Twilight Sparkle moaned slightly as the first golden rays of sunlight poured in through her window as she sat up slowly and stretched her arms and wings before rubbing the sleep from her eyes. It was a beautiful spring day as a gentle breeze made it's way through her room making her smile as she got out of bed, waking Spike as she walked by him.
"Wake up, sleepy head." She nudged him gently as he rolled over mumbling something about it being to early to get up. Twilight giggled and rolled her eyes before continuing on her way. "Alright, five more minutes then you need to get up." As she approached the bed room doors she suddenly stopped for her cutie mark started to shimmer and her eyes lit up followed by a huge smile on her muzzle. Squeeing with glee she bounded towards the door when they suddenly flew open knocking her over.
"Twilight!" Pinkie Pie called as she stood in the open door way looking down at her friend. "Oops. I'm sorry." she added as she helped Twilight back to her hooves. "Look Twilight! Our cutie marks are glowing!"
"I see that, Pinkie. I wonder where the map is going to take us this time." Twilight agreed happily.
"And you know what?" Pinkie asked with a grin.
"What?"
"Fluttershy, Rarity, Apple Jack, AND Rainbow Dash's cutie marks are all glowing as well!" As she mentioned each one of their friends she seemed to pull them out of nowhere as they all blinked for a moment before realizing where they ended up at.
"Pinkie...how'd you do that?" Twilight asked as she looked to each one of them all a bit confused about how she did it as well.
"It's a secret!" she said in a loud whisper. Shaking her head Twilight led her friends to the map room and they each took their seats as the map activated and small icons of their cutie marks floated over it before stopping near an area not to far from the castle of the two sisters. Before Twilight could ask her friends what they thought lay over there four more cutie marks appeared next to theirs.
"Well that's new." Twilight mentioned as she took a closer look at them. "Wait, those are Celestia's, Luna's, Candence's and..." she paused for a moment before looking back up at her friends, "...my brother's?"
"What does it mean, sugar cube?" Apple Jack asked.
"I have no idea but doesn't that area look vaguely familiar?" she replied with a question.
"It looks like where the Tree of Harmony is at, dear."
"I believe you are correct, Rarity. It's almost in the exact spot on the map where the tree should be located. I'm curious as to why the map is summoning all of us there." Twilight couldn't wrap her head around it as the hallway doors open and in came the royal sisters. The girls bowed as Twilight got off her throne and made her way over to Celestia and Luna noticing that their cutie marks were also shimmering.
"Hello Twilight." Celestia said with a gentle smile as she hugged her favorite former student.
"Celestia, do you know what's happening?"
"I'm afraid I do not." she answered as they stopped next to the map and studied it.
"It is a mystery to me as well, Twilight Sparkle." Luna commented as she looked at the Princess. "My sister and I have been trying to figure out why we are being called also."
"What about Cadence and my brother?" Twilight asked Celestia.
"I have spoken to both of them and they are on their way right now and will be here within the hour. As to why they are also being called I'm afraid I can not answer that either." The ponies just looked at each other and the map each one getting lost in their thoughts and the mission that lay before them.
Turning to Rainbow Dash, Twilight asked, "Rainbow would you head over to the train station and wait for them to arrive?"
"You got it!" she saluted and took off like a bolt of lightning. As the girls asked each other questions and studied the map not a single one of them could figure out what was going on or what lay in store for them. It didn't seem like a friendship problem for what could a tree have to do with friendship. They did not have to wait very long before Rainbow Dash came back with Cadence and Shining Armor.
"Twilight!" Cadence called out as she trotted over and hugged her sister-in-law.
"Cadence! I'm so glad you guys are here."
"Hey Twily." her brother called out as he held their daughter in his hooves, the small alicorn sleeping peacefully. "Do you know why our cutie marks our glowing? It feels a bit strange." he commented as he looked back at his as it shimmered.
"I'm sorry I have no idea but from what the map is telling us is that we need to head over to where the Tree of Harmony is as find out." Twilight explained as they walked over to the map seeing their cutie marks with the others. "The map has never done this before so who knows what is waiting for us but we should not waste any more time here. Is everypony ready?" They all agreed with Twilight and headed outside the castle making their way towards the Everfree forest. They left Flurry Heart in the care of Spike as he agreed to watch over her until they returned shortly.
It was about noon when they entered the forest and they all trotted down the worn path talking and giggling to each other. It has been some time since the girls have been in the forest let alone at the castle of the two sisters. As they approached the bridge that led to the castle they turned slightly and headed down the giant staircase which lead to where the tree sat radiating it's power. The four alicorns felt a shift in magic as they reached the bottom of the stairs and stared at the cavern where the tree rests.
"What was that?" Twilight asked.
"I felt it as well, Twilight. Something is not right." Luna commented.
"I agree with my sister. Let us all be careful from here on in." Celestia added. The other ponies nodded as they slowly made their way into the cavern and shortly were standing in front of the giant tree, the Elements of Harmony glowing softly in its branches. As each pony stopped and stared at the tree a voice rang out which spoke to each of their minds.
Welcome my little ponies. Do not be afraid for it is I who has called you here.
Fluttershy squeaked and hid behind Rarity as all of them stared wide eyed up at the tree. Even Celestia and Luna were taken back as it spoke to their minds not ever having something like this happen in all their years. There were a few moments of silence before it spoke again to them explaining their purpose there.
Equestria has seen its fair share of turmoil in the past and even though we are now in a peaceful time the balance of the land has shifted and must be corrected.
"What do you mean the balance has shifted?" Twilight asked, curious as always.
There is to much power in Equestia and I'm afraid that if it is not fixed then I shall have to do what is necessary to center that balance myself.
"To much power?" Asked Luna as she looked at the tree. "What are you implying?"
There can not be five alicorns in Equestria.
"You're not talking about our little one, right?" Cadence stepped forward and asked.
I am indeed. Since the birth of the alicorn I have been trying to steady the powers of magic in Equestria but I am at my limit. There can not be a fifth.
"Whoa, that's our child you're talking about!" Shining Armor called out as he stepped forward next to Cadence.
"Stay calm big brother." Twilight told him as she gave him a soft look before turning back to the tree. "What are you suggesting we do then?"
You must give her to me so I may absorb her magic and restore balance to this land. If you refuse then I will have no choice but to take all the magic away from every pony.
The ponies gasped as they turned and looked at each other. What does that mean? No magic? It was Celestia this time who turned to the tree and spoke. "Perhaps there is another way to restore the balance without giving up the child?" It was silent for a long moment before it spoke to them again making them all worried that there might not be any other way.
There is only one other way. If the ponies summoned by the map retrieve three sacred items and bring them to me in one month's time then the balance will be restored. But if they fail this attempt and do not bring me the alicorn child then I will have no choice other than to take every bit of magic away.
Once again they turned to one another as their thoughts focused on what they were going to do. Taking a few minutes to discuss the ultimatum it was then Princess Twilight who faced the tree and spoke for all of them. "How do we know this will work as a replacement? And taking all the magic from Equestria will not do any pony good."
You have no other choice.
"There might be another way though..." Celestia stepped up and next to Twilight as she looked down at her with a nod. "What if one of us gave up our magic?"
Alicorn magic is the strongest in it's infancy. The magic of one so young can not be compared to one of such years.
Celestia just winkled her muzzle at the comment and just looked at Twilight as she tried to stifle a giggle before turning her attention back to the tree. "Are you for certain that there is no other way?"
That is correct.
"Why haven't me nor my sister have ever heard of these items before?" Luna questioned the tree suspiciously.
They are not part of your history and have been lost over the millenniums of time.
"That seems awfully convenient, wouldn't you say?" Rarity chipped in. The ponies turned to her in question as she went on, "I mean nopony has ever heard of these items and they are not in any books or scrolls?" She just shrugged as the others turned back towards the tree.
"Well please inform us on these items that you request." Twilight asked the tree still feeling a bit uneasy about this whole thing as she casts a sideways glance at her brother and sister-in-law.
Atop the highest peak in the Crystal Mountains rests a jewel called the Dragon's Tear. Laying in the sand dunes of the San Palomino desert a flower blooms in a hidden oasis. Lastly glowing in the darkness of a labyrinth is the Orb of Vision which can be found deep in the jungle.
"Got it." Twilight agreed as she turned to each of her friends and family before casting her gaze back onto the tree. "Then we will get these items within a month's time and bring them back here to restore the balance of magic in Equestria."
So be it.
With those last words a bright light filled the area blinding the ponies, making them turn away from the tree and just as suddenly as it came it was gone and they found themselves standing back in the map room their cutie marks not shimmering any more. The map was gone as well as they all looked at each other as Spike came in and blinked a few times.
"I thought you guys where going to see the tree?" he asked confused.
"We did, Spike, but now we need to figure out what we're going to do from here." Twilight seemed a bit worried as she looked over at her brother trying to comfort Cadence as best as he could. Their mission was clear enough but the pressure they were now under was already taking it's toll on everypony there.
Chapter 2: Feathers That Flock Together
Almost all at the same time everypony started talking to each other. Asking questions, answering them, thinking out loud and just a general state of confusion as each one tried to talk over the other trying to get their points or questions across. It only took moments before it was just a jumbled mess of noises and incoherent voices before one pony shouted above the rest of them.
"EVERYPONY BE STILL! It was Princess Luna who quieted the group as she used her Royal Canterlot Voice. As she looked to each one of them, before turning her eyes to her sister, she nodded at Celestia who then took over.
"Please everypony, we need to stay calm and focus at the task at hand." There were murmurs of agreement along with a few nodding of heads as she continued. "Twilight how shall we tackle this mission that the tree has beset before us?"
"Hmmm." Twilight thought about it for a few moments before going on. "I believe it's best if the six of us split up and searched for each one of the artifacts. It would give us a better chance at returning with all three of them in time."
"And how do you want us to do that?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"We would be going in teams of two to double our odds at finding them."
"So who's going to go where?" Rainbow asked again.
"Well I already have the teams in mind if no pony objects to it."
"Just tell us already!" Dashie said impatiently.
"Sorry." Twilight said as she cleared her throat to continue. "Rainbow Dash, you and Fluttershy will head to the Crystal Mountains to try and obtain the Dragon's Tear. Apple Jack and Pinkie Pie will head into the desert to find the flower. Rarity and myself will traverse the jungle to find the Orb of Vision." As she spoke she looked at each one of their friends as they took up their respected assignments. "Does anypony have any objections to their team or want to switch with anypony?"
"Nope." Said Apple Jack.
"Yay! Me and Apple Jack are going on an adventure!" Pinkie hugged her friend as she squeaked excitedly.
"I am fine with traveling with you Twilight." Rarity agreed.
"We got this!" Rainbow said confidently as she looked towards Fluttershy who was trying to hide in her chair.
"Fluttershy?" Twilight called over to her.
"Umm..." she said quietly, "do I really have to go?"
"I'm sorry but the tree said that we all have to go and get them."
"Don't worry Fluttershy. I've got your back." Rainbow reassured her as Fluttershy tried to give her a smile.
"Okay that settles it then." Twilight stated as she set a hoof on the map table.
"What about us?" Cadence asked as she trotted over to her sister-in-law.
"You should stay here with my brother and keep things calm in my absence and wait for our return." Twilight told the Princess as she cast a glance to her brother before returning her gaze back to Cadence. "He's going to need your support." Cadence just nodded and made her way back over to Shining Armor and put a hoof around him.
"Then my sister and I will remain here as well and try to gather as much information on these items as we can." Princess Celestia said to Twilight as Luna nodded in agreement.
"Alright. Please send word through Spike if you find anything that could help us along the way." It was late afternoon before all their planning was said and done as Twilight mentioned that they should all split up in the morning after a good night's rest for each team has a long journey ahead of them. As each pony headed home, save for the Royal Sisters, Cadence and Shining Armor, Twilight made for her own room with Spike in tow, as usual.
"So I'm going with you and Rarity then?" he asked as they stepped through her double doors.
"Yes. I need you in case either Celestia or Luna needs to send me a message or vice versa." She smiled down at him. "Plus the tree never said you could NOT come with us." Spike smiled brightly mostly because he gets to travel with Rarity as they got ready for bed as the sun started to set over the western horizon of Equestria.
"You two be careful up there, alright?" Twilight reminded them worriedly.
"Don't worry about us, Twi. I'll keep an eye on Fluttershy for ya." Rainbow said with a wink towards Fluttershy. Both the girls had their saddle bags on filled with supplies as well as a map of the mountainous area.
"It's been pretty bad up there recently so take it slow and cautious. We have plently of time." Princess Cadence added as she hugged the two girls who were about to board the train heading to the Crystal Empire.
"And don't forget to stay warm!" Rarity called out as they got on the train and appeared at a nearby window. Suddenly the train whistles blew while the two pegasi waved their hooves as the train started to slowly pull away from the station their friends starting to become small dots in the distance as they took their seats looking at each other.
"Oh I do hope it goes well and we're able to find this relic."
"I bet we find it in no time and we're the first ones back." Rainbow said with a smug on her muzzle. It was going to be a long ride for the Crystal Empire was was almost a whole day's trip away from Ponyville. "Let's just relax and get some rest before we get there, okay?" Fluttershy just gave her a slight nod as the girls saved their strength as the train carried them along.
It was dusk when the train finally stopped at the last station to the north as the pegasi got off the wind already howling at their bodies making both of them shiver against the cold. Pulling the scarves that Rarity made for them out of their saddle bags, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy started their trek towards the Crystal Kingdom so they can get better supplies for the climb. Flying was almost out of the question for the wind was just to strong for any pegasus to stay stable enough in the air.
Traveling at night had its perils as well. If it wasn't for the bright lights of the Crystal Kingdom, both of the girls would have gotten lost and would have been walking in circles until they fell from exhaustion. What would have been an hour trip was tripled due to the northern winds pressing against them and the numerous times Fluttershy fell over into the snow.
"Come on, Fluttershy! We're almost there." Rainbow called to her friend as she helped her up once again.
"I'm sorry Dashie...." she said weakly not used to this kind of weather. "I'm trying my best..."
"I know. Just try a little bit harder." Rainbow encouraged her as they were almost to the magical field that surrounded the Crystal Kingdom. "Almost....there...." Rainbow struggled as she helped Fluttershy pass through the the barrier as both pegasi collapsed, breathing heavily before they started giggling to each other.
"We made it." Fluttershy said happily as she laid there in the grass. It was nice and warm on the other side of the barrier as they took a few moments rest before getting back to their hooves and trotting their way towards the city that surrounds the castle. From the shield to the outskirts of the city was only a ten minute walk as the two friends trotted down one of the streets that led towards the castle. They stopped at the Crystal Heart for a moment and smiled to each other before heading up the steps towards the castle main doors.
"Good evening, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash." a crystal pony greeted them as she bowed slightly before motioning them both to enter the castle.
"Hi."
"Hello." the girls replied as they walked through the doors, the crystal pony closing them with her magic.
"Princess Cadence has sent word to let you stay here for as long as you need be. Please follow me to your room." she said politely as she trotted down the hall way the two pegasi following close behind. As she made a left down another hall and then stopped in front of a set of doors she opened them with her magic and waved a hoof. "This will be your room for the remainder of your stay. If you need anything please just let any of us know." With that she bowed once more and wandered off to take care of her duties.
"Wow!" Rainbow said as she stepped inside and looked around the room. "Out of all the times we have been here we never really got to stay inside the castle before." Fluttershy just giggled as she followed, closing the doors behind her. There were two very large beds in here along with other royal decorations, paintings, fresh flowers, and a shelf full of books. Taking off her saddle bags Fluttershy made her way to one of the bed and gently got into it almost falling asleep instantly at how comfortable it was.
"That's a good idea." Rainbow smiled as she tossed her saddle bags on the floor and jumped into the other bed almost falling asleep just as fast as her good friend. "Sleep well, Flutters. We start our quest tomorrow...." she said as slumber started to over take her exhausted body, her eyelids closing slowly before the darkness overtook her and she was deep asleep.
The next morning there was a slight knock on the door which woke Fluttershy up and she slowly got out of bed as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes. "Yes?" she said as she opened the door slowly, seeing one of the crystal ponies standing on the other side. He informed her that breakfast would be ready within the hour before bowing and heading off down the hall. Fluttershy thanked him and closed the door as she looked over to the sleeping form of Rainbow Dash who was hanging almost half off of her bed. Giggling softly to herself she walked over and using one of her wing feathers she started to tickle her friend's nose making Rainbow scrunch her muzzle before rolling over slightly. Fluttershy did it once more and this time Rainbow wiped a hoof across her face which made her lose her balance and she fell out of bed onto the floor.
"Ooof. Huh? What?" she said groggily as she sat up looking around the room. Fluttershy just giggled to herself as she helped her friend up.
"Wake up sleepy head. Breakfast will be ready soon."
"Just five more minutes..." Rainbow Dash complained as she started to get back into bed. Fluttershy pulled her back but ended up tripping over her tail which caused Rainbow Dash to fall on top of her before rolling backwards a few times and into the book case. "Ouch..." she said while rubbing the back of her head.
"I'm so sorry, Dashie. Are you okay?" Fluttershy got up and made her way over to her, helping her up.
"Yeah I'm fine. Okay, okay, I'm up." she gave Fluttershy a smile as they made their way out of the room and towards the kitchens. As Rainbow and Fluttershy ate their breakfast they asked where they could get some climbing gear and one of the crystal ponies asked what they needed and offered to go get it for them while they ate. By the time they were finished with their meal she was back and told them that the items they requested were waiting in their room. Thanking her the girls trotted back to get everything ready for their trek up the Crystal Mountains.
"Looks like everything is in order. Do you have everything, Fluttershy?" Rainbow asked as she got her saddle bags on.
"Yes I believe so. Let me double check." she replied as she went through her things one last time. "Okay. I'm ready." Fluttershy turned to her friend as she also equipped her saddle bags. Making their way towards the main entrance they were stopped by another crystal pony who bowed and offered to guide them to the base of the mountain with the highest peak.
"That's very kind of you." Fluttershy said with a smile as he turned and headed outside both of them following him at a steady pace. Once again it only took them about ten minutes to reach the barrier that was cast by the Crystal Heart, as he told them to bundle up, the girls getting out their scarves once again and stepping into the boots that they asked for. He did the same and when all three of them were ready they stepped through the shield and into the frozen wastelands of the north.
It took them about two hours to get to the base of the mountain that loomed over them like a white giant of snow and rock. He asked to see their map and marked four locations on it where camps were set up for ponies that wanted to try and make it to the summit. Biding them good luck and farewell he trotted off back towards the Crystal Kingdom and was lost from view within only a few moments as he vanished within the snow the wind was kicking around.
"It's up to us now." Rainbow called out to Fluttershy over the wind.
"I'm not sure if I can do this..." she said as loud as she could.
"Yes you can!" Rainbow put a hoof around her shoulders. "We can do this together!" Fluttershy nodded as they both looked up at the mountain side, the peak hidden within the clouds. As they started their slow climb upwards it was easy at first as the base of the mountain was relatively flat with a steady incline. When it started to get a bit steeper Rainbow pulled out a rope from one of her bags and tied it around each of them in case one of them lost their footing.
It seemed like an eternity before they reached the first camp and stepped into the small hut that was built there for climber ponies. It took both of them to shut the door against the wind as they slumped down against it taking a breather. Fluttershy was the first to get up and placed some wood in the fire place and soon had a small fire going which warmed up the cramped area shortly there after.
"Well that wasn't so hard." Rainbow commented as she took off her saddle bags and moved closer to the fire.
"I wonder how long it took us to get here." Fluttershy said her thoughts aloud.
"I'm not sure. I can't even tell what time of day it is outside with all these clouds around." Rainbow mentioned as she looked out the small window. The wind continued to howl as the small hut rattled slightly as the girls warmed themselves while Fluttershy pulled out a few apples and handed one over to Rainbow Dash.
"Thanks." she said as she took a bit.
"How long do you think we should stay here?" Fluttershy asked as she nibbled on her apple.
"No longer than necessary. Maybe just long enough to get our strength back and then try and make it to the next one." Rainbow finished her apple and tossed the core into the fire and watched it start to cook before turning her attention back towards the window. "I'm just not sure about this weather though. No way to fly up there and tell how long it's going to last..." she said almost disappointingly. Roughly thirty minutes went by before Rainbow sighed, got up and put the fire out before helping her friend to her hooves.
"It's not going to get any better out there..." she said as she helped Fluttershy with her saddle bags first before putting her own ones one. Rainbow tied the rope around them once more as she nodded to Fluttershy. "Ready?" she asked as she placed a hoof on the door.
"I guess so." Fluttershy replied as she stood behind Rainbow. When she opened the door it filled the warm area with a freezing wind making both the girls turn their faces away from it before heading out into the cold, closing the door after them. Fluttershy tried to stay as close to Rainbow Dash as she possible could, both pegasi keeping their wings held fast against their bodies for it even one of them were caught by this wind it would send them flying off the mountain and into the unknown.
Rainbow Dash would tell it was getting darker for the temperature was slowly dropping as the wind stung at their bodies, their faces numb as their mane and tails started to freeze together. Huddling closely together they looked at the map and saw that they were close to the second camp yet with near zero visibility they couldn't really tell how far off it was. Carefully replacing the map they girls slowly continued their climb up and it was about another hour before Rainbow spotted it and encouraged Fluttershy along.
"There it is! Come on Fluttershy, we're almost there!" She yelled over the ever increasing howl of the wind.
"I can't make it..." Fluttershy said as she collapsed in the snow making the rope taunt against Rainbow Dash. Carefully making her way to her friend, Rainbow helped her up and placed her hoof around her shoulders.
"Yes you can! We HAVE to! I won't leave you!" She told her friend as they started up once more towards the small hut which was only about a hundred feet away. That short distance took Rainbow Dash about fifteen minutes to reach as she opened the door and helped Fluttershy in before using the last of her strength to close and lock the door before falling to the floor breathing heavily.
"We...*pant*...made it..." Rainbow gasped as she wiggled out of her saddle bags and crawled over to her good friend helping her out of hers before getting the small fire going. She then laid next to Fluttershy as the heat started to slowly fill the small area as both pegasi shivered against each other trying to get warm as the wind threatened to tear the walls apart as it continued its relentless assault against the safe haven.
