.buck//Moment

Chapters

Chapter 1 - Login
Chapter 2 - Newbie
Chapter 3 - Party Time
Chapter 4 - Dungeon Crawling
Chapter 5 - Violet Blaze
Chapter 6 - The Guild
Chapter 7 - Shadowdancer
Chapter 8 - Friendship
Chapter 9 - The Bard's Tale
Chapter 10 - Progress
Chapter 11 - Corruption
Chapter 12 - Dusk Glimmer
Chapter 13 - Cruelty
Chapter 14 - Sunset

Chapter 1 - Login

Applejack carefully opened the door, creeping outside. A cool night breeze welcomed her, carrying a few stray leaves away. The sky was calm and cloudless, stars dotted across it, with the pale moon overhead, illuminating the landscape with a subtle glow. The view calmed her nerves, as she gingerly shut the door behind her, trying to make as little noise as possible. The last thing she needed was Big Mac waking up and stumbling upon her in the middle of this. Oh how interesting that would be to explain. Breathing deeply, she trotted down the path towards the barn, stopping only to grab a small bag from a barrel by the entrance, and carrying it inside in her teeth. It was silent inside, thankfully, and Applejack quickly clambered up to the hidden attic. Pushing aside some tactically placed hay bales, she was greeted with the warm glow and hum as the gift Twilight had sent her buzzed into life. Placing the bag by it, she watched the screen.

Computers were still new to Applejack, and she didn't entirely trust them. But Twilight had convinced her that she needed to try this out, even just once. So she'd accepted, not wanting to turn her friend down. Plus, she might finally get to see for herself what the new craze with the rest of the group was. Rooting through the bag, she dug out two boxes, one book sized, and the other nearly twice that.

The first was covered with a dramatic image of Equestria from afar. Across the it in bold, bronze font was written the words 'The World', with the subtitle of 'The Definitive Multiplayer RPG'. Twilight had explained to her that it stood for 'Role-playing Game', and after seeing Applejack's raised eyebrow had to hastily explain the different meaning in 'video games'. Even after an hour long lecture she still didn't get it. Why would somepony pretend to be somepony else? As far as she thought, everypony was who they were, no need to change. She accepted her friends for themselves, and hopefully they did the same for her.

“Well, maybe Rainbow could deflate that ego o' hers a lil” she muttered under her breath, then jumped as the machine in front of her let out a loud 'bing!' to signal that it had finished loading. She watched the words spread across the screen, eventually settling on CelestiOS, and the menu options came up. Opening the book-sized box, she stared at the circular object held within. It was shiny, and looked like it might break if she so much as looked at it funny. Carefully, she recalled the instructions Twilight had spent what felt like hours drilling into her head: hitting the button marked 'Eject', watching a tray slide out from the side of the machine and placing the disk inside. The tray slid back into the computer as it whirred far more loudly for a few seconds, Applejack looked around in mild panic in case she woke somepony up. A box popped up in the middle of the screen, and she squinted at it.

Disk: THE WORLD detected. Install?

Placing a hoof on the pad in the centre, which Twilight had helpfully labelled a 'touchpad', she moved the cursor over the 'Yes' option. It felt odd, watching this tiny arrow move in response to her actions, even though she wasn't actually physically manipulating it. She resisted the temptation to prod the screen, and simply watched as the box vanished and a grey bar appeared, slowly filling with blue. Very slowly, Applejack realised, and she quickly got bored and turned her attention to the rest of the bag's contents.

Opening the other box, she pulled out the strange u-shaped device. It was remarkably light, with lines of colour dancing across it and switches across the side. Remembering further instructions, she flicked the switches in a set order and watched as another dialogue box appeared on the computer screen.

Virtual Gaming Headset detected. Install?

Again, Applejack hit the 'Yes' option, far more confident in manipulating the arrow this time. Another bar appeared beneath the previous one and filled with blue after only a few seconds, and a small message popped up in the corner, confirming successful installation. Turning her attention to the remaining bar she shuffled nervously as it crept towards completion. She still wasn't entirely convinced in the safety of this thing and was debating whether or not to just give up and tell Twilight she didn't like it when a soft 'ding' made her decision for her. Glancing up, the bar was filled, and the screen flickered to black. Before she could worry about having broken it, a line of white text appeared in the centre of the screen.

Please follow the instructions for a safe and entertaining experience.

The text faded and was replaced with an image of a silhouetted pony standing in front of a screen, facing forwards. Applejack copied it, rising to all fours. The image changed soon after, to the character placing the visor on their face, then quickly returning all of their hooves to the ground. Applejack gulped nervously at the device to her side, and picked it up warily, placing it on her face and standing stock still, staring ahead. The darkness she'd been plunged into worried her, and she barely kept herself from throwing the thing off her face.

Then the game logged in. She watched in terror as she found herself falling through an endless void, bright colours and lines of energy dancing across her vision. And promptly, she lost her nerve, leaping backwards with all her might.

It wasn't until Applejack was in midair that she realised she'd just jumped off of her little platform. She barely managed to mutter 'horseapples' before she landed in a heap, fortunately into a stray hay bale. As she lay there, staring upwards at the ceiling while tiny stars danced around her head, she reflected. Maybe she'd overreacted. Besides, it wasn't like it had stopped the others from playing the game. Twilight could have least warned her about that though. She certainly felt stupid now, as she rolled upright and stretched her aching back. After a few moments break, she headed back up.

Returning to the required position, she took a few deep breaths and pressed the visor back onto her face. It was, fortunately, unharmed, even when Applejack had thrown it against the wall with all her might. Given how flimsy it looked, she was impressed, and slightly annoyed. She'd get revenge on it somehow.

This time when the wormhole appeared she steeled herself against it, drinking in the feeling of falling without actually falling. It made her giddy and slightly dizzy, but she held on until it faded, and she shook her head clear. Looking around, she found herself facing a blank mannequin in the centre of a plain white room. Messages popped up all around her, about 'character creation' and with all sorts of information, but there was way too much for her to take in. Gingerly, she reached a hoof out to touch the central figure, and as she did so its surface rippled slightly and morphed, changing shape and colour and growing a mane and tail. After a few tense moments, it was done, and she took in its appearance. It looked like her, which was actually quite creepy, as she circled it curiously. Nodding, she looked around for some kind of help, then a floating box labelled 'Continue' caught her eye. Boldly she pressed her hoof to it, and the scene around her changed. Now, she was looking at herself, but in an outfit. It was simple, a dark brown tunic buttoned over her chest, with a pale blue undershirt. Across the front were three golden clasps, but since the outfit didn't seem to open, she regarded them inquisitively, and wondered what exactly they were supposed to do. Shrugging, she pressed the continue option again, and watched as everything changed around her. Now her doppelganger was standing with a plain-looking sword in its mouth, looking confident and ready for combat. It danced around a few times, as though fighting an invisible enemy. Tilting her head, she regarded it for a few seconds before nodding, pressing the continue button one last time. Momentarily, she was blinded by a flash of light as the scene in front of her faded.

Looking down, she saw herself wearing the outfit on the mannequin, the sword sheathed along her side, and cautiously tried to move. The clothes felt natural, non-restrictive, and she couldn't help but grin. Reaching a hoof up, she murmured in disappointment at the lack of her trademark hat, but shrugged in acceptance. Prancing around in a circle for a bit, she was suddenly interrupted by a grey box appearing in front of her face, causing her to fall back on her haunches in surprise. Shaking her head, she glared at it, grumbling.

Enter name:

Beneath the words were the alphabet, but in a weird order, like the one on that computer thing. Eyebrow raised, she typed her name in, but finding the letters was an exercise in frustration. Sitting back, she pressed the 'Accept' button. Another message came up.

Name: Applejack ? Are you sure? This cannot be changed once finalized.

Raising an eyebrow, she pressed the confirm option. “It's not like mah name's gonna change.”

A rush of light surrounded her, and the world fell away, replaced with a small body of text.

Welcome to The World!

Now Logging In

Area:

Δ Server

Aqua Capital

Mac Anu

Chapter 2 - Newbie

Applejack just stood there, stunned. The light had faded and she was completely in awe of the sight before her. Stretching out was a port town, with charming, rustic buildings. Even though it was night, the streets were illuminated by frequent flickering lamps, like those in Canterlot. Beyond the buildings was ocean as far as the eye could see. The sky above was almost terrifying in its infinite blackness, like an abyss waiting to suck her up. Strangely, there were no stars, only the moon, far bigger than that in Equestria, rising over the water, bathing it in a cool, pale glow. It was so utterly real, even though she knew in the back of her mind it wasn't.

Snapping herself out of her reverie, she turned her attention to her immediate surroundings. She was standing on cobbles, before her a wide stone staircase leading to the town below, but she spun around to get a better feel. Behind her was a large, imposing, stone building, with no apparent entrance. In front of the structure was an odd machine, a glowing blue orb surrounded by three rotating golden circles, floating above a small plate embedded in the ground. Each was covered in strange runes and glyphs. Slowly, it bobbed up and down. After staring at it warily for a few minutes, it did nothing, and she turned away from it, trotting down the stairs into the town proper.

It was eerily quiet, although that gave the place a serene beauty. There were a few ponies spread out, their appearances jarring and widely different. Some wore ornate, flowing robes while others were adorned in full battle armour. None of them she recognized, but it didn't matter to her. She just wanted a feel for it, after all. As she hit the bottom of the stairs, she spotted a small stall to her left with a very plainly dressed stallion manning it. Above him was a small speech bubble and, curiously, she headed over.

“What's that above yer head?” she asked plainly. The pony stared straight ahead, beginning to speak, voice remarkably similar to the Canterlot Elite in its diction and lack of tone.

“This is the information stall. If you would like information, please choose one of the following options.”

A box appeared next to the stallion, filled with numerous entries. Blinking at it in surprise, Applejack shook her head. Too much to handle right now.

“Thanks, but Ah think Ah can manage it.” Slowly, she backed away, slightly creeped out. The pony didn't move at all, unnerving her. Was that normal etiquette for online? Was it too strange to have a normal conversation in this world?

Sighing quietly, she continued down the road. Twilight had said she'd meet her on the bridge, but refused to elaborate. Now, as Applejack headed off, she saw the meeting point clearly, right in front of her and laughed inwardly for thinking she might miss it. It was right in the centre of town, spanning a canal that as of now looked silent and lifeless, but had a kind of otherworldly beauty to it. The bridge itself was barren, aside from small lamps that cast a warm orange glow at either end, but left the centre in shadow. There was one figure there, their face obscured by darkness, but the faint ambient light revealed the rest. The pony was a dark blue pegasus mare, but far larger than any Applejack had previously seen, standing at least half a head taller than her. She was adorned in heavy, steel armour, like those worn by noble knights in fairy tales. As Applejack approached, the mare's ears twitched slightly, then she turned to look at her, calm, wise silver eyes glimmering in the dark. She took a step forwards, entering the light, revealing herself.

Now, Applejack could make out details in the other's appearance. Her face was warm and friendly, a patient, welcoming smile present, but her eyes looked like they were scrutinizing her, secretly debating whether she was worth her time. Her head was adorned with a flowing silver mane that reached down to her shoulders and across her neck, a platinum circlet keeping it away from her eyes. A brilliant topaz embedded into the front glistened like there was a life to it. Gaze drifting down to the rest of the pony, Applejack noticed that her armour wasn't plain as she originally thought, but instead glyphs and markings she could only guess the meanings of were engraved on every conceivable surface. Not that it didn't look pretty. What did put her on edge was the huge sword strapped to her side. It was at least the size of Applejack, smooth and straight, but scarily wide. A large symmetrical hole was cut near the blade end, electric blue lines dancing up to the handle, which was a shimmering gold. Gulping, she looked back up at the mare's face, who now had a mixed expression of intrigue and amusement. Was this Twilight? It didn't look like her. In fact, it didn't look like anypony she knew.

Then the mare groaned, and put a hoof to her face. Before Applejack could react, she spoke, a calm but brash voice with a hint of authority and wisdom behind it.

“Applejack, you aren't supposed to use your real name.”

Blinking, Applejack tilted her head in confusion.

“Beg yer pardon?”

Removing the hoof from her face and rolling her eyes, the pegasus repeated herself.

“You aren't supposed to use your real name. We're online with people you've never met.”

Applejack glared back. “Well then how'm Ah s'pposed t'know who mah friends are?”

The mare looked blankly at her. “There's a friends list. You tell your friends who your character is in real life and they add you online.”

Stammering slightly, her cheeks flushing a little bit, she continued, refusing to concede this easily. “Well, that jus' seems mighty backward. Why can't Ah just see somepony Ah know and go talk to 'em?”

The pegasus paused for a moment, then leaned in closer, putting Applejack on edge slightly. “Who am I?”

“Huh? Ah have no idea, ah've never met ya.” The question threw her off.

“Mmhmm.” The mare leaned closer, as Applejack felt a bead of sweat roll down her forehead. “And if my name were, oh I don't know, Fluttershy, would you know who I was?”

“W-well yeah, y'all would be Fluttershy.” She had no idea where this was going, or what it had to do with her friend.

“Really?” The pegasus grinned widely, coming almost nose to nose with her. She was a lot scarier up close. “How would you know?”

Now Applejack was completely confused. “A-Ah don't understand...”

Raising her head away from her, the mare shook her head, smiling gently and chuckling as Applejack let out a nervous breath. “What if I'm somepony else, just pretending to be Fluttershy? I have her name, I might have her appearance, but I'm most definitely not her. And what if I were Fluttershy, and somepony decided to stalk me? They could use things I did online as blackmail material.” Those brilliant eyes fell upon Applejack again, and she couldn't help but gulp anxiously. “Understand now?”

Gears began to turn in her head as it finally clicked. “Oh.” She looked away from those keen eyes. “Ah feel a bit silly now.”

“A bit?”

Applejack rolled her eyes. “Alright, a might silly. Can't Ah go change mah name somewhere?”

The pegasus looked at her sadly, then shook her head. “'Fraid not, Applejack. Once your character is made, it's made for good. Unless you buy another copy of the game.”

Scowling, Applejack stomped at the ground. “Darn it.” Then she paused, her brow furrowing. Glaring, she turned back to the other pony, now watching her with a wide grin plastered across her muzzle. “Wait a minute... How'd ya know it was me?”

“Well, your appearance is absolutely identical, you have her accent and...”, the figure raised a hoof to her mouth and let out a muted laugh “Nopony would be as clueless as you, Applejack.” she reached down and ruffled her mane, much to her annoyance. Barely, she could hear the mare mutter “...always wanted to do that.”

Applejack growled quietly, knocking the mare's hoof away. “That's no way ta' treat yer friends, Twilight.”

The figure stopped laughing and looked confused for a brief moment. “Huh? Twilight?”

“Wait, Ah thought y'all were Twilight.”

Shaking her head, the armoured mare grinned. “Nope. Could you imagine an egghead like her playing a Berserker?” She caught Applejack's unsure expression, then sighed. “You don't know what a Berserker is, do you?”

Coughing lightly, she shook her head. The pegasus sighed again. “You didn't read the manual, did you?”

“Manual?”

The figure face-hoofed again, before wrapping her other forehoof around Applejack's shoulders. “Come on, lets teach you how to play.”

It took a few steps before she suddenly tore herself from the (remarkably strong) grip, and stomped the ground defiantly. “Hey! Ah don't know who y'all are! Ah can't just be wanderin' off wi' somepony Ah don't even know!”

The mare turned and grinned. “Oh, you know me Applejack.” she gestured, flaring her wings out and settling into a dramatic pose. “Blue pegasus?” Applejack looked blankly for a moment, so she continued. “Rainbow mane?”

“R-Rainbow Dash?!” She yelled, before remembering what had been said about names. A gentle armoured hoof softly tapped her on the forehead, reinforcing that thought.

“Yes, it's me you dolt. But you can't call me that. You have to call us by our character names here. So...” the mare turned fully towards her, and bowed her head. “I am Ardent Sunrise. It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss... Applejack.” The extra emphasis on her name made her wince, visibly cringing. Grinning maliciously, Ardent turned away from her.

“So, shall we teach you how to play?”

Applejack sighed and shook her head before chasing after Ardent, who in the mean time had begun walking, leaving her behind.

“So who're the rest o' tha girls?” she asked, partly curious, but mostly wanting to avoid the previous situation.

“Well, you've met me. We also have Violet Blaze, a Mage.” At Applejack's dumbfounded look, she sighed again. “Uses magic to kill things.”

“Kill things?” Even with her best try, a little of her horror crept through. Rain... Ardent laughed.

“Well duh. What else are you going to do? Sleep? Talk with random ponies? You could do that in real life. No need to do that here. Besides,” she tapped the blade strapped to her side, “this thing ain't for show.”

Suddenly she stopped, causing Applejack to bump into her, but Ardent barely noticed. “Anyway we'll get onto everypony else later. First, lets get you your first taste of combat.” She gestured at the weird glowing orb thing.

“Ah don't get it.”

Ardent resisted face-hoofing for a third time and put on a patient smile. “It's called a Chaos Gate. We use it to go to new areas where we can fight monsters, partake in events, that kind of thing.” She looked thoughtful for a moment, then clicked her tongue. “But first.” Ardent froze for a few moments. Applejack waved a hoof in her face.

“Da... Ardent? Y'all okay?”

A massive yellow box suddenly filled Applejack's view, causing her to jump backwards, straight into a wall. As she slid down it, dazed, she could see her companion laughing, falling over herself in classic Rainbow Dash fashion. Turning her attention to the box, she read it.

Player Ardent Sunrise wishes to exchange Member Addresses!

Shrugging, she accepted, and activity suddenly exploded over her screen, but this time Applejack managed to restrain herself enough to not attack the wall again. She was pretty sure she heard her companion voicing her displeasure at her restraint, but chose to ignore it. Instead, she focused on what just happened. In the bottom left of her view a tiny box with her friend's face on it appeared next to text reading “Now Online!”. In the top right was some kind of glowing bronze trophy reading “Achievement Earned” on it.

A second box appeared afterwards, with the same picture of Ardent in the corner.

Player Ardent Sunrise has invited you to join her party!

Casting a glance at her armoured companion, who seemed far more composed now, she hit accept again and watched as a tiny menu appeared on the left edge of her view. On it, she could see her face, and the face of Ardent, with two bars adjacent to them. One green, labelled 'HP', and one blue, labelled 'SP' just underneath. She looked confused to Ardent, who had approached her.

“Now Applejack, you need to go touch the Chaos Gate.” Gently she nudged her towards the hovering orb. Gingerly, she pressed a hoof to it, and blinked as a menu appeared in her view, but other than that, didn't react. Now she definitely heard a groan of disappointment from her ally, but again chose to ignore it. She could get Rainbow back tomorrow, on her own terms.

Chaos Gate: Choose First Area Word

A long list of words came up underneath it, which she stared blankly at. A voice in her ear explained.

“This is how we choose what area we want to go to. Each area has three keyphrases that decide the area's statistics. We want an easy zone so...” a pause of deep thought. “Okay, first word 'Bursting'.”

Scrolling through the list, Applejack found the word in question and pressed a hoof to it. The menu shimmered and the word appeared at the top.

Chaos Gate: Choose Second Area Word

“Passed Over”

Blinking a couple of times, she shot a quick glance at Ardent. "That's an interestin' word." Her friend rolled her eyes.

"Just go with it."

Turning back, she scrolled through the list, this one further down than the last. She pressed it, and it was added to the area name.

Chaos Gate: Choose Final Area Word

“Aqua Field.”

The menu flashed as she pressed the last one, and a picture of a calm green field came up. Beside it were lights and numbers beyond her understanding, but one she did understand was 'Level: 1'. Twilight had at least had the foresight to explain levels to her.

“Alright, lets go.”

Then the world fell out from under her again.

This time, however, it rushed back just as quickly as it had faded, and she found herself standing in a plain field, stretching as far as the eye could see. The sky was a brilliant blue, clouds lazily drifting across a noon-time sun. Around her, ugly, pony-sized creatures wandered aimlessly. They were bipedal, wielding rudimentary clubs, looking an awful lot like goblins.

“Those are goblins.” Well that was convenient. Applejack turned to her companion, who grinned knowingly. “Anyway, let's teach you how to play.” Ardent took a few steps away and turned to face Applejack.

“Basically, you need to kill creatures and complete quests to level up. Quests happen during events, so most of your levelling comes from killing things. Each zone has a field” she gestured around her, and Applejack's eyes followed. “But also has a dungeon. Dungeons are where the real action is. And if I remember correctly the dungeon for this one is...” she looked around thoughtfully, before nodding and pointing behind Applejack. “There!”

Applejack turned around and, sure enough, behind her was a large castle jutting out of the otherwise flat plain. It looked out of place, and remarkably menacing, even though it was just lifeless grey stone. Windows were barred with cold steel, looking more like a prison than a place somepony would call home. She shuddered, then nearly flinched when Ardent placed a hoof on her shoulder.

“Want to try out fighting?”

Applejack looked a little nervous, before smiling slightly and nodding. Even if killing things was against her nature, it was just a game and, who knows, it could be fun. Ardent nodded in response, before stepping back. Reaching down, she pulled her blade out from her side with her teeth, swinging it around like it was nothing. She grinned at Applejack's wide eyed expression.

“Pretty awesome, huh?” Then Applejack's face scrunched up in confusion. “What's up?”

Applejack gestured to her mouth. “How're ya talkin'?”

Ardent looked down at her sword, then laughed. “Applejack, it's a video game. Can you imagine how annoying it would be if you couldn't talk in combat?”

Shrugging, she nodded in acceptance. Just something she'd have to deal with. Not that it was a bad thing, it just seemed odd watching Rainbo... Ardent talk and not have her weapon fall out of her mouth.

“Now, obviously you'll need to have your weapon out to fight. Try drawing yours.” she gestured to Applejack's sword, which she'd actually forgotten existed. Examining it for a few seconds, she reached down and clamped her teeth on the handle, before pulling it out of its sheath. It glimmered in the sun, and she swung her head, getting used to the weight. It was lighter than she expected, all things considered, but that was likely part of the same reason Rainbow could wield a sword as big as she was.

“Good. Now, your class is a Blademaster” at Applejack's continued look of bewilderment, she sighed. “You don't even know what your class is, do you?”

Blushing, Applejack shook her head. Ardent rolled her eyes. “Right, you're currently playing an Earth Pony Blademaster. That means that you're a melee combatant like me, but where my focus is hitting hard, your attacks deal less damage but are faster, although not as fast as a Twin Blade.” Applejack nodded in understanding, a gesture that was returned by her companion. “Good, you learn fast. Now, about combat.”

Ardent turned to a goblin which was approaching her aimlessly. “See, monsters won't attack you until you enter their so-called 'aggro range'. Since I'm high level, these things will ignore me unless I stand on top of them. Or...” as it walked dangerously close, she drew her head back, then lunged. Applejack winced as the giant blade sliced clean through the goblin, but it simply disintegrated into a faint glow. A small number appeared in the corner of her view telling her she'd gained 10 XP and 1 GP. It was... remarkably bloodless and didn't shock her as much as she felt it should've.

Grinning, Ardent turned to Applejack, then gestured behind her. She turned to see another goblin approaching slowly, and heard hoofsteps as the pegasus came up beside her.

“Now, you try.”

Applejack gulped, then charged at the enemy. As she neared it its eyes lit up and it screeched, raising its club to strike. She saw the blow coming and felt herself move sidways, dodging the incoming strike and driving her blade through the creature's arm as she sailed past. Skidding to a stop, she turned and charged at it again. Club raised, this time it managed to get a good strike to Applejack's side, but another sword strike through its shoulder dropped the beast. Again, the text came up, telling her she'd gained 25 XP and 1 GP. Panting, she wiped her brow.

A clapping noise drew her attention, and she looked back to Ardent, who was on her hind legs, applauding. Applejack felt her cheeks burn as she headed back to join her friend, who was grinning widely. As she got close a hoof ruffled her mane, and she scowled up at Ardent, who simply winked.

“Atta girl, I knew you could do it. That wasn't too bad for a newbie.”

The redness on her cheeks intensified “Aw shucks, Ah didn't do that well. Goblin managed t' whack me good.”

Ardent glanced to the side for a second. “Oh it's not that bad, you still have most of your health.”

Applejack looked confused for a moment, then remembered those little images. Looking back at them, she noted that the HP bar next to her face was only about ¾ full now. So that's what that meant.

“Here, let me fix that.”

A warm glow rushed over Applejack momentarily, and she watched the bar refill itself. Her body felt equally rejuvenated, and she stretched.

Turning her attention to Ardent, she suddenly noticed that it was a lot darker than before and looked up. Immediately she regretted it. Behind her was a massive creature, at least 5 times her height, made of stone. Tusks broke out either side of a huge maw as it raised itself up, swinging a gigantic stone fist into the air.

“R-rainbow!”

“What have I told you about using my real name? Call me Ardent, or Sunrise, or something.”

“B-behind ya!”

Ardent glanced over her shoulder, then tackled Applejack backwards, rolling them away as the fist came down on where they last stood, leaving a large crater. Ardent merely 'tsked', smirking down at the mare beneath her.

“Hey Applejack, ready for a real fight?”

Chapter 3 - Party Time

Applejack stared in bewilderment at Ardent Sunrise. Her view danced between her apparently insane companion and their new opponent, now rising to full height and beginning to stride over to them, fists raised in fury. Gulping nervously, she eyed her companion.

“Ya can't be serious.”

“Don't worry, things get scaled down. It's your level.” Her eyes flicked away in thought for a brief moment. “More or less.” Quickly, she leapt off of Applejack and offered a hoof to her. Obliging, she barely got to wrap her own around it before she was pulled to all fours. A hoof ruffled her mane again, causing her to glare at her friend, who simply beamed back. “Just try not to get hit. Believe me, this'll be fun.” Ardent turned her attention back to the beast, which was now beginning to lumber towards them. Drawing her sword, she flourished it dramatically before charging into combat, screaming a battlecry.

It was... strange. Ardent looked like she'd be a slow, lumbering beast, but she moved fast, flying around her foe and delivering blow after blow, chipping bits of rock off it piece by piece, but it just kept on fighting. A wild swing caught her wing and she tumbled to the ground, landing on all four hooves and skidding a distance. Testing her wing, she winced and groaned. Applejack had a pretty good idea that she needed her flight to take this thing on. Drawing her own sword, she charged into the fray, letting loose a significantly less awesome battlecry. The giant roared, swinging a fist around to meet its the new opponent, who dodged under it at the last second, sliding beneath its arm and trailing her sword along its underside and stopping behind it. Through its legs, she saw Ardent gracefully launch herself across its body, raining chunks of rock as she went and, she would imagine, leaving a deep gash, but the giant appeared to ignore it, stamping down with an oversized foot as she landed. The blow barely missed as she spun about, bounding immediately and making a reverse cut before running to Applejack's side, panting.

The two watched as the behemoth froze for a few moments before turning to face them, its stony gaze glaring down. Its chest was marked with a wide, deep cross, gashes and dents marking other locations where it had been struck. The golem, however, seemed indifferent to the damage it had suffered and continued the attack, bringing both of its arms up in an overhead slam. As it came down, both mares dived in opposite directions, dodging the blow by inches.

Unfortunately for Applejack, while her companion managed to land firmly on her hooves, her own landing was far from spectacular, as she tripped and fell. Struggling to get up, she barely registered her companion shouting before something rough lightly grazed her flank, throwing her into the air even with the slightest touch. Howling in pain she tumbled helplessly as she came down hard, the edges of her vision flashing red as the little green bar quickly drained until barely a sliver remained. Slowly, she came to, forcing herself upright and glaring at her attacker, now flexing its fingers. Sword still drawn, she started forward when a hoof wrapped around her neck and pulled her back. Turning her head to the source, she started to growl when she saw Ardent's worried expression. A vial was pressed against her lips and she turned to reject it when her head back was pulled back forcefully.

“Drink it.” The tone was commanding, but had a subtle layer of concern underlying it. Applejack relented, letting the cool green liquid flow down her throat. Instantly, she felt rejuvenated, the crimson in her vision fading and her health bar quickly filling up again. Blinking at her companion, she let out a muffled “bwuh?”, getting a short chuckle in return. “Healing potion” came the reply. Oh how she wished she could have some of these for her work days.

The hoof on her neck pressed more firmly as Ardent began to talk, voice laden with concern. “Applejack.” She looked deep into those caring, silvery eyes “You don't have to fight this thing. It's far more powerful than I realised. Look at its stats.” Before Applejack could say anything about her lack of understanding, Ardent gestured to an area in front of her face. She followed it and, lo-and-behold, there was another small box, this one with a portrait of the giant by it, labelled 'Rock Golem', with a small '6' in the corner. Next to it were a green and blue bar, like the ones by Ardent and herself, but there were also lots of random symbols and numbers, laid out in a chart. Way too many. Applejack blinked in astonishment, partially at the deluge of information in front of her, but mostly at the fact that she'd missed it somehow.

“Sword is attack, shield is defense, staff is magic and robe is magic defense. Rest are irrelevant.” Ardent summarized. “The worrying thing is its attack. That's the value it normally has, at my level. It didn't get scaled.”

Even if Applejack didn't quite comprehend the terminology, she did get the implication. Face paling slightly, she hoped she was wrong. “Which means...”

“Which means we're fighting something that hits like a level 80. Which will instantly kill us.”

Both ponies stared at each other, then watched as the golem lumbered towards them. Applejack swallowed her anxiety and lowered herself into a fighting stance. “Well then” she turned to her companion, who was gawking in bewilderment. “Can we kill it?”

“Applejack are you insane?! What bit about instantly killing us didn't you get?!”

“It got lucky last time. This time, Ah ain't lettin' it hit me.”

“But... you... bwuh?” Applejack wished she had a way of capturing her friend's look of utter disbelief, her grin widening at the sight of it.

“What's wrong, Miss Ardent?” She winked. “Chicken?”

Instantly her face hardened, and a grin to match her own formed. “This is a very stupid idea.” She drew her sword. “But you're on!”

The two companions switched their attention back to the golem, which was now pacing about in an impatient fashion, and charged.

The rock golem's first punch was aimed at Applejack, but she dodged to the side, skidding and driving her sword across its wrist, its hand splaying out in response, shattering one of its fingers against the ground. In the corner of her eye she saw Ardent slide between its legs, her own sword leaving a broad wound in the back of its knee, causing it to stumble forwards. The mares ran behind it, standing side by side as the creature roared and turned to face them, arms whirling around.

“Ya know.” Applejack started as she ducked under a wild swing. “Y'all never did answer mah question.”

A heavy crack resounded through the area as Ardent slammed the flat end of her sword against the golem's fist, shattering another one of its fingers from the sheer force. “What question?”

“Can we kill it?”

Then the golem's face exploded.

Applejack held a hoof over her head as debris rained down over her. The giant's body rocked and it nearly fell over backwards as it brought its hands to cover its maimed face. Looking across, she met Ardent's look of wonder and glee with an equal look of mind-blowing terror. Ardent ran over to her, cackling like a madpony. Applejack just continued to look horrified.

“WHAT IN TARTARUS?!”

Her companion just picked her up and whispered. “Our third party member's just arrived.” Twirling around, she shouted over Applejack. “Hey Party, you're late!”

In confusion, she turned in the direction of the yelling, her jaw dropping as she saw the recipient.

Standing not far away on their hind legs, was the grim reaper. With a giant arm cannon.

Okay, now that she thought about it, it probably wasn't, but the earth pony before her certainly seemed like she was trying for it. The newcomer was most certainly terrifying, her pale grey face framed by a dead straight dark purple mane and punctuated with piercing red eyes, evil and cunning, with the massive grin on her muzzle that made her look murderously insane.

The most defining feature of this pony was her armour. Where Ardent's was ornate and elegant, this mare was coated in jet black plates of cold metal which appeared to suck the light from her surroundings. The only places spared their touch were her head and a small portion at her rump, that let her tail flow freely. Each plate ended in a short spike, tipped with what appeared to be blood, and her hoofboots were clawed, like a gryphon's talons.

Her weapon made Applejack quiver. As she stood, her hind legs were splayed, right forehoof pointed at the golem, left bracing it. Instead of a simple boot, an intricate set of plates rotated around her extended limb, forming a short gun barrel, which was currently smoking. It began to glow slightly, then intensified, lightning arcing between it and the ground. The bolts increased in frequency, until a flash momentarily blinded her as the cannon fired again, a multicoloured spray of light launching itself into the crouching colossus, which emitted a mix between a groan and a roar as it struggled to get up. The smell of ozone filled Applejack's nostrils as the light show subsided.

Lowering the cannon, the mare's attention turned to the two companions and her smile somehow grew wider as she bounced over to them. Applejack watched with curiosity as the cannon collapsed into individual plates which settled themselves inside her leg armour, becoming undetectable. The reaper neared, and she couldn't help but slowly back away. Ardent, however, ran over and gave her a proud hoofbump

“Thanks for saving our rumps there, Party. Didn't realise you were on.”

The mare nodded then bounced a couple of times. “Yep! Somepony said that somepony new was in town so I thought I'd say hi!”

Applejack knew that voice. She'd heard it so often and it was so unique. “Pinkie?!”

The two armoured mares looked at her, Ardent with disappointment and Party with fascination. The reaper pony bounded over, and Applejack had to use all her willpower to not just turn tail and run. Those piercing red eyes etched marks into her very soul as she gulped nervously.

“You aren't supposed to use your real name, Applejack.” She jumped as Party spoke, then sighed as her body calmed down. Placing a hoof on her face she muttered.

“Ah know now, but it ain't like Ah can do anythin' about it.”

“Also, you shouldn't use my real name either.”

“Ah know, Ah just... ya kinda surprised me with yer look is all.”

The reaper giggled. “Oh I know, isn't it fun? By the way, I'm Party Time. And...” her focus changed from Applejack in front of her to something behind her, smile weakening slightly “...and we aren't finished yet.”

Ardent came up alongside her, copying her expression. Applejack turned, watching with horror as the golem she'd assumed had finally died slowly rose to its feet. It steadied itself, then roared at the three and charged.

“Well then.” Applejack turned to Ardent, steeling her expression. “Can we kill it?”

Ardent grinned, then glanced at the newcomer. She froze for a moment, then a small box appeared in the blademaster's view, and the reaper's face joined Applejack's and Ardent's. “With Party Time? No sweat.”

The colossus reared up, bringing both fists down in one strike, but they were ready this time. All three dived in different directions; Ardent left, Party right and Applejack straight forwards. Continuing, unfazed by the near miss, she went for its untouched leg, driving her blade deep into it and causing it to unleash a low groan as it stumbled. Wrenching the sword free, she struck again in a different spot, repeating several times until it tried to stand on her. Rolling away, she cried out.

“Ardent!”

A streak of silver rushed past, the unmistakable CRACK as her blade smashed into the weakened leg, cleaving it straight off. As the golem howled in pain, it tumbled, falling towards Applejack. Staring up, all she could do was gulp before the streak slammed into her, carrying her out of harms way. Air rushed past her as she looked up into the determined face of her saviour, who glanced down and nodded, circling around. Readying her sword, she steeled herself as they dove towards the struggling stone giant. Tapping her hoof once, she felt freedom as she was dropped down onto the golem's neck and plunged her weapon deep into it. As gravity pulled her around, the sword cut roughly, leaving a deep gash in half of its neck. Slamming into the ground, she took minor damage but barely registered it, taking off at a gallop, not wanting to be anywhere near its attack range as it stood back up.

As she ran, she caught a red and black blur shoot past her, and turned her head to see Party Time tearing into the creature with an oversized scythe. Skidding to a stop, she just sat there are watched, mouth agape, as her friend struck blow after blow into it, faster and faster, until there was nothing but a rapidly moving dark band rushing up and down the creature, cuts and chips forming seemingly at random, until Party flew up, hovering high above its head. Applejack watched in awe as she lingered in mid air for several tense moments, before dropping, spinning her scythe through the golem's neck as she passed. It sliced clean through, finishing her job. The head fell agonizingly slowly, bouncing off the ground and rolling a short distance before dissolving into golden light, soon joined by the rest of it. Applejack couldn't help herself from grinning, then laughing loudly and lying on her back in the grass, relaxed at last. She barely even noted the box in the corner alert her that she'd gained 1000 XP and 320 GP, until a flashing yellow message appeared in the middle of her screen, along with a short jingle.

Level Up!

The sunlight was blocked as her two companions' faces suddenly popped in over her head, smiling down at her. She was pretty sure she looked a complete mess, but she wasn't really surprised by all that. Even if that fight was a challenge, it was definitely fun. She could get used to this.

A hoof beckoned to her, and she grabbed it, feeling herself hauled up and to her hooves. She felt a brushing on her back and saw Party dusting her off, grinning. While still slightly disturbing, the knowledge that it was Pinkie at the other end made it less so.

“Damn good fighting Applejack.” The comment snapped her out of her thoughts, and she turned to look at Ardent, who had an expression of pride on her face. She felt herself blush and looked away nervously.

“A-ah just did what came naturally,” she mumbled, and Ardent laughed.

“Wow, really? Because if I didn't know better, I'd say you were a pro!” A gentle bump to her shoulder just intensified the redness on her cheeks.

“Yeah Applejack! That was really cool when you were all like “SHOOM SWISH STAB” and the giant monster was like “AAHH NOO MY ONE WEAKNESS AHHHH” and then he fell and died.” Yeah, it was definitely Pinkie Pie.

Applejack rolled her eyes, gazing at her other companion, who was frozen in place, an amber spinning circle over her head reading 'Away'. Soon after, it faded, and Ardent resumed, looking between the two.

“Sorry, I was just sending in a ticket. The GM's would probably want to know about this bug.”

Before Applejack could ask what any of those terms meant, Party interrupted. “Oh oh I met a GM once he was nice and friendly and gave me a cupcake, did you know they can make items at will he didn't want to but then I asked nicely and he was like 'oh okay but only once' then I was all like 'thank you thank you' and...”

“So Applejack” Ardent continued, ignoring Party's story. “You still up for clearing this area?” the earth pony followed as she gestured to the foreboding castle. “Or are you tired after that fight?”

Pulling herself to full height, she shook herself off. “Y'all think a measly giant monster thing is gonna tire this pony out? Bring it on!”

Ardent actually looked surprised. “Wow, you sure? Because you just fought a level 78 rock golem at level 1.” At Applejack's continued look of confidence, she shook her head, grinning. “Alright, I'm game. Let's do this! You in Party?”

Party Time bounced happily, wiping some drool from her mouth. “Of course! Let's go let's go let's gooo!” And she was off like a rocket, leaving the other two in the dust.

“Hey! Y'all ain't leavin' me behind!”

The armoured pegasus watched with amusement as the blademaster took off after her friend, although quite a little bit slower. Smirking to herself, she flew over, picked her up and carried her there, much to Applejack's protests. The orange mare squirmed and shouted multiple death threats, trying to get free of her grip, until she was dropped unceremoniously at the entrance to the dungeon, an angry glare plastered on her face.

The three stood facing the black abyss the served as an entrance. Gulping, Applejack gazed at her companions in turn, both looking completely unimpressed. Breathing deeply, she braced herself, and strode into the darkness.

Chapter 4 - Dungeon Crawling

Applejack hadn't been in a wide variety of castles, but the first room wasn't really what she expected at all. It was just a small, square room, devoid of furniture. The walls and ceiling were made up of large, even stone bricks, while the floor was one smooth surface, with a small pattern of coloured tiles along the edges. Along the walls were lit torches, although at least these weren't disembodied pony legs. At the far end of the room was a doorway with a metal portcullis raised above it.

The one defining feature of the room, however, were the giant spinning rings orbiting a golden, runed disc floating in the centre of the room. It pulsated gently as she stared at it.

“That's a monster portal”, Ardent spoke plainly. “When we get close it will spawn a monster for us to fight.”

Applejack turned to the pegasus, nodding acceptingly. After what she'd seen it was easier for her to just roll with all this new terminology. She took a few tentative steps forward, watching as the portal shimmered and pulsated more frequently. Quietly she heard her allies' hoofsteps just behind her, the clinking of armour echoing through the room, as they advanced. The portal bulged briefly, then a shadowy form manifested itself in the centre, bursting free and shattering the rings as it dropped in front of them. Features formed on it, revealing a goblin, at least twice as large as the ones outside, wielding a large sword and shield. The target box appeared in the corner of her view, labelling the creature as 'Golbin Soldier'. Behind it, she watched the far portcullis drop into position over the doorway, trapping them, and a clunk and a glance confirmed the same had occurred to the way back. The creature paused for a few moments, then snapped its head up and growled, charging at her.

Ardent reacted first, ramming the creature with her shoulder, deflecting its blow. Applejack heard sparking noises and ducked, rolling left and drawing her sword, as Party's cannon fired overhead, shattering the goblin's shield into a cloud of splinters. The creature staggered back, swinging its sword towards the pegasus, who deftly parried the blow with her own and reversed it, forcing it into a helpless spin.

Applejack saw her opportunity, diving forwards and driving her sword through the back of the monster's neck. It sputtered in pain as she watched its health bar drop to almost nothing. Growling, she twisted her neck, moving the sword around inside of it. The goblin howled as the last fragment of health faded and it collapsed into a cloud of light. She sheathed her sword and turned to her companions, who both gave a slight nod as their own weapons were sheathed.

“Looks like you're settling in nicely, Applejack.” Ardent playfully prodded her chest, earning a huff from the earth pony.

“Yeah, Ah might be enjoyin' mahself. So what?”

“You didn't seem like the kind of pony who'd like this sort of thing.”

Applejack blushed slightly, recalling her previous lack of interest when the others were talking about it. “Well, Ah changed mah mind.”

Party Time bounced a couple of times, somehow making far less noise than somepony wearing that much armour should have made. “Yay Applejack's a gamer!”

She rolled her eyes, then paused. “So who is ev'rypony else then?”

Ardent looked confused for a moment, then laughed. Party simply gasped. “You don't know anypony? Oh no! That won't do!” she turned to the pegasus. “Ardent, we have to introduce the poor newbie to the others!”

“In time, Party, in time. Everypony is asleep anyway at this hour. I'll talk to them and we'll have a guild meeting tomorrow night.” She looked at Applejack, who was staring blankly at Party. “For now though, I guess we should just tell you about them.”

Raising a hoof to her mouth, she cleared her throat, only to be interrupted by Party Time. “Oh so we have Violet Blaze, our guild leader, Starlight, who runs the guild shop, and Shadowdancer who's evil.” The reaper met Ardent's disapproving expression with a plain “What?”

Shaking her head, the pegasus groaned. “Nevermind.”

Applejack stood dumbfounded for a moment before speaking up. “Hey, y'all haven't told me who ev'rypony is, jus' who they're playin'!”

The two armoured mares grinned at her simultaneously. “Guessing is half the fun”, the pegasus winked as they strode past her and through the far door. Applejack went to protest, before she realised they wouldn't relent no matter what she said. Letting out an exasperated sigh, she trotted after them.

The next room was more complex, like a T shape. A short hallway connected to a room not unlike the previous one, and two other corridors headed out of either side. Again, in the centre was another portal, and the three mares approached it, weapons drawn. The shadow forming in this one was different; two smaller, smoother shapes. As the portal collapsed the figures slumped to the ground before rising up and floating in mid air. They were of similar shape to the goblins, but sat on golden rings that hovered in the air. Long, unkempt beards adorned their chins and they both carried a twisted, oak staff with a gem set in the top. Her HUD marked them both as 'Goblin Shaman', as combat began.

“Party Time, right! Applejack, with me!” Ardent barked. Both earth ponies nodded in agreement. Applejack charged as the shaman raised its staff, speaking in some unknown tongue. A strong gust of wind slammed into her, knocking her to the ground, as small leaves and pebbles pelted her, dealing minor damage. Picking herself up, she steadied herself until it died to a breeze, then charged forwards, swinging her sword at the monster. It swerved, ducking under her attack, but was met by Ardent's blade chewing cleanly through the ring and sending it tumbling to the ground. Applejack watched as the pegasus launched herself into the air with the momentum of the strike, shouting loudly.

“Rai Divider!”

She twisted in mid air as electricity arced across her armour and into her blade, which shone dimly as she drove the sword down through the creature's skull. Immediately following, a blinding bolt of lightning dropped from the ceiling, disintegrating the shaman into glowing mist. Both turned to the other goblin, watching as Party Time deftly avoided spell after spell and answering with shots from her cannon, but cursing as each was dodged. Applejack galloped at her foe, skidding along the ground as a stray shot barely scraped her muzzle and impacted the far wall with a sizzle. Reaching the end of her slide, she leapt up, bringing the sword down on the monster's head.

Unfortunately, the shaman moved to dodge another shot, and the sword merely struck the golden ring and glanced off, sending Applejack to the ground. The sudden shock sent the monster careering away, right into the hooves of Ardent, who turned and bucked it back, keeping it disoriented.

“Party, to you!”

The reaper grinned maliciously, and Applejack watched as the cannon collapsed into her arm and she reached across her back, drawing a long, black shaft. It clicked menacingly, snapping open and extending with an eerie light until it was as long as Ardent's sword. At one end, a long, curved scythe blade snapped out and Party charged, screaming as she met the wildly flailing shaman.

“Lotus Flower!”

The scythe's blade shone deep purple as the edge vibrated visibly, humming filling the room. Laughing maniacally, the weapon sliced upwards through the monster, knocking it up. Launching herself off the ground, she met it in mid air, swinging her weapon around her so fast it was a vague blur. The creature was dead on the first strike, but she continued to carve it to pieces until there was nothing but fine mist, which dissolved away as she floated back to the ground, sheathing her scythe and grinning. This time, even Ardent was shocked.

“Wow, Party... that was... something.”

“It annoyed me,” she said cheerily, her voice as happy-go-lucky as always.

Applejack and Ardent shared a worried look, before chasing after the reaper, who'd bounded away down the left passageway and slipped into the next area. The pegasus gently tapped the orange mare on the back and whispered in her ear.

“Just don't get on her bad side and you'll be fine.”

Nodding, she couldn't help herself from gulping nervously as she entered the next room, followed closely by her armoured companion. This room was like the first, but with no visible exits and instead of a portal, there were two chests in the middle, which Party Time was now giddily bouncing in a circle around. Applejack felt a nudge from behind pushing her towards them, as the reaper turned and grinned.

“Hey Applejack, look! Treasure!”

“Treasure?” she eyed the two chests. One was glistening golden in the torchlight, while the other was a more muted blue colour. Tentatively, she reached out for the golden one, tapping it with a hoof. It snapped open with a loud 'thunk', and a menu appeared in corner, where it had been reading her 'XP' gains from combat, letting her know that she'd picked up 'Healing Potion x2'. Nodding in acceptance, she reached for the blue one when her hoof was batted away by Ardent's.

“Whoa now, don't touch that. It's a trap.”

Applejack looked from the mare to the chest. It wasn't particularly subtle for a trap, even if she did nearly get caught by it.

“Well then, what d'ya do ta it?”

The pegasus grinned, a menu appearing over her face, covered in writing and numbers. “It's my inventory”, she stated, tapping one of the entries, then clicking through several extra menus until a blue message flashed in front of Applejack's face.

Player Ardent Sunrise wants to trade!

Touching the 'Accept' option, she watched with interest as a menu appeared over her view. It had two large boxes, one on the left and one on the right, labelled Applejack and Ardent Sunrise respectively. The left one was pretty much empty aside from the healing potions, while the other was packed with lots of different things that Applejack couldn't even hope to understand.

The screen flickered as another box appeared between them, marked Fortune Wire x10. She tilted her head as a green tick flashed at her, which she pressed cautiously. The little window appeared in the corner to tell her that the trade was complete.

“Right, now you need to use one on the chest.”

Applejack's face contorted in concentration as she tried to will the items to be used, but that didn't seem to work. She heard a groan from her companions, and saw both had a hoof on their faces. Rolling her eyes, she sighed.

“How do Ah bring up that darn screen?”

Party shook her head sadly. “Did you read the manual at all, Applejack?”

“No, Ah don't even know what that is.”

“It's a book that comes with the game”, Ardent responded bluntly. “Teaches you how to play. But since we're already here...” She mimed some actions in the air, and Applejack watched as the menu formed in front of her face.

“Now you try.”

Raising her eyebrow, she concentrated and tried to copy the actions as well as she remembered them. It took her a few tries until she got the right menu, and glanced across it briefly. It was a large checklist with 2 columns, but was almost entirely barren. The only two lit entries were her healing potions, and those Fortune Wire things. Tapping on that entry, she watched as the counter dropped to 9, and the chest in front of her flashed, the blue fading to reveal the gold beneath. Reaching out, she placed her hoof firmly on the lock, the lid snapping open at her touch. This time, she got one The Hanged Mare, whatever that meant.

“What's this 'Hanged Mare' thing? Seems pretty morbid ta me.”

Ardent looked across, waving a hoof across a menu and dismissing it. It took a couple of seconds to register the question before she answered. “Oh, it just paralyzes a target when you use it.”

“Huh?”

“Stops it from moving or attacking.”

“Oh, okay, Ah understand.” Seemed like it could be pretty useful.

“Come on!” Both mares jerked slightly as Party's sudden outburst surprised them. “I wanna go kill some things!”

Sighing, the pegasus shook her head and motioned to the door. “Let's go then, no sense in waiting around here.”

The rest of the dungeon was uneventful. For the most part, having these two experienced and high level party members made most combat a breeze, although Applejack certainly didn't slack off. Her two companions seemed to focus on breaking enemies and making them vulnerable for Applejack to strike, never leaving her out of it. She was pretty certain either of them could've ended most of these fights in one action before it had really started, but that was no fun for any of them.

The dungeon's first floor was quite short; there were only two more rooms before the staircase, and one of those had been another treasure room anyway. For her troubles, Applejack got another Healing Potion. Even when she offered, her friends refused to take anything, stating that they were already set, and she needed it more than them, which, if she took what little she saw of Ardent's inventory into account, was pretty true.

They cleared the first room of the second floor when the pegasus paused, stating that she had to go AFK (Away From Keyboard, whatever one of those was), for a short time, but she insisted that Party and Applejack continue ahead for a bit and that she'd catch up soon. So they did, pushing on a couple of rooms. It took a little time to get used to Party's exceedingly violent combat style and apparent randomness with what weapon she decided to use (“It's more fun that way!”), but as brutal as her strikes were, her control over them was impressive. There had been many times where Applejack had nearly been caught by a wild swing or shot, but she'd never actually been hit. Dryly, she questioned whether this was the reaper's idea of 'spicing things up' and keeping her alert, but didn't get a coherent response as the armoured pony continued onwards cheerily.

It wasn't until several rooms later that Ardent Sunrise caught up with them. They were standing in another T-junction debating which direction to go when the pegasus nearly barrelled into them, bouncing off the far wall and groaning.

“Looks like ya still fly the same as real life,” Applejack stated sharply, smirking. Party giggled as Ardent glared at them both, trotting over.

“Well, in my defence, I didn't realise Violet would need me for that long.”

Applejack raised an eyebrow, to which she continued. “She was wondering whether you got a chance to get on given you weren't where she said she'd meet you” nervously, she scratched the back of her neck “And uh... she may have ranted at me a little for dragging you away.”

Party and Applejack chuckled. “Ah think ah can guess who she is.”

The armoured pegasus rolled her eyes, smiling. “Yep, she's pretty much the same.”

The three shared a few laughs at their friend's expense, then settled down enough for Ardent to continue. While Violet was mad, she'd been persuaded to let Applejack off the hook, since it was mostly the pegasus's fault. She'd be waiting for them at town when they finished with this zone, given how close they were to the end anyway.

“How do we even know if we're done?” Applejack had asked. Party looked at Ardent, who shook her head.

“There's a treasure statue. Big thing, can't miss it,” she paused, thoughtfully. “Can't believe I didn't tell you that.”

“Trust you to overlook something, Sunny. You probably missed loads of important stuff! Poor Applejack.” The reaper bounced, her voice a mixture of teasing and disapproval.

Applejack's ears twitched as the sounds of rushing air travelled down the corridor. Perking up, she stared at the end of the hall, beginning to head towards the source. Her companions looked around awkwardly.

“Hey, Applejack... What's up?”

“Ah thought Ah heard somethin'...” the noise grew louder as she crept forwards, brow wrinkled in thought.

The two higher levelled mares shared a look, and Ardent spoke, warily. “I didn't hear anything. Party?”

“Nope, nothing here.”

They stared at Applejack with concern, trotting after her. Applejack was halfway down the hall, focused on something.

“Ah definitely heard somethin', like air whooshin' by...” the sound grew louder, and she jumped back in fright, slamming into Ardent, as a figure entered her field of view.

Time seemed to slow, and Applejack watched as the creature, now clearly a mare, turned to look at her, brilliant sky blue eyes filled with terror. She was pale, almost like a ghost, and slightly translucent, floating through the air despite lacking any kind of wings or horn. Her body was covered with a plain white cloak, clasped at the neck with a brooch in the shape of a sideways eight. Her bleached mane and tail were long but tidy, flowing in an otherworldly fashion. As she disappeared down the passageway, a second figure entered, clearly giving chase as it ignored the three mares.

This one was terrifying; a giant alicorn, at least three times her own size, flying on ragged, messy wings. Its coat was a sickly yellow, and its eyes a dull, lifeless blue. A long, frayed blood red mane swept backwards as it shot by, emitting a chilling screech. Pointed fangs were visible as its mouth opened wide, ready to strike. Wrapped in crimson magic and carried by its side was a lengthy spear of ruby, roughly carved, but visibly sharp. One end had a large ring, the size of her head, fastened to it. Smaller segments of scarlet formed a cross inside it. The world seemed to warp around that section ever so slightly, making Applejack feel strangely nervous.

The scene lasted only a few seconds before the sounds of chase faded as the two figures disappeared into a doorway, which was long enough for Applejack to gather her bearings and charge after the pair, ignoring the cries of protest from her allies. All focus on protecting that ghostly mare, she galloped on through to the next room.

It was empty. As she stood there panting, her companions came up behind her, and she felt a sudden thwack reverberate through her skull as somepony hit her on the back of the head, hard enough to be noticed but soft enough to not cause damage. Turning in anger, she saw Ardent staring back, equally angry.

“Applejack, what in Tartarus do you think you're doing running off like that?!”

“Y'all saw that mare! Ah had t' help her!”

Ardent moved to speak, but stopped short, anger swiftly being replaced with a mix of confusion and concern. Slowly, she began to speak again.

“What mare?”

Now it was Applejack's turn to be confused. “Tha ghostly one”, she plainly stated, but her friends just looked at her blankly.

“Oh oh, are we playing hide and seek?” Party Time said giddily, bouncing on the spot. "I didn't see anypony but that sounds like a fun event!"

“But... she... Ah...” she trailed off, trying to pull her thoughts together. Had she been seeing things? She'd never have expected her imagination to be that active. Maybe it was--

Static flashed across her view, colour fading for a brief moment. The portcullis slammed shut, drawing her friends' attentions. A faint buzzing filled her ear, and she turned to find the source. Behind her, floating barely a foot off the ground, was the ghostly mare. Even when she wasn't moving, her hair and cloak billowed in an ethereal wind, and Applejack couldn't help but approach her. Her brilliant azure eyes were caring, but had a deep layer of sadness to them. Applejack barely heard her companions voice their concerns as she came face to face with the ghost.

“Hello, Applejack.” The mare's face remained perfectly still, even as the melodious voice echoed through her head. To her surprise, she didn't find this worrying, just slightly odd. “My name is Aura.”

“Uh...” Applejack wasn't entirely sure on how to respond to somepony inside her brain, so just tried talking out loud. “H-Howdy there Aura, Ah don't think we've been properly introduced...”. She held out a hoof as a gesture of respect.

The ghost looked at it, then placed her hooves on Applejack's own. “There is no time. Take this.” A soft glow shone forth between them, and as the mare's hooves retreated, she found herself looking down at a thick book covered in strange markings and symbols. “Give this to Twilight.”

Applejack shook her head in disbelief. “Woah woah, jus' how do y'all know about--”

“There is no time!” The calmness in the voice cracked slightly, letting through just a hint of what sounded like desperation. The mare looked around, and although her expression didn't change, Applejack could tell it was in fear. Aura's head suddenly snapped back to her, voice now clearly pleading. “You have to go, now! She is coming!”

“Wha... hey don't jus'... ya can't...!” but Aura's form was fading as she rose into the air, vanishing into a cloud of light. She looked down at the book, which also disappeared as it forcibly inserted itself into her inventory. Turning her gaze back up, she saw a figure where the ghost was previously.

It was the alicorn.

Its face contorted into a horrific grin, sharp, misshapen teeth bared at her. It roared, slamming the spear into the ground at its feet, effortlessly piercing the stone. Unlike the expected reaction, the floor didn't so much crack, as melt, breaking apart and falling, revealing a shadowy abyss of random numbers and symbols. Applejack backed away quickly as it spread, the insidious laughter of the demon alicorn drilling itself deep into her skull.

Abruptly, Applejack found herself swept into the hooves of another, and suddenly remembered her companions. The cackling drained from her head, and as her thoughts cleared she could make out their words.

“...ty Time, get us out of here!”

“I'm trying Sunny, I know it's in here somewhere.”

“Celestia's sake FIND IT! We need to get to Twilight!”

There was a pregnant pause, and all Applejack could do was stare at the approaching void, threatening to suck in her very soul. An emphatic cry of her name broke her out of her trance, and she finally looked up at the person holding her. Ardent was staring down in worry, her wings flared as she resisted taking flight, while Party shuffled through menus behind her. Leaping up in triumph, she suddenly held out a small golden egg, which broke and showered them with dust.

For the third time, the world fell away around Applejack.

Chapter 5 - Violet Blaze

Applejack blinked rapidly, momentarily blinded by the transit. Her ears rang and her mind was trudging along as it tried to process the last few minutes. The empty, black sky above did wonders to calm her, and as she drank it in her hearing returned to a level where she could vaguely detect the ambience of a town, the flickering of lights and gentle sloshing of waves on a distant shore.

“Applejack!”

She was pulled from her trance by the shout, and blinked one last time, tilting her head back and looking up into Ardent's worried face. She grinned drunkenly and giggled.

“Y'all look pretty funny upside down.”

Ardent smiled back and let a small chuckle out, before standing and holding a hoof out to Applejack, who now realised she was lying on her back on cold stone. It was quite uncomfortable. Grabbing onto the hoof, she was slowly pulled up to all fours, wobbling momentarily as the blood rushed from her head. Shaking it clear, she looked around.

The port town was even quieter than before, though the lights were still lit. There were maybe two or three ponies now, keeping to themselves as they wandered the streets. She scratched her head, something niggling at her mind and telling her it was important, without actually revealing itself. The only memory after she'd entered that room was of that alicorn, and that infinite abyss. A shiver ran down her spine, then a hoof wrapped around her neck. She turned to look at its owner, seeing Ardent's face, a warm smile putting her at ease, but she could see concern in those glistening eyes. Applejack smiled herself.

“Ah'm fine.”

Her friend shook her head. “You didn't even know what I was going to say.”

“Ah know, but Ah can see yer concerned. But honestly, Ah'm fine.” She stretched one of her forehooves out and waved it around experimentally. “Jus' a little rocked by yer idea of travel.”

Ardent nodded knowingly. “Mm, it certainly can be shocking the first time.” She looked thoughtful for a moment, then her expression hardened and she stared at Applejack worriedly. “What happened back there?”

Applejack looked confused for a moment, trying to recall. Bits and pieces of that room filtered in, of a ghostly mare who talked to her, although about what, she couldn't remember. That alicorn still dominated her memories.

“Ah... Ah talked with that mare, and she told me somethin'...” she frowned, “but Ah can't remember what.”

“Applejack, you were glitching out badly.” Ardent's voice was deadpan, serious. “Whatever happened was bad for your character, and possibly”, she jabbed a hoof into Applejack's chest, “you.”

“Yeah Applejack!” She clenched her teeth as she prevented herself from leaping into the air at Party Time's surprise appearance as she jumped over her gracefully and landed next to Ardent. “You were going all pretty colours and stuff. It was really cool.” She caught Ardent's look of disapproval, and her face darkened slightly. “Although, it was really scary. We didn't know what was happening to you.”

“Yeah, you were talking to yourself. Something about somepony named Aura, and then you started shouting, then...” she froze, licking her lips nervously, “then the zone started falling apart around you. We barely got out of there.”

Applejack couldn't keep eye contact with her friends. Instead, she cast her view across the stone cobbles, thinking deeply about that name.

“Aura... Aura...”

“Yeah, that was her name!” Party nodded gleefully.

“What was she...” suddenly it clicked, and she shot up, staring confidently at Ardent. “Ah need ta see Twilight.”

“Well, that won't be too hard,” a calm voice behind her echoed around them.

Applejack turned to the newcomer, gasping slightly in response. Leaning against a nearby wall was a unicorn mare, form illuminated by a gem set in a leather-bound tome strapped to her side. Her coat was a pale lilac, with a short, messy mane that stuck in the air, looking as though it was on fire. Sharp, amber eyes regarded her with intrigue, but gave a feeling of excessive experience. A plain, unassuming brown robe with shimmering golden trims covered most of her body, hiding her away. Grinning, the unicorn approached and held out a hoof in a friendly greeting.

“Applejack, I presume?”

“Yeah, that'd be me.” Applejack bumped hooves with the stranger, earning a short nod. “Ah'm assumin' yer Twi--” she stammered, catching herself, almost feeling Ardent's glare pierce through her skull, “u-uh Ah mean... Violet Blaze?”

The unicorn nodded, smiling softly. “Indeed I am. And I see that you've already been given the lesson on not using ponies' real names.”

Applejack frowned. “Y'all could've at least told me 'bout it b'fore Ah made mah character.”

Violet coughed awkwardly, looking away. “Yes well, I kind of assumed you'd already know. My bad. Sorry Applejack.”

She shrugged. “S'okay, not like Ah mind bein' mahself.”

That seemed to reassure Violet, who met Applejack's gaze with a sincere smile. “Good. Now, what was it you needed me for?”

Applejack paused, thinking for a few moments. “Ah was told ta give ya somethin'.” Applejack brought up her inventory screen, glancing over it before finding the new entry.

The Book of Twilight

Pressing on it, she was slightly surprised as the item materialised in her hooves. She actually got a chance to look at it properly this time, taking in its appearance. It was a large, black tome, with golden bands along its spine. The cover had images she'd recognize anywhere; the six elements of harmony, five spread evenly around magic, which took up the centre of the book. A large, shimmering lock sealed the text from being opened, with an ornate and complex keyhole that looked far more advanced than any key she'd seen.

Nodding, she held it out to Violet. “Here ya go.”

Silence reigned for a few long seconds as Applejack cast her eyes around awkwardly, feeling uncomfortable as it pressed in. Nopony moved, and all eyes were on her hoof. She swallowed nervously and fidgeted. “Well, y'all gonna take it?”

“Applejack...” Violet started, slowly, “there's nothing there.”

She paused, then looked down at the book. “Well, Ah can see it, so it's there.”

Armour subtly rustled as Ardent and Party Time came up beside Applejack, staring at her still outstretched limb. They both shared a concerned expression as they glanced at one another, then to Violet.

“I don't see anything Applejack.” Ardent stated simply. “Sorry.”

“Yeah, me neither.” Party's face had a look of worry planted on it, rather than her endless smile. The orange mare pulled her hoof back, eyeing the book carefully. It seemed pretty real to her, and she experimentally tapped the lock, which clinked but otherwise didn't move. She sighed, the book fading as it returned to her inventory, placing a hoof on her forehead as she scratched it thoughtfully.

“Alright, Ah don't know what Ah'm supposed ta do then.”

“Actually...” Ardent spoke up, cautiously, “I really want to know what happened. Maybe Violet--” she turned to the unicorn, who was sitting behind dozens of shining menus, tapping away furiously. “Figures.”

Violet spoke, not looking up from her work. “What's the item called, Applejack?”

Her brow furrowed for a moment before she responded. “Book o' Twilight”

Violet paused for a moment, glancing to her companion, then began tapping away again. “Strange name.” A few moments passed, where nothing but soft clicking and Violet muttering under her breath was audible, when she looked up, frustrated. “I can't find it.” She pointed to Applejack. “That item doesn't exist. How does that item not exist?”

Party popped up behind her, staring at the menus over her shoulder. “Maybe it's an event item!”

Violet shook her head. “No, everything gets datamined from the PTR. We'd know it was an item a month before it appears in game.”

Party's face scrunched up. “Well then maybe it's a secret event?”

“They don't do secret events anymore. Remember Toxic Beach?” Ardent replied, joining her in staring at Violet's rapidly shifting screens. Applejack looked blankly at them before sitting on her haunches. While she understood barely anything of what they'd said, she got the idea. Bringing up her own inventory, she glared at the book's entry, willing it to reveal its secrets. Her companions were now discussing some kind of controversy that occurred several weeks ago or something, but how that tied into her and her item didn't make sense.

Racking her brains for some kind of hint, she recalled the demon that had chased Aura. Maybe that was relevant.

“Hey, Violet,” she glanced up to see the unicorn staring at her through a haze of blue. “Where do alicorns appear in this game?”

She blinked, shaking her head rapidly. “Alicorns?”

“Yeah, alicorns.”

Violet paused in thought for a moment, though her eyes never left Applejack. “They don't.”

“Oh. See, Ah know that's wrong 'cause Ah saw one.”

“But...” she began, thrown off. “Alicorns aren't in the game. At all. There's no code for them. They can't exist.”

“And yet, Ah have a book right here in mah inventory that don't exist neither.”

“We can't see it! It doesn't exist!” Applejack almost jumped, eyes wide with shock at her companion's sudden angry outburst. “It can't exist!”

“Violet!” the armoured pegasus snapped commandingly. She seized up momentarily, before sighing and looking downtrodden at Applejack, who was still slightly shocked at the change in her friend's demeanour. “This is Applejack you're talking to. The Element of Honesty. Remember that.”

Violet glanced at her, before meeting her gaze. “Sorry Applejack. I just... Nothing like this has happened before...”

Applejack couldn't help but smile, a she trotted over and wrapped a hoof around Violet's neck. “S'alright sugarcube. Ah can understand yer concerns.”

“I still want to figure out what's going on though.”

Applejack nodded. “You and me both. And Ah reckon our first step is findin' this Aura girl...” she slowly trailed off as a loud yawn interrupted her thoughts, earning giggles from her companions.

“Applejack, you should probably get some rest. You've had a long and eventful first day.” Ardent smiled softly, ruffling her hair.

“Don't Ah know it.” Applejack stretched, rubbing her eyes, too exhausted to be annoyed at her friend.

“Mm, good idea,” Violet agreed, nodding once. “I'd best get back to bed or Spike will be worried. Sorry for not meeting you on time Applejack, I'll explain tomorrow when we're more awake.” With the last word, she waved goodbye, then was surrounded in energy as her character dissolved into glowing blue dust.

“Huh.” Applejack's brain was running too slowly to really react to it, finding it mildly interesting instead. An intense yawn surprised her, and she turned to see Party Time stretching herself like a cat.

“I should go too, I promised the Cakes I'd look after the shop tomorrow. Good to see you, Applejack!” She too, faded into light.

Now it was just the two companions alone in town again. Silence fell for a few moments before Ardent spoke up. “Enjoying the game, Applejack?”

She nodded. “Yeah, far more than Ah expected. Even with all tha weird things goin' on.”

Ardent's brow furrowed as she thought deeply. “Hmm, I hope we can figure out what it all means,” her expression lightened somewhat as she continued, “but at least you're enjoying yourself, and that's the important bit.”

“Yeah, I s'pose so.”

The two stood facing each other awkwardly for several moments, before Ardent stretched herself and yawned quietly. “Well, I'd better hit the hay. See ya around, Applejack!”

Applejack nodded, then paused for a few moments and snapped up. “Wait!”

Ardent looked down at her friend, curiously. “What's up?”

Averting her eyes, she spoke quietly, a subtle blush forming on her cheeks.

“How do Ah log out?”

*****

Applejack casually wandered through Ponyville, watching ponies go about their day around her. She passed through the market, greeting friends as they strolled by. The noontime sun warmed her face as pegasi cleared the clouds overhead. Good weather was apparently supposed to be scheduled for the next week, which would certainly make a nice change from the constant rain they'd been having. Gazing up, she caught a glimpse of a rainbow trail shooting overhead, and chuckled to herself. Rainbow was going to be busy the next few days, and she'd probably never hear the end of it.

Soon she reached her destination, the large tree that doubled as a library. Knocking firmly on the door, she waited patiently for a few moments before the door was opened and she looked down at Spike.

“Oh hi Applejack. What brings you here?”

She tilted her hat. “Howdy Spike, Ah'm jus' here ta see Twilight.”

The dragon nodded, beckoning for her to come in before disappearing down the stairs to the basement. Applejack took a few steps inside, closing the door behind her and settling in, leaning against the wall. The room was clean and orderly, as Twilight preferred, although a few books were scattered across her desk, one of them open in the centre. Curiously, she trotted over and checked the cover of the open tome.

Harald and Emma

She read a few pages, but it was just an anthology of random poems. Nothing particularly interesting, so she returned it to the desk. Stretching, she felt her bones click satisfyingly and sighed. Standing upright for so long had made her legs ache, but then she supposed that's why they did it, to stop you playing for too long. By the time Ardent had finally stopped laughing at her incompetence and she been shown how to log off, light was beginning to trickle into the barn as the sun rose. Fortunately, the farm was quiet at the moment, so she just got a little rest in front of the computer.

When she'd awoken she'd decided to see Twilight and find out what she thought of all this weirdness going on, but not before looking in the game's box for this so called 'manual'. It was a short book, full of diagrams and strange words, but she made a point of remembering to read it when she got home.

At that moment, hoofsteps caught her attention as Twilight emerged from the basement, followed by Spike, who was berating her.

“Twilight, you can't just stay up all night like that!”

Twilight trotted into the kitchen, eyes barely open, and immediately went for the coffee machine. Setting it up, she yawned loudly and turned around, leaning against the counter with her eyes closed.

“It was important Spike. Important... Research...”

Slowly her head began to nod. Spike gave her a look, then glanced at Applejack, who shrugged and stepped over.

“Twilight?”

Her eyes shot open. “Huh wha-- Applejack? What're you doing here?”

“Ah thought Ah'd come visit after what happened last night.” She gave Twilight a concerned look and shook her head. “Y'all didn't sleep after, did ya?”

Twilight paused for a few moments, then shook her head. The coffee machine dinged, and the pot was instantly wrapped in a lavender aura as Twilight poured herself a drink. Downing it quickly, she spluttered and gasped as it scalded her mouth, but at least she was awake now. Spike and Applejack both sighed.

“Uh, yeah, I didn't sleep. I was trying to find any kind of information about this mare you found, or the book.” Twilight began to walk towards her desk, picking up the open book.

“Find anythin'?” Applejack followed her companion, looking at the text.

“No, nothing conclusive, although this book does refer to an 'Aura' in one of its poems. Still, it's something, even if it probably isn't relevant.” She sighed, then turned to her friend, who was staring at the open page. “What was she like?”

“Uh...” Applejack paused, trying to piece together the words, “She was kinda like a ghost, white like Rarity but all over, mane and tail. Had this long flowin' robe, done up with some kinda symbol.”

“Really? What symbol?”

Applejack paused, then reached for one of the quills and a piece of parchment, drawing a sideways figure eight in the centre. “Like that, but shinier, and she was almost glowin'.”

Twilight studied the symbol for a mere moment. “Oh that's just a symbol for infinity, nothing complex.”

“Oh and she was flyin'.”

“Huh, okay.” Twilight tapped her chin thoughtfully. “Well, I'm stumped. I've never heard of anypony like that, and none of the books have anything remotely similar.” She scratched her head, straightening her ragged mane a little bit.

“Maybe it's only somethin' in the game?” Applejack posited. “Somethin' new born there. Didya check anythin' on that?”

Twilight stopped for a moment and pondered. “That's... A good point. I'd been assuming it was from some kind of legend, but maybe it's not. I'll ask on the forums” she beamed. “Good idea, Applejack.”

She simply nodded, smiling back. “Glad Ah could be of help.”

They were silent for a few moments until Twilight spoke again. “So how are you finding the game?”

Applejack smiled. “It's more fun than Ah would've expected.”

Twilight sighed in relief. “Good. Wouldn't want you left out of the group if you didn't like it.”

The two grinned, then a low rumbling interrupted them. Twilight looked down and blushed. “I uh... I haven't eaten breakfast.”

“That's okay!” a voice called from the kitchen, “I've got you covered.” Spike soon plodded out, carrying two plates of pancakes that he placed on a table. He turned to Applejack. “Would you like some?”

Applejack had eaten before she left home, but Spike's cooking had already got her licking her lips. His general culinary skill was good, but had certainly improved further after Rarity had begun teaching him, and she quickly followed Twilight's lead and sat down, happily eating away.

“Thanks Spike, yer a true gentle... uh, dragon...” Spike smiled in response before heading back into the kitchen. The distant sound of crunching gems could be heard as he fetched himself a snack. The two sat in silence as they ate, mostly because Twilight was shoving hooffuls of food into her mouth in a distinctly un-princess-like fashion. The food was good, far better than her last meal, and she debated whether or not to just show up eat here every day. Chuckling to herself, she finished her food shortly after Twilight and carried their plates to the sink, beginning to wash up even as she was told not to worry about it.

“It's the least Ah can do ta repay Spike” she'd said, bowing graciously to the dragon, who returned the gesture with a subtle smile, gem fragments covering his mouth. Drying her hooves, she went to put the plates away when a prodding in her side caused her to look down at Twilight's assistant, who held his hands out. Putting the plates in his grasp, she watched with amusement as he clambered up onto the worktop to shelve them. Oh what she'd give to have somebody that useful around the farm.

Thinking back, she retracted that thought, shuddering as she remembered last time Spike had helped. Shaking her head, she travelled back into the main room, seeing Twilight busy scribbling away as she stared at a computer screen. Applejack resisted to urge to jump on her and surprise her, and instead settled down by her side. Twilight barely glanced up at her before continuing writing.

“Found anythin'?”

Twilight set the quill down and groaned. “Nothing on the recent boards. All just complaints about balancing and nonsense. No ghost mares or strange creatures.” Leaning back, she stared at the ceiling. “I'll post something about it later. Maybe somepony saw something but didn't realise what it was.”

Applejack's ears perked up as she thought she heard a quiet whine and distant screaming. Slowly it grew louder, and she stood, trotting over to the window and looking through. Blinking, she sighed and turned to Twilight.

“Might wanna move ev'rythin' valuable outta the way.”

The mare stared at her for a brief moment before placing a hoof on her face. “Rainbow Dash?”

“Yup.”

Shaking her head, Twilight mumbled something about 'best flyer' then motioned to Applejack. “Open the window please; I don't want to have to pay for another replacement.”

She did so, throwing it open and stepping back as a cyan streak shot through, followed by a rainbow trail. It slammed into the far bookcase with a loud THUD, as Applejack closed the window again nonchalantly and strode over, joining Twilight in admiring the pile of books and now empty bookshelf. A scaled head popped out of the kitchen and groaned loudly, heading over and beginning to pick up books and order them.

After a few moments, Rainbow's head popped up from the pile and gave them a sheepish grin. Applejack and Twilight returned it with unimpressed expressions. The librarian coughed and gestured to the books and the dragon picking them up, then glared at the newcomer, who rolled her eyes and pulled herself out of the wreckage, helping Spike with ordering them, begrudgingly. Applejack couldn't help but smile at the sight, winking at Twilight.

With the two of them it didn't take long to get the tomes in order, at which point Twilight just levitated them all onto the shelves. Applejack in the mean time pranced over to Rainbow, who was sulking the the corner, with a wide grin on her face, and ruffled Rainbow's mane. In return, she got a glare that would kill a lesser pony, and laughed.

“Aww what's wrong sugarcube? Upset that ya ain't taller than me no more?”

Rainbow turned away, frowning. “Don't treat me like a filly.”

“Ah'm just getting' revenge fer last night is all.” She grinned wider. This was going to be fun.

Twilight finished shelving the books and turned to the two. “Don't encourage her Applejack. She's likely to go on a rampage and throw more books on the floor.” She was smiling as well as she trotted over to them. “So what brings you here Rainbow? Or was it just on impulse that you decided to undo all of Spike's hard work?” she teased, waving a hoof in the general direction of her assistant, who had his arms crossed and his face locked in a frown.

Rainbow Dash muttered a few comments before looking at Applejack. “I was going to ask about a guild meeting. And kind of had a run in with a rogue pegasus on the way here...” she flexed a wing and rubbed it tenderly.

Applejack looked between them blankly. “Guild?”

“Go read the manual Applejack.” Rainbow stated simply.

“Well, Ah'm goin' ta when Ah get home.” The two ponies glared at each other.

Twilight coughed politely, getting their attention. “It's basically a group of the five... well now, six of us. We go adventuring together sometimes, but often just meet up and hang out.”

“We also get our own guild house.” Rainbow added, triumphantly.

“Yes, we get our own guild house, thanks to one particular mare,” she gave her a look, “who won't let anypony forget about it.”

Rainbow winked and grinned widely. “You know it.”

Rolling her eyes, Twilight looked back at Applejack. “We're planning on meeting up tonight actually, and we'd like for you to join us.”

“Sure. What time d'y'all need me?”

Twilight scratched her head idly. “I think we usually agree around 10, right Dash?” She looked to her companion for confirmation and got a nod in response.

“Yeah, Rarity's got a full day so she won't be on until then.”

“Okay. I'll send everypony a PM and we'll meet up in Mac Anu, by the bridge. Sound good?”

“Fine by mine”

“Ah'm good with anythin'. Least Ah know where that is.”

“Hooray!” Twilight clapped her hooves a couple of times, earning a curious look from her friends. Settling down, she looked around awkwardly. “So uh... Now what?”

Applejack glanced between the two. “Ah dunno about y'all, but Ah'm gonna go read this manual thingy.”

The three laughed, Rainbow standing and tapping her on the shoulder gently. “Good idea. Best you know what we're actually talking about huh?”

Applejack glanced out of the window at the clear sky, then turned to the door. “Ah'd best get outta yer hair Twilight. See y'all later!” Showing herself out, she heard a few goodbyes as she trotted down the main road.

She only managed to get about a dozen steps before she heard soft wing-flaps nearby, and turned to see Rainbow following her in a pathetic attempt to be sneaky. At the sign she'd been caught she smiled sheepishly and dropped down beside Applejack.

“Can Ah help ya sugarcube?”

Rainbow shrugged. “I don't have anything to do and I thought maybe I could keep you company. Help you understand anything you don't get or something.”

Applejack's eyes narrowed, attempting to discern some kind of ulterior motive, but Rainbow's overly innocent grin gave nothing away. Shrugging herself, she agreed. “Sure, why not.”

And so the two headed off through town to Sweet Apple Acres, the afternoon sun beaming warmly down on them.

Chapter 6 - The Guild

Applejack took a few tentative steps away from the Chaos Gate, blinking a couple of times as the world loaded around her. Looking around, the town was busier than last night, with larger groups of ponies wandering around and chatting. One particularly dense group was blocking the archway that led to the rest of town, and she awkwardly squeezed through them.

“Pardon me... 'Scuse me... Sorry miss...”

A few broke away from conversation to look at her, but it was just the briefest of glances before they continued talking. Finally breaking through, she turned back and examined the group. She hadn't realised before, but they all looked similar, wearing the same outfit. All of them were mares, unicorns to be precise, and they all wore a familiar flowing robe coated in stars. All their coats were a similar lilac colour, with plain, straight dark blue manes and tails. In fact, they looked very similar to Twilight, or at least, real Twilight. Curiosity got the better of her, and she approached the nearest one.

“'Scuse me.” The unicorn in question stopped her conversation and turned to her with an air of contempt.

“What?”

“Oh, Ah'm sorry Ah was jus' wonderin'... Why d'y'all look the same?”

The unicorn's expression changed to one of shock and intrigue. “You don't know? Have you been living under a rock?”

Her companion spoke up “I think she's new.”

The first unicorn covered her mouth in a gasp. “Then you don't know?!”

Several of the group turned as well, joining her in their confusion. The second mare face-hoofed and turned to Applejack. “Sorry about them. We're a guild who're fans of a... certain character.”

“Certain character?!” a third figure yelled, stepping between them. “Why, we're dedicated to the one and only Dusk Glimmer, greatest unicorn mage in existence!”

Applejack stared blankly at her. The previously confident mare in front of her faltered, clearly expecting Applejack to not be this clueless. By this point, most of the group had turned to her, and the thirty-odd pairs of eyes were causing beads of sweat to run down her brow. As the crowd began to whisper amongst themselves, she slowly backed away.

“Uh, clearly Ah've interrupted somethin' so Ah'll jus' get outta yer manes...” picking up her pace, she backpedalled rapidly, leaving the group staring after her. A couple yelled something about 'educating her', but Applejack was long gone and almost running to the bridge.

When she got there, there were only two figures, standing side by side and leaning over the edge, staring at the canal below while they quietly chatted. The firey lamps barely illuminated their forms, but from what she saw she didn't recognize them. Both ponies were mares, however the closest was a unicorn while the other was a pegasus. While she approached, Applejack took the time to study their appearances.

The unicorn was simply dressed, wearing a plain brown tunic over her pearly white coat. Her mane was a pale blonde colour, shoulder length but pinned back to her neck, while her tail was short, tied like Applejack's but only half as long. Subtle glinting in the light drew her attention to the steel boots on her forehooves, elegant but thick and strong, making the blademaster gulp as she imagined being punched by one of those. As her hoofsteps met the unicorn's ears, her head turned, analyzing Applejack with calm, delicate lavender eyes. The pegasus leaned over too, stepping around her curiously.

Applejack couldn't help but gulp as she was examined by the pair. The pegasus was very different, her dark grey coat providing contrast for the piercing azure eye that watched her disdainfully. Her other eye was masked, hidden behind a raven black mane that curved around her face. Her body was covered with a long, black coat which blended with the shadows, giving her the appearance of a floating head, aside from the holes in the back for her wings.

The pegasus raised her head arrogantly, flicking her mane and giving Applejack a quick view at her hidden eye. A strip of blood red lay above and below it, a nasty scar that framed a piercing scarlet iris. The pony turned away and stared back out over the canal, jabbing her companion with a hoof, whispering in her ear. A voice rang out from the pegasus, familiar but somehow very different from anything she'd heard before.

“Move along newbie.”

Applejack suddenly realised she wasn't moving anymore, and had just been staring blankly at the two. Shaking her head, she apologised hesitantly and headed to side of the bridge opposite them, leaning over and gazing down at the water below. It was crystal clear, reflecting the sky above perfectly, the moon filling most of her view. Her reflection's head was silhouetted against it, staring back at her, and she sighed softly. It had been 10:05 when she'd logged on and no one seemed to be here.

Behind her, she heard clinking and rustling, along with hushed whispers that she couldn't make out. Hooffalls grew near, and Applejack glanced over her shoulder as the voices grew in volume, still not enough to hear clearly, but she could tell the two different voices; one the pegasus, sounding angry, while the other was unknown but sounded like it was far more calm, but with a hint of what almost sounded like pleading.

A hoof pressed firmly into her shoulder, but Applejack steeled herself, looking up into the owner's eyes. The pegasus glared down, her unicorn companion hidden behind her, pulling cautiously but firmly on her wing while she protested. Applejack glared back, not flinching.

“What bit about 'move along' didn't you get?”

Applejack looked unimpressed. “Ah'm meetin' some friends here.”

“Well tell them to meet you somewhere else. This is our spot.”

Quietly, in the background, she could hear the unicorn muttering to her companion. “Shadow, leave her be, she's not causing any harm,” but her voice fell on deaf ears. Instead, Applejack blinked twice, her expression remaining stoic.

“Ah don't see yer name anywhere.”

The pegasus moved faster than she expected, and Applejack found a blade pressing into her throat, not enough to pierce the skin but enough to be uncomfortable. The unicorn gasped and pulled more vigorously on her wing, punching ineffectively on her flank to get her attention.

“Watch your mouth, kid.”

The unicorn finally gave up on pulling at her friend's wing and just yelled at her.

“Shadowdancer! That is enough!”

Fierce blue and red eyes stared into Applejack's own for a few moments before breaking away, glaring instead at her companion, who cowered slightly under the look but swallowed her fear and returned it. The orange mare regarded their staring contest for a few moments before stepping between them.

“Now, Ah don't know who y'all are, but that sure ain't how Ah expect anypony to treat their friends.”

To her surprise, the pegasus actually paused before she said anything, instead clenching her teeth and walking away towards the Chaos Gate, grumbling as she went. Violently she barged her way through the congregation of unicorns who still hadn't moved, and as they all tumbled over, they left a gap as many panicked and fled through which she clearly saw her fade away into a cloud as she warped to another area. Blinking a few times, she felt a hoof on her shoulder and looked sideways at the unicorn, who was bashfully tracing the stones in the floor with her other hoof. She coughed lightly, then began speaking, slightly nervously.

“I uh... Thanks... Sorry about Shadow she... lets her anger take control a little sometimes.” She paused for a while. “Normally she's great but... well she had a bad day.”

Applejack nodded understandingly. “Ah can see that. Still, she should probably find some other outlet fer all that frustration than other ponies in town.”

The unicorn sighed, then looked up at her briefly before heading to the edge of the bridge, leaning over. Turning her head slightly, she beckoned for Applejack to join her, which she accepted. The two stood side by side, watching the water below.

“I'm Starlight, by the way.”

The blademaster looked at the unicorn, meeting her eyes, and smiled. “Ah'm Applejack.”

Starlight regarded her for a few moments, but before she could say anything, they heard the sound of clapping from above. The two gazed upwards, and both sighed simultaneously at the sight of the armoured pegasus hovering overhead. Blinking, they looked at each other, both with looks of confusion on their faces, as Ardent Sunrise landed before them.

“Applejack!” Ardent grinned, ruffling her hair and earning a pout mixed with a death glare. She turned to the unicorn and bowed graciously. “Starlight.”

“Ardent,” both mares spoke as one, blinking and glaring at each other. The newcomer laughed, pulling them both into a hug.

“Seems like you two have already made friends. That helps speed things up.”

The ponies looked at each other, before Starlight suddenly spoke in a hushed whisper. “Wait... You're actually Applejack?”

“Yup. I'm not supposed to use mah real name. Too late.” Applejack couldn't help but chuckle quietly to herself. “Yer lookin' at the one and only.” The orange mare examined the unicorn before nodding. “And Ah s'pose you're that uptight fashion mare, huh?”

Starlight gasped, daintily putting a hoof to her mouth and forming a comeback, when she saw Applejack's wide grin. It spread infectiously, and she couldn't help but laugh. “Yes, you caught me. Is it really that obvious?”

She shrugged. “Not really, no. But y'all do look quite similar to yer real self, if'n ya don't mind me sayin'.”

Starlight chuckled. “It's quite alright darling. I am, after all, perfect, so one can only expect something similar even in a fantasy. I have always wanted to be a bit more plain.” She stroked the top of her mane. “And I'd say this fits the bill quite well, don't you agree?”

“It does look pretty nice.” Both turned to Ardent, who Applejack had forgotten was still there, who looked away promptly, coughed, then turned to Applejack and stepped closer. “You know, Applejack... I'm not entirely sure whether you're really brave or really stupid.”

Tilting her head, she scratched her neck. “What d'ya mean?”

“Well, for one thing you just stood up to one of the most infamous players on the server. On your second day.”

Applejack shrugged, trying to move attention away from the furious blush forming on her cheeks.

“And this is after deciding to take on a monster that can kill you in one hit within an hour of putting on the headset for the first time.”

Out of the corner of her eye she could see Starlight's eyebrow raised in curiosity. Applejack averted her eyes and began tracing the stonework holding the bridge together.

“And after breaking the game and seeing a load of stuff that Twilight says isn't in game!”

Starlight spoke up, tentatively. “Wait, really?”

Ardent nodded rapidly. “Yeah, she plays like a pro, it wouldn't surprise me if the game's chosen her as some kind of champion or something.” She laughed heartily, wrapping a hoof around Applejack's neck and ruffling her hair again.

“Sorry I'm late!”

All three raised their heads to the Chaos Gate, watching the violet unicorn gallop towards them, nearly tripping over her own robe. She skidded past them momentarily, trying to kill her momentum, before joining the group and lying down on the floor, breathing heavily. Starlight placed a hoof on her head and stroked it gently.

“Hey Violet” Ardent piped up, striding over, pulling Applejack with her. The three looked down at the prone mare, who was just getting her breathing under control and rising to her hooves.

“Sorry... sorry I'm late...”

“Oh don't worry about it dear” Starlight gently prodded her side. “You aren't that late and, besides, we haven't even see Party yet.”

“Did somepony call my name?”

The four turned their heads and strode to the edge of the bridge, leaning over and staring into the canal. Except, blocking their view was Party Time, hanging off the underside of the bridge in violation of several laws of physics, at least as Applejack understood them. She grinned up at them, reaching up and nonchalantly walking up the side and joining the group. Applejack stared dumbfounded for a moment while the others just shook their heads.

“How d'ya do that?”

Party extended a hoof, flexing the claws built in. “Climbing boots!”

At Applejack's continued look of confusion, Violet stepped in. “Rare item. Pretty sure Party has one of the only copies in game.”

“I have loads of rare items! They're so much fun!” she bounced a few times, grinning, before they all devolved into laughing amongst themselves.

It was several minutes before Violet piped up, questioning the location of their last member.

“Ah.” Ardent started. “About that.”

Violet looked worried. “What... What happened?”

Starlight caught her look and reassuringly patted the mage's back. “It's nothing serious darling just... Uh... She might need to cool down for a bit.”

“Oh?”

Ardent continued. “Yeah... somepony aggravated her and she stormed off to her--” she stopped mid sentence, pausing. Then she grinned widely and turned to Applejack. “Oh this will be fun.”

Applejack looked at her with wide eyes. “What... What'd Ah do?”

“You'd better know how to use that sword, Applejack,” Ardent tapped her side gently, “because you've just been challenged to a duel.”

Starlight and Party Time gasped, while Violet stood there blankly for a few moments, before the unicorn whispered in her ear. Her eyes became pinpoints and she stared at Applejack, jaw dropped. “You did WHAT to WHO?!”

At this point she was looking around in a mild panic. “Ah dunno, what'd Ah do?!”

“Get your sword ready Applejack, we're going on an adventure." The party invite flashed up, and Applejack accepted it. Then three different messages popped up on her screen at once.

Player Violet Blaze wishes to exchange Member Addresses!

Player Starlight wishes to exchange Member Addresses!

Player Party Time wishes to exchange Member Addresses! <3

Hitting Accept on all three, she was bombarded by the noise of three new 'Player Now Online' messages, which deafened her momentarily. The other four waited for Applejack's hearing to return before inviting each other to a party and setting off towards the Chaos Gate. This time Ardent manipulated it, and Applejack had another dialogue box appear after a few moments.

Player Ardent Sunrise is teleporting to Δ Hidden Forbidden Holy Ground ! Join?

A few random scraps of information such as level, loot type and rarity (huh?) all appeared next to it, but she just hit the Accept option. Ardent wouldn't take her somewhere where she'd be in danger.

Actually, as the world fell away, that sounded exactly like something she would do.

*****

The area they landed in was vastly different from the previous. Where the last was an endless grassy plain, here the group were standing on a stone bridge which ended abruptly, and lead to a huge cathedral, the likes of which Applejack had never seen. This gave the Castle of the Two Sisters a run for its money in both its majesty and its creepiness. Large, stone blocks made up the structure, with stained glass windows showing the same figure placed at regular intervals. Spires ran across the top, giving the place a menacing feel, but nowhere near as badly as the gigantic oak doors, far too large for any pony Applejack could conceive of, which were cracked open and showed just a black abyss within.

Around them the terrain was intriguing. As Applejack leaned over the side to look down she threw herself backwards. It was a very, very long way down. In fact, if she'd fallen, she reckoned it would be a good 10 minutes before she hit the bottom. Shaking her head, she caught the varied looks of her companions. Violet and Starlight looked concerned, while Party and Ardent were desperately trying to not laugh. Glaring, Applejack picked herself up and looked over the edge, more carefully this time. Far away was a sheer cliff, level with the cathedral all the way down to the bottom. It was like they were sitting right over a huge crater, although why anyone would create a zone like this was beyond her.

Blinking, she heard her name being called, and ran after the rest of the group, who were stood just outside the door. They parted for her, letting Applejack go in first, but as she went to step inside, she was pulled back by Ardent briefly.

“Applejack,” she began, but stopped as a hoof was placed over her mouth.

“S'alright, sugarcube, Ah can handle it, Ah'm sure.”

Behind her, she heard Starlight mumbling. “Definitely stupid.”

“Ah heard that,” she called over her shoulder, before stepping across the threshold into the cathedral proper.

She got three steps in before she stopped in awe of the beauty around her. Apparently this building consisted of one giant room, wooden pews spread evenly either side of an aisle that Applejack was now standing in. A golden, shimmering light gave the place a warm, holy feel, but what really drew her attention was the statue at the far end.

Standing on an ancient plinth was a stone visage of Aura staring at the floor before her, a deep sadness in her eyes that shook Applejack to her core. Now she recognized the figure in the windows; they were all the same mare. What was this place?

“Hello.” A voice brought Applejack back to reality (or at least, game reality), and she turned to the source, the dark pegasus standing at the foot of the statue, facing away from her. Behind her she heard her friends filing in silently. “It's nice to see you, newbie.”

The figure turned, face devoid of emotion. She stared at Applejack, blue eye considering her for several tense moments before she raised a hoof in front of her face. A short blade extended out of it with a subtle -shing- that shattered the silence filling the cathedral. The pegasus examined the weapon, running a hoof along it as though she were wiping it clean, then looked up at the blademaster on the other end of the room, who was staring back.

“You stood up to me in town,” the rogue began, calmly, “no one stands up to me, especially in public.” She regarded Applejack with that drilling blue eye. “Even if they are low level, they must be made an example of.”

“Sorry miss, Ah have no idea who you are, but if Ah've offended ya in anyway, Ah'm truly sorry.”

Her face didn't react at all. “I am Shadowdancer. And I will teach you who I am.” She gestured to Applejack's weapon. “Draw.”

Applejack shook her head. “Ah don't wanna fight ya miss.”

A small smile formed on her opponent's face, as she stepped closer. “Please at least try to fight. Wouldn't want to make a fool of yourself, would you?”

A couple of protests rang out from the group, but were silenced by Shadow waving a hoof in their direction. “We will settle this. Draw.”

Applejack sighed, drawing her weapon and facing down the mare. The two glared at each other for several tense moments, time appearing to stop as all ponies present held their breath.

“Three”

She exhaled deeply, trying to calm herself.

“Two”

Closing her eyes, she focused.

“One”

Placing her hooves solidly against the ground, she prepared.

“Fight!”

Chapter 7 - Shadowdancer

Applejack had barely any time to react as Shadowdancer lunged, blades aimed at her throat. Dodging sideways, she managed to miss the almost certainly lethal blow, instead getting a small nick across her flank; damaging, but not majorly so. Whirling around, the blademaster raised her sword, parrying the next strike, but received a kick in the jaw for her efforts, knocking her backwards. Shadow scoffed, purposefully striding towards the now prone mare.

“That all you've got, newbie?”

Growling, Applejack forced herself up, baring her teeth. Then her view was blocked as Ardent stepped in front of her.

“That's enough, Shadow. Leave her alone.”

The two pegasi glared at each other, Shadow tensed and ready to strike while Ardent stood sideways on, blocking as much of Applejack as possible.

“You seemed pretty for it when I told you to escort her here.”

“That was because you made it sound like a friendly duel. Not that you were trying to kill her.”

“Trying? I've been quite lenient so far given she's still alive.”

“You need to calm down Shadow. She doesn't understand what she's done.”

“Then let me teach her.” The rogue launched herself upwards, soaring over and diving at Applejack, who propelled herself backwards, just getting out of the way as the pegasi's swords dug into the ground where she had just been. On instinct, she reacted, swiping her sword across the mare's back while she was stuck, but it barely even touched her. In fact, Applejack was pretty sure her sword took more damage than she did.

Tutting, Shadow pulled herself free, stroking her coat where she'd been hit, smoothing it down. Glaring at Applejack, she lunged again. The orange pony ducked, but got a hindhoof to the face for her efforts, throwing her back into one of the benches, leaving her sprawled across it and badly wounded, red flashing in the edges of her vision.

“Get up newbie.” Shadow was slowly closing in. Applejack closed her eyes, anticipating the inevitable. She calmed her breathing and waited, hearing the blade whooshing through the air.

“PhaVak Rom!”

A scream forced her eyes open, and she saw Shadow recoiling back in horror, a tornado of fire surrounding her and singing her coat and mane. The tornado began to constrict, giving her less and less and room as she flailed helplessly. Applejack cast her eyes around the room and saw the source.

In the background was Violet Blaze, eyes glowing white with power. Her coat and mane whipped around in a strong wind, but she remained still. The rest of the crowd stood there, mouths agape at the unicorns display of raw power. Shadow began to scream louder as more and more of her body was caught in the raging flames, and Applejack saw fear on her face for the first time. Shaking her head, she shouted.

“VIOLET STOP IT!”

Violet faltered momentarily, magic dissipating swiftly and harmlessly. Her face morphed into one of shock as Shadow dropped to the ground, smoking and wheezing. Instantly she flicked through the book, eyes darting back and forth as she searched. “Repth,” she whispered, as magic caressed the prone form, barely healing her but after several repeat casts slowly returning her body to her previous healthy state, before moving to Applejack and doing the same, as she saw the red fade and her health bar refill almost instantly. Collapsing on her haunches, she looked down at the rogue before her. She was still struggling to breathe.

“Thanks Violet, but Ah think ya may have overdone it.”

The group began to close around the two mares in the centre of the room, checking over Applejack, then Shadow. Their bashful expressions and murmurs of apologies for not stepping in earlier were met with a shake of the head and comments of how it was alright. After all, she argued, Shadow seemed to have a bit of anger problem and needed to let it out, at least in Applejack's opinion. Everypony else disagreed.

Eventually she stirred, forced herself upright, looking around and mumbling apologies to the collected party, aside from Applejack, who she still looked disdainfully at.

“Uh, sugarcube, y'alright?”

Shadow snapped towards her, barely hiding a growl. “You even copied her speech pattern. Who the hell do you think you are?”

“Uh... What?” Applejack looked lost at the group, watching Starlight gently lean over and whisper in Shadow's ear. Her face remained stoic, before twitching a bit and turning towards the unicorn with a 'really?' expression, which was returned with a nod.

“Oh. Uh...” Shadow turned back to Applejack, far more reserved and calm this time. “You're really the real Applejack, huh?”

She nodded. “Yup, that's me.”

“You know, you aren't supposed to use--”

“Ah know!” Everypony laughed at her outburst, and soon she joined in, the weight of tension in the cathedral broken by the sounds of joy.

Several minutes of introductions later, Applejack wiped a lone tear from her eye that remained from the laughing, and looked over the guild in front of her, finally all collected in one place.

Rainbow Dash was playing Ardent Sunrise, a pegasus Berserker, the guild's specialist tactician and melee fighter.

Pinkie Pie was playing Party Time, an earth pony Adept Rogue, which had been explained was a class that mixed and matched between others. Party's choices were the 'Reaper', specialising in fighting lots of enemies in melee at once, and 'Gunner', a powerful ranged class using cannons.

Twilight's character was Violet Blaze, a high level unicorn Mage. By far the most knowledgeable pony, she knew nearly everything about the game, as well as being highly skilled at her class.

Rarity was using Starlight, a unicorn Brawler, which was apparently a kind of melee character who used specialised boots to fight foes with their hooves. Definitely not the class Applejack expected the delicate fashionista to use.

And Fluttershy was playing Shadowdancer, a terrifyingly intimidating pegasus Rogue, who Applejack couldn't help but feel was pretty much the exact opposite of the butter pony she knew and loved.

Oh and, of course, Applejack was playing Applejack, the earth pony Blademaster.

Confident in their introductions, they all sat down in the centre of the cathedral and chatted about inane things, what they'd been up to, any new items they'd picked up or friends they'd made. Applejack instead found herself looking up to the statue staring down at them. The sadness made her heart sink, even if it was just lifeless stone, it felt so much more than that.

“Hey, Applejack, you alright?”

Violet's voice startled Applejack, who flinched and chuckled lightly, turning to her companion. “Ah'm fine, sugarcube.”

“Really? Because you don't look it.” She edged closer, wrapping a hoof around her neck. “What's up?”

Applejack sighed. “Ah was jus' thinkin'...” she looked back up at the statue, Violet's gaze following hers. “That mare's Aura.”

Violet blinked. “Wow really?” Applejack gave a quick nod. “Wow, okay.” She turned back to the group. “Hey, Shadow, can you come here for a second?”

The pony in question 'eeped', hopping up on all fours and trotting over. “Yes, Violet?” She looked solemnly at Applejack for a moment. “Sorry again.”

Applejack laughed. “Honestly, sugarcube, it's fine.” Shadow mumbled some kind of counterpoint, but Applejack gave her a stern look, which ceased her protests.

“You uh... You fought well, actually... I'm impressed.”

“Hah, yeah everypony's been tellin' me that. Ah'm jus' doin' what comes naturally.”

Violet coughed between them, and they both looked at her apologetically. She shook her head and spoke to Shadow. “What do you know about the mare in that statue?”

Shadow blinked, looking between them, then up at the sad, stony visage. “Well uh... It's said she was a kind of caring spirit. Like a ghost, but not a ghost. It's said she had a lot of power but only used it to help those in dire need.”

“Helping them?” Violet questioned. “How?”

Shadow paused for a moment before looking awkward. “Sorry Violet, I don't know. It was just said that she protected the world from the darkness...”

“Where'd ya learn all this Shadow?”

The pegasus turned to Applejack. “It's just rumours and things, but that's the story. It's said that she used to be seen by players all the time, until she suddenly vanished.”

Ardent's voice piped up from behind her. “I've been playing the game since release, and I've never seen her.”

“Oh. Maybe she only appeared to certain ponies?” Shadow shifted nervously. “But either way it's all rumours, there's no evidence, and that statue has been here since I found this area.”

Applejack looked around at the room around them. “Ah know Ah haven't played much but... this seems pretty different ta me.”

“Yeah, this place is unique,” Violet answered, “at least, as far as we know. Peaceful though, which is nice.”

Leaning back, Applejack stared up at the ceiling. “Ah have ta say, Ah agree with ya on that one Violet.”

THUMP

And now she was lying on her back, stars spinning around her head, Party Time grinning down at her. She scowled and glared at the heavy reaper. “What d'ya think yer doin'?”

“I'm boooooooooored!”

Applejack rolled her eyes. “That's nice an' all but that hurt, Party. Be more careful.”

“But I wanna kill stuuuuufff!”

Cocking an eyebrow, Applejack gently shoved Party off of her, getting up herself and shaking her head, vision returning slowly. Party bounced away as the others moved in to check if she was alright, Starlight voicing her disapproval.

“I worry about that mare sometimes.” The group chuckled amongst themselves, a few nervous smiles passed between them. Applejack looked over at Party Time, who was now gracefully jumping from bench to bench for some reason. Shaking her head, she stretched, feeling her shoulder bones snap into place with a satisfying click. There was silence for a while, aside from the clinking of armour as Party leapt around energetically.

“Well, we should probably do something before Party starts bouncing off the ceiling.” Ardent spoke up. A few murmurs of agreement came from Shadow and Violet, while Starlight just gave a quick nod. They turned to Applejack. “Up for a bit of adventuring?”

She grinned. “Of course Ah am.”

The group smiled at her, Party suddenly appearing between Ardent and Violet. “Then let's gooooo!”

Laughing, the band trotted towards the exit, Ardent and Party leading the way. Applejack found herself next to Shadow, who looked far more confident and intimidating now, but definitely had that air of kindness radiating from her. Shadow noticed and smiled softly at Applejack. “Sorry for earlier. I tend to uh... Get a bit angry sometimes...”

She chuckled. “S'alright sugarcube, Ah can't expect--”

A loud explosion rocked the area, shaking her to her core. “What in tarnation...?” Whipping around, she lowered herself into a fighting stance. Just beneath Aura's statue was a new figure, a monster twice her height, made of rock. Another golem. But unlike the previous one, this one had strange green shapes melded to its surface in random places, almost like armour. As the other girls came up alongside her, it turned, facing them with a growl. Its face was warped, half of it covered by these weird regular growths, glowing with an uneasy light.

“PhaVak Don!”

Violet stepped forward, tome glowing with her horn. Applejack watched as magic coalesced above the creature, forming a giant fireball which split into several smaller ones as it descended, wrapping the creature in a savage inferno. But to Applejack, and the other's horror, the golem merely roared, striding forth from the blaze. The scorch marks all over its body healed, the hexagonal armour moving across its form randomly.

“W-what?” The mage's eyes were wide with terror.

“Ah thought y'all said this zone didn't have no monsters!”

Shadow growled, snapping a blade free. “It doesn't.” Around her, Applejack heard the sounds of the others unsheathing their weapons, and followed suit. Ardent looked across them, then to their opponent, who had now managed to work himself into a run.

“I can't get a reading on it.” Starlight uttered, attempting to remain calm. “It's not appearing on my screen.”

The rest nodded in agreement.

“Violet! Find out what this thing is!” Ardent barked, the mage nodding instantly and bringing up multiple menus. “Applejack, with Party and Shadow! Star, with me. We'll keep it off you!” The three nodded, their leader grinning in response before hardening her expression. “NOW!” She charged.

Ardent met the beast with her shoulder, stumbling it as she swept the blade across its chest. A deep gash formed, but resealed as the creature forced itself up. As it went to retaliate, it was met with an armoured hoof to the face, knocking it backwards as Starlight sailed over it. She slammed her hoof into its chin in a wicked uppercut, launching it into the air. A streak of darkness rushed past Applejack as the pegasus at her side launched at it faster than she'd ever seen, driving her blades into its back. Applejack took the opportunity to charge forward, blade drawn, and skidded between its legs, sword slicing through one of its limbs. It dropped to one knee, howling, when it was twisted around as Shadow pulled her blades free. A loud crackling was followed by a roar as a bolt from Party's cannon blew its face open, showering the group in a cloud of dust.

For a few tense moments, all that could be heard was heavy breathing, the dust obscuring their vision. Applejack panted slightly, sword still ready, as they waited. Nothing happened, and she felt a hoof on her shoulder, and looked up at Ardent, who nodded.

A fist of stone shot from the veil, slamming into the armoured pegasus and sending her into the far wall, leaving a deep crater. She moaned, collapsing onto the floor in a heap. In an instant Applejack ran to her side. “Ardent!”

“Jeez, that thing hits hard.” She laughed weakly and coughed, barely alive. Gritting her teeth, she forced herself upright, glaring at the dust cloud. Applejack followed her view, watching in terror as the golem swung its fists around, attempting to strike her allies. It didn't even look scratched, in fact it looked annoyed more than anything else. The group, at least, were doing a good job of dodging, but each time they moved they looked more tired, and the golem got closer with its strikes.

“Violet! Healing, NOW!” Ardent snapped. Violet glanced up, nodding and pulling a potion from her bags which she tossed to her companion, who drank it greedily. Instantly her body was surrounded in a warm glow, and she shook herself, stepping forwards and swinging her sword a few times. She turned to the Applejack, who was watching the combat unfold with concern. “Applejack,” a hoof was placed on her shoulder. “Get to Violet, find out what the hell this thing is and how to kill it.”

“Y-yes ma'am!” Applejack couldn't help but salute Ardent, who'd now launched herself into the fray, diving to save Party just before she was clobbered. Applejack sprinted around the battle, skidding to a halt next to Violet and tapping her gently. Her face was locked in fear, muttering to herself as she desperately tried to remain calm.

“Violet, how do we kill it?”

Violet shook her head rapidly. “That's the thing Applejack, I can't find it anywhere. For all intents and purposes,” she pointed a hoof at the golem to reinforce her statement, “that monster does not exist.”

Applejack blinked, then groaned. “Not again.” She scratched her head. “Well, it's probably hidden somewhere. Jus' keep lookin' an' we'll keep fightin'.” Violet's head snapped to the fight as she lobbed another potion at Party Time, who'd just been sent flying across the room. Applejack gulped. “Jus' find somethin' soon.”

“I'll try.” She went back to her screens, stopping only to toss healing to anypony who got hit, which was rapidly becoming more frequent. Grimacing, Applejack drew her sword and charged at the beast, desperate to help her friends. As she neared, it swung around at her instantly, and Applejack barely jumped over the attack, skidding across the floor. Jumping aside, she dodged a follow up attack and slashed across its upper arm. Overhead soared Shadow, who drove her blades into the wound Applejack had created, trying to prevent it from closing. Following her example, Applejack launched herself up, clambering up the creature's side and attacking relentlessly at its arm, trying to cut deeper. Casting a glance at Shadowdancer, she saw her face locked in an expression of pure, unadulterated hate. Anger she'd never seen on the real Fluttershy's face. It terrified her, more so than the creature attempting to kill them. Gulping, she returned to driving her blade in.

The monster began rocking, violently waving its arms around in an attempt to get the two ponies attacking it off, but Starlight and Ardent wailed on it endlessly, keeping its attention fixed on them. Party sailed around the fight, firing bolts of energy into its face to keep it blinded. Slowly, the two mares riding the golem sawed through its arm, gradually getting deeper with each stroke. Eventually they made it, and Applejack reared her head in the air, bringing her sword down hard into the wound, snapping the limb free. The creature roared, and Applejack saw a glint on her screen, the target information window popping up finally.

She didn't have time to read it, however, as the joint of the monster's arm flashed brightly, then unleashed a shockwave, launching the party away from it. Smashing through several benches as she skidded along the floor, Applejack barely managed to hold onto conciousness, gazing up at the creature. It stood completely still, arms outstretched, severed arm floating in mid air. She saw the rest of the group, all spread across the room and clearly in pain, looking at it, watching in anticipation for the moment when it would collapse into dust.

But it never came. The detached arm slammed back into the torn socket, light glimmering momentarily as the beast healed. “What...”

Anger washed over Applejack's face as she forced herself upright, growling. Her growls turned to shouts, screams, as she forced her battered body to move, charging blindly at the creature, who ignored her and focused on her allies, who were all lying helplessly on the ground. Even Violet, far from the combat, was incapacitated, her horn spluttering with weak magic as she attempted to cast even a simple healing spell. Ignoring the warnings flashing over her screen, the near empty health bars of her and her friends, she galloped between the golem's legs as it raised its fists over Ardent, ready to deliver the final blow. Applejack skidded to a halt, standing over the downed pegasus, who looked up weakly and groaned.

“Applejack... run...”

Applejack stood her ground, glaring up at the creature's fists as it brought them down onto her. “No.”

Ping.

Time slowed, then halted. Applejack blinked in confusion as the golem ceased movement. A gentle breeze wafted through her mane, causing her to turn around. There was no one there, but she felt a presence, a sense of protection.

“Use the book.”

Applejack spun on the spot as the voice rang through her head. “A-Aura?”

“Use the book.”

A tingling filled her body, and she felt something lift itself from her. Turning again, she saw the book floating in mid air, gently rising. Warily, she reached out and pressed a hoof to it. The tome snapped open, wrapping her in magic and pulling her into the air. Struggling, she attempted to fight the tendrils of energy, but they were far stronger than she was, securing her in place, facing the spread book. Foreign words covered the pages as it flipped through, a strong gale rushing through the cathedral and whipping her mane about. Shouting in protest, she saw the book flip through its final pages before snapping shut with a resounding crash.

Then it exploded. Golden orbs floated around her, then forced themselves into her chest as she hung helplessly. Uncomfortable warmth filled her body, then burned as she felt it spread throughout her form. Her outfit rippled, shimmered, warping into a darker, slightly blue tint, suited towards lunar guards as wisps of shadow wafted off it. The glow spread down her legs, jagged bright red waves forming a band just above her hooves. It travelled up her neck, reaching her head, as two inverted V shapes formed on each of her cheeks, colour matching those on her hooves. Wrapping her head in magic, her eyes dulled for a moment, forcing themselves shut, before she snapped them open, the green irises morphed to a gold which shone with life, as though they were lit from within.

The excess energy burst forth from her limbs in a shower, swirling around her body and merging in a ring which orbited her right forehoof. The golden colour dimmed, forming a mix of pale blues and greens, as it condensed into solid shapes; an interlocking bracelet of crystalline hexagons that hovered as though held by magic. Light burst from her body as the changes were consolidated, and she dropped to the floor of her own accord, no long held by spell.

Time slowly began to speed up, resuming. Applejack looked up at the golem's fist, grinning. The warnings all over her screen faded, leaving her with the UI she understood. As the golem slammed down, she acted. Ducking, she picked up Ardent, who was by now aware that something was wrong but too weak to act, and leapt away. Carefully, she deposited her on the floor, turning to face her opponent. Behind her, Ardent coughed and mumbled.

“Applejack... what...?”

Grinning at her companion, she winked. “Get everyone healed.”

The golem roared, and she turned her attention to it as it charged. “I'll keep it busy.” Glancing at the target window, she drew her sword as she read it.

M!n*r R0c$ “(l”m

HP: £991/400

Well, that was certainly unusual. Smirking, she leapt, meeting the golem's charge with her sword as she slashed through its side. As expected, it healed up fully, but spun to face her, ignoring her allies as, one by one, they healed each other enough to stand. Applejack closed her eyes, focusing. She heard the footfalls of the creature, the cracking of stone under it, the rushing of air as it swung. Instinctively, she ducked under the wild punch and struck again, this time at its wrist. The monster roared, attempting to strike at Applejack, who kept dodging effortlessly, retaliating with her own attacks, focusing on keeping its attention on her. It was certainly working as it rumbled in frustration. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw her allies all upright, watching her in a mix of awe and confusion.

“Now!” she barked. For a second, they seized, before Ardent nodded.

“You heard the mare: move out! Same tactics as before!”

The fight broke out again, but morale was renewed. Even though the creature healed any damage it took, the six worked together flawlessly. Ardent and Starlight stepped in to peel its attention from Applejack, who worked with Shadow and Party to attack it from behind, while Violet sat back and blasted it with magical fire. Ardent shifted back into a commanding role, barking orders to the group, and slowly they began to wear it down.

“It's not dying!” Starlight yelled over the crackling of fire. “I don't know how much longer we can do this for!”

“We jus' have ta try!” Applejack responded, leaping onto the creature's back and driving her blade into its spine. It arched, roaring and swinging as she held on for dear life. A blast from Party to the back of its head stopped it for a moment, and she used to opportunity to pull on her sword, breaking a large chunk of rock out of it. Shadowdancer appeared on top of its head, driving her blades into the base of its neck as it howled. Another shot from the reaper pony knocked it to the floor, and the glimmering green armour on it wavered slightly, cracking. Applejack felt a warmth around her hoof, and looked down to see the bracelet of matching shapes pulsing.

“What the hay...?”

Her body acted on its own accord, propelling her off the monster's back and into the air. Falling for a mere moment, she levelled the bracelet to it as she began to hover.

“Everypony back now!” she shouted, trying to fight her actions.

They all turned to her, confused. Ardent spoke up. “Applejack... What?”

“MOVE!”

Hastily, they did, diving for cover. The bracelet shone, becoming fully corporeal. The hexagons making up its shape disconnected, rotating faster and faster. Suddenly they stopped, locking into place. Five prongs burst out in a regular pattern, surrounding her outstretched leg in a vague cone. As the golem stirred and began to move, Applejack felt energy course throughout her entire body into the bracelet, its form collapsing and unleashing a stream of energy into its back, locking it in place and freezing it. For a moment, all was still, then wild arcs of blue and green energy burst from the bracelet, tearing through its prone form and shattering the armour entirely as the bracelet shone brightly. In a few moments it was over, her body dropping to the ground as the bracelet faded from existence. She stared at it blankly, not sure what to feel.

A roar caught her attention, and she looked up at the monster, now looking far more normal, if no less scary. She peered at the target window again.

Minor Rock Golem

HP: 400/400

She raised a hoof over her eyes as a bolt of crackling energy streaked over her head and slammed into its chest, distributing its body all over the cathedral. Silence fell over the zone as the others slowly approached Applejack.

“So...” Ardent broke her trance. “Anypony want to explain what just happened?”

Applejack looked at the group surrounding her awkwardly, gauging their reactions. Shadow and Party both looked inquisitive, the reaper especially focused on where Applejack's bracelet had been. Violet trembled slightly, while Starlight rubbed her chin thoughtfully. Ardent stood before Applejack, meeting her eyes and staring intently, her face deadpan but those bright eyes scrutinizing her like they had when they'd just met. Applejack found herself shuffling nervously, unable to look away, but simultaneously unable to form any words as she struggled to understand what had occurred.

“Ah... Ah don't know...” she eventually managed to get out. The pegasus studied her for a few more moments after that before nodding and ceasing eye contact, looking to Violet. Applejack let her head drop and exhaled a breath she didn't realise she was holding as she vaguely heard the rest of the group descend into hushed whispering. Keeping her head down, she sat on her haunches and rubbed her foreleg idly. There was no physical presence of the bracelet, although the new markings tingled slightly with warmth. Her ears twitched as she caught bits of the conversation around her.

“...maybe a hacked item?” Violet had whispered to Ardent, causing her to sharply inhale, her armour rustling subtly as she shook her head.

“She'd never be a bucker.” There was a hint of contempt and disbelief in her voice at that last word.

“They're called hackers, Ardent. And no, not knowingly, but how else do you explain...” She didn't need to see to know she was being pointed at. Tensing slightly, she turned her attention to the other unicorn and pegasus on her other side.

“...like it before.” The meek voice of Fluttershy broke through her character's shell for a moment, but there was an underlying layer of admiration in her tone.

“Me neither darling. Event, perhaps?”

“Violet said it wasn't but then maybe it is because this is new and secret and stuff!” Party sounded like she was struggling to not live up to her name, her voice barely below normal speaking volume.

“It could be,” Shadow spoke again, contemplatively. “But then, why would--”

“Excuse me ladies,” Ardent returned to normal volume. “Violet and I would like to share some thoughts.”

Starlight agreed for the three, and they gathered in front of Applejack. She felt a hoof on her chin lift her head up, and stared into the silvery eyes of her friend, whose expression was now one of concern rather than of detached inspection. A soft smile was on her lips, and Applejack felt herself smile back automatically. A hoof placed itself gently on her head, causing her to growl at Ardent, who was now wearing a massive grin. A soft chorus of 'aww's made Applejack's cheeks flush, and she rapidly rose, attempting to scowl but failing to suppress the smile on her muzzle. Her friends laughed, and she breathed easily.

“Applejack,” the armoured mare began, “we'd like to talk.”

Chapter 8 - Friendship

“So Applejack,” Ardent began, “how about you tell us what you think happened first?”

Applejack looked thoughtful for a few moments before nodding in agreement, describing Aura speaking to her and blessing her, infusing her with magic, her body rejuvenating and the bracelet binding itself to her. Idly she felt the markings on her hooves, no longer warm from the magic within them, pondering out loud what they meant. Starlight was the one who pointed out that she also had similar symbols on her cheeks, and that her eyes had changed colour. The conversation quickly turned to the attack she'd performed on the golem, which she had no idea about.

“It fired by itself,” she'd stated, completely at a loss. “All Ah knew was it was doin' somethin', didn't know what.”

Violet had her hoof on her chin, humming in thought, while Starlight was running a hoof over where the bracelet had been. “Strange. I don't feel anything there.” Silence fell over the group as they speculated. Ideas were passed between them, ranging from a rogue admin to a bug in the game to a secret event, but all arguments had their flaws and the six were left as clueless as before.

“We have to test this,” Violet stated, before a yawn broke her train of thought. It spread infectiously, and soon the cathedral was filled with the sounds of six sleepy mares. Quickly it devolved into quiet giggles as the girls teased Violet.

“Y'all need to sleep, Vi, else we ain't gonna solve this.” Applejack placed a hoof on her shoulder and grinned, before turning to the rest of the group. “An' Ah think Ah might hit the hay mahself. Been a long day.”

Around her the ponies nodded and agreed, saying their goodbyes and logging off in turn, thanking the others for playing. Party was extremely giddy, thanking Applejack for letting them fight something 'uber powerful', while Shadow expressed her admiration for her combat abilities. Starlight gave a short nod in the girls direction, complimenting Applejack's new appearance, before explaining that she had a busy day tomorrow and needed to get some sleep.

Soon it was just Ardent, Applejack and Violet left. The pegasus expressed some concern for Applejack's well-being, but otherwise smiled and wished her well, logging off to get some well earned rest in her eyes. The two remaining ponies stared awkwardly around each other for a several moments before Applejack spoke.

“So Violet...” she scratched her neck leisurely, “Ah'm assumin' nothin' like this has happened before?”

Violet shook her head. “Nope, at least not that I've heard of. I'll just go check the boards.” She began to walk away, but Applejack put a hoof on her shoulder and gently pulled her back.

“Twilight, get some sleep. We can look this up later.” She looked solemnly into her friends eyes, her tiredness seeping through subtly. Reluctantly, Violet nodded, placing a hoof to her mouth as she yawned again, too tired to protest. Stepping back, she waved at her, her body fading as she logged out, wishing her goodnight.

Applejack was about to log out herself when she paused and shook her head, grinning. Instead, she warped back to town.

The cathedral was once again silent, the inside torn and wrecked from the chaotic battle. A low hum came over the zone, and a burst of static would've flashed across the view of anypony present. As soon as it was over, the cathedral was once again pristine, well kept. Benches were back in their place and looked unused. The remains of the golem were gone, the scorch and scratch marks from combat ceasing to exist. An eternal sunset shone through the window, framing the statue of Aura.

Applejack appeared in town by the Chaos Gate. She'd have to guess it was quite late now, probably near to midnight, by the lack of ponies. There were a few wandering around, but none that she recognized. But instead of going into the town proper, she waited by the gate, leaning against the wall, hidden in the shadows. A quiet yawn broke the tension, and she looked over to see a unicorn sat in the corner, cuddling a blade her size. Her hair was messy and unkempt, teal with glimmering stripes of cerulean. Her long tail wrapped around her coat, a very pale pink, almost white, plain metal plates covering her upper legs and down her spine. Her eyes were shut, and she looked almost as though she were about to fall asleep.

“Y'alright, sugarcube?” Applejack called over quietly, not wanting to startle her. The mare turned her head in her direction, cracking a magenta eye open and regarding the orange pony. She smiled slightly.

“Yeah, just waitin' for a friend.” The pony lazily gestured for Applejack to join her, and she complied, sitting next to her and leaning against the wall. The unicorn threw her head back, sighing loudly. “She was supposed to be here aaaaaages ago!”

Applejack chuckled. “Yeah, Ah know ponies like that. 'Ah'll meet ya at 10', then they don't show up fer another hour!” The two laughed amongst themselves, the unicorn playfully prodding her in the ribs.

As the laughter died down to quiet chuckles, the pony held a hoof out. “Name's Scratch.”

Applejack smiled and bumped hooves. “Ah'm Applejack. Nice ta meet ya.”

Scratch looked contemplatively at her for a moment, scratching her chin. “You know, I'm pretty sure I've heard of somepony with that name...” Applejack winced slightly, shook her head, waiting for the inevitable question, but it never came. Instead Scratch shrugged and grinned. “Your character looks pretty unique. How'd you do that?”

Applejack looked confused for a moment, to which her companion gestured to her cheeks and hooves. Letting out a small “oh” in comprehension, she was about to explain when she thought back to the others. Maybe best to keep what happened secret. Racking her brains, she tried to come up with an excuse.

“It was... uh... an... event?” she lied, unconvincingly. To her credit though, Scratch just looked amused at her for a moment before shrugging and looking back to the Chaos Gate.

“Cool, sounds like a fun event. Look suits you too.” She gave her a quick glance and coy smile, winking. Applejack felt her cheeks warm slightly as she blushed and coughed nervously, joining her in watching the floating orb.

“So, who are you waiting for?” Scratch broke the silence, looking aside to Applejack.

She paused. “A friend. Said they'd go offline, but Ah reckon they're jus' waitin'.”

Scratch laughed, wrapping a hoof around her neck and grinning. “Oh I know what you mean. Tell you what.” She brought up a menu and swung it across in front of Applejack. Manipulating it, she prodded a few options faster than she could read until it settled on a pale yellow screen.

Quest Log

Active Quest: Δ Expansive Haunted Sea of Sand

Level: 3

Applejack raised an eyebrow as she continued. “I have this quest I never got 'round to doing. It's about your level, right?” She nodded, and Scratch grinned. “Right, so if my friend shows up before yours, you have to come beat it with me. Cool?”

For a few moments, Applejack just stared blankly. “Uh, surely y'all can beat it faster without me slowin' ya down?”

Scratch shrugged and winked. “Yeah, but I won't get anything for doing it aside from clearing it from my log.” She playfully punched Applejack's shoulder. “Plus this means I'm doing my good deed for the day: helping a newbie!”

She continued to stare, moving to protest, state that she was too tired, before she shrugged and quelled those thoughts, shaking her head and smiling. Raising her hoof, she spat on it before holding it up for Scratch, who mirrored the action and reciprocated. “Yer on!”

Unfortunately for Applejack, the words hadn't even finished echoing when a 'whoosh' from the Chaos Gate signalled a log in. Scratch's grin widened as she glanced at the newcomer, before she burst out laughing, falling onto her back and holding her sword close as she tried to calm down. Curiously, Applejack turned to see what was so funny.

Standing by the Chaos Gate was a tan earth pony, hoof on her face as she saw the floored unicorn. Her short black mane curved around her face, framing it as she sighed. Applejack glanced down the rest of the mare, taking in her tight-fitting leather jacket that covered a good half of her body, and her short, tidy tail. Strapped to her side was a very strange looking instrument, kind of like a guitar, but made of a dark metal.

A cough caught her attention, and she broke out of her stare and looked up at the pony, who was considering her with bright green eyes. At Applejack's look she appeared to flinch slightly, before nodding politely and turning to Scratch, who was still laughing.

“Scratch, what is it this time?” she questioned, and Applejack assumed this was the friend they were waiting for. Muttering, she cursed her luck and stepped back, letting the two talk.

Breathing heavily, Scratch managed to calm herself enough to respond. “It's just... we just bet and... you showed up... perfect...” she descended back into fits of laughter, and the earth pony shook her head and looked to Applejack instead.

“Do you have any idea what's with her?”

Applejack glanced over and rolled her eyes. “Ah was waitin' fer a friend, so was she, we made a bet on who was gonna turn up first, and then y'all show up as we agree.” She shook her head. “Can't believe mah luck t'day.”

The earth pony was silent for a few moments before letting out a single, short chuckle and tapping Scratch on the forehead. Leaving her friend on the ground to collect herself, she trotted over to Applejack's side and bowed her head.

“My name is Alto Clef.” She brushed a rogue strand of hair out of her eyes, looking up in a gesture for her to reply.

“Applejack. Pleased ta meetcha.” The pony held a hoof out to her new acquaintance, who shook it gently to her surprise. The two smiled at each other, then turned to Scratch, who was now forcing herself upright, cheeks wet with tears of laughter. Applejack shook her head while her companion face-hoofed again. Scratch wiped her face, then winked at the two of them.

“Glad to see you finally show up, Clef!”

The earth pony groaned and rolled her eyes. “You know how it is with the orchestra.”

“I know, I know, I'm just teasing,” Scratch gave a sweet smile, then turned her attention to Applejack. “Looks like I win!”

Applejack smiled slightly as she copied Clef's expression. “Fine, Ah'll clear that area fer ya.”

Scratch looked taken aback for a brief moment, gasping. “No no no! I believe the deal was you helped me clear it. So...” she paused for a moment, bringing up a menu, “to that end...”

Player Chkchkchk wishes to exchange Member Addresses!

Applejack stared blankly at the message for a while, glancing between it and the unicorn in front of her. Tentatively, she accepted it. “That's an... interesting name y'all've got there.”

“Mmhmm, but it's pretty unique.” She winked as she sent the orange mare a party invite, which was accepted quickly.

“Ahem.” Clef coughed, looking between the two. “Do either of you want to explain what's going on?”

Scratch flashed a smile at the earth pony before gesturing to Applejack. “I said if you showed up first, she'd help me clear a low level area!”

“And why did you decide to do this exactly?”

“I dunno, she seemed like a nice pony and is pretty new so I thought I'd help her out.” Smiling sweetly at Applejack, she saluted.

“And I suppose you think I'm coming too?” The tan mare's tone of voice clearly showed her resignation.

“Come on Clef, it'll be nice and easy, and you'll get to relax a bit.” She looked knowingly at her companion. “I know what you're like after your concerts.”

A subtle blush came over Clef, who averted her gaze and coughed. “Yes well, I suppose so,” she turned her attention to Applejack, tapping a few times at a menu.

Player Alto Clef wishes to exchange Member Addresses!

Applejack nodded, accepting the invite. “Howdy, Miss Clef,” she bowed slightly to her new friend. “Although Ah do need ta learn how ta do that mahself.”

Scratch laughed. “I'm sure you'll pick it up in time. Now, we have an area to...” she trailed off as a soft whoosh echoed behind them, and all three turned to face the newcomer, a lavender unicorn with a fiery mane. The mare looked skittish, not looking at any of them and beginning to trot into town when Applejack coughed, getting her attention. Glancing up, she froze, forcing a smile as the two recognized each other.

“Applejack! Oh, I wasn't expecting--” Violet began.

“Violet, go to bed.”

Violet hung her head solemnly, “Yes ma'am.” And then she faded.

The three looked at one another before bursting into laughter. Well, Applejack and Scratch burst into laughter; Clef was content with a more refined and subtle chuckle.

“That's your friend?” Scratch had finally got the breath to utter, to which Applejack nodded. She began laughing again. “Wow, already in with the big leagues, huh?”

Applejack cocked an eyebrow, smile still warm on her face. “Beg yer pardon?”

“Well,” Scratch opened her eyes, wiping away a happy tear, “You are apparently friends with the strongest character in the game.”

“Ah am?”

It was Scratch's turn to look curious. “Yeah. Violet Blaze. Highest level pony in the entire game. You didn't know?”

Applejack coughed quietly, shaking her head. Clef nodded, speaking up. “Well, to be fair, it's not like she relishes the attention.” At the Applejack's interested look, she continued. “She's not one to brag. Unlike that Dusk Glimmer,” she glared angrily at a particular stone in the gate before turning back, face neutral. “Wouldn't surprise me if she didn't tell you, she doesn't think it's a particularly big thing.”

Nodding, Applejack agreed. “Yeah, doesn't sound like her,” when the two looked at her inquisitively, she stammered on, “Ah know her in real life. Braggin' doesn't fit her real self much.”

Her two new friends glanced at each other for a moment before sounding their acceptance. Silence fell briefly until Scratch suddenly leapt at the Chaos Gate, shouting “Hey let's go!”

Player Chkchkchk is teleporting to Δ Expansive Haunted Sea of Sand ! Join?

Clef and Applejack exchanged a look before hitting the accept button simultaneously, the world falling apart around them.

*****

“Well, it certainly lives up to it's name,” Applejack remarked as she stared out at the landscape. It was, well, an expansive sea of sand. Not so much haunted though, at least not yet. The flat plain was broken intermittently by grey rocks jutting out of the ground, and a light breeze carried a few grains of sand lazily by. Applejack followed Scratch to the dungeon, not too far away this time, chatting to Clef as they walked.

“Mm yes. At least it isn't too hot,” Alto Clef replied, adjusting her jacket. Her hoof caught a couple of strings on her instrument and a sharp tone rang through the desert. Applejack glanced over, nosily.

“What's that thing ya got there?” she pointed to the guitar-thing. Clef followed her gaze and lifted it up for her to inspect.

“This old thing? A ukulele, dear.”

Applejack raised an eyebrow, noting that she might have to buy some tape so she could lock her face in that expression and save herself some energy. “Never heard of it.”

“Well, they are quite rare in Equestria, that's for sure,” she smiled softly. “Of course, in this world, such restrictions don't apply.”

The orange mare nodded in acceptance, but scratched her chin. “Still, doesn't seem like much of a weapon, when everypony else is tryin' ta kill everythin'.”

To her surprise, Clef laughed. “Oh my dear, you've never seen a bard in action, have you?” Before she could continue, they heard a shout from the dungeon entrance, and looked up to see Scratch there, yelling at them to hurry up. They glanced at each other then rolled their eyes in unison, picking up their pace to meet her as she stood by the giant oak door and holding it open.

“Ladies first,” she bowed, grinning.

“Shut up, Scratch,” Clef muttered, striding through. Applejack took a look at the building proper before she entered. Unlike the dreary castle in the first zone, this one looked far more regal, fitting for royalty. The stone was a plain yellow sandstone, with windows obscured by brightly coloured silk curtains. Feeling far more content with this dungeon, she trotted in, nodding a thanks to Scratch as she passed.

Inside was even more impressive. The walls were adorned with paintings, markings and all sorts of other decorations, even vibrant flowers hanging in baskets from the ceiling. A golden light shone through the building, calming her and giving the castle a sense of being lived in, despite the lack of any evidence for it. Stepping forwards, she inspected a couple of the paintings on the walls, none of which she recognized, although she'd be the first to say she was never one for art.

Whispers from behind her caught her attention, and she glanced at her two companions, deep in conversation. Despite herself, she ended up eavesdropping a little bit.

“...was supposed to be our time.”

“I know, but look at her. Don't you want to know how she ended up like that?”

“Yes, but not right now. I was hoping to get some private time with you but you just had to invite somepony else, didn't you?”

“Look, it was just today. I'll owe you after, alright? How about we--”

It was after the next few statements that were in exquisite detail Applejack felt she really didn't need to know, that she realised she was listening to a conversation she was not meant to be hearing and trotted briskly down the hallway, pretending to be enraptured by some other art piece further away. Fighting against the blush in her cheeks, she rounded the corner, breathing heavily.

“Brain, Ah don't need that image,” she stated, hooves drilling into her temples as she tried to forget everything she'd just heard. It wasn't working, and she groaned quietly.

A hoofstep nearby caught her attention, and she looked up only to find hooves suddenly pressing at her neck and on her mouth before she could even react. Wildly she flailed, but felt a sharp crack in her back and winced as she watched her health meter drop to half. She went limp, feeling herself be dragged by an unknown assailant into a nearby sideroom. Deposited roughly onto the floor, she stared at the ceiling, paralyzed, as she heard the wooden door creak closed and a metal bolt lock into place. Blinking away tears, she saw shadows moving in the edge of her vision and tried to move.

“Aww, ain't that cute. Newbie's got a little fight in her!” This voice was completely new; for one thing it was a gravelly stallion's, but she had no idea who it was.

“I doubt it, Chuckles,” a different voice, deeper than the previous one. “Watch.” Applejack felt the paralysis wear off and forced herself to her hooves, leaping away from the voices and drawing her sword, growling. Now she could see her opponents: four dark coated pegasi, all in similar light armour and with similar physical builds, aside from one who was a noticeable amount larger than the others. All of them towered above Applejack though, and she gulped.

One of them whistled as the leader stepped forwards, a dark grin on his face. “Now little mare, we just want to ask you a few questions.”

Applejack snorted, biting harder on her sword. Except... she looked down, realising her mouth was empty. One of the stallions laughed, and she glanced up at him to see him twirling her sword in his hooves.

“Looking for this?” it was the first stallion. Applejack gulped.

“W-what d' y'all want?”

The leader took another step closer. “I just said, we just want to ask a few questions. Now...” he stepped again, Applejack backing up. She felt the oak door on her back, the metal bar keeping it shut cool against her spine. As the leader advanced, towering over her, she felt beads of sweat roll down her forehead. Nearly panicking, she turned her head to yell for help.

The world flipped as she soared through the air, spluttering as the blow to her neck made it difficult to breath. Her vision wavered and she tried to force herself up but failed, legs collapsing under her. Around her laughter echoed, as the leader leaned down towards her.

“Don't call for help. Understand?” He placed a hoof on her throat threateningly. Swallowing, Applejack complied, nodding her head. The hoof retracted. “Good. Now, what I was going to say was, how did you end up with markings like those?”

Applejack... paused for a few moments. That was it? “Well...” she stammered, trying to fight past the pain in her throat. “It was an... event.”

One of the smaller pegasi laughed, and she faintly felt a hoof kick at her back. “What do you take us for, idiots?”

The leader glared at the other pegasus, who cowered slightly and backed away. He turned his attention back to Applejack, moving closer. “I'm going to ask again. How did you get those markings?”

Swallowing loudly, she stammered. “I-it was an event, Ah swear.”

A cold, steel point pressed itself into her neck, and she felt herself being dragged to her hooves. “That isn't how the game works, newbie. Now I'm going to ask one last time. Markings. How?” The point she realised belonged to her own sword, and it jabbed painfully into her without piercing to drive the point home. Her eyes went wide and she tried desperately to hold herself together, unable to articulate a response.

After a few moments, the blade was removed, and Applejack let in a deep breath before feeling hooves on her windpipe, threatening to crush it. Her hooves left the ground as she was lifted into the air, struggling weakly. Two of the pegasi laughed, while the leader looked almost disappointedly at her. “Well, this was a waste of time.” At Applejack's pathetic attempts to fight back, he grinned. “Oh yeah, forgot. This is how it works, newbie. You're weak. We're strong. You give us what we want, or we kill you. And since you haven't given us what we want...” he trailed off, his grin turning malevolent and widening. The hooves pressed more strongly as blackness crept into the edges of her vision.

“Sorry newbie, looks like it's ga--”

Then the door exploded.

Chapter 9 - The Bard's Tale

Applejack felt her body collapse limply to the floor as chaos erupted all around her. Struggling, she breathed laboriously, glancing up at the door. Or, more accurately, where the door was a few moments ago. Now, there was instead a thick cloud of dust, pieces of oak shrapnel strewn across the room. The lead pegasus was growling, lacerations across one of his sides. One of the others was howling in pain, covering his face with a hoof. The metal bar was torn in half roughly, lying in the doorway.

A shadowy figure appeared in the fog, slowly approaching. As the ringing in Applejack's ears wore off, she heard a familiar voice call out.

“Well look at this! Appears we got here just in the nick of time. What does that make us?”

A second figure appeared beside the first, and as the dust cleared she couldn't help but grin at Scratch and Clef standing side by side. While Scratch was smirking giddily, her companion stood still, eyes staring intensely at the pegasi surrounding Applejack.

“Scratch, I'm not answering that,” Clef broke the glare long enough to glance disapprovingly at her as she brushed her coat free of dust and shrapnel. Her ukulele hung limply by its strap, intermittently arcing bolts of electricity into the ground.

Scratch groaned, giving her companion puppy dog eyes. “C'mon Clef! Pleeeeeease?” Her lower lip trembled slightly and she sniffed sadly.

Clef sighed, placing a hoof over her face. “...Big damn heroes, ma'am.”

Scratch's expression instantly switched to a maniacal grin, as she adjusted her stance and wrapped her oversized blade in magic, swinging it through the air like it was nothing. “Ain't we just.” She gestured to Applejack with her sword. “Sorry to interrupt folks, but you've got somepony that belongs to us, and we'd like her back.”

The leader's muzzle hardened in anger as he drew his own blade, equal in size to Scratch's. “This is guild business. You can't think to cross the Runed Blades.” A couple of the other pegasi followed their largest's example, drawing their own weapons; jagged daggers. Clef scoffed.

Scratch tilted her head at the earth pony. “You see this mare with the ukulele?” Clef raised it, strumming it once. Applejack watched in fascination as electricity ran up and down the strings as she did. Scratch glanced to the orange mare momentarily, “now I'm not saying you weren't easy to find”, her attention snapped back to the pegasi, “but this area was pretty out of our way and she didn't really want to come here in the first place. Mare's looking to kill some ponies.” A bolt of lightning whizzed past one of the smaller pegasi's heads, causing him to jump and whimper.

“So really”, she twirled the blade effortlessly, grinning at the group of smaller pegasi, who were visibly far less confident, “it should be her you should be worried about crossing.”

The leader growled, scowling at the two ponies, who stared back unflinchingly. He stood his ground for a few moments, then reared up and roared.

“Nopony speaks of the Blades that lightly. Attack!”

A couple of protested murmurs answered him, and he whirled round on his companions. “Don't tell me you've gone soft! Take these fools out!”

One of the pegasi quivered. “But sir... aren't they-”

“Hah! As if those good-for-nothing mercs would help a penniless newbie. Just some showmares in over their heads.” Spinning back, he gritted his teeth around the blade, crouched low, then leapt.

For most ponies, the sight of a massive slab of muscle charging forth at breakneck speeds carrying a sword their size would be enough to terrify and send them running. Clearly, this was the reaction he'd been expecting, so when Scratch met his blade grinning, his expression faltered momentarily before he pushed on, screaming in rage.

“Clef! You ready?” Clef nodded, closing her eyes and placing a hoof on her instrument as the three other pegasi charged her. Applejack watched in horror, wanting to call out a warning as time seemed to slow, but her voice caught in her battered throat and she couldn't pull her eyes away. The three had their blades drawn and were closing in, ready to strike.

Then Scratch began to sing.

As the words reverberated through the room, shaking Applejack to her very core, she heard the soft notes of the ukulele intertwine with them, complimenting and supporting. Her will was rekindled, and she dug into her inventory and downed a healing potion, feeling her body warm as her health refilled. Forcing herself up, she spotted her blade discarded carelessly by her side and picked it up, flourishing it before looking to her companions. She saw the pegasi moving in slow motion as Clef danced around them, eyes still closed in focus. They were becoming sloppier, less accurate, as she dodged their blows calmly, her face the epitome of serenity.

Across from her, the battle between Scratch and the lead pegasus was a different affair entirely. The two berserkers met blades, sparks flying off around them. The pegasus was screaming in anger, bearing down on her with harrowing blows, but she met every single one, singing back in a firm, tranquil voice. Her eyes, however, told of her fury raging within. With each word, she grew louder, more firm, until she'd turned the tables, bearing down on him with every strike as he withered under her relentless musical and physical assault. Now that she noticed, Scratch's head bobbed up and down along with an inaudible beat. Applejack couldn't help but stare, awe-struck, as the two entirely opposite mares worked in unison, their song filling her heart with courage and pride.

The smell of ozone filled her nostrils as the ukulele's notes also grew louder and firmer. Electricity coursed through the metal frame, arcing into the walls and ground as Clef continued her dance, not once breaking her stride. The pegasi were becoming slow, feeble, as she danced literal circles around them. Then, all of a sudden, she stopped, leaping backwards and opening her eyes. Focusing on the three, all grouped up, Clef pointed her ukulele as the song reached a crescendo, and strummed one final chord. The electricity pooled in the neck, before bursting forth in a blinding beam of energy, incinerating the pegasi where they stood. Applejack didn't even get a chance to hear them scream as their bodies vanished into golden dust.

Simultaneously with Clef, Scratch's singing reach it's peak as she raised her voice, visible shockwaves slamming into the pegasus, causing his legs to buckle and his hold on his weapon to falter. Faster than Applejack could blink, she twirled her sword deftly, disarming her opponent and launching his blade across the room, where it clattered with a series of metallic clangs, skidding to a halt. His breath was laboured and sweat poured down his face as he sat there weakly. Scratch looked him over before beckoning for Applejack to join her.

Momentarily, she hesitated, before accepting and trotting towards them. Clef settled behind him, instrument still glowing with excess power aimed at the back of his head. Static caused his short mane to stand on end as he lay defeated. Applejack was ushered to stand in front of him, and Scratch forcefully grabbed his chin, lifting it up and making him look at Applejack. His eyes were empty and tired, his mouth open slightly from exertion.

“I want you to remember that face,” Scratch stated steadily, “Remember her, and tell all your friends she is under our protection. If they want to get her, they have to go through us.”

The pegasus looked blankly at her. “Who... who are you?”

Grinning, the unicorn stabbed her sword into the ground at her hooves. “I am Scratch, and this is my assistant-” a cough from Clef stopped her, “uh... my partner, Alto Clef.”

His pupils suddenly shrank as he looked at them, trembling slightly in fear. He muttered repeatedly in denial as he shook his head. Applejack had to admit, it was pretty awe-inspiring to see him reduced to a quivering mess. The pegasus babbled incoherently as Scratch smiled, leaning in close and whispering in his ear.

“So you go tell all your friends, this mare is off limits, okay?”

At the pegasus's rapid nods, she smirked. “Good. Let him go, Clef.” The ukulele was lowered, and the pegasus instantly spread his wings and bolted through the door, leaving behind a strong wind that messed the three mare's manes up.

Applejack blinked at the doorway, her brain slowly catching up. Idly she ran a hoof through her mane, patting it down somewhat, before turning to her saviours.

“Mighty fine show ya put on there.”

Scratch, who was attempting to straighten Clef's mane, much to her annoyance, cocked her head at her, winking. “Well, it's our job.”

Applejack paused for a few moments. “So... why'd he leave like that? Seemed pretty scared o' ya.”

Clef batted the unicorn's hooves away and turned to Applejack. “Well, we are quite the famous pair.”

“You betcha!” Scratch grinned, pulling her sword from the ground and sheathing it against her side. “Best bounty hunters you'll find!”

Applejack barely had time for confusion to root itself in her face before Clef stepped in. “We get paid by other ponies to do jobs; hunt down PKers, escort groups through events.”

“'PKers'?”

Scratch stepped forward. “Player Killers. Go around hunting down other ponies and killing them for sport.” She scowled. “Bunch of cowards.”

“So, like those guys attackin' me?” Applejack thought out loud. Clef nodded. “Ah see.”

“By the way, Applejack,” Clef took a step towards her, her mane a lot tidier than before. “What were they after?”

“Uh...” Applejack debated lying, but knew that would inevitably fail, and instead hung her head in defeat. “They wanted ta know how Ah got like this.” She gestured to the markings on her hooves. Clef seemed to consider her for a while, deep in thought.

“If you wouldn't mind me asking,” she questioned after several moments of silence, “how did you end up like that?”

Applejack averted her eyes, trying to think up some excuse, when she spotted Scratch leaning over and whispering in Clef's ear. She paused for a few moments, nodded, then looked back to Applejack. “Nevermind, it's not important.” Curiously, she glanced to Scratch, who gave her an overly innocent smile before speaking up.

“Hey, so this dungeon isn't going to clear itself.”

Both Applejack and Clef face-hoofed and sighed, eyes following Scratch as she bounded out of the room deeper into the castle. The two shared a look, smiled at each other, then stepped out of the ruined room.

*****

Fortunately for the three companions, most of the dungeon had already been cleared, which Applejack silently thanked as she stifled another yawn. They'd already gone down three floors, only needing to fight four times throughout, were currently standing at an intersection, debating which direction to take. While Scratch and Clef argued like an old married couple, Applejack rested against a nearby wall, closing her eyes for a mere moment. The sounds of the two mares faded as she slowly drifted in her thoughts, slowly falling asleep.

A hoof booped her on the muzzle, and she spluttered, snapping her eyes open. Scratch was standing a few inches away, grinning.

“Wake up, sleepy head. We're almost done.”

Clef's voice drifted from nearby. “Oh leave the poor mare be, dear. She's clearly tired.”

Applejack dropped to her hooves, shaking her head clear of the muddiness of her nap. “Ah'm awake, Ah'm awake.” She looked up, spotting Clef standing by one of the far doors, holding it open. Slowly, she trotted over and through it, tipping a non-existent hat to the earth pony, who nodded back. Scratch bounced through, and Applejack watched her brimming with energy, wondering if she might somehow be related to Pinkie.

The room they were in was dramatic, to say the least. It was far larger than any of the previous, ceiling twice as high. They were standing in a hallway which extended out into a large circular room, a balcony extending quarter-way into what appeared to be some kind of pit. Ornate tapestries adorned the walls, which radiated golden in the light streaming through a curved window which made up the far wall. Through it, all that was visible was an infinite desert, a fiery orb beating down on them from the clear blue sky. The ground was carpeted, red with gold thread weaving beautiful patterns throughout it.

For Applejack, though, the most catching feature was the large marble statue sitting just beyond the balcony. It depicted a stallion, although far leaner and taller than most ponies, dressed in exquisite regalia befitting royalty. Strange symbols were etched into the saddle on his back, of the moon and stars, but the design was none she'd seen before.

The three strode towards it, and now Applejack realised the statue wasn't sitting on a plinth as she'd presumed; instead it was floating in mid air, bobbing up and down gently, with no apparent source of levitation.

Scratch wrapped a hoof around her, snapping her out of her trance as she felt herself pulled towards a treasure chest that lay pressed against the railing. Peering over it, she stepped back from the dark abyss that leered at her from the pit, and gulped. She heard a cough and turned to see Scratch gesturing at the chest with her eyes. Applejack shook her head, raising a hoof to her chest.

“Nah, Ah can't, you were the one what wanted it,” she reasoned, but she just laughed.

“Applejack, really, take it. It's the least I can do for dragging you out here.” Scratch smiled sweetly, winking. “Plus it'll be useless for me.”

Applejack stared at her companion for a few seconds before relenting, turning back and opening the chest. Inside glowed with a brilliant light, and she reached in, feeling something metallic. Gripping it, she pulled the object out and stared in wonder as the light faded.

In her hooves was a longsword, a plain and simple handle, but the blade had a line of runes up its centre. As Applejack gingerly reached down and bit on it, the runes glowed a subtle blue and hummed pleasantly, the weightless sword gleaming. A whistle from behind her caught her attention, and she whirled to see Scratch looking impressed.

“Wow, girl. That's some luck you have there!”

Applejack looked confused for a moment before she continued. “That's a pretty rare item. Good too.”

In the corner of her screen, the orange pony saw a message pop up, flashing a couple of times.

Weapon Equipped: Adept's Blade [RARE]

A soft glimmer shone in the corner of Applejack's view, and she glanced down to see her old sword disappear from its scabbard, which changed shape to fit her new weapon. Swinging it a few times she grinned before slipping it into its new sheath. “Seems pretty good ta me.” She bowed to Scratch. “Thank ya sugarcube.”

For a moment, she appeared to blush, but she smiled past it and nodded in response. “Not a problem, Applejack. Hope you enjoy your new toy.”

A loud yawn startled to two as they turned to Clef, who was rubbing her eyes. At their stares she froze, a light pink forming on her cheeks. “W-what? It's late, and I'm tired,” she stated flatly. Her two companions chuckled to each other before agreeing.

“Ah say, Ah've got work needs doin',” Applejack stretched, then smiled at the two mares. “Thanks fer this, nice ta meetcha,” she bowed, and Clef returned the gesture, while Scratch just held a hoof out for her to bump. After a few moments of awkwardly navigating menus while the unicorn distracted her with giggling, she managed to warp back to town, fading as she smiled at the two. Scratch stuck her tongue out at her, winking.

The two mares were left alone in the room, the silence broken by Clef sighing.

“What's up Cleffie?”

The earth pony shot her friend a look. “This was supposed to be private time, Scratch.”

She shrugged, an eternal grin on her muzzle. “What? Don't act like you didn't have fun!” Clef coughed quietly, murmuring a few reluctant agreements. “Besides, the night's still young.” Scratch wrapped her hooves around her companion, pulling her into a hug.

“Yes, but,” the bard started, pressing a hoof gently against the unicorn's chest and pushing her away. “Now I just want some sleep.”

“Aww, poor baby,” Scratch teased, ruffling her mane, earning a scowl. Clef batted away her hoof irritably.

“Not only am I older than you, I'm stronger than you,” she seethed. “I could cause you so much pain you wouldn't be able to stand for a week.”

“Ooh, is that a threat or a promise,” Scratch cooed, winking at the spluttering mare as she strutted away, grin looking like it'd tear her face in half if it grew any wider. After taking a few dozen steps, she looked over her shoulder and batted her eyelids at her companion. “Well, you coming Cleffie?”

Heavy breathing was all that could be heard as the earth pony closed her eyes and calmed her anger. She paused as she thought carefully about her next statement. “Did you mean what you said about that mare?”

Scratch looked confused for a moment, thrown by the sudden change in subject. “Who, Applejack?” she turned to face her fully, “Yeah.”

Clef looked into her eyes. “Why?”

“Well...” she began, but fell short. It was a good question. “I uh... Don't really know. I guess she seemed pretty nice and dependable...” she trailed off, tapping her hoof to her chin in thought. “You know, I really don't know.”

Clef considered her for a few moments before shrugging and striding past her. “Well, don't go making this a habit. I don't need to play foalsitter for every newbie you pick up.”

Scratch shrugged, turning tail and following her companion out into the hallway. “Of course not, Cleffie,” she smiled subtly, “And I feel that mare in particular can handle herself.” For some reason.

“I could tell by the way she was jumped by those Bladers.”

“Yes well,” Scratch rolled her eyes, “she needs to level a bit first, then she'll be fine.”

“Of course. Oh, and Scratch?” Clef stopped short, causing the deep in thought unicorn to walk into her and bounce off.

“Yeah?” She rubbed where she'd headbutted her companion. That was something she didn't want a repeat of.

Clef turned and stared into her soul with icy daggers. “Never call me 'Cleffie' again.”

Gulping besides herself, Scratch stared back, far less firmly. “Or...?”

“Or I will bury you where even Celestia cannot find you.”

Forcing a grin, Scratch licked her lips. “Is that a challenge... Cleffie?”

One last time, the castle filled with the sounds of violent combat.

*****

Applejack felt the town form up around her as her world stopped wavering. Blinking a few times, she trotted into the empty main street.

“It's late, but Ah might as well do some restockin' while Ah'm here” she mumbled to herself as she searched for the items shop. It took her a few minutes of blind wandering, but she eventually came up to the stall. There was one other pony there, the only other pony she'd seen in town. Amiably, she trotted up behind the cloaked figure, focusing on the stallion in the store. She'd finally read the manual, and with Rainbow's input the shop interface had pretty much been the only thing she'd understood first time. Making her selections, she restored her stash of healing potions, bought some antidotes for clearing status effects, and was about to leave to log off when she caught a glance at the pony beside her.

The unicorn.

With a firey mane.

“Violet!” The mage jumped, twirling around, startled. Upon recognizing her friend she flashed a sheepish smile.

“O-oh hey Applejack... fancy seeing you ar-”

“Violet, Ah thought y'all said ya were goin' ta bed.”

Violet fidgeted. “I am. I will. When I finish this.”

“Look,” Applejack placed a hoof on her friends shoulder. “Y'all're gonna be way too tired tomorrow as it is. Get. Some. Sleep.”

Violet looked about to accept, when a thought flashed across her vision and she scowled at her. “Hey, what about you? I thought you were going to bed!”

She blushed. “Ah will... When Ah finish this...” she trailed off. Violet pouted at her.

“Well I'm not logging off until you log off,” she all but shouted.

Applejack narrowed her eyes. “Neither am Ah.”

They glared at each other for several tense moments before Violet spoke, not breaking the stare. “We log off together. And don't log on afterwards.”

Applejack nodded. “Agreed.”

For a few more moments, they were silent, before Applejack spoke up. “Pinkie Pie Promise?”

Violet paused for a second before nodding in agreement. “Okay,” she relaxed, her opponent copying. The two raised their hooves in unison, reciting the promise and performing the matching actions simultaneously.

“Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.”

“Cross mah heart an' hope ta fly, stick a cupcake in mah eye.”

Applejack giggled quietly as Violet winced, misjudging the last action and poking herself. Once she'd recovered and the two calmed, they stared intently at one another before nodding.

“Night Violet.”

“Night Applejack.”

The sound of two ponies logging out echoed throughout the empty town, as the two set about getting some well earned rest.

Chapter 10 - Progress

Applejack groaned, resting her head against the dining room table. Her hoof was wrapped around a plain white mug, warm from the black liquid inside. She didn't like coffee much, but at this point didn't care.

A screeching made her wince, and she glanced up to see Twilight dragging the chair opposite her out and taking a seat, her own cup in hoof. Her mane was a mess and her eyes bloodshot as she stared down at the drink before taking a tentative sip. Fortunately, this time she didn't burn herself, instead sighing happily as she slouched lazily. Applejack lifted her coffee to her lips and took a gulp, blinking as the bitter taste washed down her throat.

“Ah can't say Ah know how y'all stomach this,” she mumbled, placing the half-empty mug on the table and stretching. Twilight grumbled something incomprehensible, taking a longer swig of her own. The two sat in silence, their cups slowly draining over the next fifteen minutes. At one point, a baby dragon popped into the kitchen, and Applejack was sure he was berating them but was too tired to care. Twilight just waved a hoof in his general direction and shooed him away, which he eventually did, complaining far too loudly.

“So Applejack,” Twilight began once the caffeine had kicked in and she was vaguely awake. She turned her head lazily, staring at her with heavy eyelids. “Any idea what happened yesterday?”

Applejack groaned and wiped her eyes. “Ah ain't got a clue. Ya find anythin' b'fore ya went off?”

Twilight shook her head, sighing. “Sorry Applejack, nothing.” She hung her head defeatedly. Gently, the orange mare patted her on the shoulder, and she looked back up, a light smile on her lips.

“Don't worry Twi,” Applejack began, a short yawn interrupting her speech, “Ah'm sure somethin' will come up soon.” Her friend paused for a moment before nodding once. She sat in thought for a few seconds before opening her mouth to speak.

At that point, a knock on the door prevented her from continuing and the two looked towards the living room. Another knock, then the sound of a disgruntled dragon opening the door.

“Oh hello Spikey-wikey. Is Twilight in?”

It was a few moments before Spike responded, Applejack snickering while Twilight shook her head, smiling. “Huh? Oh yeah she's in the kitchen.” The sound of hoofsteps on the oak floor drew closer until Rarity's head popped into the doorway. She turned and gave a small thanks to the baby dragon, who'd followed her with hearts in his eyes before turning her attention to the two mares and sitting with them at the table. The ponies shared greetings and small talk, Twilight offering a mug of coffee which was politely refused.

“Applejack,” Rarity began, “what on Equestria happened yesterday?”

She rolled her eyes. “Ah still don't know.”

Pursing her lips into a pout, Rarity muttered. “But your character looks so beautiful! I want to know how.”

Twilight placed a hoof on her shoulder. “We're looking into it, but,” she glanced at Applejack, “I have a feeling it goes far beyond just changing appearance.” She leaned closer. “I want to know what that attack you used was.”

Shrugging, Applejack sighed. “Ah'd love ta tell y'all but Ah really don't know. It jus' kinda happened.”

Leaning back into her chair, Twilight tapped a hoof against her chin thoughtfully. “Maybe that book had something to do with it,” she pondered idly, staring at the air in front of her.

Applejack's eyes suddenly lit up. “It does!” her outburst nearly caused Twilight to fall out of her chair as she flinched, wings spreading. Rarity caught her and pulled her back, scowling at Applejack, who apologized sheepishly before continuing. “The book. It did somethin' ta me when Ah opened it.”

Cocking an eyebrow, Twilight ran a hoof over the table absent-mindedly. “Really? And you neglected to tell us this before, why?" Before Applejack could make any excuses she continued, not wanting an answer. "What did you say it was called again? 'Book of Twilight'?” At her nod, she looked down, deep in thought.

A cough distracted them both, and they looked up at Rarity, who was sat with a look of confusion on her face. “Pardon me darlings but... What book?”

The two blinked blankly. “You didn't know?” Twilight asked, to which she nodded once. “Huh. Oops. Sorry.”

“Yeah sorry sugarcube,” Applejack murmured, the two briefly summarising the book, the ghost and the alicorn. Rarity just sat dumbfounded throughout, skeptical but willing to hear the full story. Once they were done she sat silently for a minute, mulling it over before she spoke.

“So some kind of event then?”

Twilight went to disagree when Applejack butted in. “Yeah, pretty much.” At Twilight's look of disapproval, she continued, “What? It's not like we know anythin' about it anyway.” She laid back into her chair. “Might as well be.”

Twilight opened her mouth to speak, but thought better of it. “Yeah, I suppose you're right.”

“So girls,” Rarity began, breaking the awkward silence before it could begin, “am I right in thinking that this shall be our next goal?” Her question got the attentions of both her friends, who paused then nodded in unison. “Then I suppose we should get started, no?” Smiling sweetly, she hopped out of her seat and trotted towards the living room, calling over her shoulder as she paused in the doorway. “Shall we meet at the boutique in an hour?”

Applejack and Twilight glanced at each other, then nodded. “Sure, sounds good. I'll go tell the others.”

“I'll have some tea ready darlings,” she began to take a step, then stopped, “unless you'd prefer coffee?”

Applejack laughed, shaking her head. “No thanks Rarity, Ah think Ah'm good.”

“Mm? Twilight?”

For a moment the alicorn was silent, then shook her head, grinning. “I think if I have any more caffeine I'll be bouncing off the ceiling.”

The three chuckled before Rarity headed out, leaving the two in silence. A few seconds later Spike leapt in, spines clearly straightened and scales shining.

“Hey Rarity, I'm...” he stopped, staring at the two ponies, who grinned. Awkwardly, he flashed a return grin, slowly walking backwards as the redness on his cheeks intensified. As soon as he was out of earshot, the two mares descended into giggling.

“Spike, we're heading out to the boutique, if you'd like to come,” Twilight eventually managed to compose herself enough to yell. At this, the little dragon's eager head popped back in, a massive smile on his face.

“Really?”

“Mmhmm,” she nodded. “We just need to go tell the others.”

“Awesome!” Spike vanished again, and the two ponies rolled their eyes at each other. Twilight hopped up and stepped into the main room, Applejack following closely, watching with amusement as Spike busied himself with trying to make himself more presentable. Twilight tutted, rubbing his head and laughing.

“Calm down Romeo, we're just going for a quick visit. Anyway, we need to get the others first.” She playfully ruffled his spines out of order, grinning, as she opened the door and headed out. Breathing deeply, she sighed at the fresh air and trotted away, stopping briefly to allow Spike to climb onto her back.

Rainbow Dash was pretty easy to find, currently napping on a cloud hanging over the library. Twilight flew up and prodded her a few times, eventually waking her up. She scowled at the interruption before realising it was her friend and it was for a meeting. Saluting, she shot off to go get Fluttershy as Twilight returned to ground level. Content, the three slowly headed to Rarity's boutique, visiting the market on the way to kill time.

Around an hour later, Applejack knocked firmly on the door to the boutique, her mouth full with a basket of an assortment of sweet treats. There was silence, then a few seconds later it was opened by a small filly.

“Oh hey guys,” Sweetie Belle said hurriedly, turning away before they could respond, “Rarity! They're here!”

A distant voice called back. “Thank you Sweetie, could you show them in?”

Sweetie Belle nodded, her mane bouncing, as she stepped back, holding the door open for the visitors. Applejack tilted her hat in thanks, as Twilight and Spike spoke their own. A table was set up in the middle of the boutique, and the clinking of china gave the trio a good idea of where Rarity was. Pulling up a chair, Applejack placed the basket on the table before her as she took a seat. Twilight quickly followed suit, while Spike hovered for a few moments before sitting next to her. The door was shut with a muted thump, and Applejack watched as Sweetie Belle charged up the stairs, a wooden slam echoing through the building as the filly vanished into her room.

A few minutes later, Rarity emerged from the kitchen, carrying several elegant china cups and a pot of tea in her magic. Placing them gently onto the table, she set a cup by everypony's place, filling each with steaming liquid. Sitting in a chair at the end of the table, she eyed the basket as she raised her drink to her mouth and took a short sip. Applejack nodded at the treats, but Rarity shook her head and winked, much to her confusion. Silence fell upon the room as the four present all drank their tea, waiting for somepony else to start talking.

Rarity eventually broke the silence. “So, is it just you three?” she looked them over. Twilight eyed the door for a moment before responding.

“Well, we told Rainbow, and she said she'd bring Fluttershy. We haven't seen Pinkie at all.”

“Did somepony say my name?” A pink head peered out from the kitchen as the four stared in mixed delight and astonishment. Pinkie bounced happily into the room, settling into a seat and downing her cup of tea in one swift motion. “Thanks Rares!”

Rarity stared for a few moments, her mouth opening and closing while she tried to figure out what to say. “Pinkie... What were you doing in my kitchen?”

With an unfaltering smile, she tilted her head towards her, beaming. “You left the window open and I wanted to give you a surprise hug but then you left so I couldn't but I thought I could smell cake so I checked and you have cake in your fridge,” she punctuated that statement by flourishing said cake - a sponge with thick pink frosting - and placing it in the centre of the table. There was a large bite out of one side.

Rarity just shook her head, continuing with her tea. “Well, I suppose we can bring the cake eating forward a few minutes,” she gestured to the cake, “dig in, girls.”

What remained of the cake was cut into several slices, more than the number of present guests. Twilight wrapped them in her magic, levitating a thin slice onto each plate, but the only one to touch theirs was Spike, who greedily devoured his piece. The others simply giggled at him, continuing to share tea. Soon conversation began, rapidly changing from topic to topic.

Several minutes and several cups later, a loud knocking on the door distracted the group from their discussion on the best toppings for a cupcake. Rarity hopped up, heading over to the door as she spoke. “Who is it?”

“Rarity, it's us,” Rainbow Dash's voice responded through the door. “I have Fluttershy with me too.” The door was opened, the two pegasi standing side by side.

“Oh, I'm sorry if we're late Rarity,” the mellow butter pegasus apologized, looking away from the unicorn, who simply chuckled shortly.

“Nonsense, dear! We were just about to get started. Please, come in,” she gestured to the table, and they trotted over and took their seats. Pleasantries were shared, tea was replenished, and the six dug into their cake, while Spike sat grumbling.

“You shouldn't have eaten yours so quickly, Spike,” Twilight stated, smiling. A snort was his only reply, to which the others laughed. Rarity patted him on the head, levitating two more slices of the cake and placing them on his plate. As he moved to devour them, she placed a hoof in front of him.

“Ah ah ah! Not yet Spike.” Pointing to the stairs, she continued, “why don't you be a dear and take one to Sweetie. She could use the company, I'm sure.”

Spike looked between the unicorn and the cake a few times, then after wiping the reluctance off his face saluted, picking up the plate. As he passed Applejack a hoof was placed on his shoulder, and he looked up to see him handing her a couple of small, blue frosted cupcakes. Smiling, he added them to the cake as he half-jogged up the stairs. “Thanks Rarity! Thanks Applejack!” He called down. The ponies heard quiet shuffling, then a few loud bangs and sounds of pain, followed by a cry of “I'm okay!”. The table erupted into varied laughter as the six finished off their cake, Applejack handing out the remaining cupcakes from her basket.

“So Applejack,” Rarity began once they'd calmed down. “Do you have any idea what happened to you yesterday?”

She scowled, digging deliberately into a cupcake. “Ah don't, Rarity.” She sighed and rubbed a hoof on her forehead. “Frankly Ah wanna get ta the bottom o' this but Ah ain't got a clue how.”

Twilight suddenly spoke up, her chair scratching as she stood. “Rarity, can I use your computer?”

Confusion was written on her face as she nodded and gestured to the back room. “Uh, of course darling.”

“I won't be long, I promise,” Twilight bowed slightly before disappearing. “Thank you Rarity.”

“No problem dear,” the assorted ponies looked to one another as the whirr of a machine starting up filtered in. Slowly the conversation moved back to Applejack. She was still in the dark as much as before, but eventually decided to just give them all an account of all that she saw and felt. Of the voice in her head, the book opening, filling her with magic. Of the surge of power as she was revived and her resolve strengthened. Of the energy lancing through her when the bracelet activated without her input. It was remarkable how much she'd missed last time, but she chalked that up to tiredness and shock. The four other mares just stared at her in wonder, except for Pinkie, who looked curious more than anything else.

“That's about all Ah can remember,” she finished up several minutes later, looking around at her companions, who glanced at one another before discussing loudly over each other. Applejack shook her head, trying to discern something, but each of the mares was holding their own private conversation.

“Hey I found something!” Twilight's voice drifted into the room, and the table looked up to see her standing in the back room doorway. “Somepony responded to my post.”

“Oh?” Applejack leaned forwards, propping her head on a hoof. “What'd they say?”

“They saw the mare! Or, at least, somepony similar.” She grinned giddily, holding up a piece of parchment with writing on it. “Gave this zone as the location!” Trotting over, she placed the note in the centre of the table, and the group leaned in to get a closer look. Written in the centre in black ink was an area name.

Δ Boundless Corrupted Fort Walls

“Well,” Applejack smiled, “sounds like this is where we need ta go.”

The collected ponies nodded in agreement, Twilight rolling the parchment up and carrying it in her magic as she returned to her seat, speaking as she walked “So, did you make any progress between you?”

A few murmurs and shaking heads were the response, which she shrugged in reply to. “No matter, I wasn't expecting much given Applejack's recount earlier but,” she tapped the roll of paper, “now we might be able to make some headway.”

The rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing. Rarity went and refilled the teapot while Pinkie produced some more cake from nowhere in particular. The six ponies indulged themselves, laughing and joking. An hour later, they were starting to wind down as Spike emerged from upstairs, carrying the plate with him and taking it into the kitchen. Applejack glanced at the window; it was barely late afternoon.

“Thanks fer the outing y'all but Ah'd better get back ta the farm,” Applejack rose, tilting her hat at the group. The five ponies and dragon nodded back, giving her their goodbyes before excusing themselves. Soon, Applejack was leading a troupe of mares as they left Rarity's boutique, quickly going their separate ways. Stretching, she slowly headed home to finish her duties. There wasn't much to do so she could easily get everything done and have plenty of time to play afterwards.

“And get ta bed early,” she muttered as she stifled a yawn, wiping her eyes as she entered the farmhouse.

Chapter 11 - Corruption

By the time Applejack got online, the sun was beginning to set. Apparently somepony had decided to use the kitchen to try out cooking, and she'd spent the entire afternoon trying to clean up. She still wasn't entirely sure what kind of meal required apples, eggs and tomatoes, especially when they were spread across the ceiling.

Letting her eyes adjust to the sunset town, she took a few steps forward, breathing deeply. Leaning against a nearby wall, she spotted Violet and Starlight, and trotted over to say hi. The two turned to her and smiled, ending their conversation.

“Well, where's everypony else?” Applejack asked, looking around.

“Ardent and Shadowdancer had things to do,” Violet stated, “and Party Time is Party Time.” The three mares chuckled.

“It doesn't matter darling, it's a low level area anyway so we should be fine.” The pale unicorn walked to the Chaos Gate, inputting the area words, while Violet invited Applejack to their group. Soon, they found themselves in transit.

The zone was a deserted plain, rock formations jutting out of the ground randomly. A far larger rock was visible not too far away, with a huge open entrance, lit torches flickering either side. The night sky was starless, pitch black, an infinite abyss stretching above them. However, the most defining feature of this zone wasn't any of that.

Every surface was damaged, the outer layer removed in shallow scars that glowed orange as though somepony had scorched them. Corrupted data streams shuffled randomly, numbers and letters that made no sense. The sky was worse; above them it was torn in half by a massive fissure which rained code down onto them like a sick storm.

“What in Tartarus...” Violet whispered, eyes wide. “What happened here?”

Applejack gulped. “Ah dunno, but Ah reckon we're gonna find out in that dungeon,” she gestured to the stone structure. The two mares with her nodded in response as they headed off. Still, they couldn't help but glance at the damage, or the hole in the sky, threatening to suck them up.

The dungeon was no better off. Stony castle walls were covered in corrupted data, and static flashed across their views every few minutes. It was also quite cramped.

“Well, this is certainly different,” Starlight muttered, cautiously running a hoof over one of the damaged sections of wall. It was warm to the touch but otherwise still solid, almost like it wasn't really there.

A whoosh caught their attention as they turned to the centre of the room. A stallion appeared, dressed in a bland cloak. Applejack felt his appearance was exactly what she would describe as 'average', in every sense. The pony stood still for several moments before speaking in a monotone voice.

“We apologise for the inconvenience. This area is currently unstable and not functioning properly due to corrupted data configurations. Please return to the field immediately, and Gate Out to the town.”

There was silence for several seconds, before the stallion repeated his message. On the third repeat, the three mares just looked to one another.

“Well, Ah reckon we should jus' keep goin',” Applejack eventually said, “given we don't have no other clues.”

Violet nodded in agreement and the two looked to Starlight, who was a little more apprehensive but soon agreed. Ignoring the repeating stallion, they headed further into the dungeon.

The low level of the area meant that even scaled down, Violet, Applejack and Starlight mowed down everything they came across, rapidly making progress further and deeper. As they advanced, the damage to the area became worse, until by the third floor most of the walls were leaking code and static flashed across their eyes every few seconds.

“Darlings, I think we might need to speed this up before one of us starts getting dizzy.” Starlight commented as she punched the face of one of the monsters in, dissolving it into light. The others nodded and they quickened their pace, heading in the direction where the corruption was getting worse.

Soon, they found the source as they jumped into a room. It was entirely empty, but everything around them was damaged, code floating throughout the room and congealing in the centre. Tentatively, Applejack approached the hovering ball of numbers, almost jumping away as the bracelet lit up in response. Glancing between the two, she lifted the bracelet towards the sphere, which bulged and spun in its presence. Slowly the code deep within condensed into a more solid form, rapidly forming a silhouetted shape. As the outer layers of code shed off the sphere its form became apparent; a strange, rough bird-like creature, green feathers coating its body. It shimmered momentarily, before what little remained of the orb burst and it flapped its wings, hovering above the ground. It was stock still aside from them as it size swelled, growing to twice the ponies' size. Monstrous talons tipped its feet, while its massive beak snapped at them.

Backing away, Applejack heard the portcullis in the doorway slam shut, trapping them in the room with the monster. Her companions came up either side of her, dropping into a combat stance. The bird's powerful wings beat, whipping up a strong wind that blew their manes back before it charged, screeching.

Violet was the first to act, muttering under her breath as she focused. "Bird. Likely wood. Weak to Earth. OrGan Zot!" Magic rose through her horn as she intoned the spell, whipping around the creature which stopped in its tracks for a brief moment. The ground rumbled as a massive spire of rock shot through the ground, slamming into the monster's chest. It was launched skywards, but the scratches formed slowly healed as green hexagonal plates formed along its underbelly. Applejack groaned at the sight of them, glancing at her targetting window.

G!e)4 Ro&

£*2!/600

"It's another bug," she growled under her breath, drawing her sword. Starlight and Violet gulped, looking to her for guidance. Swallowing herself, she grimaced. "Ah think if we damage it enough this doohickey'll activate." She raised the bracelet, which was pulsing intermittently. Her two allies nodded in agreement, turning to face their foe. It hovered around nearby, screeching but otherwise not attacking.

Violet's eyes closed as she intoned the spell again, another spire of rock exploding from the ground. Starlight dived in straight after, propelling herself into the air with a powerful kick of her hind legs. As she came up over it, she focused and dropped, her fists aimed at its skull.

"King Hammer!"

The blow rocked the room as a visible shockwave expanded out. The monster recoiled under the blow, collapsing to the ground as it sprawled helplessly. As before, it began to heal, but Applejack took its moment of vulnerability to charge in, driving her sword across the join between its wing and its body, causing the creature to writhe around. Sufficiently recovered, a sudden burst of energy launched it into the air as it beat its heavy wings in Applejack's direction, buffeting her under gale force winds that threatened to lift her away. The air swum, swirling around her as it formed into a tornado, buffeting her with random branches and leaves that had materialised around her. Gradually her health began to drop as she was left paralyzed within the vortex.

A rush of colour and sound snapped the spell as Violet cast another spell. This time hundreds of shards of ice condensed out of the air, a chill coming over the room as they hung there threateningly, surrounding the monster. All of a sudden, they collapsed inwards, slamming into the creatures chest and burying it under a ton of shattering ice as it screeched. Now free, Applejack took the opportunity to charge towards it, leaping into the air as she sliced her blade across its cheek. A heavy crack nearby denoted Starlight slamming a hoof into its beak, the creature recoiling. It recovered far faster than any of them expected, however, whirling around and raking its sharp talons across the brawler's chest, causing her to hiss in pain. Violet reacted immediately, and as Applejack landed she spotted a healing potion sail through the air into waiting hooves. Starlight downed it, and her wounds instantly healed as she sighed happily.

The three turned their attention to the bird, which was now hovering menacingly overhead. Diving at Applejack, it opened its beak to bite down, but she dodged out of the way, rolling and raking her blade across its chest. Violet summoned another pillar of earth, but the bird quickly beat its wings and ascended, narrowly avoiding the attack.

What it, nor anypony else, expected, was to see Starlight riding the rock, launching herself off of it and sailing through the air. Landing on its back, she delivered two sharp blows to the base of its wings, seizing them up as it collapsed to the floor. A shell of green formed around it momentarily, before shattering into a million pieces, and Applejack grinned.

"Starlight, get back!"

She immediately did so, leaping away as Applejack's bracelet became fully corporeal. Standing on her hind hooves, she aimed the crystalline structure at her foe, watching the five prongs extend out as it locked into position. A beam of energy lanced out into the creature's head as it froze, before multiple arcs burst forth and speared the monster. Applejack felt her forehooves warm as streams of code surged into the bracelet, the armour around the creature shattering and dissipating. As the final throes of the ability ended, she dropped down, the bracelet humming softly as it disappeared from view. The monster let out a low, laboured cry, but was silenced when a column of earth erupted from beneath it, sending it airborne. It didn't even get to the top of its ascent before it fully dissolved into golden light. The three mares gathered around where it had just been, standing in silence.

“Well uh... That happened,” Applejack eventually got out, “and no, Ah still don't know what it did.”

Violet rubbed a hoof against her chin thoughtfully. “The rabbit hole gets deeper.”

“Huh?” both her friends tilted their heads at her as she coughed.

“Nothing, nothing. Well anyway,” she gestured generally at the room, “doesn't look like your friend is here, Applejack.” She sighed as Violet continued. “Still, I'm sure something else will come up, don't worry.”

"These strange things jus' keep happenin'," Applejack muttered under her breath. "Wha's with all these... bugs?"

Starlight looked to Violet, who shrugged. "I really don't know. There's been no posts on the board about this. Maybe CC Corp doesn't know?" She hypothesized, momentarily switching to Away.

Applejack was still for a second before she nodded, agreeing. She stretched before looking up at the two. “Ah s'pose we should head back ta town then?”

“Mm, probably for the best darling, this place is starting to give me a headache.” Starlight pressed a hoof to her temple to emphasize her point.

Violet nodded to them, stepping out of the room. The other two followed closely, trudging back through the dungeon. Applejack couldn't help but keep glancing at her foreleg in the hopes she'd actually get some answers.

“What are ya?” she muttered under her breath, scowling.

The journey back was entirely uneventful, although strangely the stallion was still standing in the entrance, repeating his message endlessly. Glancing between him and each other, they continued outside, hastily returning to town. Nopony wanted to spend much more time here than was necessary.

*****

It was night time in Mac Anu as the three returned, but the port town was far more lively. Ponies now wandered the streets in droves as the late night players began to settle in. Trotting down the main street to the bridge, the trio leaned over the side, watching the calm canal disturbed only rarely by boats travelling past. Applejack sighed, closing her eyes and letting her tension wash away as she felt herself relax.

Her ears twitched at the sound of faint whispering, and she cracked an eye open, looking around. A short distance away were a pair of ponies, a stallion and a mare, whispering to each other while casting glances in her direction. Applejack groaned and turned away, looking at Violet.

“Hey Violet,” Applejack lifted her head up, “what am Ah s'pposed ta do 'bout curious ponies?”

The mage looked at her for a few moments, a hint of confusion on her brow before she caught on. “Oh, well...” she stared up to the sky in thought for a few moments.

“Just tell them it was an event, dear,” Starlight's voice interrupted from her far side. Both ponies looked at her as she shrugged. “What?”

“They don't do events like that Starlight.” Violet stated matter-of-factly, but Starlight simply chuckled and prodded her chest with a hoof.

“Darling, you know they don't do events like that, but to the common folk, they'll assume it was secret.” She smiled softly. “So there's nothing to worry about.”

“Ah guess so but still, Ah feel mighty exposed out here.” Applejack nervously scratched the back of her neck, unable to ignore the growing number of ponies whispering about her. Violet glanced around, spotting the gathering crowd and nodded at her.

“Right, I have an idea. Follow me.” She hopped up, briskly trotting away. Starlight gave her a look before shrugging and giving chase, Applejack following soon after. They were lead on a very out of the way route, Applejack trying to convince herself she wasn't going to get lost as they went down yet another alleyway.

Eventually they came to a stop in front of a simple wooden doorway. Violet glanced around before pushing the door open, holding it out for the other two to enter. Once inside, she shut the door and breathed out. “And now, we're in private. Better?”

Applejack responded with a distracted grunt as she looked around the room. It was simple, unassuming, with plain wooden walls. The floor was laminated wood, with a bright red rug in the middle of it that covered about two thirds of the total ground. Scattered around were random assortments of items ranging from weapons to trophies to chairs. Starlight trotted to the far end of the room and plopped down onto a thick, comfortable looking pink sofa, exhaling softly. Violet pulled up two chairs in her magic and gestured for Applejack to take a seat as she did the same.

“So, Applejack,” Violet waved a hoof around the general area, “welcome to the Guild Home.”

Applejack whistled. “Mighty nice place y'all've got here.”

Starlight sat up, leaning towards her slightly. “Yes well, don't let Ardent hear that or you'll never hear the end of it.” Chuckling to herself, she brought up a few menus and started tapping away. “Just telling the others where we are,” she said off-hoofedly before either of her companions could ask. Shrugging, Violet and Applejack laid back in their chairs.

A few minutes later the door creaked open, and two pegasi filed in. Ardent Sunrise stood heroically, her armour glimmering, while Shadowdancer was far more reserved, closing the door behind them and rolling her eyes at her companion, muttering.

“Don't worry ladies, Sir Sunrise is here,” the rogue trotted confidently across the room to the sofa, plopping down next to Starlight, stopping only to stick her tongue out at the now very bashful Ardent.

“Very funny, Shadow,” she said after a few moments, pulling up a chair to sit in, letting out a relaxed sigh. “So what're we here for then?”

Violet quickly scanned the group. “What about Party...” she paused, then looked up. “...Time. What are you doing on the ceiling?”

The room followed her gaze, eyes falling on Party Time who was hanging upside down from a rafter, grinning. “Hi!” In one smooth motion, she unfurled her legs, spun in mid air and landed silently in the middle of the room. “I was gonna surprise you but you found me. Hi!” The mare launched herself across the room into a discarded chair, settling into it. She looked around at the stares she was getting from the others. “What?”

Violet shook her head. “Nevermind. So what I was going to say was we have no idea what to do next.” She waited for the couple of disgruntled murmurs to cease. “But we do know one thing. Applejack is in the middle of this.” She pointed to the mare in question, who jumped slightly at being put on the spot.

Hopping up, Violet began to pace around the room, staring at the ground in front of her. “We've been to a recorded sighting of this ghost mare, and didn't find anything to do with her, although we did end up fighting some kind of..." She waved a hoof in a circle as she tried to come up with the words. "...Data Bug, I guess. Whatever it was, it was similar to what we fought in the Cathedral, but a different monster this time; a Green Roc. Again, it was invulnerable, and again, Applejack's bracelet activated and did something to it which made it vulnerable.” She summarized the events of their last outing for the three who hadn't been present, to a mixture of curious nods and mumbles.

Settling back into her chair, story told, she faced Applejack. “So, my only idea is, since Applejack is at the heart of what's going on, we train her. Level her up, so she can hold her own against whatever it is we find ourselves up against.” A chorus of agreement echoed through the room. “Good. Now, if it's alright with you,” she glanced at a corner of her view. “I think we should get started.”

Chapter 12 - Dusk Glimmer

Several Days Later

Applejack dropped to the ground, skidding a short distance before turning, blade drawn. The large goblin swung its club down at her, but she dived to the side, running her foe through the middle with her sword. It screeched as it dissolved, a chest forming where it had died. A short jingle played as Applejack levelled up, the message in the corner congratulating her for reaching level 20. Sheathing her sword, she grinned, spinning and opening the golden chest. Inside was another new heavy bodyplate, which she rolled her eyes at. Starlight was already drowning in gear she'd sent her.

“If only Ah could get somethin' useful,” she grumbled, stepping through the stone archway to the next room. A giant stone statue greeted her as she trotted into the treasure room, quickly looting the chest, receiving an old sword whose attributes didn't come close to Applejack's current, and gated back to town.

As she landed a 'ping' caught her attention as a new icon popped onto her screen.

New Message Recieved!

Cocking an eyebrow, she tapped it, reading the message she'd been sent.

Dear Applejack !

Congratulations for reaching Level 20!

You can now access a new Root Town from the Chaos Gate!

Simply choose 'Θ Dun Loireag' from the new Root Town option!

We hope you've enjoyed the game so far!

Yours,

CC Corp.

Curious, Applejack turned around to face the Chaos Gate, activating it. Sure enough, there was a new option at the top for choosing a new Root Town. Shrugging, she tapped it, and felt the world fade away to black.

It returned shortly after, and the orange mare gasped, her eyes wide as she saw the new area. Where Mac Anu had been a port town sitting on an ocean, Dun Loireag was a series of rocky islands floating in a sea of clouds. The Chaos Gate, where she currently stood, was on a stone dais in the centre of a roughly circular isle, covered in naturally growing grass. A wooden rope bridge connected it to the nearest, long island, which itself connected further to another three smaller ones. Each of the smaller had a rounded stone hut with a visible shop window, NPCs stationed inside.

What caught Applejack's attention most, however, was the large crowd of familiar looking unicorns surrounding a wooden stage. Upon it stood a proud mare, similar in look to the others, waving her hooves about in a clearly boastful attitude as she cast magic spells into the air, fireballs detonating in the night sky and illuminating the congregation as they stomped and cheered.

Curiosity got the better of the mare as she trotted over. The crowd was dense, and she felt herself unable to get close enough to hear the stagemare over the hollering. Left on the outskirts, she instead tried to catch a better view of the pony on stage.

She was a unicorn, identical to the others if not for her outfit, which unlike her apparent fans included a giant, flashy hat in addition to the cloak. Her mane and coat reminded her of Twilight, in fact, now she looked they were the same style, just slightly darker in colour.

Applejack had been focused so hard on the showmare that she barely noticed the looks she was getting from her audience. The applauding ceased as the crowd turned to the orange pony, who was snapped from her analysis by the sudden silence. Glancing around, she spotted the many staring ponies and gulped.

“Uh... Hope Ah'm not interruptin',” she slowly stepped backwards, away from them.

“Hey, how'd you end up looking like that?” a voice from the crowd shouted out. More voices joined it, asking the same question.

“It was an event!” Applejack barely managed to be audible over the din, which ceased as her response hit their ears.

“What event?”

“Uh...” Now Applejack was stumped. She'd never planned this far. Quickening her pace, she found herself at the rope bridge and tentatively began to cross it. Several of the ponies near the back of the crowd advanced on her. “A secret one!” she blurted out.

She didn't hear any responses beyond that, turning tail and running before any of them got any ideas. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw a few give chase as she sped up, heading to the Chaos Gate. Slamming into it, she swapped Root Towns back to Mac Anu.

Appearing in the port town she didn't risk anything, diving down the stairs and into a nearby alleyway, pressing herself against the wall. Whooshing of log ins and a multitude of varied shouts echoed through the area as she saw a number of the identical unicorns charge from the gate, sprinting into the town. Pressing herself further into the wall, she almost merged with the bricks as she held her breath, heart pounding.

“Good show you put on there.” A voice in her ear made her jump out of her skin as she leapt away. Staggering, she turned to face the source, growling as she attempted to calm her heart rate. Leaning against the wall was a unicorn, like the rest of the group.

No, this was the actual unicorn on stage. Up close it was easier to tell the differences between her and Twilight: at this distance she was noticeably darker, and her eyes were a brilliant, fiery red. They drilled into Applejack as the mare scrutinized her, making her gulp nervously. There was silence between them for a few seconds before Applejack spoke.

“Ah'm sorry fer ruinin' yer show,” she mumbled, looking away. The mare's eyebrows rose in curiosity, a coy smile forming on her lips.

“Oh? Dusk was not expecting an apology that fast,” the mare laughed to herself, relaxing her stance and smiling. Spotting her nervousness, she placed a hoof on her chin so she could look her in the eye. “That's quite alright, little pony. Apology accepted.”

Applejack exhaled in relief, forcing a smile. Bringing herself to full height, she shook off her anxiety. The sounds of shouting and galloping reached her ears, and she ran further into the alley, pressing herself into the wall as the crowd of identical unicorns ran past. Synchronized 'whooshing' notified her of their warping to another zone, and she let out a breath she didn't realise she was holding. The unicorn chuckled beside her.

“Hmm, well, Dusk's show is pretty much cancelled now,” she smiled as she spoke, putting Applejack at ease, “so Dusk wonders what she must do now.”

The orange mare looked confused for a moment, scratching her forehead. “Uh, not ta cause ya any offense but... who's Dusk?”

There was a clatter as the unicorn fell, spluttering. Forcing herself up she stared at Applejack, mouth moving but no words escaping it. Her eyes danced over her features, trying to find any proof of a joke, but Applejack's face was the pinnacle of seriousness.

“You... what?” the unicorn pathetically ended, before shaking her head and hardening her expression. “Dusk has a task! She will educate you, little pony!” Swiftly, she wrapped a hoof around Applejack's neck and dragged her out, much to her chagrin. Applejack tried to fight it, but the unicorn was stronger than she looked, and soon she found herself heading towards the Chaos Gate.

“Oh! Hi Applejack!” a familiar voice caught her attention, and she glanced up to see Violet standing at the top of the stairs, her fiery mane bouncing as she trotted over. Violet looked between Applejack and the pony dragging her several times before turning to the blademaster. “So who's your new friend?” Violet asked absent-mindedly, fiddling with a menu. Applejack soon got the party invite, accepting it without a thought.

“Ah dunno, but she...” Applejack trailed off as she saw the showmare's features rapidly flip through different emotions. After several seconds they settled on anger, and she leapt away, surprising the two friends.

“YOU!” she screamed, as Applejack and Violet glanced at each other in confusion. “The Mighty Dusk will have nothing to do with your kind!” The two barely had time to blink before the unicorn was gone in a puff of smoke.

“Uh...” Violet slowly began, “what just happened?”

“Ah have no idea,” Applejack concluded, dumbfounded. The two companions continued to stare at where the unicorn had just stood.

What felt like several minutes later, Applejack spoke up. “So, what brings ya online, Vi?”

Violet turned to her with a blank look on her face before her brain caught up with the words. “Oh, uh well, there was an interesting post on one of the boards.”

An eyebrow raised in interest. “Really?”

Violet nodded. “Apparently there's a zone that's been marked as 'Protected'.”

Applejack blinked, waiting a couple of moments then gesturing for her companion to elaborate. With a light blush and murmured apology, she continued. “No one can access it basically.”

“And so y'all're thinkin' there might be somethin' there?” Applejack concluded. Violet nodded again. “Right, so where're we headin'?”

Violet scratched her head. “Uh, well... We can't go there but... The area is Θ Chosen Hopeless Nothingness.”

Applejack's eyes grew wide. “Well if that ain't forebodin' Ah dunno what is.”

Her companion chuckled lightly in agreement. Applejack scratched her chin idly for a few moments before striding towards the Chaos Gate.

“Hey, where are you going?” Violet called after her, running to her side. Applejack shrugged.

“Ah'm jus' curious ta see what it looks like,” she uttered simply. Selecting the Root Town option, she transferred to Dun Loireag, Θ Server, and entered the keywords. Halfway through, she heard Violet warp in behind her, watching with curiosity as Applejack tapped away.

“You're getting better at that,” she off-hoofedly commented, causing Applejack to pause and her cheeks to warm slightly.

“Heh, it's not that hard now Ah've got some practice,” she replied, finalizing the area code. A large error message came up over her screen; the word PROTECTED in large, bold, red writing. She sighed, “well, Ah don't know what Ah expected...”

“Uh, Applejack...” Violet's voice was hesitant. “What are you--” A bright flash interrupted her comment, as Applejack rose into the air, the bracelet on her leg reappearing and spinning. Without thinking, she leapt towards her friend, grabbing onto her as the crystalline structure spun and the world around them shattered. The sudden rush of sensation made the unicorn feel sick as she was wrenched from the root town. Her eyes screwed shut in a desperate attempt to block out the visual onslaught.

Then the sensation of free-fall hit her, and she snapped her eyes open again, fighting the urge to scream. She was falling through an infinite column, walls of white static surrounding her. Random junk code floated past and whipped around her, through her mane. Thick bands of green surged across the walls around them in a regular pattern. Beside her was Applejack, focused intently on downwards, holding the leg with the bracelet in front of her. It was open, spread in what Violet would describe as the firing position, with five sharp prongs extending from the bracelet proper. Green and blue energy whipped around the front, forming a multicoloured crystalline cone around them.

After a few seconds, she spotted something at the bottom, a wall of red and black. As it rapidly drew closer, she began to make out the large words emblazoned across it: 'PROTECTED'. Screaming, she hugged Applejack tightly, screwing her eyes shut again.

“Calm down sugarcube,” Applejack's voice was unsure, but somehow soothing, and Violet cautiously cracked an eye open, staring at the rapidly approaching wall. Desperately calming her breathing, she watched in awe as the front edge of the cone hit the protective barrier. For a split second, the two slowed in their descent as cracks began to appear in the wall. They spread over the entire structure, which faltered, buckled, and finally shattered, allowing the two to continue their fall. The column faded, and they plunged into a black abyss.

Violet shook herself, slowly getting to her hooves. Her head was spinning and her legs were weak, but she forced her eyes open regardless. The sight nearly made her fall over again.

The previous zone had been damaged, but it didn't come close to this one. The majority of surfaces had some kind of texture deterioration on them, the warm orange code showing through. Where the sky had previously been split in two, now there was less sky that there was damage, with great patches and strips of dark green showing the ugly symbols within. White lines of numbers and letters streamed from above and below, streaking out of the damaged sections. They drifted in an unseen wind, dancing and intertwining. Some caught on her coat, sticking before it dissipated harmlessly.

Casting her eyes around, she spotted the friendly form of Applejack dusting herself off. Her companion glanced around, then saw Violet staggering and hopped over, steadying her. “Y'alright?”

Violet nodded, breathing deeply and calming her nerves. “That was certainly something,” she eventually mumbled. “How did you do that?”

Applejack looked away awkwardly. “Well... Ah don't rightly know, jus' this bracelet thing seems ta know what it's doin',” she lifted her foreleg to emphasise the point. Every few seconds, the bracelet pulsed, drawing their attention.

“Isn't it normally invisible?” Violet noted, reaching a hoof to touch it. It went straight though the bracelet, as if it wasn't there, causing her to jerk her leg back in surprise. “That's weird.”

“Yer tellin' me.” Applejack stared at the pulsing crystal in concern.

Violet took another anxious look at the area around them, turning to her companion. “I really don't think we should be here Applejack.”

The orange mare nodded in agreement. “Ah'll admit, this place is startin' ta creep me out.” She cautiously eyed the sky, gulping at the abyss above. A burst of static flashed across their views, causing them both to jump as colour vanished for a split-second. Applejack nodded frantically, and the two gated back to town.

For once, Applejack was more comfortable on a rock floating over an endless sea of clouds than on ceaseless solid ground. Sighing loudly in relief, she felt a hoof on her shoulder and looked up into Violet's face.

“Applejack, please warn me if you're going to do something like that again.” A small, almost invisible smile was on her lips and she couldn't help but grin back.

“Nah, s'more fun that way,” she said playfully, winking. Glancing down, she noticed the bracelet hiding again, undetectable. Sighing this time in annoyance, she muttered to herself. “Wish this darn thing would gimme some answers.”

“We all do, Applejack,” Violet's voice was calm and collected now as she pulled her friend into a hug. “Plus, I think I have an idea on where we should go next.”

Applejack's eyes grew wide. “Yer not sayin'...”

Violet nodded solemnly. “Unfortunately, yes. Looks like whatever answers we're going to get, will start with that area.”

Silence reigned between the two for several long moments before Applejack spoke. “Let's get the band together. Ah reckon we're gonna need everyone fer this.”

Violet smiled softly in agreement, bringing up the friends list. This was their chance, and there was no way they'd waste it so easily.

*****

“So, remind me why we're here again?” Starlight repeated for the umpteenth time. Applejack groaned, placing a hoof on her brow and slowly dragging it down over her face.

“Because we've found some kinda clue,” she responded, for the umpteenth time. “And we need all o' y'all here in case this goes south.” Casting her eyes over the gathered party, she couldn't help but smile slightly. They stood in a line before her, Party Time at one end to Starlight at the other. Violet and Shadowdancer framed Ardent, who stood still in a heroic pose in the centre.

“Applejack, we're all here. What's the plan?” she asked calmly, fluttering her wings in a little stretch.

Applejack found herself pacing in front of them as she spoke. “Vi told me o' this area that's been sealed off. We uh...” she faltered for a moment, trying to think, before raising her leg and gesturing to it, “kinda broke the protection on it. By accident.” She hastily added the final point at Shadow's smirk and raised eyebrow.

Violet stepped forward, joining Applejack's side as she turned to the group. “When we got there it was heavily damaged.” Gesturing to Starlight, she continued, “Star will know what we mean, but far worse. Aside from that, Applejack's bracelet was always active in the area, just like when we fought that strange monster.”

Murmurs overtook the group as they began discussing with each other before Applejack stepped towards them. “Now, Ah dunno what we're gonna find there, but Ah do know one thing.” She waved a leg at the Chaos Gate. “Whatever's happenin' there has somethin' ta do with what happened ta me. And Ah'd like ta find out.”

She turned away for a brief moment. “Y'all don't have ta come with me if it's too dangerous; Ah won't hold it against ya.”

After a few seconds a few giggles spread through them, quickly becoming true, loud laughter. Applejack stared at her friends in confusion as they laughed heartily, a look of intrigue on her face.

Ardent pulled herself upright, a bright grin on her muzzle. “Applejack, you're a silly pony.”

“Huh?”

Now Starlight stepped forward, a dainty smile of her own. “We'd follow you to Tartarus and back, dear. Of course we're coming.”

A heavy hoof suddenly found itself on her back, and she looked round to see Party Time's face barely an inch away from her own. “Yeah, this'll be fun! I love playing with my friends! Whoopee, let's go!” she bounced off to the Chaos Gate, a wide smile on her face as she tilted her head, waiting for them to follow. Applejack shook her head, trotting over to the Chaos Gate and inputting the keywords. The world shook as the group found themselves in transit.

Silence fell upon Dun Loireag, until a certain robed unicorn crept out from behind a nearby box, adjusting her hat.

“Hah, the Great and Powerful Dusk now knows your secret, Miss Blaze!”

“I thought you stopped using that title,” a second, calmer voice commented. Dusk merely coughed awkwardly, turning to a figure still hiding.

“Ah, sorry, relapse. The Mighty Dusk. Better?”

“Eh, it'll do.”

“Regardless!” the mare whipped around, cape flowing dramatically. “Dusk shall use her own hubris against her!”

“What?”

The unicorn face-hoofed, sighing. “I'll follow her, find out what she's doing, and report her to the Admins. Then,” she threw a hoof in the air triumphantly, “Dusk shall be the greatest unicorn ever!”

There was silence for a few long minutes, during which the unicorn's bravado slowly ebbed, before the hiding figure stepped out of the shadows, revealing herself to be a similar but lighter shaded unicorn. She shook her head. “Enjoy yourself, Dusk,” she called over her shoulder as she walked away.

“The Mighty Dusk will... Oh forget it,” the showpony finished lamely, waving a hoof half-heartedly in the direction of the retreating mare. Walking up to the Chaos Gate, she laughed evilly under her breath, and entered the same area words as the others.

*****

“Well this is certainly something,” Starlight muttered under her breath as she stared into the sky. “I see what you mean about it being worse.”

Ardent stepped forward, running a hoof over a section of damaged ground. “What in Equestria happened here?”

“Ah don't rightly know,” Applejack said absent-mindedly as she waved her hoof in front of her, the bracelet pulsing regularly every few seconds. Scanning the area she spotted a large dark tower jutting out of the landscape forebodingly, and gulped. “Looks like that's where we need t'go.”

Ardent came up beside her, armour clinking as she followed her gaze. Studying it for a moment, she nodded, turning to the rest of the group. “Right! We have no idea what we're up against, so everypony stay close and follow me.” Her eyes returned to the stony structure and she glanced at Applejack. “Ready?”

Applejack smirked. “Born ready.”

Ardent grinned, head snapping forwards. “Awesome.” Slowly, she began a light trot towards the tower, the rest of the six falling into position naturally at her flanks. They moved as one, and they would fight as one.

Inside the tower was strange. Again it was a stony castle, and Applejack was beginning to feel a bit annoyed at the apparent lack of variation. The others just assured her that most of the variation came at higher levels, and that she should treasure these simple dungeon layouts. Shrugging, she went with it, as the group trotted down another identical corridor. Other than the visual damage, occasional static and ambient light from her bracelet, the area was just like any other; normal enemies for the level, scaled correctly, no strange phenomena. It was all quite disheartening, in a morbid kind of way.

Still, they pressed on as they entered the third floor. For some odd reason, while the outside structure was a large tower, they were actually descending. It gave Applejack an uneasy feeling of diving into the bowels of the earth, waiting to unleash some kind of demon chained within. Violet had given her the extremely unhelpful knowledge that any kind of demon deep in the core would, in fact, be unchained, because only known creatures would be imprisoned, and they would be locked in Tartarus. That definitely helped put Applejack's mind at ease.

Combat was easy; the group saw no reason to play fair or farm experience, so every enemy was blasted to shreds as soon as it spawned. Ardent, Applejack and Starlight would lead the charge while Shadowdancer flanked their opponents and cut them to tiny pieces. Party Time and Violet would blast any stragglers with cannon and magic, respectively. Only once did anypony get hit, and that was a wild swing by Applejack nicking Starlight's leg, which didn't deal any damage, and required only a snide comment to prevent recurrences.

The third floor, however, was entirely different. Here the zone was far more damaged, the bracelet shimmering almost every second as they travelled. Enemies they fought had less and less to do with the statistics of the area, with some creatures from first level areas, some from higher levels, and some from the wrong area type entirely. One humorous, although, Applejack admitted, quite morbid occurrence was when a giant starfish-like creature spawned in a small backroom. The size difference made an easy fight, given half of the monster was stuck in the ceiling and it couldn't move, which according to Ardent was a good thing, since apparently it was a boss creature sixty levels higher than them.

Eventually they found themselves with the entire floor cleared, except for one room. Shadow had brought some kind of small cage out of her pack as the fights became more dangerous, opening it. A group of around a dozen balls of light swarmed out, and Applejack watched in wonder as her dungeon map filled itself out automatically. They'd emptied out every room they could find, leaving them with this single, tiny one near the entrance that they'd overlooked.

“Of course it's the last one we check,” Violet's exasperated comment summed up the group's thoughts perfectly. It wasn't even clear or anything, down a long corridor specifically out of the way. They'd just missed it. Trotting towards it, Applejack led and stared in bewilderment as the bracelet pulsed faster and faster until she was standing right at the doorway. Raising her hoof to it, she actually had to look away slightly as it shone brightly, expanding subtly. Glancing over her shoulder, she looked over the group.

Her five companions stared back, confident smiles on their faces. Applejack gave them a quick nod. “Looks like whatever we're after's in here.” She stated firmly, trying to not let her nervousness show. Who knew what was going to be back there?

Her friends replied to the comment with a series of confident nods as they stood by her side. One last time, she stared at them in awe. Ardent stood closest, proud in her armour, the fiery Violet by her side. Behind them stood Shadow, her face now warm and considerate, at odds with her vicious attire, while Party Time achieved a similar style nearby. Starlight gently nudged Applejack's shoulder, giving her a caring but bold look. Smirking, she took a step forwards, then another, then stepped through the threshold.

Chapter 13 - Cruelty

It was empty. Applejack waited patiently, waited for something to show up, but nothing did. She stood in an empty room, damaged like the rest of the zone, with odd streaks of code gently drifting by and through her mane. Every time they hit her they fizzled quietly, warming the area they touched.

The other five were spread throughout the room, inspecting it for clues, but all came up dry. A collective sigh of desperation spread between them as they gathered in the centre of the area. The soft pulsing of the bracelet illuminated their faces with an eerie glow, but was mostly ignored.

“Well, doesn't look like there's anything here,” Ardent finally said, scratching her neck idly. Applejack looked around at the group apologetically.

“Sorry y'all, Ah really thought we'd find somethin',” she nervously dug at the ground before she felt a hoof around her neck and looked up into Starlight's face.

“Don't worry, dear. I'm sure we'll get to the bottom of this eventually.” Starlight had a gentle smile on her face as she comforted her.

“Aha! The Mighty Dusk has you now!”

The six paused, turning to the door at the new voice. Standing proudly on her hind legs, forehoof pressed to her chest and cloak billowing in an unseen wind, was a lavender unicorn. She wore an expression of endless confidence as she dropped to all fours and took a step towards the group, who stared back at her. They looked puzzled, aside from Ardent and Party Time, who were annoyed and amused, respectively.

“Just think what the admins will say when they find out you cheated your way to the top!” Dusk continued, “Then Dusk shall be the greatest unicorn once more!”

There was an uncomfortable silence, during which Ardent face-hoofed, and the others looked between themselves, before Applejack spoke.

“Uh, beggin' yer pardon but... what?” she tried her best to sound somewhat willing to listen, but ended up with a tone closer to condescending, which was not lost on the mare before them.

“That unicorn there!” Dusk huffed, pointing a hoof accusingly at Violet, whose eyes went wide as they rapidly darted around. “Has stolen my title. And Dusk shall have it back!”

Violet looked to her companions for a second, taking a step closer. “Um, I'm not entirely sure what you mean.”

Dusk's expression faltered for a moment, before transitioning into faint anger. “What I mean?” She firmly stepped forwards, glaring at Violet. “What I mean?!” Rearing up, her horn glowed with magic, fire appearing in the air around her, orbiting her head. Instantly Applejack and Ardent launched themselves between the two unicorns, facing down the newcomer, weapons ready to be drawn. Dusk merely growled, her eyes never leaving her counterpart. “I was the strongest, most powerful mage in The World, adored by hundreds. And then you show up, become stronger than me, and don't even acknowledge my existence!” She was screaming now, magic surging through her horn.

Violet stepped past the two mares defending her, a crestfallen look on her face. “Wow I... I'm sorry... Dusk is it? I just... I didn't mean to cause any trouble.”

“No. Of course you didn't.” Dusk stared blankly at her for a moment, her magic faltering momentarily before she caught it. “No matter. I will have the last laugh. Dusk will be vic--”

A burst of light filled the room, blinding everypony present as Applejack's bracelet surged into life. Applejack recovered first as the others staggered around frantically, calling out for one another. Gently she tapped them all, letting them know she was there while she scanned the room. As her eyes swept the area she blinked in shock.

“Aura?”

The ghostly white mare hovered just behind them, in the centre of the room. Her mane and robe rustled silently in an inaudible wind as she gently drifted up and down. Entranced, Applejack stepped tentatively closer, her bracelet warming her leg as it pulsed rapidly. She was three steps away when the Aura's eyes shot open, azure eyes casting themselves over her before widening in true terror. Her mouth opened but the voice that rang through all present ponies' heads matched it only in emotion.

“RUN!”

Applejack paused, taking another confident step. “No! Ah need ta know what--”

Her speech was interrupted by a scream that pierced her brain and silenced all thoughts. The mare in front of her arched her back as a thick, blood red spike protruded through her chest. Doubling over, Aura took one last look at her before she dissolved into red spheres of light that gently floated away. Applejack's eyes went wide as she struggled to move, seeing the ragged alicorn floating where the ghost had just been, her ruby spear hovering before her, sheathed in a crimson glow of magic. Its eyes were closed as it froze in apparent concentration.

The balls of light paused in their transit, doubling back and flowing rapidly into the weapon, which pulsed in response until it shone with a dim, malevolent glow. The alicorn opened its eyes, the spear floating to its side. Turning, it began to walk away.

“NO!” Applejack screamed. Instinctively, she thrust the bracelet forwards. It expanded, rotated rapidly, then fired a bright beam of energy. The alicorn caught a glimpse of the oncoming attack, launching itself sideways with more agility than Applejack would expect from a creature that size. Harmlessly, the attack struck the far wall, scorching the stone but otherwise having no effect.

A maniacal grin on its face, the alicorn turned to the blademaster, twirling the spear over its head. The grin doubled in size instantly as it thrust the weapon into the ground, shattering the stone. Cracks spread throughout the room as it fell to pieces around them, dropping the collected ponies into a black abyss. As Applejack fell, she heard the screams of her companions, drowned out rapidly by the insane cackling of the alicorn above.

In free fall, Applejack felt hooves wrap around her and looked up to see Shadowdancer beating her wings roughly. No matter how hard she tried, they continued to fall as fast as before, and soon the pegasus gave up, instead using her flight to drag Applejack to the rest of the group, who were clutching each other for support.

“So,” Starlight yelled over the rushing of air, “anypony got a plan?”

“Absolutely no idea!” Ardent shouted back, glancing at Violet. “Any clue?”

The mare shook her head, trying to keep the fear out of her eyes. It didn't work. “Nothing! Applejack?”

Applejack shrugged. “Nothin'.”

“Great,” the dark pegasus holding her muttered. “You just had to piss off the evil boss monster, didn't you?”

Applejack narrowed her eyes. “Ah had ta do somethin'. Y'all saw what that thing did t'Aura!” She looked around at her friends, who nodded firmly. Shadow placed a hoof on her shoulder gently.

“I was joking Applejack. Sarcasm.” She was wearing a light smile. “We'll get through this, I'm sure.”

“Uhh guuuuys?” The normally cheery voice of Party was far more severe in tone. “Don't look now but... I think this is our stop.”

The other five immediately looked down, regretting it as they saw the rapidly approaching stone. Clutching each other close, they all closed their eyes.

“Ah'm sorry fer bring--” Applejack began, before finding an armoured hoof on her mouth.

“Hush Applejack. We all agreed to come, and we'll face whatever happens together,” Starlight reassured not just Applejack, but everyone. They nodded in unison as the ground became larger and larger. Static began to flash across their screens more often until it became nothing but pure white and grey. Then they hit the ground.

*****

“Well, that certainly could've been worse,” Starlight mumbled, stretching her back as she picked herself up. Satisfyingly, her bones clicked into place and she let out a small sigh. Around her, the rest of the six did the same, checking themselves and each other for injuries. Remarkably, there were none, even when for all intents and purposes they should've been stains on the rough ground.

Applejack shook her head clear, stars gently fading from her vision, as she took in their new location. Soon, she wished she hadn't, seeing the infinite black void stretching above them. Sickly green clouds swirled around the perimeter, raining forebodingly onto strange, half-completed structures suspended in the air.

The group was located on a large, mostly flat rock, about the size of Ponyville town square. The edges curved up steeply, forming a kind of rudimentary arena, keeping them hemmed in. As the others got to their hooves, a mixture of gasps and disbelieving mutters broke the silence. Even Party Time was floored.

“Where... Where are we?” Violet asked rhetorically, knowing there was no answer. This zone had no connection to any others she'd seen or heard of, and she'd seen everything at some point. At least, as far as she knew, before the last week or so. The rest of the group turned to her in muted shock.

“You mean... You don't know?” Shadow finally whispered, her normally confident facade shattered and her real self showing. Violet shook her head, and it took all of Applejack's concentration not to panic. Instead, she forced herself to look down, away from the chaos surrounding them. The bracelet was still pulsing, less obviously this time, but still there. Silently, she cursed its existence.

A groan from a distance away caused them to seize up, turning to the source. Lying face down, not too far away, was Dusk. Slowly she staggered upright, blinking her eyes open and taking in her surroundings. It took several moments before the sight reached her muddled brain, at which point her eyes grew wide and she began muttering. “Where... Where am I?”

Her gaze fell upon the group, and she began flailing and screaming. “What did you do?! Where am I? I demand you take me back!” She was nearly in tears as she frantically dug through menu after menu, pulling out a golden egg and cracking it open. The dust fell upon her, but nothing happened. “W-why didn't it work? WHY DIDN'T IT WORK?”

Applejack took a step towards her but Starlight was already there, reaching a hoof out to comfort her. The mare batted her away, shaking violently as she staggered backwards. Her magic flared as fire formed around her, congealing into a sphere of flame that orbited her horn. “I demand you take me back!”

Ardent leapt between the two unicorns, holding her hooves up in surrender, staring intently at Dusk. “Whoa, calm down. We don't have any idea either, but we'll get you home, okay?” She forced a light, caring smile.

The panicking unicorn's breathing sped up as she shook her head, the magic intensifying. Her eyes narrowed in rage as she screamed. “Take me back NOW!” The fireball rocketed towards Ardent, striking her across the cheek. She recoiled, holding the burned skin and wincing as she pulled out a healing potion and downed it. Her skin quickly recovered and she returned to her previous position, glaring at her attacker. She made to speak before a dark blur slammed into Dusk, knocking her to the ground.

“What do you think you're doing?!” Shadow yelled at the pinned unicorn, slamming a hoof into the ground by her head. Dusk flinched momentarily at the blow before she forced her hooves into the rogue's chest, throwing her off and leaping back. Channelling her magic, she summoned another fireball, sending it in her direction. Shadow rolled, springing into the air over the attack, blades extending. Diving, she ducked under another fireball before slamming her hoof into the mage's neck, sending her reeling. Forcing her down again, she shoved a blade to her throat, pressing uncomfortably as Dusk writhed underneath her.

“We are trying to help you,” Shadow spat, anger filling her eyes. “Attacking us would be a very bad idea.”

Dusk looked up at her, eyes brimming with equal rage. “I could kill you with a single thought.” Shadow cocked an eyebrow, then grinned evilly.

“I'd like to see you try.”

The mage's horn surged with magic, but she faltered as she caught Shadow's look. Her body collapsed, mind lost, her magic dissipating harmlessly as she helplessly babbled at that heartless glare. Shaking her head rapidly she tried to break it, but couldn't look away no matter how hard she tried. Shadow's grin widened as she stepped off her, never breaking the Stare.

“Now, you're going to sit here like a good little filly while we sort this out. Understand?”

Dusk whimpered, nodding her head. Shadow gave one last look before nicking the side of her neck with a blade, not enough to cause any major damage, but enough to be felt. She broke the look, confidently trotting over to her gob-smacked group. Behind her, Dusk sat up, refusing to look at anything but the ground as she remained completely still.

“Wow Shadow that was uh... somethin',” Applejack continued to stare at the pacified unicorn as she strutted past.

“Mm? Oh, well she was being unruly, and I thought we'd concentrate better without her interference,” she said dismissively, waving a hoof in Dusk's general direction. Standing in between all her friends, she gave them a look. “Well, any ideas?”

It took a few seconds before most of them could tear their eyes from her previous display, focusing on her now. A chorus of “no”s and shaking heads made her sigh. “So now what?”

Applejack looked down at the bracelet again, muttering. “This's got somethin' t' do with it, Ah reckon.”

“Great,” Shadow gestured to her. “So use it then.”

Applejack looked away shyly. “Ah can't.”

“Right. Wonderful.”

Discussion continued for several minutes while they tried to think of some kind of solution, but nothing presented itself. None of their 'escape dungeon' items worked, and they couldn't gate out. Violet hypothesised this may be due to the fact the game was listing their locations as 'UNKNOWN'.

They instead ended up sitting in a group, chatting and trying to distract themselves. Ardent suggested using the emergency release on the headset to quit, but Violet pointed out that it could permanently corrupt their characters if the game didn't even know where they were. Better off they just wait it out. Silence fell on the group for a while afterwards.

Applejack jumped along with the others as the quiet was shattered by an ear-piercing scream from Starlight. Glaring up at her while covering her ears, she noticed her pointing a hoof in the distance. Curious, and a little scared, she turned her head, instantly jumping up and shouting as she spotted the trigger for her friend's scream.

“Dusk! Get back!”

The mage in question looked up, her head tilted in confusion, then her mouth fell open in a silent scream. Looking down, she saw the red point of the spear protruding through her chest before her eyes rolled back into her head and she went limp. Roughly, the alicorn tore spear from the unicorn's back, letting the body fall lifelessly to the ground. Looking up at the group of mares charging it, it grinned, twirling the ruby weapon effortlessly and adopting a fighting stance.

Applejack's view filled with red as she rushed blindly forwards, sword drawn. Behind her the others followed suit, drawing their own weapons and charging on. She screamed as she leapt into the air, pulling her foreleg back. Time slowed as the bracelet extended, activating. Slowly it rotated, and she glared at the alicorn, throwing her leg forwards.

“FOR DU--” She stopped short as met the monster's glare. It's eyes drilled into her soul, and she felt like she'd slammed into a brick wall. The bracelet activated, beams of energy lancing across, but without her focus they split, dispersing and striking the ground around her target, scorching but otherwise dealing no damage. Applejack fell like a stone, unable to move as she crashed to the ground helplessly. The alicorn advanced, a violent but somehow familiar grin on its face as it raised the spear above its head.

“NO!” an armoured winged form smashed into the spear, knocking it off course as it pierced the ground just in front of Applejack's muzzle. Tutting, the alicorn looked upwards to see Ardent diving it once more, oversized blade whistling through the air. Pulling the spear free, the monster jumped back, barely dodging the dive. Undettered, Ardent propelled herself off the ground, swinging her sword at the alicorn, who blocked the attack effortlessly. Spinning the weapon, it struck her head with the shaft, knocking her away. Ardent staggered back, trying to regain her footing when she felt a searing pain as the spear was driven through her neck. Applejack couldn't even move her mouth to scream her name as her friend fell dead to the floor.

A bright light blinded her momentarily as the corpse glowed with golden energy, and after a few seconds Ardent picked herself up, breathing heavily for a few moments as she nodded over Applejack.

“Thanks Vi. Could you help Applejack?”

Murmurs of approval nearby told her Violet's position. A hoof ran across her back as she spoke. “Applejack, can you get up?”

Barely, she managed to get the word 'no' out through her frozen muzzle. Violet's face appeared in her view, clear worry being the dominant expression. “I can't help you, Applejack, I'm sorry you... You don't have anything wrong with you...” she looked away, unsure, then yelped and leapt away, landing roughly as Party Time's body slammed into the ground where she just stood. Slowly, she stood up, a look of grim determination on her face as she sheathed her scythe and let the cannon on her foreleg extend. Glancing once at Applejack, she nodded before diving back into the fight. Violet galloped over, placing a hoof gently on Applejack's cheek and apologising again before she hopped away, charging into the fight occurring in the distance, her horn glowing with magic.

Applejack watched her friends fight the alicorn valiantly. It was currently locked in a duel of sorts with Ardent as the two blocked each other's strikes with their weapons, but the monster was nimble, dodging shots from Party Time and fireballs from Twilight as they rained in. Shadowdancer came up behind the creature while it was occupied, slamming her blades into its flanks. To her horror, they simply glanced of its skin, barely grazing it, as the alicorn kicked, sending her flying backwards and landing in a heap. Starlight leapt in, delivering a powerful punch to its other flank, a shockwave rippling out. In response, the alicorn twisted, blocking Ardent's latest strike and slamming the spear into its newest attacker in one smooth movement, launching Starlight away.

Violet ran over to the two mares, handing them healing potions and getting them back up, before focusing her magic. “PhaVak Rom!” she screamed, her eyes glowing brighter than her horn as a massive firestorm engulfed the creature, wrapping it in an intense inferno. Disappearing from vision in a wreath of flame, the group paused, waiting for the smoke to clear.

A lance of ruby arced through the air, spearing Violet through the head, ending the spell instantly as she fell. A flash denoted Starlight rushing over and reviving her, while the other three watched in horror as the alicorn absent-mindedly pulled the spear back to itself, twirling it with a malevolent grin on its face. Party Time growled, snapping her cannon back into her leg and drawing her scythe, charging the creature simultaneously with Ardent and Shadow. The monster looked between them nonchalantly, its grin widening as it drove the spear into the ground. As the three neared, time appeared to stop as it spread its wings and rocketed into the air before diving rapidly to the ground, a massive white shockwave expanding from where its hooves hit, striking them and knocking them all back.

Party's growling became louder as she forced herself up, charging again. “Reaper's Touch!” she screamed monstrously, sounding more like an animal than a pony. Her scythe was met with the alicorn's weapon, who blocked each rapid strike effortlessly, endlessly grinning, infuriating the reaper, whose strikes became more and more vicious. After a few dozen trades, the monster huffed, almost as though it were bored, blocking another strike and snapping the spear upwards, striking Party Time on the chin and throwing her back. She landed hard, no longer moving. Turning around, the alicorn faced the rest, spear ready by its side.

Violet stepped up, wobbling slightly as she focused. “PhaRue Kruz! OrGan Zot! PhaVak Don!” she shouted in rapid succession, and Applejack watched with wonder as her magic surged. The alicorn was immediately surrounded by a cluster of large shards of ice which orbited around it. Eyeing them cautiously, it looked up to see more magic congealing above it into a massive orb of fire, then shook as the ground beneath it rumbled forebodingly. All at once, the spells fired; the frozen crystals rapidly accelerating and slamming into the monster's head as the fireball descended and split into several smaller spheres that rained destruction onto and around it. Barely through the smoke, she could make out a massive spear of rock launch itself from the ground, the alicorn bursting from the cloud on ragged wings, leaving a trail of fire in its wake. Insane laughter rang out as the creature descended, diving at Violet. The unicorn barely had time to react, screwing her eyes shut when she was suddenly thrown sideways by Ardent plowing into her at high speed, barely getting her out of the way as the alicorn slammed its hooves into the ground, leaving sizeable craters behind. Tutting, it whirled on the two as they struggled to get up, pulling its spear to its side and thrusting it at them. The ruby shot through Ardent's spine, piercing her chest and continuing into Violet, pinning the two ponies together as they tumbled out of control.

Cackling madly, the monster was taken by surprise when a hoof smashed into its cheek as Starlight sailed past. Looking more taken aback than actually injured, the alicorn grinned as it used its magic to press the spear further into the pinned mares, up to the ring, bonding them to the ground. Their screams filled the ears of the rest of the group, Shadowdancer rushing over and attempting to free them, but the weapon held fast, leaving the two trapped. The monster grinned at Starlight's look of horror, twisting the spear in its magic, earning more ear-splitting screams as Shadow desperately fed them healing potions to keep them alive.

A look of determination flashed across Starlight's face as she charged at her opponent, who viewed her with a look of disbelief. It smirked, charging to meet her, but as they were about to collide, Starlight slid underneath, delivering a powerful buck to its hind legs, causing it to stumble. As it wheeled around, a bolt of lightning blasted its face, and it turned to growl at Party Time, standing nearby with her cannon smoking. She fired again and again, letting off shot after shot, but just seemed to aggravate the alicorn as it was enshrouded in a thick layer of smoke. Party, however, didn't stop firing, her ceaseless assault resulting in vague flashes of light from within the cloud as bolts struck her target.

A strong wind suddenly buffeted Starlight, throwing her off balance as the monster beat its powerful wings. The smoke wrapped itself around the unicorn, causing her to cough as she was blinded, tears streaming from her eyes. Barely she heard shouts and powerful hoofsteps, but was unable to react when the alicorn slammed a powerful hoof into her chin, sending her reeling out of the cloud. Tripping, she fell, almost getting to a healing potion when she felt a strong hoof come down on the back of her neck, the sick crunch of bone accompanying the numbness that filled her body below her neck, barely giving her time to even whimper.

Satisfied she was no longer a threat, the alicorn turned as another bolt of lightning struck its cheek. Grimacing, it lowered its stance, ready to pounce as it spread its wings wide, hardly flinching from Party's relentless cannon fire. Instead, it tensed up, crouching, then launched itself at her, who swiftly ducked, dodging the blow as she fired into its chest. The alicorn ignored the shots, flapping its massive wings to turn, rocketing towards Party rapidly. Focusing, she drew her scythe as the cannon collapsed, bracing herself. As the monster reached her she blocked, using her weapon to soften the blow. Even then, the force of the attack pushed her back several feet, leaving trails in the rock. The two grinned at each other, faces locked in a desperate struggle.

Suddenly the alicorn relented, releasing the pressure. Without anything to press against Party felt herself fall forwards as the creature stepped aside, slamming a hoof into her cheek with enough force to send her careening across the battlefield, bouncing along the ground. When she eventually came to a stop, she was completely still save for laboured breathing, her face deformed around a hoofprint that took up half of its surface.

The alicorn surveyed the battlefield, smiling maliciously as it approached Shadow, the only pony still able to fight. She was desperately trying to keep Ardent and Violet calm, having at least made them stop screaming, but she was otherwise unable to help. The shadow of the monster overtook her, and she stared up into its eyes, brimming with tears.

“You... How dare you? How--” she stopped short, eyes growing wide as her will was sapped under its withering stare. Blinking rapidly, she forced back with a stare of her own, but could feel the sweat dripping down her forehead. She was losing this battle rapidly, her concentration thrown off as her own trump card was thrown against her. Her mind worked a million miles a minute as she frantically tried to come up with something. It was failing.

Applejack watched helplessly as Shadow's will visibly cracked, her facade all but shattered as she was nearly driven to tears as the alicorn beared down on her, a sick, twisted grin on its muzzle. Tears streamed down her face as she wished desperately for the bracelet to do something.

“No, Ah need t' do somethin'” she thought. Focusing her mind, she blocked out everything. Her friends needed her, right now. And Celestia darn it she was going to help them. Gradually, she felt sensation return to her limbs, first her legs, then slowly the rest of her body. Forcing herself up, she blinked, turning her attention to the battle of wills occurring a short distance away. Feeling fully returned, she glanced down at the pulsing bracelet. Retrieving her sword, she charged at the alicorn, screaming.

“Get away from her!”

For a brief moment, the alicorn looked surprised as Applejack leapt at her, breaking the stare. Quickly recovering, it stepped aside as she passed, swinging a hoof down onto her back. Applejack collapsed to the ground, barely alive. Glaring at the monster, she willed herself upright against the protests of her body. The alicorn watched with curiosity as the beaten mare stood against her, and grinned, sharp teeth showing as it roared, swinging its hooves down. Applejack ducked to the side, barely dodging the attack as she shouted to the still quivering pegasus beside her.

“Shadow!” Her eyes snapped up to Applejack. “Heal Starlight and Party. We need 'em up.” Shadow blinked back tears as she nodded, launching herself haphazardly into the air. A rush of wind rustled her mane, and she glanced back to see the alicorn preparing to take flight after her. “Oh no ya don't!” she growled, leaping up and grabbing onto one of its hind legs as it flew over. The sudden change in weight threw it off, and it tumbled awkwardly, crashing to the ground. Applejack rolled several times, red seeping into the edges of her vision as she groaned, lifting her head up. The alicorn was already upright, giving chase to Shadow again, but the pegasus had already healed Starlight and was moving on to Party. Starlight engaged the monster in combat, keeping its attention off Shadowdancer as she revived the reaper, who hopped upright, grinning widely as she felt her cheek pop back to its normal shape.

A pulse of warmth shot up Applejack's leg, and she looked down to see the bracelet. Grinning, she aimed it at the monster, the crystalline structure humming as it spun. Energy arced through it as she prepared to fire.

The alicorn glanced up, spotting her charging her attack, and responded with an intense glare. Applejack fumbled as her thoughts ground to a halt, the bracelet firing wild beams of energy around the creature, missing entirely. This time, however, she shrugged off the paralysing effect and let the bracelet charge again while the monster duelled with Starlight. It slammed her backwards, staring again at Applejack momentarily, stopping her in her tracks. Repeatedly it interrupted her attack, and she ground her teeth in frustration. She needed some way of stopping it from interrupting her.

An idea popped into her head, and she paused as she mulled it over for several seconds. “That's insane,” she muttered to herself. Staring intently at the monster, she watched as it retrieved its spear from the earth to fight Party and Shadow, wincing as the two now free mares screamed in newfound agony. Starlight was there though, handing healing potions out and getting them to their feet. Soon the alicorn was deflecting Ardent's blows while dodging Violet's magic. Applejack grinned. “Perfect.”

Sheathing her sword, she let the bracelet charge with power, extending into the firing position. Instead of aiming though, she galloped straight at the alicorn, keeping her eyes averted as much as possible. Not sensing the threat, the monster continued to fight with Ardent, repeatedly blocking and retaliating with her spear, beating her to a pulp as she was constantly topped up on healing potions by the others. Applejack got into range, then leapt at the creature's neck, wrapping her hooves around it.

Shocked, the alicorn writhed, trying to throw her off, but Applejack held on, gripping more tightly. Pressing the bracelet to the creature's chest, she grinned, looking it dead in the eye.

“Dodge this.”

The world exploded as the bracelet fired. The two figures were wrapped in green and blue energy as the wild beams converged on the creatures chest, blasting it. Applejack screamed in pain as her body was consumed by raging power, static filling her sight and drowning out sound.

Then everything stopped. Applejack still felt the searing agony, but nothing new happened. She was deaf and blind, unable to move as the world froze. It may have lasted hours or seconds, but that was beyond her mind at that moment. She would've clenched her eyes and jaw shut to numb the feeling if she could.

Rapidly time resumed, and Applejack found herself flying through the air again, but this time felt gentle, firm hooves catch her instead of the cold ground. Still writhing, she felt the searing pain subside over the next few seconds, and cracked an eye open. The bracelet was rapidly oscillating, code tearing off the twitching alicorn. Its pale yellow skin was torn away, revealing an ugly, rough stone beneath. Streams of data surged into the bracelet, and Applejack felt herself rejuvenated as she was placed gently to the ground. Unable to take her eyes off of the monster, she mumbled a thanks to her saviour, watching with wild eyes as it screamed. Its face was gone, replaced with that featureless rock, the rest of its body following suit. Several tense seconds passed as the last patches of skin were gone, and the alicorn suddenly snapped to a neutral position, all four hooves on the ground, straight posture, looking dead ahead. The following silence lasted an age as nopony dared to move, when it was broken by a deafening crash as the alicorn's horn and wings shattered, the remains clattering to the floor and vanishing. The ruby spear fell to the ground, rolling to a stop a short distance away at Party's hooves.

The six looked to one another, a nervous laugh coming from Violet. Then the others joined in, and soon they were all barely upright as they laughed heartily, clutching to each other for support. Applejack properly thanked Ardent for catching her, earning a ruffle of her hair from the blushing pegasus while Starlight handed healing items around the group, topping everyone up.

As they recovered, a roar pierced the veil of victory they'd built, and the six turned to the stone alicorn. It sat motionless for several seconds before suddenly propelling itself into Violet, slamming her backwards a long distance. As the others cried out, it wheeled around, headbutting Party Time, who barely got her scythe drawn before she was sent flying. Starlight rushed to Violet while Shadow rushed to Party. Both mares were heavily injured but alive, enough for a healing potion to bring them back.

Applejack and Ardent stood side by side, weapons drawn as they faced down the empty statue that slowly advanced on them. Its pace increased as it let out a guttural roar, charging the two ponies. They split, diving in opposite directions away from it and driving their weapons along its flanks as it passed, leaving deep cracks. Undaunted, it spun around, charging at Applejack, who barely had time to react before it was on top of her. Slamming a hoof into the side of her head, it pummelled her into the ground relentlessly, roaring constantly, until Ardent's heavy form slammed it aside, knocking it away. It stumbled, turning to face its new attacker, then charged again.

A storm broke out above the creature as Violet channelled her magic, massive bolts of lightning descending from the sky and arcing across its face, but it just kept going. The storm intensified, the rock beginning to glow red as the heat seared it. A powerful bolt of colourful lightning struck its leg, interrupting its charge as it stumbled, tripping. Lightning continued to blast its face as it tried to catch Ardent, who kept dodging away, keeping its attention. A heavy hoof slammed into the side of its face, dislodging some of the stone with a loud CRACK, and the once-alicorn whirled around, trying to face its new attacker, who was even more nimble than the last.

As soon as its attention was off her, Ardent dived forwards, smashing her blade into its foreleg, detaching it. Crashing to the ground, it let out a low, devastating roar that echoed through the arena, shaking Applejack to her core. Gritting her teeth against the sound, she forced herself up, picking up her sword and charging the creature. Deftly she leapt underneath it, striking at its two hind legs and leaving sizeable clefts just beneath its knees. Behind her she heard the rushing of air followed by two sharp cuts as Shadow flew in and followed up, deepening the wounds. Applejack turned in time to see its hind legs fail and the creature fall helplessly to the ground, feebly flailing its one remaining limb in the direction of the still dodging Starlight.

It roared loudly when a loud crack and slash of steel on stone interrupted it as Shadowdancer landed on its head, driving her blades into its skull. Repeatedly she stabbed, a tranquil fury in her eyes as she dug deeper. Finally the creature's roars ceased as golden light erupted from the hole in its head, surging into the sky. The six ponies gathered around their fallen opponent, nervously keeping their eyes on it and their weapons drawn when a message flashed up on all their screens.

4491 Experience Gained!

All of the ponies were surrounded in a rush of light, looking around in confusion. “Did we just level up?” Violet asked, half curious and half worried. Applejack brought up her character menu, revealing that she had, indeed levelled up. Four times.

“Uh, Vi, Ah thought ya said Ah can only level up once per bad guy.”

Violet looked at her in confusion. “Yes, that's true.”

“So, why've Ah gained four levels?”

At once they all checked their respective character menus, eyes wide when they all confirmed that they'd all gained four levels. “Huh,” was Violet's only response. “That's new.”

Violently the zone rocked, and the six looked around in horror as the zone around them began to darken, fading away into non-existence. The distant islands dispersed into golden light, but before they could even think to scream or run, they found themselves hurtling through a tunnel of static again.

This journey was far shorter than the others as they collapsed in a heap on stone cobbles. Applejack rubbed her head, inspecting her surroundings. She was lying on cold stone in what appeared to be Mac Anu during night. She would've sighed in relief if the heavy weight on her back didn't restrict her breathing that much, and she gently prodded the mare lying on her with a free hoof. A grunt later, Ardent rolled off, and helped her and the rest up.

“So, we're back here, huh?” Ardent commented, staring across the waterline. “Just like nothing happened.”

“Appears so, darling.” Starlight stood beside her, breathing in the sea air in relief.

Party Time, Shadow and Violet were soon standing with them, staring out into the distance. Applejack began to trot over when she tripped, sprawling on the top of the stairs. Cursing, she turned to see what had caused her fall, but her breath stopped short and her eyes grew wide. At her reaction, the rest of her friends followed her gaze, a mix of gasps and mutters erupting from them.

Lying just in front of the Chaos Gate was Dusk Glimmer's corpse.

Chapter 14 - Sunset

“Why's she still dead?” Starlight asked, staring at Violet, who shook her head and shrugged.

“She should auto-revive when she reaches town... your ghost and body instantly merge when you get back so...” she trailed off as she brought up a menu, typing away. A list of current players popped up, exceedingly empty at this point. A short search for 'Dusk' later and she found who she was looking for.

Player: Dusk Glimmer

Location: Θ Dun Loireag

“But this is Mac Anu, how could...” Ardent began, then paled, “you don't think... maybe...”

Violet nodded, but Starlight, Shadow and Applejack looked to them in confusion. “Think what?”

Ardent gulped, putting on a strong face. “Well, the area we travelled to was on the Θ Server, right?” A series of nods confirmed their understanding as she continued. “So why are we in Δ Server's Root Town?”

“So, y'all think her ghost's in one place while her body's here?” Applejack summarized after a few moments silence. The two ponies nodded. “So can't she just mosey on over here an' pick it up?”

Violet shook her head sadly. “She can't interact with anything as a ghost, so she's trapped there unless someone forces her to revive.”

“How will that help? She's still stuck in one town while her body is elsewhere,” Starlight half yelled.

“Well, that's true, but reviving her manually will either cause her ghost to create a new body wherever it is, or will pull her ghost to her body here. Either way she'll revive.”

“Right. So let's revive her then,” Applejack stated bluntly. Violet and Ardent both looked nervously at her. “What?”

“We can't,” the pegasus scratched the back of her head anxiously. “You can only revive party members.”

Applejack was silent for only a second. “Right, so let's add her to a party.”

“We don't have her Member Address,” Violet pointed out.

“Then we add it!” Applejack was getting more frustrated with every comment.

Shadowdancer stepped closer, coughing gently to interrupt them while apologising. “Um, I just tried and it was declined.”

The others looked to her and each tried to trade Member Addresses. All of them found their invite denied instantly, earning a groan from Applejack as they made no progress.

Ardent placed a hoof on her shoulder gently, calming her. “Looks like she has Member Address trades set to automatically decline. We'd need to find somepony that already has her Member Address.”

Applejack rubbed her forehead with a hoof, thinking for several seconds, then her eyes lit up and she clicked her tongue. “Ah got it!”

At the group's look of curiosity she continued, “Dusk has her own fanclub. Ah'm bettin' somepony there'll help us!”

The emotions of her friends brightened considerably, and they nodded in unison. “Right! Let's do this. Somepony has to have her Member Address!”

*****

“What d'ya mean neither o' y'all have her Member Address?!” Applejack shouted, slamming a hoof onto the table. The glasses on it bounced into the air momentarily before their owners caught them in their magic calmly. They'd found a large group of Dusk's fanclub in a player owned restaurant in Dun Loireag, but so far nopony could help them. “Y'all're her fans!”

“Exactly,” the nearest unicorn responded. “Dusk Glimmer will gladly have us as fans, but doesn't consider anypony her friend.”

Applejack's expression softened slightly. “Well that's jus' sad.”

“Eh, it's life,” the other unicorn scratched her head idly, looking up as she thought. “Although, what about Velvet?”

The first unicorn cocked an eyebrow at her companion, thinking for a few moments. “I guess Velvet might know.”

The group looked to one another before Ardent stepped up. “Who's Velvet?”

“Huh?” the second unicorn stared blankly at them for a second before realising the question. “Oh! Velvet's Dusk's second-in-command. Well... Okay not really. She's Dusk's only friend, at least as far as we know.”

“Great! Do y'all know where we can find her?” Applejack leaned up on the table. Both unicorns looked at her apologetically, shaking their heads. Cursing, she furrowed her brow. “Darn. Still, it's a start.” She tipped an invisible hat at the two unicorns, who waved back. “Thank ya girls.”

The six walked away from them, heading to the next group of ponies. Four sets of identical unicorns and they'd only just made some progress.

It was another five parties of mares before they got a location. Apparently she liked to spend her time in Mac Anu, by the end of one of the docks where nopony goes. “She likes her private time,” one of them had said with a wink, earning a series of groans from her companions. Following her advice, they headed to the given location hastily.

It was empty, the cool sea breeze washing over them. Cursing, Applejack punched a nearby crate, badly injuring herself and hardly denting the box. Scowling, she turned to the other of the group, looking tired and ragged.

“Ah'm sorry y'all Ah jus'... Ah wanted t' help her,” she apologised, hanging her head. To her surprise, she felt herself pulled into a hug, and looked across to see Party, her grin failing as her exhaustion showed through. The others weren't faring much better. “Y'all should get some rest.”

Although the five friends were happy to accept that, they were hesitant. “What about you, AJ?” Ardent asked, stifling a yawn. Applejack smiled slightly.

“Don't worry y'all, Ah still got a bit o' kick left in me,” she widened her grin, bucking to prove her point. “B'sides, y'all got hit pretty hard by that monster thing. Get some rest an' we'll sort it out in tha mornin',” she commanded more than asked. There were a few weak protests, but ultimately they relented. Shadow was the first to accept, nodding to Applejack and saying her goodbyes as she stretched, fading away. Starlight soon followed, muttering about beauty sleep, while Party Time just collapsed on the floor snoring before she too vanished. Ardent and Violet stood staring at Applejack, looking her over. A very loud yawn escaped the pegasus's mouth and she blushed before excusing herself, logging out.

“Are you sure you're okay, Applejack?” Violet asked, worry apparent in her voice and eyes. Applejack laughed nervously, brushing her off.

“Of course.”

“Applejack, you still can't lie, even online.” Violet gained a small smirk as her friend's cheeks glowed. She strode to the end of the dock, motioning for her to follow. The two sat there, hind legs dangling off the wood, staring off into the endless blue horizon. “Come on, what's troubling you,” she softly asked.

Applejack sighed wistfully, leaning back and looking up into the stars. “It's jus'... Ah dunno what's goin' on, an' Ah seem t' be tha centre o' whatever's happenin',” she held her forehoof above her, holding it in front of her face and staring intently at where the bracelet would be if she could see it. “And b'fore it was kinda cool, but now Ah feel like it goes beyond me, beyond us. And Ah dunno if Ah want t'know how far it goes.”

Violet nodded in agreement, lying down next to Applejack. “Yeah, I see what you mean.” Rolling over, she propped herself up and looked down at her friend. “Before it was just some kind of weird event but now, even I have no idea what's going on.”

Applejack closed her eyes. “But Ah know what Ah need t'do.”

Violet looked curiously at her. “Oh? What's that?”

She snapped her eyes open, staring intently at her companion. “Save Aura.”

“Excuse me.”

The two friends paused for a moment, then turned away, looking back towards the town at the newcomer. A unicorn stood there, just visible in the shadows, but enough for Applejack to tell her general features. She was wrapped in a simple off-white cloak, her coat lavender toned, similar to the rest of Dusk's fanclub, but her eyes were a bright sky blue, caring and almost motherly. They regarded the two with a clear curiosity as she approached.

“Apparently you've been looking for me?”

Applejack sat up far more eagerly than she anticipated, and nearly fell over as her body struggled to catch up. “Miss Velvet?”

The unicorn held a hoof to her mouth as she chuckled. “Oh my, it's been a while since anypony has called me 'Miss'.” She smiled warmly, holding a hoof out to Applejack. “My name is Velvet Star, although you can just call me Velvet.” They shook hooves warmly. “And I'm assuming you're Applejack?”

The orange mare nodded as she blushed slightly, then pointed to her companion. “Ah sure am, an' this here's mah friend, Tw- Violet Blaze.” A sharp glare caused her to cough and mime a yawn at her companion, who rolled her eyes and turned to Velvet, shaking her hoof.

“Pleasure to meet you, Velvet Star.”

“The pleasure is all mine, Miss Blaze,” the unicorn winked before leaning in and whispering in her ear. “Or should I call you Twily?”

Violet's face almost burned up as she stuttered. “Wha- Who- Bu- Wha-” but Velvet was grinning as she turned her attention to Applejack, who was watching the situation with more amusement than she felt she should. It took a few seconds to realise she was being spoken to.

“Wha-? Oh Ah'm sorry, Ah wasn't focusin',” she apologised, earning a warm smile from the new unicorn.

“Not to worry dear. I simply asked what you needed me for.”

Applejack's brain took a few more seconds to kick in before she exclaimed, nearly jumping in the air. “Oh! D'ya have Dusk Glimmer's Member Address?”

Velvet's expression changed to amused curiosity. “Yes, I do. Any particular reason?”

“She uh...” Applejack paused, looking to Violet, who had sufficiently calmed down, although her blush hadn't subsided.

“She got hit by a nasty bug. Her character didn't resurrect properly so we need someone to revive her manually, if that's alright with you?” she spoke quickly and flawlessly.

Velvet nodded instantly. “Of course I'll help. Lead me to her.”

*****

Applejack and Violet stood anxiously in the entrance to the guild house as Velvet worked through several menus, adding Dusk to her party and using a revive item. The three impatiently waited, watching the golden glow subside. The pony remained still on the floor for several minutes, the mares refusing to look away for even a second.

“Well, it looks like it didn't--” Violet began before the pony coughed, gasping loudly as her eyes shot open and she jumped upright, looking around erratically.

“Where... Where?” Before she could panic she felt hooves wrap around her as she was pulled into a hug by Velvet, soothingly shushing her until she'd calmed down enough to stand still.

Applejack exhaled loudly, wiping her brow, while Violet held a hoof to her chest as she settled her breathing. Dusk looked to them, immediately trying to jump away, her eyes wide.

“You! What did you do to me?!”

Raising her hooves up in peace, Applejack slowly approached. “Whoa there, simmer down. We're jus' as confused as you and it weren't us. We jus' wanna make sure y'all're okay.”

Dusk eyed her nervously, shaking, while Velvet held her tight and gently stroked her back, slowly relaxing her. “I'm okay,” she eventually managed to whisper.

“Good,” Violet affirmed, stepping forwards. Dusk's eyes shot up, glaring at her, causing her to back down, forehooves raised. Velvet blocked her view, looking deep into her eyes.

“Look at me, Dusk." She ordered. "She just saved you. Thank her.”

“But... She...” Dusk began to protest, but was cut off.

“No, she saved you. You at least owe her an apology, and certainly owe her more for making her stay up late to make sure you were okay.”

Tears began to roll down Dusk's face as she broke away. Nodding slightly, she strode over to her rival, refusing to look into her eyes as she mumbled. “Thank you for saving me.” She turned to Applejack, glancing to Velvet, who nodded, before heading to her too. “And thank you for saving me too.” A menu popped up in front of Applejack's face.

Player Dusk Glimmer wishes to exchange Member Addresses!

“If there's anything I can do to repay you... give me a call.” She flashed a small smile, no longer hiding behind her wall of confidence. Applejack gave a sincere smile back as she accepted, pulling the mare into a hug. As they backed off, Dusk excused herself, mumbling another thanks and stepping out the door before popping her head in and waiting for Velvet. The unicorn nodded to her, trotting over to Applejack.

Player Velvet Star wishes to exchange Member Addresses!

“Just in case you need me,” she winked, joining her friend as she headed out the door. As it was about to close, she leaned back in, an evil grin on her face as her head reappeared.

“Twilight, go to bed.”

The flustered unicorn 'eeped', quickly shoving the mare - who was now sticking her tongue out at the two - outside and slamming the door. Leaning against it, she looked over to Applejack, a weak smile on her face as she lightly giggled. “Looks like we're just getting started.”

Applejack nodded, glancing once more at her foreleg.

“Ah think things are about t'get real interestin'.”