Ancient evils

Chapter 6:An unexpected arrival

Everypony was rightly terrified about what had just happened. Even Pinkie seemed concerned, and she was near impossible to spook. Zecora seemed to know something the others didn't, as Twilight start to catch on to.

"These ghosties are too scary to giggle at." Pinkie said nervously.

"So Zecora." Twilight said. "How did you already have a potion prepared for this? How did you even know this was going on?"

Zecora was defeated, and unable to forge any sort of tangible excuse.

"The tunnels you once used to escape Ponyville contain another secret long hidden, an organization which speaking of has been forbidden. I am one of its members, who is sworn from protecting Equestria from burning to embers. I was sent to deal with the evil before it could cause an upheaval.

"Them tunnels did seem mighty suspicious." said Applejack.

"But we have more important issues right now, the question is, how? said Zecora.

"I'm worried bout Rainbow, she's been hurt twice now." said Applejack

"I'm... fine." said Rainbow, who was barely awake.

"No, ya aint." said Applejack. "You can barely even stand. I'm gettin' you outta' here."

Applejack helped Rainbow up, and helped her out towards the entrance of the caves. Fluttershy went with them, leaving the other 4 to wait until they got back.

"How are supposed to stop these grotesque monsters?" said Rarity.

"I know how." spoke a young girl who walked in from the shadows. Her long dark blue mane stood out on her light grey body.  She was rather tall for her age, but still shorter than an adult by quite a lot. Despite being so young, she looked very serious and not even slightly frightened by all this."

"Why are you here? Were you afraid I would disappear? said Zecora

"We wondering why someone as talented as yourself was taking so long, so they sent me as backup. Who are these ponies?"

"I'm-" said Twilight

"My name is Pinkie Pie!" interrupted Pinkie. "and these are my friends Twilight Sparkle and Rarity! The others should be here soon too!"

"Nice to meet you all. Have you found the missing operatives?"

"Not yet, but soon, and having you here shall be quite a boon. "

The five of them waited for Applejack and Fluttershy to get back, and continued on once they arrived.

"We took her to Fluttershy's cottage, she'll be alright if she can get some rest."

"Well," said Twilight, " I guess there's only one way left to go."

The remaining ponies, along with the young filly, continued down the tunnels. The spirits followed their every step, but couldn't get very close because of the barrier.

"So how do we get rid of these dang things?" said Applejack

"Whoever cast the spell needs to focus on it the whole time, not much, but enough. If we can defeat the caster, these will dissipate. That will be a problem though, because I'm betting they have more in stock for us up ahead."

On each side of them there are caged cells, but they are all empty. The prisoners must be held deeper in.

"We should start searching through the cages to check for any prisoners." said the Filly. "We should split up to search faster. If you run into trouble, yell and we will all help out."

Everypony agreed, and they all split up to search.

Twilight was searching through the cells and saw a hallway spread further down. She thought she heard somepony down there, and went to check it out. The corridor continued for a while, until it widened into a large room. A large bubble formed around her, and she let out a yell to the others, but there was no response.

"Don't bother, it's soundproof." said a voice coming in from further down the tunnel.

"Who are you?" asked Twilight.

"Foolish little filly, prepare yourself for-"