A Golden Wish

Chapters

2. The Pilot Episode
A Strange Diary
1. Locked Away Treasures

2. The Pilot Episode

"We're flying! We're actually flying" Pinkie shouted at the top of her lungs, flinging her hooves up. It always is more fun with your arms in the air after all.

"WE'RE ALL GONNA DIE!!!!" Lyra responded, covering her eyes in a fit of panic. She writhed as the pilot, who was sat in front of her, reached back, searching the panicking mare.

"Stop squirming!" The pilot growled. Her voice was that of confidence with a slight hint of... Pissed-off-ness. Her face was a shade of cyan. Her eyes were indefinable beneath her tinted goggles, her mane and tail however were completely hidden beneath her aviator jacket.

"I DON'T WANNA DIIIIIEEEEEE!!!!" Lyra shrieked over the rush of air. Tears started to visibly stream down her face.

"It'll be your own fault if you do!" The pilot grabbed her hooves and forced them down between her legs before roughly strapping the safety belts over her shoulders and around her waist before clicking them into a buckle between Lyra's now trapped hooves.

Leaping over Lyra, the pilot landed in front of Pinkie, almost in a pose.

Awesome.

She rose from her action hero stance and stared down at Pinkie, only to find Pinkie had already locked herself in and was politely smiling up at her pilot with her hooves placed neatly between her legs.

"Hm," she grunted, eyeing her passenger.

"Nice jacket." She turned and flung herself back into her seat, landing perfectly. Grabbing a microphone in one hoof and the plane's joystick control in the other, she proceeded with an announcement.

"OK new passengers, listen up!" Her words blasted from speakers in front of Pinkie's and Lyra's seats. "I'm gonna make this quick and sweet for you. Yes! You are in the air! Now to move on to more important things! No! You cannot leave the plane! No! Clouds cannot support your weight! No! Removal of your seat belt is not permitted!" Pinkie raised her hoof. "AND NO! YOU CANNOT TASTE THE RAINBOWS!!!" Pinkie lowered her hoof again. "I don't care what skittles says! Rainbows can range up to over 23 million scoville depending on which colour you try! If you don't know what that means, it means don't bloody eat them!" The pilot turned with a smirk. "I'm looking at you Pinkerbelle!"

Pinkie looked out over the landscape around her. Clouds in all shapes and sizes made a world much like the one below. Only made of cushions instead. It was like a fluff appreciation day at a sheep convention which was sponcered by cotton wool.

"Oh yeah, one last thing! In the event of a crash, please do not attempt to leave the plane as you will be dead!" She laughed over the microphone. Lyra continued to whimper helplessly.

Pinkie looked at her seating arrangement. She might as well make herself home whilst she was there. She had never been on a plane before, but she had heard stories about them. Unfortunately there were no air hostesses, salted peanuts or duty free on this flight. On a brighter note, there was no inflight movie of Biodome by Pauly Shore either.

It just seemed to be a plain old plane. Like the ones from those stories Bravery used to tell. A spinning rotor on the front pulled the plane forwards and the constant stream of prayers from Lyra was keeping the plane up. The outside shell of the plan looked like flimsy aluminium over what was possibly a wooden skeleton.

Do you reckon that's what planes dress up as during Halloween? Rosie asked.

"Don't be stupid! Planes are pagan and therefore don't celebrate Halloween." Pinkie followed.

Don't you mean Nightmare Night? Said Mag. Short for Magenta, Mag was the brains inside Pinkie's... brains.

Shut up Mag.

Pinkie rubbed her temples. It was bad enough when her own psyche argued against itself.

"The point is!" Pinkie shouted, silencing them. "I don't think this plane is that structurally stable."

The cyan mare seems pretty confident. I wouldn't think about it too much if I were you.

"That's not easy when both of you two keep talking about it!"

Fair point.

"Oh, it could be worse. At least it is only you two." Pinkie sighed, leaning her head back against the cushioned seat.

Hey guys, what you talking about? Pinkie threw up her hands in frustration.

Nothing, go back to sleep Lightish-Red. Pinkie couldn't think of another name for the only male voice in her head. So after a long debate they both decided that Lightish-Red would be the best name.

"Seriously, you are all kinda making me feel a little claustrophobic." Pinkie, exasperated, tries to reign in the conversation once more. "If any of you don't have anything useful to say then by all means please leave me be."

I could go and ask Fuscia?

Don't you dare! She scares the metaphorical balls off of me!

"There is a reason why we don't let her loose in my head Red. I'd rather it stay that way."

"Errrr... Is everything OK back there?" The pilot was now turned towards her, an eyebrow raised, as she spoke into her microphone.

AWOOOOOGAAAAA, MAYDAY MAYDAY, radio silence guys!

Pinkie stammered.

"I-I...er I have er..."

"Voices huh?" The pilot grinned. "I'm not surprised," she turned back around. "I did lift you both from a mental hospital!"

Pinkie nearly flinched at the word 'mental'. It didn't feel right coming from someone else.

"Meh, I'm not worried as long as you don't do anything I'd regret picking you up for."

"How is it that you can hear me?"

The mare turned again.

"These microphones would be pretty useless if they were only one way. Besides, I find talking to be better than silence. Don't you agree?" Pinkie nodded. "The way I see it is..." The pilot continued, "You could either be sane or not lonely."

Pinkie laughed. Whilst they could be overwhelming at times, the voices in her head always kept her company.

"Catch some Z's. We're gonna be up here a while."

• • •

Pinkie was jolted awake. The rush of air still ruffling her mane. Her legs felt stiff, her mind was still and her passengers were... asleep. Why was the pilot asleep?

Pinkie looked out over the sides of the plane. It was night, darkness engulfing everything outside the seats they were sat in. The creeping dark unnerved her.

"Excuse me?" She said into her microphone. She could hear her voice through the radios ahead of her.

The pilot didn't move.

"Pilot? Hellooo?" She continued a little louder this time.

Still, she lay still.

"MISS PILOT!!"

Nothing.

The dark creeped in a little further, taking the front of the plane.

Before Pinkie could register what was happening, a shock struck the vessel. She grabbed onto the sides of her seat, terror filling her mind.

"You bring winds of change," a soft, deep, raspy voice travelled on the wind, causing Pinkie's ears to prick up. Even though it was barely a whisper, so quiet it could have been another voice in her head, it bore unworldly power. Pinkie would have recognised a voice like that.

Pinkie looked around her.

"You don't yet understand who we are" The darkness took more of the plane. This time however, the plane shuddered with a rhythmic pattern. "Understand what power we hold," Pinkie stared ahead. Shudder, shudder.

"For though you don't see us," Pinkie's belts fell away like liquid. Shudder, shudder. Patting her chest and stomach, she looked up and recoiled down into her cockpit.

"We... see... you!" A tall grey pony with eyes of searing malice and power haunched over her like a hyena over a carcass. If she didn't move, this thing would most certainly make her one.

It bore armour and a crown of diamond and black steel as cold as the sensation its vision poured over Pinkie. It smiled a sharp toothed smile. A smile like a closed bear trap. Saliva dripped from it's mouth. Even in the darkness, its teeth glowed brightly, almost as brightly as its eyes. Trails of smoke streamed like fire from its powerful stare.

Pinkie dived in the only direction she could; to the pilot seat. As soon as her body left her chair, the wind immediately resisted her. The surface of the plane was rough enough to fight back, but her movements became slow and floaty. Pinkie made her advance toward her friend. As the next seat came into view, Pinkie was startled to see it was empty.

Where did Lyra go?

The demon laugh deeply, savagely, as it distorted and gargled, fading into the noise of the plane engine ahead. Pinkie turned to see his massive form disappear into the darkness. His eyes and teeth were the last to fade.

"We... see... you." He said again over the unnatural, reverberating laugh.

Pinkie pulled herself into Lyra's empty seat. Regaining her composure after a few wheezing breaths, she sat up in time to feel the plane shuddered one last time. Ahead, the engine burst into bright orange and yellow flame, casting elongated shadows from it. The plane started a slow descent.

Immediately, Pinkie pulled herself from her new safe haven. She needed to reach the pilot. She forced herself on with her head down, protecting her face from the putrid billows.

Each step, blackened by smoke and burned by fire, became a task in itself. Each step drew her closer to the controls. Each step bringing her closer to saving herself.

One hoof curled over the lip of the pilots chair. She had almost made it. The surprise of this made her tilt her head up. Her eyes briefly locked onto the fire.

Within the heart of the flames, a horned face with both eyes closed came into view. His mane was beyond pure white. A mane that shone so brightly, with so many frantic colours that never stood still. A mane that almost blinded her instantly. The stallions was covered in wavy orange tattoos that enhanced the shape of his face. The orange blended into his white coat.

She stared long enough to see the stallions eyes open into bright, pure, lid-less, white eyes that pulsated rays so powerful, they rivaled the sun.

Pinkie quickly drew her eyes away, drawing a hoof up to cover her face. Dazed by the light, colours danced in her vision, even as she kept them closed. She reached blindly around for the controls. She swung at nothing. She reached again, still nothing. A tightness gripped her chest. She cracked open an eye, spotting the controls, she extended her hoof as far as it would go.

The tip was almost within her grasp.

Pinkie looked past the flames

And saw the ground coming into view

Her hoof grabbed the controls

She pulled it towards her

It snapped in two

Pinkie stared in horror

As the plane crashed into the ground, the resulting explosion dwarfed her in pure white light.

In the cacophony of horrific noise that was Pinkie's demise, she heard three words building in loudness, as if were a reserved echo.

Building, building, building until it was the only thing she could hear. And the words filled her with dread.

"We see you."

• • •

Pinkie awoke, screaming. Tears streaked from her face and sweat fell down her back. She frantically searched around, clinging to the sides of her cockpit.

"Woah, easy there!" The cyan pilot said. "Turbulence! Its not as if you're about to die!" She laughed at her little joke. Pinkie wasn't impressed.

It was early, the sun barely breaking over the horizon. The air was warm, even at the speed they were travelling, the clouds breezed past her, the sun lightly kissed her face. She blinked as she tried to slow the rise and fall of her chest. The land below her was covered in a sea of green foliage. Jungles so exotic, she drank in every bit of the landscape. Over the drone of the plane, whooping and calling of the jungles inhabitants rang out in one constant noise. It was immaculate, it was incredible, it was...

"Bloody terrifying, isn't it!" The pilot called back. Pinkie nodded, not tearing her wide eyes away for a second.

Imagine being lost in that.

"I remember the first time I landed here." The pilot began. Pinkie stared expectantly as the pilot put the mic down. When she didn't continue, Pinkie tried to coax her.

"You wanna talk about it?" There was a long pause again. The mare picked up the mic again.

"No, its none of your business." Putting the mic down. Pinkie frowned.

"Grumpy pants."

Lyra was passed out in the seat ahead of her. Looked like she was finally feeling better about the whole flying thing.

Aw, the poor thing's all tuckered out.

"What did you do to Lyra?" Pinkie questioned the pilot.

"Lyra? What, old scaredy cat back there? I didn't do anything. I merely asked what she was doing in a hospital like that. She said she didn't know. Gives me the whole 'I'm not crazy routine'." Pinkie flinched at that word again. "Next thing I know, she's telling me about Humans of all things. How foulish is that. HUMANS. Laughable I tell ya." Lyra snored loudly for a brief moment before turning over slightly. "Four hours. Four! It's a good thing this radio can be switched off."

"You don't believe her?" Pinkie enquired. The pilot stopped what she was doing, turning completely around in her seat to Pinkie a flat question accompanied by a raised eyebrow.

"Seriously? Humans? No, seriously?" They stared at each other. The pilot groaned before turning to face forwards again. "You two are unbelievable." She started pressing buttons and flipping switches. "I'd ask for your back story, but frankly, I don't have another four hours! We're landing in ten."

The plane began its descent.

• • •

The plane landed just outside of a small encampment found on the edge of a river bordered by plants with roots that held them above the waters surface. It was almost as if the soil had been washed away with time.

Pinkie jumped from the plane with altogether less grace than anything else. She was never one to care about the opinions of others however. Her shoulders and ribs stung from the pressure of the seat belts she had been wearing. Her legs ached more though. It was as if she had never used them before.

Lyra, however, looked worse.

The housing was propped up on, what looked like, enlarged, green bamboo. The houses themselves were made from the same plant. This strange arrangement didn't surprise Pinkie one bit. The ground was mostly firm dirt but small patches showed pooling of water in isolated spots.

That's where the area's water table is above that of the ground. That is known as groundwater flooding. You see...

Shut up, Mag.

Pinkie looked at Lyra. She looked worse than Pinkie felt, surprisingly. Let's say, many years of knowing her let Pinkie know that Lyra was not a morning pony. Her ideal morning was spent in a warm bed, although the orderlys back at their hospital used to make that very difficult for her.

She blinked her eyes heavily as she removed herself from the plane, remembering to take the bag with her, and rubbed the saliva from the side of her mouth. She joined Pinkie by the side of the plane as the pilot barked her orders.

"OK Ladies, listen up!" She exclaimed loudly in order to be heard over the, still running, engine. "You have just landed in the Zhutailai Village. Ponies are friendly here as long as you mind your own business! In other words!" She bore into them both with an icy look. "Go to a small thatched house at the other end of the village! It will be decorated with tribal masks! Don't speak to anyone, don't go anywhere else, don't get followed, don't ask for directions and when you get there DON'T TOUCH ANYTHING! If you do, I will show you some damage!" She turned to her controls and started the plane moving again. "I will be along shortly."

Within seconds, the plane was gone, leaving behind two bewildered, slightly anxious mares in it's wake.

They looked at each other and with a mutual nod, turned and entered the village.

• • •

Smells of vegetation and fish wafted through the air. Occasionally, Pinkie thought she could smell tobacco but never stopped to find its source.

"Rule 2" she recited in her head. "No talking to anyone."

When they passed a shop with small toys however, that rule soon flew out the window. It took several tugs on Pinkie's jacket to stop her from leaving their course. They were generally followed by 'But Lyra, they have toys' or 'Lyra, that place is selling toffee apples' or 'Lyra, that monkey is playing card games on a motorcycle'. There were surprisingly more of the third one than you would have expected.

After twenty minutes, the towns buildings thinned as housing became fewer and further between. Trees littered the landscape like spires and fountains of wood and leaves. The path became broken as nature exerted it dominance over the hoof made terrain.

The weekly shopping trip must be awful.

Frankly, the place only needs a few curtains or drapes and it would look rather dashing.

You worry me sometimes.

"We're here!" Pinkie clapped her hooves together.

"I know." Lyra raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, sorry. I was monologuing." Pinkie blushed.

"God knows what it would be like to live in your head Pinkie." Lyra chuckled.

Cramped and dark.

"Cramped and dark apparently." Lyra laughed again. Heading up to the entrance of the hut.

Timber steps lead to a small wooden door which was mostly covered by a large, yet thin, red mask. A metre in height, it stood with it's mouth wide open. Lyra glanced at it briefly before opening the door and walking through. Pinkie stopped to do the same.

The mask was impressive. Clearly, care had been taken in order to craft it in such detail. From further away, the subtle carvings into the wood were lost. Only when up close could you see the natural lines within the wood as it, somehow, followed the lines of the masks features. Large slitted eyes, bordered by thick light brown wood made the mask hold an uncomfortable stare. Its mouth gaped wide and the wood of the mask became concave to give depth to it's grotesque feature.

It truly was a mouth as fast as the creature was. She found it intimidating in the way it portrayed pride. It's power germinating to the point where merely being in close proximity to it, left you with a sweat across your brow.

Pinkie shuddered, as was reminded of bath time.

She pushed the door open, much as Lyra did before her, and entered the hut.

Immediately, the smells of various aromas filled Pinkie's nostrils. Earth, tobacco and metallic scents were among the more distinguishable. The walls were decorated with an assortment of masks and ornaments from distant lands. Shelves behind protective glass housed vials and beakers of different colours and thicknesses. Some contained liquids, others small roots or nuts, some contained body parts. Pinkie shivered at the sight of them. Glancing to others, she saw herbs with what some would label as having 'medicinal' effects. Wicker dolls and needle sets sat on a table set to one side. Some dolls even had needles in them.

Looks like we aren't in Kansas anymore.

There was no lighting in the hut. Only stray beams passed through the window at the far end of the room. Even in the darkness, a large metal cauldron sat perfectly still in the centre of the room above a small ring of timber. Smoke billowed around the sides of the giant pot, snaking its way towards the ceiling. A doorway with no door, merely blocked by hanging beads, lead to what Pinkie would imagine to be a bedroom.

Heading a little more into the room, she joined Lyra side. Lyra was taking in as much as Pinkie was, only she was clearly worried about disturbing any of it. It was probably the angry pilots 'do some damage' comment that had her rattled. Pinkie, however, was not so easily intimidated.

The penetrating light from the far window fell onto one, solitary object. Pinkie stepped toward it.

"Pinkie?" Lyra warned. It was a pedestal of pure stone, most likely schist judging from the black and white grains most commonly found in metamorphic rock.

Geology. Buck yeah!

I don't like this.

The pedestal was simple in design. It had a slight slant on top to help with reading and had a small lip along the bottom to hold books in place.

"Pinkie, remember what the pilot said," Lyra cautioned a second time. There was already a book on it. Slender writing formed the words 'Zecora se Dagboek'.

"Pinkie," hoof steps could be heard behind her.

Pinkie reached for the diary. Before her hoof even touched the cover, Lyra screamed. A knife pressed into Pinkie's throat.

"Who are you!?!"

A Strange Diary

Diary of a mad mare

"Who are you!?!" The voice was deep and rich. Heavily accented yet easy to understand. The knife poking Pinkie in the throat was sharp and cold. It was also easy enough to understand.

The pilot burst into the room. Her eyes flitted between Pinkie, the knife, the wielder and Pinkie's outstretched hoof nearing the diary resting on the desk.

"Zac, relax. These were the two who Bravery told you about." The knife relaxed it's pressure a little. "They were supposed to arrive with him."

"Plans changed, Zac. He's been... delayed." Pinkie, with her back turned to the rest of the room, waited patiently.

"How?"

"He may be, kinda... sorta... trapped... in an insane asylum."

Zecora blinked.

"OK." The knife pulled away from Pinkie. Puzzled by the sudden swing in her attacker's mood, she gave her neck a rub for good measure. "I'll go get you all something to eat."

Pinkie turned to see the back end of a zebra stallion disappear into a door that she had missed previously.

She hardly had time to study this mysterious pony who had only just tried to kill her a moment before, when an even greater destructive force threatened her current well being.

The pilot, quick as lightning, stormed over to Pinkie with a face like thunder. Raising a hoof, she struck Pinkie's shoulder... Hard! So hard in fact, it almost knocked her to the floor. "What was the ONE thing I told you NOT to do!" Her eyes blazed behind the tinted goggles. Pinkie staggered at the sudden transferral of momentum that was so graciously shared by the cyan mare.

She's got one hell of an arm on her.

It's probably all that time using that plane joystick.

No comment.

"ONE THING!" She seethed. "If I hadn't arrived when I did, you would probably be more red than pink!" Pinkie got to her feet. Her shoulder was sore, but at least her jacket cushioned most of the blow. She winced as she turned back to the cyan mare with ears flat against her head. She hid a little, behind her mane.

"How do you know him?" Lyra piped up.

"I don't," the pilot spat. "I only know him in passing. I know more about him from what I have been told, and I've been told dark things." She shivered slightly. "Yet we need him. Bravery told me so."

The pilot grabbed Lyra, who was already scared of the mare, pulling her in. Her voice dropped to a whisper as the three mares huddled together.

"This guy is dangerous. You understand? Not because he has weapons, no. He is unpredictable and about as easy to read as a closed book. He may have already made up his mind about whether he wants us dead or not." She stared at the door to the room, Zecora entered. "Not all the crazies can be found within hospital walls," she continued "and not..."

"...everyone who is crazy was born mad." A deep voice echoed from the other room. The pilot's head shot up, a red tinge rose in her face.

Zecora passed through the door into the room. He held a large bowl of various vegetables, flowers and fruits in one hand. He donned a mask which blocked Pinkie's view of his face and upper torso, much to her annoyance.

"I didn't exactly design this place with the idea of having the walls soundproofed." He laughed, setting down the food on a table. "Now before we begin, let's start with names. I take it none of you introduced yourselves to each other or I would have heard your names." He turned to the pilot as they took seats around the large bowl.

"Let's start with you, flying girl." She hesitated. "It is rude to wear such gear whilst eating. Also, it would be nice to finally see your face." Pinkie and Lyra faced the cyan mare. Her eyes flitted between the three onlookers.

"W-why?" She stammered. Her voice a little higher than normal. Zecora leaned in. Even though the gaze behind that mask was not directed at her, Pinkie could still feel an uncomfortable heat radiating from him.

"Because I never work with those who hide their faces." No hint of irony came from behind that mask. The pilot didn't move. Seconds ticked by.

"You'd do me a great dishonour if your gear stays on, mare." He growled. "What do you hide under your mask?"

Slowly, as if time reduced to a crawl, the aviator reached for her goggles and hat.

As she removed each, a mane of pure colour spilled forth. Pinkie gasped.

"Rainbow Dash. My name is Rainbow Dash. Wanted in over a dozen countries for the crimes of illegally acquiring valuable items..." Dash glanced at Lyra and Pinkie. "... And valuable ponies." They blinked. She snorted and turned her attention back to Zecora. "Now remove your mask, stranger."

"What made you pursue this career?" He brushed the command aside.

"My first time here." She stopped, the look on her face showed she didn't want to continue. That glare however, never left her. Dash exhaled.

"Six years ago I passed my training in flying aircraft. I had the basics in most, but I excelled when it came to smaller vehicles. I don't know why, I was always that much quicker, that much faster than anyone I came across. I knew the air." Her eyes dropped from her onlookers to the table. "I met a similar minded mare shortly after my training. She always referred to me as a kindred spirit. She was kind. Unnaturally kind, even to the ones we were fighting against."

Rainbow Dash looked to Lyra and Pinkie.

"You would have liked her." She smiled. Pinkie noted it as the first genuine smile she had seen the pilot with. "You could see a great, cool, calm in her eyes, like a breeze on a hot day." She returned her attention to the table.

"She glided through all the terrible things we saw, as if they weren't even there. I asked her how she did it.

'Because I have to' she told me. A little kindness can change the world. More than any weapons, armies or lands could.

You see, back in those days, territory was important to our superiors. Fights spanned all our borders, both on the ground and in the air. Naturally, I was sent to the air. I requested to have this like-minded mare with me. It was mostly reconnaissance and supplying aid to those beyond our borders as neither of us wanted to fight. We just 'didn't have the lust for it' as my leader stated."

The technicoloured mare sat back in her seat.

"After doing our best for over three years, we were sent abroad as part of a series of night raids. To be honest they were going well. I remember feeling a keen sense of excitement on each one. It was mostly helping POW's or collecting intel whenever we could. It was getting towards the end of the fighting, yet back then we didn't know that. If we had, we might not have left home, might never have come here."

"It was the third raid. I remember that night well. The thickness of the dark, the silver light from stars littering through thin clouds. The feeling of a light breeze passing through my hair. The invigoration of going on an adventure, another stakeout with my friend. We weren't alone of course. There must have been a dozen or so of us, maybe more. As usual, we were ordered by our commander, Lieutenant Rank, to 'liberate prisoners, post haste!' Lousy prick. He never let his hoof get dirty, yet threw us out as if we were pawns. He never even remembered my name." She crossed her arms and fidgeted slightly.

"We knew something was up as soon as we entered the village. Fires had been freshly put out, no guard patrols. The place was quiet, deathly quiet."

I stumbled into a clearing, my partner followed. We fell into one of the most obvious traps I've ever seen and I was so keen to show off how good I was at my job. I sprung the trap. We were surrounded in seconds. To this day, I still don't know how it happened. They came from the trees, up from the ground, the very air. Surprisingly, through some cursed miracle, I got away.

To make matters worse, only two others escaped. My partner...wasn't one of them. I wanted to go back, do my best to bring her out of there, or at least die trying. Anything to say that I tried, so that I didn't have to live with the guilt."

"Why didn't you?" Zecora said flatly.

"Lieutenant... Rank." Dash steamed. Her eyes burned, an almost visible fire filling her vision. "He told us we achieved everything we needed to over the days before hand. Turns out, we didn't need to go in a third time." She laughed a stale laugh. "You know what the whole point of it was? You know what we were risking our lives for?"

Pinkie and Lyra shook their heads, enthralled by the story.

"Paper. BUCKING PAPER! And not even important ones. Some ponyfeather map about gold." She closed her eyes, not noticing Zecora's shift his weight slightly. "I lost the only one I cared about. The only one I would have remained loyal to. And Rank told us... 'good...job'."

"That bastard never gave it a second thought. Many had died under his hoof." Her eyes clouded. "Only one died under mine. After that, I did too."

A still silence passed over the group. A dropped pin would have been deafening.

"So lieutenant Rank got a shiny new medal, and I left the 'Pegasi, Aerial Military' faster than you could say 'Buck this Shi-"

"YOU'RE A PEGASIS!?!" Pinkie blurted out. Rainbow froze. "Oh my goodness, I've always wanted to meet a pegasus, I can't believe you are one, can I be your friend, we could hang out, or go-," Pinkie froze. Rainbow's eyes were scalding, and were directed straight at her.

You see that... That was the wrong time. Rosie echoed in Pinkie's head.

"I-I didn't mean any disrespect." Pinkie lowered her gaze and shrank in on herself. Rainbow Dash growled and snapped her head around to Zecora.

"And what about you? What are you hiding?" The rainbow mare demanded, her eyes narrowed. "Take off my mask. Now you take off yours."

"In good time," his attention turned on Pinkie. "And who are you? What mask do you wear?"

Rainbow Dash rose sharply.

"Don't you dare play games with me!" She hissed. She looked prepared to lash out any second.

"My story isn't as bold as Rainbow Dash's." Pinkie answered without raising her head. Although her eyes never looked up, she knew who was being questioned. She could feel it. Whatever heat coming from that mask before, it had intensified tenfold. "I was just sent to a hospital after others told me I think differently to them. They called me a freak, deemed me insane, locked me in a cage." Rainbow's attention deviated away from Zecora. "I became afraid to tell people the thoughts in my head for fear of pushing them away." Rainbow's face twinged, as she slowly returned to her seat.

"And do you? Think differently I mean."

Pinkie glanced up momentarily.

"Think differently? I don't know. I never thought I was any different," Pinkie never broke her eye contact with the ground. Rainbow Dash noticed the troubled look pass over her face. "I just lived to try and make others laugh. If you make people laugh then they can't hate you, no matter how different they label you. I just don't want to be hated." Pinkie shrank inwardly even more.

"That is an obscure way to live these days."

"Why? Do you think I'm different too?" Pinkie's smile was lost from her face completely now.

"We'll see."

Rainbow Dash stared at her. Whatever fire was there before had all but extinguished.

"You were given a letter by your uncle, am I correct?" Zecora followed up. Pinkie removed a small envelope from her jacket. Its contents remained inside. Pinkie lightly threw it onto the table with a light 'clink'.the sound of metal caught Pinkie off guard. As she reached out towards it, Zecora's striped hoof stopped her.

"Not now. In good time."

Finally the mask turned to Lyra. "And what of you? Who are you?"

Lyra jerked back slightly. She composed herself then scratched the back of her head.

"I'm just happy to be here." She deadpanned.

"In a far off land within the house of someone who just tried to kill your acquaintance?"

"Happy to be alive, I mean," she finished with a solemn chortle.

She really didn't like the flight over, did she?

"Seems like it." Pinkie replied. Lyra and Dash looked at her. Zecora did not.

"Who are you?" He persisted. Being sat next to her, he was already close enough but Lyra thought it best to answer quickly before he tried leaning towards her.

"L-Lyra Heartstrings. I was sent to the same hospital that Pinkie was. I don't remember how old I was when I was sent to that place." Her speech was quick and held a clearly nervous tone.

"I'm nothing special either, for some reason others don't seem to believe some of the things we hold dear. Pinkie believes in other worlds and that there may be one or two that can watch us, whilst I believe that humans exist. Maybe they might be one of those worlds." Lyra spilled forth. Her speech, even faster than before.

Zecora's ears twitched. He regarded Pinkie, then returned to Lyra again.

"You missed out something important." He cocked his head. Lyra did the same. "You are a unicorn, Mrs Heartstrings."

Lyra just stared.

"Why is that important exactly?"

"You don't know?" A shocked Rainbow questioned. Lyra answered with a shake of the head.

"How sheltered were you two!?!" Rainbow rubbed her face.

"It is important Lyra because of what happened in the past. Before your time yes, but not before mine." Zecora started, only to be cut off by Rainbow Dash.

"Don't you think that is unwise? We have no right to tell her."

"But she has every right to know, Miss Dash."

"It may be too much."

"We shall find out!" Zecora turned back to Rainbow Dash. "All will come to light eventually, Miss Dash. It merely depends on when the Gods want to show it to you. And I want that time to be now!"

He faced a quiet Lyra once again.

• • •

"About forty years ag-"

"Before you begin Zac, it may be an idea to mention; those responsible for what you are about to hear, were not in their right mind." Rainbow Dash cut in. Eyes flicked between a worried Lyra and the stern look of the mask.

"About forty years ago, new laws came into place all over the world. The harmony and sanctity we had between races was breaking. The pegasi owned the sky and were in charge of transport, weather control and various other duties that earth ponies could not perform. Earth ponies were tasked with jobs such as growing crops, occupying shops, retail and most manual jobs provided. Being an earth pony was more common, yet was still in no way a bad thing. In fact, a lot of the more successful businesses were run by such ponies.

However, unicorns were special. Unlike any other race of pony, they had the ability to do something remarkable. They could use magic. Some could use more powerful forms than others, but still it was magic! Manual labour wasn't a problem unless vast masses of object needed moving, requiring a lot more concentration as you can imagine. More skilled unicorns could step on clouds just like pegasi without falling to their deaths. Others could cast these spells on others. Some, had the ability to FLY. As magic required concentration, a lot of unicorns excelled in academic studies and showed the ability to solve problems with ease."

"Of course, you still had idiots who couldn't figure which way a door opens if they had three guesses," Rainbow interjected. "You forget, unicorns had a subliminal advantage in academia, mainly due to the fact they required research in order to perform certain spells. They trained to be disciplined from a very early age. They were SO AWESOME! Unicorns were by no means rare. But they were the most useful out of us all."

"Four." Zac stated. The cyan mare raised an eyebrow at the zebra. "You forget our origins Miss Dash."

Zac returned his attention to Lyra.

"Where do you think we came from? Why do you think there is a divide in our races?"

Lyra shook her head. Rainbow Dash frowned slightly and gave her nose a rub in anticipation of Zac's answer.

"Alucorns. Once, our entire world was inhabited by one species of pony." Rainbow scoffed.

"Alucorns? No. Just no. Is myths and legends with you all isn't it." Rolling her eyes, she crossed her hooves.

"They were the most powerful and gradient creatures in all the lands. They harnessed all our abilities and made advances in all forms of knowledge. Yet they were few in numbers. Demons, corrupt animal mismatches, beings of air and earth and fire, centaurs and potentially..." Zac leaned in "...humans could have also been around at the time." Lyra perked up slightly. "All these lived together. Yet one day, the world changed. We existed. From no clear date, our existence just... Happened. And not only that, all traces of our makers just disappeared." Zecora turned to Rainbow Dash now. Pinkie was starting to feel a little ignored.

"It is my belief, that the most powerful of all the alucorns, made a wish. A wish that changed the course of our species throughout eternity. By splitting us into three parts, our numbers were free to grow and our power would be less dangerous. We could live happily."

"What are you getting at Zac?"

"Unicorns harness the most powerful of the alucorns power. Magic. An ability to change the world around them." The mask stared into Lyra's eyes. "Whilst society provide a select few with artificial power, when it comes down to it, they are still just as useful as their body allows them to be. Yet unicorns can do almost anything. You have... TRUE... power. And that, ultimately, was your downfall."

"You see, the power of the alucorns, when they were split into three, gave each breed of pony a power. Unicorns had intelligence and magic, pegasi had speed and aerial domination and earth ponies had numbers. The governing body for the lands, the Communion Of Lasting Trinity, became predominantly earth based. Those in power, wanted more power. And that power needed to be taken from others. The others being unicorns and pegasi. Their greed took root soon enough."

"Greed became loathing, loathing became hatred, hatred became fear. And that fear spread to more than just those in the high courts. The Communion tore at itself, becoming the one thing it was supposed to combat. Imbalance between each species."

"The days grew darker. Rumours of war billowed over lands like a great wave, and those caught up in it found themselves in the shadow of its imminent embrace. For those unaware at first, things seemed normal. Yet, as time passed, even those blind to the world around them could feel the tension in the air. Families locked themselves in their houses, children no longer played outside. Hunts for 'witches' began."

"Trees and fields burned in fire so high, the heavens were scorched black from it rage. Bodies piled high, smoke cloaked the skies in permanent clouds."

Like England during the summer! Rosie piped up. Pinkie nearly screamed. She had been so engrossed in the story, she completely forgotten that Rosie was there.

"The world, fell into the hands of the corrupt. The earth ponies placed in power to help protect the harmony between each species, destroyed the most valued of us all. Since then, the world has been dying. The imbalance has caused events completely unfathomable to any sane pony." Zac turned to Pinkie. "Events such as the one that happened to your grandfather with the microwave, Pinkie."

"God rest his soul."

God rest his soul.

God rest his soul.

God rest his soul.

"What happened to Pinkie's Grandfather?" Lyra asked. Zac rose to his feet. Continuing to speak, he turned and headed towards the pedestal with his prized diary upon it.

"That was when I started to use codes to catalogue events. I developed runes and complex bodies of sentences in order to make deciphering my notes almost impossible. It came from four of my favourite codes when I was a foal. These of course were adopted, adapted and then changed as time went on. I never wrote a key, a clue or solution to my notes." Removing the book, he returned to the table. Setting it before him, he read its title out loud. "Zecora se Dagboek" he traced it with a hoof. He looked up. "Zecora's diary."

Pinkie watched, the pages were covered in shapes and swirls, runes within runes and all parts were scattered about the page in a seemingly haphazard manner. Zecora, however, glanced in set patterns across each symbol without hesitation whilst his hoof traced the previous symbol.

"The desolation of trust within those we should trust has broken the very nature of our world. Powerful bodies spread distrust and soon, a war broke out. Pegasi and Earth ponies against unicorns. The innocence we once had had been lost in one fell move." He read.

"I found myself taking refuge away from my townsfolk. I could no longer live with others I didn't trust. I made my home in a forest for seclusion and spent my days researching a way to undo what was done. During a particularly stormy night, a vision came to me. A horned stallion of pure light told me to head further into my forest. In the centre, he told me, I will find him and grant a wish." Zac looked up.

"Do you know what is so special about this book?" The eyes behind the mask burned into Lyra's. She shook her head.

"Its my handwriting, at least a similar copy. However, the small symbol at the top of each page..." He tapped a hoof on a rune that looked particularly like the the letter 'V' mixed with the letter 'h'. "...tells you the gender of the writer. The idea was, my code shows more than just what you write. Its supposed to let the reader know WHO you are."

"Why is that an issue then?" Rainbow questioned.

"My symbol looks like this." He grabbed a roll of parchment with a rune similar to the number '4' mixed with the letter 'A' in the upper left hand corner. "The symbology of the upward arrow means the writer is male."

He returned to the diary.

"The symbology of the downward arrow," he traced the 'V', "means the writer is female." When Zecora noticed the others were perplexed by this, he continued.

"As I said before, I created this code. I invented it. I never told anyone about it. It is a secret. There is no written solution or key to it. So why is there a girl who knows it too? More importantly, why does she have the same name as me?"

"So you didn't write this?" Pinkie asked.

"No. Stranger still, the night I finally read this diary, I made an interesting discovery. This 'other Zecora' has lived through the same things I have. Stranger still, the night I read the passage I recited a second ago, I had a dream. In my dream I talked a horned stallion of pure light."

"So I did what any sane pony would do in that situation. I did as the diary told me. Sure enough, in the deepest holds of the forest I found something amazing. A city of gold." Lyra's ears pricked. Pinkie noticed Rainbow's eyes glaze over, a hungry look in her eyes. Zac cocked his head. "I peaked your interest already? Shame. The next bit is even better."

Zac pushed the food bowl on the table. It dropped to the floor, a heavy clash rang out as an explosion of green, red and yellow leaves covered the area where it landed. Zac stood up.

"Mares, what I found in the centre is one of the most well kept secret in all the 16 nations. A city of gold is a worth prize for any, but what lies at its heart is a prize worthy only to heroes." Zecora traced his hooves over the table. The wooden rings lay in a perfect cylindrical pattern, each one parallel to it's neighbour. When Pinkie looked closer however, she noticed small notches connecting the rings together.

"Its heart. It is based on proving the measure of a creature brave enough to enter. By walking through the doors, the exit will close as soon as it leaves your sight, and the trials will begin." Zac's hoof pointed towards the first notch in the table.

"The book was right. And not only that, the only one who could have written it was me." Everyone in the room found their vision passing back to the diary. "My handwriting, my diary, my name, my runes, my codes. Similar past, same future. But not my gender. Not only that, mention of things that don't exist here." Zecora faced the three mares. "I wrote that book. But it wasn't me. Another me." He passed back and forth.

"Pinkie." Pinkie almost jumped at her name. She sat upright almost immediately.

"Why were you in a hospital?"

"I suffer from delusions of grandeur and schizophrenia."

"Schizophrenia? Sounds fun."

"Well, it keeps me company." Pinkie chuckled.

"Why else?"

"I believe in other universes."

"Where does this book come from?" Zac stopped. The room fell silent.

Say it. Go on.

"Another universe."

"Yes. How long were you in the prison for?"

"Prison?"

"HOW LONG?" His voice turned harsh. Rainbow Dash physically tensed, her eyes narrowed slightly.

"A-all my life pretty much." Pinkie stammered.

"Then I hope this adventure will be penance for their barbaric idiocy." He spat the words like poison.

Zecora's body language changed, relaxing almost immediately. He approached the table once more and pointed at the first notch again.

"Here you will need a golden tablet."

"Golden tablet?" Lyra questioned. "We were never given a golden tablet."

Zac approached her, slowly reaching into Bravery's bag, he removed a golden capsule. Its surface was highly polished yet covered in small inscriptions.

Look. It has letters on it.

Twelve rows in fact.

When Zac twisted it around in his hoof, a small plateau of gold circled a particular column of these carvings, making them seem more important.

"Twenty five symbols on each row. Twenty four for each letter and one blank. Watch." Grasping it, Zac span a column. "These will allow you to give your answer to each obstacle." He span another and another. "Each capsule is a golden key to unlock the next ring." He continued twisting.

"Obstacles? What are these obstacles?" Lyra inquired again. Zac placed the tablet on the far end of the table in full view of the three mares. Inside the golden rectangle, they could see why Zecora had been twisting each row.

RIDDLES_LYRA

"Interesting way of answering that question." Rainbow mumbled. Pinkie giggled quietly.

"Pray you answer them correctly. For a fault will mean your life, gruesomely or otherwise. When you pass the first gate, follow the sun. It will guide you to the next gate. As for what is in the temple, look to your uncle's letter."

Pinkie stared before producing the envelope. Pulling the letter out, the key came with it. Zac reached for it.

"The key is gold." He murmured. He drew back before taking the envelope and its contents and placing it to one side. "You should remember that when you arrive there. But be wary. Riddles are not the only deadly challenges within those walls."

"What are the challenges? What are the riddles?" Pinkie pryed.

"That would be telling." He said solemnly.

"It would. Come on, help us." Lyra joined in.

"I can't." Zecora shifted on his hooves. "For I am no longer at liberty to."

"Why?"

Zecora turned and approached a shelf of tall, thin vials. Returning to the table, he popped open the top and proceeded to pour it over the wooden furniture. The liquid oozed from its glass prison, dripping in thick crystal clear blobs. As it made contact with the table, however, the liquid lost its viscosity. It wormed and snaked its way around the grooves of the table as it covered the surface. Once it overflowed the rings, the liquid spilled out and glazed the wooden table.

The three mares watched. After a beat, Rainbow split the silence.

"Is something supposed to happen? Cos all I see is a very wet table,"

The room exploded in a rush of blue that engulfed each pony. The table caught amidst a bright flame that sucked the light from everywhere else leaving deep shadows to flit free of their daylight confines.

The flame towered higher and higher, licking the roof of the hut with long, deep cyan tongues.

The three ponies screamed at the sight.

JESUS CHRIST!

Who?

Nevermind.

"THE TABLE!" Pinkie pointed a hoof at the blazing wooden surface. The crystal clear liquid began to boil and bubble, froth and spit as it curdled into a thick black sludge under the heat of the fire. Zecora removed his mask in the light of the bright blue flames.

"This is the last of my help that I can give." He stood, hoof reaching into the bright flame to trace the words, the liquid was now forming. "For in finding what you want, you must lose something else."

As the liquid evaporated, the words staining the table became clearer and all three mares mouthed the message.

Ask when asked at divine land
Bask for glories close at hand
From lowly slaves to high born sires
We'll grant what most, their heart desires
Yet those who want must tread with care
As they must pay their wishes fare
For in your wish fulfillments birth
We'll take something of equal worth

"Something of equal worth." Zecora repeated. "Sometimes that can be a part of yourself."

As quickly as the fire started, Zac conjured a cloth into his hoof before slamming it down into the centre of the table, extinguishing it immediately with a single ring of smoke billowing from beneath.

The ring breezed out past each pony towards the walls. As it progressed, colour and light returned to the room. Pinkie's blood drained from her face.

There, in the light of day, Zecora's face had finally been revealed, much to Pinkie's horror.

Zecora's face was covered in blazing orange tattoos that emanated out from his piercing, heat-filled eyes. Pinkie screamed, flailing wildly. The same pattern, the same colour, the same eyes as the demon in the fire from her dream. Lyra jerked around in time to see Pinkie fall off the back of her chair.

"What's that all about!?!" Rainbow shouted. Lyra rushed to Pinkie's side to calm her down. Pinkie's eyes never left Zecora's.

"She's seen my marks before." He turned to face her. "The marks of the Gods."

He stepped towards Pinkie, kneeling to her height. Producing Bravery's envelope out of thin air, he placed it at her hooves.

"The key...is gold." Without a word, he stood up and disappeared into his kitchen once again.

• • •

"Well that was an ordeal." Rainbow scratched her head. She collapsed onto a chair around the table. Zac joined her, dropping the dairy on the table.

"You managed to get them going though. That was an achievement." He placed a drink in front of her. She eyed it cautiously before taking it anyway. "Who knew they spent most of their lives in confinement."

"They do suffer... complicated issues." She chose her words carefully. Zac took out an identical drink.

"They seem normal to me." Zac smiled. "I don't think they're suffering either. They're just naive." He took a swig.

"She can't believe she managed to destroy the door on the way out. Looks like she splintered the wall as well." Rainbow frowned. "Those tattoos must have really startled her. How did you get them anyway?" Taking a swig or two of her own drink.

"I wished for too much. As a result, I lost my life in the process." He opened the book and flipped through a few pages. "Still... I won't be needing it for much longer." Rainbow tensed slightly.

"How so?"

"I won't be alive for much longer."

"You look in perfect health though. Why what's gonna happen?"

Zac shook his head, ears folded back.

"I'm not at liberty to say," He stared at the diary, lost in thought, before finishing his drink. "Thank you for coming."

Rainbow stood and made her way to the door.

"Rainbow Dash." He called out, halting her leave.

"What do you enjoy most in this life?" He remained seated. The question caught her off guard, but after a moment she smiled.

"Flying. Without the use of a plane." She replied. "It makes me feel alive. I can't help but reminisce about old times."

Zecora stared at her. His face stayed solemn.

"Go for a fly tonight. And reminisce." He returned to his diary, flicking across another couple of pages. Rainbow Dash snorted.

"For crying out loud Zac, you act like its the end of the world."

"Don't be silly." He waves her off. She exited through the Pinkie shaped hole in the door away.

Turning to the last page, he traced over four hoof drawn pictures with a brief passage by each of them.

"That's a whole two days away."

Author's Note

Sorry for the wait, I've been a bit busy and the times I haven't been busy, I have been struck by writers block. However, the next story should be where things pick up :twilightsmile:

1. Locked Away Treasures

Locked away Treasures

"So are they watching us right now?" A nice young doctor asked, her tone was warm. Her light blue hair was pinned up in a neat little bun. Her dress, as white as a swan and matched her pristine coat.

"Yes, Miss Write" a straightjacket-ed Pinkie Pie replied. She was in stark contrast to the mare before her. Yet her current appearance didn't dishevel Pinkie in the slightest. Straight, dark pink hair fell limply over her face and neck. A wide grin plastered on her face. This doctor was kind to her and was definitely one of her favourites, though there wasn't a doctor or nurse she didn't like. To be honest, she couldn't fault any of the staff in particular. Sure some were strict, but they had a job to do and Pinkie understood that.

"Are they always watching us?" The doctor followed up, scribbling something on her note pad. Pinkie thought how useful x-ray vision would have been.

"No, I'd imagine they would only watch us once or twice a week." The jacket she wore, whilst still functional, was not tied up. It hadn't been for weeks. It was greying and starting to smell, a little...used, but Pinkie didn't mind. The nurse however, clearly did.

"Do you mind if I ask about your attire Pinkie?" Dr Write asked, her nose scrunched a little, but did little to budge her soft smile.

"Sure"

"Why do you still wear that thing Pinkie? You do realise you are more than welcome to take it off, right?" Pinkie cocked her head before her eyes fell to her jacket. When she had her answer, she looked back at the doctor again.

"I like it," Pinkie's stare and wide grin returned. The nurse's expression flitted to one of confusion before she realised the hospital's rules about etiquette around patients. It was replaced again by a soft smile within the blink of an eye, but Pinkie still noticed.

"Why is that?" The nurse pursued.

"It was the first and only thing anyone has given me here." The nurses smile definitely slipped at that.

"Don't you at least want a new one?"

"No. This one's warm," the beaming Pinkie retorted. A small smile returned to the doctor. "And it belonged to my best friend here."

"Lyra, yes. How is she?" The doctor leaned forward.

"Fine, I guess" Pinkie's eyes dropped to the floor. A look of thought passing over her face now. "We normally just talk and enjoy each others company." Her smile returned to meet the doctor's. "Besides, she is the only one I can really talk to who doesn't think I'm insane."

"Pinkie, you know about the rules regarding words like that." Eyebrow raised, the doctor took a more serious tone. Pinkie looked down again. The doctor sighed. "Pinkie, paranoia is serious. The idea that an entirely different universe is watching you is not a reasonable thought to have. You're not the only one remember. Lyra is certain of a hyper intelligent form of monkey out there somewhere. Sometimes, you need to apply logic to a situation in order to move forward."

"I know," Pinkie replied, her voice shaking a little.

The doctor sighed, setting down her clipboard and removing her glasses before folding them away.

"It is rare to find someone with a heart of gold Pinkie." She said slowly. Obviously taking her time. "I just hope I don't let you down."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Someday, you'll know." The doctor smiled a tired, genuine smile. But the age showed as small bags under her eyes and signs of crow's feet became subtly visible. "Well," she chirped, picking up her things, "my time with you is up again. It's nice to learn more about you Pinkie. You are always so delightfully happy."

Pinkie nodded as she rose from her seat and headed to the doorway.

"Oh, and Pinkie!" Pinkie turned.

"Sorry for being a little frank with you."

"That's fine. I like Frank, although your impression could be a little better." Dr Write giggled and Pinkie exited the room.

When a soft click from the door echoed around the hallway, Pinkie sighed. Her face drooped a little.

"I guess I still haven't gotten through to her," she told herself. Turning to look back at the room she had just left.

The window was textured and clouded, which distorted the office behind it. Pinkie could see nice Miss Write busying about. She was most likely packing away files for a later time.

Pinkie's attention quickly wandered to the door. 73c West Wing.

"Why am I always treated here? Wings are for Pegasi." Unfortunately, they weren't too friendly as of late. Many 'class' disputes over which breed was better left both earth ponies and pegasi with a salty taste in the mouth. Pinkie had never seen a pegasus before, she had made it her life long ambition to become best friends with one for no other reason than 'she didn't have a super fantastical flying feathery feathered friend' already.

"I wonder what it would be like to have feathers..." She daydreamed. It would probably tickle. The voice in her head called back, as per the ush. Pinkie referred to her as Rosie.

"But you wouldn't need to buy pillows or quills or..." Camouflage for a Mardi Gras.

"That would really come in handy for Grandad Pie, God rest his soul." She signed the cross. God rest his soul Rosie signed too.

Pinkie shook her head before heading down the corridor. It was a long one too. She normally just let her mind run to pass the time. She eyed the walls either side of her. The cream and pink painted walls instilled calm in her. Pink was her favourite colour after all. She couldn't even begin to imagine what it would be like to be a different colour.

For starters she would have to change her name. Her current one would be redundant. But what could you change it to?

"Lemon Pie?" Golden Sun? "Blue Sky?" Rouge Rose? "Green Pastures?" Reddy Cooked? "CHOCOLATE THUNDAH!" Navy Seal! "Cyan tist?"

There was a pause. She was at the end of the corridor now. Hoof resting on the swing door.

...

She waited, looking off to one side. Anticipation for her minds answer.

...

Barry White?

"Ok, you win"

Yay :D

Pushing the door open, Pinkie stepped over the boundary.

Ah, the games hall. Where extreme jenga is a way of life and chess is a bloodsport only to be attempted by th-

Thump.

Pinkie was tackled to the ground by a light green pony. Her hair flowed majestically in white and light blue locks. Lyra Heartstrings. Pinkie's best friend.

"Pinkie!" She cheered. "How did it go?"

Pinkie drew a deep breath, only to be stifled by one of Lyra's hooves.

"Answer in three sentences or less. Or in a haiku."

"Ok. However,
She still doesn't believe me,
Or want a party"

"I'll give you points for trying. Maybe I could convince her next time I see her..."

Pinkie looked around the room. It was rather quiet for this time of day. Normally you would have to arrive early to get to the good games. This time, however, there only appeared to be half a dozen ponies present.

Heading over to the small, wooden games cabinet, Pinkie pulled out a chess board while Lyra removed the jenga from its box.

Oh man I love this game! Every second turn, you removed a jenga block from the tower and placed it on top. If a piece was taken from you, you had to remove another block. However, you could place the block on top of the tower in any way you want to. Sideways, across the middle, on its side, frontwise, backwise, topwise, pennywise; the world was your oyster.

Lyra's turn to go first.

• • •

After two hours, a nurse by the name of Nurse Aid and an assistant came to escort both Pinkie and Lyra away. In the end, the score was 27 to 2 to which Pinkie was ecstatic. She scored a whole two points. That was one more than last time. Following Nurse Aid, Pinkie had a grin on her face. Lyra described it once as a perminant fixture. She wasn't wrong.

"Where are we going?" Lyra asked, eyebrow raised.

"To the visitor hall," the nurse called over her shoulder. "Someone has come to see Pinkie."

"So why am I being brought along too?" Lyra questioned. She did want to come along but usually the staff wouldn't be that lenient around visitors.

"Because if we didn't, you two would argue to the nth degree until we let you." The nurse retorted. She gave Lyra and Pinkie a smile. "It's a good thing you two are normally so well behaved."

Passing rooms, closets, doors to other corridors and patient rooms/prison cells as Lyra called them, the small group finally reached their destination.

The hall was, much as the one they came from, quite empty. Small tables surrounded by chairs littered the room. They were all but comfortable. Plastic and cheap, they were purely for function.

However, the table in the centre of the room immediately caught Pinkie's eye. It wasn't so much the table itself, but the figure sat at it.

Pinkie's uncle greeted her with a glint in his eye. Fireworks behind soundproof glass. His outward persona however was that of a dignified traveller. His beige jacket was a little dirty from one of his many adventures, his wide brimmed hat covering what would be his messy mane. But his moustache was still as brilliant as ever. One could rally an army behind such a thing!

A soft smile prickled the sides of his mouth.

"UNCLE BRAVERY!" Pinkie cheered, running up to him, giving him a warm embrace.

"Pinkie, it's magnificent to see you are still here, whilst at the same time still very much concerning." The prickling stopped.

"If I'd known you were coming I would have prepare a welcome party! But the nurses here won't let me near balloons. Not since what happened to Grandad Pie."

"God rest his soul" he signed.

"God rest his soul" she signed.

God rest his soul Rosie signed.

Lyra just stared between them.

An unhappy silence followed. After a considerably long time, Lyra coughed.

"You must be Lyra," Bravery held a hoof out, to which, Lyra took with a smile. "Its so rare to see a unicorn these days, ever since..." He trailed off, noticing Lyra's eyes starting to glisten painfully. "I feel privileged!" He smiled.

"I've heard a lot about you," Lyra stammered, a little intimidated by the stallion before her.

"Nothing good I bet!" He laughed a rich laugh, moustache rippling majestically at the quip. Lyra rubbed her eyes quickly.

"Where have you been? I haven't seen you in years." Pinkie spoke, eyes never lifting from the floor.

"Let's say... I was on a small quest for knowledge." Uncle Bravery announced, gaze breezing over Lyra, betting on her reaction with another twinkle in his eyes. "I have been on the hunt for a city made of gold." Lyra broke almost audibly.

"CITY OF GOLD!?!" Her face lit up as she jumped from her seat only to be stifled by hushes from behind Bravery's moustache. A couple of orderlies glanced over at the ruckus, only to return to their work when Lyra noticed her outburst and quickly sat down again.

He leaned in, dipping his head slightly to darken his eyes in shadow. Another smile rose the corner of his mouth, knowing he had their curiosity. His tone deeper.

"For months I have been searching the globe for something new. I can't understand how ponies could just stay in one spot. I could never do that,it would drive me barmey." He spluttered a little when he realised where he was and who he was talking to. "The point is, I was at a bar in Sri Flanka trying to drink away the summer heat when this pony takes the seat next to me." He sat back looking upward slightly. "Odd looking chap I must say" leaning in quickly, resuming his previous pose, staring at the two captivated mares before him. "Anyway, this pony started talking to me about how he was a traveller before. Said he found some, ancient scroll in a shop once." Waving a hoof. "But that's not the strange part." He turned to Lyra." After a drink or two he tells me stories of other worlds. Other galaxies where he lived separate lives. Where choices were made differently, or evolution caused drastic changes in the development of its inhabitants. Different...worlds..." Bravery leaned in closer to Lyra with a raised eyebrow. "Remind you of anyone?"

Lyra blinked. A slight look of confusion on her face. Her eyes darted to the bewildered Pinkie Pie who sat silently on the what felt like the edge of the conversation.

"Yes, exactly!" His voice a whispered shout of excitement, Pinkie had never seen him so much like a foal since he found a 5 bit coin down the back of the sofa... He got excited over odd things. "Why is that so important? Why is it that the whims of a mad man interest me so? Because I think he's right!" Excitement faded. "You have been here far too long for their mistake Pinkie." Rising from the chair, he spun around and waved an orderly over.

"I'm getting a bit flustered in here but I don't want to impact on the time I have here. May we go outside?"

"No," the orderly replied. "Patients are not allowed outside of the confines of this hospital."

"What about the hospital grounds then?" Bravery's eyes flashed a sly spark. The orderly gave it some thought, rubbing his chin with a hoof, staring at the ground. Bravery gave Pinkie a sideways wink. Pinkie did her best to stifle a grin.

"Ok," the orderly nodded. Eyes rose to meet Pinkie's and Lyra's. "But, they must remain in sight at all times."

Bravery returned the nod before spinning to face Pinkie and Lyra. Grabbing a small sactual from beneath this seat.

"Alright girls, let's go stretch our legs."

• • •

The outside grounds were cold. Whilst it was still sunny, which was a blessing since the pegasi no longer dealt with weather duties, there were many clouds littering the sky. An icy wind, flitted around the enclosure. Pinkie rarely came outside. It was never the right temperature, either being too hot or too cold, even with her jacket. It was almost always raining, and if it wasn't raining then there would be sleet or snow or uncomfortable winds. At least inside it was warm.

The area was a little bigger than a primary school playground. The only difference was the ten foot tall fence that lined the parameter. That, and the lack of anything fun apart from wet grass and mud.

"This never was a happy place," Lyra echoed Pinkie's thoughts.

Here here, sister.

Uncle Bravery could be seen having a quick word with the orderly who had very kindly let us out. His voice trailing a little on the wind.

Pacing over, Bravery's coat now a more shiny colour in the light of the sun, he strolled past them and encouraged them to follow him. One on each side of him, they quickly fell into step just behind him.

"OK, the chap said we only had five minutes before we could head back inside. He also repeated his other condition," stating in a poor impression of the orderly, "they must stay in sight at all times. No acceptions!" Looking around at the completely empty, square grounds he added "I personally can't see how you could lose sight of someone in here."

Lyra's attention fell to Bravery's flank. What would a brave traveller have as a cutiemark?

As it turns out, a flying bald eagle. Obviously.

"Before I begin, I need to give you my bag. When my accomplice arrives, she will let you know what to do with it." He passed the bag to Lyra. Keeping hold of the bag, he stopped swinging her around to look him in the eyes. "Don't lose it."

Letting go, Lyra swung the bag onto her side. The trio returned to their walk.

"You see, I want to ask if you two could join me on this next adventure." Pinkie and Lyra almost jumped him, but he cut them off.

"The problem is, the adventure is out there. And you both..." He looked at Pinkie, "... Are in here. Unfortunately, I don't have the jurisdiction to remove either of you from these premises." Their faces dropped.

"So instead, I'm going to do something a little more... Subtle." Bravery stopped one last time. This time he turned to face Pinkie. He handed her an envelope. "Open it when the time comes." He smiled.

"When would that be?" Pinkie examined the envelope.

"About twenty seconds. Excuse me for a second." He marched to the orderly leaving the two mares bewildered behind him. Lyra more so out of the two of them.

"I thought you were the only odd one in your family." Lyra muttered.

"Where did you think I got it from?" Pinkie kept her attention on Bravery. Lyra however seemed a little distracted. Her ears flicked before turning her head.

Over the wind, a soft droning sound seemed to be growing. Pinkie's head followed Lyra's. The orderly was still distracted by Pinkie's uncle.

Almost instantly, the droning exploded in volume.

A plane dropped out of the sky like a meteor on re-entry, pulling up at the last second to narrowly miss the ground only a few yards ahead of the two mares. The plane, now heading straight toward Pinkie and Lyra, flipped upside down as a pair of hooves reached out as it passed over them. Grabbing them both, they were hoisted into the air before landing on the now right-way-up plane before it sharply charged skyward into the air and over the confines of the hospital.

"WHAT THE BUCK IS GOING ON!?!" Lyra screamed, grabbing onto whatever she could, bag still with her.

"Are you kidding me?" Pinkie asked herself. "How is this subtle?"

Hey don't ask me, he's your uncle!

Pinkie looked back. The orderly could be seen shouting for help whilst others wrestled Bravery. His gaze never left the plane. He mimed, to the best of his abilities, opening something. Before Pinkie could see them move him inside, the plane passed through clouds and her uncle was distorted from site.

The envelope.

Once the pilot calmed down, Pinkie tore the letter open. Out fell a small golden key and a letter with a single sentence.

'I believe you serve a higher purpose.'

Author's Note

Thanks you for reading. More chapters are on their way. I will be taking my time on this one as I have a spider diagram of ideas in my head that I want to use.

Please be kind. This story took a long time to write and I've had two people proof read it to get most of the mistakes out. :pinkiesad2:

I hope I don't get as much of a battering as I did for Pinkie's greatest for.

So I hope you enjoyed it.

Stay shiny :pinkiehappy: