was concerned, that was simply water under the bridge. Rarity really wanted to be in her boutique right now. She didn't know what she could do for Steiner, but she couldn't help but picture all the adorable things she could make for Vivi.

As they reached the bottom of the cliff, they moved to follow the river southwest. After looking into Canterlot, we can head to Ponyville. With any luck, maybe one of the others are there, waiting for us. Rarity dared to hope. As they got close to the river, a shadow fell over the group as something crashed into the center of them, sending all of them flying.

Rarity got up, preparing a healing spell for everyone, but was interrupted as she took in what had ambushed them. Standing in the center of where they all had stood was four mistlings, and a figure that Rarity had hoped to never see again.

Queen Chrysalis!

~~~~~

Rarity

~~~~~

Items Equipped:

Ore Rod: Cure(mastered), Panacea(mastered)

Lvl-9 HP 123/280 MP 24/80

AP 17/17

Abilities:

Glamour:

White Magic:

Cure 6 MP - Restores HP of single/multiple targets.

Panacea 4 MP - Removes Venom and Poison.

Author's Note

What's the first thing that happens once they get to the bottom of the cliff? End up hanging from another one.

"Why is somepony always ruining my plans?"

7. Royal Confrontation

Something caught the blue mares attention. In the distance she noticed a group of something dark fall upon another group of miss matched colors. It was hard to tell what was what at this distance, but she could tell that whatever it was, it was trouble. And she couldn't stand the idea of trouble happening without her. So she changed her course, moving as fast as she could to whatever trouble was waiting for her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Steiner moved over to protect Vivi and Rarity as the apparent leader of the mistlings looked down on them. It had the same features as the other mistlings, but was shaped like a pony. As Sunset slowly moved to his side, the leader's eyes fell on Rarity and a scowl formed on its face.

“You!” It proclaimed to Rarity, “I should have know you and your friends had something to do with the mist disappearing!” Steiner did not like anything about this. One mistling was trouble enough, but he doubted they had a chance against four.

“And just why should you care?” Rarity asked, almost stepping past Steiner. “The mist has got to go. And your input on the matter is not needed!” She declared, her familiarity with it making Steiner doubt that their foe was a monster of the mist.

“What is it?” Steiner asked Rarity, the brief mention of changelings coming to mind from earlier.

“It!?” It proclaimed indignantly, “I am Queen Chrysalis, you strange metal buffoon!”

“I am not strange!” Steiner retorted, getting a glare from the queen. So does this mean she's the queen of the changelings?

“I don't have time for this paltry nonsense.” She admitted, looking to them like they were beneath her. Considering her company, she probably isn't far off. Steiner thought as she continued. “Tell me how you got rid of the mist, and I'll leave without harming the lot of you.” Oh, like we're going to believe- Steiner considered before noticing Rarity take a step past him to address the 'queen'.

“Lady Rarity! You cannot truly believe her?” She is the enemy, “You must never trust the words of an enemy.” Rarity looked to him and gave a small smile before turning back to the queen.

“I have your word?” Rarity asked, which got a sly nod from the queen. This will not- ah! Steiner realized what Rarity had in mind.

“Master Vivi,” Steiner whispered to the black mage, “focus your magic, stay behind me while you do it. Lady Rarity is buying us time.” Vivi nodded and focused his magic while hiding behind Steiner. Vivi's magic becomes more powerful if he focuses before using it, the time Rarity is giving us should help deal with those mistlings. His eyes meet Sunset's, and she nodded, moving a little closer to Rarity to defend her when things would go south.

“Very well then,” Rarity began, “But first, I think it's only fair if you tell me why you're company is soo.... mist-ic.” Rarity suggested, nodding towards the mistlings.

“Now now, I agreed to letting you go, not answering your questions.” Chrysalis replied with a sadistic smile.

“Oh, fine!” Rarity declared almost indignantly, “We got rid of the mist by cleaning the crystal, that's how.” Steiner looked at her dumbly, he had thought she was buying time, but she just gave the answer away almost forthright.

“So you crushed my scouts, and cleansed the crystal that was spilling the mist?” Chrysalis asked with a scowl. “How?”

“Oh, I'm sorry,” Rarity replied sarcastically, making over-expressive gestures as she said it, “but I answered your one question. Maybe we should trade answers, otherwise, you are to leave us be!” Now it was Rarity giving the sadistic smile, much to the changeling's annoyance. Then Chrysalis adopted the smile again.

“Capture the pony, crush the others.” She ordered as she took flight, unleashing the mistlings on them. That deceptive witch! Steiner glared at her as the mistlings jumped high, preparing to fall on them. Steiner doubted they could fly, but it was clear to him now that the mistlings they fought in the cave were at a disadvantage against them in an enclosed space, they could really jump. One of them was swallowed up by a fireball before it landed, and shortly after three mistlings fell upon them.

Steiner noticed when the fireball cleared that the mistling it hit was gone, leaving only mist in its wake. He then saw the changeling queen's horn glow, and the mist formed into another mistling, only a little smaller than the previous. That witch! He thought right before he was slammed by the mistling that had landed to his side. Steiner was knocked back several feet, leaving Vivi exposed. Luckily, the other two went for Sunset instead. Vivi's magic was proving to be extremely potent after having spent some time focusing, he would be invaluable to dealing with this regenerating conflict. Getting up, Steiner engaged with the one that knocked him down, just as the forth, smaller mistling, joined the fray as well. It raked at Vivi, but missed, making the black mage trip and fall, before quickly getting up.

Sunset blocked two hits, but they still sent her staggering. Rarity's healing enveloped them shortly after, rejuvenating them. Steiner attacked the larger mistling that was stuck on him with the combination of Vivi's magic, summoning fire as he struck the beast. Unfortunately that attack used the last of Steiner's magic. Shortly after his cut, one of the ones Sunset was fighting was caught in another fireball. Before the fireball could fully disperse, a slight smaller mistling jumped out to continue harassing Sunset. THAT WITCH!

Her deception flew through his eyes again, and his rage was transformed into power. He felt a strength fall over him he wasn't aware he was capable of, as orange and red lightning coursed over his armor, changing its shape to better protect him. His helm changed into a full helm, sealing his head in metal as he attacked the larger mistling still on him, cutting through it like a hot knife through butter. His change must have caught the queen off guard, as she didn't have time to regather the mist before it completely dispersed.

The other mistlings noticed his change, and so did his companions. He looking down at himself. He was glowing from the power. Is this trance!? I didn't know I was capable of such a thing! Trance, a strange power born of powerful emotions, that only a chosen few could tap into, and Steiner was amazed that he was one of those chosen few. He glared at the other mistlings, a sly smile hidden behind his temporary visor. This might even things up! He thought, as he took down the smaller mistling attacking Vivi, too surprised by the change to defend itself. Once again, the queen used her vile magic to reform the mist of the mistling into an even smaller version of itself.

“Master Vivi, take down the queen! We cannot hold out if she keeps replenishing her warriors!” He ordered, and Vivi nodded as Steiner attacked the freshly made mistling before him. As he slew it, it didn't reform, her magic must take time to get going! He assumed, leaving two mistlings left to slay, the large and not as large one on Sunset Shimmer. Moving to assist Sunset, he saw Chrysalis pull out a pair of small black pebbles and threw them at Vivi as he got another spell off, washing the queen in a ball of fire. Steiner was glad the hear her cry out from the attack. The two pebbles both exploded into large swaths of mist, bathing the area. Steiner was filled with dread as the power of trance died down, his armor returned to normal just in time for him to see the mist form into two fresh mistlings.

“I'm out of magic!” Viv declared, moving away from the two new mistlings as they looked around confused.

“Crush the little insect!” Chrysalis, smoke trailing off her form, declared to them, pointing at Vivi.

“Gladly!” An unexpected voice shouted out as a mostly blue and rainbow ball plowed right into the changeling queen. “I'll stomp it reeeaall good!” Rainbow Dash boastfully proclaimed as she blitzed the queen, getting several hits that sent the queen reeling back. Steiner took this opportunity to take down the large mistling Sunset had just wounded, finishing the beast. And with Dash distracting the queen, the mist dissipated, leaving three mistlings.

“Get-” womp “This-” bonk “Pest-” bash “Off-” clonk “Me!” Chrysalis got out as she was relentlessly assaulted by the blue blur. The two new mistlings jumped towards Dash as the queen tried to get to the ground. Steiner dearly hoped she wasn't hit, moving like that made Rainbow Dash more vulnerable to damage, and these beasts did a lot of damage. Hoping the best for their rescuer, he moved to engage the mistling that remained at Sunsets side. Steiner took a hit for her, and shortly following it, Rarity healed them both.

“That was my last one!” She declared apologetically, and though they immediately took care of that mistling, there were still two left. Glancing towards the queen, Steiner saw that the two mistlings had failed to hit Dash.

“Grrrrugh! Enough!” The queen shouted as she tossed two more pebbles to the ground, and turned the mist born from the rocks into one very large mistling before flying away. Dash moved to pursue, but the queens words made her stop in her tracks. “You would abandon them?” She asked, making Dash hesitate as the queen gave the new mistling her order. “Destroy!” With that, she flew off towards the forest past the river, and Dash didn't chase her, she needed to save her friends, somehow.

The large mistling was easily three ponies tall, which made it significantly heavy. Steiner doubted he'd be able to take a single hit from that monstrosity. It turned to the others, and the two other mistlings landed by its side and prepared to attack them. To their surprise, and boon, and worry, the monstrous mistling crushed the two by its side, instantly turning them into mist. It had been ordered to destroy, and it did just that. Oh, that is far removed from being good. Steiner thought, more concerned by its power over the fact that they only had to worry about one mistling.

“Spread out!” Sunset shouted out, and everyone did just that. While it was terribly large, it wasn't any faster than a normal mistling, but all it would take was one hit, and it would be all over for the unlucky one that received the blow.

“I recommend a hasty retreat!” Steiner suggested, “You all flee while I distract it!” He wasn't going to let it harm the ones he chose to protect, he would gladly give his life to save theirs. Even if it meant never seeing home again, he would carry no regrets if his sacrifice saved the others.

“As if!” Dash said as she flew low beneath it, giving it a solid kick behind the things leg, causing it to fall, slowing it down. “I am not leaving you behind. We're all gonna get back to Ponyville and drink some apple-cider while talking about how I took down the giant bug!” She declared as she attacked it. Its size was working against it, but Steiner doubted her hits were inflicting much harm. Steiner didn't mind keeping some company for this battle, but there were others that needed to get away.

“Lady Rarity, get Vivi out of here!” He ordered, he was certain she would be like minded with Dash, but if Vivi's life was on the line, she'd leave in order to save him. Rarity gave Steiner a look he couldn't quite understand, then she glared at him and went to pick up Vivi.

“Steiner!” Sunset said, and Steiner saw too late that the mistling had decided to go for him instead of Dash. Sunset got in front of him as the giant claw, half as thick as a tree trunk, caught the both of them in it swing, sending them flying back, far back. After crashing into the dirt, Steiner let out a hard cough, trying to get air back into his lungs. Sunset Shimmer was in a similar situation. The beast lumbered over to them, but before it could reach them, a large lighting bolt struck the beast from the side, drawing everyone's attention. From where the spell was born, stood a light blue mare with a striped mane that was an even lighter shade of blue. She wore a purple hat and robe with stars embroidered into it, and she had a wand levitated to her side. Shortly after everyone's attention, including the misting's, was drawn to her, a small number of fireworks sprang to life from behind her as she struck a valiant pose.

“The Great and Powerful Trixie!” She proclaimed, as if she was the most important pony in all of Equestria, “Is here to help! Have at you beast! Trixie is even Greater and more Powerful than ever!” Steiner noticed Rarity and Dash in unison put their hooves to their faces, shaking their heads. The mistling let out a terrifying roar, that made Trixie take a step back, fear evident in her expression. Then she glared at it and summoned forth another large lightning bolt, making the beasts chitin start to smoke. His eyes drawn to the smoke, Steiner saw their chance at victory.

“Dash!” He began, “Keep it slowed down! Trixie, keep moving, don't let it gain any ground towards you! Everyone else, SCATTER.” Steiner ordered, and everyone moved to follow his battle plan. Besides Trixie, but she changed her mind after seeing the gargantuan mistling take a lumbering step towards her. What followed after was a demonstration of applied tactics, with Dash keeping the mistling hampered, Trixie was able to wear it down with lightning bolt after lightning bolt. It once tried to jump at Trixie, but its weight was too much for its legs to manage the jump. And in relatively short order, the monster was defeated, exploding into a cloud of mist that was dispersed by Dash.

“We were lucky.” Steiner admitted as they all gathered together. Not rescued by just one, but two ponies, out here, is nothing short of a miracle. Dash gave the others the potions she had from yesterday, and they all recovered from their wounds from her aid. Trixie eyed the humans curiously, before noticing Rarity and Dash.

“Oh, you're Twilight's friends.” She then looked a little bashful as her ears lowered. “I'm sorry about your hair, and the rainbow incident.” Trixie said, making the other two ponies share a surprised look. Steiner briefly wondered what had happened between them, but decided it was a story for another time.

“Thank you for your aid,” Steiner began, “Ms. Trixie, you spared us a tragedy this day.”

“Oh,” she was surprised by Steiner's words. “The Great and Powerful Trixie appreciates your gratitude! Whoever you are.”

“Trixie,” Rarity spoke up, “not that I'm not grateful, but just what are you doing out here?” Trixie smiled as her cape billowed. The air around her felt charged with energy as she recounted her story for being here.

“Trixie heard that there was mist out here, and she came to fight the monsters within. A stranger called Mikoto said that fighting monsters would allow Trixie to master the magic within this wand.” She explained, fabulously presenting the wand. “She also heard of mist in the Everfree, but Neighagra is closer to Manehattan.” She nodded as if it was a matter of fact, which Steiner assumed it was. “Then the strangest thing happened, a green light flew past Trixie, and all the mist vanished. Oh, but not only that, when the green light passed over, Trixie's hat and robe had become even more Great and Powerful! Trixie then saw, with the mist gone, several things fighting and went to check it out, and when she arrived she saw ponies that needed her aid!” She finished with a smile.

“What was that?" Sunset asked, who had waited patiently for Trixie to finish her story, "Your garments now grant you power?” Trixie nodded as she cast another bolt of lightning to shatter a nearby stone. “It didn't work on my clothes.” Sunset admitted as she eyed her apparel. She looked to Rarity, “Do you have anything you've made with you by chance?”

“Afraid not dear, carrying extra clothes during an adventure has never ended well.” She admitted, looking distraught to admit that. She makes clothes? Steiner wondered as Sunset nodded.

“That's really interesting and all,” Dash said, clearly not as interested as she implied. “But we should get moving. We may be able to reach Ponyville by evening if we move quickly.”

“Trixie doubts this, if Ponyville were that close, we'd be able to see Canterlot from here.” Everyone shared a look at her comment.

“Trixie,” Rarity said apprehensively, “you, may want to come with us. Things are bad right now.” Trixie looked at her confused.

“Well, if Twilight's in Ponyville, Trixie would not mind. She has yet to talk to her since she became a princess.” After a brief pause, she took note of the atmosphere hanging around the others. “The Great and Apologetic Trixie wishes to know what is going on.” And as they walked to Ponyville, Sunset Shimmer took up the honors of breaking the news to her.

“Wh-what!?” Trixie replied, “Canterlot is gone!?” She was quiet a moment as she looked towards where the mountain had been. “My friends... The school... No...” Trixie she finished weakly, abandoning her accent and verbal tick. The Great and Powerful unicorn did not cry, but it was clear she wanted to.

Steiner didn't like this, not one bit. Someone had destroyed a whole city, and he wanted to know why. These ponies didn't deserve this, and seeing them sad angered him. He noticed Dash looking a little down as well, and moved closer to the hovering mare.

“Do you still want to talk over some cider?” Steiner asked her.

“I, I think I'll pass. Someponies gone and spoiled it.”

“Doubtful, cider doesn't spoil easy. But I can understand if you're not up for me out-drinking you, I suppose that's just how it's going to be.” Steiner didn't know how to cheer up the others, but Dash was easy for him to please. She looked at him, clearly not willing to take that challenge sitting down. Steiner was glad to see the fire in her eyes, drinking with her was something to look forward to as they headed towards Ponyville.

~~~~~~

Steiner

~~~~~~

Items Equipped:

Broadsword: Beast Killer (mastered)

Lvl Up! Lvl-10 HP 510/510 MP 4/40

AP 18/22

Beast Killer (4) - Deals lethal damage to beasts.

Abilities:

Sword Magic:

Fire Sword 6 MP - Strikes the enemy with Fire Sword.

Sword Arts:

Author's Note

Trixie-ex-machina!

8. Debriefing

That wretched pegasus! Chrysalis thought as she returned to the small village her children controlled within Hollow Shades, changing her form back to the towns leader as she did. The few ponies that remained uncaptured in the town moved to greet her, but stepped away when they saw the anger etched on her face. I will make her pay! If my mist warriors are to take Equestria, then those pesky pegasai need to be dealt with! She had no doubt they survived the warriors she summoned to flee, Twilight's friends were a tenacious lot. Her mist warriors were powerful tools, but were at a disadvantage against fliers, and changelings were not as capable in the air as the pegasai were.

She moved to her hosts home, where her captain was no doubt waiting for her. She slammed the door behind her, then winced, the bruises from her encounter ached, she needed healing.

“My queen!?” her captain said in alarm, seeing her wounds, he got a vile of healing nectar for her, which she thanked him for. “What happened? What are your orders, your majesty?”

“Twilight knows about the crystals. And she's sending her friends to clean them of the mist, somehow. We need to secure one, and deal with them before they can remove any more of the mist!”

“Ah, then I have good news, my queen. We have located another crystal, its location you will find most pleasing.” And when her told her where it was, she let out a smile filled with pure bliss.

“That's wonderful! That's the best news I've heard since...” She suddenly couldn't think of anything that matched that knowledge. The disappearance of Canterlot hadn't filled her with joy, but frustration, that was her city to claim, and now it was gone. Realizing that good news wasn't something she received often, she took solace in her captains report. “That's really good to hear, thank you.” She paused for a moment, letting the feeling sink in before taking action. “Send the troops to secure the city near it, I want everyone not on assignment on this task. I don't want anypony getting out."

“And what of the mist warriors?” Chrysalis knew just what to do with them. She owed somepony payback. Twilight Sparkle can wait, but her pegasus friend however...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“So Steiner,” Sunset Shimmer began, “Just what was that? When your armor changed.” She asked, giving him a curious glance.

“Ah, that was Trance.” He admitted bashfully, “At least, I think it was. It's not a power you can really rely on, from what I understand. Afraid I don't know too much about it myself,” he finished with a shrug.

“Well,” Rarity commented, batting her eyes at Steiner, “it certainly helped, that fight was beyond us.” Sunset had noticed Rarity's odd behavior towards Steiner, but chose not to bring it up. Sunset had a small guess as to the reasons why she was acting odd. Her comment reminded Sunset of the queen's role in that fight they managed to luck their way through.

“The way that 'Chrysalis' was able to convert the mist was intimidating,” Sunset admitted. “It seemed so easy to her.” Was she able to do that with Gaian magic, or from the love she drained from ponies?

“We're in serious trouble if she can make them so easily.” Steiner pointed out, which wasn't really necessary.

“No problem!” Dash exclaimed, “Just make sure there's no mist around, and she can't do it!” A good idea, except...

“There may very well still be mist around somewhere.” Sunset pointed out. “I wouldn't be surprised if we had to cleanse six more of those crystals.”

“What makes you say that?” Dash asked, annoyed with the idea of having to manage six more crystals.

“It required eight of us to activate the platform, enabling us eight to cleanse them. There's also the symbol on the tablet, an eight branched tree. The platform also had the eight pointed star on it."

“Everything points to eight, so that means there are eight crystals.” Vivi summarized, getting a nod from Sunset.

“You know,” Dash said with a contemplative look, “Mikoto told me that we were seal breakers. She said that if any of us perished, Equestria would be consumed by the mist.”

“Seal breakers?" Sunset replied, "So we're not so much cleansing the crystals, as we are breaking the mist it generates?”

“I, I didn't think to ask,” Dash said with a hint of regret.

“Oh! Oh, That's not good.” Steiner said, a look of comprehension dawning on his face.

“What is it?” Rarity asked

“When I touched the second tablet,” Steiner explained, “it didn't react to me. Only when Master Vivi touched it did it cleanse the crystal, 'breaking the seal' I guess.” Sunset saw what he meant.

“That must mean that we can each only break a seal once,” She deduced, “one crystal for each of us-” Comprehension appeared on her face as well. Which was shared between the others, besides Trixie, who seemed to still be in her own world, looking towards 'Canterlot'.

“Pinkie Pie,” Rarity said. “As long as she's in Gaia, we will not be able to take care of the last one.”

“I, I think we're getting ahead of ourselves.” Sunset pointed out. “We still need to find the other six first.

“We have to tell Twilight!” Dash exclaimed, who had told the others earlier that she was safe in Ponyville.

“We should endeavor to find these other six as soon as possible.” Steiner suggested, “That queen will no doubt try to secure one as soon as she can.” Sunset nodded, cleansing it will be difficult if she's got her mistlings guarding it. Getting a general agreement from the others, Sunset looked southwest. The sun was beginning to set, but she could make out Ponyville in the distance. They would be there in an hour or two.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And that's the last one! Twilight thought as she put down the quill. She sat at a desk within town hall, ink and a small pile of discarded copies of what she wrote lay scattered around. Seeing that Twilight was done, Owlicious worked to clean up her mess. The ponies of Ponyville had many questions for her, and she promised answers in the morning. She was going to address the ponies of Ponyville about what was going on at town hall in the morning. I hope the others return before then. She thought as she picked up the pile of letters she composed.

What she intended to tell everypony in the morning was written on those letters, one for each mayor of each city, which Mayor Mare helped Twilight get down. She bid the mayor a good day as she went outside to where her company was waiting on her. I hope Dash will forgive me... She thought as she gave the letters to the Wonderbolts, who had been waiting on her command.

“Get these to the others mayors as fast as you can.” Twilight asked, addressing Spitfire, “Then return to Ponyville.”

“Don't you worry Princess, we'll be back by this time tomorrow, you can count on it!” The Wonderbolts had arrived in Ponyville not long after Twilight had in response to Canterlot's disappearance. Thankfully they were all at Rainbow Falls when it happened. Spitfire, Soarin and Fleetfoot took off with a rush, disappearing in the twilight of sunset, leaving behind a trail of thunderclouds as they flew high, before splitting up to their respective destinations.

Watching them go, a group of travelers caught her eye. Twilight's heart skipped a beat as she saw a good number of her friends returning to Ponyville. Dash saw Twilight, and flew right at her, full of energy.

“Was that the Wonderbolts!?” She asked, getting a nod from Twilight as the others caught up to Dash. She didn't see Fluttershy or Quina, but seeing the others after what happened at Canterlot made her happier than she realized. Far happier than she knew, she had worried greatly for them, but buried it under working to get Equestria together. And now it was all bubbling back to the surface.

“Now dear,” Rarity calmly assured, “don't you get started, or we won't be too far behind you.” She said as she brushed a tear off Twilight's cheek. The others looked at her with concern.

“Right,” she replied, wiping her eyes. “Welcome back!” She said with a smile, getting several smiles in return. Then some one unexpected caught her eye. “Trixie?”

“The Great and Apologetic Trixie is pleased to see you well!” She admitted, putting on a forced smile.

“Miss Trixie helped us out of a bad spot,” Vivi explained.

“We could have done it without her,” Dash said nonchalantly.

“Doubtful, Dash,” Steiner interjected, “how about we all find a nice place to rest and catch up with each other?” They all nodded in agreement, and they moved towards Twilight's castle. Trixie hesitated, but followed as well at their insistence.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Oh, that is not good.” Fluttershy claimed as she saw the smokey mountain in the distance. The sunset was illuminating the mountain, making the mist poring out from the cave atop cast an ominous shadow on the valley.

“Let's not go that way.” She said aloud, not really believing her current company was listening to her.

“I don't get you, Flutters,” Quina said, giving her an odd look. “You know so much bout animals, but not munchies!” S/he then licked a nearby plant, then nodded. After spending half a day with Quina, Fluttershy's gotten use to his/her strange eating obsession. She kept Quina from eating animals, but didn't stop him/her from eating just about... anything else.

We should have really reached Ponyville by now. She thought, starting to suspect she was lost. She wasn't against the idea of sleeping in the woods at night. After all, this wasn't the Everfree. But the air has been gradually becoming thicker with mist from the smokey mountain. Maybe an hour or two going away from the mountain will make the mist go away. With that intention in mind, she led Quina away from the mountain, heading northeast.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The seven of them were in the castle's throne room. Having just finished discussing everything they each had gone through since Canterlot's disappearance.

“So Chrysalis can make monsters out of the mist,” Twilight exasperated. From the sounds of it, she cold muster up an army of these mistlings. I need to get another round of letters out to the other cities! “Is there any good news?” She asked incredulously.

“I think so,” Rarity said, giving everyone a hopeful look. “When we broke the second seal, Trixie's garments gained power, just like our weapons. I suggest we take a look at our possessions to see if there's anything we have that's also gained power.” The mist comes in through the crystals, Twilight thought. I'm pretty sure Gaia's magic does as well. When a seal is broken, does more of Gaia's magic become prominent in Equestria?

“The Great and Powerful Trixie can confirm this! If the Changelings are on the move, Trixie thinks they should be handled first.” Twilight and Steiner shook their heads in unison, which Twilight noticed, letting Steiner speak first.

“If that queen can make powerful soldiers from the mist, then we need to remove the mist before she can accrue numbers greater then we can hope to manage.”

“Yes,” Sunset started, “We need to tackle that first. She was upset when she learned of what we did. I think she had intended to claim the one in Neighagra falls. That's practically in the center of Equestria, she'd risk being attacked from all sides from there. She must not have a secure source yet.”

“Trixie, do you want to help?” Vivi asked her, and Trixie appraised the little mage, then looked to the others, uncertainty on her face.

“There are six seals remaining.” Twilight pointed out, “If we locate more than one soon, we should split up to cover more ground. It wouldn't hurt to have another helping hoof.” She said as she gave Trixie a light smile. Which made the blue unicorn terribly happy.

“The Great and Powerful Trixie will not let you down, her magic is even more Powerful than ever!”

“Yes, we know,” Dash said, rolling her eyes. She mentioned talking to Mikoto about everyone's location. What magic is she using that lets her know? Twilight wondered, worried about Fluttershy. She could only wonder where Quina was in all of Equestria.

“Dash, before you head to bed, could you take care of something?”

“Name it!”

“Can you see if Mikoto is in Ponyville? I need to talk to her.”

“Ugh, fine fine. Just so you know, I don't like her,” and after bidding her friends a good night, she flew out to find the weapons provider.

“Well, I should get going.” Rarity admitted, getting up to leave. “I have a whole boutique to inventory, see what's gained power and what hasn't.” She said, as if it was no big deal. “I'll get some experimenting going and see just what is required for items to gain power, maybe I can craft something truly fabulous! It should only take me all night, but that's no different from any other day. You all take care, see you in the morning, hopefully with some presents!” She said, leaving- She turned to Vivi. “Vivi, would you mind coming with me, I have a guest bed my sister sometimes uses that you can sleep in.”

“Um, sure. I'd like that.” Vivi admitted, and they left, leaving Sunset, Steiner and Trixie with Twilight. Twilight considered her friends and smiled.

“This castle has plenty of guest rooms, so feel free to help yourselves. I need to prepare for tomorrow morning. So I won't be going anywhere.”

"Trixie will excuse herself, but thanks you for the offer. See you later Twilight. I know it's poorly timed, but congratulations on becoming a princess.” She finished, smiling sheepishly at Twilight.

"Thanks Trixie, have a good night,” And Trixie left. Twilight saw Sunset eyeing the broken mirror again, its pieces had been gathered into a pile where the explosion had originated.

“Even with Celestia gone, I'll find a way to fix it.” Her comment caught Sunset off guard.

“Oh it's fine. It can wait. I was born and raised in Equestria, my friends on the other side can do without me, for however long it takes to make sure Equestria is safe,” she said, giving Twilight a sad smile. It was clear she didn't want to continue the conversation, as she quickly left for a guest room after giving a short goodnight.

“So, what's keeping you?” Twilight asked Steiner, who showed no signs of leaving.

"At this very moment, you're the last ruler of the ponies. I will be by your side to protect you, at least while I can.” She didn't want to push him away, so she let him stand guard as she worked on revising her speech. Not too long after she started, Dash returned, informing her that Mikoto wasn't in the town. After informing her, Dash turned to Steiner with a sly grin.

“Hey Steiner, let's go! I'll show you how well I can hold my cider!” She gave the knight a rueful smile.

“I'm watching over Twilight, I'm sorry, but it will have to-”

“Go with her, Steiner,” Twilight interrupted. “I'll be fine on my own. I can teleport if something decides to threaten me.”

“P-Princess! I swore to protect you!”

“Do I have to order you to hang out with Dash?” Twilight replied, sounding annoyed.

“Yea, does she?” Dash emphasized. “Afraid to be out-shined by me?” Steiner let out a sigh as he shook his head at their unified insistence.

“Don't blame me if an army of mistlings suddenly appear in the castle,” he said solemnly.

“Wouldn't dream of if.” Twilight replied, then waved her hoof at them to 'shoo' them away. “You both have a good night.” Dash was looking quite pleased at Steiner's sour mood as they left together. With them gone, she worked on her revisions, free from distractions.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sweetie Belle looked out the window towards the open space in the sky that formerly housed Canterlot. She let out a sigh as she started to hum a song her sister liked. Her horn started to glow, but she didn't pay it any mind. She saw a bird flying by the window of the boutique, its flaps and speed noticeably slower than normal. She stopped humming, and the birds momentum returned to normal. She eyed her crusader cape with an annoyed frown.

Maybe I should take it off while humming. Ever since that green light, she's felt that magic occur while wearing the cape and humming. She wanted to ask her friends about it, but instead she was waiting at the boutique, hoping her sister was safe. Once again she looked towards where Canterlot had been, worry growing in her heart. If she isn't back in half an hour, I'll go home. She thought, not wanting to worry her parents.

She heard the sounds of the front door opening, and a familiar voice, and her heart almost leaped out of her chest. She got moving, practically flying down the stairs as she saw her sister, looking at her in surprise, as well as a small, two legged figure.

“Sweetie Belle?” Rarity asked, confused. “Oh whatever are you doing here? You... didn't touch anything, did-” She was interrupted by Sweetie Belle tackling her in a hug, knocking them both down. Rarity looked at her, confused for only a moment longer, before comprehension dawned on her face, and she returned the hug. “There there,” She assured, “I'm sorry I made you worry dear." They shared a smile as they go on their hooves. "Well, worry no more! It will take more than some city wide disappearance to take me down!” She said defiantly, getting a small chuckle from the filly. Rarity noticed her companion and introduced him to her sister.

“Sweetie Belle, this is Vivi. Vivi, this is my sister.” She informed the black mage, who looked at the filly a little bashfully. Sweetie gave her sister a questioning look, and Rarity nodded. The two of them greeted each other, immediately followed by Rarity taking charge.

“Sweetie, I know I just got back, but I really need to check on my inventory.” She paused as she noticed Sweetie's cape. “Has wearing your cape made you feel... strange?”

“Well, things slow down when I hum or sing, which is kind of neat.” Her response got a giddy cry of joy from Rarity.

“Oh oh oh! We just have to see how many of my dresses grant power!” And her horn glowed as all the dresses in her boutique were brought before her. She also brought forth a pair of scissors with an intrigued look on her face. “Sweetie, may I see your cape for a moment?” Sweetie wasn't sure what her sister was happy about, but she wasn't going to refuse her. Taking off the cape, she felt the power it granted disappear, making her feel a little down at the prospect. I guess it's not so bad to be able to do that.

She saw Rarity bring the scissors to her cape, which made Sweetie worry for a moment, then saw the scissors utterly fail to cut the cape. This revelation made Rarity sqee with joy.

“Oh,” Rarity realized, her mirth dying a little, “I suppose something from Gaia could cut it, but no big deal! Vivi,” Rarity began, bringing over measuring tape, “stand still a moment while I get your measurements.” And Rarity did just that while Vivi stood still, making Sweetie Belle shake her head with a smile. She just got back, and she's already at work.

“Can I help?” Sweetie asked, and she saw Rarity hesitate before nodding. Sweetie helped her sister by keeping Vivi company before it was time for bed, and Vivi had a number of interesting stories to tell her about a world called Gaia.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rainbow Dash let out an inebriated cheer as Steiner passed out. There were several empty mugs of hard apple cider at their table. Though it wasn't as good as Applejack's, it was still apple cider. Steiner had been completely impressed with the beverage, and not long after arriving, they started drinking against each other. They had the lobby mostly to themselves, nopony else was in the mood to party, well, besides Berry Punch, but she practically lived there.

Dash shook her head. She had won, but if she wasn't careful, she'd be out too. Then she probably wouldn't remember she won. Or maybe she was already past the stage. Ehh, who cares... I won...! She thought has she put some bits on the table to cover their drinks, before passing out as well, becoming unceremoniously sprawled on the table, just like Steiner.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Morning came too soon. Twilight worked to get herself composed as she rushed to the town hall. She had overslept, and no one had gone through the effort to wake her. Finally reaching the town hall, she saw a large crowd of ponies before it. Is that everypony in Ponyville!? Not wanting to be spotted before the speech, she teleported behind the overlooking stage, surprising Mayor Mare at her sudden appearance.

“Oh, Princess, I was starting to worry.” She shook her head than smiled at Twilight. “They're ready for you, so hold your head high and take a deep breath. You can start at your leisure.” Twilight nodded nervously, and looking to the curtain nodded. She moved up to the podium as the curtain raised, exposing her to the eyes of everypony in the town. She hesitated for only a moment, before clearing her throat.

“Everypony,” the crowd immediately fell silent, making Twilight hesitate again before continuing. “Yesterday, we lost Canterlot.” She let that hang in the air for a moment, then added, “And in the process, we lost Princess Cadence, Princess Luna, and Princess Celestia.” She felt a knot in her throat and swallowed it down. I will get through this without tears! Be strong. For Equestria, Twilight! “We also lost Pinkie Pie, as all of you may have noticed. And the day before that, we lost Applejack and Spike.” She looked over the crowd, her sadness present for all to see.

“I'm not going to lie, things are bad. A mist from another world is seeping into ours, and from this mist, strange monsters are born. A few of you have already seen the ones from Everfree.” That got a little murmuring from the crowd, which died down as she went on. “Though we have removed to mist from the forest, more of it fills the lands of Equestria.” Her brow furrowed as she made a promise to her audience. “We will get rid of it. I promise you that. I can make that promise, because we have already done so, twice. And though other patches of mist remain, we will soon remove them as well.” She looked to all the faces she knew. This was Ponyville, everypony here knew her, and she knew them. She had to warn them, and assure them.

“With Canterlot gone, our natural enemies, the Changelings, have begun to move.” Which instantly got more worried looks from her audience. “Some of you may have noticed odd powers being granted by your possessions, and some of you have met the strange girl Mikoto, a provider of weapons. The power from these items will prove pivotal in defending Equestria, so I beseech you, familiarize yourselves with them. They shall make you more powerful, more prepared for what my lie ahead.” She caught sight of her dearest friends in the crowd, they were cheering her on with their eyes, and she took strength from their assurance.

“I know I'm asking for more than I should, but we don't have any other option. We've lost Canterlot. I'm the last Princess.” She said, almost crying it out, “So please, believe me when I say that we will manage through this.” A fire burned in her chest as she looked to the ponies of Ponyville. “We will dispel the mist. And we will send the changelings back. So please, trust in us, trust in each other, for it will take everypony in Equestria to pull through this.” She fell silent,hoping no objection would reach her ears from the crowd.

“We will be behind you and your friends all the way, Twilight,” Mayor Mare said, moving to Twilight's side. “You and your friends saved Equestria from Nightmare Moon, Discord, and Tirek. We have every reason to believe you shall triumph again! And if you need our help, who are we to refuse. Right everypony!?” She shouted to the crowd, which cheered in agreement. Twilight was caught off guard by the enthusiasm of the crowd. She smiled, and she felt tears of joy running down her cheeks. Guess I still cried, silly, silly me.

“Thank you. Thank you, everypony! Let's make sure Canterlot is the last thing we lose during this crisis!” And the cheer redoubled. With this, I can believe that everything will be just fine. There's so much to do, but we can do it. I have no doubt.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Twilight Sparkle

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Items Equipped:

Iron Magi-Sword: Blink Cut(mastered)

Lvl-5 HP 220/220 MP 66/66

AP 17/17

Abilities:

Teleport Magic:

Teleport 1 MP - Increase chance of attacks missing Twilight for short duration.

Blink Cut 4 MP – Deals Non-Elemental damage to single target, inflicts Darkness.

Summon Magic:

~~Spike the Dragon 2 MP – Summon's your number one assistant.~~

Author's Note

What I wanted that speech to sound like:

or

What I think it sounded like:

9. Flutter Do

“My fellow ponies!” An authoritative pony cried out, demanding attention, and he immediately got Fluttershy's. “I have received a royal report from Princess Twilight Sparkle considering the disappearance of Canterlot. My fellow ponies, gather round!” He repeated this cry until a number of ponies in the town had gathered around. Fluttershy backed away from the crowd as it grew, and after reaching a suitable size, the announcer continued.

“I will now read to you the words of Princess Twilight Sparkle: 'My fellow ponies of Tall Tale, it is to my great sadness that I must inform you that Canterlot is gone. With it, we've also lost Princess Cadence, Pincress Luna, and Princess Celestia.'” Fluttershy feared it was true, but hearing now confirmed it, but she took solace in the fact that Twilight was fine.

“'Our world is somehow connected to another called Gaia. Its magic, and a hazard called the mist, are invading our peaceful land. From the mist are born monsters, which can only be combated against with weapons from Gaia. My fellow Equestrians, we will get through this, I promise you. So please, be strong, for Equestria. Beware the mist, and if you don't have a Gaian weapon, avoid the monsters born of it.'” The announcer looked over the ponies and nodded to them. “You've heard the princess, we'll get through this, just be careful, everypony.” Fluttershy cleared her head, she had already done her crying yesterday, she needed to reach Ponyville.

The announcement finished, the crowd started to break apart. Fluttershy started to shy away from the looks a number of them were giving her. Her pet and Quina were drawing all sorts of attention now that the announcement was over, which made it even harder for her to ask for directions to Ponyville. And the ponies that look kind of nice to approach, avoid us. She thought with a vague hint of frustration.

She had no idea how they ended up in Tall Tale. My sense of direction's never been bad, it's like every time I try and get us going in the right direction, something distracts us from it. She wandered through the town, slowly, hoping that there was a train line to Ponyville here.

“We eat now?” Quina asked her, and Fluttershy was hungry. She hadn't had a decent meal since breakfast yesterday. She nodded to Quina, who gave her a surprisingly genuine smile.

“I make food now.” And s/he started to do just that, bringing out of cooking supplies almost on demand from seemingly out of nowhere, just like Pinkie and her party cannon. S/he was setting everything up, right in the middle of the street, to Fluttershy's embarrassment. Quina pulled out a number of plants, fruits, and vegetables that s/he accumulated on their way here, and Fluttershy was impressed with how much the Gaian had gathered when she wasn't looking. She was also glad s/he didn't have any meat on the cooking palette.

“Um, Quina, isn't that a bit much for the two of us?” She asked, dodging the odd looks the ponies gave Quina's set up. For whatever reason, Fanglesnuffs never seemed to be hungry, and she assumed it was because it was a monster of the mist. Quina was always tasting 'food', but this looked like enough to feed a whole parties worth of ponies.

“It plenty! Make lots to feed lots!” S/he replied, getting to work at cooking some of the vegetables together. The smell from his/her efforts were starting to draw in someponies, making Fluttershy slink behind the large chef. She didn't stay there long however, as she noticed a familiar looking pony in the crowd. Her eyes met hers, and for a moment, Fluttershy didn't think she remembered her, but then she saw her eyes widened as she made a shushing motion with her hoof. She walked over to Fluttershy, intent on talking to her. Oh, yay~ Somepony I can talk to! It was Daring Do, wearing her A.K. Yearling persona/disguise, Fluttershy wasn't sure which it was.

“You're one of Dash's friends, right? And I guess also a friend of Princess Twilight?” She asked of Fluttershy, who weakly nodded. “Mind telling me what the hay is going on in Equestria. You heard the terrible news just now, is it true?” And Fluttershy nodded again.

“Um, about that. I really need to go to Ponyville, I was wondering if you could-”

“Help you?” She interrupted, “Sorry, even if you're Dash's friend, I've got my own problems to take care of. You'll need to ask somepony else to take you to Ponyville.”

“Well, I was asking if-” But Daring spoke up before Fluttershy could clarify. ...if you could point me in the right direction...

“Wait,” Daring hesitated before asking Fluttershy, “I could actually use some help. I work alone, but sometimes even an explorer like me needs an aide.” Fluttershy looked at her confused, and Daring continued. “There's this place I need to check out, I pretty sure it's connected to the mist and the moon turning red, thing is, it requires two ponies to get inside. It's not far from here, help me out and I'll get you to Ponyville.” That didn't sound like an unfair offer. Fluttershy's never read her books, but Twilight and Rainbow Dash both made her out to be a professional. Then she remembered watching her fight off those stallions that stole an important ring from her.

“Um, will it be safe?” She asked hesitantly.

“As safe as it always is. Nothing to worry about!” She assured Fluttershy.

“Well, alright then. If it's tied to the mist, then it must be important. But once we take care of it, Ponyville?”

“No problem little lady,” Then she eyed Quina, whom they had been conversing behind. “Friend of yours?”

“Yes, s/he's helped me get this far, though we're both lost.” Fluttershy's attention was drawn to the food, and her stomach rumbled, making her blush.

“Well, I guess another won't hurt either,” Daring said as she rolled her eyes. Her attention was then drawn to the food, “That smells pretty good.” She admitted as she eyed the meal Quina was working on. Almost on cue, s/he gave Fluttershy and Daring each a bowl of cooked vegetable salad. It seemed that Quina was intending to give his/her efforts out the anypony that was nearby, and when Fluttershy tried the salad, she was surprised by how delicious it tasted.

“This is amazing!” Daring proclaimed loudly, getting some looks from the nearby ponies as she tried to avoid their gaze. Fluttershy was appraising her meal with a smile.It's tasty, and it looks healthy too. All the ingredients were literally picked by hand. I knew Quina loved to eat, but I didn't think s/he was a master cook as well!

“Good food is good food! Quina know best, good food make happy with good taste!” S/he admitted as s/he gave out the meal to anypony passing by. And it wasn't too long before a full crowd of satisfied ponies had gathered around Quina's set up. Many of the ponies had worry or concern bogging them down, but looked a little better after eating what Quina had made.

“So, Ms. Do-” Fluttershy began to ask before being interrupted, again.

“Call me Yearling when we're in public, or just Daring when we're alone,” She quickly whispered to Fluttershy, a hint of annoyance in her voice.

“Right, sorry,” Fluttershy replied before getting her question out. “Ms. Yearling, are you really fine with me helping you? Surely there are better ponies.” Daring frowned at her question, and shook her head.

“Honestly, I'd rather you were Rainbow Dash, but she's probably got her own important things to take care of right now. Equestria's been a little hectic since the mist appeared. You're friends with her, and the princess. And from what I've heard, you helped tame Discord. So I'll take you over somepony I know nothing about. At least I know you won't turn on me.”

“Oh, well, thank you for your trust,” And Fluttershy real was thankful for it. “So, where are we going?”

“I'll tell you after we're away from prying eyes.” With that, they decided to wait until the crowd died down, Daring constantly avoiding the attention of any fans of her books.

“Food all gone!” Quina proclaimed as s/he licked the dishes clean. I really hope s/he actually washes those. As Quina put away all the things s/he had used for cooking, Fluttershy noticed a fog start to creep over the town.

“Oh, this is the mist from the Smoky Mountain.” Fluttershy expressed with worry, “There will be monsters soon! We need to tell everypony!”

“Calm down, you don't need to tell them anything. Twilight mentioned the dangers of the mist. Look,” she pointed to the sky, and several pegasai were working to move the mist around the town. “They're already on it. And if monsters do show up, they should be fine.” She parted her dress slightly to reveal a whip hidden underneath. “A girl similar to your friend here, only with a tail came by last night and gave out weapons to anypony willing to take one.”

“Mikoto was here?” Fluttershy asked in surprise.

“Yea! That was her name, gave me this fancy whip.” She replied with a smile, eyeing the whip hidden under her cloths. “Twilight's address has put everypony here on edge, I feel sorry for any monsters that try and harass Tall Tales.”

“Quina ready, go find food?” S/he asked as s/he looked to the others.

“Well, since we still have plenty of daylight remaining, let's get moving.” Daring said, and she started to move out of Tall Tales, back the way Fluttershy had come from.

“Oh, but there are monsters that way.”

“Like I'm scared of a couple monsters, come on, we've got a castle to find.” And she flew out of town, then shortly returned after realizing her company was slow. Fluttershy gave an apologetic look before asking her a question.

“We're looking for a castle? What kind of castle?”

“I'll tell you after we get some distance from town, so just wait.”

“Oh, okay.” And they left the town, wandering into the mist. Shortly after leaving town, Daring discarded her Yearling attire for her normal hat and vest. It was evident that she wanted them to move faster, but Quina could only move so fast, and Fluttershy was never a swift flier. It wasn't long before they ran into mist monsters. They were attacked by a pair of small humanoids with large ears and big red noses, and one perished in a single hit from Daring Do's whip. She looked shocked at how easily it was destroyed, but quickly covered her surprise.

“See, not a big deal, nothing to worry about.” She said as Fanglesnuffs attacked the second one, greatly harming it. Quina opened his/her mouth and breathed in deep, making the wounded monster dissolve into mist and be swallowed up by Quina, getting a surprised look from Daring and Fluttershy.

“Needs more frog flavor!” Quina proclaimed, then noticed their stares. “Did you want some to?”

“Err, no, we're fine, but thank you,” Daring responded, clearly shaken by what just happened. Fluttershy kept some distance from Quina, eating monsters of the mist was even more unsettling to her, but she wasn't going to stop him/her from doing it. The monsters of the mist were different from animals. They looked like animals, but in the end they were just monsters. She saw from Fanglesnuffs that they didn't need to eat, so they attacked others simply because it was their nature too. The monsters of the mist were monsters, and though she had one tamed, she doubted it was possible to tame more of them.

They wandered through the forest for a few hours, tackling the monsters that harassed them. Fluttershy made careful use of the few potions she had received from Zecora, luckily her 'weapon' provided her a power that made healing potions more efficient. As it became clear the sun would set soon, they looked for a spot to camp up. And once they had settled in, Daring looked at Fluttershy, gauging her, which made Fluttershy uncomfortable . After considering her for a minute, Daring Do shook her head.

“I'm not ready to trust you with everything, but I can at least tell you about the castle we're heading towards.”

“Oh, where is this castle? Does it have a name?” She asked, not offended that she didn't have Daring's trust.

“The castle is in the White Tail woods,” Fluttershy stumbled at her answer. But I was just over there yesterday! She was backtracking, and couldn't help but wonder if somepony was playing a trick on her. She noticed that Fanglesnuffs giving her an odd, familiar look, but it was gone as soon as she noticed it.

“You okay?” Daring asked her, surprised she had almost fallen over. “Oh, I see. I did say it was close. But that was if we were flying, I didn't think we'd have to walk.”

“Oh, no, that's not it. I was just over there yesterday.” Ohh, my friends need me! “We will go to Ponyville after this, right?” Fluttershy didn't want all this effort to fail to pay off.

“You have my word.” Daring Do replied, then realized something, “Oh, right, your question. The true name of the castle was lost to time, so it's simply referred to as Ipsen's castle. It's a rather strange looking place, you'd think somepony like Starswirl had built it.”

“Why's that?”

“Well, it's... Actually, it would be easier to just show you. We'll be there by tomorrow afternoon, so lets get some rest.” Fluttershy nodded, she could wait till tomorrow to know what this castle was like. Leaving Fanglesnuffs to watch over them, they went to bed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Watcher in the Mist saw the small group sleeping in the mist. One of them is a seal breaker, the Kind Introvert. They seem intent to stay in the mist longer than is safe. Outside of the mist, they were outside his influence, as well as his sight, inside the mist, however, he could aid them. As the watcher willed the mist around them, keeping them from breathing in more that was safe, he felt a pair of unfamiliar eyes watching back.

His focus drifted towards the beast that watched over them. It saw him, even though he had no form, the beast knew he was there. Ah, I see. The Jester watches them. Giving the guardian a smile, he left them alone, letting the wolf take in the mist that would poison their minds instead.

~~~~~~~

Fluttershy

~~~~~~~

Items Equipped:

Wooden Tambourine: Chemist(mastered)

Lvl up! Lvl-7 HP 190/190 MP 66/66

AP 13/17

Pegasai's Flight (0) - You have wings that let you fly.

Chemist (4) - Doubles the potency of medicinal items.

Abilities:

Tame: Action Command - You gain control of a monster, and it attacks for you.

White Magic:

Author's Note

Equestria is a big place, ya know? It has a lot of ponies that may want to be involved with saving Equestria.

I wonder how Flim and Flam are contributing to saving Equestria.
Also, for you Gaians, Ipsen's Castle is still on Gaia, worry not. (That makes perfect sense.)

10. Expression

Sunset Shimmer watched as Twilight finished her speech, grinning at her friends tears of gratitude. She really is a lucky mare. She felt that old envy that had once poisoned her bubble up, and Sunset took it and turned it into pride for her friend. I guess that makes us all lucky, to have her as a friend. Thinking that, she looked to the others, who were nearby in the crowd.

Dash was not taking kindly to the noise of the cheering, clearly suffering a headache, but that didn't stop the blue pegasus from smiling. Steiner was clapping for Twilight, and unlike Rainbow Dash, he looked ready to tackle any problem that came his way. She saw Rarity, Vivi, and...is that Sweetie Belle? She's adorable! Sunset shook her head of that momentary distraction. The three of them were also cheering for Twilight. Even Zecora was present, nodding at the crowds reaction to Twilight's words. Trixie was nowhere to be seen, and Sunset couldn't help but wonder why.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Great and Powerful Trixie looked on from a distance. She was envious of Twilight, standing on that stage, being cheered by everypony in Ponyville. But she was also happy for her. Equestria needs Twilight. No, that's not quite right. Equestria needs everypony. And The Great and Powerful Trixie wasn't going be left out of that. She may not be a 'seal breaker' or one of Twilight's closest friends, but she intended to help to the best of her abilities. After the crowd had gotten answers for their questions, the address was over, and as the ponies dispersed, Trixie moved in to offer her helping hoof to Twilight. I may not be able to handle an Ursa minor, but I can at least help defend Equestria from the changelings and monsters. She thought, filling her self esteem with a well desired boost.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The crowd had dispersed, allowing Sunset and the rest to approach her. Sweetie Belle was pulling a small cart with a chest in it, that Sunset was pretty sure belonged to Rarity. Why isn't Rarity the one pulling it? She wondered as she noticed the others giving the cart aside glances.

“That was lovely dear,” Rarity admitted, “Simply Marvelous.” She then looked Twilight in the eyes, a friendly smile shining through. “Of course, it goes without saying that we'll be backing you the whole way as well.” It really did go without saying. The others agreed with Rarity, and Twilight truly did look like the luckiest pony in all of Equestria. “Speaking of backing you up, I stayed up all night working on these, so tell me what you think~” She sure looks well rested for somepony that hasn't gotten any sleep! Rarity was looking better off than Dash. Does she do something like this often? Everyone appraised her as she opened the chest Sweetie was managing.

“Now, I wasn't able to make full sets for everyone. Metal armor isn't my cup of tea, but I did make something for each of you.” She rummaged through the chest with her magic, bringing out a number of items, and she gave everyone their respective items. Rarity presented Sunset with a dark red bandanna with her cutie mark etched into it, the center of it being a paired topaz and ruby. It was so small and simple, but she saw the care and love that Rarity had put in this simple article of cloth. She felt power radiating from it, and she thanked Rarity for the gift.

“I'm afraid I couldn't do much for you and Steiner concerning armor,” Rarity admitted, disappointed she couldn't give them that much. “You'll both want to talk to a smith at some point. I would love to give you a dress to fight in,” she said to Sunset, “but I learned last night that items only give power to those who match its style.” She explained with a frown. “Sweetie Belle couldn't get anything from the hat I made for Vivi, even though Vivi did. So I doubt wearing a dress will grant you any power. The way you fight leads me to think something closer to what Steiner wears would be more suitable, without the rust, naturally.” Which prompted Steiner to roll his eyes. Well, it would also feel silly to fight with a sword while wearing a dress, or rusty armor.

Rarity turned to Dash, and she gave her a bandanna not unlike the one Sunset was given, but it had Dash's cutie mark etched in with three gems for the lightning bolt. She also gave Dash a white combat robe with silver embroidery of fire stitched at the end of the hooves that the pegasus could fly in. Dash was quick to give them her stamp of approval.

Rarity gave Twilight a dark blue vest with small star motifs etched into the seams. She was also given a small saddlebag specifically made to hold books. It matched the vest, and had a silver strap and buckle. The saddlebag also had a sheath integrated into it for her sword. Twilight approved of the practicality of the saddlebags, thanking Rarity with a hug.

Rarity practically had a whole set of clothes for Vivi, thought it was the same color as his original pair, it all had Rarity's personal touch. She gave Steiner a decorative scabbard, which he graciously thanked her for, making her blush.

“Oh, it was nothing,” she quickly replied, caught off guard by the energy behind his gratitude. And shortly after giving out the last item to him, Trixie joined them.

“The Great and Powerful Trixie wishes to know what the plan is.” And at her question everyone turned to Twilight. Equestria was in danger from the mist, and the changelings, and they all wanted to know what the plan was.

“Oh, well.” Twilight started, caught off guard by the change in mood. “The Wonderbolts should return sometime tonight, when they do I'm going to asked them where they spotted mist in Equestria. So until then, we prepare to leave. When we know where the mist is coming from, we'll head out to take care of the seal its poring from.” She informed them, a fire in her eyes.

“Oh, oh dear,” Rarity said worriedly, “so soon? I, I could really use some rest. I'll talk to you all later, I need to give out what's left of this.” She indicated the contents of the chest. She quickly levitated a new star emblazoned hat to Trixie and left before Trixie could thank her.

“Just how much did she make?” Sunset asked.

“She only made what she gave all of us. The rest is what she had in her shop.” Vivi answered, “She made all of our stuff from scratch, the rest is modified from other pieces she had. She wants to make sure Ponyville is equipped.” Vivi looked towards Rarity and Sweetie Belle, and chose to follow them, telling the others he'd see them later.

“Won't that cost her?” Steiner asked Twilight with some concern, “Doesn't she make a living off selling clothes?” He was taken aback by Rarity's generosity.

“Yes,” Dash admitted, “But that's Rarity, if it can help a pony more than her, she'll give to the pony that needs it more.”

“It's okay, her shop will be fine, I'll make sure of that,” Twilight promised the others. Sunset nodded at her sentiment. Rarity's generosity isn't going to bite her in the flank, not while we're here. Sunset then saw Twilight sway unexpectedly.

“I, I think I'm going to follow her example,” she said, suddenly looking tired. “I don't think I got enough rest, spent too long preparing that speech.” She added as she almost stumbled over, Dash move to help her, keeping her from falling. “Thanks Dash, I feel really tired right now, mind helping me back to the castle?” Dash didn't hesitate, and Steiner accompanied them. Sunset watched them leave, wondering if it was normal fatigue that plagued Twilight, or something else. With the others gone, it was just Sunset and Trixie. Trixie looked towards Twilight, lost in thought.

“So, you want to join us with breaking these seals?” This Trixie is different from the one on the other side of the mirror. She seems more, humble. Is it because of Twilight? Sunset thought as she added, “You're help saved our hides yesterday, so you're aide would be welcome.” Trixie considered her words for a moment before replying.

“Yes, The Great and Powerful Trixie wishes to help, in any way she can.” She looked at the hat Rarity had given her and let out a sigh. “Trixie is not finished with her current hat. Still, Trixie needs to thank the fashionable one. So, Sunset, you are suppose to be a pony, right?” Sunset nodded as she looked to where Twilight and the others were walking. Twilight needs the rest, she may still be recovering from what happened at Canterlot. Eyeing Zecora, Sunset turned to Trixie.

“Let's go, we need to get things ready for when the Wonderbolts return. We can talk as we do so.” And Trixie nodded, liking that idea as they moved to talk to Zecora. I hope she's prepared more potions. We're probably going to need them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Just how are you doing that?” Dash asked Steiner, who looked at her confused, his confusion mirrored by Twilight.

“What do you mean?” His attention was still caught on the princesses fatigue, and was unprepared for the mare's question.

“You look completely fine! I still have a headache, and getting out of bed was the worse!” She declared, and I don't really remember how I got in bed, for that matter, she thought.

“Oh,” he realized what she was referring to and took up a smug expression. “Perhaps I'm just heartier than you?” He suggested, then turned to conceal his grin, which she totally noticed.

“You both did just fine, right?” Twilight asked drowsily, distracting Dash from her retort.

“I do believe we did,” Steiner offered, and Dash nodded in agreement.

“Oh, good.” She smiled weakly, her pace slowing. “Oh, I'm sorry, I think... I'm falling...” She passed out before she could finish her sentence, but her friends caught her. Their concern turned into worry as her body started to take on the shifting transparency she suffered yesterday.

“Twilight? Twilight!” Dash cried in concern as she looked to Steiner, not sure of what to do.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Twilight opened her eyes, she was in the field of stars again, to her surprise, then concern. Looking around, she saw that she was where she had been last time, suspended high above Equestria. Discord was waving at her with that mischievous grin of his, prompting her to trot up to him.

“Welcome back to the Realm of Twilight.” He said with a mocking grin. Making her frown, 'Realm of Twilight'? Ugh, it that really this locations name?

“Discord, why am I here again?” She considered teleporting back, but since she was here, she might was well converse with the fractured spirit of chaos.

“Oh, I just felt a need to pull you back for a quick word.” He explained, pulling a string that was attached to her back, which quickly vanished. “I certainly hope you don't mind.” He stated, giving her an innocent look. Twilight could only imagine how her friends were reacting to her passing out right now.

“What is it, is it important?” She asked, not bothering to mask her annoyance.

“Actually, it is,” He replied, as if it was natural that anything involving him was important. “Being stuck here all alone has given me far too much free time. So I've been looking over Equestria, and trying to get a feel for Gaia.” He held his hands together to form a square, eyeing through it in Gaia's general direction. “Even though I can't see it, I can feel it's magic. That aside, I wanted to tell you that you don't have to worry about Fluttershy, I got someone I trust watching her.” He said as he gave Twilight an exaggerated wink. Fluttershy's okay? That's a relief to hear. She looked around, her curiosity now starting to drive the conversation.

“How did you bring me here? Can you bring the others here as well?” She asked, wanting to know what rules bound this realm.

“No, just you.” He said as he poked her nose, “When you left, you didn't quite leave. This will probably sound strange to you, but you're in pieces, just like me. Only your pieces are still connected.” Huh?

“I don't follow,” he frowned at her, clearly having expected her to understand.

“Well, when you left for Equestria, your 'body' remained, it became transparent, and you were asleep.” He gave her his signature grin again as he added, “Oh the funny faces I made at you while you were asleep, you should have been there! Oh wait, you were!” And he cackled at his own, terrible joke.

“So my body is in two places at once?” She asked, ignoring his behavior, “How is that possible?”

“You silly pony, I said 'body', not body.” He split himself into two copies of himself, one whole and awake, the other asleep and transparent. “Do you really think you're floating here in your physical form?” The awake Discord asked, “Nope, this 'body' is a personification of your magic.” He said as he indicated his sleeping self. “I'm guessing it's a side effect of being half banished.”

“But I can use my magic just fine, in Equestria.”

“Well, yes, your normal everyday unicorn magic that is. But that spark, that certain something that makes Twilight Sparkle more than a normal unicorn.” Suddenly he turned to stone, smiling at her. “That is what you are right now.” Twilight considered his words. Does that mean I can't use the power of friendship while I'm in 'pieces'? She did, indeed, not feel complete here. So in this realm I'm without my body, and on Equestria I'm without my...magic? She looked to Discord, back to being normal, and not split into copies, hoping he had an answer.

“Is there a way for me to be whole again?”

“I'll let you know as soon as I put myself back together.” He then looked back to where Gaia, unseen in the 'sky' was. “That aside, I've been feeling some interesting things from Gaia. Lot of powerful magic at work there. I've seen mages not too different from that Vivi fellow traveling through this realm as a shortcut. A terribly slow teleport if you ask me. That sounds interesting, but I don't see how that matters right now.

“You said Fluttershy was safe, so you can see what's going on in Equestria?” He nodded at her question, pulling out a large magnifying glass and showing Fluttershy standing outside a crowd in a town to the west. It looks like Quina is with her. She thought, letting out a sigh of relief. Looking at Equestria from above like this, she couldn't tell if certain patches of gray were mist or clouds.

“Do you know where the mist has formed?”

“I do, in three places. But I won't spoil the efforts of the Wonderbolts.” He added, giving her a sly smile. “I'm sure your friends could use some more time preparing.

“Well than, what about Unified Fantasy?” And he shook his head. “So you brought me here to tell me that I'm now lacking a power I never really had control over, and that Fluttershy is fine?” When he said he brought her back, she had been expecting more, still, she was happy to know about Fluttershy's condition.

“I guess I could also tell you that you've got another pair of eyes watching Equestria for you. But I guess that's just not important enough for you,” he harrumphed. Wait, he's right!

“Discord, I need you to see what the changelings are up to. My friends ran into them, and they're looking to cause trouble.”

“Worry not, my little pony friend!” His magnifying glass turned into an elaborate telescope, and he peered through it, backwards, to Equestria. “I'll keep an eye on them, regardless of how insignificant they are~,” he finished with a chuckle.

“Thanks Discord, I really mean it.”

“I know you do, that's just the kind of pony you are.”

“I'm leaving now, no doubt my friends are worried.” And seeing Discord make a shooing motion, she teleported back to her body, leaving her other self to pass out in the Realm of Twilight.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sunset found that Trixie had gone through something similar to her. They both became obsessed with power and jealousy, and in the end Twilight saved them with her friendship. After getting a good amount of healing supplies from Zecora, the two of them headed to the castle, talking about the finer details of casting spells. Sometime into the conversation they realized that topic was weakened by the fact that new powers could now be learned from equipment.

“The Great and Powerful Trixie cannot believe it. How can this 'Gaia' have so much magic, that items themselves give spells and abilities!?” She exclaimed as they entered the castle, now being guarded by a pair of ponies from Ponyville.

“Maybe that's just how it was made.” Sunset suggested in contemplation. “Just like how some unicorns are born more talented at magic than others, some worlds simply have more magic than others.”

“Don't you think it's strange that this 'Gaia' is so willing to share it's magic with us?”

“I do, but I don't think-” She was interrupted by someone screaming Twilight's name in joy and concern. Trixie and Sunset shared a look as the moved into the main room, where Dash and Steiner were looking terribly relieved at Twilight.

“Sorry about that,” She said as she rubbed her eyes, “Discord wanted to talk to me.”

“What?”

“Huh?”

Steiner and Dash replied in unison as the other two joined in.

“Did something happen?” Sunset asked. Twilight nodded and explained what had happened between her and Discord to the others. As they started to discuss the possibilities as to why there were three sources of mist, according to Discord, as apposed to six, one of the guards came in.

“Princess Twilight, someone named Mikoto wishes to speak with you.” Everyone shared a look, Steiner and Dash of disapproval, Trixie, Twilight and Sunset of curiosity. Twilight nodded to the guard to let her in.

“You're letting her in!?” Dash asked, just short of outrage, “She's the reason Canterlot is gone!”

“Princess, I must insist you reconsider,” Steiner pleaded, “letting the enemy into your castle is not a good idea!”

“Trixie does not understand the connection. Is this Mikoto you speak of different from the one that gave Trixie her wand?”

“She's the same person.” Twilight answered as she turned to Steiner and Dash, “Both of you, calm down. She helped us, and saved me. I want to know why. So both of you, at the very least, tolerate her, for me.” Sunset saw no problem, she doubted Mikoto was the one that destroyed Canterlot, though she probably did play a part in it.

“They don't need to tolerate me.” Mikoto assured as she entered the throne room, getting a glare from Steiner and Dash. “My master dissolved Canterlot, and banished the princesses, you have every right to hate me.” Her words still lacked inflection and emotion, but her eyes showed a sadness that Sunset and Trixie immediately empathized with. Those are eyes filled with regret.

“Mikoto, I don't hate you.” Twilight insisted, “But I need to know, why? Why was Canterlot 'dissolved', and the princesses banished?”

“It was because you tried to send someone through the barrier.” Mikoto explained, “My master overlooks the spell, and when he felt what you tried to do, he acted to make sure it wasn't repeated. Despite my wishes.”

“We-” Twilight began, almost chocking out her words, “We lost so much simply for trying to send Steiner back home?” Steiner looked mortified by this news, which was mirrored by Twilight. No, she's blaming herself! Sunset didn't hesitate, she quickly moved to Twilight, putting her hands on her shoulders, surprising the princess.

“Twilight, this wasn't your fault.” She said calmly, looking into her friends eyes. “Steiner, it isn't yours either.” She assured the knight, “Her master did this. Please, do not blame yourselves.” She didn't want them to go through what she had gone through. They were not to blame, someone acted in reaction to them, and they did so with cruelty. Sunset had brought her sadness on herself, she wouldn't let Twilight and Steiner do the same when they were not to blame. Her words got through to Twilight, and she nodded, whispering her gratitude to Sunset. After regaining her composure, Twilight continued her conversation with Mikoto, who had watched the entire exchange with envy.

“Okay, so your master, is he the one managing Unified Fantasy?” Twilight asked, and Mikoto's eyes widened in surprise.

“You know about that? How?” Her wonder then shifted to concern, “What do you know?”

“We know that it involves filling Equestria with Gaian magic.” Sunset informed her, “And that the seals probably play a part in it.” At least, that's what she assumed, and her reply got a sigh of relief out of Mikoto.

“You're right,” She affirmed, “the seals play a part, and my master does manage it. The mist is common in Gaia, and it seeps through the seals. By disabling the seals, mist stops traveling through it, but it also makes Gaia's magic more prevalent in Equestria. When you break a seal, several things happen. First, all the mist nearby is cleansed. Second, some aspect of Gaia's magic becomes stronger on Equestria. And third, two of the other seals are awakened.” They knew the first, and assumed the second, but the third caught them off guard.

“Wait,” Twilight began, “So they day before yesterday, when we broke the first seal, it awakened two others? So until then, mist was only coming from the Everfree?”

“Correct. Until all seven seals are broken, mist will pore into Equestria.”

“Don't you mean eight?” Trixie asked, and Mikoto shook her head.

“There are only seven seals to break in Equestria. That's why, even though you've already lost a breaker, you can still save Equestria with just seven of you.” Does she not know that we accidentally sent Pinkie to Gaia?

“And what is Unified Fantasy,” Twilight asked her.

“I cannot tell you that,” Mikoto said as she shook her head.

“Why was Applejack sent to Gaia?” Dash demanded to know.

“I cannot tell you that,” she replied, avoiding Dash's gaze.

“What is the mist?” Sunset asked of her.

“I cannot tell you that.”

“They all have something to do with Unified Fantasy, don't they?" Twilight assumed.

“I cannot tell you that.”

“Well, what can you tell us!” Dash shouted out of frustration. Mikoto considered her question for a moment, and looked to Dash as she replied.

“I can tell you that when all seven seals are broken, Equestria will never see the mist again. Equestria, and all its inhabitants will be safe, and you won't have to worry about me or my master ever again.”

“A likely story,” Dash replied sarcastically, making Mikoto's demeanor shift slightly.

“I don't lie, I see no point in it.” Her voice had a hint of anger in it. “I'm telling you the truth. But I can understand if you don't believe me.” She got up and made to leave.

“Hey we're not-” Dash began.

“Stop it Dash,” Twilight interrupted, she looked at Mikoto with an odd expression, is Twilight pitying her? Dash looked to Twilight, confused, and angry that she stopped her.

“You all have fought a number of monsters in the mist,” Mikoto coldly said as she pulled her cart from the side, and put its contents on the floor next to her. Was she upset by Dash insinuating that she was lying? “Please take care of yourselves, some denizens of Equestria have started mucking around with the mist, and I'm not sure if my master cares for it.” With that, Mikoto left them. Everyone eyed the pile of weapons, no one was eager to poached their reward from it, not just yet.

“I don't see why you're so nice to her,” Dash said to Twilight, her tone ripe with frustration.

“It's because she's trying to help,” Trixie replied. “It's not her fault her master is a city destroying monster.” Her retort surprised Dash, and she turned on Trixie.

“Oh like you're one to talk! You sealed Ponyville in a glass lid and kicked Twilight out! And now you're 'trying to help' as well!” That isn't fair! Sunset moved to defend Trixie from Dash's words.

“She was possessed by the amulet, she's already apologized-” But Dash interrupted her.

“And you! You stole twilight's crown and tried to take over everything!”

“Rainbow Dash!” Twilight exclaimed.

“What!?” Dash shouted as she turned to Twilight, “And why do you have to be so nice! These ponies don't deserve it! You're suppose to be the egghead, so why are you being an idiot!?” They're eyes met, and Dashes eyes widened in alarm at seeing the surprise in Twilight's. “I, I mean...” Dash hovered in front of her for a moment, her actions playing through her head. She gave out a short apology as she quickly flew out of the castle, ashamed of herself.

“Dash! Rainbow Dash!” Twilight shouted, worry thick in her voice. Twilight quickly flew after her friend, as fast as she could as the others watched in shock.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sunset Shimmer

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Items Equipped: *New Item Acquired*

Iron Sword and Buckler: Cover(mastered), Deflection(mastered)

*Red Bandanna : Antibody, Boomerang

Lvl-10 HP 524/524 MP 44/44

AP 10/20

*Cover (6) - You take damage in place of an ally.

*Antibody (4) - Prevents Poison and Venom.

Abilities:

Counter: Action Command - Counter attacks when physically attacked. Deals more damage than Attack.

Sword and Board:

Deflection 10 MP - Lowers damage taken for an ally for a duration.

Boomerang 4 MP – Throw's shield, deals physical damage.

Author's Note

Open mouth, insert hoof. :rainbowhuh: :facehoof:

I really need to stop posting these at three in the morning.

11. Calm Before

Why did I say that!? Dash mentally shouted to herself. You're the idiot! She's just lost her parents, the princesses! She has to worry about all of Equestria! And I totally just called her an idiot! Dash was soaring, the direction didn't matter, she flew as fast as she could, just short of creating a Sonic Rainboom. She still had a headache from the cider last night, and her current condition was only making the headache worse.

Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! There was a pop of purple light in front of her and she quickly moved to avoid crashing into the friend she called an idiot. She felt a sharp pain from her flank as Twilight's magic grabbed a hold of her tail, making her stop immediately.

“Let me go!” She half pleaded, half demanded. And to her surprise, Twilight did. As Dash made to get away from her shame, Twilight teleported into her, embracing her in midair.

“Dash, stop running, please!” Now Twilight was the one half pleading, half ordering.

“I'm not running,” Dash replied with a fake smile, “I'm just moving away from a bad feeling as fast as I can, is all.” Trying to make light of it, Convince her that it was no big deal. I called her a name, no big deal! But thinking that only made her head throb.

“Dash, calm down.” Twilight grabbed her head and stared into her eyes, “You're breathing too fast, please, you're scaring me,” and Dash saw the fear in her friends eyes.

Oh great, first I call her an idiot, now I'm scaring her. Some friend I am. Dash stopped trying to get away, she simply hovered, trying to slow her breathing, trying to calm down. Realizing she was still looking Twilight in the eyes, she looked away, blushing very lightly.

“Look, I'm sorry I called you an idiot.” Dash wanted this moment done with, so she did what anypony should do in this situation, she apologized. She didn't feel any better for it. She couldn't take back those words, she couldn't take back running from the problem. She didn't want to take them back. She was being honest, but it came out wrong. That was her regret, blurting it out wrong. I'm such an idiot.

“Dash, you don't need apologize for that.”

Huh? Dash looked to her, confused.

“You don't need to apologize to me. We've both been having a rough time these last few days. I was happy that you still had it in you to share a drink with Steiner.” She was silent for a moment before adding, “But, you still need to apologize.”

“Um, I just did,” the blue mare stated flatly.

“Yea, to the wrong pony. It's not me I want you to forgive,” and Twilight put her hoof on Dash's chest. “I want you to forgive a good friend of mine.” Dash stared at her dumbly for a moment as it dawned on her what- who Twilight was referring too.

Dang it. Why does she have to be like that. Dash thought as she felt her eyes start to water. No, none of that! Totally not cool! Dash shook her head as she looked once again to Twilight, taking a deep breath.

“Okay, your right.” Why does she have to be so smart. Dash thought as she declared, “But don't think I'm going to be cheesy and say it out loud. That is so not cool.” And that got a smile from Twilight. And just like that, the weight on Dash's chest fell away, and the headache lessened.

“You're kind of right,” Twilight admitted, blushing slightly, “I am being an idiot, being so trusting of Mikoto, but I feel she deserves that much. It's a feeling, nothing more, but I've learned to trust that feeling.”

“No, not an idiot, your the egghead that's leading Equestria right now. I-I just... It was the first thing that came to me, ya know? I mean, I didn't mean it...” Dash let out a sigh, “Let's head back. I... I want to be there when the Wonderbolts return.” Dash finished as she smiled to Twilight.

“Yea, you also owe Sunset and Trixie an apology.” Twilight added, and blushed when Dash looked at her in surprise. “They're both good friends of mine as well.” She paused for a moment in consideration, “Well, Sunset is, but the 'Great and Apologetic' Trixie is starting to come around.” That got a smile from Dash.

“Sure sure, I'll apologize to them.” She promised as she slowly flew back to Ponyville, at Twilight's pace. “I'm sorry Twilight, but I'm just not as trusting as you.” Twilight smiled at her words.

“But you're a good friend to the ones you do trust. I'm sure you'll come to trust them in time,” Dash managed to avoid scoffing at her comment.

Yea, we'll see about that.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“So, um,” Vivi hesitated, shifting his hat slightly as he addressed the three young ponies looking at him, “What exactly is a Cutie Mark Crusader?” The three of them shared a look before giving Vivi a smile that made him nervous. Rarity had gone to bed, leaving Vivi with Sweetie Belle, and she had led him to her friends, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo.

In a torrent of words that washed over Vivi faster then he could hope to follow, the three of them told him exactly what a Cutie Mark Crusader was. They were adventurers, crafters, singers, performers, journalists, doctors, and malpractice attorneys. They shared a guilty look before continuing, dermatologists, dictionaries, flag carriers, and finally, blank flanks. That last one made them all fall silent, and none of them wanted to admit to having said it.

“W-Wow. I haven't even tried any of those,” Vivi admitted bashfully. “So what's a cutie mark?” Apple Bloom stepped forward, looking as if she was the perfect pony to answer such a question.

“Only the most important thing ever!” Apple Bloom was quick to reply, then realized something, “Wait, you don't have one, do ya?” Vivi shook his head, and grew even more concerned when the three friends shared a look of pity and joy before turning back to him. They then explained what being a cutie-mark crusader meant to the Black Mage.

“So, you're trying to find what makes you special.” Vivi affirmed, “Your place in the world. I think can understand that.” He admitted, “All I'm really good at is magic, but I don't really like fighting monsters. It's a useful talent, but I don't really feel like it defines me.”

“You can do magic!?”

“You fight monsters!?”

Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom asked in unison. The three friends shared another look and huddled, whispering to each other, making Vivi tilt his head in wonder. Scootaloo cleared her throat as the huddle ended, and she addressed Vivi.

“Would you like to join us as a crusader? Not only do we think it would be totally awesome, but you're a blank flank too, and we blank flanks have to stick together.” Vivi was taken aback by the offer, and didn't know what to say. His silence prompted Scootaloo to step forward and offer her hoof to him, with a smile. Vivi considered the offer before nodding.

“Um, if you will have me, that is.” he added as he gingerly shook Scootaloo's hoof.

“Well of course we'll have you!” Apple Bloom declared, “Come on, we'll show ya our club house!” And once again, Vivi found himself being pulled along by ponies, no, not ponies, fillies he corrected.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“While I agree with you concerning the Princess trusting others,” Steiner said to Dash, his tone heavy with disappointment, “you were out of line speaking to her like that.” Twilight was about to speak up for her friend, but seeing that, Dash beat her to the punch.

“I know already, okay? I already said I'm sorry,” she replied, and then Twilight cleared her throat. “Er, I mean,” Dash blushed lightly as she turned to Trixie and Sunset Shimmer, “I'm sorry I said you don't deserve our trust. You've both helped us, and I went too far. It's been a rough couple of days, so, sorry.” She hoped that was passable, she saw them share a look before Sunset spoke up.

“We've all done things we regret, I'm still trying to make up for my regrets. It's okay Dash, as you said, it's been a rough couple of days.”

“Well, Trixie will take your apology. And thank you for your words. Trixie felt that was deserved considering what she's done,” she finished as she looked downcast. Twilight smiled for everyone as she levitated the pile of weapons Mikoto had left for them.

“Now that we have our apologies out of the way, how about we see what Mikoto has left for us.” Twilight said as Dash saw a set of new greaves for her.

Well, at least she gives good weapons. There was a weapon for each of them, as well as Rarity and Vivi, and each of them took what was theirs.

“It's nice that she's supplying us weapons to defend ourselves,” Sunset admitted, “but just how is it possible for items to grant abilities like this?”

“The only answer I've come up with,” Twilight began, “is that every item affected has power similar to the Alicorn amulet.” Dash looked to Twilight in surprise.

Every item!?

“So, if we have all this just from two of those seals being broken, what happens after the next?” Dash asked, her question prompted Sunset and Twilight to share a look.

“Well, maybe equipment will get even stronger, or new kinds of magic will be possible.” Twilight suggested. As they considered it, a guard approached, a pair of awesome ponies following behind.

Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! It's the Wonderbolts! Dash noticed as her heart almost leapt out of her chest. Spitfire winked at her while Soarin waved to her. She had to resist from fanning out from the recognition.Someday, I'll be one of them! So awesome! Wait, where's Fleetfoot?

“Welcome back Spitfire,” Twilight said, looking a little confused, “Where's Fleetfoot?”

“Sorry Your Highness, but the trip to the Crystal Empire is a long one. I'm sure she tried her hardest, but she more than likely won't be back till tomorrow.” The news made Twilight's ears drop briefly, then she shook her head.

“How does Equestria look, any trouble from the changelings? Did you spot any pockets of mist as you traveled?” Twilight asked, and Spitfire quickly answered.

“No word on the Changelings, are they becoming a problem?” Twilight was quick to inform them of Chrysalis's return. “I understand, that is troubling.” Spitfire nodded to herself before motioning to Soarin.

“Soarin spotted mist poring out of the Smokey Mountain. Manehattan was covered in it, and I told the pegasai to clean it up.” She looked more troubled as she finished, “And there is mist poring down from an airborne crystal of some sorts above Cloudsdale. We've been funneling the mist away from the city, but it's definitely a problem. Flying monsters are starting to appear from it.”

Mist above Cloudsdale!?

“Say no more! I can handle that one.” Dash affirmed, then looked to Twilight, realizing she may be getting ahead of herself, “Right?”

“Well, it's either you or me, since Fluttershy is … elsewhere.” Twilight considered it a moment before continuing. “Do you two have weapons?” She asked the Wonderbolts, and they nodded. What their weapons were was not readily apparent. Twilight smiled as she looked at Dash.

“Alright, I want you two to escort Rainbow Dash to the crystal, and protect her so she can dispel the mist.”

Wait, what!? Spitfire and Soarin, escorting me!? Dash thought, the realization of what Twilight was doing dawning on her. In the blink of an eye, she was hugging Twilight.

“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” Then remembering the Wonderbolts were watching, separated herself from her friend, taking up a cool demeanor. “I mean, thank you, princess, for the escort.” She then gave Twilight a sharp smirk, “I'll leave immediately, that seal is as good as broken!” She proclaimed, and with her back to the Wonderbolts, gave Twilight a heartfelt smile that told more then words could.

“Well Dash,” Spitfire started, “Shall we get moving?” She asked with a challenging grin.

You bet!

“Yea, we should probably get moving,” Dash replied nonchalantly. And with quick goodbye to the others, and stalwart nod to Steiner, who mirrored her, she left, with the Wonderbolts flying by her side. Thank you Twilight, you're the best! she whispered in her heart as she put her wings to work, flying to Cloudsdale.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Vivi appraised the red cape on his back. It had a small blue shield with a prancing filly wearing a cape, and the underside of his cape was golden. He also felt power radiating from it. With it, he was now one of the Cutie Mark Crusaders.

“So, what do we do?” He asked timidly.

“We get our cutie-mark in monster slaying!” Apple Bloom declared.

“But we don't have weapons.” Scootaloo pointed out curtly, getting a smug grin from Apple Bloom.

“I took care of that! Check these out!” Apple Bloom stated as she pulled out three wooden swords. “Just perfect for taking down nasty monsters! The one that man had was metal, but wood should work just as well!”

While Scootaloo appraised the 'swords' Sweetie Belle looked to her friend in concern. Vivi picked up one of the blades and was surprised. It had power within it. It wasn't a power he could use, but these 'weapons' were capable of slaying monsters.

“Apple Bloom, are you okay?” Sweetie asked “Aren't you worried about Applejack?” Vivi looked to Sweetie, adopting a contemplative gesture.

Applejack? Isn't that the pony that switched places with Steiner? Vivi thought as Scootaloo gave Sweetie a 'you had to ask' look. Apple Bloom smiled, but it wasn't very convincing.

“My big sis can take care of herself. I do miss her, but I know she'll be just fine. I just have ta wait a while till I can see her again, is all.” She reasoned out, but she still looked sad for it.

“If you'd like,” Sweetie began, “I can let you borrow my sister”.

“Rarity? You can keep her!” Then her ears fell as she realized what she had said, but kept going, “No offense Sweetie, but I don't understand how our sisters can stand each other,” and Sweetie let out a sigh.

“I don't get it either.”

“It's because they're friends, right?” Vivi asked, getting a surprised look from the three of them.

“He's right!” Sweetie began, “It's because they're friends, and that's all that matters!” she finished, getting a nod from Apple Bloom.

“Good, now are we done with the sister talk?” Scootaloo interrupted, slightly annoyed, “If yes, then let's go take out some monsters!”

“Um, monsters are dangerous, and scary,” Vivi pointed out.

“Not if we take them on together!” Scootaloo offered, getting a 'Yea!' from the others.

Well, if it's the monsters left over from the Everfree, we should be fine, I can take them down well enough.

“Okay, just, let's do it, safely.” Vivi said, and all he got in reply was three mischievous smiles.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“So, we'll need to head to Smokey Mountain and Manehattan.” Twilight reaffirmed, “If we knock them all out soon, then we'll just have to worry about the last two.”

“With Dash taking care of the seal over Cloudsdale,” Sunset began, “that leaves you, me, Rarity, and Fluttershy to break the other seals.” Twilight nodded as she looked to Sunset.

“We should get moving before Chrysalis can regroup.” Twilight suggested, “So ... we can have Rarity take care of Manehattan, while I tackle the Smokey Mountain.”

“Why you? Shouldn't you be here managing Equestria?” Sunset asked.

“Yea, but I need to break one of the seals. The sooner, the better. And I can fly and teleport, so getting to the seal in the Smokey Mountain shouldn't be too hard.”

“Trixie thinks Rarity should not go alone. Manehattan isn't too far from Neighagra falls, it is possible the changeling queen is set up around there. Trixie in fact believes that Manehattan is the most at risk for attack.” Her claim got a surprised look from the others.

“Trixie, you're right! She could have easily fled to Manehattan.” Twilight thought on this for a minute before coming to a decision. “I want the three of you to accompany her.”

“Not that I don't mind their company,” Steiner said, “but I should be here protecting you, princess.”

“No, Steiner. Trixie is right, Manehattan is probably housing Chrysalis, and she's probably defending the crystal there. I need all of you there to make sure that seal is broken. Sunset Shimmer, if for whatever reason, Rarity can't reach the seal, I'm leaving it to you.

“But Princess-” he stubbornly replied, but was cut off.

“Steiner, please, protect my friends. I have all of Ponyville looking out for me. Trust in them as I do,” Twilight pleaded, which Steiner had no retort for.

“I- I'm sorry!” He said as he bowed down in apology. “You needn't plead me to follow orders. I shall protect them with my very life.” He got up and stared hard at Twilight, “Princess, please be safe, don't do something reckless, like heading to a seal all by yourself.”

“I think I can promise that much.” Twilight said with a small chuckle, then her brow furrowed, "I'd like to go with you, but as you said, I need to manage Equestria, and it would be a poor idea to head to the Smokey Mountain alone." She let out a long sigh as she looked over her friends. “I know she won't like it, but get Rarity up and head out as soon as you can.”

“Hey, Twilight?” Sunset said as the others moved to leave. “What about Vivi?” Twilight thought on that a moment, stopping herself from thinking of Vivi as Spike. Coming to a decision, she shook her head.

“Vivi's too young to be dragged into this, it was bad enough we took him into the Everfree. This isn't his world, I don't want to get him hurt trying to help us.”

“A noble view your highness, but Vivi is quite capable,” Steiner assured.

“Well,” she hesitated a moment as she continued, “I asked you to trust me, so I can do the same. I don't want Vivi going with you, but I'll ask him how he feels about helping us.” Steiner and Sunset nodded at the compromise and left, leaving the princess alone.

Twilight went to work getting things together to go to the Smokey Mountain, she would leave once Rainbow Dash returned.

An hour before sunset, Twilight was assaulted by a wave of fatigue. She wasn't sure if it was genuine weakness from the lack of sleep last night, or if Discord was drawing her into the Realm of Twilight. Either way, the urge to pass out became stronger, so she teleported to her bedroom, and fell asleep as soon as she landed on the bed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rainbow Dash

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Items Equipped: *New Item Acquired*

*Bronze Greaves: Hamper, Antibody

Red Bandanna: Blinding Speed, Beast Killer

Martial Robe: Blinding Speed, Bird Killer

Lvl-8 HP 368/368 MP 50/50

AP 10/21

*Bird Killer (3) - Deals lethal damage to flying enemies.

*Beast Killer (4) - Deals lethal damage to beasts.

*Antibody (4) - Prevents Poison and Venom.

Abilities:

Blitz: Action Command - Make a random number of attacks between 1-4, but take double damage till your next turn.

Aerial Arts:

Tumbling Kick 8 MP - Causes damage to single target, and causes Slow.

Hamper 12 MP - Causes damage to single/multiple targets, and causes Darkness.

Blinding Speed 20 MP - Greatly increases evasion for a short duration.

Author's Note

When I realized that Vivi fit the bill for the CMC, I couldn't resist.

1. Link Between

In Ponyville's new castle, sat Twilight, on her throne, her nose in a book. While her friends were looking for Applejack, she was trying to figure out the origins of a mist that's appeared seeping from the Everfree the last couple of days.

It was mystical, she at least knew that much, and it seemed to have averse affects on ponies that breathed in too much. The pegasai were keeping it contained in the forest, but it was getting thicker with each passing day. Her efforts to find out why the moon had also turned red came up fruitless, and not even Luna had an answer, so she dug through what remained of her library, hoping to find answers.

She closed the book, quite loudly as she sent it over to a large pile with the others. Nothing in that one either! she thought in frustration. Grabbing the last book she hadn't checked with her magic, she found it odd that it had to be the very last one in the pile. The title brought back some nostalgia of how her friends first met.

'Predictions and Prophecies' was hovering before her, and she considered putting it with the other discarded books. She had already read it plenty to know that what she was looking for wasn't inside. But since it was the last book, she had little else to do till the others returned, so she gave it another look through, a smile growing on her face as her eyes poured over the old prophecies.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rainbow Dash stood before the wolf. It was no timberwolf, but a canine of brown fur and sharp fangs. Her attacks had done nothing more than annoy it, but she had succeeded in giving Apple Bloom time to flee from it. Dash could simply fly away now, abandon the fight, but that was anything but awesome. She glared at the wolf in frustration, Just what does it take to send this thing packing!?

It charged her, and she took to the air, staying of its reach, she then dive bombed it again, and again the attack connected. The attack would send a timberwolf flying, blow away all the nearby clouds, almost topple trees. But it did nothing to the odd wolf. It was nothing like the normal creatures of the Everfree, of that, Dash was certain. The wolf eyed the blue mare, snorted out a puff of hot air, then put its nose to the ground. Sniffing around, it started to follow Apple Bloom's trail.

“Oh, you did not just ignore me!” She declared as she charged at it, and it immediately turned around, surprising the mare as it got a hit on her. It was the first hit the wolf had gotten on her, and it sent her sprawling. Did it just bait me!? The wolf then charged her with startling speed, reaching the mare before she could take flight. She heard the sound of metal clanking nearby as the wolf plowed into her, sending her rolling back. Okay, this is starting to not look good! She got on her hooves and tried to get in the air before it could follow-up its charge, but the darn thing was taking full advantage of the grounded pegasai. Before it hit her, a wall of shabby metal got in front of her, flinching back slightly as the wolf connected with the thing that protected her.

“Good lady,” the rust bucket began, in a slightly deep voice, “if you wish to fight monsters of the mist, you'll need a weapon!” It then pushed the wolf off of itself, and slashed at the wolf with its sword. The wolf now distracted, Rainbow Dash found her attention given to this strange creature.

It stood on two legs, and had arms, like Spike, but it lacked a tail, and it was completely covered in metal armor, except for a part of its face that was exposed. It's attack sent the wolf back, and it attacked the guardian again as Dash took flight, moving to flank the wolf with the warrior. He caught the wolf with his blade, and it perished, slumping over, its body dissolving into mist. Wait! That was mist!? Dash thought as she appraised the stranger.

“I totally had that,” she proclaimed as she folded her forelegs, “but thanks anyway.” She then smiled sheepishly to herself, glad nopony she knew saw that fight. “I'm Rainbow Dash. Who, and what, are you?” The creature appraised her for a moment before standing tall, giving her a salute, the metal he was wearing clanking with his movements.

“I'm Captain Adelbert Steiner of Alexandria. And I'm human, is that so odd?” He then tucked his hand under his chin in contemplation, before nodding to himself. “Ms. Dash-”

“It's Rainbow Dash, or just Dash, if you'd like.” She quickly corrected.

“Right, Rainbow Dash, I was wondering if I could trouble you for assistance, as I am lost.” Steiner admitted, waving his hands in exasperation.

“Human?” Dash tilted her head in thought, placing where she had heard that word before. Her eyes then widened in comprehension, “Oh, I know! Twilight's talked to humans before, so she should be able to help!” She then started flying towards the castle, motioning the captain over. “Follow me, I'll ask her for you, it's the least I can do,” then she added under her breath, “since you saved my tail.”

“What was that?” Steiner asked, not getting what she whispered.

“N-Nothing!” She stalwartly proclaimed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Twilight was eyeing the book with Sunset Shimmer's cutie-mark on the cover. Twilight had no answers, and neither did Luna or Celestia. Discord was looking into the problem as well, and they were waiting, and hoping, that he found something useful. Maybe, Sunset could help... An extra bright mind on this matter would be a boon, but she wasn't sure if Sunset would respond to the call for aid. Hoping her friend would come through, she opened the book, and started writing a letter.

'A strange mist has been seeping from the Everfree. The moon has also turned red, and nopony knows why. I was wondering if you had any thoughts on it. I can tell it's anything but safe, and I believe the longer is persists, the worse the magic tied to it will become. I was wondering if you'd help us solve this one.'

'-Your friend, Twilight Sparkle'

The magic in the book shimmered as the message was sent. The magic behind the sending felt different from usual, and Twilight couldn't help but think that whatever caused the mist also caused that strange sensation. She then put the book down as she saw Rarity return.

“Goodness, dear,” Rarity said as she saw the state her friend was in, “your mane is a mess! You really should get some rest!” Twilight had been looking into this problem tirelessly, and it was showing. Pinkie and herself were the only ones that were losing sleep to the mist. Pinkie's been throwing more parties than usual to keep everypony in Ponyville smiling; the mist was terribly worrisome to the ponies of Ponyville.

“I know,” Twilight replied, “I'll try to get some rest later, thanks Rarity. Did you find Applejack?”

“I'm afraid not.” She then sighed as she looked to Twilight. “I was wondering, have you seen Spike? He was suppose to help me search the farm,” she explained with a hint of worry, “but he never showed up.” Now Twilight's worry started to show, concern for her missing friends showing on her face.

Spike, he would never leave Rarity waiting! Twilight thought as Fluttershy entered the room. She hesitated before noticing it was just her friends in the throne room, and trotted up to them.

“I couldn't find Applejack,” she reported softly, “and none of my critter friends could either.”

“Hey Twilight!” Rainbow Dash shouted, making Fluttershy jump and hide behind her chair at the circle. Twilight and Rarity's eyes widened as the blue mare came in with a clanking suit of armor behind her. Fluttershy noticed the armor and quickly stopped hiding to confront it, an excited smile on her face.

“Oh, oh. A dulahan! I've never seen one before!” She then flew around the armored man, appraising his head. “And you have your head too! Good for you.” She added, smiling at the armored human. Twilight didn't have the heart to correct her mistaken friend, and looked at the human in surprise.

“This guy needs some help,” Dash proclaimed as she landed next to Twilight. “I don't think he's in the right world,” Dash's brow then furrowed, “Or something like that.” Twilight's eyes met the man's, and he immediately bowed, then kneeled before her.

“I am humbled, Your Majesty,” he said with respect, which got a chuckle from Dash.

“I told him you were a princess, and he got all nervous!” Twilight got up and walked to the man while Rarity looked on in disgust, not taking kindly to the rusty armor he wore.

“Please don't call me that. Just call me Twilight, and you are?” She asked, overcome with curiosity. How did a human end up in our world?

“Adelbert Steiner, Captain of the Pluto Knights, soldier of Alexandria!” He replied without hesitation. “I humbly ask for your assistance in returning back to Alexandria. I know not how I ended up in this 'Equestria', but I have duties to attend to, and royalty to defend!” Twilight nodded, her horn glowing, her magic feeling over Steiner. She picked up on traces of teleportation magic on him, and could tell that it was constructed, orderly, as if made by design.

That's strange, it looks like somepony must have deliberately sent him to Equestria. Twilight's brow furrowed at the implication, and noticing the worried look Steiner was giving her, quickly abandoned her expression.

“Oh, I think I can send you back to your world, but I don't know how far Canterlot High is from Alexandria,” Twilight admitted. Steiner smiled as he nodded.

“Being in the same world will be more then enough,” he stated, “I can handle myself from there, and would be very grateful! I'll be sure to put in a good word with the queen for a trade agreement!” He promised, right as Sunset Shimmer's book shook with magic, getting Twilight's attention. She quickly thanked Steiner for the sentiment as she read the message Sunset had sent.

'If you really need me, I'll help as best I can. Do you want me to come over?'

Twilight considered it while Fluttershy asked Steiner what it was like to be a dulahan. Twilight then nodded to herself and wrote her reply.

'Yes, the sooner the better, I'll activate the mirror, so come when you're ready.'

Twilight then walked over to the mirror, asking Steiner to accompany her. She wanted to figure out how he had gotten on this side of the mirror, but didn't want to keep him from his home. Placing the book in its receptical, she pored magic into the device attached to the mirror, activating it.

“Steiner, do you know how you ended up on this side?” Twilight asked the knight of Alexandria, who shook his head.

“All I remember was a bright light and appearing in a farm of some sort. As I wandered around, a small pony called Apple Bloom found me, and after I assured her I wasn't a monster, she told me about the wolf that she encountered. I found Rainbow Dash fighting the wolf, helped her, and here we are.” He explained, then appraised the now shimmering mirror, “What manor of magic is this?” He asked in wonder.

“It bridges the connection between Equestria and your world, so if you go through, you should end up back there. I'm afraid I can't help you past that, but if you ask the principal of the school nearby, I'm certain she can point you to Alexandria,” Twilight assured him.

“Thank you Princess Twilight, I am in your debt.” He bowed lightly again, then turned to the mirror, and started to walk through it as it shined. As we went into it, a large crack racked the mirror, immediately putting Twilight on the edge of panic. “Uhhh” Steiner said in confusion as Twilight hastily teleported herself and her friends behind cover.

“Steiner, get away!” She shouted as mirror glowed brighter and brighter, its cracks growing by the second. The knight stared at it dumbly as something red started to come out of it. Then the mirror exploded in a blinding flash of purple and red magic, sending Steiner flying back, crashing into Twilight's throne.

As the light dissipated, Twilight and the others got out from behind her throne, unscathed from the blast. Steiner groaned in pain as he got on his feet, and they all heard coughing from where the mirror was.

With a light gust of Dash's wings, the dust cleared, and they saw Sunset Shimmer standing there. She was brushing off her clothes in confusion as she saw Twilight, and waved to greet her. She then noticed that she was waving with a hand. She was still human. Her surprise in not being a pony was replaced by shock when she noticed the mirror was destroyed. The only part of the entire mirror and the magical device attached to it that survived the blast, was the book. She looked at the shattered mirror, not quite registering the fact that her only way back to Canterlot High was now gone.

“I most humbly apologize for ruining your artifact!” Steiner proclaimed, on his knees, before Twilight. “I will accept any punishment!”

“Wha- What happened?” Sunset asked, eyeing the fragments. “And why am I still human?” She looked over herself, felt her forehead, and was sad she didn't have her magic. Twilight's horn glowed as she picked up all the shards of the mirror, walking to Sunset.

“I, I don't know! That shouldn't have happened.” Twilight stuttered, afraid she had trapped her friend away from her friends. Before they could speculate what went wrong, there was a light popping sound. Discord was now in the throne room with everyone, standing there with a large tuning fork in his claw. He pointed the fork at the broken mirror, nodding to himself.

“Well, that would certainly explain that odd feeling,” he said as he looked at everyone, prompting Steiner to draw his blade. Sunset moved away from Discord in surprise, not sure what to make of him.

“Stay away from the princess, you demon!” Steiner said as he got in between Discord and Twilight.

“It's okay Steiner, he's a friend,” Twilight assured the knight, as Discord scoffed at him.

“And just what were you going to do with that can opener anyway, remove your armor?” Discord said as he snapped his fingers, but nothing happened. His brow furrowed as he did it again, and again nothing. He turned to the broken frame of the mirror, and with a snap, it got up and started dancing. “Very interesting. You~!” He said, getting close to the knight. “Why doesn't my magic work on you? Ah! You're from another world! But not the one that flimsy mirror was tied to.”

“Wait, you're friends with Discord?" Sunset whispered to Twilight, who nodded in return. A snap later and Sunset's shirt had the symbols of her cutie-mark, Discord, and a big pink heart in-between the two.

“Looks like it works on you, so what makes you special?” He asked Steiner, who had no reply for him.

“Discord, fix her clothes, she doesn't like the change,” Fluttershy asked of him. He gave her a caring smile and did just that.

“You're just like the mist, my magic doesn't work on it!” Discord admitted with a harrumph, making Twilight's eyes widen in understanding.

The source! The mist and Steiner must be from the same place! Twilight realized at his comment, looking to her side, she saw comprehension also dawn on Sunset's face.

“You'll never guess who I found~!” Pinkie proclaimed suddenly as she bounced into the room, getting their attention. She paid no mind to the fact that Discord, Steiner, and a human Sunset Shimmer were crowded near Twilight. Pinkie's eyes had some shadow under them, but besides that, you wouldn't know she was tired from all the parties she's been working on. “Well, go on~! Guess!”

“Applejack?” Rainbow Dash hoped. Pinkie pulled out a small button and pressed it, letting a loud low pitched buzz, indicating that Dash was wrong.

“Spike!?” Rarity asked in concern, and Pinkie pressed it again.

“Is it another Dulahan?” And it was pressed again, Pinkie's smile wider than ever.

“Is it somepony not from this world?” Twilight asked.

“It is, I would be able to see them from here otherwise,” Discord added with a glare. Pinkie pressed the button again, and it chimed three times like a bell!

“Ding ding ding~ We have a winner~! Come out Vivi, meet my friends!” A short figure, a little taller than Spike, walked into the room. He wore a blue vest and green/white striped pants. He had a long steepled hat that bent over, and his face was hidden in darkness, only two yellow orbs as his eyes were present. Walking into the room, he stumbled unexpectedly, tripping. He got up and dusted himself off, righting his hat as he quietly greeted everyone.

“Um, hello. I'm Vivi, and I'm very lost,” he admitted bashfully.

“A Black Mage?” Steiner said, recognizing Vivi's features as he approached him. “Greetings! Master Vivi, did you perhaps come from Alexandria?” Vivi saw the knight and immediately familiarized himself with him. He nodded to his question. Twilight's horn glowed as she felt the magic on Vivi. The traces of teleportation magic were stronger, but seemed more natural than constructed.

“Discord,” Twilight began, turning to the spirit of chaos, “can you tell us where Spike and Applejack are?” He opened his mouth, about to answer, then frowned. He thought for a moment, then shook his head.

“I don't know where JackleApp is, or that little bookshelf with legs you keep around,” he admitted.

So, Applejack and Spike disappear around the same time two strangers from a land called Alexandria appear? A connection being made in her head, she looked to Steiner and Vivi.

“Spike and Applejack must be in Alexandria.” She proclaimed to the others, getting concerned looks from everyone, minus Pinkie. “Is there mist there as well?” She asked of them.

“No, not in the city itself,” Steiner began, “but there's mist everywhere on the Mist Continent, below a certain altitude,” he replied. “It spawns monsters and has strange effects on those that breath in too much.” Twilight nodded in understanding.

There must be a link between our two worlds! The mist must have been getting in through that link! Twilight deduced as Sunset approached Steiner.

“How do you handle the mist?” She asked Steiner as she dowerly looked over the remains of the mirror, wearing the same contemplative look Twilight had.

“By not living in it! Alexandria and most other cities reside above the mist.” Twilight and Sunset shared a look.

If the mist gets worse, we may have to evacuate Ponyville! Twilight considered worriedly, hoping it wouldn't come to that.

“We need to see where the mist is coming from,” Sunset stated as she looked to the others, “we'll have to go into the Everfree.” Twilight noticed that Rarity and Dash weren't warm to Sunsets suggestion, and she couldn't blame them, considering their last encounter involved stealing Twilight's crown.

“She's right,” Twilight affirmed, “we need to check it out. We should also see how the tree of Harmony is handling the mist.” Rarity let out a sigh as she appraised Twilight.

“I was afraid you were going to say that,” Rarity admitted.

“I just remembered!” Fluttershy began, almost in a panic, “I need to feed Angel!” She said quickly as she moved to leave, her tail being caught by Rainbow Dash. “But I'm sure he's really hungry!” She insisted, unable to get away from the blue mare.

“I'd like to help,” Discord admitted, “but the mist is bad for my lungs, and I can't pop you into it, so I'm just gonna share what happened here with the others.” He finished as he teleported out, returning to Celestia and Luna.

“We should all go,” Dash suggested, after having calmed down Fluttershy, “Those mist monsters pack quite a punch. Strength in numbers and all that.”

“And if there's some means back, it would be good to have you two with us.” Twilight said to Steiner and Vivi.

“Umm, thank you for the help.” Vivi replied, getting a 'squee!' from Pinkie.

“Isn't he just adorable!” She said as she hugged him, making him look a little uncomfortable, and a little happy.

“My blade will protect you,” Steiner assured, “the monsters of the mist have no chance against a Captain of Alexandria!” As they all made to leave, Twilight saw Sunset looking over the mirror again, and she moved to her side to assure her.

“Don't you worry, I'm sure Celestia can fix it, and if not, we can manage something. The book still works, right?” Sunset looked to Twilight, and picked up the book, writing something in it, and it glowed weakly.

“It does,” Sunset admitted, “but, it kind of seems like the connection is stretched, like Canterlot High is far away.”

“If the book still works, then the connection is still there! We can tackle that problem once we've dealt with the mist, sound good?" Twilight asked, hoping she wasn't asking too much from her. Sunset turned to her with a smile.

“I miss using magic,” she admitted, “but I'll get over it. Lets go tackle this mess, together.” She and Twilight shared a nod, and with that, the group of friends and outsiders moved out, towards the Everfree Forest.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Twilight Sparkle

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Items Equipped:

Lvl-1 HP 96/96 MP 44/44

AP 17/17

Abilities:

Teleport Magic:

Teleport 1 MP - Increase chance of attacks missing Twilight for short duration.

Summon Magic:

~~Spike the Dragon 2 MP – Summon's your number one assistant.~~

Author's Note

Thus begins The Ninth Fantasy- Equestria side. It'll take a little bit, but once both stories are caught up, they'll run congruently.
Vivi!

Steiner!

I love both of these characters, of course I was gonna write about them! (And Sunset Shimmer too)