Memories of his previous journey still lingering in his mind, The Bearer looked upon a large tree with a door in the stump. Visions of the Old Firekeepers flashed through the Bearer’s eyes.

The Bonfire had brought him here, he needed to be here and he knew this. Walking up to the door and placing a hand on the knob, he tried to open it.

The Bearer tried again, then again once more before finally slamming the door open with his shoulder (hurting himself in the process) before his eyes adjusted to the dark.

He saw dust rising up from the floors, rotten wooden tables and chairs, a broken staircase, and an unlit fireplace. In each chair sat the remains of The Firekeepers, unmoved for ages and covered in cobweb.

Taking a step inside, making the floor creak. Step by step, the Bearer walked closer and closer to the Firekeepers before stopping halfway.

Looking at Strowen, Morrel and Griant, The Bearer narrowed his eyes as their laughter echoed through the room as their remains were slowly blown away by a gust of wind. The Bearer followed the ashes with his gaze until the gust of wind carried their ashes out the door and a cloaked woman was standing at door way.

“I see that our wait was not in vain, the true sovereign has returned.” The woman said with a bow to the Bearer. The Bearer returned the bow in respect. The woman straightened back up before speaking.

“Many before me have awaited for your return, to ensure the safety of this kingdom so it does not take the path Drangleic had.” The woman said as she walked up to a rotten wood chair before waving her hand, reversing the rot and made the chair good as new. She sat on the chair and looked at the Bearer, letting The Bearer see her eyes.

“I see you noticed, though do not let that fact fool you. I can hear anything and sense things one cannot.” The woman said as she waved her hand again at another chair, reversing the rot from the chair as well.

“Please, sit. I have much to tell you and I'm sure you'll have questions by the end.” The woman said with a smile never leaving her lips. The Bearer nodded and sat on the chair, placing his sword and shield beside him as he did so.

“Allow me to introduce myself, I am Zecora of Everfree. As you might be able to tell, I am a Firekeeper, I inherit the title from my mother.” The woman known as Zecora started with an introduction. The Bearer listened to every word, intrigued by what she had to say.

“Now onto the matter at hand, you no longer stand on Drangleic. This is Equestria, a kingdom built over the ashes of Drangleic and what remains of the ancient kingdom are… special to say the least. The new inhabitants have tried building over this forest but as you can see…” Zecora said, gesturing their surroundings. “They have failed. Undead still roam these forests but tend to keep to themselves - not to mention the predators of the forest.”

The Bearer was glad to hear that this bridge between Limbo and the living still remains, though hearing that there are still monsters out in the forest slightly worried him.

“Do not worry, I have taken the liberty to cage in some of the most deadliest monsters in a Hex. Now, the land here is ruled by two princesses, Celestia, ruler of the day and raiser of the sun. Alongside her is Luna, ruler of the night and raiser of the moon. Their ability to control the Celestial bodies were given to them from birth and with such power brings a curse, immortality. Yes, these two are the Immortals of this world and are forced to live till the end of times.” Zecora continued, sensing the interest of The Bearer. The Bearer felt a bit of pity to the Immortals.

“Now, I'm sure you have some questions and I will be happy to answer them; but first,” Zecora stopped and swirled her hand in the air, causing little wooden twigs to grow out of the floors and formed a familiar item.

Once the shape was made, the twigs broke off from the floor and quickly changed color, afterwards Zecora picked the item up from the floor before placing it on the table.

“You will need this.” She said to The Bearer. The latter nodded and stood up from his seat before reaching over for the tiny wooden object. He looked at Zecora, who then gave The Bearer a nod. With that, he crushed the Effigy, releasing the mystical energy within its’ confines. The energy took the form of a white cloud and surrounded The Bearer.

Zecora smiled at this; while she hadn't expected his arrival, with him here, Equestria’s safety would increase immensely. With The Bearer guiding the Kingdom away from the path of Drangleic, Zecora could hardly contain herself.

The white cloud of energy dissipated without warning. What once stood there was The Bearer in old rusted Drangleic armor. Now stood The true form of The Bearer.

Donned in Faraam armor stood The Bearer of the Curse. He turned to look at Zecora then bowed.

“I thank you for helping me regaining what was once lost.” The voice of The Bearer was all Zecora heard. Within the voice she could sense power, courage and bravery.

The Bearer’s gaze landed on his sword. His rusty and dull Drangleic sword, it was only by luck that he managed to use it in that state.

He walked over to the sword before taking hold of the hilt and lifting it off the ground. Taking a hold of the scabbard on his belt, he then sheathed the sword inside before a bright yellow light shone from the scabbard itself.

“How long have I slumbered?” The Bearer asked, breaking the silence between both him and Zecora. The latter let out a hum.

“Are quite sure you want to know?” She asked The Bearer.

“I'm sure.” He answered with a nod.

“The answer is simple, no one knows and nothing can say exactly.” Zecora answered. This was enough for The Bearer to know how long he has been gone for.

“If it isn't too much to ask, may I get your name?” Zecora asked, turning her head slightly. The Bearer closed his eyes before sighing.

“I am Artyom, The Phantom Titan and Bearer of The Undead Curse.” The Bearer revealed his name. He placed the Tower Shield onto his back before looking at Zecora.

“And protector of the land.” He said. Zecora nodded with a chuckle.

“The Old Keepers were right about you.” Zecora said before standing up from her chair.

“I wish I could stay but I have a potion to brew. If you need anything, there is a town just outside of the forest.” Zecora said before walking out the open door before vanishing into the forest.

Artyom looked out the doorway as the sounds of birds chirping greeted his ears. It was morning and he had been awake through the entirety of the night.

With a silent sigh, Artyom headed out the door, leaving the old Keeper's home and walked into the forest.

The sound of an alarm greeted Twilight’s ears. With a tired groan and incoherent mumbles, Twilight tried - but failed - to shut off the alarm next to her. She fingered through the items on her nightstand before she felt the alarm and gave it a smack.

With the alarm now shut off, Twilight opened her eyes and sat up before letting out a yawn as she stretched her arms. She removed the blanket from herself and stood up from her bed.

She put on her slippers before walking passed her mirror. A quick glance and she looked at her reflection, seeing an indecently dressed Twilight. She wore a white tank top with the words Twilight Wins! that was two sizes bigger than her normal shirt size, reaching down to her thighs - enough to cover the fact that she wore only her midnight blue panties.

Her hair was a mess but that can be changed in only a second. However, that was not for now, as there was a more pressing issue. Twilight heard her stomach rumble, and with that she walked out of her room.

Walking down the stairs she saw her adopted little brother, Spike Nerroth, walking into the kitchen while wearing his apron. Twilight followed behind him before finally reaching the kitchen just as Spike flipped a pancake.

Next to the stove was his newly acquired tablet. Twilight couldn't help but smile, she gotten him that for his birthday two weeks prior and he hasn't stopped using it ever since.

“Morning, Spike.” Twilight said in a tired tone.

“Morning, Twi. I made your favourite, blueberry pancakes for breakfast.” Spike replied to his sister before grabbing a pancake with the spatula he held and placed it on the plate to his right. He then placed another pancake on top of the first one before giving the plate to Twilight.

“Here you go. Syrup’s already on the table.” Spike informed her before taking another plate from the cupboards. As Twilight sat down on the table, she could faintly hear a jingle. It consisted of the lyrics being ‘Hey, I'm Grump’ followed by ‘I‘m not so Grump’. There was more to hear, but without further concentration and the lack of food she was supposed to eat made it hard.

Cutting off a piece and picking it up with a fork, she began eating the pancakes while slowly enjoying their blueberry taste.

“So, you never told me what happened at the old castle near Manehattan.” Spike asked as he sat next to her. The day before, Twilight had arrived back home and Spike had asked what happened to which Twilight only walked to her room, ignoring the teens question.

“Why is it that you want to know?” Twilight asked. Spike took a mighty bite of his pancake, leaving a crescent shape bite mark. He then picked up the syrup and and poured some into his mouth before chewing. Twilight had always wondered how he does that but always chalked it off as being half human.

After a few chews and a large gulp, Spike turned to look at Twilight.

“Come on, this is the castle that's inaccessible to the public without permission from the princesses themselves. How can I NOT want to know!” Spike exclaimed with a toothy smile. Twilight smiled slightly, still affected from the morning grogginess.

“Alright but later, at lunch. The girls and I have a picnic in the fields.” Twilight said and with a rapid nod from her little brother, they resumed their morning routines.

For an immortal princess who has been through much in her life, it is quite difficult to get a good night's rest. Though Celestia does not show it, she hates mornings with a fiery passion and today was no different.

After many attempts of trying to get up, she was on the verge to just give up and fall back asleep but alas, that cannot happen. She must raise the sun at a specific time or she'll have to deal with panicking citizens.

After raising the sun, she made her way to the dining hall and saw her sister eating French toast. Celestia sat in her marked chair and ordered a simple order of eggs and bacon which was quickly given to her.

Today was her day off, no one is allowed to disturb her for petty issues and had planned a walk through the Forest of Everfree to visit her friend, Zecora.

Luna had tagged along, a day off is a rarity for the both of them and they like to spend it together. So they did and had gotten the guards to rest before leaving the castle.

After a quick teleportation spell and a blinding light, they arrived at the forest with only a slight headache. A long range teleportation spell could cause harm if not trained properly.

In front of them was the home of Zecora, and hearing the owner's voice inside was all they needed to hear before walking inside. Once inside, Celestia saw Zecora in the middle of the room stirring the contents inside the cauldron.

“I didn't know I'd be getting visitors today.” Zecora said without looking up from the cauldron. Celestia couldn't help but smile.

“Can't a member of royalty visit her friend in the forest?” Celestia asked in a jestly manner. Luna rolled eyes.

“Good morning to you, Miss Zecora.” Luna greeted with a small bow. Zecora smiled before bowing back.

“I will be with you in a minute, I just need one last ingredient.” Zecora informed her two visitors before walking into her storage room. Both sisters waited patiently.

They’d felt it again, the powerful force from the day before. This time it was much closer than before.

“Did you..” Celestia asked without finishing the sentence.

“Yep. Should we be worried and go find out what it is?” Luna asked her elder sister. Celestia did not answer, instead she looked out the window, seeing a large flock of birds flying away from a certain part of the forest.

“I sense no evil, I'm sure that matter can wait until after we leave.” Celestia finally answered and with that both sisters sat on stools, waiting for Zecora to return.

Author's Note

Hope you enjoyed.