Occult Rising

They got outside and Applespice sat Wind down on a bench across from the jailhouse. Dash sat down next to her.

"So, did you find out where they're hiding out?" Dash asked.

Wind nodded.

"But, you probably won't believe me when I tell where they're at." Wind said, still a little light headed from exerting herself so much to read that cultist mind.

"Where are they?" Dash asked.

"They're holed up in an abandoned church on the outskirts of El de Rodeo." Wind said.

"Wait. What? You mean the lost pony city of gold? But, that doesn't exist." Applespice said.

"I didn't think it did either. But, I saw it clear as day in his mind. He'd been there several times before." Wind said.

"But, where do we even begin to look for a place like that?" Applespice asked.

"I saw a map that showed it's location. There's an entrance to it somewhere inside Griffonstone." Wind replied.

"Griffonstone? But, I've been there before. I don't remember seeing anything that even related to El de Rodeo." Dash said.

"Was there someplace nobody ever goes?" Wind asked.

Dash thought for a minute. Then, a look of realization crossed her face.

"The chasm." She said.

"Chasm?" Wind asked.

"Not important. Right now, we'll need some supplies." Dash said.

She handed a list to Applespice.

"Get this stuff. I have to go talk to somebody. Will you be okay by yourself for a few minutes?" Dash asked as she turned to Wind.

Wind nodded. Applespice ran off towards the general store. Wind sat on the bench, her head pounding. She wasn't sure how her father could deal with this kind of pain. Then, she thought of the vision she saw in that cultist's mind. Here father, hunched over on the floor in the center of a pentagram drawn from his own blood. She had never been more afraid for her father's life. She knew if they didn't hurry, they'd run out of time. Wind closed her eyes to try and dull the pain in her head. Without even realizing it, she drifted off to sleep. She awoke in a familiar room furnished with a dark blue couch and chair, oak tables, and a large glass coffee table in the center of the room. On the table sat several plates of various cakes and cookies and a teapot that showed the various constellations on it. In the chair sat an alicorn in a long flowing dark blue and white sequined dress.

"Luna?" Wind asked.

"Yes, young one. It is I." Luna replied.

"What am I doing here?" Wind asked.

"Please take a seat, we need to talk." Luna said.

Wind sat on the couch across from Luna.

"Why are you here, princess?" Wind asked.

"There is something you must know about the quest you are on. No matter what you do, someone you love will perish on this endeavor." Luna said.

"What? No. That can't be true." Wind said.

"I'm afraid it is, my child. You cannot save everyone. One must perish. It is up to you who it is. Once you confront this enemy, you will be given three paths. The one you choose will decide the fate of your closest loved ones." Luna said as if not hearing Wind.

"You are wrong. I can save them. You'll see." Wind protested.

Luna frowned.

"I'm sorry, Wind. But, both Celestia and I have seen it. Your actions will decide who lives and who dies. There is nothing you can do to stop it. I just pray that you can get past it. Because we will require your help in the final battle with this foe." Luna said.

"Why are you telling me this? Do you mean to torture me and break my will to continue?" Wind asked.

"I would never. I'm merely telling you this so that you are not as devastated when it happens." Luna said.

"Thank you for the concern princess, but, this has helped me none." Wind said.

"I'm sorry my child. You must now wake and return to your party." Luna said.

"No, wait. I have questions." Wind said, but, it was too late.

She was already waking up.