Legacy of the Alicorn: Part I ~ Legend of the All Mother

Chapters

Chapter 1: The Prophecy
Chapter 2: The Grey Herald
Chapter 3: Call to Adventure
Chapter 4: The Crusaders March
Chapter 5: The Heroes' Journey
Chapter 7: Lost in the Woods
Chapter 8: Trouble in the Griffon Kingdom
Chapter 6: The Multiverse Theory

Chapter 1: The Prophecy

Chapter 1

The Prophecy

The throne room was quiet as the sun crept to the horizon bringing forth the brief magical period of twilight. Princess Celestia stretched her stiff back; every muscle on it gave a satisfying crack and relaxed from the ordeal of sitting upright on the throne all day. Most of her business was politely listening to the pleas of ponies who merely wanted to be in her presence. It was not a glamorous job. She quickly tired of the pleas and wished more for action and adventure like in the olden days. Though she cannot do either such activities as a princess; she has a country to run and protect.

She whipped her multi colored mane as to get it to properly flow behind her. It was beginning to lose its usual luster as the sun began to set. The large golden tiara that adorned her head shifted slightly. She quickly straitened it with magic; not wanting to look unkempt in case there were any subjects nearby.

As she prepared to depart from her duties of the day, one of the Royal Guards adorned in his shining golden armor approached her in a low bow, “Princess, a pony by the name of Atlas has arrived and wishes to speak with you.”

“Can it wait for Luna?” Celestia stifled a yawn.

“He says he is from across the Vast Sea.” The guard added.

“Bring him in.” Celestia perked up in her seat. The large double doors opened to a stylish stallion looking like a male version of Daring Doo. Taking off his explorers cap he gave a low bow.

“Greetings Princess Celestia of Equestria. I am Atlas, and I have journey far from my homeland in the east to get here and make your acquaintance.” Atlas held his cap over his chest.

“What brings you to Equestria Atlas?” Celestia kindly asked.

“Adventure Princess. It’s what I live for!” his excitement got the better of him so he cleared his throat and tried again, “Apologies. Exploration. I have been traveling for well over a year from my home in Equidale mapping out the world for the betterment of all pony kind.”

“I am to assume that you were sponsored by your Princess correct?” Celestia asked. Atlas’ smile faded slowly. Celestia nodded her head understandingly, “It is alright. I give you permission to continue your mapping in my homeland, only if you will provide a copy of your full map for me as well.”

Atlas happily recapped his head, “It would be my pleasure.”

“How are things in the east?” Celestia asked before Atlas left. He turned back to her unsure of what to say.

“Things are quite well sense last I heard.”

“Is my sister still held up in her fortress?”

“Uh… she keeps a vigilant eye on trouble Princess. That much I do know.” Atlas was uneasy with Celestia’s questions. Seeing his angst the kind mare nodded.

“Very well. Is that all?”

“Yes Princess. Thank you.” The explorer bowed again and exited the throne room. Celestia turned her attention to the setting sun, its orange rays piercing through the stained glass windows sending a myriad of colorful light across the floor. The colorful display was not enough to raise the Princesses spirits. The day was long and meeting Atlas brought up to many memories of a past she thought long forgotten.

Yawning and weary eyed, the white mare steadily strolled down the red carpet to the door, stretching her large wings out as she moved; her golden shoes shining brightly in the fading light. All around her, unicorn servants were quickly lighting candles for the next shift of guards. The normal golden clad royal guards were being replaced by the Night Watch; a special division of Celestia’s sister and co-ruler Luna, whose guards had bat like wings for the pegisi and black plated horns for the unicorns. Celestia leisurely left behind her duties of the day, glad that she could now rest and not have to rule both day and night.

Passing by the many ponies that frequented the palace, all bowing to her majesty, the princess only answered with a courteous passing nod, accepting the “Hello princess” and “Good evening your majesty” with little regard, but always holding a jovial smile. As she approached the tallest spire with a shining golden sun adorning the top, she stopped on the veranda overlooking the edge of the city. The vastness of Equestria laid out before her, growing ever darker as the heavens turned from blue to black. Celestia admired the darkening sky, left behind by the sun that has past beyond the horizon. It mimicked her emotions which she knew she must keep bottled up inside so nopony could see. It is improper for royalty to show strong emotions; it could make her look weak. She lingered long enough to hear footsteps coming up behind her, “Day dreaming, sister?”

Celestia turned to see Luna, dressed in her usual royal attire: shining silver shoes glimmered with every step and a black tiara neatly set amongst her flowing light blue hair that was turning to sparkling azure and violet as the sun set. Adorning her broad chest, sat her cutie mark of the crescent moon on a black collar as Celestia wore a similar one, but it was gold, fashioned with a purple gem seated in the middle. Having slept all day the Princess of the Night was fresh and ready to rule.

“At this time, I suspect it would be more night dreaming.” Celestia replied with a smile, her mane reverting to a flat color of light pink; the other colors fading away with the sun. Luna walked up next to her sister, holding her head high, remaining unresponsive to her sisters attempt at a joke. They gazed out solemnly at their kingdom.

“It is quiet.” Celestia said aloud, not looking at her sister.

“It always is at night.” Luna replied, in her usual stiff royal tone. She turned to her sister; the white of her coat grew darker as the last bits of light diminished from the world, “What troubles you sister?”

“Nothing. Not much happened today, so I was just reminiscing about the past. It has been quite a year hasn’t it?” The white mare spoke with her drowsy eyes full of distant thought.

“Indeed…” Luna eyed her sister, curious as to why she was being so pensive.

“Discord’s return. You’re learning of friendship. The changelings at the wedding; our own niece married.”

“I never would I have dreamed such events would happen.” Luna added, just as stone hearted as she always spoke, “Anything I should know about before taking command?”

“Not really. But I did just meet an explorer from Equidale across the Vast Sea. He is over here on Event Horizon’s orders to map out the world; most likely in search of dragons.” Celestia paused, letting the information sink into her sisters mind.

“You still have not told her where it is? You…”

“How long has it been sense we left?” Celestia cut her off.

“Over five thousand years I believe, if not more. Those were dangerous times Tia. But you must have known that eventually something like this was going to happen.”

“To be honest, I thought it would never happen. The ocean is so big that it seemed impossible for anyone to cross. We were barely able to traverse it when we were younger. Now with boats and airships, we are trading with ponies and creatures I never thought I would see again; though he made no mention of the valley.”

“Just because we left, doesn’t mean it is gone. That world is our past, we can never forget that.”

“You think I can forget it?!” Celestia snapped at her sister. She turned away, ashamed at her outburst, “I’m sorry.”

“I know your frustration sister. But what’s done is done and cannot be undone. We must live with our mistakes.”

“How can I? What if we could have saved our home? What if we had stayed, used the elements to repair the land?”

“There is only one pony who knows, and we have not heard from her since we left. Besides, the Elements of Harmony are powerful, but they cannot undo that kind of destruction.”

“It worked against Discord.”

“That is because he is a lesser being then the elements, as you and I are. The destruction of our homeland is that of equal measure to the elements. The valley is lost…”

“That’s our home you’re talking about!” Celestia stomped her hoof hard on the ground. She removed it to see a perfect indented circle in the grey stone.

“Not anymore Tia. Our home is gone, replaced by a land of ash and death. This is our home now. We made an agreement never to return.” Luna ended her argument by turning back to the darkening landscape. The silence of the night grew on them as the cold winds blew across their castle in the sky.

“I worry about them Luna. I have only heard from Solar Ray and Star Fall, but even then our messages are short and far between. Do you think the others are alive?” Celestia asked, once the silence had taken its toll.

“You made mention of Event Horizon. It seems she is still doing what she has been for the last few thousand years. As for the others, I do. I have faith that we will fulfill our mother’s promise to create a better world for all life.”

“Despite the fact, that we are so distant from one another?” Celestia looked into her sisters dark blue eyes. They stared at each other for a moment, their long hard pasts flooding into their minds. The happy memories of fillyhood came first, when they would play and be merry with their mother and sisters in a land of eternal peace and sunshine. From that time, they have grown bitter and angry; fighting one another that consumed their early adulthood. Separating the close bonds once held between the sisters. They went their separate ways, resentful of one another for their actions that cannot be undone.

Luna could not hold the gaze and turned away, closing her eyes, “It’s hard to think about.”

The beloved ruler of Equestria sat down, turning her face to the stone floor. A single tear fell from her pink eye, “Why did it have to happen that way?”

“We were arrogant. Perhaps it is different now.” Luna suggested, brining her hoof around her sister to comfort her, “Past grudges are forgotten, replaced by happy memories. Look at us. We fought, we made up. Now we rule together again as intended.”

“Do you believe the others think the same?” Celestia cried softly. She looked up into her sisters eyes; they were struggling to come up with an answer. Failing to think of something to say, Luna removed her hoof and walked away, squinting her eyes to keep them dry, “I am sorry Tia. Some things are too hard to forget. Some memories are too strong to ignore.” She left her older sister alone on the veranda.

“No, I am sorry.” Celestia replied watching Luna go. The regal leader of Equestria turned back to the horizon. Only a sliver of blue light shined along the thin line that was the edge of the earth. Somewhere, out there, in the vast world beyond the borders of Equestria, was a land that was once her home, now a desolate waste; and it was all her fault.

The sky turned to black.

***{Legacy}***

Up in her chambers, Celestia removed her shoes and royal collar to be comfortable. Looking around, she saw that the room was a mess. The bed was unmade, the pillows were scattered, the desk was covered with papers, quills and letters. The logs for the fire were scattered all around. Sighing, Celestia used her magic and tidy up. The bed sheets floated into the air, whipped once, then laid down perfectly flat on the bed, the pillows thoroughly fluffed and placed back neatly at its head. Her large red sitting pillow with golden lace she fluffed once and set down next to the hearth. She picked up the logs, setting some neatly into the fireplace; they ignited instantly into a roaring fire. The rest she stacked nearby in a pyramid shape.

The desk was a mess, with ink spilled over all the papers. As she began striating it out, she noticed a strange hoof print on one of the papers. “Ops. My bad.”

The princess turned to see a grey mare lying on her head, her back leaning against the wall in the corner of the room. She fell forward with a loud bang, landing on the floor. She scrambled to her feet and gave a low bow, “I’m sorry Princess Celestia. I was going a little too fast. The Postmaster said that I really, really needed to get here fast.”

“Oh, it’s okay Derpy. That was very sweet of you to come so quickly. But, why were you just sitting in the corner?” Celestia asked. This was not the first time she had received mail from the clumsy, but lovable mail mare. The first time she delivered a package; she tried very hard to be professional, but ended up knocking over a statue as she was leaving, nearly destroying hundred year old stained glass windows. Any important letter that the Pony Express gets for the princess is always sent with Derpy. Celestia suspects it is because the Postmaster General knows she will be kind to the clumsy mail mare, unlike some ponies.

“Well, when I was flying over, I saw you go inside the big tower so I yelled, ‘wait!’. I flew as fast as I could into the window but was going too fast to stop, making a big mess. When I saw you come in, I was scared that you would be angry so I stayed still. I hope you’re not mad…” Derpy said very quickly. She finished by bowing her head. The dejected look on her face mixed with her crooked eyes was enough to make Celestia smile, filling her heart with forgiveness.

“Not at all Derpy. Thank you for being so serious about your work.” Celestia said in her motherly tone. The grey mare jumped up happily, one of her yellow eyes skidding off in another direction from the other, “Thank you Princess Celestia! Here is your letter.”

Derpy pulled out an old wrinkled envelope completely covered with stamps from all across Equestria. The only open part of the envelope that was not covered was in the middle where badly written scribble read, ‘To Celestia’. Celestia took it with magic, and exchanged it for a brand muffin from the desk that she always has prepared for when Derpy arrives. The grey mare happily took the muffin, plopped her bottom down and began munching on the baked delicacy.

The princess walked over to her large pillow in front of the fire, laying down on it, she opened the old envelope. Pulling out a yellowing wrinkled paper scribbled in what looked like a foal’s first attempt at writing, or someone trying to write after having not written in a long, long time. She made out the scribbles as three words…

Typhon will return

“Derpy. I have a mission for you.” Celestia said urgently. The grey mare stopped half way through a bite. She shoved the rest of the muffin into her mouth, put on her serious face and saluted, “Muffhumaf priffsus ceceusua.” she muttered through the mass of bread and crumbs occupying her mouth, her eyes facing two different directions.

“I need you to return to Ponyville as soon as possible and alert Twilight and her friends. Have them come to Canterlot once they are assembled.” Celestia said. Derpy saluted again, “Mughf nophin!” and flew off into the night, a trail of crumbs falling in her wake. Celestia hopped off her pillow and hurried out of the room.

***{Legacy}***

“There will be no disorderly conduct of that nature whilst I am on the throne!” Luna boomed out from her seat. Before her might and majesty, a small foal who was cashing a young filly he adored through the streets. By accident they made their way into the palace gardens and were caught by the guards. While a simple strong talking to about being careful before sending them home would have sufficed, Luna took it a step more, by condemning the young foal to, eternal damnation.

“The act of trespassing on the royal grounds without permission is a dire act that requires punishment of equal stature!”

“P…p…please don’t send us to Ta…Tartarus…” the young foal whimpered.

“We’re…s…s…sorry your highness.” The filly quivered.

“Silence! Your apologies will not undo your act of betrayal against this court! May my judgment be swift and your punishment dear!” Luna stomped on the ground hard sending the two foals into a huddle at the guard’s feet who stood right behind them. Storm clouds began forming over the princess, the torch lights dimmed as an unnatural wind blew from behind her majesty. She gazed malevolently at the two foals, contemplating their doom.

“We’re sorry!” they cried out in terror.

“Very well then! Thy punishment has been administered. The proper amount of fear has been instilled. You may go younglings.” Luna said waving her hoof in front of her before returning to the throne. The magical weather formations dissipated and the room returned to normal. The foals looked at each other. The guards behind them stepped aside opening the way to their freedom.

“Go now, before I change my mind.” Luna hissed. Yelping, the foals ran out of the room as fast as their little hooves could take them.

“You know your majesty, you could have just told them not to do it again and spare the theatrics.” One of the guards said.

“I still am not used to this, modern way of doing things. In the old days, those foals would have been strung up by their tails outside the palace gate as an example to others.” she finished with a heavy sigh, “I guess I must adapt to the current climate of things, but I do miss the cries.” she sat down on the throne again and began reading through a number of reports from the day guards, making note of anything in particular that Celestia should know.

“No wonder she was so unpopular back then.” The guard muttered to his fellow.

“What was that?!” Luna boomed. The two guards striated up, “Nothing majesty. I said, no wonder you are so popular now.”

“Thy words make me giddy. I thank thee.” She said, returning to her work. The guards gave a relieving sigh and marched to their stations.

Unfortunately for the princess of the night, Equestria has become domesticated sense her sister began ruling. Even after Discord’s first rein of chaos, the three pony tribes continually fought one another leaving the princesses to have to solve any issues between the three groups. Making themselves the supreme leaders ended any political strife that the ponies held against one another, and over time they became docile and friendly to one another. Luna assumed that during her banishment, her sister continued making Equestria a perfect place by taming any wild creatures still left hiding in the woods. The changelings at the wedding were a big surprise to Celestia, as she thought that any such threat was either too small or already stamped out. Sense then she has doubled the guards patrolling the boarders and the prison of Tartarus. Any creature of sufficient size to attack the ponies of Equestria would be dealt with quickly and quietly. So far, no such force has been needed.

Luna tossed the notes aside, realizing that it was useless, there was nothing in them mentioning any kind of struggle or a problem going on. There is no action anymore; all the fighting is reduced to friendly quarrels and culture clashes, which can be easily resolved without violence or a little magic. “Is there nothing for a princess to do at a time like this?” she cried aloud waving her hooves in the air in frustration. She was answered by the all familiar silence.

“Of course there is not.” She stood up, irritated at the lack of work to do, and began walking down the red carpet to the door, “I shall conduct my usual patrol of the grounds. Inform me if there is a royal duty that needs to be done.” Just as she was about to reach the doors, they burst open to Celestia; out of breath and undressed. All the guards gave a low bow.

“Sister? What are you doing here? You must rest for tomorrows…”

“I can’t rest. I must speak with you. Privately.” Celestia panted. Luna turned to the guards around the room and nodded, they all marched passed the two of them out the main doors. When they were gone, the doors shut automatically.

“What troubles you sister?” Luna watched as the worried white mare walked passed her.

“I received a message from Derpy.”

“The retarded mail mare?”

“She’s not… we do not say such things like that Luna. Derpy is clumsy and suffers from a physical disability of her eye making her imbalanced. She has been gifted with a lot of heart, and… not so many brains.”

“My apologies. The new way of things is hard for me to understand. It is all very complex and complicated; this politically correct speech. It is not like the old days.”

“She is not the point though. The letter I received is from Chrona.” Celestia looked at her sister, who now displayed a similar look of concern.

“Chrona? But… how?”

“I don’t know.” Clesetia showed her sister the envelop, which she regarded as bizarre.

“What are these markings on here?” Luna questioned.

“Stamps, they mark where the envelop has been.”

“This has traveled very far indeed. How do you know it is from Chrona?”

“Her writing.” Celestia showed the letter, opening it in mid air for the both of them to see, “She was never a very good writer.”

“Typhon… will… return… What madness is this?” Luna whispered, “This cannot be true.”

“Chrona has never been wrong about predicting the future before.” Celestia warned.

“But this… mother banished him eons ago; when we were young. This must be a trick by one of his minions. Chrona has not spoken to us in over four thousand years, much less written to us. Why now?”

“I don’t know. I told Derpy to bring Twilight and her friends here; I’m going to send them to find her. Hopefully they can get more out of her and bring her here.”

“Why are you sending Twilight? I will go. It is much too dangerous for mere pony folk to journey.”

“No. I need your help here. If this prophecy is true, then we need to reunite our sisters and prepare Equestria for the coming fight. And if it is true, I don’t want the elements near here in case he is still hunting them.”

“Tia, this is insanity. You want to send your faithful student and her friends across the world to who knows where? You do realize that in doing this, you are giving up all of our history that you have banished from the pony folk?” Luna finished, eyeing her sister. Celestia walked over to the stain glass window depicting Twilight and her friends defeating Discord with the Elements of Harmony.

“I understand. I am willing to take on all responsibility for coming actions.” She said boldly, only a slight hint of fear.

“Even if it means the death of your faithful student?” Luna said sternly. Celestia bent her head down; tears brimmed like a dam ready to burst. “Think hard Tia. Once you make a decision, the coming actions will happen whether you like it or not. Twilight and her friends will be on their own out there. Beyond the borders of Equestria, the world is not a forgiving place. We left that world for a better one, which we built here; and if Chrona is right, then even that fragile creation will be shattered. We need the Elements to remain here, to stop any deadly threat from consuming this world.”

“No. I must send them to Chrona. There is something Twilight needs to know.”

“What is that?” Luna asked.

Celestia turned from her sister, “It is something that only Chrona knows where it is.”

“Tia, this is madness. You cannot let Twilight and her friends go on this journey alone.” Luna argued.

“They won’t be. Together they represent the Elements of Harmony and they can overcome any obstacle so long as they stay together.”

“You cannot truly believe that?” Luna shook her head, withholding her frustration. It was no use trying to change her sister’s mind.

Celestia sorrowfully turned back to her sister, tears streaming to the floor, “Do you think we can defeat him?”

“Typhon is both powerful and cunning. He has no equal. He weakened the All Mother so much that she passed on from this world. If he does return, I fear that we do not have the strength to stop him.”

“We have the Elements.”

“We do. The Elements are an incarnation of our mother’s power. However, we cannot use them and those who can, are mere mortals. You must keep them here for the coming storm.” Luna walked up to her sister, bending her head down so they were face to face, “If you continue down this path, by allowing Twilight to find Chrona, you will condemn your student to death.”

Celestia tired to turn from her sisters harsh words, but they reverberated around, echoing and intensifying. Memories of Twilight flooded in, as a filly jumping around at her passing the test and gaining her Cutie Mark. Studying in the library, practicing magic, taking care of Spike, heading off to Ponyville, defeating Nightmare Moon, defeating Discord, saving Cadance… it was all too painful for the princess. She loved Twilight as any teacher would a student; but the fate of Equestria, of the world, was in her hooves.

“Then I have condemned her to death…”

***{Legacy of the Alicorn: Part I ~ Legend of the All Mother}***

Chapter 2: The Grey Herald

Chapter 2

The Grey Herald

The dawn of the new day broke through the darkness of night, shining its warming light across the frigid world. All the creatures of the day began to stir from their homes in the woods and burrows of the fields and forests. The sky was clear and the air was warm. The ponies of Equestria awoke to another blissful day.

Outside of Ponyville, on the road to Manehatten, sits a rather large two story cottage, built from the ground up with brick and mortar, steam and metal. The Whooves’ household was a queer sight indeed. Its metallic structure stood apart from the normally wooden abodes in Ponyville; not to mention it’s large size made it the biggest house in the region much like a mansion, though not as pretty as some. The two story house was accompanied by several large metal smokestacks blowing out a steady stream of steam from the large metal shed attached to the side of the house. Dr. Whooves was always busy working on some sort of new invention in his laboratory. The whole reason for their living out here was because of it. When he misjudged the pressure of one of his steam tanks, the consequential explosion nearly destroyed town hall. While he was not to blame, everypony figured it would be better if he did his experiments outside of town.

The brown earth pony walked out of the hot smoky interior to the cool misty morning of the outside air. Taking a deep breath, he exhaled a long stream of warm steam. The calm exterior of his mechanical domain was a great relief to his ringing ears; having been banging on metal and listing to the high squeal of escaping steam from loose pipes.

He meandered over to the trough filled to the brim with water, a pipe sticking out of his lab where the steam from his machines condensed into fresh, spring like water. He dunked his dirty head into the icy water, holding it for a moment; letting the icy grip of the water pierce his hot skin. Quickly jerking out, his wet mud colored mane sent water flying through the air. “Ah, that’s better.” He remarked, feeling wide awake, “Better then a cup of coffee, I’d say.”

Cleaning up with a towel hanging off the wall, he noticed that the window to his room on the second floor was open.

“Curious.” He said aloud. Moving to the front of the house, he found the front door locked, as it always was when he was out alone in his lab.

“Curiouser and Curiouser.” Dr. Whooves walked into the silent empty house. The machines and mechanisms he built throughout the lay dormant in the dark. He tiptoed up the stairs as not to wake anypony. Peeking into his unicorn daughter’s room, he found Dinky Doo sound asleep, cuddling with her muffin plushy that her mother made. The next room was Dinky Doo’s cousin, his niece, Sparkler. She came from Fillydelphia seeking work with the doctor as an engineering student. Dr. Whooves loved to have her around, mainly because she was a unicorn, but also with his wife always working, or being unable to; an extra hoof never hurt anypony. With both his daughter and student safe, there could be only one explanation for his window. Walking up to the last door, he pushed it open to see the love of his life, lying upside-down on the bed fast asleep. Dr. Whooves shook his head sympathetically, “Should have guessed it in the first place.”

Walking over he gave a small kiss on Derpy’s neck making her smile. She mumbled dreamlike, “Mmmm, muffins.”

“You certainly had a busy night my dear.” The doctor said, closing the window, “Another all night trip to Canterlot I assume? What did the princess ask for this time?”

“Canterpolt…” Derpy said, rolling over onto her side, her wing sticking strait up in the air. Dr. Whooves sat down in front of her and stroked her mane. While he is considered one of the smartest ponies in Equestria, named Fjord’s Most Influential Pony of the Year, twice, and given many awards such as the Alspark Industries Award of Excellence, he is unable to solve the one problem he has been seeking to answer his entire career: helping Derpy cope with her handicap. Of all his experiments and all his attempts at medication and surgery, it seemed to him to be impossible. He sometimes felt that her oblivious helplessness was the cause of their marriage. But he knew, deep down in his heart, that he truly loved the mare before him. Not because he pitied her, but because he loved her just the way she was.

Derpy rolled over onto her back again and opened her yellow eyes. They were both looking directly at him. He smiled at her; she returned the gesture. Then stretching so hard it shook her whole body. Relaxing, she looked up at him again with a blank expression on her face.

“Good morning.” He said to her. One of her eyes slowly drifted off in a different direction. For as long as he has known Derpy, her handicap has plagued her and defined her life. She was unable to finish school because she could not read, many task she is given she fails at, and on top of that, she is mocked by many who think she is just dumb. He saw through all of that. Past the exterior of a handicapped pony, he saw a brilliant mind just waiting to come out; held back by a body unable to contain its genius. Every now and then she would have a stroke of brilliance that would beat out even the doctor; he just had to find a way to make it permanent.

“Morning is good.” She said yawning. She rolled over onto her belly sighing heavily, “I’m really sleepy.”

“Well you were out all night.” He replied getting up. He walked over to the closet next to the door. Pulling out one of his many different colored ties and collars and started to put one on, “Confound these things are difficult to put on without magic.”

“Why do you wear them?” Derpy asked sliding out of bed. Her attempt at an easy maneuver resulted in her face crashing into the floor. She picked herself up with her wings and hovered over to the doctor.

Dr. Whooves successfully put on his white collar and green tie, “It makes me look more professional. Don’t you agree?” Derpy plopped onto his back and looked into the mirror with him. They were quite the couple.

“Did you recalibrate the steam intake valve so that it can withstand the PSI exceeding three hundred, on the Gizmodat?” she asked, rather wearily and without hesitation. Doctor Whooves smiled. That’s the mare he knew.

“What’s going on?” A sleepy voice sounded out from the doorway. Dinky Doo stood there, dreary eyed with her muffin plushy on her back, looking at her two parents.

“Muffin!” Derpy said trotting up to her daughter, the sign of intelligence seemingly vanished from her childlike face, “I see you have Mr. Muffin.”

“I always carry Mr. Muffin with me mommy.” The little pink filly replied, not taken aback by her mother’s strange behavior.

“Ditzy. Why don’t you wake up Sparkler. We have a lot to do today.” Dr. Whooves said, putting on his reading glasses. As Ditzy woke up Sparkler, Derpy began baking her famous apple muffins while the doctor sat upright on the couch reading one of a stack of daily papers that were delivered to their cottage every morning from Fillydelphia, Manehatten, Canterlot, Ponyville, Baltimare and Trottingham, “Looks like rain is scheduled for next week. Are you going to help out again dear?”

“I don’t think Rainbow Dash likes my help.” Derpy said from the kitchen; a massive white cloud of flower slowly making its way into the dining area, “Last time I shocked her, and she did not seem very happy.”

“Yes, electrocution can cause some ponies to become quite upset. Well, at least you tried.” The doctor encouraged her. Several of the automated machines in the kitchen were busy smashing barriers and churning butter, designed specifically so that all Derpy had to do is put in the raw goods and turn it on. Even this simple task she sometimes messed up. Singing a song that was stuck in her head, she put the barriers for the jam press into the butter churner and the cream destined to be butter into the jam smasher. The automated oven however worked perfectly, baking muffins to a golden brown with a soft inside.

By the time the muffins were done, Sparkler and Ditzy came down to a table filled with churned barriers which look like a block of red butter, and canned cream with an unhealthy amount of sugar added to it. Derpy sat down with a big smile on her face and began indulging in her cooking. The rest of the family wearily eyed the buttered barriers and cream jam which looked to be poisonous if consumed. Grateful for Dr. Whooves’ ingenuity in making an oven that was easy to operate and always made perfect baked goods, the family smiled widely and dug in.

“Perfect as always.” Dr. Whooves complemented on the muffins. Having averted the condiments, he instead opted for a plain muffin cut in two.

“It’s good mommy.” Ditzy cheered, munching on her muffin. Her plushy sitting in the chair beside her seemed none to amused by the ponies eating its brethren.

“So what’s on the agenda today?” Sparkler asked, always eager to start work. The doctor switched to the next paper on his stack, not really looking at the ponies around the table, “I was hoping we could get the Dirigible Carrier up and running so that we can go to Canterlot sometime this week.”

“Canterlot?” Derpy asked, stopping in the middle of eating her muffin. She tilted her head as if the name was ringing a bell.

“Yes, I was hoping to talk with the Princess about the Elements…”

“You know she will never let you see them sir.” Sparkler said looking across the table at him.

“Well it can’t hurt to try…again.” Dr. Whooves replied reluctantly, retreating behind his paper.

“Princess?” Derpy said as if trying to remember something.

“Something wrong?” Sparkler asked. One of Derpy’s eyes began to roll away from the center of her face, when it suddenly snapped back into position, “The message!” she yelled. The grey mare sprinted to the door, bucked it open and soared off into the daylight. Everypony paused to watch her go.

“Hmm. Anyway, about the Dirigible Carrier…” Dr. Whooves continued. The rest of the party at the table went on as if nothing had happened.

Just another day for the Whooves.

***{Legacy}***

With the sun fully above the horizon, the land basked in its glory. High up in the sky, a flash of a rainbow streaked across, doing the craziest of stunts that a rainbow had ever done before. Down on the ground, in the shade of a tree, a young, orange pegasus looked on, at the awesomeness that was Rainbow Dash.

“So cool.” Scootaloo exhaled in one long breath. She joyfully flapped her little wings like a beetle. No matter how hard she beat them, they were just too small to lift her up. Rainbow Dash looped around a cloud causing it to spin. She looped around another one causing that one to spin in different direction.

“Hello Scoot!” a British accented voice came from down the road. Pipsqueak jaunted over to his friend who did not acknowledge his sudden appearance, still intently focused on the sky.

“Whatcha’ looking at?” he asked her, turning to see what she was so focused on. All he could make out was a tiny blue speck disappearing into the sky, “Is Rainbow Dash doing another Sonic Rainboom?”

“She’s going to do a Double Sonic Rainboom!” Scootaloo said excitedly.

“Double Sonic Rainboom? Would that… brake time or something?” Pip asked, rather apprehensively. He was answered with a simple shake of his companions head. They both observed as the screeching sound of a falling pony became louder and louder, and the blue speck that was Rainbow Dash became bigger and bigger. The air condensed around her forming a barrier. The sound barrier formed a cone around pressing against her, attempting to stop the awesome pony…BOOM. The first Rainboom exploded across the sky, sending a shockwave of the visible spectrum over the land, but the blue Pegasus did not stop. Screeching down to the earth, a rainbow falling in her wake, she continued down, faster and faster.

“She’s going to crash!” Pip yelled covering his eyes. Scootaloo was so transfixed she could not look away. Her hero, the one she looked up to the most, was going to defy all odds again! The second sound barrier formed around Dash, she was only a few hundred feet from the ground when…

“Rainbow Dash!” a voice sounded out from the distance. It broke Scoot’s concentration as she turned to see who had yelled. A grey pegasus was speeding towards the falling rainbow.

“Derpy! Watch out!” Scoot yelled, but it was too late. The second sound barrier crackled with life. Dash knew she was about to do it, everything she had been working for lead up to this moment! WHAM! Their collision sent the two pegasi into a tumble, creating a spiral of a white and rainbow streak. The two pegasi sped out of control, crashing into a grove of trees bringing down a massive timber.

“By Celestia!” Pip cried out. Scoot jumped onto her scooter and locked on her helmet.

“Come on Pip!” she yelled. Pip hopped onto the back and held onto his friend as the orange filly revved up her wings propelling them forward like one of Pinkie’s Gyrocopters. They flew across the dirt road leaving a large trail of dust in their wake.

Reaching the grouping of trees, they saw a large pile of fallen sticks and leaves covering the forest floor, along with the giant timber that was ripped from its home several yards away. Hovering above the wreckage was Derpy, desperately looking around on the forest floor, clearly unhurt, “You okay Rainbow Dash?”

“Geez Derpy! You could have killed me!” the blue pegasus yelled, reveling herself from amongst the fallen leaves and branches.

“You’re alright! Thank Celestia!” Pip rejoiced, as he and Scoot rolled up. Scoot jumped off her vehicle and into the hooves of her champion.

“What the…? Scoot, where did you come from?” Dash asked, perplexed, blushing slightly. She winced when the filly squeezed her. Looking behind, one of her wings was bent in an odd direction, having taken most of the impact of the crash.

“Dang it Derpy, not again! Now I can’t do that audition for the Wonderbolts.” she yelled, looking angrily up at the grey mare. Derpy landed next to them, ashamed that she caused harm to one of her friends… again.

“I’m sorry Rainbow Dash. But it is really important, I promise this time.” The mail mare dejectedly replied.

“Well at least I’m alive… What’s’ so important that you had to run into me during a life threatening maneuver?” Dash asked annoyed. It was no use trying to fight against Derpy. She had fallen for that one too many times; and always came out feeling bad. She had known the clumsy pony when they were little, and like everyone else, she made fun of Derpy because of the way she acted. Now looking back, with all that she has learned in the past two years, it made her feel ashamed to admit she did something like that. Taking Twilight’s advice, Dash tried to be tolerant with Derpy, but the active pony was just too impatient to have to wait for anything.

Derpy opened her mouth to respond, but froze as one of her eyes began moving away from the other. Rainbow Dash grit her teeth in frustration, her blood began to boil. Pip and Scoot looked at one another confused as to what was going on.

The grey mare closed her mouth and defaulted to a blank expression of slight confusion. She blinked once then looked down, “Are you okay Rainbow Dash?”

“Derpy!” Dash yelled, banging her hoof on the floor; a flock of birds in a nearby tree flew off.

The grey mare shook her head in surprise. The realization of her being there hit like a ton of bricks, “Oh! I have been sent by Princess Celestia to tell you, that she wants to see you and Twilight Sparkle and Applejack, and Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy and Rarity right away!”

“What for?” Dash asked calmly, now more interesting in what Derpy had to say.

“She did not say, but she was very urgent. I mean, she wanted me to tell you right away, and for you to go to Canterlot right away. And that’s why I was in a hurry, and that’s why I ran into you, because I had to stop you right away, and…”

“Did you tell the others?” Dash asked, stopping her before the ‘ands’ and ‘becauses’ continued.

“The others!” Derpy sprang into messenger mode and blasted off to find her other recipients of the message.

“What a strange mare.” Pip commented, watching Derpy fly off towards Ponyville.

“Yeah, try growing up with her. Help me up will yeah. We need to find Twilight.”

***{Legacy}***

Ponyville was alive and well. The stores were open, the birds were singing, and the many ponies of the town were gently trotting along saying their, “Hellos” and “Good days” to one another. Cheerilee was happily perusing the market with her fellows, humming a soft tune; glad to have the day off. First item on her list was apples. Normally, her students provided her with enough apples to satisfy anypony with an apple craving like hers. Apple Bloom especially would tote over a basketful every week of applebucking season. But today, Cheerilee just had to go to the Apply Family cart to pick out the best ones she could find. Today was Thursday, and it was Big Macintosh’s turn to tend the store.

She trotted up to the chart which sat near the tree library as it always did. Fresh delicious red apples, ripe from just recently being bucked from a tree, shined in the early morning sun like the bronze bell at the school. To her slight displeasure, the cart was serviced by Applejack, who wore her usual worn out green bit apron; a brown cowfilly hat tilted back on her head.

“Mornin’, Miss. Cheerilee. Didn’t speck to see you out here this early.” Applejack piped up in her southern pony accent.

“Morning, Applejack. Twilight was kind enough to take my class today, giving me the day off. She certainly loves to teach.” Cheerilee smiled.

“Ah well. I reckon she defiantly knows a lot of stuff. Though she’s not exactly the best teacher type, if yah know what I mean.”

“Well, she needs to learn somehow. I was not very good when I started either.”

“Ah shucks Miss. Cheerilee. You’re the best darn, teacher I’ve ever seen.”

“Thank you Applejack.” Cheerilee chimed. She glanced over the many different apple varieties that the Apple Family grew just outside of town, “My, my, did you buck all of these yourself?”

“Nah, Big Macintosh did most of it yesterday. I was busy fix’n the old barn.”

“Oh. It must have been hard for him to do it all by himself.”

“Ah shoot, Miss. Cheerilee. Big Mac can clear an orchard in a day with his eyes shut and his front two hooves tied up.”

“Ah well. A big strong stallion like him would defiantly be able to accomplish such a momentous task.” The purple mare responded blissfully. She could just imagine the strong red stallion, bucking the trucks of trees with ease as the apples so gently fell from the branches, landing perfectly into the baskets. Off in the distance, she would watch, under the protective shade of an apple tree, sitting atop a red and white checkerboard blanket. When her stallion was done, he would approach her carrying two heavy bushels full of apples across his back. His strong muscles flexed, trained to peek perfection from years of hard work. They would come face to face and…

Applejack blinked confused, “Uh, Miss. Cheerilee?”

Cheerilee opened her eyes. She was but a few inches away from Applejack, her mouth pursed for a kiss. She shook her head vigorously, turning as red as the apples on the chart, “Oh dear. My apologies. Uhh…where is Big Mac?”

“He’s fixin’ Fluttershy’s chicken coop. Got all messed up by Rainbow Dash.”

“Oh....” Cheerilee said, slipping from her stance and knocking over a whole bushel of apples from the cart, “Oh dear, I’ll pay for these I’m sorry.”

“No need to worry ma’am.” Applejack responded a bit confused.

“No really I’m…. Do you hear that?” The mares looked to the sky where they saw a small speck growing larger, a white streak painting across the sky.

“Who could that be?” Cheerilee asked.

“Uh, oh. I don’t like the looks of this.” Applejack sighed. Sure enough, her worst fears were realized.

“Applejack!!!” a loud, long yell echoed out from the growing speck. Before anypony could react, Derpy was upon them with a loud bang! Crashing into both mares and the cart, sending the baskets of apples and ponies into the air as if hit by an artillery shell. Cheerilee went flying and landed just outside of Rarity’s Boutique, her head spinning. Applejack flew through Sugarcube Corners’ front window, landing in a large Apple cake. Its pieces splattered around to all corners of the room and the patrons waiting in line. Derpy skid to a standstill on all fours, just outside of Flower Garden, run by Daisy, Lily and Rose.

“What the hay?” Rose cried out, seeing Derpy slide to a stop right in front of her precious flowers, “Derpy, what are you doing?”

The grey mare looked up, the most serious look on her face, “I am on a mission from Princess Celestia!” she announced. Rose scratched her head with her hoof. Daisy and Lily poked their head out of the shop. Seeing Derpy they jumped out, grabbed their flowers and retreated back to the safety of their shop. Not noticing their actions, Derpy marched off towards Sugarcube Corner, as any important pony would.

***{Legacy}***

“Gracious me.” Applejack said, lifting herself out of the mess of cake and apple bits, “My, oh my. That was one heck of a crash!”

“Oh, wow Applejack! I saw the whole thing! Your were all like, ‘AHHHHH!!!’ I was I like, ‘Watch out!’ and then you crashed through the window, BOOM! And smashed into that huge cake display, SPLAT! Oh, that was sooooo amazing! Can you do it again?!” an excitable pink pony was dancing around in front of Applejack’s blurred vision. Pinkie Pie seemed mostly unharmed by the flying cake bits, indicating that she was in the back kitchen where the Cake Twins were curiously poking their heads out. Her guests in line however, were completely covered in cake and apple bits from the crash. Luckily, nopony was hurt. Only a few of the displays suffered some damage and needed culinary attention.

“What’s going on down here?!” Mr. Cake cried out. Mrs. Cake walked down the stairs and gasped. The ponies in line began to clean themselves by licking the cake off of their faces and wiping it off of their coats.

“You guys missed it! Applejack flew in through the window like an old western hero and the Big Sweet Super Apple Tapple Surprise exploded into a thousand pieces! It was the coolest thing ever!”

“Uh, thanks Pinkie…” Applejack replied, getting up and wiping the cake off of her. Just as everything seemed to return to normal, Derpy marched into the store and right up to Applejack and Pinkie Pie, “I have a message from Princess Celestia!”

“The Princess?” Applejack gasped.

“Oh! Is it a guessing game? I love those! Um… She wants to invite us for tea?” Pinkie Pie asked energetically hopping up and down in front of the stoic faced Derpy.

“No” the grey mare replied seriously. One of her eyes pointing off in another direction.

“She wants us to open a pickle jar for her?”

“No.”

“She wants us to bake her a cake?”

“No.”

“Her sister is scaring little fillies again?”

“No.”

“She wants us to fly to the moon? Wouldn’t that be fun?!”

“No.”

“Pinkie. Why don’t we let Derpy tell us the message?” Applejack interjected before the pink pony could continue.

“No.” Derpy answered.

“What is the message Derpy?” the earth pony asked.

“No.”

“Uh, oh. She’s stuck.” Pinkie said walking around the grey mare, “Hold on. I think I got this.” Pinkie walked over and grabbed a blueberry muffin from the counter. She put the golden brown morsel in front of Derpy’s face to which both of her eyes focused on it with an excited expression.

“Now Derpy, tell us what the message is and I’ll give you the muffin.” Pinkie waved the muffin back and forth, tempting the mare to divulge her secrets.

“Muffin…” Derpy replied mystified, “Princess Celestia wants to see, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity and Twilight Sparkle as soon as possible.” When she finished, Pinkie handed the muffin to her to which she gladly gobbled down.

“Sweet mother of Equestria! We gotta get to the Library pronto!” Applejack said. She and Pinkie left Derpy behind with the angry customers and the Cakes.

“Goodness, what are we going to do?” Mr. Cakes asked aloud.

“I’ll contact the Doctor. He’ll pay for the damages.” Mrs. Cakes turned to the angry customers, “I’m sorry everypony; you all can have a free pastry to compensate.” The other ponies gave a small cheer, while Derpy trotted out like nothing had happened.

***{Legacy}***

Cheerilee’s vision began to clear, but all she could see was white. “My goodness! What happened to your hair?!” said a voice.

Cheerilee wearily stood up to the talking marshmallow before her. She slumped down on her rump and shook her head, “What happened?”

“Well, I heard all this screaming and then a loud bang on my door. When I opened it, you where laying there my dear.” The marshmallow that was Rarity said.

“Goodness.” Cheerilee replied. Her vision cleared, she could see the splintered remains of the apple cart scattered around the town. Many ponies were looking around at the mess in awe. A grey haired earth pony trotted up to them.

“Are you all right?” Mayor Mare asked concerned.

“I am. Thank you.” Cheerilee replied.

“What in Equestria happened? Was it Rainbow Dash? I told her not to do her tricks around town again. The last time she broke though my window…” Rarity went on complaining.

“No, it was Derpy.” The purple earth pony said getting up.

“Oh, that… mare.” Rarity said exasperated, “Why she still works for the postal service I do not know.”

“Well, she can’t rightly do any other job.” Mayor Mare replied solemnly.

“Now ladies please. She is trying her best. And nopony got hurt… I think.” Cheerilee looked around at the mess. Out from Sugarcube Corner, Applejack exited, followed by a hopping Pinkie Pie. They approached the three ponies in unrest, “Come on Rarity. We gotta go find Twilight!” Applejack huffed.

“Whatever for?” the white unicorn asked.

“Derpy said that we gotta go see the Princess right away. Come on!” Applejack hurried off to the library. Pinkie, having just hopped over, stopped, “Are you okay Miss. Cheerilee?”

“I am thank you. But you won’t find Twilight in the library. She’s at the school teaching my class.”

“Okie Dokie!” Pinkie hopped off.

“Why did she just not send it to Spike, so he can… burp it up as he always does?” Rarity asked aloud, sounding revolted when mentioning the burp.

“Spike went to Canterlot yesterday to get something for Twilight. I guess the Princess knew that.” Cheerilee said.

Riarity sighed and followed after the bouncing pink pony. As she left, Derpy trotted by giving a nod to the remaining two ponies, “Good morning Mayor Mare. Good morning Miss. Cheerilee.”

The two nodded back with a silent smile. When the grey mare passed, Mayor Mare sighed, making her way to the road leading out of town, “Well, I better go talk with the doctor to help repair the damages.”

“I’ll go… get Fluttershy so that Derpy won’t destroy her little farm.” Cheerilee trotted off towards the Everfree Forest. A slight heat building up in her cheeks.

***{Legacy}***

“Well class. Now that we’ve done an in-depth coverage on the History of Magic, let’s delve into the History of Equestria!” Twilight cheered, knocking her hooves together in excitement.

“Yea…” came an inaudible mumble from the desperately board fillies and foals that were falling asleep in their seats; having survived the last two hours with Twilight’s non-stop talking about the most boring subject in all of ponydom. Sweetie Belle turned her head to Apple Bloom who was softly banging her head against the desk.

“How much longer do you think this is going to talk?” the white unicorn whispered.

“Until we die of boredom.” Came her friends reply.

“Where is Scootaloo?”

“She heard Twilight was a teach’n, so she skipped out to watch Rainbow Dash try out for the Wonderbolts.”

“We should have done that!”

“Now now. Quite please.” Twilight sang from the podium. All the foals adjusted their heads so their faced forward, making it look like they were paying attention; even though their eyes were half shut.

Twilight pulled down a map from the top of the chalkboard which depicted Equestria and several other lands that bordered it. She lectured with her back to the class, writing on the chalk board like she does when she is doing research, “Now, we ponies did not always live here in Equestria. We actually came from a different land, far to the east and migrated here some two thousand years ago. After the first reign of Discord, Princess’ Celestia and Luna came and freed us from his chaos and united the three pony tribes.”

“When will this end!” Sweetie Belle whispered in despair, covering her ears with her hooves. Twilight turned around to scold her for the remark, but instead found Apple Bloom’s hoof in the air.

“Yes. Apple Bloom?” Twilight pointed to her.

“What is Tar-tar-us?” The filly asked.

“Why do you want to know?”

“Spike told us about it. And I can see it on the map there, so it must be real.” Apple Bloom pointed to a small area in the south-west corner of Equestria near the Wild West. It was marked with skull and crossbones. The name jutted out from the mark in crimson letters.

“Well… Tartarus is a prison that is used by the Princess’ to put away the worst kinds of monsters that threaten these lands. An interesting fact: Tartarus has always existed here in Equestria, even before the three pony tribes arrived.”

“How’s that?” Silver Spoon questioned Twilight’s knowledge of the subject, “My daddy always said that it’s where bad ponies go.” She gave a scathing look to Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle.

“Well, not exactly. You see, nopony really knows how or why Tartarus was built. It was found after the Princess’ took power. Sense then, it has been used to keep many horrible monsters away from our cities and homes. Nopony has ever been put into Tartarus.” Twilight was glad to see the class getting interested in the subject, but it was not exactly what she wanted to cover.

“Have you been there?” asked Sweetie Belle. The class was now starting to get interested. All this talk of horrible monsters and imprisonment sounded interesting.

“Well… yes I have. When I took Cerberus, the three headed guardian dog, back after he broke out. I have never been inside of it though. But, I have heard from some of the guards in Canterlot that it is a dreary and scary place that nopony should ever go to.” Twilight finished with a shiver. Despite giving herself the frights, the rest of the class was entirely focused on the lecture now, wide eyed and sitting on the edge of their seats.

“What else can you tell us?” Apple Bloom implored.

“Why wasn’t Nightmare Moon put in there?” Diamond Tiara piped up, not wanting to be left out.

“Well… I don’t know. I guess you would have to ask Princess Celestia about that, but…” Twilight began.

“Twilight!” the door burst open to Applejack, huffing and puffing, all scraped up and dirty, “You got to come with us right now!”

“Applejack? What’s going on?” the purple unicorn asked.

“Derpy said that the Princess wants to see us!”

“The Princess! But… I can’t just dismiss…” The bell rang and the classroom was already emptying as the students joyfully left for lunch; all talking about Tartarus.

“Come on! We don’t have all day!” Applejack pushed Twilight out of the school house, leaving Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle behind.

“That Tartarus sounds like a scary place.” Sweetie Belle pondered. Apple Bloom hopped out of her chair and over to the map. It was quite detailed, showing every town, city and village across Equestria including the great mountains to the north east, the Wild West desert to the west and the vast expanse of forest and jungles that spread far to the east to the end of the map. The tip of Equestria in the south just touched the Aquarian Sea which shot up into the heart of Equestria as the Camarillo River where Manehatten sat along it. To get to Tartarus, the journey would go across a large expanse of wilderness to the southern mountains of Draco before reaching the Murky Valley. At its end, Tartarus stood surrounded by mountains.

“It sounds like a great adventure!” Apple Bloom said excited.

“What do you mean?”

“Twilight said not many ponies go to Tartarus. What if we made it, and got our Cutie Marks in exploring or something!”

“Well… Twilight did do it by herself. But it took her a long time. We could be gone for days. How are we supposed to do that without get’n caught?”

“I don’t know. Let’s go find Scootaloo and figure that out later.” The two fillies ran out in an energetic gallop.

***{Legacy}***

Cheerilee made her way steadily across town towards the Everfree Forest, the crash still leaving her vision a bit fuzzy. Fluttershy’s cottage sat serenely near the edge of the forest with lush vegetation and many, many small animals hopping around the place in peace and harmony. Behind the cottage Fluttershy was hovering just off of the ground, corralling the little animals while Big Mac moved around large bushels of hay and repaired the white picket fence that keeps the chicken coop safe.

“Hello.” Cheerilee called, rounding the side of the cottage to the back.

“Oh. Hello Miss. Cheerilee. What can I do for you?” Fluttershy said, in her hushed voice. She seemed a bit flustered as she pushed the chickens into the coop before shutting the door. Other animals were taking advantage of her being distracted and tried to make a run for it, only to be corralled back by their caretaker. Big Mac was busy hammering down a fence post with a sledge hammer he was wielding in his mouth. Every time he would hit the post, his mane would whip back and forth like a rock star. Cheerilee could not help but watch the strong stallion at work. Ever sense the last Hearts and Hooves day she could not shake the feeling that there were deeper emotions she harbored for Apple Bloom’s brother.

“Uh… Miss. Cheerilee?” Fluttershy asked, gently waving her hoof in front of the transfixed earth pony.

“Oh! I’m sorry. Um… right. I came here to inform you that the princess wants you, Twilight and the others to journey to Canterlot to see her.”

“Oh my. You didn’t have to go through all the trouble...” Fluttershy added, feeling that the purple pony was working far too hard to deliver a simple message to her.

“Well, it’s more that Derpy was supposed to give you the message. But I figured that… well, it would be easier if I delivered it instead.” Cheerilee said, trying not to make Derpy out as being a mess up, though in actuality she could not completely disagree.

“The Princess?! Oh dear. I must go see Twilight right away. But… my animals…” Fluttershy landed on the ground looking torn.

“It’s alright. I’ll look after them.” Cheerilee smiled.

“Oh, thank you. Hopefully I won’t be long!” Fluttershy flew off towards town. Alone now, Cheerilee ventured over to Big Mac who had set the sledge hammer aside, the post firmly placed in the ground.

“Afternoon, Big Mac.” She said, being coy.

“Afternoon, Miss. Cheerilee. Don’t you have class today?” the big red stallion answered, wiping his brow.

“Twilight took over for me. Though I should probably go back before lunch is over…” she explained, hardly having a thought other then the stallion before her, “You know. Maybe sometime you can come over and fix my… fence…” She ended. Rather lamely.

“Eyup.” Big Mac took a swig from his water sac. Cheerilee slowly walked backwards continuing to look at him. Their eyes connected, each looked longingly at the other. She bumped into a goat, who bahhed out loud and bucked her flank. She jumped in surprise, “Oh dear. Um… well. I best be going…” she quickly ran off towards town. Big Mac set his water sac aside and began hammering in the next fence post.

***{Legacy}***

The library was full of commotion. Rainbow Dash was laying on her belly squirming as Nurse Redheart wrapped her wing. Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Pipsqueak were all huddled in a corner talking in low hushed voices to one another. Pinkie Pie and Derpy were having a grand old time with one another as they hopped around the library singing Pinkie’s latest musical compilation:

The cake is dead!
The cake is dead!
It’s all over Applejacks head!
She flew through the wall,
And landed down the hall,
Then everyone said,
What will we do!
The cake is dead!
The cake is dead!

Meanwhile, Rarity was complaining to Applejack how Winona is always barking and fighting at Opalescence.

“It’s because she’s a dog Rarity. Dogs n’ cats don’t like one another.” Applejack stated, trying to end the argument. She has growing more annoyed by Pinkie’s song, feeling that it was her fault the cake was destroyed.

“Yes, well. Just try to keep your filthy mongrel away from my precious Opal.” Rarity chimed.

“At least she’s not as bad at Miss. Cannon Ball over here.” Applejack nodded to Rainbow Dash, who jerked up, causing more pain and a scolding from Redheart.

“Hey! Me and Tank were just trying to have some fun is all.” Dash defended.

“I don’t think launching Tank into Fluttershy’s yard is considered fun for everyone.” The earth pony retorted, “My brother had to leave early so he could help fix up the fence.”

“Well, it was an accident. I missed my target.” Dash argued, trying to add to her defense.

“I must say Rainbow Dash, you do have a knack for destruction.” Rarity added.

“Hey! It’s not like we can all be prissy ponies like you!”

“Quiet!!!” Twilight yelled, drowning out all other conversations going on. Everyone looked to the purple unicorn who was now standing on top of a pile of books she had been quickly reading through.

“Now then. Where’s Fluttershy?” Just as she asked, the door creaked open to the yellow pegasus peeking her head in, “Am I interrupting?”

“Good you made it. Now that we are all assembled. Derpy. What was the message that the Princess gave you?” Twilight asked the grey mare, who through this whole time continued to fly around singing Pinkie’s song loudly. Growing annoyed, Twilight grabbed Derpy’s tail with magic stopping her dead in mid air, “Derpy please. What was the message?”

“Message?” Derpy responded confused. She landed on the floor and looked around as if having just realized that she was in the library with around eight other ponies. As they watched her, one of her eyes began to shift off in another direction. “The message…” she whispered to herself. It was so quiet that they could almost hear the cogs rotating around in Derpy’s head.

“I got it!” she exclaimed, before anypony could react, “Princess Celestia wants Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity and Fluttershy to come to Canterlot right away!”

“Great. What for?” Twilight asked.

“What?” the grey mare responded, her eyes still derped.

“What does she want us there for?”

“Uh… she did not say.” Derpy said, examining the bowels of her memory to see if she forgot something.

“Well, that’s great and all. But I’m not exactly ready for any adventure here with my wing broken.” Rainbow Dash added, sitting up on the table, her wing uselessly sitting in its cast.

“Yes, it seems that we all have some kind of work to do.” Rarity contributed, “I myself have several dresses that need to be done by next Tuesday.”

“And my cottage, still needs some repairing, so… um…yeah.” Fluttershy peeped.

“Wait. You guys are refusing an order from the Princess?” Twilight exclaimed. This seemed to her to be near treason, “I can’t believe you guys!”

“Well you can’t rightly blame us. I mean… we like helping the princess and saving Equestria and all, but it’s disrupting with our home lives. We can’t keep running off while our homes fall into disrepair.” Applejack stated.

“Despair.” Rarity corrected her.

“Besides, with the increase of guards, what needs to be stopped?” Dash added.

“And we haven’t made a friendship report in weeks.” Pinkie contributed.

“So all your lives are too busy, too important to help the princess? This is the princess were talking about, not somepony who would just use the Elements for any reason. She would only call on us if it was extremely important. Remember the changelings? Did you forget them? Discord? Nightmare Moon? What if they were to return? Would we just sit and watch as Equestria fell into darkness?”

“But that’s different….” Applejack tried to explain.

“The Princess needs us, and it is not our position to deny her our help!” Twilight affirmed. She gazed at her friends who all seemed rather reluctant. When nopony responded, she huffed aloud.

“Fine then. I’ll go see what the Princess wants. You all can stay here and do your chores.” The purple unicorn hopped off of her books and began marching up to her bedroom. The other ponies looked at one another, feeling that they have struck a chord with their friend. Derpy continued to search her memory for anything she might have forgotten.

“Alright.” Rarity sighed, “We’ll go.”

***{Legacy of the Alicorn: Part I ~ Legend of the All Mother}***

Chapter 3: Call to Adventure

Chapter 3

Call to Adventure

Celestia anxiously paced around the throne room, having just received word from Derpy, that Twilight and her friends were on their way. The mail mare nearly knocked over another statue as she departed, but Celestia did not even fuss as she fixed the statue with magic.

“Now I see why they call her the world’s fastest cluts!” Spike rolled on the floor laughing. His joy was interrupted by Luna’s petrifying gaze as she loomed over him.

“What is the meaning of your joke?” she asked, almost sounding angry. Spike jumped up and started to back away. While Luna has reverted to her daytime look of a shorter, opaque light blue mane and lighter tinted coat, she still held and aura of dominance that she seems to have trouble turning off.

“Uh… nothing… I was just saying how clumsy and fast she is…” Spike trembled before the might of Luna.

“Luna please. This is no time for theatrics.” Celestia said, pacing past the two of them.

“Apologies sister. I am a bit weary from having not slept sense yesterday evening. I will try to control my behaviors.” Luna walked over to the throne and sat down on her black and blue lace pillow residing next to the larger red and gold pillow that was her sisters. Celestia continued to pace around the room. It began to annoy the blue mare, “Sister, please calm yourself.”

“I’m worried. What am I to say to Twilight when she gets here?” the white mare asked.

“Say what to her?” Spike implored. The two princesses looked at one another, having forgotten that he was in the room.

“Um, Spike. Why don’t you go and help… Joe clean up the Royal Mess Hall?”

“But I don’t want to clean up…”

“You can have as many donuts as you want afterwards.” Celestia added cutting him off, before his complaining got the better of him.

“Yes! I’m going to eat as many sprinkled donuts as possible!” Spike cheered, hurrying out of the room. His snakelike tongue slurping and whipping around.

“That dragon has a sweet tooth that rivals yours Tia. I do hope that he does not contract dental problems.” Luna said, watching Spike go.

“One of the best dentists in Equestria lives in Ponyville. But onto more pressing matters; what should I say to Twilight when they arrive?” Celestia asked.

“The truth is always the right path.” Luna said wisely.

“But they can’t handle the truth. It would overthrow everything they know!”

“Then do not tell it to them. Tell them only what they need to know. But be sure that what you tell them is the truth.” Luna paused, watching her sister, “Why do you wish not to tell Twilight everything? Would that not make the matter easier?”

“To tell her that everything she knows is a lie? That would not make matters easier.”

“But all is not a lie. You have simply been keeping this information from the pony folk. Why, I do not know.”

“It’s better for them not to know. It’s better if we just forget.”

“Yet, even though they do not know of it, doesn’t mean it does not exist.” Luna wisely spoke from her perch. Celestia stopped pacing to face her, “Your right. I should never have hid our history from them. I just wanted to forget it and move on.”

“Little did we know at the time that it would come back to haunt us. Now we know that eventually, we must answer for the sins of our past and that others will suffer because of it.”

“You speak ill words Luna.”

“And you have ill thoughts Tia. You cannot deny the consequences of our past actions which will reverberate across this realm. Think hard about your decisions, sister. You do not want them to haunt you later on.” Luna eyed her sister closely.

She was right. Within the past two years, the ruler of Equestria has had to deal with many of her past problems she thought she’d solved. The returns of Nightmare Moon and Discord… both were problems thought to have been resolved, both resurfaced, and both Twilight and her friends had to mend. Celestia felt that she had no power left to rule Equestria with. When the changelings overpowered her at the wedding, she knew deep down that she was losing her strength.

Celestia sat down on her throne, head held low, mind and body full of despair, “For once in my life, I don’t know what to do. It was always so clear to me, but now… my mind is a thick fog that cannot be penetrated.”

“Do only what feels right Tia. There is no right or wrong path, just the one we choose to make.” Luna tried to comfort her sister.

Celestia smiled, “You are far wiser then me Lana.”

“Wisdom is given to us through age and self reflection. You gave me plenty of time for both. Love and friendship is gained by our actions and virtues. And you far outrank me in that category.” Luna pointed out.

The white mare chuckled, “Oh Luna. Now I see why mother paired the two of us together. Whatever would I do without you?”

“You would be miserable for another one-thousand years like last time.” The sisters chuckled at the thought.

***{Legacy}***

Out in the Canterlot Train Station, many high class ponies wearing dresses and suits meandered along the platform, guffawing and talking with one another, waiting for the next train. Several dozen guards patrolled the area, keeping a watchful eye on everypony and everything. Flanked by four guards, Shining Armor, Captain of the Royal Guards, stood valiantly amongst the high class ponies.

Having been summoned from his honeymoon in Ban’ei, the stalwart stallion was a tad annoyed, having been promised several weeks of leave and time away with his new wife. Being summoned back to work from across Equestria was not his idea of a vacation. He shifted uneasily in his armor, remembering when the mail pony arrived with the summons from the princess. Cadance was heartbroken, but accepted that it was his duty to do whatever the princess asks. Soon he will be done here and he can head back to enjoy a few more days with his bride.

A loud long screech echoed down the tracks. All the ponies turned to see the Ponyville Express making its way into the station. It chugged to a complete stop, perfectly aligned with the platform. All the doors along the train sprang open to many ponies and creatures disembarking. Shining looked around the different cars. Twilight and her friends hopped out of the back car, all giggling, having enjoyed their trip. Shining motioned to the guards next to him and they moved down the platform.

“Miss. Twilight Sparkle.” He announced sternly. Twilight turned to her brother, a big smile on her face, “Shining!”

She moved in for a hug, but he held his hoof out, “I’m here on official business. You and your friends need to come with me.” He motioned to the four guards, who surrounded the six ponies. They paved a path out of the station.

Shining led the way through the crowded streets of Canterlot. Many ponies were out and about shopping, eating, and enjoying the sunshine. Rarity was beside herself, seeing all of the fancy ponies and celebrities sporting the latest fashions from the biggest designers. It was a dream come true! She tried to make her way over to them, but one of the guards pushed her back in line.

“Uh! Excuse me! I just wanted to see that wonderful fedora over there.” Rarity scoffed. The guard stared her down. The white pony decided that looking at fashion could wait. Twilight trotted up to her brother who did not acknowledge her approach.

“Shining, what’s going on? Why are you so serious?” she asked.

Shining continued marching forward, “You’ll have to ask the princess.” Twilight looked at him taken aback. He sighed. A part of his usual relaxed state returning, “I’m sorry Twiley. It’s just that I was summoned in the middle of my honeymoon, for no apparent reason.”

“The princess didn’t tell you either?”

“No. She just said come back right away. Heck of a way to spend a vacation.”

“How’s Cadance?” Twilight asked, changing the subject.

“She’s great, though been acting a little moody lately.” He saw the anxious look on Twilight’s face, “No, she’s not a changeling this time, I promise. I just hope I can get back for a few more days.”

They continued on through the crowded streets of Canterlot. Many ponies turned to their marching congregation with curious glances. While the increase of guards following the changeling attack has now become a part of daily life, it is not usual that ponies get a special escort from the captain of the guards.

The normally pristine and lively palace was more like a fortress now. Twilight felt like it was the changeling attack all over again. Dozens of guards patrolled the walls and flew around keeping a vigilant eye on all creatures in and around the castle grounds.

“Why are there so many guards?” Twilight asked as they approached the main gate.

“I don’t know. It wasn’t like this when I left.” Shining stopped in front of a group of guards blocking the entrance to the palace.

“Captain Shining. What is your purpose for entering the palace.” One of the guards said.

“I was here a few minutes ago.”

“I’m sorry sir. General Stonehoofs orders. We must not let anyone in without permission from the princesses.”

“Ah… the general. Well I have brought Twilight and her friends as was requested by Princess Celestia.” Shining said in a much more authoritative tone. The guards looked at all the ponies before him. He nodded his head to the other guards who all lowered their spears.

“What the! What are you doing?!” Shining yelled. The Mane Six all huddled together, stared down by the spear tips.

“I’m sorry sir. We have to check you.” The guard replied. One by one the guards poked each pony in the chest, including Shining and his four guards. “Alright they all check out.” The guard announced. He stepped aside and let the ponies pass through.

“Uh! How rude! Never before have I been so violated.” Rarity said when they entered the main palace.

“I guess its all part of the security. Come on let’s get to the princess.” Shining hurried along the pathway to the throne room.

***{Legacy}***

Meanwhile, the Royal Mess Hall was needless to say… a mess. Wearing his little pink apron adorned with a red heart, Spike pushed a chart around filled with dirty dishes and stinky garbage, “Geez, this isn’t what I was expecting when the princess told me to help clean the mess hall.”

Joe, Canterlot’s number one donut maker and mess hall cook was busy cleaning the tables with a rag and a water bucket, “Yeah well, better get used to it Spike. This is what I do for a living.”

“Same here.” said a third voice. Joining the robust stallion and the baby dragon was a young pegasus guard who wore armor similar to Shining’s but of a lower rank. Squire Swift floated around the tops of the tables whipping them down with a rag on his hoof, “And here I thought joining the Royal Guards would be all noble and righteous.”

“It is.” Joe said, “We are nobly cleaning up the mess hall.” Everyone laughed.

“Say, why is Shining Armor back anyways? I thought he was on his honeymoon.” Joe asked Swift.

“I don’t know. All I know is that he woke me up early this morning; surprised the hay out of me. Said that he was here on important business and that he might need me. I guess he didn’t cause’, now I’m here.”

“That’s weird. The princess summoned Twilight and all our friends to. She seemed really nervous about something.” Spike added.

“Hmm. Something’s always up when secretive things begin happening. Mark my words, something big is going down.” Joe said solemnly. Spike and Swift looked at one another. Their anxious glances affirmed that they were thinking the same thing. Continuing their work, they heard the sounds of hooves coming from the outside hall. Spike looked over and saw Shining Armor with Twilight walking behind him. The others closely followed surrounded by four guards.

“Twilight!” Spike yelled running up to her. The guard nearest him held out his hoof to stop him. Shining pushed it away, “It’s alright, where in the castle now.”

“Twilight what’s going on?” the dragon asked.

“Your guess is as good as mine.” Twilight replied sounding worried.

“You have no idea what the princess wants?” Spike followed along with them. Swift and Joe poked their heads out of the mess hall to see what was going on.

“No she never said. Not even Shining knows.”

“That’s weird.” Spike was suddenly stopped by one of the guards.

“Sorry Spike. You’re not allowed in the throne room right now.” he said. Spike stood there dumbstruck as the ponies continued down the hall to the throne room.

***{Legacy}***

Shining Armor lead the way into the throne room which was less festive than usual. The normally ornate hall seemed to be filled with a lingering gloom, as if something was in the air that made the room less joyful and bright. The princesses sat on their pillows observing their guests from afar with a formality that is rarely seen in this court.

Shining leaned over to Twilight and whispered, “The Princesses are being very formal, so I suggest you and your friends follow the manners of the court.” Twilight looked at her friends who all seemed to be on edge at the strangeness of the situation.

Shining cleared his throat and bowed low to the Princesses who nodded their heads, “I present Twilight Sparkle and friends.” He stepped aside letting Twilight and the others walk down the long red carpet to their rulers. Shining followed behind them like some stalking assassin. Upon reaching the bottom to the steps that led up to Celestia’s radiant form, Twilight was reminded of when she was a filly and started her training under the princess. It was very similar to the entrance of today, the formal address, the guards, the slow awkward walk up to the throne, waiting patiently for the princesses to speak. The ponies hearts raced as they tried not to give way to their fears.

“I am glad that you all have come.” Celestia said. Her voice held its normal motherly tone that everypony was use to. A sigh of relief emanated from the mouths of the Mane Six.

“You are most likely wondering why I have summoned you here under such urgency. I hope that, in time, you will understand why. For now, I wish to tell you a story.” She continued. Luna glanced at her sister; perplexed as to where she was going with this.

“She called us here to tell us a story?” Rainbow whispered to Rarity, who promptly kicked her to keep the blue pegasus quite.

“I am sure that you know Luna and I have traveled here from a far off land. We were seeking a new land to spread the idea and methods of harmony and friendship; ideas that you all embody within yourselves.”

“So you’re saying that there is another world outside of Equestria?” Twilight asked, her schoolgirl roots returning, excitedly imploring her mentor for more knowledge.

Celestia continued, “That is correct, though it is another continent that sits across the Vast Sea. It is just as large as our home here, though much older having been populated for many thousands of years. I am sending you six ponies to the Dream Valley, our previous home. There you will find a pony known as the Seer of Fates. She has very important information for me that pertains to the future of Equestria…”

“Why are you sending them? Why not me your majesty?” Shining Armor said alarmed. Luna remained silent next to her sister.

“I have complete faith in my student and her friends to complete the task given to them.” The princess remarked.

“We accept this mission!” Twilight piped up. She turned to her friends, all of whom, besides Pinkie, seemed less enthused. “What’s wrong girls?”

“Do we all have to go?” Rainbow asked, her broken wing twitching lamely next to her, “I mean it’s just a messenger’s job. Even Derpy can do that.”

“This is no mere courier mission. To get to Dream Valley, one must pass through the Everfree Forest, climb over the Griffon Peaks, traverse the Sleepless Jungle and voyage across the a body of water so vast, that few creatures would dare attempt it.” Luna said with great dread in her voice. The other ponies looked at her somewhat terrified; feeling like Zecora was giving some kind of weird omen.

“The six of you show bonds of friendship that cannot be broken. Together you can accomplish any task that stands before you.” Celestia added, trying to defuse the tension left by Luna, “I have chosen the six of you because I know that together you can overcome all the hardship that lie ahead. The journey to Dream Valley is a long and dangerous road, but so long as you stand together, no harm will befall you.”

Twilight turned to her friends, “Come on girls! This is an adventure that comes only once in a lifetime!”

The other ponies glanced at one another, feeling that they really had no choice in the matter. Constantly being pushed into the affairs of state was indeed fun and exciting, but when work piles up and the family feels left out, it makes it hard to keep going.

“Well. Do we have to go now? I have to finish an order for a very important client.” Rarity said; a hint of whining hidden in her speech.

“And whose gonna’ help Big Macintosh when apple bucking season comes around? Apple Bloom’s too young to help out.” Applejack added.

“Yeah. And I got a shot at joining the Wonderbolts this year! Though now that my wing is all messed up…” Rainbow Dash looked at her poor wing.

“I can’t believe you guys! You would rather do boring work then go on a quest to save Equestria!” Twilight stared at her friends in astonishment. Never would she have expected them to act like this, especially in front of the princess.

“Well Twilight. It’s all fine and dandy for you because this is your job. But the rest of us have to support ourselves and our families.” Applejack retorted.

“And we have our own ambitions we would like to achieve. All this running about is hard on the spirit.” Rarity added. Twilight looked at her friends as if they were strangers come to kill her.

“The fate of Equestria is in our hooves and you’re just going to walk away? All those chores and jobs won’t matter if Equestria is destroyed! What if we hadn’t united when Discord was causing chaos, or when the changelings attacked? What about when you joined me to stop Nightmare Moon, and we didn’t even know each other then!” the purple unicorn nearly shouted in the great room. Luna shifted uneasily on her pillow at the mentioning of her former self. Celestia knew that she had to intervene.

“I am deeply sorry that you six must go though trials that many a pony would refuse to go though. But believe me when I say. You all were destined to do great things; chosen by a fate far greater than any of us. Your dreams, your goals, your lives are very important to you and you must cherish them; but there comes a time when none of that will matter when a greater force threatens its existence. It is then that you must all stand united and fight to protect what is precious to you.” Celestia’s words sunk deep into the six ponies before her. Even Shining felt inspired by her speech, and was less annoyed that he had come. Luna however, was remaining usually still. While her head was turned to the Mane Six, she was not looking at them. Her mind was full of thoughts that only she and her sister knew about. Twilight looked over her friends, who all seemed to have come to a silent agreement.

“Then it is settled.” Rarity said, feeling slightly uneasy, as if the matter had been decided for her.

“Let’s hop to it then.” Applejack added. The look on her face echoed that of Rarity’s.

“I love hopping!” Pinkie jumped around the group sporting a large grin; the only happy pony besides Twilight.

“Thank you princess. We will be on our way imminently!” Twilight bowed, followed by the others, though they seemed less enthused, feeling stuck between what they want and what they had to do. Celestia and Luna returned the favor with a polite nod.

When the group had gone, Luna turned to her sister, “You seemed to have forgotten to mention the part about our sisters and the fate of our homeland.”

“That will come in due time. For now, they are happy; and will face any opposition with determination.”

“I also noticed you unintentionally mentioned mother in your little speech.”

“I did?” Celestia watched her student walk down the red carpet, “I didn’t mean to…”

“I appreciate it Tia. You are very much like her. Being the eldest; you did spend the most time with her.”

“Everything I know she taught me. She was a far greater teacher and mentor then I will ever be.” Celestia added somberly. Remembering a happier time when she was young.

Luna held her expert poker face, showing no real emotion, though her eyes gave her away. They were brimming with tears. She quickly cleared them away, “What will you do when Twilight finds out about everything you have kept from her?”

“That is for her to decide. Better that she finds out for herself, then to have it told to her.” Celestia sighed. Luna could see that this decision was tearing her apart; it was something she did not come to lightly. It seemed, for the first time, in a long time, the ruler of Equestria was sad.

After a long pause of silence Luna said, “You have much faith in you student, sister. I wish I could share your optimism.”

“Hope is one of the few things we must hold onto. Especially in times of great peril.”

***{Legacy}***

Spike fidgeted with his hands outside the throne room door; looking up at the cathedral like double doors. Swift stood next to him, much less nervous, though his gut told him that something was wrong, “Relax Spike. It’s not like the princess is going to condemn them to death or something. Come on.”

“But what if she does? What if it’s because we haven’t given her a friendship report in over a month?!” Sweat rolled down Spike’s scaly head.

“I think the princess is a little too busy to be bothered with a friendship report.”

“What do you mean?” Spike turned to the Pegasus. Swift sat down and looked around. Only a few guards stood by, but he knew they would not say anything. He leaned in close to Spike and whispered, “Joe was right. The princesses are up to something. Think about it. The last time Celestia called in Twilight and her friends was to save Equestria. What do you think is going on now?”

“You mean to say something really bad is going to happen?” Spike trembled at the thought.

“Maybe…” Swift shot up strait as the doors opened. Shining Armor approached the baby dragon and his subordinate, “Swift. I’m heading back to Ban’ei for another week. Keep an eye out for me and report anything strange going on.”

“Yes sir!” Swift saluted. Shining gave a nod before walking on.

“What was that about?” Spike asked.

“I don’t know. But I better get back to work. See you Spike.” Swift spread his wings and bolted out of the hall. Spike turned back to see Twilight in front of him, the other ponies walked passed, all seemingly worried or irritated about something. Pinkie joyfully hopped out of the throne room singing a song…

We’re off on the road to adventure,
We certainly do get around!
Through the dark Everyfree Forest,
Over the Griffon Peaks, oh so cold!
Cutting our way through a sleepy jungle,
And sailing on the great big ocean,
We are the adventurers of Equestria,
Off to see the Valley of Dreams!

“So, uh… how did it go?” Spike asked Twilight, walking with her.

“Splendid! We are going to go explore a whole new part of the world! This is so exciting!” Twilight squealed.

“Oh, cool! I can’t wait!” Spike jumped onto Twilight’s back. While she did not mind him riding on her, she paused to look back at him.

“Uh, well Spike. Celestia only wants the six of us to go.”

“But…”

“Luna says it’s very dangerous to go on. I don’t know if you can handle it.”

“You can take my place.” Fluttershy said hurriedly, trotting over to the two of them.

“Yeah, I mean you had him mimic me before.” Rainbow said with a chuckle.

“I can go Twilight! I’m a dragon! I would be really helpful! I promise!” Spike begged.

“Oh, poor Spiky wiky! He’s just too young to traverse the vastness of the great earth. Oh how I would love to have him go with us!” Rarity chimed in her lushes’ voice. Pinkie hopped around, changing the tune of her song…

Oh Spike would love to come,
But he’s just a little too young.
If only he were bigger,
And just a bit fitter,
Then he could be our,
Dragon!

Pinkie almost screamed the last line, boasting a huge smile on her face. While the others gave a small chuckle, Spike was not amused.

“Oh, it’s alright Spike. Someone’s gotta take care of the library while Twilight’s gone.” Applejack said, attempting to cheer up the baby dragon. He was having none of it.

“Come on girls. Get ready by tonight so we can leave tomorrow morning.” Twilight lead the group on.

“Uh how are we getting to the other side of the world? Are we walking there?” Dash asked. The others seemed to agree.

“I know that Dr. Whooves has been working on some kind of airship. Maybe we can ask him to barrow it.” Twilight thought on the matter. Spike sat silently on her back, arms crossed, an angry look on his face.

“Oh an airship would be lovely! I’ve seen some of them in Canterlot and they are simply marvelous!” Rarity could feel the social status increase at the prospect to being on an airship.

“Yeah well… this is Dr. Whooves, so I don’t think its going to be any pleasure cruise.” Dash added. The ponies continued their talk on what to bring and what they could expect on their journey, having left behind any feeling of ill thought and replaced it with naive optimism hoping that the trip won’t last too long. Spike sat silent the whole train ride back to Ponyville.

***{Legacy}***

“Alright Sparkler, fire up the engine!” Dr. Whooves yelled, looking up at the Dirigible Carrier. The large sixty foot schooner with its bulky ridged balloon sack that floated ever so steadily above the wooden ship. Sparkler steadied herself on the deck, pointing her horn at the smoke stacks. Firing a beam of purple magical energy, the engine roared to life sending steam and vapor puffing out of the stacks. The six propellers situated along the entire bottom of the wooden body spun to life. The larger propeller in the back slowly turned, fighting against the brakes that were holding it still.

“It’s working!” Sparkler yelled from the deck. The Dirigible Carrier attempted to lift off, but was held firm by the many ropes mooring it to the ground. Dr. Whooves smiled. It seemed the new engine he was working on for so long was now fully operational. Using magic to heat up conductors which turned water into steam to turn the turbines powering the propellers, finally he created a craft that was one-hundred percent echo friendly and super efficient. Having made a smaller engine for the Flim Flam Brothers Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000, this model was the best yet.

Now if only it could fly, “Okay, I’m going to release the ropes!” he yelled up to his assistant. Sparkler nodded and made her way to the bridge. While the outside was mostly wood, to keep the weight down, the bridge and interior structure had many metal parts in it. Pipes and calling tubes lined the walls to reach the different parts of the two deck ship. Next to the metallic wheel sat the engine lever reading from full reverse to full forward. It was currently at hover. The purple pony got on her hind hooves and place one of her front hooves on the steering wheel, the other on the engine leaver. She bit her lip in anticipation, the goggles Dinky gave her lay loosely around her neck.

Dr. Whooves removed the remaining rope, which snapped from the tension the ship was exerting on it. The ship slowly began lifting into the air. The propellers roared louder, drowning out all other noise. It steadily rose into the air like a balloon. The doctor could not help but smile. Many said that he was crazy when he claimed that he could design an airship twice as large as the current ones and that it can take flight. Now here it was!

The Dirigible Carrier flew off towards Ponyville, the sound of the engines dying off with it. Its captain, no doubt, wanted to impress the locals. Dr. Whooves just stood there and watched it sail along. He made a mental note to himself that the wood might have worked to well. Perhaps he should experiment with a full metal hull. The sound of a door opening made him turn to see Dinky walking out to him.

“Come here my dear.” He called. Dinky made her way over and sat down next to her father, admiring the ship. “Isn’t it wonderful my dear? The Dirigible Carrier is a marvel of science and technology.” He continued.

“What’s it called?” the filly asked.

Dr. Whooves looked at her, “Why it’s the Dirigible Carrier.”

“That’s kind of hard to say all the time. Don’t most ships have names?” she looked at him. The doctor considered her logic. It was true, all ships do have names; something about giving them personality. But he was never good at naming things; he left that up to Derpy. The result of which named most things off of muffin brands or whatever she saw that day. His favorite was the Bran o Hand. A magically powered rivet gun that the doctor invented for iron work, named after bran muffins and a teal unicorn talking about hands. Sparkler shortened it to Branohan, which reminded the doctor of a cockney chap her knew in Trottingham.

“Why don’t you name it.” he decided. Dinky looked back to the ship, brow furrowed.

When Dinky admitted defeat, Dr. Whooves brought her close with a hug, “Fret not my dear. In good time, it will come to you. Your mother would sometimes take weeks to come up with a good name. And believe me, she always did.”

They sat there watching the big ship slowly float around, a soft hum of its engines barely audible over the ambiance of the nearby forest.

“You know you could have just invented wings.” Dinky said after a long silence.

“That will be the next step my dear.” He said putting a hoof around his daughter, “Now that I have made it big it’s time to make it small, compact, light of weight and sustainable for long periods of time. The unfortunate drawback of using magic to power machines is that one must keep repowering it to keep it working. The smaller it is, the more it needs to be… recharged; sort of say.”

“Why’s that?” the inquiring filly asked.

“It has to do with the conductors. I can’t seem to find a good enough material to hold onto magic and not let it ‘leak’ out. The heat it produces quickly wears off when they are small. But I strongly believe that magic is the key to unlocking new possibilities.”

“Is that why you want to study the Elements of Harmony?”

“Indeed. I believe that they are the key to unlimited energy. Imagine. You can power any device with just a single casting of magic, or better yet, tapping into a communal source of magical energy to power equipment and devices. My, it is the next evolution in ponydom!” his thoughts of a technological evolution were broken by the sudden reappearance of the Dirigible Carrier.

“She can’t be done already.” He mumbled to himself, eyeing the ship moving towards him. Before he could postulate a reason for its return, he saw a small white speck growing larger and louder. “Oh dear. Dinky, would you kindly take cover over behind that wood pile. I do believe you mother is coming in for another crash landing.” They both ducked behind the wood awaiting impact.

Within movements, the familiar, “MAIL CALL!!!” came whizzing to them. Derpy was concentrating enough to land on the ground with all four of her hooves, though she was going so fast that she slid across the ground and into the wall of the laboratory, creating a clean pony shaped hole in it. After a series of crashes and clanging followed by a small explosion, Dr. Whooves came out of his cover, feeling that the worst was over.

“Oh my…” he glanced inside his laboratory to see a line of destruction leading to the other side of the room. Pipes, tools, gears and planks of wood were scattered across the floor, having been violently blown from their places by the impact. Derpy’s head appeared on the far side in a pile of rubble. Upon seeing the doctor, she sprang out of the pile, happy as can be.

“It is uncanny how you can cause such destruction, yet suffer no damage yourself.” He remarked. The smile on Derpy’s face dropped as she looked around, “What happened?”

“Never mind. Why may I ask, were you in such a hurry my dear?”

“I have a letter from Princess Celestia! It arrived at the post office just a few minutes ago.” Derpy reached into her bag and pulled out a scroll. Dr. Whooves put on his glasses, which were sitting on a nearby table and read the scroll aloud.

Dear Dr. Whooves,

I must ask of you to provide transportation for Twilight Sparkle and her friends on a mission that they are going on from me. I have heard that you have been working on a large dirigible that can hold many ponies and can take a beating. I hope that you will give Twilight this ship for her mission; in return I have arranged a meeting with myself and Spark of AlSpark Industries in Manehatten. We will discuss your research there.

Sincerely,

Princess Celestia

“By the sun and stars! She can’t be serious!” he exclaimed upon finishing the letter.

“What?” Derpy asked.

“I can’t just be giving the Dirigible Carrier away to anypony. It is an instrument of scientific importance and is not meant to be a show boat for questing or whatever.”

“What?” Derpy said again, holding her head cocked to one side, her eyes skewed in two directions. Dinky popped her head through the hole in the wall. She made her way over to her mother, giving her a big hug. Derpy replied with her own big hug.

“I mean, I know she is the princess and all but, she can’t just take away my work like that!” the doctor continued to fume. Sparkler entered through the door looking around.

“Oh, Doctor. There you are.” She stopped when she noticed he was shaking, “Something wrong?”

“The princess wants me to give up our machine for some mission or whatever. We have been working on this for months, and she just wants to throw it all away!” Dr. Whooves began pacing around the room.

“Give it up to who?” Sparkler asked.

“Twilight Sparkle and her friends.”

“Well at least it not just anypony. If anyone is capable of flying it, it would be Twilight.”

“But…” The brown stallion paused to think. She was right. He had often admired Twilight’s intellectual and magical prowess, not that Sparkler is not a good assistant, it’s just that Twilight was always ahead of her at the Magic Academy. “Well… I guess you’re right.” He looked at the scroll again, “It does say she wants to meet with us about the research.”

“That’s great! When?”

“Soon. We’ll meet in Manehatten with Spark. Should be quite the conversation.”

“I can’t wait. And you can ask the princess about the Elements of Harmony again.” Sparkler made her way over to Dinky and Derpy. The doctor looked at the three of them deep in thought, contemplating what to do next. Dinky looked up at her mother with a wide smile.

“Guess what!” she said excitedly.

“What?” Derpy asked in her childlike voice, sounding just as excited as her daughter.

“I just came up with a name for the ship dad and Sparkler made.”

“What is it?”

“The Spirit of Harmony.”

***{Legacy of the Alicorn: Part I ~ Legend of the All Mother}***

Chapter 4: The Crusaders March

Chapter 4
The Crusaders March

Early the next morning, as the birds of the forest sang their first songs and the critters began to stir in their burrows, The Sprit of Harmony had much fan fare surrounding it as many ponies came to see off the heroes of Ponyville.

“I’m gonna miss you so much!” Apple Bloom cried as she hugged Applejack. Big Mac stood off to the side with Granny Smith, holding back tears.

“Our little Applejack’s going off to save the world.” Granny Smith said proudly, believing the bravery of her grandmare came from her.

“Now y‘all, I’m not going off to save Equestria; just going on a mission for the princess. I’ll be ripe as peaches, and be back before you buck the entire orchard.” Applejack looked rather embarrass. The filly at her feet was pouring tears into her coat, “Now Apple Bloom. You got to look after Big Mac and Granny Smith for me you hear?”

“But…” the filly whimpered, looking up at her big sister.

“Now see here missy. You’re getting old enough to take on more responsibility. And who knows. Maybe you’ll get your Cutie Mark out of it.” Applejack winked. The sisters embraced was so loving that Big Mac could no longer hold back the tide, and broke down in a fit of sobbing.

“Well Sweetie Belle. I hope you will look after the shop while I am gone. Please do not touch or brake anything.” Rarity said nervously, she was very uncomfortable leaving the boutique in the hands of her little sister.

“Leave it to me Rarity! I will keep it in the best’est shape you have ever seen!” Sweetie Belle squeaked.

“I don’t know… it’s a lot of responsibility…” Rarity looked around to see if any other pony would be more qualified. Her searching was interrupted by a sudden hug from her little sister, “I’ll miss you Rarity.”

Rarity felt a lump leap up into her throat. She picked up her sister in a big embrace, “Oh I’ll only be gone for a little while!” Realizing that she was doing this in front of dozens of ponies, she quickly ended it, “Um… yes well… I will be back soon, Sweetie Belle. Take care.” She hurried off up the ramp to the ship, holding back her emotions.

“Scoot! Come on… it’s just a little trip!” Rainbow attempted to join Rarity on the ship, but was being held back by her filly admirer. If only her wing was better then she would just take off and hide somewhere. Trying to shake the little orange pegasus was no use as her grip was a lot stronger then her wings.

“Please don’t go! You promised to train me!” Scootaloo begged.

“I always say that!”

“But you meant it last time!”

“Oh, Scoot!” Rainbow finally bucked the little filly off her, “I’m sorry, but we all can’t have what we want…” she looked up at the sky feeling that her dreams will have to be put on hold… again. Scootaloo looked over at the blue Pegasus with big eyes. Rainbow sighed exasperated and wandered over. Having never had siblings of her own, it was hard to deal with another pony’s problems.

“Look Scoot. I have to go on this, mission… uh, thing. I’ll be back soon. Until then, why don’t you go off on your own adventure? That’s how I learned how to fly. When I come back, I promise I’ll help train you.” Rainbow put her hoof around Scoot.

The filly looked up at her hero, “Do you Pinkie Pie Promise?”

Rainbow placed her hoof over her eye, indicating that she would gladly take a cupcake to the eye if the promise was ever broken. Scoot accepted the terms and hugged Dash. Watching her head up the ramp, Scoot could not shake the feeling that Dash’s return would not be as exciting as she was hoping.

“Thanks for all of the advice doctor.” Twilight shook Dr. Whooves’ hoof, having just spent the last four hours learning the ins and outs of The Spirit of Harmony. Neatly set in her bag sat the four hundred page manual for the carrier, outlining all of the components and devices on the ship. Something only Twilight would be interested in reading.

“Take good care of it. It is the entirety of my work so far.” The doctor replied a bit nervous. He glanced up at the ship feeling like he wasn’t going to see it again.

“Don’t worry! It is in capable hands.” Twilight cheered. The brown stallion gave a small smile, but had the uncomfortable feeling that something was going to go terribly wrong. He shook it off as just nerves. It is a far price to be able to pitch his research to the Princess.

“Good luck Twilight!” Sparkler said. Twilight nodded and walked up the ramp with Applejack. Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie were already on the ship. Pinkie happily waving down at all the ponies below her, feeling completely elated that she was on the largest airship ever built. Fluttershy on the other hand, was below decks huddled on a soft bed trying to control her anxiety. While she could handle flying on her own, being on a huge ship was just too much for her.

As for their farewells, the Cakes already said their goodbyes to Pinkie by baking many goods for their adventure and providing more supplies to supplement what they were already bringing. Fluttershy left her cottage in the care of Lyra and Bon Bon who both agreed, on the condition that they could live there until she got back. Something about Bon Bon’s apartment getting to small for them. Spike, was nowhere to be seen.

“Fare well brave adventurers, as you embark upon a great crusade across the world to see lands yet untouched by pony kind!” Dr. Whooves called out. All the ponies on the ground waved up at their departing family and friends.

Twilight stood up on the bridge and flipped a switch, releasing the grappling moors that the doctor and Sparkler installed last night. The ropes snaked up with great haste into their holsters, the ramp also pulled into the deck by an automatic device. The Spirit of Harmony lifted off the ground, free from the invisible bonds of earth. The engine roared to life, the needles in the bridge flicked to max power as the Carrier floated off on its maiden voyage. The ponies on the ground watched as it climbed higher and higher in the sky, disappearing beyond the clouds.

Scootaloo revved her small wings, trying to chase the ship, but only successfully hovered a few inches off the ground. Defeated, the filly landed on her flank staring at the ground. Around her the other ponies headed home leaving her to sit in the field alone. The distant rumbling of the carrier’s engines slowly fading away.

Scoot looked up with a heavy sigh where the Carrier was last seen. Every word Rainbow Dash ever spoke to her was reverberating around her head like little flies yelling at her. But the loudest where the ones she just said, “Why don’t you go off on your own adventure?”

Scoot stood up, emboldened to take action, “Rainbow Dash wouldn’t just sit around moping! She would go off on an adventure!”

“Uh who are you talking to?” Scoot turned to see Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle looking at her.

“How long have you guys been there?” the orange filly’s cheeks became flush.

“Long enough. Anyway, it sounds like you’re up for a little adventure.” Apple Bloom looked at the other two. Sweetie Belle nodded, “I don’t want to stay at the boutique forever! It’s time to go exploring!”

“And Big Mac can look after the farm without me.”

“And we may just get our Cutie Marks!” Scootaloo revved up her wings again in excitement.

“Alright crusaders! Roll out!” Apple Bloom led the charge back to town.

***{Legacy}***

Spike sat next to the window looking out at Ponyville. Many ponies were out and about shopping or talking with their friends. “Huh… friends.” Spike thought to himself. The emptiness of the library was enough to show how he felt about that subject.

Twilight did not sleep last night, being so overly excited about her adventure, she began packing right when she got home and read every book she owned about the creatures and places outside of Equestria. She was somewhat peeved that she could not find any information about Dream Valley or the other continent that the Princess spoke of, but figured she could write one instead. So she packed extra note books just in case. Spike ignored most of it, feeling that she was purposefully leaving him out of her adventures.

But then again… it’s his fault for falling asleep when Nightmare Moon returned. And he did help fight Discord… sort of. All he really remembered was becoming Rainbow Dash and feeling very, very sick after burping up all those letters. Maybe he was overreacting a bit. But then why would she not want him? She mentioned that the Princess only wanted the six of them to go. But why not have an extra hand to help out? Why is he to be left behind?

Having watched the airship fly over and out of sight, Spike left the window and walked downstairs to the library. All the books that Twilight had read last night were neatly put back on the shelves in the exact place where they were taken from. The room seemed very empty besides being so crowded with stuff. Over by the window he noticed the sun shining on Twilight’s desk, an empty parchment lay unraveled across it. Owlowiscious sat on his perch watching Spike, as he always does.

“Looks like Twilight forgot to put away the parchment.” Spike said approaching the desk.

“Whoo?” The owl responded.

“You know Twilight? She lives here… oh right.” Spike fell for it again. He swiveled around on the stool in front of the desk stopping to face it. Little Peewee chirped over from his nest in the corner.

“I know, I miss her to.” Spike responded as if Peewee was actually talking to him.

“Whoo?”

“Never mind…” the dragon stared at the parchment before him feeling that he will not get to write down anything for a long while. He really did miss Twilight when she was gone. She was like his older sister, always taking care of him and teaching him the ways of being a scholar. Was she starting to forget about him? Was she moving on away from him? He picked up a quill and mimed writing words on the parchment. For all his life he never felt different from the ponies, having been around them all the time. When he met the other dragons on his quest to find his origins, he realized that he did not have to prove himself a dragon if it meant being a bully. He was quite content with living with ponies.

But the seed was planted and he could not dig out the thought of where he came from. Without realizing it, he found that he had actually written words on the parchment.

“Huh. Guess I’m so use to writing that I do it without even thinking.”

“Whoo?”

Spike shook his head and looked back at the words he wrote…

Where did I come from? Who am I?

Peewee chirped again. Looking at the little Phoenix, Spike was reminded of when the princess brought her phoenix Philomena on a visit to Ponyville. Perhaps one day Peewee will grow big like that. Then it hit him. Why did he not think of it before? He quickly ripped off the portion he had written on and re-inked the quill. Returning to the parchment he began writing his letter…

Dear Princess Celestia,

This is Spike. I’m writing to you because I have been wondering about something. I mean I’ve been meaning to ask you, where did I come from? I mean my egg. Where did it come from? Twilight told me that dragon eggs are very rare, so I was wondering if I… my egg was lost or abandoned or something. Twilight also told me that dragons live for a very long time, so are my parents still alive, or did they die in some epic battle? Which would be awesome. I mean sad… Whatever your answer is I just want you to know that I will still stay with Twilight, because she is the closest thing to family that I know. Well, I hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,

Spike

Spike rolled up the parchment and tied it with a green ribbon. He propped open a window and held the note up to his face. Instead of magically burning it so that it would teleport to Celestia, he found that he was just staring at it.

“Do I really want to know?” he thought to himself. The question burned into his thoughts until it consumed him. “What if my parents are alive? Will I want to find them? Will Twilight let me? Or she might even go with me! What if Celestia lies to me to protect me or something? But why would she do that? Do I really want to know?”

He looked hard at the letter in his hand as if it was the most important letter he had ever written in his young life. “Maybe I should wait and ask Twilight when she comes back.” He said aloud, bringing his hand down beside him.

“Whoo?” Owlowiscious cooed.

“Whose asking who what?” Spike looked out the window to see a beaming Scootaloo looking back at him.

“What the heck are you guys doing here?” the dragon asked, seeing Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom behind their friend.

“We’re lookin for a map!” Apple Bloom said cheerfully.

“A map? What for?”

“Where going on an adventure!” the white unicorn squeaked. Spikes eyes widened, “Can I come?”

“Sure… ow!” Scootaloo said, having just been hit over the head by Sweetie Belle.

“You feather brain! This is a secret adventure!” the unicorn exclaimed.

“Yeah, he might tattle on us.” Apple Bloom said; a hint of nervousness hidden in her determination.

“Yeah, but you just told him we were going on an adventure!” Scoot yelled angrily.

“Well, if I go with you, how can I tell anyone?” Argued Spike. If he can do this adventure, then he can prove to Twilight and everyone else that he can hold his own and maybe go on more adventures. The three fillies looked at one another. His logic was sound.

“Alright, you can come.” Apple Bloom decided. Spike happily ran up to the bedroom and grabbed his nap sack. He packed food, a compass, and a map of Equestria from the book Modern Cartography. He started tying up the sack when he noticed the letter he had written to Celestia. He picked it up and looked hard at it, considering taking it with him.

“Come on Spike! We don’t have all day!” Scoot’s voice echoed from downstairs. Spike placed the letter on Twilight nightstand, “I’ll send it when I get back.” He tied up his sack, lugged it over his shoulder and marched downstairs.

***{Legacy}***

“Alright Crusaders! Are we all set to go?” Apple Bloom looked around at her friends sitting before her. Their hideout at the back of Sweet Apple Acres was the perfect place to get ready for their adventure. Each of the ponies had their own bags strapped over their backs, full with some essential and not so essential supplies for their trip.

“What the heck are you brining an umbrella for?” Scoot asked Sweetie, pulling out one of Rarity’s fashionable umbrellas.

“Well, Rarity always brings one when she goes out, it might be useful. What did you bring?” the unicorn asked.

“I got my scooter, my helmet, goggles from Rainbow Dash and a bag full of snacks!” the little Pegasus motored around the hideout mimicking her hero.

“Snacks? How the hey are you going to survive off of snacks?” Apple Bloom said.

“Well what are you bringing?”

“Apples! Lots of them! My work boots and my sleeping bag.”

“Why would you have a sleeping bag?” Scoot asked.

“And work boots?” Sweetie added.

“Well… I just want to be prepared.” Apple Bloom turned to Spike who shrugged. None of them have been on an adventure before. What the hay do you bring?

“Well. I think we have enough stuff to last us for the trip there and back.” she went on.

“Where exactly is there?” Spike asked. Apple Bloom pulled out the map from school and placed it on the wall. The intricately designed map had three lines that looked like routes of some kind drawn in red, blue and black ink. All of the routes started at Ponyville and ended at a red circle around Tartarus.

“Holy cow! We’re going to Tartarus!” Spike yelled, almost falling over in surprise.

“Yep! We speck because Twilight did it, we should be able to as well!” Apple Bloom said happily.

“But… that’s Tartarus… It’s like the most dangerous place in Equestria!” Spike looked at the others who all seemed to be completely fine with the idea. They clearly did not know what they were getting into.

“What’s wrong Spike? Chicken?” Scoot said, hovering next to him.

“Not as much as you are.” Sweetie Belle said, giggling to herself.

“Hay! I’m not a chicken!” the Pegasus yelled.

“Girls! Sema’ down! We still need to figure out how we’re gonna get there.” After restoring order, Apple Bloom stood next to the large map holding a branch she was using as a pointer, “Now we’ve come up with three roads to take.”

She pointed to the red one, “This one goes around the mountains by going north, but looks to be the longest.”

She pointed to the blue one, “This one goes round the mountains to the south, but we have to cross this here lake.”

She pointed to the black one, “And this one goes straight over the mountain looks like the most direct and shortest.”

“I say we got the red road!” Scoot said. She was clearly the one who drew out that route.

“No, we should go over the lake! We can build a boat to get to the other side.” Sweetie Belle said, putting in her idea.

“I think we should get there as soon as possible and just go over the mountain.” Apple Bloom added. The three fillies turned to Spike, “What about you Spike?”

The baby dragon looked back and forth to the three ponies hounding him. He did not want to upset any of them, but he clearly was the tie breaker here. Examining the map, the roads leading to Tartarus all seemed to be equally bad; in such a way that the whole idea just seemed to be bad. Spike had heard stories from guards who were stationed at Tartarus of ghostly sounds and eerie fogs that roll in suddenly bringing with it darkness and cold winds. No guard has ever spent longer than six months at the outpost overlooking the prison. Many called it Midnight Post for the cold darkness that lingers over the valley.

But this adventure would defiantly prove that he is by no means useless when questing is involved. Making it to Tartarus and back will show Twilight that he can handle long journeys that threaten life and limb! He just wanted to do it as fast as possible.

“Well…” he looked at the three fillies getting closer to him, their eyes wide with anticipation, “I would like to take the fastest way, just in case everyone gets back quickly.”

“Woo hoo!” Apple Bloom cheered. The other two ponies looked dejected as their path was rejected.

“It’s settled then! We go over the mountain!” the excited filly cheered again.

“I think it’s over here!” came a voice from outside. Everyone gathered around the window to see who was invading the privacy of their hideout. Just outside of the tree line, Pipsqueak and Dinky Doo stopped a few meters away looking up at the three fillies and the baby dragon in the clubhouse.

“What the hay are you two doing here?!” Apple Bloom shouted.

“Yeah! This is the secret hideout of the Cutie Mark Crusaders!” Scoot yelled. Sweetie Belle smacked her on the head again, “You feather brain! You gave away our secret!”

“Uh, you girls know that everypony knows where your hideout is right?” Dinky said, looking amused.

“Yeah! Applejack told us when we came asking for you guys a few days ago.” Pip joyfully said in his Trottingham accent. Scoot and Sweetie looked at their friend who seemed to recoil back with an awkward smile. Spike was not paying attention to their glaring, “Would you guys like to join us on an adventure?”

“Spike! What are you doing?” Scoot whispered, “We don’t what to bring the whole town with us!”

“Well why not bring them. The more the merrier right?”

“An adventure sounds fun!” Pip said, his companion nodding in agreement.

“My mommy and daddy always go on adventures. I always wanted to have one myself!” Dinky added.

“Then it’s settled!” Spike said, before being tackled to the ground by the three fillies. As they rolled around the floor fighting, Pip and Dinky made their way up and watched the fighting for a bit. After a few minutes, the three fillies and the dragon stopped having nearly exhausted themselves in the process.

“Well, now that, that’s over. Where should we start?” Pip asked.

“I guess we should make them crusaders right?” Apple Bloom looked at her friends.

“They don’t have their Cutie Mark’s, so they qualify.” Sweetie Belle pointed out.

“Alright! You three line up!” Scoot ordered. Spike walked over and stood next to Pip and Dinky. Scoot paced in front of them like a drill sergeant, eyeing them closely. She stopped in front of Spike, “Why do you want to join the Cutie Mark Crusaders?”

“Because I seek adventure!” Spike yelled out like a soldier in line. Scoot nodded her head approvingly.

She stopped in front of Pipsqueak, “What will you bring to the Crusaders?”

“I am a brave, hard working pony who seeks to journey across the world!” he replied. Scoot nodded her head again, feeling that he would be useful.

She stopped in front of Dinky, “What will you bring to the Crusaders?”

“I have been known to do some cool things with magic.” Dinky replied, rather lamely. Scoot looked back at her friends who shrugged.

“Like what?” the drill pony asked.

“Well… I can’t do it all the time. It’s kind of random, happens when I least expect it.”

“How is that useful to us?!”

“I don’t know…” Dinky replied, her eyes welling up with tears. Pip jumped in front of her, shielding her from the meanie Scoot, “Give her a chance! She’s just learning how to control it!”

Apple Bloom leaned over to Sweetie Belle, “Well at least she can do magic.”

“Hey! I can do magic! Just not so good.” The white unicorn argued. She had never gotten any formal training in magical arts besides a few lessons from Rarity which was mainly to do chores.

“Well, I guess she can stay…” Scoot decided. Pip returned to his post after comforting Dinky. When all was back to normal, Scoot stamped her hoof down hard making everyone jump.

“I will now recite the Thee Marks of a Crusader!” she bellowed, turning even more into a drill sergeant. She rounded on the three contenders, eyes narrowed.

“Will you always stay true to your friends, even in times of great danger?”

“We will!” the three repeated.

“Will you always work hard and help a friend in need?”

“We will!

“Will you continue to fight, never giving up, no matter how crazy the idea, until you get your Cutie Mark?”

“Uh… I don’t get a Cutie Mark…” Spike said quietly. All the ponies in the room looked at one another, wondering what to do. It’s hard to be a Cutie Mark Crusader when you can’t get a Cutie Mark.

“I know! Once you find your special talent. We’ll give you an honorary Cutie Mark!” Apple Bloom said, looking at the others. They all nodded. Spike felt a rush of joy. He may not be a pony, but he was enough of one to be honored a Cutie Mark.

“I know pronounce you, members of the Cutie Mark Crusaders!” Scoot announced. Everyone cheered. Sweetie Belle opened an old cabinet that Applejack gave them which contained their Crusader Capes. After their bout with the Cockatrice, and permission and help from Rarity, Sweetie Belle fashioned new capes for the Crusaders and made several extras just in case of an accident. She handed the new inductees their capes who all gladly put them on. Now in their matching capes the six Crusaders were ready for action.

Apple Bloom happily looked at her friends, all of whom had big smiles on…

“Crusaders! March!”

***{Legacy of the Alicorn: Part I ~ Legend of the All Mother}***

Chapter 5: The Heroes' Journey

Chapter 5
The Heroes’ Journey

Twilight steered the Spirit of Harmony over the Everfree Forest, feeling that this adventure was not going to be quite as bad as Luna predicted. Being able to fly over everything seemed to be a blessing. She thought about brining something from the other continent back for the doctor to thank him for letting them barrow the ship. She glanced at the compass that sat next to the wheel and found it pointing due east. The engines were at three-fourths power, giving them a nice speed without using up to much magical power. Feeling that everything was set, she flipped the automatic-pilot switch. Two arms extended down from the ceiling to hold the wheel steady. “Quite genius.” She said to herself.

“Howdy there Twilight.” Applejack walked in. Looking around at all the pipes, knobs, dials and levers, she seemed rather overwhelmed, “Well I guess it’s good that you’re steerin’ the ship and not me. I can’t tell one doohickey from the other.”

“Yes, it was rather confusing at first, but I think I have it down. This defiantly helped.” Twilight put her hoof down on the four hundred page manual. The type inside was so small that it required reading glasses even for a pony with good vision, which Twilight had around her neck, “So what’s up?”

“Ah well. I came up to see if yah needed help. But it looks like you’re okay.”

“Well, I could use some advice.” Twilight motioned her friend over to a table which had several maps depicting different parts of Equestria. She maneuvered them around until she found the one which showed the eastern side of Equestria and the lands extending to the Vast Sea. Twilight had drawn a line to their current approximate location and a dashed line to where they need to go.

“Our current route given to us by the princess, takes us to the Griffon Kingdom.”

“Is there a problem with that?” the orange mare asked.

“Well no… it’s just that. The mountains are very high and this path to the south looks safer.” Twilight glanced over the map trying to find another road. The positioning of the mountains would require them to spend another day just to get around them. Remembering her friend’s reluctance to go on the mission, she felt that she should ask them what they thought.

“Well. If we want to be getting across that big ocean… I should think that going over the mountains would shorten the trip.” Applejack looked over the map as if to find another route, but all she was thinking about was getting back home as quickly as possible for Apple Bucking Season. She hated leaving Big Mac to do the job himself, which he used to do when they were kids and their father was away.

“Are you sure?” Twilight glanced at her friend.

“Now don’t tell me that you’re scared of flying this here boat over those mountains, are you?”

“Well… a little.” The unicorn rubbed her hooves together.

“Now Twilight. You’re the smartest pony I know! I know that you can work out any problem put before you. And if you need help, we’re here by your side.” Applejack said confidently. Twilight smiled at her friend and hugged her, “Thanks Applejack.”

“Your…” the ship shook violently, knocking the two ponies to the floor. “What the hay?”

Twilight jumped up and looked on deck. Rarity, who had been lounging out in the sunlight on her red velvet couch, was knocked on top on Rainbow Dash who was lying on the floor next to her. Fluttershy poked her head out of stairway to the lower deck to see what was going on; her hair was ruffled as if she was knocked about. “Is everypony okay?”

“Oh, my goodness! And I was enjoying the best sun I’d had in days!” Rarity cried out.

“Get off of me!” Dash pushed the white unicorn off of her and looked around. It did not look like they hit anything. They were so high up, that they could have only hit a mountain. She rushed portside and looked up the side of the balloon to see Pinkie Pie sitting in the crow’s nest on top, pirate hat on, buccaneer shirt with a wooden sword sheathed and a blue parrot on her shouldered. “Pinkie what are you doing?”

“We be hit by something!” Pinkie called out form her nest, grumbling in authentic pirate speech. She pulled out a long telescope to scout out ahead holding it backwards to her eye.

“Brock! We’ve been hit! May day! May day!” her parrot called out.

“You’re right Gum Drop! But where are the dastardly bandits!” Pinkie searched around with her backwards telescope. Looking down past the deck, she spotted something coming to the ship. “There they blow!”

Rarity screamed as thousands of parasprites swarmed the ship. The white unicorn ran for the stairs below deck and sealed herself and Fluttershy in. Dash tried to open the latch, “Rarity open up!” but she was quickly swarmed by the flying insects. Abandoning the door she fled to the bridge where Twilight and Applejack watched in horror. When the Pegasus reached the door, she realized that Pinkie was still out there. Searching past the swarming paraspites, she made out a pinkie figure swash buckling its way through the swarm.

“None shall stop Pirate Pinkie!” laughing, the pink pirate slashed one of the ropes attaching the balloon to the ship with her wooden sword. Swinging at the pests around her, she flew down with style making Dash think that she should perhaps become a pirate also. At the end of the swing Pinkie front flipped in the air and landed safely next to her friend continually waving at the parasprites which accomplished nothing.

“Hurry inside! Hurry inside!” Gum Drop cawed. The two entered the bridge as the parasprites rushed past them like a raging sand storm.

“Arrr, good call Gum Drop!” Pinkie handed the bird a cracker which is happily gobbled up.

“Pinkie! Why did you cut that rope?!” Twilight yelled, pointing outside. The swarm of parasprites was banging against the ropes holding the balloon to the ship. The one Pinkie cut was flailing about in the storm, causing the entire ship to list slightly to one side. As they watched more ropes began to snap from the force of the tiny bugs.

“Twilight do something!” Dash yelled. Twilight ran over to the wheel and shoved the engine to full power hopping to escape the swarm. The ship lurched forward as the propellers kicked into high gear. The speed only seemed to increase the swarms’ damage to the ship as the parasprites began to bang against the spinning propellers cutting them up. Every time a bug was cut, it would become two smaller ones, causing even more damage.

“It’s not working!” Applejack cried as the windows became dark with parasprites getting caught on it. The forward propellers stalled, the ship bent forward into an inclined dive.

“Were sinking ladies! My we find peace in old Stinky’s Locker! It’s been a pleasure to sail with yeah!” Pinkie growled, one of her back hooves on top of a random barrel, a front hoof resting on it looking like Captain Morgan.

“Pinkie! Enough with the theatrics! We’re crashing!” Twilight corrected her in a scream. The altitude dial began turning showing their rapid decent. The four friends all huddled together as the ship whined and cried out. They broke below the swarm and saw that they were an about eight hundred meters from the tree tops. Twilight noticed a clearing in the trees about six hundred meters away. She jumped over to the steering wheel, “We can land in that clearing to escape the swarm!”

But when she pulled the speed lever to steady, the balloon snapped off with the swarm and the ship picked up speed, diving straight for the trees.

“Oh Celestia what are we gonna do?!” Applejack yelled over the earsplitting sound of a falling airship. Twilight noticed that the two forward engines were now free of parasprites.

“If we jumpstart the forward engines, it might give us enough lift to get to the clearing. Rainbow Dash, you need to fly out there and kick one of the engines! I’ll magically start the other!”

“Are you crazy! My wing is still broken!” Dash looked outside to see the trees screeching ever closer, her wing still bandaged up uselessly next to her. Pinkie pushed her aside and raised her wooden sword in the air, “Nothing is too crazy for a pirate!”

She walked over to the door, facing her friends one last time with a stern look; she saluted then opened the door. The pink pony vanished, sucked out by the raging winds. Dash looked at the other two, “Well there goes that hope.”

“Wait y’all, look!” Applejack pointed to the window. Pinkie Pie had somehow gained two hooks which she had strapped to her front hooves, clawing her way across the bulkhead, wooden sword in mouth. With less than three hundred meters before they crashed into the forest, Pinkie made it to the propeller. She raised a hoof to hit it, several hidden parasprites jumped out at her. While they were small and soft, the force of the fall turned their little bodies into rocks streaming towards her. She lost her grip and flew back several feet.

“Oh no!” Applejack cried. She and Dash watched as Pinkie used her quick reflexes to grab onto the hull with the other hook. Twilight concentrating on getting the other propeller started, using magic to dislodge the little critters. When it was clear she was able to kick start it. With one of the forward engines operational the ship leveled slightly, but was greatly unbalanced leaning to the side Pinkie was holding onto putting them off course.

Hanging off the side of the ship with one hook, Pinkie the Pirate used the other to wall climb to the propeller, only a few feet from the tree tops. She lifted her hind legs while holding onto the side of the ship and bucked the propeller into working order as only an earth pony could. The ships leveling systems engaged sending Pinkie’s engine into overdrive as it picked up the ship. The rocking motion knocked the brave pirate off of the hull and into the trees below.

With the ship level, Twilight pushed the speed level to full reverse. The ship rocked forward with the momentum of the fall and the power of the engines attempting to slow the airship without a balloon. After a moment, the ship snapped the tops off several tall trees before crashing into a meadow in the middle of the forest. Small critters scurried for cover as the ship plowed through the dirt building up a small hill at its bow. The force of the crash sent the three ponies in the bridge crashing through the windows and onto the deck. Luckily the doctor did not make the bridge very high.

“Uh…” Twilight moaned, looking around, she saw her friends laying about her. The hatch leading to the second deck popped open. Rarity and Fluttershy both looked worse for wear having been tossed about below decks.

“Are we there yet?” Rarity asked, her head spinning, eyes derped.

“Well, we are somewhere.” Twilight looked to the sky. The parasprite swarm moved off into the distance.

“Great! Now how are we going to get to… where ever it is we’re going?!” Dash yelled out, several birds nearby flew off into the afternoon sun. The ponies looked over the ship. It was pretty beat up. Most of the paint was stripped off, the deck was damaged and the propellers needed fixing. Other then the missing balloon, the ship was luckily mostly intact. Twilight could think of a few improvements here and there, and made a mental note to write it down the first chance she got.

“Where’s Pinkie Pie?” Fluttershy asked, worry in her voice.

“She helped to level the ship, then fell off a while back.” Applejack said looking through the forest. This far into the Everfree Forest, the trees seemed much closer together making it darker and much more mysterious then near Ponyville.

“Rainbow Dash. Why don’t you go look for Pinkie Pie while we fix up the ship. Once we regroup we can decide what to do from there.” Twilight said.

“Why am I going?” the pegasus hesitated looking into the dark forest.

“Well with your broken wing, you’re not really any use to us here. Don’t worry; knowing Pinkie she’s most likely on her way over right now.”

“Alright…” Dash grumbled, making her way into the depths of the Everfree Forest.

***{Legacy}***

Pinkie awoke to loud squawking in her ear, “Wake up! Raaak!”

“Oh, Mr. Gum Drop, it’s just you.” Pinkie lazily looked at her parrot as he sat on the branch next to her. “Wait, what are you doing in a tree silly?”

“Raa! What are you doing in a tree silly?” the parrot responded. Pinkie looked down to see that she was hanging by one of the hooks strapped to her hoof. The rest of her body dangled loosely off the side of a forty foot tree.

“Oh wow! I guess I am a pirate!”

“Raa! You’re a pirate!”

“Pinkie!!!” Came a voice from far off. Pinkie swung around looking. The only part of the forest she could see was illuminated by the hole she made when she fell though the canopy. The rest was in near total darkness.

“Who could that be?” she asked aloud. The brush below her began to rustle. Growling echoed through the woods.

“Uh oh, Mr. Gum Drop. This could be bad.” She looked around worried. The brush parted revealing Rainbow Dash, scratched up and dirty, annoyed at having been forced to trudge through the forest.

“Dashie! Up here! I’m stuck!”

“There you are! I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” Dash looked up the tree, “Uh how can I get you down?”

“Silly just fly up here! Oh wait…” Pinkie giggled, forgetting that her friends wing was bandaged next to her. Dash was not amused.

“Let me try something.” The pegasus turned her flank to the tree and bucked it as hard as she could mimicking Applejack. Pinkie’s hook popped out and she fell. Just before hitting the ground she spun like a cat and landed softly on her four hooves; Mr. Gum Drop landing on her back.

“How the did you do that?” Dash looked the pink pirate astonished.

“I just can. Thanks for saving me.”

“Now let’s get back. This forest gives me the creeps.”

“Where is everyone?”

“Fixing the ship. Though without the balloon it seems pointless.”

“Oh! I saw the parasprites carry the balloon not too far from here. I think we can get it and bring it back!”

“How are we supposed to do that?”

“It’s a balloon silly. We just float it back like in a parade!” Pinkie trotted off in the direction she indicated. With a sigh, Dash followed, not wanting to argue. The deeper they traversed the shadowy night, the weirder the forest became. Colorful plants and strange flowers covered the forest floor, almost illuminating the dark realm. Oozes dripped from the sides of trees, and nasty smells irritated their noses.

“I heard that there are giant spiders and other unsavory creatures that dwell in here…” Dash shuttered to herself. Pinkie seemed less afraid, though her ears were perked up listing to every sound.

“It should be about right… here!” They arrived at a small river where an old cobblestone bridge sat. The area was cleared of trees; a few were broken down as if some huge creature smashed them. On the other side of the bridge, the giant balloon was caught in the trees, still intact.

“Wow. Lucky us!” Pinkie hopped over to the bridge, but Dash felt that something was wrong.

“Why is there a bridge here? And why are all these trees broken?” she examined one of the splinted stumps. It was defiantly knocked down by some force.

“Who cares! Come on!” Pinkie hopped onto the bridge then froze. The bridge began to shake, a loud roaring filled the clearing. From under the bridge, in the muck, a large Troll revealed itself. The twenty foot tall monster, with its lanky arms and dirty green skin, gazed down at its two guests. Pinkie fled to her friend who had her hoof up to her noise. The Troll smelt like month old garbage combined with a pony who has not bathed in a long, long time. Its lengthy, but sparse hair fell over its elongated nose and Neanderthal features. His small black eyes darted between the two ponies.

“Never seen your like this deep in the woods before.” He said in a low rumble, bending down to better examine his frightened guests. Even at this height he was still three ponies taller than even Celestia. “You seem quite colorful, and defiantly not from around here. No defiantly not.”

“Uh, we’re sorry for intruding upon you…” Pinkie said, feeling that they should just turn around and run, “but we got taken out of the sky and lost our balloon which is over there and…”

“Out of the sky you say?” The Troll looked up through the clearing in the forest, the sun shined brightly through it, better showing his grotesque features. “Strange. Never heard of an Earth Pony that could fly. Even your pegasus friend here is wounded.”

“We were in a ship, using the balloon to keep us up…” Pinkie added, still staring in awe at the Troll.

“Raah! Keeping us up!” Gum Drop cawed. The Troll seemed rather amused by their conversation, “Tell me ponies. Where is your homestead?”

“To the west, in Equestria.” Dash said quickly.

“Ah yes. That is your new home. It has been so long that I have forgotten.”

“New home?”

“Yes, my little ponies. You see you and I, originated from a land further to the east, across a great ocean that now separates the old lands from the new. So many forests were there. Unlike here which is mostly meadow and pasture.” He reminisced.

“That’s nice. Now we’ll just be getting our balloon and go…” Dash started to say.

“Oh now. It has been so long since I have had guests. Please indulge an old Troll in partaking in a game or two. The winner, let’s say, gets to keep the balloon.”

“Oh I love games! What kind of games?!” Pinkie said excitedly.

“Pinkie no!” Dash whimpered.

“Well, let me think…” the Troll tapped one of his long figures on his chin, “When we Trolls would get together, we would always display feats of strength and rhyme to pass the time.” He chuckled to himself at his own rhyme, “If you beat me at both, then you get your balloon back.”

“We accept!” Pinkie answered, without consulting her comrade.

“Oh, good day! First we shall do strength!” The Troll picked up a bolder from the river and through it at a tree. It exploded into a shower of splinters, bringing down the ancient oak. He turned to see the two ponies gaping at his strength.

“Oh dear. I do think that is a bit over your level.” He looked around and found a smaller rock. He placed it next to the ponies, “Here, see how far you can kick this.”

Dash looked at Pinkie who nodded sternly, Gum Drop nodding with her. The blue mare raised her hind legs and bucked as hard as she could, sending the rock flying to a tree. It ripped though the top branches creating a clean hole to the sky.

“Oh my! What a kick you have their little one. Especially for a pegasus” The Troll picked up another bolder, this one heavier than before. Holding it with two hands he tossed it down the river, causing a huge splash when it crashed to earth again. The Troll looked a bit winded, but exuberant. Dash found a rock slightly bigger than the last. She bucked it sending it crashing into a tree, lodging the rock in the thick bark.

“Impressive.” The Troll admired. He looked around and found a small rock, a pebble to him. He threw it at Dash who bucked it back at him, hitting the Troll in the arm.

“Ah, very good!” He continued to throw rocks at the pegasus, changing his style and number thrown. Dash kicked every single one back to the Troll, hitting him in different places. When he finally ran out of rocks, he collapsed down into the river, shaking the earth, exhausted. Dash was breathing hard, but could still fight it out.

“Woo! You win that one little pony. Well done.” The Troll clapped his hands together. Rainbow Dash gave a smug smile, feeling elated that she outdid a Troll.

“It has been a very long time indeed since I worked out like that.” He took a deep breath and exhaled, “Now onto my favorite game. Riddle Rhymes!”

“Oh I love riddles and rhymes!” Pinkie hopped over to the bridge where she would be, more or less, face to face with the Troll.

“Ah there you are pink one. I will give a riddle rhyme, and you must answer it, than you give a rhyme and I will answer it. Whoever stumps the other first wins. Have at it?”

“Yep!”

“Good! I’ll start.”

What shines, but is not seen by the sun,

Is always there and is never none?

“Gems!” Pinkie yelled, jumping up and down.

“Very good! Now you.”

“Okay…” Pinkie thought for a moment.

What is sweet and never sour,

Can be made within an hour,

And is always made with flower.

“It must be a cake!” the Troll answered.

“Right!”

“Ha ha! One for one! Me next.”

It scatters the darkness,

But is not bright,

We would be sleepless,

Without it’s light.

“Why, it’s a candle!” Pinkie cheered.

“Ah you are quite good. Do another.”

Dancing and prancing we do when we’re young,

When finding and binding,

It has always been sung!

“Quite a conundrum little one.” The Troll tapped his figure to his chin again. Pinkie knew he had him this time. There was no way he could…

“Perhaps it is your Cutie Mark?” he asked.

She looked at him astonished, “How did you know?”

“Ha ha! Two for two! Let’s keep going!”

Lovely and cool,

Wonderful and sweet,

We usually drool,

At its feet.

Pinkie looked at the Troll at a loss for words. His rhyme made no since to her at all. She thought hard in her warped brain for any contexts to the confusing riddle. All the words connected with different ideas and concepts, but none of them were the same.

“Give up?” the Troll asked.

“Not yet!” Pinkie said, racking her brain for an answer. What do we drool at that is lovely and cool, wonderful and sweet? Then it hit her. The thing that every creature needs, “Water!”

“Oh, I thought I had you. Now you go.” The Troll smiled at her. She thought hard for something that he would have no idea about

Sturdy as it stands,

It is not made of sand,

Better then a cold hard cave,

It keeps us warm and can even save.

The Troll mumbled to himself, looking up at the sky, “My, my.”

Pinkie could feel that she had him now. While she could easily play this game forever, seeing Dash’s worried look in the corner of her eye kept her focus on beating her foe. After a long pause she seemed to have gotten him, “Give up yet.”

“Now, now don’t be hasty.” He began to draw in the mud. He formed several longs sticks before rubbing them out. He drew together four sticks into a square and a triangle on top.

“You done now?” Pinkie said quickly.

“Ho, ho! I know! It is a house!” The Troll chuckled to himself. Seeing the look of disappointment on his opponents face he knew he was right. “My turn!”

It lies without space,

Yet is all over the place,

We cannot do without,

Yet we know nothing about!

Pinkie thought long and hard for the answer. With so little to go on, it was defiantly a brain teaser. Somehow, she felt like she heard it before.

“Give up little pony?” the Troll grumbled happily, feeling that he had finally beat her. Pinkie shook her head vigorously. She needed more time... “Time!”

“Stinklebats I thought I had you.” The Troll snapped his figures, “Your turn.”

Can easily be divided,

But defeats evil when united,

It’s hard to keep together,

And is much better than a feather,

When used in a fight!

Pinkie knew she had him now. The Troll sat for a long time mulling over his thoughts. The sun began to creep closer to the tree line, sending the area into a shadowed darkness. Dash snoozed loudly on the bank of the river tired of the riddle game. The Troll shook his head and crossed his arms, “I give up.”

“Woo hooo!” Pinkie cheered. Mr. Gum Drop flew up above her cawing loudly. Dash jumped with a start looking around, “Huh? What happened?”

“I won!” the pink pony cheered.

“It was a good rhyme little pony. Tell me. What was its answer?”

“The Elements of Harmony!” Pinkie cheered. Dash smiled, though she had no idea what her friend was talking about, having dozed off half way through the game.

“The Elements of Harmony? I did not think they still exist.” The Troll grumbled, getting up from his seat in the river.

“You know about them?” Pinkie asked.

“Of course. I have been around as long as they. If not longer. We Trolls are quite old and have protected the forests for thousands of years. You ponies are but a young group to this world.” The Troll walked over and began untangling the balloon from the tree tops, “Yes, yes. In the old days. We were many and protected the trees for the All Mother. Bless her she was a goddess. Walking though our woods with her radiant light, no plant or animal could ever outdo that sight.” He spoke as if it was the best memory he ever had.

The two ponies looked at one another, questioning whether the ramblings of the Troll were legitimate or simply crazy. The Troll returned with their balloon, holding it like a party favor, “Tell me where you’re going and I will carry this for you.”

“Oh thank you! This way, it is not far.” Pinkie led the way back into the forest. As they moved along, the Troll pushed the trees aside creating an easier path for them to follow.

“Tell me little ponies. What are your names?” he asked.

“I’m Rainbow Dash.”

“And I’m Pinkie Pie.”

“The pleasure is all mine. I am Heimdall, protector of the Everfree Forest.” The Troll answered, “You are most welcome to come back anytime you want.”

“I’ve never heard of a protector of the forest.” Pinkie said, climbing over a large rock in their path.

“Ah yes, we are not meant to interfere with the other species in the world. Which is why I blend in so well with the environment. Well, besides us Troll’s being so tall and all.” Heimdall pushed aside the top of a tree, sending several large birds flying off in protest.

“It must be really lonely in here.” Pinkie said, hopping over several strange looking plants that puffed out yellow dust that smelt sweet, but burnt the noise.

“Ah, it can be at times. But we Trolls are gifted with an astounding memory. So we mostly live in the past times as we are in solitude.” Heimdall became quite the rest of the journey back, holding the balloon like a filly, just glad to have company.

***{Legacy}***

At the ship, Twilight worked with Fluttershy in repairing the propellers so that they were in working order. Rarity was busy tiding up the inside of the ship, as all of their supplies were knocked about in the swarm. Applejack repaired the broken wooden planks and railings.

“Do you think Dash and Pinkie are okay?” Fluttershy asked, looking into the woods.

“Fluttershy, you’ve been asking that the minute Rainbow Dash left; their fine.” Twilight responded, concentrating on fixing the propellers.

“I know, but they’ve been gone for so long.” The yellow pegesus shook with fear as the sound of banging and rustling of trees grew louder and louder. The three friends stood still and watched in fascinated horror, waiting for what was to come.

“I finished down here! What’s going on?” Rarity poked her head out from the hatch to the second deck. The trees where Rainbow Dash entered were shaking violently as the earth shook; something big was coming. The four friends all huddled together, eyes wide, ready for their doom.

“High guys!” Pinkie hopped out of the tree line, a huge smile on her face. Dash followed suit, looking tired and dirty. The four ponies on the ship sighed, only to scream at the sight of a huge Troll pushing aside forty foot trees. Rarity passed out in her dramatic fashion, Applejack froze in fear, Fluttershy scurried behind Twilight who gaped up at the monster, “Wha…

“Oh this is our new friend Heimdall! He got our balloon back. Isn’t that cool!” Pinkie said excitedly.

“My oh my. That is a big ship.” Heimdall approached the ship, which to him could have been a small house, “Well hello there missy. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Hello…” Twilight muttered. Everything she had heard about Trolls is that they were huge, nasty creatures that eat ponies and reign destruction down wherever they go. Yet here was one right in front of her eyes, with a friendly smile on his dirty face.

“I do not mean to alarm you. But your friends here stumbled upon me when looked for your balloon here. After a sport of two games, I agreed to return your balloon. Just tell me where to put it.”

Twilight instructed the Troll to hold the balloon over the ship so that she could magically reattach the ropes. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy removed Rarity’s fainted body below deck, seeing that she was of no use. With the balloon reattached, Heimdall helped dig out the ship from the mound of dirt at its bow. Applejack and Pinkie Pie repainted the ship from its old dark brown to a much more festive red and yellow. The Spirit of Harmony name was re-colored dark blue. With the ship back in working order, the ponies bade goodbye to Heimdall who thanked them for showing up in the first place.

“Seems odd that the parasprites would swarm like that.” He said when Twilight mentioned how they crashed in the first place. “Never been known to be destructive like that. I will look into this and inform you the next time I see you.”

“Thank you Heimdall. You are very nice.” Twilight bowed to him, which he blushed heavily. When all of the ponies were ready, Twilight pushed the engine leaver to full power. With Heimdall’s help, they lifted strait up in the air and flew off into the setting sun. Pinkie stood in the back of the ship waving at the tall Troll who waved back. Their friendship forever bonded together.

The Spirit of Harmony flew off to continue its adventure.

***{Legacy of the Alicorn: Part I ~ Legend of the All Mother}***

Chapter 7: Lost in the Woods

Chapter 7
Lost in the Woods

There is something to the sounds of an adventure that just gets the heart going. Trekking off to lands unknown, exploring places and seeing things that nopony has seen before. It is both a thrill and a humbling experience just to appreciate how expansive the world truly is. When you walk outside, the world is literally at your feet, and all you need to do is go out and discover it!

This was the notion that the CMC left home with, believing their grand adventure to the ‘forbidden’ parts of Equestria was going to be as fun and thrilling as a Daring Doo book; which Scootaloo talked about non-stop having read all of them in Twilight’s library. So far, however, their journey was nothing of the adventure they were hoping for.

Walking though the large woodland of Equestria’s southern lands, the fillies were starting to feel that this was a bad idea. Having slept out in the open with wolves howling and owls spying on them with glowing yellow eyes peering out of the darkness; the young adventures spent their sleepless night huddled together under a pile of blankets.

The next day, they continued their stroll through what seemed like endless forests. Without the ability to fly, they could not see their path over the high trees. Spike attempted to climb one, but fell halfway up. For another hour they all attempted to climb several different trees in the hopes of getting a glimpse of their destination. Dinky even attempted to levitate herself up, but ended up blowing up the tree with a magical discharge. After that, they decided to never attempt to climb trees again.

Continuing on, the forest grew thinker and wilder. Strange sounds echoed around them with the constant feeling of being watched. Having been the only one who has left Ponyville, Spike led the way, though quickly began feeling that they were going nowhere fast. Before he had only to follow the dragon migration flying overhead leading him to his destination, now the sky was empty of even clouds. Only the sun gave some sense of direction, which was only visible during the afternoon.

The map they had was of little use as they could see no landmarks with all the trees around them. He relied solely on his pocket compass which was given to him by Twilight. A picture of him and her eating at a picnic adorned the underside of the lid. After he tried to find himself during the dragon migration, Twilight got him the compass specially made in Canterlot so it would help him if he ever got lost. Like a normal compass, it had a double edged arrow, with the red end pointing north, and the silver end pointing south. But this one had a special third arrow that was enchanted to point the way back to Ponyville, should he ever need to find his way home. So long as they had the compass to determine direction they were safe. Looking at the picture on the inside he hoped that Twilight, wherever she was, was alright on her adventure.

“I’m tired…” Sweetie Belle moaned. Spike turned around to see her leaning against a tree, tongue out, panting like a dog. The others did not seem in any better shape.

“Alright. Lets rest for a bit.” Spike said, putting down his bag. The others collapsed to the floor with a collective sigh.

Apple Bloom rolled onto her back, hooves in the air. “My dogs are barkin’.” She moaned.

“How are we doing Spike?” Scootaloo crawled over to the dragon who was examining the map and his compass.

“Well… I think were on the right track.” He said concentrating on his calculations.

“You think? You mean we might be lost?”

“No… well, maybe. We should be at the base of Draco Mountain by tomorrow evening.”

“But you’re not sure.” Scoot’s eyes narrowed. “Maybe I should look at the map.”

Spike looked up at her, an eyebrow raised, “Do you even know how to read one?” Scoot swiped the map from Spike’s grip, holding him at bay with on one of her hooves.

“Hey give it back!” Spike yelled, trying to reach for the map. It was very different from the one they had back at the hideout. This one had numbers all over it showing the height of mountains and levels of the land. The cities and towns were marked with big grey blobs that showed its borders. It was defiantly a cartographer’s map made for real explorers and not children trying to get to the red X. Spike had drawn out their progress in black ink. It ended somewhere in the middle of the wilderness with a question mark.

“Does this mean we’re lost?” the orange Pegasus pointed to the question mark. Spike snatched the map back.

“No, it means I don’t know exactly where we are.” The dragon defended himself.

“So we’re lost.” Apple Bloom said, rolling onto her belly. Spike looked over at the earth pony only to have the compass snatched out of his hand by Scoot.

“Is this thing working?” she asked shaking the compass.

“Hay! Be careful!” Spike jumped onto Scoot. They rustled around in the dirt fighting one another for the compass.

“Stop you guys! Quit it!” Apple Bloom tried to break up the fight but was pushed away. Spike grabbed hold of the compass, attempting to tug it out of Scoots’ mouth. The chain stretched to near braking until it whipped into the air, freed from their grips. Everyone watched as the compass tumbled around and began to fall. Spike made a jump for it. He little claws were closing around it when a large beetle came out of no-where, snatching the compass out of the air. Spike turned to watch the beetle fly off over the trees, forgetting for an instant that he himself was floating in the air. Wham! He smashed onto the ground. The ponies looked at him curiously. Spike jolted up as quickly as he landed.

“We have to get it back!” Spike ran off after the beetle followed by the others. The beetle led them deeper into the forest. The trees were growing closer together; their canopies touching one another blocking out the sun. The ponies yelled after Spike, but he kept his eye on the shining compass dangling from the beetle’s legs. His concentration was so great that when the beetle flew over a massive cliff face, spike ran right into it.

“Spike. The adventure won’t last long if you keep hitting things with your face.” Scoot said, as she and the others arrived. Spike unglued his face from the cliff and looked up. The rock shot straight up for over a hundred meters. It seemed an impossible feat to climb.

“We have to go up there!” Spike said attempting to climb the wall. He achieved a few meters before falling down on his rump.

“Well we can’t climb up.” Apple Bloom pointed out, as most of their party had hooves which are not very useful for climbing.

“Let’s just go on without it. We have the map.” Scoot said.

“But we need to compass to know where we’re going!” Spike was right, besides the sentimental value he had, a map only works if they know what direction they are heading. The ponies looked at one another.

“Hang on. Maybe I can levitate us!” Dinky spread out her legs and contorted her face in concentration. Her horn sparked as magical energy enveloped her friends, steadily raising them into the air. The group felt like this was going to work, until a series of popping sounds made them look at Dinky. Her horn was sparking more than it should. A beam of purple magical energy shot out from the tip and collided with the side of the cliff face. The thundering roar echoed across the land as an explosion ripped across the cliff, sending rocks flying everywhere. Thousands of rocks came crumbling down towards the crusaders. Screaming they ran off back into the forest as the rocks smashed against the floor sending a huge cloud of dust into the air.

Coughing and waving the dust away from his face, Spike looked around, “Is everyone alright?”

“I think it’s safe to say that we won’t be using magic.” Sweetie Belle poked her head out from behind a tree. The others seemed mostly unhurt, except for Pip who took a rock to the face and was sporting a black eye.

“Well now you really look like a pirate.” Scoot commented.

Pip rubbed his eye, as Dinky comforted him. “Now what are we going to do?” he asked. Spike looked up at the rubble. While the explosion at first seemed to make their mission harder, the rubble actually created a ramp leading up the side of the cliff.

“Maybe we can climb up this way.” The little dragon began making his way over the fallen rocks. The ponies were hesitant at first, but did not want to be shown up by a baby dragon so they followed suit.

The ascent was not easy. Scoot had the least trouble as her wings would help her stay up if she lost her footing, and Spike had his hands and clawed feet. The others had difficulty without the ability to hover or grab. Dinky and Pip were assisting one another over several large rocks as Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle attempted a different route. Pip led the way, so that he would fall first instead of his damsel. His little body sprang through the air as he jumped from one rock to the slight higher one. Dinky readied to jump, hoping to use magic to help levitate herself, just a bit. She leaped for it, her horn softly glowing, giving a slight push on her blank flank.

“Be careful Dinky!” Apple Bloom called a short ways away. The friendly remark broke Dinky’s concentration for a split second. Her horn glowed brighter; sparks blew out of it like liquid metal. Feeling magic surge through her, Dinky stopped to prevent another magical discharge. Unfortunately she was almost at the next rock. Woosh! She fell straight down screaming. The ground sped to her in seconds. Heart pounding she closed her eyes; her horn sprang to life, discharging a huge amount of energy to the ground shooting the little pony like a rocket. Pip looked over the edge of his rock only to collide with Dinky. The two of them sped over the top of the cliff.

“Oh geez…” Scoot said watching the two newest members of the crusaders disappear behind the cliff, “Now what?”

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle joined their comrades at the top of the rubble pile. They still had twenty meters of flat rock to climb.

“Do you think their okay?” the earth pony asked. After a moment of waiting a small head poked out from the top of the cliff.

“Hey guys!” the happy British pony cheered, “We found the compass...”

“Pip! Can you help us up?” Spike yelled back. A rope was flung over the side of the cliff. Spike made his way up first, using his hands and claws to climb the cliff. The other three fillies were tied to the rope and dragged up by their comrades, Apple Bloom, as the heaviest was last.

“So where in tar-nation is the… compass.” The earth pony’s jaw dropped like a stone at the sight before her. The top of the cliff was mostly flat, Draco Mountain sat in the distance, an orange glow bleeding into the blue sky. In front of Draco Mountain was a small hill, on top of which sat a large Sphinx. The creature consisted of a lion’s body with a mares head. A large headdress of ruby gave the mystical creature an air of royalty. It sat examining its guests with an inquisitive stare. The beetle sat nesting on the ground next to the Sphinx, the golden compass glowing in the sunlight under it.

The crusaders cautiously approached the Sphinx which was a good two times larger than any pony they had ever seen. At the base of the hill, which was actually a giant rock, the Sphinx moved one of his paws hitting the ground with a soft, but loud bang! The crusaders stopped dead in their tracks.

“Spike! Didn’t you come this way before?” Scoot whispered to the dragon.

“No, I went a different road. The dragons did not fly over this way.” He whispered back. The Sphinx observed the little creatures silently.

“Well what do we do?” Sweetie Belle added. Spike thought for a moment. He had never met a Sphinx before, but he read in Twilight’s books that they are very smart and live for a long time. Perhaps it can be reasoned with.

“Oh great Sphinx! May we please have our compass back?” he asked, bowing and gesturing as if he was addressing royalty. The other ponies all bowed, unsure if it was the right thing to do. Glancing up, Spike saw the Sphinx was smiling at him.

“I am Khafra, guardian of this pass and of many legends of old. Why would a baby dragon and five ponies, wander so far from either’s home, dress alike and cause trouble in my lands?” The Sphinx was a woman, and her smooth voice scared Spike even more. She seemed interested in them. Never a good sign.

“Apologies mighty one. But we were merely passing by…”

“Do not divert from the truth dragon. I may be older but I do not need to be bathed in politeness and words of stature. This is not a court, it is the wild. Now, no creature journeys through these lands without a destination in mind. So tell me, where you are going?” she was not yelling, or mad, but the sternness in her voice made the crusaders tense.

“We’re heading to Tartarus…” Spike said, mumbling the last word, hoping it would not make their situation worse. Khafra raised an interested eyebrow. Her great paws folded on top of one another as if preparing to hear a great tale.

“Go on.” She said earnestly, “Why Tartarus of all places on this earth?”

“We are great explorers seeking adventure!” Pip said standing next to Spike. The Sphinx smiled as Zecora usually did when the crusaders innocence got in the way of their reason.

“Explorers? Well, the innocence of youth blinds all reason. You do know what Tartarus contains?” she asked. The ponies all shook their head. “While a prison for the evils of olden times, it is also a treasure trove of gold and gems like none ever seen before.” Her words made the little ponies eyes widen. Spike was less enthralled. This was not what he remembered Twilight telling him.

“In the lowest pit of the cave, where no light goes, and the warmth of day is gone, lies a treasure greater than that of any other worldly possession.” Khafra could see the little fillies drooling at the prospects of a treasure greater than anything they could imagine. They will become heroes! And defiantly get their Cutie Marks!

“But be warned. The journey to Tartarus is a long a dangerous one. From this spot it is still a three day journey across Draco Mountain where the dragons reside and into the Murky Valley, home of the Mudkips. At the end of the musty forest you will find the great frozen cave where the very air is made of frost and the rock ice. Are you prepared for such a journey?” the great Sphinx eyed the crusaders closely. Her storyteller tone was replaced by skepticism seeing the poorly packed explorers.

“We can do it so long as we stick together!” Apple Bloom stated. The others cheered along with her.

“Can we have our compass back so we can get going?!” Scoot asked, her little wings buzzing. The joy quickly dissipated when Khafra slammed her paw on the ground. The crusaders went quiet almost instantly.

“I cannot let you pass by so easily, little ones. If you pass my test, you will have your compass back. If not… you must return home without it.” The Sphinx folded her paws again.

“Forget this! Come on, let’s go!” Scoot began to walk around the Sphinx’s rock. Khafra had been sitting as still as a statue, suddenly leaped into the air and landed with a loud thud, her front right paw nearly crushing Scoot.

“I cannot allow you to pass until you prove yourselves worthy.” She said, her eyes glowing with malice. Scoot quickly backed up to her comrades’, shaking all over.

“What test?” Spike asked. Just as he finished his sentence, the beetle carrying the compass lifted off and flew over the crusaders, buzzing around the flat land. The ponies all ran after it, yelling at one another to do something. Spike hesitated looking up at Khafra who simply smiled at him.

***{Legacy}***

“I got it! I got it!” Scoot yelled, flying around on her scooter. The beetle was just in front of her. She pushed her wings to the limit, beating them like a bumble bee. The beetle was just out of hoof distance as she reached out for it. The beetle suddenly zipped to the left. Scoot turned to see it fly away. Bam! She hit a rock and went flying, skidding to a halt several meters away.

“Come on guys this way!” Pip said running after the beetle. It turned towards him; he jumped missing it by an inch. Landing on the dusty floor he saw Sweetie Belle and Dinky make a leap for it. They collided in mid air, landing as a pile of dizzy unicorns. Apple Bloom cased the varmint around eyeing it closely. The beetle seemed to be mocking her as it zipped around the area, swaying back and forth in front of her. She was catching up when it turned right into Spike.

“Ahh!!” he yelled, as the two collided. The beetle flying off giggling that it had outdone all of the ponies. Scoot rolled up on her scooter, her face beaten, scraped and bloody from her crash.

“This is impossible!” she yelled.

“If so then leave.” Khafra watched them from her rock as if they were some comedy act. The beetle sped past her making its way back around. “You may leave at any time.”

“Why can’t you just give it to us?” Sweetie Belle made her way over, still wobbly with her collision with Dinky who was being assisted by Pip.

“You have embarked on a great adventure. I cannot make it easy. This is just one of the tests in a series to see if you are worthy of reaching your goal. If you give up this easily, then the treasure of Tartarus is far out of your reach.” The Sphinx taunted them, still holding her great smile. The crusaders regrouped around Apple Bloom, all beaten up and bloodied.

“What can we do? It’s too fast and smart!” Pip asked, looking at his friends. The others seemed stumped, but moreover tired and regretting going on this adventure.

“Cheer up everypony! We can do this! We just have to work together!” Apple Bloom cheered. “We are the crusaders! No task it too big or to hard for us to handle!”

“Yeah!” Everyone cheered.

“Now, let’s try to surround it. Spike and Pip, you go that way, Sweetie Belle and I will go the other way. Scoot, you chase it down. Dinky…” Apple Bloom hesitated for a moment, looking at the expectant pink unicorn, “You think you can shoot it down with your magic?”

“But she…!” Scoot started to say before her mouth was plugged shut with Apple Blooms hoof.

“Absolutely!” Dinky said.

“Alright crusaders! Move out!” the group all sped off to their positions. Scoot mounted her scooter, fastened her helmet and readied her wings. She eyed the beetle buzzing around a rock in the distance.

“Alright. Operation Chase-Down-That-Beetle!” she blasted off from her start position speeding to the beetle. It spotted her and imminently flew off. Scoot was kicking up enough dirt to make it looks like a rodeo was going on. The beetle blasted out of the dirt cloud followed closely by the orange pegasus. Scoot made sure to keep some distance between her and the beetle, remembering what happened last time.

The beetle made a quick right, only to be met by Spike who swiped at it. The beetle made a run for it, but was blocked by Pip who jumped out from behind a rock. Apple Bloom ran alongside it as Sweetie Belle followed from the other side. The beetle made one last attempt for freedom, juking the unicorn and earth pony. Dinky aimed her horn as the beetle fast approached her, Scoot on its tail.

“Shoot it!” the orange pegasus yelled. Bang! A flash of white light shot from the end of Dinky’s horn heading straight for the beetle. Just as the bolt of magic reached the beetle, it side stepped it allowing it to collide with Scoot’s head. The pegasus flew backwards off her scooter, skidding across the ground from the momentum. The scooter itself nearly hit Dinky who jumped out of the way.

“Scoot! Are you okay?” Pip and the others all arrived to their friend’s face buried in the dirt.

“I used a stunning spell. I think she’s out cold!” Dinky gasped. Sure enough, when they rolled over the little pegasus, she was defiantly in la la land.

“Now what?” Sweetie Belle saw the beetle making a few victory laps around a bolder, having outdone them again.

“We have to keep trying!” Apple Bloom encouraged her troops. Morale was low, even for Spike who was beginning to feel that it was a waste of time. “There’s just got to be a way!” The earth pony looked around. Spotting Scoot’s scooter an idea popped into her head. “Guys I got it!” everyone huddled together to hear the plan.

***{Legacy}***

The beetle flew around trying to find the ponies that were chasing it. Its master was still sitting idly by, watching the proceedings like a sporting event. It was all good fun. The beetle would get to keep the shiny new object if it wins. A few close calls here and there but it was all too easy.

As it flew around a bolder, a spotted pony blocked its path. The beetle quickly zoomed away from him only to be blocked by a white unicorn. Turning around presented an earth pony, then another unicorn blocking its way. With only one escape route left, the beetle made a run for it. Zipping past the ponies, the beetle knew it was free. Stupid animals, did they really expect to corner it? The beetle turned back to its current flight path to see a large black object obstructing its view. Bam!

Spike pulled back the scooter he was wielding like a sword to see the beetle twitching on the ground, “I got it!”

The others all ran up to see the beetle mostly crushed having been smacked by a board of wood. Spike picked up the compass, holding it high into the air proclaiming their victory. The crusaders cheered having finally beaten the beetle.

“Well done little ones. Diverting the attention of your foe so that you may attack when their guard was down. Well done indeed.” Khafra walked up to the crusaders. She gently picked up the beetle with her giant paw and examined it.

“Sorry we smashed your beetle.” Dinky said. The others seemed less apologetic.

“It is alright. In time, his wounds will heal and he will have become stronger because of it. Now that you have your compass, you may proceed to Draco Mountain.” She walked back to her rock and sat down, “On your way there you will find an encampment with enough provisions to get you to Tartarus. Good luck little ones.

The crusaders gathered their stuff, put the still unconscious Scootaloo on her scooter which was pulled by Apple Bloom and marched off continuing their adventure. Khafra watched them go with a greedy smile.

***{Legacy of the Alicron: Part I ~ Legend of the All Mother}***

Chapter 8: Trouble in the Griffon Kingdom

Chapter 8
Trouble in the Griffon Kingdom

On the other side of Equestria, the Mane six made their way to the Himalay Mountains. This massive mountain range stretches across the northern and eastern boarders of Equestria acting as the last line of defense between the Equestrian valley and the outside world. The mountains stand so high that it is impossible for anyone to fly over them, that the cold winds that blow through them make it a very hard journey on anyone not properly prepared.

Griffons stand as the largest population in this snow covered world, controlling a vast majority of the mountain range as their kingdom. Other creatures include large bears, goats, tigers and small white dragons which roam the vast white mountainsides. Twilight stood on the edge of the Spirit of Harmony eager to study these creatures that no-pony has studied before.

Viewing the side of the mountain range with a telescope she had borrowed from Pinkie, she searched around for any signs of life. The cool winds blowing off the mountain side prompted the ponies to wear cloaks and coats. Rarity’s fashionable white and blue coat stood apart from her friends. Though for all its fanciness, it was not very practical.

“Twilight! How can you be out here is this cold?” Rarity asked, approaching her friend. She gave a dramatic sneeze as if she was catching a cold.

“It’s not too bad. At least it’s not snowing.” Twilight continued to gaze through her looking glass, a piece of parchment and quill levitated by magic stood waiting.

“Yet the ship is freezing!” Applejack was the only sensible one to be chipping ice from the ship. Even though they were far enough away from the mountains to not get snowed on, the wind was blowing hard enough, and cold enough to freeze the moisture in the air. The earth pony bucked the wooden planks to shatter the ice making the wood creak under the pounding.

“Careful Applejack! If you punch a hole in the deck, then there will be no place warm to go on this yacht.” Rarity shifted her clothing around, trying to stay warm.

“Well if you’d help me. Then maybe I wouldn’t have to hit the thick ice so hard.” Applejack pushed some of the ice she broke off over the edge of the ship. The propellers were warm enough thanks to the steam engine, though the buildup of condensed water was becoming dangerous.

“Oh you know how I am with such labors.” Rarity commented, as if the chore was beneath her, “What about Rainbow Dash or Pinkie Pie?”

“RD says the cold makes her wing hurt. Ima’ thinking that’s more ta do with her being a couch potato. Pinky Pie is cooking us dinner. And…” she stopped to think, “I haven’t seen Fluttershy in a long time.”

“She’s still hiding below deck.” Twilight said un-expectantly. She made a note on her parchment.

“Well if I don’t get help soon, either the propellers are gonna freeze or the ship will get to heavy to fly.” The orange pony looked at Rarity who sighed heavily as if it was the last thing she ever wanted to do.

“Very well. How can I help?” The white unicorn was handed an ice pick by her friend. Together they tried to fight back the buildup of ice, but as they continued onward the winds began to pick up; fighting against their advance. Rarity was the only one who could reach the propellers with the ice pick, so she frantically kept chipping at them. As she worked on a forward one a roaring, thundering sound echoed from around the mountains.

Through her telescope, Twilight just spotted a rare snow leopard, a creature never before studied at this range. She zoomed in on it eager to see what it was doing. Then… it vanished amongst the snow. The unicorn quickly scanned the mountainside to see where it had gone. After a moment the entire mountain became white, as if a blanket had just fallen over it. Turning to her friends she found that the deck behind her was empty with one a meter of visibility around her. The air was filled with a ghostly white powder that seemed impenetrable. It was almost tranquil, but the unnerving silence was starting to get to her.

“Rarity? Applejack?!” Twilight called out to the frosty wonderland around her. Only the ambient creaking of the boat echoed in the emptiness. Twilight’s heart raced, beating the inside of her chest, crying for an escape. She ran around the deck trying to see if they were nearby. Running from starboard to portside, aft to stern, she could not find anypony, just more of the gentle white fog surrounding her.

Trying to make her way back to the steering room, she found herself turned around and nearly leaped off the front of the ship. All around the ship was an eerie limbo that continued on and on. What madness could cause such a phenomenon? Twilight search the recesses of her understanding of weather patterns, but the ponies understanding of it is all based off of when the pegasus make the weather and not wild sudden occurrences.

Twilight sat down on the deck, breathing heavily she tried to remain calm and figure out what to do. A gust of wind rushed across her face nearly knocking her back. Hoping it was Rainbow Dash, Twilight looked around. In the fog a dark figure began making its way to the ship. The purple unicorn smiled, “Oh thank goodness, I thought I was alone!”

The dark shape came closer, and got bigger and bigger, until it covered her entire view. Before she could react, the ship smashed headlong into the side of the mountain, sending the pony flying off of it. Smacking into the side of the mountainside, Twilight slid down the slick snow as wooden planks and rocks fell down with her. She screamed, trying to grab anything around her to stop from sliding, but she would catch them too late. The fog made it hard to doge the rocks and trees that appeared out of nowhere.

Nearly avoiding a collision with a tree, Twilight found herself sliding backwards on her back, her destination before her was quickly appearing until it dropped off. Twilight dug her hooves into the rock, feeing her mittens get shredded. The speed was too great as she flew off the side of the cliff waving her hooves around wildly, hoping some invisible support would save her. The wind rushed around her as she made her way down. Her mind raced faster than ever trying to figure out what to do. Flashes of Spike working during the night, Princess Celestia sitting in the throne room… No! She cannot give up like this! Twilight composed herself and channeled a levitation spell. The ground grew closer and closer below, rushing like a mad banshee.

She closed her eyes and felt something grab her hooves. The air around her slowed and she began moving up. The spell worked! She opened her eyes excitedly but found that her rescue was not of her own doing. Two large griffons wearing white and grey armor nearly blended into the background of the white wonderland.

“Oh thank goodness! I thought I was done for.” Twilight sighed in relief. Griffons and ponies have always been allies as the pegasus would have friendly competitions with them. Griffon warriors would sometimes be called upon by the princess if something bad was happening in the Everfree Forest. The griffon carrying Twilight’s hind legs looked down at her. His helmet was fitted around his beak which had a metal covering.

“Twilight Sparkle. You are under arrest for trespassing in the Griffon Kingdom.”

***{Legacy}***

The Griffon Kingdom is one of the largest realms covering over a hundred square miles across huge mountain ranges, valleys and forests. It is the largest governance in the region, second only to Equestria. Its capitol, Mogal sits on top of mount Gobi which looks across to the highest known mountain in the world: Mount Eversky. Mogal is only accessible by flying to it, as with most Griffon cities, but this city also allows aircraft which delegates from other lands would usually use to reach the high capitol. The entire city is built out of stone and carved into the side of the mountain with most of the larger buildings actually residing in the mountain. It is a place that is hard to find unless there is a guide, and the only creature who can guide is a Griffon.

The Spirit of Harmony was docked in the Royal Mooring. Hovering there it was tied up to the mountainside at the entrance to the King’s Palace by large chains keeping it from floating away. The entire front side of the ship was caved in with much of the hull missing. The two lower decks had a thin layer of snow covering everything. Thankfully none of the engineering was too badly damaged.

In front of the ship stood many Griffon guards, all wearing matching white and grey armor, some holding spears, other bows and arrows. In the middle of the group where the Mane Six, all of whom where shackled and awaiting judgment.

“What the hay is going on!” Rainbow Dash cried out. Her wings were strapped to her chains to keep her from flying off. Even with her broken wing she still attempted to brake free.

“Silence!” one of the guards yelled.

“Uh, such veil hospitality.” Rarity huffed. The six ponies looked up as the double doors leading into the mountain opened to a single Griffon strutting down a long hallway.

“Gilda!” Dash cried happily. The pompous Griffon wore a small coat with the insignia of the Griffon Kingdom embroidered on the chest. She approached the ponies and eyed them.

“The king wishes to see them.” Gilda announced to the guards. A dozen spears lowered as the guards forced the ponies into the mountain.

“Gilda what’s going on?” Dash struggled to keep up with her friend who seemed to be ignoring her. The inside of the mountain held a long tall tunnel that stretched far back and sloped up at a somewhat steep angle. Hundreds of columns support the ceiling with smaller holes in the roof which allows Griffons to easily move in and out of the tunnel. The residence of the mountain looked down at the pony’s forced march through their home.

“Gilda say something to me buddy!” Gilda quickly turned on Dash.

“We are not buddies!” the griffon poked Dash with her sharp claw, “You are the enemy here. If I were you, I’d shove it!” They continued on in silence. The end of the tunnel let out into a large dome opening in the middle of the mountain. A large skylight high above let in enough light to keep the place illuminated. Twilight remembered reading that this used to be a layer of a great dragon before the Griffons fought him off and claimed the mountain as their home. What she did not know is why the Griffons were being so hostile to their long time allies.

The guards forced the group up to a large crystal throne where the Griffon King sat eyeing the ponies with his hawk eyes. The king was a large Griffon whose grey and white feathers showed his age, but betrayed onlookers to the strength he still held. His long red cape and golden crown reminded the ponies of Celestia, though the king was a much more dominating figure.

A court announcer stepped forward. Holding his beak up he announced, “By the laws of the Griffon Kingdom set by the great king Alberok have found these six ponies to be trespassing in Griffon lands without permission…”

“Please you highness we are just passing through we meant…” Twilight plead.

“Silence before the king!” the announcer yelled waving his wing in front of him, “You will speak when spoken to.”

“By your highness, we are on a mission from Princess Celestia!”

“Silence!” the announcer steamed up, his feathers becoming ruffled. The king raised his claw. The room fell silent. Alberok stood slowly, the other Griffons in the room all bowed low as he made his way forward.

“Your Princess is quite a secretive one isn’t she?” the great griffon asked.

“What do you mean?” Twilight was confused. The last time she had seen the Griffon King he had been nice and kind to the ponies, now with daggers in his eyes it seemed there was a deep hatred that had finally come out.

“For as long as our histories have been intertwined, never has our two races ever been in strife. Until recently I would have gladly let you pass through my kingdom unhindered in your quest. Mayhap even given you supplies. But now… now a different story is being told.”

“We Griffons have a pact with you ponies that keeps our borders safe from creatures and monsters that wish to destroy us. Now, the capitol is threatened by creatures from the depths of the earth. We have asked for aid from Celestia, and you know what she did? Nothing!” Alberok slammed his fist on the ground, “Of all the insults a Royal can give, refusing to answer a cry for help is one of the worst.”

“Maybe she just hasn’t gotten around to it?” Applejack suggested.

“Oh you naive ponies. I thought of that… over a season ago. Now I have grown bitter at your kind. Thinking of yourselves as higher than other creatures.

“That’s not fair, we were dealing with the changelings not but a few weeks ago!” Rarity said.

“Yeah! That was fun! I mean… dangerous.” Pinkie exclaimed.

“Please your highness. I don’t know why Princess Celestia has refused to give you aid, but it must be for some reason. She sees all creatures of the earth as being equal to one another.” Twilight pleaded. Alberok eyed her, deciding if she was lying or not.

“Very well. Even though I have sent many an ambassador, I will send another with note of your capture. In the meantime, for entering my lands unannounced, I must punish you in some way.” The king began to stroll back to his throne.

“What!” the ponies cried.

“Gilda. You know them the best. Choose who will go with Twilight and stop the demons from below.”

Gilda turned to the ponies with a smile. She walked straight up to Dash and looked her in the eyes, “Your goanna stay here.”

Rainbow Dash angrily snorted out of puff of steam. Gilda pointed at Applejack and Rarity, “You too are also staying.” The griffon eyed Pinkie Pie who was smiling broadly, “Make that three.” Gilda finished.

“Wait you can’t send Fluttershy!” Rainbow Dash cried out.

“Silence! The choices have been made. Lead them to the tunnel. If they should fail the rest of you will go in after them.

“What a brutal punishment. You could hardly call this civilized.” Rarity whispered as Twilight and Fluttershy followed Gilda out of the hall, though a dark passage to whatever fate awaited them.

***{Legacy}***

The tunnel led deep down into the heart of the great mountain where the ambiance of the outside world ceased to exist. The eerie silence of the caves made the ponies ears ring, unaccustomed to the absence of sound. Twilight used magic to give off enough light to see each other in the total darkness of the underworld. She continued on determined to continue her mission; her companion was less enthusiastic.

“Come of Fluttershy.” the unicorn encouraged, “The faster we do this, the faster we can get going.”

“Twilight…wh..what do you think is down here?” the timid pegasus whispered. She was more or less crawling next to her friend.

“Um… I don’t know. I’ve only read stories from the Canterlot Archives about creatures from ancient times that reside deep in the earth. Why the Griffons were digging this far down I don’t know, but let’s deal with this quickly so we can get out of here.” Twilight looked behind her to see Fluttershy cowering just outside of the light.

“Come on Fluttershy. You once tamed a Manticor! And that Dragon! You can do anything you put your mind to.”

“But that was outside. This is in a dark… scary cave, with no sunlight or flowers… I want to go home.” Fluttershy whimpered. Twilight sighed, but understood her friends’ plight. They were very far from home, and most of them did not even what to go on this mission in the first place.

“I know… and I’m sorry I dragged you along on this mission. But we embody the Elements of Harmony; we are the vanguard of all of ponidum. If there is trouble we must confront it and stop it, even if it means risking our own lives.” Reaffirming her position on the matter, Twilight continued on.

“Do you think we will make it back?” the pegasus whispered. Twilight stopped in her tracks. The Princess would never send them on a mission that was deadly… would she? Twilight turned and opened her mouth to speak. Rocks tumbled down from the ceiling, tapping on the unicorns head. Looking around, the walls were shaking as a low rumbled began to grow within the walls.

Fluttershy squeaked when a rock fell on her head, “What’s happening?”

“The caverns becoming unstable! It’s collapsing! We need to move now!”

“I can’t move!” Fluttershy was glued to the ground. Twilight picked her up with magic and rested her friend on her back. The rumbling grew louder and louder, more rocks crumbled from the ceiling. Twilight ran as fast as she could, the darkness of the cave began to lighten up around them. Cracks in the walls and floor began to glow orange, steam raised from the cracks as a strong smell of rotting eggs filled the air.

Twilight tired to hold her breath as the stench became more and more potent to the point where she could barely breathe. Remembering a spell she learned, she formed two blue bubbles of magic and placed one around hers and Fluttershy’s mouth providing them with clean air. All around, the cave seemed to be collapsing in on itself. Twilight looked around frantically. There were dozens of passages that seemed to lead nowhere, or loop around on one another. Running down one that seemed the most stable, she found light and instinctively ran to it.

At the end of the cave was a cavern that could fit all of Canterlot inside with room to spare. Huge columns of black rock rose up from lava filled pits stretching into the endless darkness above. Magma poured from the walls and larger columns as the lava below billowed and bubbled with ferocious heat that burned several hundred meters away.

“Are you seeing this?” Twilight yelled over the roaring of the lava around them. Fluttershy was too preoccupied with her hooves over her eyes to answer. As naturally awe inspiring as the cavern was, the path Twilight was on seemed to have been constructed leading over the lake of boiled rock and earth. She slowly ventured down the path, the heat of the room sweltered to an unimaginable level. The very ground felt like the surface of the sun.

In the middle of the vast cavern, a large mountain was posed, seemingly raised out of the lava by some force. Twilight looked around, the path ended here. She so badly wanted to sit down but knew the ground would burn her flank. The weight of Fluttershy along with the heat was sapping her energy and will to continue.

“It looks like this is the end.” Twilight said kicking Flutterhsy off her back. The timid pegasus barley touched the ground before screaming and jumping up in the air.

“Oh my! Twilight, are you okay?” she asked hovering next to her friend. Twilight grumbled using what strength she had to put magical pad on her hooves, which were only able to lessen the pain by a little.

“This is as far as we can go, and we still haven’t found the monsters or whatever.” Twilight paced around looking at all of the magma. If she was not in such a hurry this would be a great time to explore and study the underground world. Now it just feels like a death trap. “I have never wanted to be in snow so badly.”

“What do we do now?” the pegasus asked.

“I don’t know!” Twilight screamed. Her voice echoed loudly around the cavern. Somewhere far off, a bolder dislodged from the wall and collapsed in to the lake of lava.

“Uh… Twilight…” Fluttershy whimpered. All around them the rocks seemed to be moving, but they were not normal shaped rocks. No bigger than a dog, thousands of creatures with sharp obsidian legs and bodies shakily moved towards the intruders. The two ponies stood back to back, prepared to defend themselves. The creatures bared their knife like teeth; their bodies glowed with the heat of magma boiling within them.

“These must be the monsters! Oh why didn’t Princess Celestia tell us about the Griffons?!” Twilight prepared for the worst. There was no way they were getting out of this. A monster jumped at her, she quickly used a magical shield. Instead of blocking the creature, it exploded on the shield pouring lava all over it. The other monsters moved in for the kill.

“I’m sorry Fluttershy!” Twilight yelled. Every adventure she had with her friends flashed before her. This adventure was turning out far worse than even Luna predicted. If ever they got out of this, Twilight promised herself that she would never let go of her friends.

A deafening roar sent a blast of wind emanating from the mountain next to them. Several dozen of the obsidian monsters exploded from the force sending magma splashing everywhere. The rest retreated back to their hiding places. Twilight opened an eye, they were safe. She gave a small chuckle, but her happiness was soon stamped out as the mountain next to them came alive.

Red hot magma coursed through the mountain as it moved. Excess rock crumbled off of it, two arms shattered the sides as boulders were sent flying around the cavern. Large wings sprang out of the back as lava poured off of them like mist from a waterfall. A large face covered with horns formed out of the crumbling earth in the front with a slit snake like nose. The heat exhausting out of the nose and obsidian jaws was enough to warp the air around it, superheating it and causing it to flee in terror. It was hard to tell, but the monster before the two small ponies was a dragon, seemingly made of rock and lava. The creature puts its two large claws on the small ground that the ponies where standing on. It bent down low, its face bigger than ten ponies put together. Heat blasting out of the creature seemed hotter than the lava around them.

“You are children of the All Mother.” The monster surmised. Its glowing eyes of pure heat gazed at them.

“Who... are you?” Twilight asked, though she felt she should more say ‘what are you?’

“I am Belfagor, Master of the Underworld. I have been slumbering here sense the Great Griffon King slew my weaker form eons ago. I am now one with the earth, my flesh made stone, my blood turned into liquid rock of hell fire. You said Celestia. This name I know from a past I have thought long forgotten, the first daughter of the All Mother. We have fought many battles in the past.” The monster spoke with a growling, vaporous voice. Every time he opened his mouth, the ponies could see the white hot heat emanating in the back of his throat.

“How do you know the Princess?”

“Long ago, only we immortals roamed the earth. I was created from the might of the Great Dragon Lord Typhon. Celestia was born the child of the All Mother. We waged a mighty war that lay waste to the world of you puny mortals. The war was nearly won, but my lord was brought down by the All Mother. It seems that their legacy has gone from the world if you, the offspring of the All Mothers work no not of their existence.”

Twilight could not believe what she was hearing, “The All Mohter? Lord Typhon? I don’t understand.”

“This is beyond your comprehension mortal. Know only that I have been awakened and will continue on my quest to find my lord, and destroy all that is the creation of the All Mother. Celestia will face me once again. Now that I am fused with the powers of the under-earth she will fall before my might!” Belfagor raised his hand and brought it down on the two little ponies. The land crumbled under his mighty hand. Moving it aside, he saw that they were gone. Flying in the air nearby, the yellow pegasus was carrying the purple unicorn, “Fools! Submit to your fate!”

Fluttershy tried her hardest to stay up, but all her effort was not enough to lift her friend. Twilight waved her hooves around, “Fluttershy fly higher, were sinking!”

“I’m sorry Twilight, but you’re too heavy!” Fluttershy strained her wings as hard as she could. The tears flowing from her eyes quickly turned to steam. Twilight thought hard, then remembered the spell she used one everyone when they went to Cloudsdale. The lava got closer and closer as she concentrated on the spell. The lava licked at them as Fluttershy suddenly felt the weight she was carrying disappear. Afraid that she had dropped her friend she looked down only to see that Twilight had made herself light as a feather.

“Come on! We can’t let him escape!” Twilight rallied her friend. Fluttershy agreed. All fear she had before was gone now. There was no way she was going to let this monster out to destroy everything she loved! They flew around as Belfagor waved his huge molten hands at them swatting at an annoying fly.

“You will not survive mortals! Lord Typhon will return!” he yelled. Twilight charged a bolt of magical energy and fired at him. While it normally would have knocked out a normal pony, the blast barely chipped a few rocks off of Belfagor’s mighty form.

“What are we going to do?” Fluttershy yelled dogging another swipe.

“Puny mortals. The All Mother was weak for creating creatures such as yourself. You have no chance of survival. Now die!” Belfagor opened his mouth shooting a stream of lava out at the ponies coating the walls of the cavern. Fluttershy flew as fast as she could to avoid the hot death. Twilight did her best to shield them from the heat, but dogging the attacks forever would do them no good. Belfagor grew tired of their games and began picking up islands of rock the size of three story buildings from the lake of lava. Fluttershy personified Rainbow Dash and caressed the side of one as if flew past, crashing against the ceiling with the force of a meteor causing it to shower down even smaller rocks.

“That’s it! Fluttershy fly around the roof. We’ll collapse it on top of him!” Twilight yelled. She tempted Belfagor by shooting magical bolts at him. Angered, he threw more boulders at them, even swiping at the columns sending shards of obsidian at them. The small monsters hid amongst the shards jumping out at the ponies as they flew around. Twilight used all her magical ability to shoot them down and shield against the flying rocks. The attacks were getting closer and closer as Fluttershy began to slow down, “I can’t keep going Twilight!”

“Just hang in there!” Twilight encouraged. She fired a shot right at Belfagor’s eye. He roared in pain, causing a small earthquake to rock the cavern. Leaping out of the lava lake, Belfagor prepared to face the ponies himself. His magma wings sent liquid rock everywhere, even killing the obsidian monsters. Raising his fist for an attack, Twilight helped Flutterhsy doge it by taking the weightlessness spell off. They sunk under Belfagor’s attack as he’s fist smashed into the ceiling of the cavern. The entire roof crumbled atop the molten dragon sending him falling into the lava lake. The ponies made a brake for it. A rock pegged Fluttershy in the head knocking her out. Now in free fall with boulders falling around them, and the lake of lava getting closer with every second, Twilight concentrated as hard as she could.

Her concentration was broken when Belfagor swiped at them. His attack missed, but the wind was enough to knock them sideways. The giant monster crashed down in the lake of lava, his head exploding as it smashed as it was crushed by the falling ceiling. Twilight could feel her mind starting to go black. She had to act fast, concentrate! They were flying to the wall, closer and closer, Fluttershy’s lifeless body swinging about like a rag doll. Twilight grabbed her, then… poof.

***{Legacy}***

“That’s it! I’m going in after them!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed after feeling the tenth earthquake in the last few minutes. She marched to the dark tunnel she saw her friends disappear into. Applejack grabbed her tail holding her back.

“Now hold on! We can’t give up yet.” The orange pony said with a mouth full of rainbow tail.

“It’s been over three hours…” Rarity said doubtfully. Even Pinkie Pie was looking sorrowful. Her normally puffy cotton candy hair lay flat and slick against her head. Dash looked over at Gilda standing next to the steps of the throne. The pegasus jumped on her once long time friend pinning her to the ground.

“What did you do? Send them to their death!” Dash snorted out frost from her nostrils.

“No! I just did what I was told!” Gilda pushed Dash off of her, “Get over yourself.”

“I have heard what you and your friends can do. I’m sure they can handle themselves.” Alberok said from atop his throne.

“We could only do that because we all worked together!” Dash exclaimed.

“Yeah! Our friendship is what let us stop Nightmare Moon, and Discord!” Applejack stood up next to her friend, “We if ain’t all in it together, then we ain’t in it at all!”

“So be it…” the king was about to say. A loud pop, followed by the buzzing of electricity and a surge of magical energy exploded in the throne room. Appearing suddenly was Twilight and Fluttershy who flew across from the teleportation origin landing atop Rainbow Dash and Applejack. The entire room was in awe.

“There alive!” Pinkie Pie cheered hopping over to her friends, her hair instantly puffing back up in its usual luster.

“Oh my! They’re hurt! Quick get some bandages!” Rarity cried. While alive, the two ponies looked much the worse for wear. Both where soot covered and smelt of burnt flesh. Fluttershy wasn’t moving, and Twilight was so exhausted that she could not even sit up.

“Twilight what happened?” Applejack asked, holding up her friend. Dash and Rarity were attempting to revive Fluttershy.

“It… was… big… monster… Belfagor…” Twilight huffed out in-between breaths.

“Belfagor?! The demon from the depths? Not in my lifetime did I ever expect to hear that name uttered in such a way. You faced him?” Alberok had descended his throne, and seemed concerned and amazed. Gilda stood off to the side shocked.

“He lived… deep in the mountain… Created the monsters… we stopped him…”

“How?”

“We collapsed the ceiling of a cavern on him… Shattered him… Teleported back. All the little monsters are buried with him.”

“You did all that?” Dash said surprised.

Twilight shook her head, “No… Fluttershy dodged all his attacks. She saved us both.”

“I have underestimated you ponies. My apologies. If the two of you could kill the mighty Belfagor what took my ancestor years to do then you have my just respect. I will have your vessel repaired imminently and provision given for your quest.” Alberok began yelling out orders to his subordinates.

Gilda approached the ponies looking uneasy, “I guess I was wrong to. You guys are… alright.” She blushed and quickly walked away as if she was told to do something. At that moment, Fluttershy’s eyes opened to the smiling faces of her friends. She jumped up breathing heavily looking around.

“The floor is lava! Watch out!” she yelled. The others all laughed.

“It’s okay Fluttershy we made it out.” Twilight said weakened.

“You did it!” Dash jumped at her long time friend giving her a tight hug. Fluttershy blushed as everyone laughed.

***{Legacy}***

After a few days rest, The Spirit of Harmony was repaired and in brand new working order. The Griffons even added extra shielding on the hulls and better heating to prevent anything from freezing. Alberok was entirely in their dept and wished that they would come back again to celebrate the victory.

As the ponies all boarded the ship, Twilight had one burning question poking at her mind. She approached Alberok on the dock in front of the ship, “I’ve been meaning to ask you. Do you know who the Great Dragon Lord Typhon is?”

“I cannot say that I have heard that name. Why?” the king said taken aback.

“Belfagor kept saying that he was going to complete the work of his master Lord Typhon. He also said that Typhon fought someone called the All Mother who created us.”

“Strange. I have never heard of any of this. Our history is as long as you’re and I know there is no mention of any of these names. But whoever this Typhon is, I wish never to meet him.”

“Belfagor also said that he once fought against Celestia. Did she help your ancestor fight him?”

“This I know not to be true. The Great Griffon King was alone when fighting Belfagor. If Celestia had once fought the monster, it must have been sometime in the distant past.”

“One more thing. What do you know about the Seer of Fates.” Twilight asked. This question caused the kings eyes to widen.

“If that is your quest Twilight Sparkle I must warn you. Many a creature have ventured across the sea in search of the Seer of Fates, very few have returned. I have heard tales that the Seer of Fates knows all that has, is, and will happen in the world. Be careful when and if you meet them. You may not like what you hear.” The king’s warning only made Twilight more uneasy, but she was determined more than ever to unravel the mystery that has been set before her.

“Thank you sire. I hope all will be well in your kingdom from now on.”

“No thank you demon slayer. Your deeds shall not go unforgotten.” The king shook Twilights hoof before she boarded the ship. The engines fired up and launched off from the dock. All the Griffons waved after it as a few guards flew along with it, helping lead the ship out of the mountains and on the right path to the sea.

When she ship was out of sight, Gilda approached Alberok, “Father, what did she ask you?”

“A great many things I wish not to come true. Let us hope they find what they are looking for, or else we might all be in grave trouble.”

***{Legacy of the Alicorn: Part I ~ Legend of the All Mother}***

Chapter 6: The Multiverse Theory

Chapter 6
The Multiverse Theory

Manehatten was the busiest city in Equestria rivaled only by Canterlot. Thousands of ponies come here every day to seek fortunes and strike it rich in the business capitol of Ponydum. Many of the great companies that supply the goods and services across Equestria lie here, the largest being Spark Industries. Founded by Spark after he began creating armor and weapons for the Royal Guard and helping to develop technologies which help ponies live better lives. His company produces everything from cheap tools to anything that is mechanical in some way shape or form. He soon moved on to develop technologies that will change ponydom forever. As such a major manufacture in Equestria, the large compound of buildings is positioned just outside of the city next to the Camarillo River so that anypony heading into the city can see the grandeur of industry. On the far side of the city which sticks out into the Vast Sea and is bordered by the Camarillo River forming a peninsula, the two hundred foot, all steel Spark Tower stood dominating the skyline.

It is here that Dr. Whooves finds himself frequenting. Riding through the city in his new motorized carriage with his assistant, many ponies stopped to admire his strange machine. Improved from the last design which often over heated and exploded, this one was much safer, and could travel twice the speed of a running pony. Eventually, he hoped that they would replace drawn carriages all together. Unfortunately he could only ride it if Sparkler was with him, because the engine was powered by magic. He had to figure out how to make magic readily available for use in machines all across Equestria seeing as how two thirds of the population are not unicorns.

“Do you know what you’re going to be talking about?” Sparkler asked, looking at her mentor with goggles on as their vehicle had no windshield.

“Somewhat. I assume the princess wants to talk about my research into using magic as a form of energy. I’m hoping Spark will find it interesting enough to fund as well.” The doctor replied, pressing his hoof against the side horn, warning ponies of his rapid approach.

“Why wouldn’t he?”

“Well. For a long time now he has been looking into something called oil. It is buried deep within the earth and is made up of deceased animals and plants from millions of years ago. My problem is that it is just too smelly, dirty, requires constant maintenance and will eventually run out. But magic is an endless source. Maybe I can talk some sense into the stubborn mule.” All his life, the doctor had been in friendly competition with Spark. While they were both geniuses in their own right, Spark preferred to find the cheapest, easiest way to solve a problem and make the most profit out of it. The doctor preferred the slower approach to solve the problem outright, looking more in the long term then in the short.

Though he was beginning to feel that maybe Spark was the better stallion then he. Spark had all the money and power, with thousands of employees and dozens of contracts, a laboratory the size of a hospital, and enough assistants that he has one to press his shirts, he seemed a formidable foe. Dr. Whooves, on the other hoof, was working out of his homemade shed he had built in the back of his house with his niece as an assistant.

But the two were never swore at one another, as they both accepted each other’s work as being valid and necessary for the continued evolution of science and technology. Dr. Whooves just feared that his friend was looking too narrowly and was missing the big picture that could send everything into a downward spiral if thrown out of balance.

He stopped his motorized carriage in front of Spark Tower. The valet colt walked up and looked at the carriage with awe and confusion as to how he was going to move it.

“Just leave it here, and keep an eye on it. I don’t think anyone is going to take it.” the Doctor said, taking the ticket from the colt.

The inside of Spark tower was mostly hollow. The first several dozen floors were open with rooms connected to walkways along the wall, leaving a large space in the middle for a huge statue. The statue consisted of an Earth Pony, a Pegasus and a Unicorn standing heroically together, the light from the cathedral windows along the back side shined down on them as if they were made from the heavens. A golden plaque at the base read…

With science we ponies will be,
Brought up from the earth, heavens and seas,
To better our lives,
And change the world,
United we stand,
As Spark Industries.

A few dozen ponies who were visiting admired the statue and took pictures. It was a sight to behold, but Dr. Hooves did not like the idea of ponies considering themselves above the other species. It was all very elitist and corporate. The doctor preferred the philosophy that science and information should be available to all, and not charged a price for its use.

He led his assistant to one of the many elevators lining the wall. Shutting the grate, he pushed for the top floor; Penthouse as it said next to the button. The elevator shook, steadily climbing upwards. It was not very fast, but a heck of a lot better than walking.

“Wow, I feel like a Pegasus up here!” Sparkler said looking down. All the ponies in the atrium grew smaller and smaller until they looked like ants. They rose up next to the statue which was so tall it would seem that birds were nesting on the heads. But before they could see, they entered into a tunnel. The little light in the elevator turned on as they passed by different floors, each one dedicated to some kind of office space, storage area, meeting rooms, development or research labs. The elevator came to a stop on the top floor. A green unicorn mare sat behind a desk looking over several papers, her glasses sat halfway down her nose. She glanced up at the two exiting the elevator.

“Ah, Dr. Whooves. I’ll let Mr. Spark know your here.” She pushed on a buzzer, “Mr. Spark, the doctor is in.”

“Good send him through.” came a voice from the speaker. The attendant pushed another button which moved the four piston driven door openers to automatically open the thick wooden double doors leading to Spark’s office. The two visitors did not hesitate to walk in.

Spark’s office looked more like a very large living room. Spacious and well lit by the walls being windows, the room was very clean and modern looking. Couches and cushioned chairs took the places of standard office chairs and stools. A glass bar on the far side of the room held many expensive liquors and bottles of cider. A series of pipes poked out of the wall next to the bar as did a mean looking bird who eyed the guests closely.

A large balcony stretched outside overlooking the city. A red carpet was laid out supposedly for the princess’ arrival. The tops of the Spark Tower sign were visible looking out at all of Manehatten. On its opposite side, the Vast Sea stood silent stretching onward to the horizon. Spark himself was looking out at the sea. His velvet white waistcoat contrasted well with his azure coat and blue mane. On his flank, the all familiar white light contained within a circle of gold which Spark used as his company symbol. The same symbol that adorned all his products; followed by an italicized: Spark Industries.

Dr. Whooves loudly cleared his throat. Spark turned around and smiled, “Ah! Doctor, you made it!” the blue stallion cheered. Sparkler looked at her mentor confused; she was returned with a simple shake of the head.

“So good to see you after all this time! What have you been up to?” Spark shook his friends hoof with glee. The sharply trimmed beard on his chin gave him an air of sophisticated scruffiness.

“Just working to make the world a better place.” The doctor replied. Spark did not pay attention to his answer, instead eyeing the young mare next to his friend.

“And who might this be?” Spark picked up Sparkler’s hoof and gently kissed it, keeping his eyes on hers.

“My assistant.” The doctor pushed Spark’s hoof away.

“Sparkler.” The mare replied blushing.

“The pleasure is all mine.” Spark bowed. When he finished curtsying, his face turned serious, “Now doctor, I understand that you are here because the princess wished to meet with us.”

“That is correct.” The brown stallion followed Spark as his assistant stood ogling the billionaire pony.

“Did she say why?” Spark stepped behind the bar and began making himself a drink. He motioned to his friend if he wanted one.

The doctor waved a hoof in front of him, “I assume it has something to do with magical energy.”

“You still on about that? When’s the last breakthrough you’ve had on that? Two years ago? Give it up. You don’t have the resources or the help to figure it out. No one dose.”

“Oh, and oil is the future?” Dr. Whooves said angrily. Spark just glanced up and him before putting a garnish on his drink.

“Look, oil may not be the best scientific method. I’ll admit it, magical energy is the ultimate energy source, but there is just no way we can get to that now. Baby steps my dear doctor, baby steps.”

“If the princess would let me study the Elements of Harmony…”

“But she won’t. I’ve tried to and she has refused me time and time again. For now, I have moved on to other methods.”

“Like polluting the earth?” Dr. Whooves eyed Spark closely. The blue stallion walked over to the balcony to look out at the city.

“Look out there doctor, what do you see? Progress. That’s what that it. We can no longer live by pony power alone, we must move beyond, and if that means using something that is corrosive to the environment, then so be it.”

“You can’t be serious!”

“Doctor listen to me! I have to run a business. I can’t go off inventing gadgets and pouring my life into a single work all the time. I have to answer to my investors and backers here and in Canterlot. With oil we can create a whole new generation of machines to power our industry. I plan to have total control of the substance, its distribution and the products that use it so that it won’t get to crazy. With the monopoly, I can turn to matters such as your research.”

“You don’t give a damn about my research! You just want to make money like every other rich ostentatious pony!” Sparkler gasped, having never seen the Doctor so angry. Spark gave a reluctant sigh. He admired Dr. Whooves, he was defiantly twice the scientist Spark was, but he just did not have the grandiose vision of capital gain and control. Glancing back out the window he spotted a small dot flying over the city.

“The princess is here. I suggest we get it together and look appropriate.”

***{Legacy}***

Derpy returned home after a late night shift of mail deliveries. With the Doctor and Sparkler gone, the house was very quiet. Entering through the window to her room, she hovered over to the bed before plopping down, tired as a dog. After several minutes, her ears perked up. Something was wrong.

Getting up she crept out of her room and down the hall. The house was still. None of the pipes gurgled, nor the floor boards squeaked, nor the machines clank. She stood in the silence waiting for any peep. She spotted the door to Dinky’s room slightly ajar in the darkness. Derpy poked her head in. The room was clean as usual, but empty. Dinky was always waiting for her mother to return home from work. Always jumping on her exhausted mother when she was laying down. They would roll around on the bed laughing then take a nap.

She rummaged around the room thinking that she was hiding; nothing. Moving downstairs she searched the kitchen, living room, study, bath, and even the parlor. All were devoid of ponies. She looked at the calendar to see if something was happening at school. Her childish writing was scribbled all across the dates, but there was nothing.

Derpy hurried to the laboratory, feeling that this was not good. Searching through all of the equipment, she accidently activated one causing it to backfire on her blowing black soot all over her. After coughing up a fare amount of smoke, she still came up empty. Exiting out of the hole she made the day before, she flew off to town feeling that maybe Dinky was with her friends.

Flying over the filly school, Derpy spotted Cheerilee outside watering. Derpy quickly flew down in a hurry. “Miss. Cheerilee!” she yelled. The purple earth pony looked up to see Derpy frantically flying to her. She ducked just in time to avoid the mail mare, who rolled across the ground, coming to a stop a few meters away.

“Oh. Mrs. Whooves. Are you alright? Why are you all black?” Cheerilee asked trotting over to Derpy. The grey mare jumped up and looked directly into the other’s eyes. “Where is Dinky!” she said frantically.

“Uh… I don’t know. We did not have class today. She might be at the library study…” before the teacher could finish, Derpy had already taken off for the library.

The door to the library was locked, all the lights were out. Derpy banged her hooves against it hysterically trying to bust it open. Several ponies were watching her, but only Golden Harvest walked over to her from her stand, carrot apron on, a motherly look on her face. “Derpy, what’s wrong?”

“Dinky’s gone!” Derpy cried out. Tears streamed down her eyes leaving trails in the black soot on her face.

“What? What do you mean?”

“She’s gone! I can’t find her anywhere!” Derpy fell to her best friends hooves crying into the dirt. This was the first time Golden had seen her in this state. The other ponies nearby where staring. Watching the scene, Lyra and Bon Bon made their way over.

“What’s going on?” Lyra asked watching Derpy on the floor.

“Dinky’s gone missing.” Golden Harvest yelled over her friends crying.

“They might have gone to the Apple orchard. Pipsqueak sometimes talks about a hideout there.” Bon Bon said. This snapped Derpy out of her depression as she shot up from the ground and blasted off to Sweet Apple Acers. The three other ponies looked at each other before running after her.

Big Mac was busy bucking a grove of trees, the apples expertly falling into the baskets below. He whipped his brow and though of how much easier this would be if Applejack was here. Looking up at the sun to see what time it was, he spotted a pony flying straight towards him. Before he could react, Derpy flew right into the tree he was bucking getting caught up in all of the branches. She hung down, one of her back hooves caught in a branch.

“Have you seen Dinky?” the grey mare covered in soot said breathing heavily. Big Mac turned and bucked the tree. Derpy feel to the ground with a thud, but seemed relatively unhurt. “Nope.” was his response. The grey mare started to cry. Big Mac looked around, not quite sure what to do. He reached over and patted the poor pony on the shoulder in an attempt to comfort her. His effort seemed only to cause her more grief.

“Derpy!” Golden Harvest yelled as she, Lyra and Bon Bon ran over the hill. Big Mac looked worried as if they’ll think he made her cry.

“Big Mac. Where is the hideout that the fillies go to?” Bon Bon asked.

“In the back of the orchard. But it’s empty. I just checked.” He responded. Derpy cried out louder.

“Is Apple Bloom here?”

“Nope. Don’t know where she is.”

“That’s funny. When I went to Rarity’s Boutique it was closed. I think Sweetie Belle is gone too.” Lyra said.

“And with the library closed, Spike must be gone to.” Bon Bon added.

“Come to think of it where is Pip and Scootaloo. They usually run around town when Rainbow Dash is gone.” Golden Harvest thought.

“What’s all the ruckus going on over here?” Granny Smith made her way over looking at all the ponies in her field.

“Sorry Granny, but Derpy can’t find Dinky.” The orange mare said hugging Derpy who was crying into her coat.

“Dinky whose that?”

“She’s a little pink unicorn. Is friends with Apple Bloom.” Lyra explained.

“Oh that’s right. The little British pony always following her around. Well they came by yesterday and asked if they could barrow some apples for some trip. Oh those little fillies always looking for trouble.” Granny Smith chuckled to herself.

“Did they say where they were going?” Bon Bon asked.

“Oh what was it… Tartor… Tarner, Tartar…”

“Tartarus?” Big Mac said worried.

“That’s it!” Granny Smith smiled. The other ponies gasped. Granny Smith suddenly came to the realization of what she was saying, “Oh dang it.”

“I must go after her!” Derpy said. She attempted to take off, but was tackled by the others. It took all three of the mares to hold her down.

“Derpy stop! You can’t go alone!” Golden Harvest yelled.

“I got to save Dinky!” Derpy attempted to claw herself away from her friends like an animal evading capture.

“Derpy! You need to go tell the Doctor! He’ll know what to do!” Harvest said. Derpy turned to her long time friend who was like a sister to her. “The rest of us will go look for the fillies. Right?” she turned to the others who all nodded. Derpy gave a sniffling nod and wiped the tears from her face smearing the soot even more.

“We’ll bring her back safely. I promise.” The two best friends hugged.

“Thank you sis.” Derpy whispered. Golden Harvest was always looking out for her, even in the worst of circumstances. The grey mare waved goodbye before flying off to Manehatten. When she was gone, Lyra and Bon Bon turned to Carrot Top. “We could have used her you know?” Bon Bon said.

“Trust me. You don’t want Derpy with you on a search on rescue.” Harvest reassured.

“Now what.” Lyra asked.

“Big Mac, are you up for it?” Harvest asked the big stallion. He looked at Granny Smith who waved her hoof, “I’ll get the rest of the apple family over here to do the harvestin you go n’ get Apple Bloom back!”

“Alright then. Let’s get going.”

“But we don’t even know how to get to Tartarus.” Bon Bon said.

“No. But we know somepony who might.”

***{Legacy}***

Princess Celestia’s chariot gracefully landed on the balcony of Spark Tower to the attendance of Spark, Dr. Whooves and Sparkler. The princess stepped off her chariot, looking as regal as ever, and approached her subjects with a graceful gait.

“Good to see you Spark.” She said nodding her head to him.

The blue stallion gave a low bow. “The same, princess.”

“I am glad you could come to Doctor, and Miss. Sparkler.”

“Always a pleasure.” Dr. Whooves said. With the formalities out of the way, the group headed indoors. The Doctor noticed that the four Pegasus guards who pulled the chariot stood around it facing outward, at the ready. Normally they would just stay hooked up to the chariot waiting for the princess to return. Inside Spark’s office, the Princess took a seat on one of the lounge chairs facing her subjects who sat facing her.

“Now I know it must be strange that I have summoned you here.” She said to Dr. Whooves.

“Not at all princess. I come here at least once a month. I’ve been due a visit.” He replied. Spark raised an eyebrow at him. While it was true that the Doctor came here to do work and that they did not usually meet on such occasions. He was being very cordial with the princess; most likely to score a few points in his favor. Spark decided not to say anything, as he hoped the princess would see them as friends and not constantly arguing all the time. It would not be good if their disagreements were known by the leader of the land.

“Well I’m glad that I have not burdened you. It must be hard to leave your family constantly for your work.” The princess seemed sincere in her comment, though Dr. Whooves felt that it was strange.

“It can be. But I know that they will always be home when I return.”

“Family is important. They give us the strength to do what we ourselves believe is impossible. Without them, we are alone in this world.” While she was talking to the Doctor, he could not help but feel that she was talking about something else. The distant look in her eyes could be mistaken for tiredness, but having a family, he knew that it was depression caused by some deep rooted memory. Derpy usually had that look whenever she remembered her parents. She would never tell him what happened, always shuttering and coiling back when he did. So he figured whatever was eating at the princess, it was better not to ask.

“Yes it is. My family is very important to me, and their support fuels me to continue my work.” He said bravely. Spark gave a small cough. As a man without a family, this was all rather boring to him.

“Yes, family is good. But might I inquire as to why you have called this meeting to order.” Spark said.

“Ah yes. Apologies. I have heard from others in the scientific community that you Doctor, have come up with a theory of some kind.” The princess’ voice returned to its usual luster.

“You mean my magical energy theory?” Dr. Whooves said excitedly. Was she finally going to let him study the Elements of Harmony?

“No, unfortunately I cannot let you continue that research.” She said flatly.

“But… why?” he looked at her astonished. Even Spark was surprised. Sparkler held her hooves up to her mouth in shock. The princess hesitated for a moment looking at the brown stallion before her. She was choosing her next words wisely.

“The Elements of Harmony are sacred artifacts that have been put under my stewardship. I cannot allow you to do any harm to them.”

“But… they could be the answer to endless power!”

“Which is why they must never be used in such a way. I have read you research, and you are right, magic is the ultimate source of energy. But all that responsibility cannot be given to one pony. I am sorry, but I must deny you this. In compensation, the Royal Academy will fund you in any other work you might be doing.” She finished with a small smile, but the damage had been done. The Doctor was broken on the inside.

Without the Elements of Harmony there was no way his research would ever achieve the goal of free energy. He tried to think about it, but his mind was fogged up. Being denied like that after years of inquiry, he almost felt insulted. It was like she deliberately waited until he was so far into the research, only to then crush his dreams. He took a seat and stared at the floor, feeling that all his work so far has been for nothing. Sparkler put her hoof around her mentor, trying to comfort him, but there was just no way she could make him feel better.

“If you are not here about his magical energy research, then what research are you talking about?” Spark asked. As a fellow scientist, he could feel some of the pain Dr. Whooves was suffering. Being denied a life of work would normally spell the end of a career. He thought it was a miracle that she would still fund him when he seemingly had nothing else to do. But in his mind, Spark was only thinking that the Doctor’s research will be pushed back a few decades at least, leaving oil to become the dominant fuel and energy source in all of Equestria.

“I am here about a much older theory. The Multiverse Theory.” The princess turned to Dr. Whooves who looked up.

“The Multiverse Theory? But I haven’t done anything on that in years.” His sorrow was replaced by intellectual curiosity. Why was the princess interested in this?

“What is it?” Sparkler asked, having never heard of it before.

“It is a theory that Professor Galica came up with when I was her student at the academy. I helped her with some of the ideas… but it never got any grounding because it was so farfetched. What is your interest in it highness?”

“I wish for you to enlighten me about it. As your mentor has passed away several years ago, you are the only pony alive who knows about it.” Celestia said. Dr. Whooves looked at Spark who was also a student of Galicas’, though he was much less interested in the theory, claiming as many others did, that it was just too weird and impossible to prove.

“Well…” Dr. Whooves made his way over to a chalk board that stood in the corner of the room. On it was a formula of some kind. He flipped the board to the blank backside and began drawing on it.

“The Multiverse Theory states that there are many different universes other than our own. Each one was created to be its own entity, living separately from the others. What binds these universes together are bridges which we called ‘connectors’.” He drew several flat boxes in a line, each connected by a bridge that arched over a dark space between the boxes.

“These dark spots are called ‘void zones’. They are uninhabited regions of space-time and have no place in either. It is an endless darkness. Now this theory is not so outlandish and was widely accepted by the scientific community…” Dr. Whooves paused, looking at the board.

“What happened?” the princess asked.

“Professor Galica lost favor with the academy when she said that the universes were shaped by some other worldly being she called ‘the creator’.” Spark said, “That made her the laughing stock of the scientific community. She was so convinced that she was right, that she set out to find proof only to resurface a decade later, mad as a March hair, babbling incoherently. She was deemed unfit for the scientific community, stripped of her credentials, and put into a hospital for the rest of her life.” The room fell silent when he finished.

Sparkler felt a chill run down her spine. What did Galica see that drove her insane? Dr. Whooves looked away, remembering seeing his mentor in the hospital. She was babbling about strange worlds, creatures of unimaginable horror and beauty, about the creation of the world and creatures that have never known to have existed. The Doctor was so horrified that he had nightmares for a month. Even today, he was still stricken by his old mentor’s ramblings. Hoping that he will never become like her. When he looked up to the princess, he found that she was not so saddened by the story. Her face was still and seemed to be contemplating something.

“What was her theory before she fell from grace?” Celestia asked. Her voice was unconcerned about the fate of Galica.

“Uh… well. Galica believed that ‘the creator’ imagined all of the universes or ‘realms’ into existence. Along with ‘the creator’ there was also a ‘protector’ who would travel in-between the ‘realms’ and make sure that they stayed in balance. But Galica could find no proof of there ever being a ‘creator’ or ‘protector’ that existed in our universe. Some who followed the theory believed that you yourself was ‘the creator’ highness; but Galica was convinced that ‘the creator’ not only created this world but also you and your sister and was a being of much higher status. It was after this that she went off on her journey. All of her ramblings on her return were to unintelligible to form into anything coherent.” Dr. Whooves watched as Celestia seemed to be formulating the theory in her mind.

He could tell that she was hiding something from him, silence always gave that away. She also did not seem confused by the theory, more concerned, as if she was not expecting it. He knew he had hit a cord with her somewhere.

“Doctor. I want you to continue your mentor’s research. Retrace her steps and find out what she knew.” Celestia said after a long time. The three ponies before her looked at one another.

“Are you serious?” Spark almost laughed. The look on the princess’ face made him stop, “But… you heard what happened to Professor Galica, she went insane…”

“I have full confidence in the Doctor’s ability to succeed where Galica failed.”

“But why your majesty?” Dr. Whooves asked.

“This theory intrigues me; I wish to know all I can about it.” she got up and began walking to the balcony door. “I hope you will start right away.”

“I…” the brown stallion stopped at the sight of a Pegasus speeding towards the building. The four Pegasus guards outside launched off the roof after the mysterious pony; but Dr. Whooves already knew who it was.

“What the…” Spark whispered looking out. The four guards surrounded the flying pony, but were blasted aside as it sped to the window, smashing into it sending glass everywhere. Celestia used magic to shield everypony, turning the knife like shards of glass into puffs of smoke. The four Pegasus guards returned to the building ready to fight. Over in the corner of the room, Derpy jumped up, having ripped up several stone tiles from her landing. Covered in black soot and dirt, she quickly turned, breathing heavily. Spotting Dr. Whooves she ran over to him, only to collapse from exhaustion.

“My dear!” the Doctor ran over to her. Sparkler followed. Spark just watched the scene from a distance.

“She’s gone! She’s gone!” Derpy cried. Speaking with each breath she took, the Doctor picked her up, looking into her derped yellow eyes.

“Whose gone?” he asked.

“Dinky! Dinky’s gone!” Derpy cried. The black soot on her face was smudged all over making her look like she had some kind of mismatched coat.

“What?! Where is she?”

“She went to Tartarus with her friends!” the grey pony yelled. Everypony gasped.

“We have to go after them!”

“Sister, and others going.” Derpy said, starting to faint, “They… told me… get you…” she passed out.

Dr. Whooves turned to his assistant, “Get the… oh.” He remembered that the Dirigible Carrier was gone. Celestia approached him, concerned for her subject’s family.

“I have to find her princess.” The doctor said, looking up at the princess.

“I will send Luna out with the search party. She will help them find your daughter and her friends. In the meantime I suggest you rest here before heading back to Ponyville.” She said in a motherly tone.

“Thank you.” Dr. Whooves and Sparkler left, carrying Derpy between them.

Celestia turned to Spark, who was watching off to the side, “I have much to discuss with you. Starting with this oil of yours.”

***{Legacy of the Alicorn: Part I ~ Legend of the All Mother}***