What We Are In the Dark

Chapters

Part 1, Chapter 2 - Deeper
Part 1, Chapter 3 - Into The Night
Part 2, Chapter 4 - Atop Sorrow Hill
Part 2, Chapter 5 - The Road We Must Walk
Part 2, Chapter 6 - Morning Ascension
Part 1, Chapter 1 - Watercolors

Part 1, Chapter 2 - Deeper

---Chapter 2 // Deeper---

As the ponies approached the Everfree Forest, Fluttershy spoke up.

"I know Twilight needs to find that hermit, but the forest feels... different today. I think we should be careful."

Rainbow Dash scoffed at the suggestion, "It doesn't really matter much. Anything this dumb forest can throw at us, we can handle."

Twilight intervened, "No Dash, I think Fluttershy has the right of it. The forest seems odd today, like there is magic in the air. Besides, being overconfident has been the downfall of many ponies."

"Humph. We should probably get moving though, it looks like your coat is getting even lighter."

The group set off into the forest, moving at a steady pace while Pinkie Pie bounced happily alongside. They passed Zecora's house, and waved when they saw that she was out working in her herb garden.

After many more minutes of walking, they came to the ruins of the old royal castle. The ruins were now overgrown with ivy and other creeping vines, moss grew between the pavers. Twilight stopped for a moment, partially to catch her breath, and partially because she was experiencing a brief bit of nostalgia. Twilight shook her head and continued to walk onwards.

The scenery began to change as the group moved forward, the trees were much larger now, and the canopy overhead seemed to block out the sun.

Fluttershy spoke out, "Something is wrong. Ever since we passed the ruins, I have not seen any animals. What do you think it means?"

Pinkie Pie responded with a grin, "I think it means we are about to be eaten by zombies."

Fluttershy was visibly disturbed, so Pinkie quickly added, "Just kidding! All the little animals are probably hibernating or something."

Fluttershy still looked unhappy, but tried not to let it show. "But it's the middle of summer..."

After a few more minutes of walking, there was something large and brown blocking the path. The obstacle appeared to be a close cluster of six thick trees.

Applejack volunteered to help move the thing, but Twilight stopped her. "It has a strong sense of magic around it, which is odd, because plants don't have magic. Be careful."

Applejack walked up to it, and proceeded to give it her strongest kick. The thing didn't even budge.

"Hmm. It felt like some kind of carapace, which is weird, because only insects have carapaces."

Just then, the ground started to shake a little. The weird tree-thing was moving towards the group!

"What is that thing?!" shouted Rarity, who was walking backwards at a quick trot.

"Some kind of magical beast! I'm not sure if anything can break through that carapace!" Twilight answered, also stepping back.

"Yeah, if it can withstand my best bucking, I don't see what else can stop it!" said Applejack, who was hiding behind a tree with Fluttershy and Spike.

"Wait, Dash! What are you doing?!"

Rainbow Dash was flying straight at the mammoth beast. "If power won't work, I'll try speed!"

The air around Rainbow Dash was a blur as she gained momentum. Upon contact with the body of the beast, Rainbow Dash was flung backwards through the air, landing on the grass with a thud. The animal did not appear to have even chipped a scale.

"You have to hit it in the eyes!" called a stallion's voice from an overhead cliff. 'I'll show you!"

A dark figure leapt off the cliff, silhouetted against the sunny sky. Diving in a hawklike manner, the stallion kicked the beast in the face, hitting an unprotected patch of skin. The beast howled in pain, and broke into a run in the opposite direction.

Gliding to the ground, the stallion launched into a lengthy speech.

"And that is how to beat a Behemoth! In fact, I...' his voice trailed off as his gaze turned to Twilight. "We need to get you to my house right away. The affliction has progressed far enough that recovery will be difficult, but not impossible."

"Follow me. We aren't too far away from the observatory."

Spike had shifted to ride with Applejack, because Twilight was barely able to carry herself, much less Spike too.

They trod on, deeper into the forest.

---Chapter 2 // Deeper // END---

Part 1, Chapter 3 - Into The Night

---Chapter 3 // Into The Night---

The ponies walked along in silence for a while, but after a while, the green stallion spoke out.

"Oops, I completely forgot to introduce myself! My name is Gaul'thera, and I live here in the forest."

Rarity looked slightly offended, "Manners are important for everypony. There is no reason to wait to introduce yourself."

Gaul'thera seemed to be amused by Rarity's comment.

"I guess my manners are a little rusty." he said with a laugh, 'You're the first guests I've had in eight years."

Pinkie Pie was incredulous.

“A whole eight years with no PARTIES?!”

Gaul’thera shook his head.

“I’ve never been very social, but I do enjoy a good book.”

Twilight looked away wordlessly.

The group soon approached a large wooden structure with a metal tube on the roof.

"This is the observatory, which is my home. I built it myself." Gaul'thera said, climbing a towering, rickety-looking wooden staircase.

Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy simply flew to the top of the stairs, but the rest of the ponies were reluctant to climb up.

Applejack took a tentative step forward, and when the stairs held up, she climbed the rest of the way, followed by Twilight, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity.

Once inside, Gaul’thera went to the kitchen, and began to boil a pot of water. He then opened up one of the nearby cupboards and withdrew four jars of dried herbs and a gnarled brown root. After slicing up the root, he then added the root and half of each jar of herbs to the pot of water. The mixture smelled sickly sweet, with kind of an earthy scent, like rotten wood.

A short while later, Gaul’thera brought the entire pot over to the table the rest of the ponies were sitting at.

Rarity’s eyes bulged at the size of the pot.

“Do you really expect her to drink all that?”

Gaul’thera shook his head.

“This is not for drinking. Here, lean closer, look into the pot.”

Twilight peered inside. She saw a very clear reflection of herself. In fact, the only difference between the reflection and the real Twilight was the reflection was normally colored, while the physical Twilight was so pale she was nearly white. The reflection seemed to get larger the more Twilight stared, until it filled the entire pot.

“Now look into the reflection’s eyes.”

Twilight concentrated hard, and then gazed deep into the eyes of the reflection. Suddenly, the world began to shift. Everything turned a greyish-brown in color. The air was thick and congealed, like mud. Twilight felt like she was underwater, and instinctively held her breath.

Gaul’thera’s voice echoed, yet seemed distant.

“Relax. Take a deep breath. Nice and easy.”

Twilight was hesitant, but knew that Gaul’thera was the only one with any knowledge about Palefade whatsoever, so she took a large gulp, and trusted.

Twilight woke up back next to the pot. All the other ponies were staring wide-eyed at Twilight.

Spike took a look at Twilight and gasped in excitement,

‘You’re colorful again!”

Twilight looked up at Gaul’thera quizzically.

“How did that even work? And what was in the pot?”

“A bit of evilwort, a pinch of soulsbane, some nightknife, and a dash of murkbloom. Oh, and a purgeroot.”

“I’ve heard of the first four, but they’re all poisonous. I guess the purgeroot negates their venomous qualities?”

“A very intelligent mare indeed! Yes, the root acts as an inverter, turning the negative properties of the herbs into positive effects. Also, your reflection is still in the pot over there, you might want it back.”

Twilight turned back to the table, where the rest of the group was sitting. She looked back into the pot, seeing that the reflection in the pot was white and hazy.

“Basically, you just traded bodies with your reflection. Now you’re cured, but your reflection is still sick. That just means that as long as you never meet your reflection again, you’ll be fine. However, your reflection will be able to get closer if you work any illusion magic. Also, steer clear of mirrors for about a week.”

Twilight nodded.

“So, why do you live here, anyway? It seems kinda lonely, even for you.”

“In order to answer that question, you need to do some reading. Wait here.”

Gaul’thera pulled out an old manuscript from one of the many bookshelves surrounding the table. He sets the parchment gingerly on the table in front of Twilight.

Twilight’s jaw dropped in shock when she read the title.

“I thought all the copies of ‘Theories And Calculations Upon The Subject of Alicorn Origin’ were outlawed for slander under order of Princess Celestia? How did you acquire this?”

Gaul’thera broke out in a huge grin.

“It isn’t a copy, this is the original manuscript. I wrote it, after all.”

Twilight did a double take.

“What, really? I had no idea! Why didn’t you claim authorship, besides the fact that it’s outlawed?”

Gaul’thera shrugged.

“I don’t believe in ownership of facts, I think that information should be freely available for all.”

“That’s an interesting concept, I’ve never thought about it that way before.”

After a long discussion regarding freedom of press and the rights of ponies, Gaul’thera abruptly changed the subject.

“It’s getting dark enough, would anypony like to go stargazing?”

Everypony nodded and cheered, because the light pollution from towns and cities such as Ponyville or Canterlot was not present here within the natural confines of the Everfree Forest, making it easier to see the stars.

Spike decided to stay downstairs and read one of Gaul’s many adventure novels.

Gaul’thera led the rest of the group up a set of sturdy wooden stairs, into a large glass dome with a enormous telescope jutting out from one side.

Twilight gasped in awe at the sheer size of the telescope. Her own telescope back in Ponyville seemed miniscule by comparison.

Gaul’thera stepped aside to let Twilight through.

“Twilight, why don’t you take the first look, as a congratulation for getting cured?”

Twilight nodded and walked over the the massive telescope. She already knew how to work the controls, even though they were larger than she was used to. As the telescope swept the sky, it lighted upon an unfamiliar constellation.

“Hey Gaul, what’s this one? I’ve never seen it before.”

A gasp escaped Gaul’thera’s lips as he looked into the telescope.

“That’s the Black Hunter! I’ve only seen it once before, eight years ago, when I first came to Equestria. I wonder what it signifies?”

The others had no time to inquire into what he meant, because the stars suddenly shone with a blinding light, bright as that of the sun. Gaul’s eyes shone with a dazzling light, then saw no more. Gaul’thera and the rest of the ponies had vanished into the night sky.

---Chapter 3 // Into The Night // END---

Part 2, Chapter 4 - Atop Sorrow Hill

---Chapter 4 // Atop Sorrow Hill---

Gaul woke to darkness. Startled, his first instinct was to reach for his weapon. He frantically reached over to his right side, and his hand closed on something smooth and soft. Gaul immediately pulled his hand away.

“That’s NOT my axe!”

Rainbow Dash’s voice echoed out of the blackness.

“What do you think you’re doing to Fluttershy?!”

“Wait, what was I doing?”

“Don’t play dumb with me! I saw you groping her! Take this!”

Something hard struck Gaul’s nose. He recoiled in pain, and the taste of blood filled his mouth.

“What’s going on? I can’t see anything!”

The blows kept coming, relentlessly. Gaul groaned and curled up in a ball.

“That’s enough! It’s obvious that he’s injured.“ said Fluttershy, who had woken up by then.

Dash snorted in disgust, but stopped beating on Gaul.

“He should be!”

“Dash! I’m sure he didn’t mean any harm. Besides, that’s no way to treat someone who saved the life of your friend.”

The group was sitting around a tree, at the top of a large hill. The grass was swaying in the light breeze. The tree was thin and withered, but was deeply rooted in the hilltop. Although small and ancient, the tree stood firm, a steady sign in the ocean of grass.

Rainbow Dash looked around for a moment, then stopped with a startled look on her face.

“Where did my wings go?”

Gaul was happy to provide an explanation.

“I have no freaking clue.”

Gaul sat up, and rubbed his face. As his hands passed over his blindfold, memories filled his mind. Running, climbing, fighting, a thousand images passed through his head. He remembered a life he seemed not to have lived.

Fluttershy checked for her wings too, and they were missing as well.

“Hey Dash? You might want to take a look at the rest of us. I don’t think we’re still ponies. Gaul, do you know anything about these new bodies?”

Gaul remembered some things, but many of his memories were still vague and cloudy.

“I think so, but I feel like I’ve been in this one forever. I’m something called a ‘human’. Try moving around a bit to get a feel for things. Most of it should be instinctual, so don’t worry too much about it.

Dash turned to look quizzically at Gaul.

“Why do you wear that cloth strip around your face anyway? It seems like that would be the reason you can’t see anything.”

Gaul untied the blindfold, and was surprised when the world around him was still dark. The others had awoken by that time, and Rarity’s jaw dropped in surprise.

“Where are your eyes?”

Gaul thought about it, and more images ran through his head. A hateful family abandoning a eyeless child in a blizzard, wishing for its death. A kind, yet firm man, who discovered the child half-frozen and unconscious lying in a cave. A fearsome white dragon about to feast on the child, suddenly felled by a single quick stroke from the man’s axe. The child was him, Gaul realized with a shock.

Applejack stood up with a jolt.

“What was that? Did everyone else see it too?”

The rest of the group nodded their heads in agreement.

“I suppose that answers the question. He was born without eyes, and everyone hated him. His family tried to kill him by abandoning him during a snowstorm, but he was saved by a ‘Hunter’. Somehow he can ‘see’ with his other senses. I can’t tell you how I know this, but it’s true.”

Twilight walked over to give her ideas.

“I would suppose that, given our current forms, we somehow left Equestria and our pony bodies, and landed here with these new ones. Wherever ‘here’ is...”

Gaul seemed to agree.

“My memories tell me that we’re somewhere my people call Minegarde, which would be my homeland. Specifically, we are standing on Sorrow Hill, because the tomb of an ancient king lies below the hill. “

“I can sense a jungle not too far to the west, that’s where my house is. We can all stay there for the night.”

As the group traveled towards the jungle, Gaul walked along in silence. He was thinking about his new-found memories, and what the meant for his life here. He was clearly blind, as the blackness around him indicated. How did he preform all those near-impossible feats indicated in his visions without sight? There was an explanation, but he couldn’t remember what it was.

Pinkie Pie was lagging behind the rest with a droopy look to her face, so Gaul tried to cheer her up.

“You realize that my house is built over a hot spring, right?”

Pinkie’s step quickened, and she was soon skipping along ahead of the rest.

“Come on everyone, hurry up!”

When the party got to the edge of the jungle, they realized that the forest was flooded with water. While Rarity was hesitantly poking at the shallow water, Applejack waded right on through, and soon realized that the water was pleasantly warm.

“It’s not bad at all, it’s kinda warm!”

Rarity flinched as she stuck a foot in, then relaxed after she realized that the temperature was not as bad as she had anticipated.

“You’re right, it’s really quite nice!”

Gaul smiled calmly.

“This is the Wellspring Forest, if I remember correctly. The water is warm because of runoff from the hot spring. That means we are getting closer to my house. Come on everyone, lets go!”

The group continued onwards, splashing each other and laughing in a carefree manner.

The companions entered a clearing, and were amazed by what they saw. In the middle of the grove, there stood a titanic tree, with a pool of bubbling water surrounding it. In the branches above, a large house was built around the tree trunk. A spiral staircase curled around the trunk, leading to the house.

Rarity was astonished at the sheer size of the tree, but even more so as they began to ascend the staircase. The tree was slick with water, but the staircase remained dry due to a cleverly slanted roof. The water poured to either side of the walkway, creating a veil of water that distorted the image of the trunk.

When they reached the top, Gaul opened the door and stepped inside a luxuriously adorned room. the rest of the group followed, and were amazed by the sheer amount of trophy heads on the walls. There were heads from many different beasts, including a reptilian creature with a large frill, a stony creature with two large horns, and the fearsome maw of a horrifying leech-like creature.

“As a Hunter, I am hired out by the Hunter’s Guild to slay a variety of monsters. I tend to look for souvenirs of my most difficult fights. See that spiky blue one over there? That’s a lagiacrus, a massive sea wyvern that can expel shocks that can boil water. It took me an entire week to slay my first lagiacrus, along with several burns and scalds. I remember relaxing in an ice bath after the hunt, which wasn’t very relaxing because I kept thinking that the lagiacrus would pop out of the tub.” Gaul laughed heartily at the memory, “What an amateur I was back then, A lagiacrus couldn’t even fit in the tub, and I knew that.”

The rest of the party chuckled nervously because they had no idea what Gaul was talking about.

The group walked through the carved wooden doorway into the next room. the first thing they noticed through the thick steam was a large circular pool of clear water, taking up most of the room. They could see the bottom of the pool, and it seemed to be made of some kind of perforated stone.

“This is the main hall, where the heat from the spring gets siphoned off to heat this pool. It’s very relaxing, I tend to soak here after a particularly difficult hunt. We can come back here later on, if anyone is interested.”

Pinkie was delighted to hear that.

Gaul led the group up a set of stairs to see the roof.

---Chapter 4 // Atop Sorrow Hill // END---

Part 2, Chapter 5 - The Road We Must Walk

---Chapter 5 // The Road We Must Walk---

When the group reached the roof, Gaul stepped forward onto a small pedestal, right in the center of the circular roof.

“I’d like to introduce you to somebody. He’s a bit large, so don’t be startled.”

Gaul gave a shrill whistle, and the distant sound of wings could be heard. A red shape rose from a mountain on the horizon, and streaked towards the roof. As the shape got closer, Twilight could make out leathery wings and jagged talons.

“Is that a dragon?!”

At the word “dragon”, Fluttershy ducked behind Rainbow Dash, cowering. The dragon could now be seen clearly, and was the size of a large house. Fluttershy cringed as the dragon landed gracefully next to Gaul.

“This is Elahgrim, although I usually call him Grim for short. He’s a rathalos, which is a kind of fire wyvern. Don’t worry, he’s friendly! I saved his tail once, a long time ago, so he flies me places out of gratitude.”

Grim gave a snort, and a jet of fire burst out of his nostrils.

“Oh, I guess he wants to know your names first. Go ahead, introduce yourselves!”

Rainbow Dash was the first to step forward.

“Hello? It seems sort of strange to be talking to a creature that can’t talk back.”

A voice ran through Dash’s head, booming with stubborn pride.

*Who said I couldn’t talk? You just happen to be the first humans that Gaul brought back here. He usually tends to enjoy his solitude, so you must be important to him. Now, what is your name and prior profession?*

“I’m Rainbow Dash. I used to be able to clear the clouds from the sky in ten seconds flat, but I recently lost my wings.“

*A fine name indeed. It simply rolls off the tongue, ringing with hope and confidence, I’m sure you’ll make a fine Hunter someday. You don’t need wings to fly, only faith.*

Dash stepped back, thinking over Grim’s last statement.

Applejack was next to step up, emboldened by seeing Dash try.

“I’m Applejack, I used to be an apple farmer.”

*Caring for an orchard is no easy task, as I’m sure you know. Friendship is similar, in some respects. Before you can harvest the fruit, you have to till the soil, plant the seeds, and fertilize the trees to encourage growth. You seem very reliable, which is a trait few Hunters have.*

Applejack seemed to be milling over the concept of a “friendship orchard” in her head.

Pinkie hopped forward eagerly.

“I’m Pinkie Pie, and I used to be a baker.”

*A baker needs strong hands, and a benevolent heart. Feeding people is not easy, but it fills one’s heart with joy. In the same way, a Hunter needs to be kind as well as strong.*

Pinkie wondered why Grim had compared her to a Hunter. However, she agreed that feeding people made her happy, so she shrugged and left it at that.

Twilight was intrigued by the others’ reactions, so she took her turn next.

“I’m Twilight Sparkle, and I used to be a librarian.”

*A librarian is responsible for the preservation of knowledge, and must take utmost care with the books they work with. A meticulous person such as yourself would be well suited for life as a Hunter. You might want to look into field studies, as being cooped up in a building all day is not good for the spirit,*

Twilight wondered why anyone would go experience things for themselves when there was so much one could learn just from books. Regardless, she let Rarity pass by.

“I’m Rarity, and I used to be a tailor.”

*A tailor needs to be precise, as a single slip could ruin an entire project. In a comparable fashion, Hunters always need to be alert and ready. The slightest mistake could mean death for you and your companions.*

Rarity thought about the comparison, and stepped back.

Fluttershy had worked up the courage to step up by this point, and did so.

“I’m Fluttershy, and I used to be an animal caretaker. ....pleasedonteatme....eep.”

*I don’t eat humans, but that’s a story for another time. You seem very graceful, but lack courage. You should be more confident in your abilities. Be proud of who you are, and take on the world.*

With the introductions done, Grim took flight back towards his mountain. Fluttershy was visibly relieved.

“I don't know about you, but I think it’s slightly chilly up here. Anyone want to go back downstairs?

Fluttershy shakily made her way down the stairs, followed by the rest of the group.

When Fluttershy reached the bottom of the stairs, she stopped abruptly as a small cat walked by on it’s hind legs, carrying a basket of fish. The cat turned to Fluttershy and gave a startled yowl, dropping the basket. Then it ran into the kitchen, shutting the door after it. Fluttershy followed it into the kitchen, stepping around the fish strewn across the floor. When she opened the door, she was greeted with a thrown kitchen knife. The knife narrowly missed her, embedding itself in the door instead.

Gaul walked up behind the cat, gently grabbing it by the scruff of the neck.

“Relene, that’s no way to treat a guest!”

Relene’s eyes widened as she realized what she had almost done.

“I’m so sorry Gaul! You never bring guests here, so I assumed she was an intruder.”

Gaul chuckled a bit, then shook his head.

“This is Fluttershy, she’s a friend of mine. The other five guests are waiting in the main hall, and they look hungry.”

Relene dropped her head in shame,

“In that case, I’ll go get dinner started.”

After a short wait, Relene emerged from the kitchen carrying a platter larger than she was.

“Tonight’s menu is roasted fish, with a side of sweet potatoes. Our stores are running low, otherwise I would make something more impressive.”

Gaul thought over that for a minute.

“I’ll get some more food when I head into Loc Lac tomorrow, and I’ll also see if we can get these six registered as Hunters.”

“What?! “ Rarity spit out a mouthful of fish in a most unladylike manner. “You want us to fight something like that?” she gestured to the lagiacrus head mounted on the wall.

“No, nothing that large, at least not right away. There’s more to the life of a Hunter than fighting. Besides, if you plan on living here in Minegarde, you need to know how to take care of yourselves. “

The group nodded their heads in agreement.

“We’ll leave before dawn, as we have a long day ahead of us. Relene, could you see our guests to their rooms?”

Relene purred, happy to be of service.

“Certainly! Right this way please.”

---Chapter 5 // The Road We Must Walk // END---

Part 2, Chapter 6 - Morning Ascension

---Chapter 6 // Morning Ascension---

The light of the morning sun illuminated the forest, lending an unearthly glow to the leaves and branches in the canopy. Gaul rolled over in his bed, fighting for that last minute of tranquility before he woke. The melodic sound of wind chimes could be heard outside his window.

“Ugh... I guess I should get up.”

Stretching his arms over his head languidly, Gaul sat up and started to pull his boots on.

“Oh! I completely forgot about the hot springs! I’m finally home again.”

Kicking off his boots, Gaul instead donned a rich blue robe and a pair of sandals. Gaul stepped out of his room, walking past the guest bedrooms without even a second glance. Ascending the stairs to the hot spring, Gaul’s muscles relaxed in anticipation of the soothing water. Upon reaching the door, he noticed that there was only one towel left on the rack. Gaul shrugged, figuring that Relene must have stored the others away someplace. Stepping into a small rounded room that was worn and familiar with years of use, Gaul hung his robe up on a peg. It was the same peg he had used for years, and even had to replace once or twice. Gaul opened the door to the springs, and was greeted by a rush of warm air. Gaul stepped into the room, closing the door behind him. As he approached the pool, he felt the presence of someone else in the room. Six someones, in fact. Startled, Gaul gave a slight jump.

“W-what are you doing here?” he stammered, almost tripping over his own words.

Pinkie laughed, “What does it look like? We’re taking a bath!”

“ ’What does it look like’ indeed! “Dash laughed.

Gaul had left his robe in the dressing room, and was wearing nothing but his sandals. Fluttershy averted her eyes, studying a potted plant intensely. Rarity blushed, and tried not to stare overtly. Meanwhile, Applejack stared unabashedly.

“So much for a relaxing soak...” Gaul said, turning to leave.

Pinkie tackled him from behind, dropping Gaul to the floor with a thud.

“No, don’t leave! I know you’re embarrassed, so we’ll try not to make you uncomfortable. We really didn’t mean to ruin your bath or anything...”

Giving a sharp look to Applejack, Pinkie helped Gaul up.

“Alright, fine. I never could resist a good soak, even with other people. I mean, at least I know you guys, right?”

Stepping into the water until it was up to his armpits, Gaul leaned back against the edge, sighing loudly. His knotted muscles immediately began to relax, the warmth seeping in from the water.

Gaul and company finished washing, and Gaul went back to his room to dress and get his travel gear. He donned a pair of dark brown trousers, and a sleeveless tan shirt. He went to his closet, and took out a brown leather vest. Putting the vest on, he went to the dresser to get his blindfold. When he reached for the strip of black cloth, his fingers brushed across a hard claw, cold to the touch even in the middle of the summer.

“Oh! How could I forget about my totem? I guess the water might have been a little too relaxing...”

Grabbing the claw necklace, Gaul tied his blindfold on, and put the totem around his neck. He walked out the door and called for Relene. The felyne appeared within seconds, saluting as she approached.

“Good morning Gaul! Elahgrim is saddled and ready up above, so don’t keep him waiting.”

“Thanks Relene! Do you mind checking in on the guests? You know, see if they’re ready and all that.”

“Not at all, I’ll go do that now.”

A short while later, Relene returned with the rest of the group in tow.

“You folks ready to fly?” Gaul asked excitedly.

“You bet!” said Pinkie and Applejack in unison.

The group climbed up the stairs to the roof, and saw Grim standing with what looked like a row of benches strapped to his back.

*Climb on and strap in, we might have a rough takeoff.*

The group did so, with Rarity having to help Fluttershy up. Grim ambled over to the edge, and stopped for a minute. The sudden arrest made the contraption lurch forward perilously.

“You sure this thing is safe?” asked Rarity, putting a protective arm around Fluttershy.

Before Gaul could respond, Grim jumped off the roof, taking flight towards the south. Grim beat his mighty wings, and within minutes they had cleared the forest canopy. The sun was high in the sky by this time, and kept the group warm despite the wind.

“Wow, I can see everything from up here!” Pinkie exclaimed, holding her hand against her forehead to shield her eyes from the sun.

“Gaul, what’s that flat place up ahead?” Twilight asked quizzically, pointing to a enormous swath of sand just past the treeline.

“That’s the Great Desert. See that large mound off to the right? That’s where we’re landing. Grim can’t go any closer to the town than that without being seen. Even among Hunters, riding a rathalos into town is considered odd.” he responded, chuckling a bit at the last part.

Grim banked to the right, tilting the litter at an odd angle. The seats leaned perilously to the side, but the straps held fast. As Grim landed, his feet left a lengthy trail in the warm sand behind him. Gaul unstrapped himself, and motioned for the others to do the same.

After they had disembarked, Grim flew back to the house, leaving the group in the sandy desert alone. Gaul’s “vision” was diminished by the sameness of his surroundings, leaving him no way to locate the city.

“Twilight, which way is the city? I can’t see it anymore...”

“It’s over to the southeast, Gaul. You seemed to be able to see fine earlier, are you alright?”

“Yeah, it’s nothing...”

The group pressed forward, heads drooping under the blazing sun.

---Chapter 6 // Morning Ascension // END---

Part 1, Chapter 1 - Watercolors

---Chapter 1 // Watercolors---

It was not a good day for Twilight Sparkle. In fact, it was a really bad day. As soon as she ran out the door, she was drenched by water. It was raining a foul-smelling, unpleasant rain that smelled a little bit like paint thinner.

"If you had looked outside before you stepped out, you would not be soaking now!" called Spike over his shoulder, who was happily munching on his breakfast. Spike turned to see just how soaked she was when his jaw dropped as he realized that Twilight was now an sickly shade of light purple.

"What are you looking at?!" she demanded, impatient and irritable.

"Your coat and mane... they're lighter!"

Twilight lifted one hoof to find that indeed, her normally purple coat had faded to a pale purple. "How did that happen?" Twilight thought aloud. She then realized that Spike had already gone inside, leaving her out in the rain. Twilight ran inside and tried to find a way to dry off.

"Things like that don't just happen for no good reason." muttered Twilight as she rummaged through her bookshelves. "There has to be a logical explanation for my coat going pale." After a couple hours of unsuccessful book-delving, Spike made a belching noise and a black-green flame burst out of his mouth. "Letter from Princess Celestia." Spike announced. "Let me guess, it has a reason for my coat and mane going pale." Twilight said, rolling her eyes. "Actually, yes!" Spike said, eyes widening in surprise as her sarcasm rolled right over him. Spike cleared his throat and began to read.

"Dear Twilight,
The condition you are experiencing is called Palefade, and it is a very rare disorder indeed. Although not contagious, Palefade can lead to death. The only other known pony who ever had it lives in the heart of the Everfree Forest. He is a very reclusive pony who, despite being kind and knowledgeable, doesn't show his face much in Ponyville. He developed a cure, but due to Palefade being exceedingly rare, has never needed to use it, except on himself. You should probably go find him.

Sincerely,
Princess Celestia"

"Well, I guess that is good news, but I think I should stay here." said Spike, heading for the kitchen. Twilight grabbed him by the tail,growling. "I don't think so, I might need your help somehow. You will be coming along, so you had best get used to the idea of going to the Everfree Forest. Besides, it can't be that bad, right?"

---Chapter 1 // Watercolors // END---