//-------------------------------------------------------//
                     Everfree Meltdown                     
                      -by Furzfanger-                      
//-------------------------------------------------------//
//-------------------------------------------------------//
                   Chapter 1: Aftermath                    
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Chapter 1: Aftermath
Everfree Meltdown
A Fanfic by Furzfänger
Prologue
It had been almost a year since the reactor began operation. True, it had been quite costly, but with the energy that it provided for Equestria, it was all worth it.
It was a fine Spring afternoon, and the plant workers had just returned from their lunch break. One stallion, named Ramrod, had just returned to his station when he noticed something unusual. The core’s temperature nearly 400 degrees over its acceptable range.
“Sweet Celestia!”, yelled the now alert pony.
Radiation was quickly seeping into the room. His eyes widened in shock, as he sounded the alarm, warning all employees that the reactor was about to blow. Everypony quickly put on their gas masks, hoping for protection against the hazardous fallout. Unfortunately, it would be too late for all of them.
Chapter 1: Aftermath
Fluttershy was returning home from Sweet Apple Acres late that evening, due to it being Applejack’s birthday. There had been all of the typical festivities a pony would expect, balloons, punch, dancing, cake. All of which was provided by Pinkie Pie of course.
“Oh my... I think I ate too much cake.”, muttered the yellow pegasus to herself. Little did she know, the stomach ache would be the least of her worries that night.
She had finally reached the door of her isolated cottage, when she heard a distant moan. It sounded as though it was crying out in pain.
“Who’s there!?”, exclaimed the timid pony as she bolted inside.
Just as she was about to lock the door, she thought to herself, Maybe it’s an animal in trouble. With the welfare of all creatures being her passion, she mustered up the courage to approach the noise. She quickly threw open the door, and ran in the general direction that the moaning had come from. She found herself walking straight into the infamous Everfree Forest.
"Oh no...", Fluttershy said to herself.
After several minutes of galloping down the dark forest path, she found the source of the cries for help. It was none other than her reclusive friend, Zecora the zebra.
“Oh Zecora! Are you alright?!”, squeaked the pegasus.
Zecora gave her a terrifying look of despair. “Oh my dear sweet Fluttershy... I do believe I am to die.”
Fluttershy was now overcome with fear. “I... I... I’m going to get help!”, said the pony, attempting to comfort her wounded friend.
After a few raspy breaths, the zebra was able to form her final words. “My time in Equestria is done... All I ask... is that you run.” Zecora’s breathing grew fainter and fainter, until her body fell lifeless on the cold forest floor.
Poor Fluttershy now found herself flying with new found speed back towards Ponyville. Never had she seen another pony die before. The tears poured down her cheeks. No matter how hard she tried, she could not muster up the courage to let out a scream for help. She thought manically to herself, What am I going to do!? Where am I going to go!? She decided that if anypony knew what to do, it would be her friend Twilight Sparkle. She flew with all of her strength towards the library, the home of the lavender unicorn.
As usual, Twilight was up late studying. “Twilight, don’t you think you should go to bed soon?”, asked Spike.
Twilight gave him an irritated look. “I can’t go to bed now Spike, I’ve almost figured out how to do this spell."
“But you’ve been doing it perfectly for the past half hour.”, Spike groaned.
“Practice makes perfect Spike. Practice makes perfect.”, chirped Twilight merrily.
Suddenly, the front door was assaulted by a wave of swift knocking. “I wonder who that could be.”, said the puzzled unicorn. She trotted down the stairs towards the entry room. After unlocking the door, she was met with a familiar yellow pegasus. But something was wrong. All of the life seemed to have been drained from the poor pony’s face.
“Fluttershy? What’s wrong?”, asked a concerned Twilight. Her friend did not answer. “Are you alright? Did something happen?!” Fluttershy nodded, as more tears fell from her eyes.
After a few minutes, Twilight finally managed to calm down her winged friend. “Alright Fluttershy, now I want you to tell me... What happened?”
The pegasus whimpered, “Zecora...”
Twilight raised an eyebrow, “What about Zecora?”
“She’s dead Twi...", Fluttershy wheezed. "She’s dead.” The pegasus collapsed over her friend’s shoulder, tears still streaming.
“Oh Fluttershy...”, said Twilight, as she embraced her trembling friend.
“Spike, take a letter.”, Twilight commanded solemnly. “I need you to alert the Princess of this tragedy.”
“I’m on it.”, replied the nervous dragon.
Now Twilight was wondering to herself, “What could have happened to her?” The death of somepony as young as Zecora was scarcely thought to happen in Ponyville. “Who would have done such a thing?” Twilight had decided then and there, that she must go see her deceased friend. “Fluttershy, I know that this is very hard for you... But I need to know where you found her.”
The pegasus swallowed, “I... I found her on the ground not too far from her hut in the forest.” The pegasus pointed her glance to the floor.
“Fluttershy, you stay here with Spike. I’m going to get the others and find out what’s going on here.”, Twilight said. Once she made sure Fluttershy was nice and calm on her sofa, Twilight departed from her library to get her friends.
After alerting the four other ponies of the situation at hand, Twilight led them all towards Fluttershy’s empty cottage.
“Are you sure that Zecora’s dead Twilight? I mean, this is Fluttershy we are talking about here.”, spouted the cyan pegasus.
“Rainbow... with the look I saw in her eyes, there is no doubt in my mind that what she saw was real.”, answered Twilight with almost no emotion. “Remember girls, what we may find in here won’t be pleasant. If anypony wants to turn back, now is the time.” The four ponies looked at one another, giving no reply. “Then let’s go.”
The five mares had been walking down the dark forest path for several minutes. Fears of timberwolves were racing through their minds.
“Twilight darling, are you sure this is the right way to Zecora’s house?”, asked the pale unicorn.
“Yes Rarity, I'm sure. I couldn’t forget a path like this.”, replied Twilight.
Rarity looked around. “Well, I’d hate to remember a dreaded place like this.”, she said, gesturing to the hordes of dead trees.
Just then, Twilight noticed an eerie orange glow in the distance. “Girls, it looks like there’s a fire way over there.” They all moved cautiously towards the source of the light.
“Stop right there!”, exclaimed a muffled voice.
“Who goes there?!”, yelled a defensive Rainbow Dash.
“I’ll be the one asking the questions here little filly!”
Rainbow then ignited into a rage. But before she could attack the stranger, she was tackled by both Applejack and Pinkie Pie. “Lemme at him!! Lemme at him!!” The strange pony shook his head.
“I’m sorry sir. But what is going on over there?”, asked Twilight.
The stallion stepped out of the darkness, dressed in a full hazmat uniform. “That is classified information ma’am, and you are all trespassing on Royal Canterlot property.”
Twilight gave a look of confusion. “But I thought that the Everfree Forest was public land.”
The hazmat pony turned his gaze to the distant glow. “Not anymore. There has been an... accident.”
“What kind of accident?”, questioned Twilight.
“That information remains, as of now... classified.", barked the pony in the suit. "I must ask that you young mares return to where you came from at once.” Reluctantly, the five ponies complied.
“Somethin’ awful must have happened back there!”, exclaimed Applejack. The other four nodded their heads in agreement.
“Twilight! You’ve gotta ask the Princess what’s going on out here!”, cried a worried Pinkie Pie.
“You’re right Pinkie.”, replied Twilight. “The Princess will know what happened.”
Fear was dwelling within each of them at this point, for fear of a new evil, that they would have to face. They made their way out of the forest, and began walking back to the library.
"Somethin' ain't right around here.", Applejack stated. "Not right at all." The five friends continued silently in the direction of the library.

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                  Chapter 2: Prophylaxis                   
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Chapter 2: Prophylaxis
Chapter 2: Prophylaxis
It was foggy out that morning when the Princess came. Everypony in town was still living as carefree as they always had. The birds were singing, the sun was shining. Things, it seemed, were happier than ever. That was all about to change.
Twilight was still sound asleep in her bed, exhausted from the incident that had taken place previous night. “Twilight!”, yelled Spike. “You’ve gotta get up now!”
The unicorn was quick to rise. “Oh no! Did something happen?”, she asked with concern?   
“Yeah, the Princess is here to see you.”, replied Spike.
“Great! Now I can ask her about what went on last night!”, Twilight said triumphantly. Unfortunately, the Princess would not meet her student with the same enthusiasm.
“Twilight Sparkle!”, shouted the Princess. “I need you and Spike to come outside slowly!”
Twilight noticed something strange about the Princess’s voice. It seemed as if it was being muffled by something. She also wondered why the Princess was asking her to come outside slowly. Something's got to be wrong, she thought to herself.   
Worries aside, she slowly opened the door and walked out to greet the Princess.
“Twilight. Stay where you are.”, said the alicorn through a large black gas mask.
Twilight noticed a large metal carriage in front of her. There were Hazmat ponies lining the way from her door to it. She was becoming more and more nervous as each second passed. “Princess... what’s going on?”, the unicorn said meekly.
The Princess turned her head. “I will explain that to you shortly, but now you and Spike must get inside this carriage.” Twilight hesitated at first, but quickly complied with the Princess’s request.
Twilight and her dragon were now inside of the windowless box. It was dark and smelled of various chemicals, not a very inviting odor. Just then, the armored door slammed shut. “Aaah!!”, shrieked Twilight. “Princess! What’s happening!?” There was no reply, as her voice could not be heard from the outside.
“Tw...Twilight?”, asked a familiar timid voice.
“Fluttershy is that you?”, questioned the unicorn.
“Y...yes.”, replied the yellow pegasus.
“Fluttershy, what’s going on? Why are they doing this?”
“Nopony knows!”, answered a voice with a strong roughnecked accent.
“Applejack? You’re in here too?”, Twilight asked.
“We’re all here Twilight!”, responded Pinkie Pie.
The unicorn was now more puzzled than ever. “Hold on. I’m going to give us some light.” Twilight’s horn began to spark for a brief moment, as it created a small white light, giving depth to the once black room.
“Where are these ghastly ponies taking us?”, muttered Rarity.
“I don’t know...”, said Twilight. “But it has to do with what we saw in the forest last night.” The rest of them nodded their heads in agreement.
“Hey, what happened to Rainbow?”, asked Twilight in surprise.
“They done had to tranquilize her after she tried makin' a break for it!”, Applejack replied.
This concerned Twilight more than ever. “There is something horribly wrong going on here girls. Something horribly... horribly... wrong.”
After a few confused minutes of questioning and planning, the captive ponies decided it best to lay down and let fate decide their course. Eventually, sleep took the seven of them, once Twilight's light had gone out. All of them were now dreaming of things far happier than the situation they had just walked into.
Just then, their transport came to a grinding halt, as the large door slowly opened. The first to awaken was Pinkie, who was struck with fear as she gazed into the face of a emotionless hazard suit. She let out a fourth wall shattering scream. “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!” This quickly woke the others from their forced slumber.
“Sir... please tell us what’s going on here!”, Twilight squeaked erratically. The pony said nothing.
Rainbow Dash drug herself dizzily out from the back of the wagon. “Gi... Give us answers now!!”, she wailed. The cyan mare made a disoriented charge at the pony in the suit.
“Rainbow! NO!”, yelled Twilight. But it was too late. The pony spun around, giving Rainbow a swift buck to the face. Sending her to the ground moaning in pain.
“Rainbow!”, shrieked Applejack. This left Fluttershy and Pinkie crying hysterically. It was then that the Princess came forward, gas mask resting upon her face.
“Princess! What in the name of Equestria is going on here!?”, her panicked student exclaimed.
“Twilight.... I’m sorry for all of this.”, said Celestia. “But I’m doing this for the good of all of Equestria.”
Twilight was now scared more than ever. “What’s happened to us?!”, she asked in terror.
“I’m afraid that you and your friends may have been exposed to dangerous levels radiation.”, Celestia returned somberly.
The room fell silent. The friends just stared awkwardly at their Princess, filled with too much disbelief to ask an questions. For nearly half of a minute this silence shimmered through the room, until a traumatized lavender pony spoke up. “Are... we going to die... Princess?”, asked Twilight with tears in her eyes.
“I’m afraid I don’t know yet... Twilight.”, Celestia responded with grief. “But I need you and your friends to follow me into the next chamber.” The seven contaminated friends all obeyed, as they left their steel prison. Rainbow, who was still unconscious, had to be carried by Applejack.
They were now walking down a dark corridor of stone. It was cold, damp and musty. The only sources of light were the small lanterns which lined the narrow path.
“Where are we?”, asked Fluttershy meekly.
“These must be the old Canterlot dungeons.”, replied Twilight. “I’ve read about them in book on the history of the castle.”
They came to a well lit cell. “This is where you’ll be staying for now, my little ponies.”, said Celestia. A tear fell from her left eye. “I am so sorry.”
The seven friends walked quietly into the cage as the door closed behind them. “This is only temporary.”, the Princess said. “As soon as me and my sister figure out what to do, you will be released from here.” Tears were now flowing freely from the Princess’s eyes. “Goodnight, my students.” The Princess walked solemnly away.
Twilight looked around the cell at her friends. Fluttershy had cried herself into a depressing sleep, while Rarity was trying to comfort a panicking Pinkie Pie in the corner. Meanwhile, Applejack was stroking Dash’s rainbow mane, hoping that her beaten friend would be alright. The unicorn’s mind was ablaze with insanity, as the thoughts of her friends’ mortality began to overwhelm her.
Suddenly, she found her leg being embraced by a small pair of purple hands. It was her faithful assistant, who was now bawling his eyes. She wrapped her hooves around the little dragon, as her eyes began to water. “How could I have let this happen?”
Many hours passed, and Celestia had still not returned to the imprisoned ponies. “How much longer are we expected to wait in this filthy stall?!”, Rarity cried out angrily.
“Please be patient Rarity.”, pleaded Twilight. “This is a very complicated situation we’re in right now.”
“But did they have to keep us in this cramped, dirty cell!?”, whined the dressmaker.
Twilight’s mind was now breaking under the stress. “Look, I don’t think they have any other safe places to keep us! If we are exposed to other ponies, they could share the same fate as us!” Rarity looked to the ground and began to sob quietly.
After a few brief moments, a rusty door could be heard opening down the hall. The two unicorns’ ears perked up. They found themselves gazing upon a dark blue alicorn.
“Princess Luna!”, beamed Twilight.
“Twilight Sparkle, you and your friends must follow me.”, Luna declared in a cold manner. The seven of them listened to the Princess’s command and followed her back down the long, dark corridor.
“Rainbow... Ya feelin' alright sugarcube?”, Applejack asked her now conscious friend.
“Yeah, I think I’ll be okay.”, replied Dash.
“So do ya know what’s goin' on?”, the cowmare asked.
Rainbow pointed her head to the floor. “Yeah. I think I know what’s goin' on.”
It was then that they entered the room they had first arrived in, where Celestia and her guards were waiting for them.
“Princess...”, Twilight started. “What’s going to happen to us?”
The Princess paused for a moment, troubled by what she was about to say. “Twilight... I’m afraid that you and your friends will not be returning to Ponyville for a long time.”
The group gasped together. “But what about my boutique!?” “And mah farm!” “And my animals!” The outburst was followed by a long, awkward silence.
Luna spoke up, “We shall send royal aid to preserve your previous engagements.” This of course provided little security to the frantic ponies.
“Where are you gonna send us?”, Pinkie asked meekly.
“Fear not dear Pinkie Pie, for we shall take care of you as well.”, the blue mare replied, trying to comfort her subject.
“So... uh... Where are you going to send us?”, Fluttershy asked timidly.
Celestia answered, “You will be taken to a secluded camp built just for exposed ponies like you, where you will be given treatment, and can hopefully make a full recovery.” This did not sound so bad to the seven of them.
“We know what we must do Princess.”, Twilight said with a slight smile, as she and her friends walked back into the metal wagon, which remained as it was when they had first left it.
“Once again my students... I am so sorry about this.” The heavy steel door shut slowly, as the carriage made its way to the nearest exit.

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                  Chapter 3: Depredation                   
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Chapter 3: Depredation
Chapter 3: Depredation
After an hour or so, everypony in the wagon was asleep. Everypony, except Fluttershy. She was far too shaken up to sleep. Her thoughts turned to her cottage, and to all of the woodland creatures who depended on her. A small tear dripped from her eye. “Angel...”, she whispered to herself.
Meanwhile, there was a large storm quickly approaching. Distant strikes of lightning lit up the evening sky, always to be followed by deep menacing booms.
“Oh horse apples.”, muttered one of the guards pulling the carriage. “Looks like Cloudsdale wants to make us miserable."
"So it would seem.", replied his Captain.
Just then, a large pair of yellow eyes peeked out from behind a tree. Their dilated pupils followed the wagon with great curiosity.
“Hey! Did you guys see that!?”, asked one of the stallions.
“What?”, another replied.
“Meh. Nevermind.", he returned.
“Oooh! Royal ponies.”, whispered a raspy voice. “They must be carrying something valuable in that wagon.”
A group no less than a dozen Diamond Dogs were panting behind a hill at the thought of the fictional treasures within the stallions' wagon. The gang had made a terrible habit of pouncing unsuspecting travelers walking through the forest.
"Let's go get some gems!", one of them softly barked.
The Lead Dog looked at his subordinates with a sneer on his face. "Tonight... Ponies die!"
The guards were completely unaware of the massacre they were about to face. They were far too busy worrying about the incoming weather to notice the cold blooded mutts making their way through the thick brush. It was then that the rain began to sprinkle.
There was a sudden and unnatural crack, as one of the rear stallions fell lifeless onto the dirt road. The other three soldiers turned their heads to the fallen comrade. They quickly drew their swords.
“Heads up!”, said the Captain to his diminished squad.
The three of them noticed a large rock resting by the fallen soldier’s head. It was splattered with blood. There was then an ominous howl, as the stallions were overwhelmed by a wave of growling canines.
After the attack was over, the two lower ranking soldiers were dead in a pool of their own blood. The Captain, however, had made it through the brutal slaughter. He was on the ground, life seeping out of him.
“Stop!”, he begged. “You know not what you do!”
The Lead Dog stepped towards the downed stallion. “Quiet pony!”, he barked, as he stabbed the Captain with his own blade. The rain began to fall heavily.
By this time, Fluttershy had finally managed to get herself to sleep. All worries of her animals had left her. However, this much needed peace would be interrupted by the sound of crowbars prying open a steel door.
“Whazzat?!”, Fluttershy squeaked. She knew that something was wrong. “G...g.... GIRRRLS!!”, she squealed.
Everypony in the wagon awoke with a jolt. “Fluttershy! What is it darling?!”, asked Rarity frantically.
"Somepony's breaking in!!", Fluttershy wailed.
“Put your backs into it!!”, commanded the Lead Dog. The mutts pulled back on their tools with all of their might. Suddenly the bolts on the door began to lose integrity. A terrible grinding noise was heard, as the door began to reluctantly open. CRACK! The ponies were exposed.
“YOU!”, Rarity exclaimed with rage.
The dogs were surprised to see that instead of jewels, the carriage contained nothing but mares and a baby dragon.
“Oh nooo!! It’s that whining pony!”, groaned one of the canines.
“I. DO. NOT. WHINE!!”, yelled Rarity.
“Enough!! Get a muzzle on her!!”, the Lead Dog commanded.
The thieves creeped towards the white unicorn, paws ready to grab her. As they backed her into a corner, she made a sharp cry for help. It was then that Spike darted in between Rarity and her attackers.
“Back off the lady!”, the little dragon shouted.
The dogs began to laugh manically. Spike put up his claws as if to fight off all of the mutts by himself. Then came a large furry fist from the crowd, striking Spike in the face like a Sonic Rainboom. He slammed against the wall with a large thud.
“SPIKE!!”, screamed Twilight.
Rarity was now laying in tears over her young defender. "Spikey Wikey!!"
“Is.... is he...”, Fluttershy stuttered.
“He’s alive!”, barked one of the dogs. “He’s still breathing!”
A large feeling of relief fell upon everypony. That is until the reality of the situation began to sink in. They weren’t going to make it to the camp, and they certainly weren't going to get any treatment.
The Elements were all harnessed up into two rows of three. Spike laid unconscious on top of Rarity’s back. Tears began to flow from her eyes.
"I'm so sorry.", she whispered.
Suddenly, a cold voice rang out, “Move it ponies!!”
Rainbow’s flank was kissed with the sharp sting of a leather whip. She squealed in pain, as she charged forward with all of her might. Her speed was far faster than the other five ponies could maintain. Poor Fluttershy, not being the athletic type, stumbled many times. This earned her many lashes from the uncaring whip. Tears were pouring from her sky blue eyes.
They walked for several miles, until they came upon a clearing. “This should do for a nice camp site!”, declared the Lead Dog. “Get a fire going!!”
The canines quickly began to scavenge for sticks to start a fire. The six friends saw this as a much needed break, thoughts of escape racing through their minds. With the sun disappearing over the horizon, it became obvious that the dogs were staying for the night. The dogs unloaded several kegs of what appeared to be alcohol of some sort. This sent worry into the minds of the six ponies.
As time went on, one of the dogs approached the group, who had decided that it was in their best interest to rest. For Applejack, this would prove to be a bad idea. A large grey paw made its way onto the orange mare's bare flank.
"What the HAY!?", Applejack hollered, as she bucked the invasive mutt in the gonads.
He howled in pain, rolling on the ground. This attracted some undesirable attention from the other dogs. Applejack quickly began to regret what she had done.
"Behave pony!!", barked a short brown mutt, as he smacked the cowmare's face with the back of his paw.
Applejack dared not fight back, as she was not only tied down, but massively outnumbered as well. All that she and the others could do was to lay back onto the ground and try to fall asleep once again. This time, there would be no intrusions.
It was damp and chilly the next morning. The fire had diminished, leaving just a few glowing embers to sizzle under the charred wood. Every dog lay passed out over one another in their tents. Their ravenous minds were all at ease. There was a thick smell of alcohol that loomed in the air, making breathing a chore.
“Twilight.”, whispered Fluttershy. The unicorn did not answer. “Twilight.”, she said again, this time poking gently with her hoof.
Twilight gasped, as if she had awoken from a terrible nightmare. “What?”, she returned. The memories of the past night quickly returned to her.
“So... uh... are we gonna escape?”, asked Fluttershy.
“Of course we are.”, Twilight said in a comforting voice. I just haven’t figured it out yet.
Rarity hadn’t slept but an hour that night. She had been far too concerned with keeping Spike warm and comfortable. She felt entirely responsible for what had happened to him the previous night.
“My brave little dragon.”, she whispered, as she kissed his bruised forehead. “Please forgive me.” Tears began to well up in her sapphire eyes.
Seeing that almost all of the dogs were asleep, Twilight began to think of ways to escape. She had to be careful. If she was caught, there's no telling what they would do to her. After a few discarded plans, her eyes lit up with an idea.
“Girls, listen to me.", she began. "I’m going to use a teleportation spell to get myself out of this harness. Once I’m out, I’ll figure out how to release you all." It was a simple plan, but there weren’t many other options.
ZAP! She was free.
“What was that?!”, one of the hungover dogs barked. The alcohol in his system had severely dulled his senses.
“It was... a squirrel.”, Fluttershy innocently squeaked.
Being as simple-minded as he was, the dog accepted this answer. He then collapsed back down onto the ground where he had previously been laying. The group felt relieved.
Twilight, who was behind a tree at this point, was trying to create a distraction. “What to do? What to do?”, she whispered to herself.
She looked around the camp. The fire!, she thought. Yes, she could use it to set one of the tents ablaze. It was risky, but she saw no other way of freeing her friends. Twilight focused all of her thoughts on the crackling pit of ash. The embers began to float through the air, like clouds over the rising sun. The seeds of flame disappeared into the largest tent.
After a brief and eerie silence, the tent was engulfed in a monstrous fireball. The ash had met with several kegs of pure alcohol. Sweet Celestia!, Twilight thought to herself in horror, as she witnessed seven or so dogs stagger out of the inferno. They all let out blood curdling howls, as the flame began to eat the flesh right off of their bones. The distraction had been a success. However, Twilight felt a burning feeling of guilt for what she had just done.
Quickly, Twilight shot a spell at the leather straps holding her friends in place. SNAP! The five other ponies ran quickly in the direction of their savior.
“We have to go!”, Twilight snapped. “We have to go NOW!!”
The six of them took off like bats out of Tartarus, leaving the burning hounds behind them.

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                   Chapter 4: Exclusion                    
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Chapter 4: Exclusion
Chapter 4: Exclusion
The six ponies ran for a great many miles, epinephrin pumping through their vibrant bodies. The first to falter was the soft-spoken Fluttershy.
“I... I can’t go on any... anymore!”, she panted.
“Alright Fluttershy.”, Twilight said. “We can rest for now, but we must stay alert. Remember, those dogs are still out there somewhere.”
"Th... thanks... Twilight.", the bashful pegasus returned.
Everypony was relieved, not having had the adequate sleep over the past couple of days. Every bit of rest seemed a great luxury. Hooves were sore, manes were messy, and morale was at a low point.
After a couple minutes of relaxation, Rainbow noticed something. “Hey! Where’s Pinkie?” The five of them looked around, alarmed by the lack of pink ponies.
“Pinkie Pie!”, they each called out. There was no reply. This put everypony on full alert, as they bolted at an undesirably fast pace towards their point of origin.
"Y'all see her anywhere?!", Applejack hollered.
"She's nowhere in sight!", Twilight exclaimed. "How could I be so blind?!"
Applejack put a hoof on her shoulder, "Now don't worry sugarcube. Jus' keep yer eyes open."
"There she is!", Rainbow yelled, pointing at the foot of a large tree.
Dash's eyes had not failed her, however, the trouble was far from over. The Pinkie they found did not greet them as expected. She was curled up on the ground, twitching violently.
“You okay sugarcube?”, AJ asked gently.
“All of them...”, Pinkie mumbled to herself. “All of them burning...”
Twilight realized what had fallen upon her friend. The once happy party pony was undergoing extreme shock from the distraction she caused.
“Pinkie...”, she began.
“Pinkie’s gone! Everypony’s gone!”, shouted the pink mare. She began to cry hysterically. “Everypony’s happy...”
Twilight ran a hoof through her friend's drooping mane. “Oh Pinkie...”
Rainbow approached Twilight. “So what now Twilight?”, asked the pegasus.
“I’m working on it Rainbow.”, the unicorn grimly responded.
A few moments passed as Twilight formulated a plan for her disturbed friend. We could wait for her to calm down, she thought to herself. No... No... We don't have that kind of time.
The unicorn then came up with a reasonable idea. “Alright Rainbow. I know what we have to do.”, she declared.
“Shoot!”, Dash responded.
Twilight inhaled, “I’m going to place Pinkie under a spell, which will put her into a deep sleep. That way you and AJ can carry her safely along the path.” Rainbow already disliked this plan, but she said nothing in return.
Meanwhile, Rarity stood a few meters away with her groggy companion. All had been quiet, until the small dragon begun to stir. She was oblivious to the movement happening on her flank.
“Ohhh... Rarity....”. groaned Spike.
Rarity’s ears perked up, quickly getting down on her knees as not to let her passenger hurt himself further.
“Where am I?”, asked Spike.
“You’re with me sweetie.”, Rarity answered, happy to hear from the battered passenger.
“W... Where is everypony?”, Spike asked nervously.
“Well, we’re all right here silly.”, Rarity said with a slight smile on her face. Her happiness faded quickly though, as she realized the dragon was staring right into her eyes.
With the help of Rainbow and Applejack, Twilight managed to put Pinkie’s fragile mind at ease. All seemed to be going well, until Rarity came forward, head hanging low.
“Tw... Twilight, darling...”, Rarity whispered.
“What is it now?”, Twilight asked in a stressed tone.
The dress maker’s eyes began to water. “Something happened to Spike.”, she returned.
It was then that Twilight’s heart sank.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Hurry up Spike! The Princess will be angry if we’re tardy!”, said the filly.
“Twilight, are you sure the Princess will mind if we are just a little bit late?”
Twilight gave him a stern look, then continued to run up the staircase. Spike’s stubby legs were burning from the challenge of the massive stairs. He knew that he had to obey the filly, so he didn't dare stop to rest.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The memory began to fade away, as the endless darkness took hold of the dragon’s vision once more. A thin stream of tears poured from his crooked eyes, as he fell to the ground in sorrow.
“Oh my little Spikey Wikey!”, cried Rarity, as she embraced her blinded friend.
“I just wanna go home.”, muttered Spike through his sobs.
Depression had settled over the whole group. Not even Rainbow Dash could hide her tears. In fact for once in her life, she didn’t care if anypony else saw her cry. They all envied the sleeping Pinkie Pie, whose mind was free from all the darkness and worry that reality held.
After a few minutes of grief, Twilight began to realize that they all had to move on. “Spike...”, Twilight began. “I’m sure I’ll be able to find a spell to fix your eyes when we get out of here.” This gave the dragon a glimmer of hope, as he gave a small forced smile.
Twilight turned her head to her fellow unicorn. “Rarity, could you help me get Spike on my back?”, the she asked.
“Twilight, darling...”, began Rarity. “Would it be alright if I carried Spike some more?”
Twilight, knowing the despair and guilt of her friend, agreed to let Rarity continue to carry her assistant.
The seven of them set off in the general direction of the distant camp. Pinkie, resting upon the backs of AJ and Dash, and Spike, lying devastated upon the back of his secret love. This left Twilight and Fluttershy in the front of the group.
“Tw... Twilight.”, started Fluttershy.
“What is it Fluttershy?”, Twilight responded.
“Oh... um... so are we still going to that camp the Princess told us about?”, asked the pegasus.
“We sure are.”, Twilight responded with a small smile, hoping to boost her timid friend’s morale.
Fluttershy brought her mouth closer to the unicorn’s ear. “Are you sure you’ll be able to fix Spike’s vision with magic?”
Twilight lowered her head in despair. “I sure hope so.”
Meanwhile, Applejack and Rainbow Dash carried Pinkie, marching steadily behind the other three.
“Hey, AJ!”, said Rainbow.
The orange mare lifted her hat covered head. “Yeah?”
“How are you holding up with all of this?”, asked Dash.
“I dunno Rainbow...”, AJ began. “With Pinkie losin’ it and Spike goin’ blind... I just dunno.”
“If I ever see the mutt that did that to Spike, I’m gonna ram my hoof into his face until he starts seeing apples.”, Dash exclaimed angrily.
Applejack nodded her head in agreement. She too wanted vengeance for what had happened to their friend.
Meanwhile, Pinkie remained at rest, free from the burdens of consciousness.
It had been days since the group had been abducted from their armored transport. They were all exhausted and hungry from their endeavors. Each day became harder and harder, as they wandered aimlessly through the unmarked wilderness.
Fluttershy, however, had taken it far harder than the others. Being weak from malnutrition and lack of sleep, she contracted a terrible cold. Her skin had become far paler than its usual hue. Darkness surrounded her baby blue eyes, which hung half open. She longed for her animals more than ever before.
Twilight had not let her friend’s condition go unchecked, for she knew that even the slightest illness could prove dangerous out in the wild. Stops seemed to be getting more and more frequent, as Fluttershy's health began to weaken.
“Geez!”, Rainbow said. “Now I know where all of Pinkie’s cupcakes go.”
Applejack returned a slight chuckle, as she gently laid the pink mare’s head down onto the forest floor.
“Well, let’s just hope she wakes up soon.” AJ said, as she removed her hat and wiped the sweat from her brow. She turned her head to Twilight, who was sitting by herself in the grass.
“So Twi...”, began the cowmare. “How’s Fluttershy doin’?”
Twilight gave a slightly concerned look. “She’s getting weaker and weaker each day”, she said solemnly. “I’m not sure how much longer she’ll be able to hold out without the proper nourishment.”
Applejack looked to the setting sun. “Well sugarcube, let’s all just rest up here for the night.”
Twilight paused for a brief moment. “I agree.”
Meanwhile, Pinkie found herself surrounded by crunchy orange leaves. She felt the cool autumn breeze graze her cheeks, and heard a distant sparrow chirping a joyful tune.
“What happened last night?”, the party pony asked, hoping for any answer.
Rainbow gasped, “Pinkie Pie!”, as she embraced her confused friend.
“Did I miss something Dashie?”, asked Pinkie.
Rainbow smiled, “I’ll tell you everything.” The other ponies gathered ‘round to see their freshly awakened friend.
“Hello there... *cough* Pinkie.”, Fluttershy choked.
“Fluttershy, are you sick?”, asked Pinkie, raising one eyebrow.
“Oh... um... yes.”, Fluttershy returned, shivering with cold. “I... uh... think I’m gonna go to sleep now.”, she wheezed, as she curled up at the base of an old oak tree.
“Pinkie, there’s been a lot that’s happened since you were asleep.”, Rainbow stated. Pinkie gave a look of confusion.
“Like what?”, she questioned innocently.
Rainbow sat down and told Pinkie of Spike’s tragedy and Fluttershy’s failing health. The pink mare suddenly remembered what had happened before she was put to sleep. She shuddered at the memories of flame and ash. The whimpers of the dying canines burned their way into her brain. However, it seemed as if it was but a distant dream, like something fabricated by her disturbed psyche. She wanted to keep it that way.
“Hey!”, Pinkie exclaimed. “What does that sign over there say?”
The mares all turned their heads to a bright red sign, posted on the side of a distant tree. Pinkie ran with great speed to see what was written on the piece of steel.
“What does it say Pinkie?”, Rainbow asked.
Pinkie gazed up at the white letters and read, “Danger! Hazardous! Radiation! In this! Area!” The others’ eyes widened in surprise. “Hey girls! Whaddya think that means?”
Spike stumbled blindly over to Rarity's leg. “This day just keeps getting better and better.”
The unicorn stroked the green scales atop his head. "Indeed it does."

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                Chapter 5: The Last Roundup                
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Chapter 5: The Last Roundup
Chapter 5: The Last Roundup
It was cold the next morning. A bone-chilling dew had settled upon the forest canopy. The hoots of distant owls could be heard in the distance, occasionally silenced by the menacing howl of a hungry timberwolf. There was no sun that morning. It hid behind the facade of many lifeless grey clouds.
After a night of well-deserved sleep, Twilight and her friends faced a terribly difficult decision. They could continue on to the camp and risk exposure to more fallout, or they could turn around and go back to Ponyville. Both choices were problematic, and would come with great risks.
"We can’t return to Ponyville.”, Twilight said decisively.
Rainbow flew up in her face, “But you can’t expect us to go in there!” All the ponies gazed into the mysterious wasteland before them.
“It’s the only way to get to our treatment.”, Twilight returned.
Dash backed off unhappily. She began to pout to herself, even though she knew in her heart that her friend was right. The group began their march into the unknown, having no idea what horrors might await them.
“You alright back there darling?”, Rarity asked her passenger.
“Sure am!”, replied Spike with fake enthusiasm.
Rarity smiled slightly, then turned her attention to Fluttershy. “How about you dear?” The pegasus gave her a look of despair. “That good huh?”, she replied, as she fixed the sickly pony’s mane with her magic. In return, she received a weak smile.
“Slow down Pinkie!”, yelled Applejack. “Some of us ain’t been sleepin’ too well lately.”
The energetic pony gave a chipper smile, “Okie dokie lokie!”
Pinkie's frolicking slowed to a trot. Even with her best efforts, she was still moving far faster than the rest of the exhausted group. It was then that she came to a sudden halt, eyes and mouth opening in shock.
Applejack came up behind the stunned mare. “What in the hay are you do...”, she paused. “Holy horse apples!”
This outburst concerned Twilight, who was a few meters behind her. “AJ? Something wrong?”, she asked.
“Twi... Ya better come look at this!”, replied Applejack somberly.
Twilight approached, expecting to see another warning sign. What she saw, however, was far worse. “Sweet Celestia!!”, wailed the unicorn at the top of her lungs.
A mangled pile of bodies stood just feet away from the six ponies, hooves and other various limbs scattered everywhere. The smell of rotten flesh loomed in the cool morning breeze.
“Wh... what happened to them!?”, Rainbow squealed in horror.
Twilight gulped hard, “It looks like... radiation... poisoning.” The group was now in a full scale panic.
“Somepony get me out of here!!”, Fluttershy squealed.
Applejack looked to her dumbfounded friend. “Twilight...” There was no response. “Twilight!”, she yelled, again with no luck.
Applejack's rage had built itself up. “TWILIGHT SPARKLE!!”, screamed the cowmare as loud as she could.
Twilight broke her trance. “Y... yes.” She looked around frantically. “We have to go now!”
The six ponies were now in a full out gallop away from the mutilated corpses which haunted their very souls.
“Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!!”, cried a terrified Rainbow Dash.
Being sightless, poor Spike had no idea what was going on. “W... what’s happening?!” Everypony was too overwhelmed with insanity to answer. He began to sob to himself in confusion.
Suddenly, a low branch smacked Rarity across her soft face. She winced in pain, but kept running as if her life depended on it. Little did she know, the branch had taken something from her. A few thick strands of purple hair hung from its long wooden fingers.
The terrified group ran for several minutes, in fear of meeting the same bitter end as the unfortunate ponies they had just seen.
“Don’t stop!”, Rainbow yelled. “Just keep running!” Indeed the ponies did keep running. Even the sickly Fluttershy had acquired newfound strength for the occasion.
“How far to the camp?!”, Applejack asked, shaken up from the stress of the situation. “I don't know!”, Twilight answered. “Just make sure that nopony gets left behind!”
Applejack turned her head. All six of her friends were right where they were supposed to be. This gave her a warm feeling inside.
Despite their best efforts, the group ceased their galloping. The majority of them were weak with hunger and exhaustion. In fact only one pony still carried the strength to run, Pinkie Pie.
“Come on girls!”, yelled the pink mare. “We gotta keep going!” Everypony else was struggling to catch their breath.
“Look Pinkie...”, gasped Applejack. “Just give us a... uh...” The cowmare froze, unable to formulate words.
“AJ?”, Twilight started. “You ok?”
The orange mare stood lifelessly for a few seconds, then began to gag and choke.
“Applejack?”, Rainbow called out apprehensively.
The earth pony fell to her knees, shaking violently. Her eyes shot open, as the sweat poured down from her lemon-yellow mane. The gagging become more and more difficult to control, as she started to vomit blood upon the brown crunchy leaves.
“APPLEJACK!!”, Fluttershy screamed.
After her painful regurgitation ceased, the farmer collapsed on the ground. She was still twitching uncontrollably, blood pooling around her muzzle.
“What’s happening to her!?”, Pinkie screamed in terror.
Twilight quickly went to her fallen friend, tears forming in her eyes. “Don’t be dead AJ. Please don’t be dead.” She put a hoof to Applejack’s neck, feeling a very faint pulse. She felt a small flicker of relief.
Applejack’s eyes opened ever so slightly. “Twilight...”, Applejack wheezed. “Tell mah family... I love ‘em.”
The unicorn held her friend in her hooves, the others gathering around. "It's alright AJ, you're gonna be just fine.", Twilight said trying to comfort the dying pony.
"Ah dun' think I'm gonna make it girls...", Applejack breathed faintly. "I think ah've come to the end 'a mah trail."
“Don’t go Applejack.”, pleaded Pinkie. “Please don’t go.” Tears welled up in the pink pony's blue eyes.
Applejack chuckled, “Don’t worry sugarcube... I’m feelin’ just fi....” Applejack stopped, as she felt a relaxing sensation overtaking her body. One final breath escaped the earth pony’s overworked lungs.
She was gone.
“Goodbye AJ.”, Twilight whispered, as she rested the fallen pony’s head on the cold forest floor. She had been preparing herself for something like this, but she had no idea that it would have happened so fast.
The other ponies, however, were overwhelmed with grief and despair at the loss of their fellow element. Many tears sailed in the chilly Autumn wind, which blew peacefully through the tops of the trees.
Rainbow stepped forward, cheeks drenched. “Her hat!”, her voice cracked. “Where’s her hat?!”
Twilight spotted the brown cowmare hat just a few feet away. The beloved headwear hovered up from the cold uncaring ground, surrounded by a warm purple aura. It floated over all of the grieving ponies' heads, before finally coming to rest upon Applejack's sleeping face.
"Sleep well my friend."

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                 Chapter 6: Consternation                  
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Chapter 6: Consternation
Chapter 6: Consternation
After about an hour of sorrow and despair, the five ponies finally had to say goodbye to their departed comrade. With heavy hearts, they resumed their original course towards the distant medical center. One pony, however, strayed for a brief moment. It was the fast-paced Rainbow Dash.
The pegasus lowered her head to the earth pony's sleeping body. "I'll never forget you AJ.", she whispered into the wind. She slowly turned to join the rest of her forlorn friends.
"Never."
Many days came to pass. The loss of Applejack, however, lingered in everypony's hearts. Their once colorful posse had been broken. Overwhelmed with feelings of doubt and regret, the six remaining friends began to lose hope in their survival.
Pinkie Pie still hadn't recovered from her fellow earth pony's passing. Her usual carefree smile had fallen into an emotionless scowl. The cotton candy mane which normally floated atop her head now hung in disrepair. The lack of her smiling face only caused further sadness to dwell among the shattered band.
"How much farther?", Pinkamena asked.
"I've already told you Pinkie. We'll get there when we get there.", answered Twilight irritably.
The pink pony grumbled, as she quickened her speed towards the front of the group.
Twilight raised her head up to the warm yellow sun in anguish. "Why Princess?"
Meanwhile, Rainbow and Rarity fell to the tail of the caravan. With the warm little dragon sitting safely atop her back, the white unicorn felt at ease. However, her feelings of content faltered when she peered into the pegasus's glazed over eyes.
"Rainbow, darling...", she began. "Are you feeling alright?"
Dash let out an exaggerated breath of dejection. "No Rarity...", she admitted. "I'm... not."
"Want to talk about it, sweetie?", Rarity asked, trying to shine light on her friend's gloom.
The pegasus's head hung in a disheartening fashion. "It's... I just...", she tripped over her melancholy thoughts.
Rarity put a hoof on Rainbow's vibrant mane. "It's alright darling.", she cut in, tears welling up in her eyes. "I miss her too."
At that instant, Dash lost all control over her emotions, as she through herself upon the ground. "Why'd she have to go Rarity?!" She didn't bother to fight the tears at this point. "How could she leave us like this?!" She paused to catch her breath. "Why couldn't it have been me?"
Rarity's heart melted at the sound of Rainbow's lament. "Oh Dash..." she cooed. "Applejack's happier now."
Rainbow sniffled at the unicorn's words. "I... I know she is..." She loosened her clasp around Rarity's neck. "I just miss her."
"She misses you too Rainbow.", Rarity replied. "And I am sure that she'll be waiting for you on the other side."
Rainbow wiped her eyes. "Thanks Rarity. I'm glad I've still got friends like you."
The group came to a sudden halt.
"Alright everypony!", Twilight announced. "Let's stop here for a while!"
"Yay.", Fluttershy squeaked, as she dropped her flank upon the soft forest moss.
Twilight trotted over next to her and did the same. She let out a long sigh. "This wilderness is so huge."
The pegasus nodded her head timidly in agreement. "It's um... really scary..."
Twilight gave her friend a concerned look. "Fluttershy... Is there something bothering you?"
"Oh... it's just that... well... I've been thinking about Applejack.", replied Fluttershy.
The hair on the back of Twilight's neck sprung up. "What about her?"
Fluttershy shuffled her hooves around. "It's just that... How come AJ got sick and we didn't?"
"I really don't know.", the unicorn shrugged. "Perhaps she ate some radioactive grass before..."
"NOOOOOOO!!", cried a familiar voice.
The pair jumped up from the ground in response to the unexpected scream.
"It's Rarity!", Fluttershy squeaked. "Hurry Twilight!" The two ponies took off towards their friend's distressful screams.
As the two of them apprehensively approached, they were stunned by what they found. There, sitting by a small stream, was Rarity. However, her appearance was quite different than i previously had been. Long strands of her beautiful hair littered the ground around her. Her mane was plagued with several patches of exposed short white fur.
"R.... Rarity....", Twilight yelped.
"GET AWAY FROM ME!!", wailed the tormented unicorn. "I'M HIDEOUS!!" She began to sob hysterically.
Fluttershy spoke up meekly, "J... Just calm down Rarity... um... Everything's gonna be okay."
"Okay!?", Rarity shrieked. "OKAY!?!" She began to twitch and hyperventilate. "MY LIFE IS OVER!!"
Rainbow Dash popped out from behind a rock, with Spike on her back. "Psst!! Twilight!"
Twilight scooted nervously towards the blue pegasus. "Rainbow... What happened?", she whispered. "Why's her mane falling out?"
"You tell me!", Dash hissed back. "One minute she's fixing up her mane over the stream, the next she's screaming her head off."
"It has to be the radiation.", Twilight sighed. "This is getting out of hoof."
"Twilight...", Rainbow began. "I'll fly to Canterlot, and get the Princess to send more soldiers."
"You can't go alone Rainbow.", Twilight returned. "It's far too dangerous out here, even for a pegasus."
Rainbow thought for a moment. "I could bring Fluttershy with me... I guess."
Twilight raised an eyebrow. "I dunno Rainbow... you know she's not very fast."
Dash rolled her eyes in return. "I could fly really slow-like."
Twilight turned her head. "How about it Fluttershy?"
"M... Me?, gasped Fluttershy. "Goodness, I don't know..."
"It's alright Fluttershy, you don't have to go if you don't want to.", said Twilight, as Rainbow put a sour look on her mug.
"No... I'll... I'll do it.", squeaked the timid pegasus.
"That's the spirit!", exclaimed Dash, as she embraced her fellow pegasus. "We'll leave first thing in the morning."
Meanwhile, Rarity was still whimpering to herself beside the creek. Spike stumbled awkwardly over to the depressed unicorn, where he placed a little hand upon her back.
"Rarity...", he began. "I just wanted to let you know..."
Rarity halted her sobs. "Let me know what, darling?"
Spike felt his heart begin to race. "I just wanted you to know... that... I still think you're beautiful."
He heard no response for a few brief moments. He began to regret what he had just said, until he felt a gentle hoof wrap itself around him.
"Oh my precious little Spike.", she said, as she planted a small kiss on his cheek.
At that moment, the two of them felt as though they had never left Ponyville. The warmth which came from their hug sparked new hope in both of their troubled minds.
Unfortunately, the same could not be said about Pinkie Pie, whom at this time needed a hug more than anypony.

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                  Chapter 7: Bifurcation                   
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Chapter 7: Bifurcation
Chapter 7: Bifurcation
After their final night of unity, the group awakened to the warmth of the red morning sun. It could not have been a finer dawn to start an adventure on. With their time draining quickly, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash began to pack their saddlebags for the long trip ahead of them.
"Ready to head out?", Rainbow asked energetically.
"I... um... okay.", squeaked Fluttershy. She was terribly nervous at the thought of leaving most of her friends behind, but she knew what she had to do.
Twilight stepped forward. "Good luck you two.", said the unicorn with a chipper smile on her face.
"We'll be back before you know it Twi!", beamed Dash, as she returned a large grin.
Twilight leaned herself in closer. "Take good care of Fluttershy.", she whispered.
"You can count on me!", affirmed Rainbow, as she put a hoof upon her timid comrade's back.
"Pinkie, Spike, Rarity and I will be waiting here until you return.", Twilight explained.
"Understood!", Rainbow chirped, giving a lighthearted salute. "C'mon Fluttershy!"
"Oh... goodness.", cooed the yellow pegasus.
The two pegasi then said their final farewells, before taking off into the glow of the rising sun.
The sky that morning was crystal clear. Although a few clouds hung in the breeze, it seemed to be smooth sailing for the two messengers. Of course, when flying over Everfree, anything can happen.
"Um... Rainbow...", began Fluttershy nervously. "How far do you think we are from Ponyville?
"Oh, I'd say a good fifty miles anyways.", Dash said with a smirk. Fluttershy gave no response, but a tiny squeak to Rainbow's disheartening numbers.
The two pegasi flew for many miles over the vast canopy. It was quite mind-blowing that such a large forest existed so close to peaceful little Ponyville. Before long, Fluttershy had become winded from her long-term flight. Despite Rainbow's emphasis on getting to Canterlot as quickly as they could, she allowed Fluttershy to land for a rest.
Once on the ground, the two were faced with aggressive vegetation. Thorns and brush blocked out most of the sun's warming light. The sounds of dark creatures, kept the duo on their hooves.
"Come on Fluttershy!", Rainbow urged. "The sooner we get to the Princess, the sooner we can go back to the others."
"I'm trying Dash...", panted Fluttershy. "I'm sorry."
Rainbow placed her hooves on her hips. "Well... You just gotta try harder!"
But I... just... okay.", Fluttershy stuttered.
Rainbow's scowl lost it's strength. "Look... I guess we can walk for a little bit."
Fluttershy quickly embraced her friend with her gentle hooves. "Oh, thank you Rainbow Dash! Thank you!"
"Alright, alright... That's enough of that!", Dash grimly interjected.
Fluttershy backed off. "Oh... um... Sorry Rainbow..."
The two ponies walked through the dense brush very cautiously. Even though it was daytime, they had to stay vigilant. For one does not simply walk into Everfree alone. Although the Timberwolves were sleeping, there were other dangerous predators prowling in the darkness.
"Alright Fluttershy, I think it's about time we hit the sky again!", Rainbow suggested.
"Okay.", replied Fluttershy blandly.
Rainbow examined the forest around her. "As soon as we can find a clearing, we're taking off."
As they trekked through the thick greenery, they were met with many crooked thorns. The plants pricked and tore at their colorful flesh.
Fluttershy struggled to hold back her tears. "Rainbow, I... Ow! I'm sorry about this...", she squealed.
"Don't sweat it kid. It could be a lot worse.", Dash replied confidently.
Suddenly, a large drop of rain hit the yellow mare right on the head. "Oh no..."
"Cloudsdale!", Rainbow shouted hatefully.
Within a couple of minutes, the slight drizzle had turned into a ferocious downpour. Even with the mass amounts of plants sheltering the pair from the majority of the rain, the dampness in the air put a swift chill in their bones.
"Alright Flutter, listen up!", Rainbow exclaimed abruptly. "We gotta find some shelter fast or hypothermia's gonna set in!"
"H... hypo-what-ia?", asked Fluttershy with a puzzled look.
Rainbow put a hoof to her face. "It means we're gonna freeze!"
"Oh.... my...", Fluttershy said with widening eyes.
The two troubled messengers scrambled manically through the jagged shrubbery, in hopes of finding someplace warm and dry. Being in the most dangerous woodlands in Equestria,it was imperative that they found some sort of shelter.
"Hey!", interjected Fluttershy. "What's that?!"
The two quickly approached what seemed to be some sort of hole in the ground. Indeed, it was. They had stumbled upon one of the entrances to the fabled Everfree Caverns. This was the perfect opportunity for them to get safe and cozy from the storm assaulting the ground outside.
Once inside, Rainbow fumbled around for something in her pack. "Where did I put that blasted thing?", she said.
"What thing?", Fluttershy asked innocently.
"The lantern!", Dash exclaimed, as she pulled out the small glass container from her bag.
The technicolor pegasus attempted to light the little contraption. She was unsuccessful the first few times, but eventually she managed to give warm light to the underground passage.
"So... How long do you think we'll have to wait in here?", Fluttershy asked nervously.
"Just until the storm stops.", Dash answered. "Then it's back to the clouds."
"Alright Dash.", answered the jittery pony. "I just wanna get out of here."
Rainbow raised an eyebrow. "Why? You afraid of the dark?"
Fluttershy stiffened. "I... I... uh.... Yes."
Rainbow scooted closer to her shaking friend. "Fluttershy, as long as I'm around, you'll be fine."
Once again, Fluttershy embraced her courageous friend. "Thank you Dash." Tears of joy began to well up in her large blue eyes.
"Say...", Rainbow started. "What's that over there?" She pointed to a glittery object resting in the corner of the room.
"I... dunno.", Fluttershy said curiously.
The two of them slowly approached the mysterious item. It was a ragged old wizard's hat, with several holes and cuts in it.
"Wait a second...", Rainbow whispered. "I know who this belongs to."
"Who?", Fluttershy asked.
Suddenly, something else caught Rainbow's eye. "Mother of Luna!", she wailed as she fell back onto her flank.
There, laying on the cold stone floor, was the Great and Powerful Trixie. It looked as though she had been dead for some time. All that remained of her was a lonely skeleton. It seemed after her night of anguish, she fled into the forest. Not even an arrogant pony such as Trixie deserved a fate such as this.
"That poor pony.", Fluttershy murmured.
There was then a terrible roar from deep within the cavern. It's horrifying sound reverberated off of the rough tunnel walls.
"Fluttershy...", Dash whispered. "We're not alone."

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                   Chapter 8: Affliction                   
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Chapter 8: Affliction
Chapter 8: Affliction
Fluttershy was paralyzed with fear. Her skinny legs became became locked in place. Unable to utter a squeal, she just stood there awkwardly staring into the monstrous black eyes of the manticore. It began to growl ominously at her, licking its lips with delight.
"Haul flank!", yelled Rainbow Dash, as she drug her frozen friend towards the mouth of the cave.
As the two pegasi reached the exit, a large pair of paws crept into the clouded sun's dim light. The humongous brute towered over the two ponies, making them feel as if they were but little fillies again. With Fluttershy dumbfounded in terror, Rainbow Dash knew there was only one thing that she could do. She had to fight.
Dash flailed her hooves in the air. "Bring it on you big ugly oaf!"
Once more, the beast let out an earth-rumbling roar. Rainbow, knowing that she had to protect Fluttershy, adamantly stood her ground.
"R... Rainbow...", Fluttershy mumbled hoarsely.
"Run Fluttershy!", exclaimed Rainbow loudly. "Run!"
The manticore became more and more aggressive. When his boldness met its peak, he began to creep forward towards the two ponies. The predator moved slowly, in a quiet and menacing manner. With each step he took, the more terrified Dash became.
"Back off!", shouted the pegasus, as she delivered a swift kick into the big cat's growling mug.
The monster jerked backwards a few feet, snarling at his attacker. In response to the kick, the manticore swiped at Rainbow with a giant paw. The power from the punch sent the pegasus hurtling towards a large, dead elm tree. *CRACK* Poor Dash slid down the tree's rough bark, before finally meeting the cold forest floor.
"Rainbow! No!!", screamed Fluttershy.
The manticore seemed to chuckle at Fluttershy's panicky expression. He made his way slowly towards the bare tree, with plans to finish off his tiny prey.
In an act of desperation , Fluttershy leaped in front of her wounded friend, looking the cat straight in the eyes. "HOW DARE YOU!!", she wailed, gazing into the monsters beady, black eyes. The intensity of this pony's haunting stare overwhelmed the beast's predatory instincts, leaving him clueless on what to do.
"Now get out of here!", Fluttershy commanded menacingly.
The manticore complied with the pony's demands. He ran with great speed back into his subterranean home.
Once she knew it was safe, Fluttershy slowly inched her way towards Rainbow's motionless silhouette. Having no idea how hard the creature had hit her, she feared the worst. Even with the little knowledge she had in pony medicine, she knew that Rainbow had suffered several fractures on her right wing. There was no way that she would be able to fly out of here.
"Oh Dashie...", cooed the teary-eyed pegasus, as she gently gripped her friend's hoof.
Rainbow slowly opened her magenta eyes. "F... Flutershy?", she asked timidly. "What happened?" After a few seconds of recollection, her eyes widened in terror. "Where's the manticore?!"
"Sssh...", whispered Fluttershy. "Everything's gonna be alright."
Rainbow attempted to stretch out her wings. "Ow!!" She winced in pain.
Fluttershy lightly grabbed hold of her. "Be still Rainbow Dash."
Elsewhere, Twilight and the others were biding their time at the camp they had established in the clearing. The sun had made its way across most of the sky during this time of nervous waiting. Their thoughts dwelled on their pegasi friends, who they expected at this point in time to be in Canterlot Castle.
Twilight turned her head to Pinkie Pie. The earth pony had been very quiet ever since the passing of Applejack. This abnormal behavior began to worry the rest of the group.
"Hey Pinkie...", Twilight awkwardly began. "How are you feeling?"
The pink mare gave no response to anything the unicorn had just said. Not even her lifeless gaze was altered by Twilight's words of concern.
Suddenly, Rarity chimed in with more words of comfort. "Pinkie, darling... Is there anything you want to talk about?"
Pinkie Pie remained frozen in her fit of despair. The only thing that came from her was a single tear that crept silently from one of her eyes.
Twilight ran a hoof through the pink pony's cotton candy mane. "Pinkie... We want to help you..."
"Yes dearie... All we want is for you to be happy.", Rarity said sympathetically.
Once again, Pinkie Pie said nothing. She just lowered her head miserably, and began to cry softly to herself.
"Oh Pinkie...", Twilight murmured quietly to the depressed mare. "Rainbow and Fluttershy have probably already told the Princess about us."
"Yes sweetie...", Rarity comforted. "We'll be out of here in no time."
Pinkie Pie then turned her gaze to the bald unicorn. Her puppy dog eyes proved too much on the unicorn's brittle heart, as Rarity embraced Pinkie Pie in a hug of extreme affection. This genuinely lifted the earth pony's dampened spirits.
"I love you guys.", squeaked Pinkie with a faint smile.
Spike, who had remained silent up until this point stumbled forward. "We love you too Pinkie.", he said, as her joined in on the group hug which was taking place.
Pinkie opened her eyes gloomily. "I just wish that Applejack was here right now..."
The four of them stood silently, upon the uttering of these words.
Meanwhile, several miles away, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were trying to figure out their next plan of action. The rain had long since lifted, but the sun was beginning to set on the horizon.
"Okay, so we can't fly out of here now.", Rainbow stated. "But that doesn't mean we can't go on hoof."
Fluttershy's ears lowered upon hearing this. "Are you sure you're ready to walk that far?", she warned nervously. "I don't know how well my splint will hold up out here."
Rainbow raised an eyebrow. "Splint or no splint, I've gotta get to the Princess and tell her about the others."
"Um... It's up to you Rainbow Dash...", Fluttershy replied meekly. "I'll follow you wherever you go."
Rainbow trotted over to her where her timid friend stood. "I knew I could count on you Fluttershy.", she said, ruffling Fluttershy's pinkie mane with her hoof. "Now let's get to Canterlot."
"Okay.", Fluttershy answered, a small smile forming on her face.
As the two pegasi started off towards their destination, there was an evil chuckle that was emitted from behind a large, dying pine tree. A rogue Diamond Dog wiped the sweat from his face, which was scarred from the flames of that one fateful morning.
"We'll see... about that."

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                       Cancellation                        
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Cancellation
I am sorry everypony, but I've got something extremely hard going on in my life at the moment. It's taken almost everything out of me and lowered my spirits massively. The extremely depressing mood of this story has done nothing but worsen my despair lately. So it is with a heavy heart, that I move to cancel Everfree Meltdown.
I apologize to all of the people I've let down. :(