Guardian of Harmony - The Unsettled Task

The Pegasus Ponies brought forth a cloudy day, surprising the citizens of Ponyville and greeting them with an unannounced rain. During the last days the weather was simply marvelous, but the earth including the plants required the refreshing element of life. Sugar Heart and Ember were on the way to the school while it started to rain. The guardian enjoyed the cold shower while Sugar Heart found refugee from it under his open wings: as expected other ponies asked him if he could take their children with them. There was always enough space under his wings for grown up ponies; small fillies could fit under it in a rather big group. An interesting sight for sore eyes to see a creature like him walking through the thick walls of water, with open wings that were protecting the small fillies from the liquid element. Once they all arrived at the school Cheerilee thanked him for his kind support and offered him to stay inside of the school till the rain would pass.

• Thanks for the offer Mrs. Cheerilee but there are few things I have to attend to. – Sugar Heart was the last filly that left his wings; once she stood at the mare’s side she turned around and said:

• Are you sure that you don’t want to stay?

• Maybe next time I will stay little one. I am sure that your friends are already waiting for you, go to them and have a nice day.

• Okay… just watch out or you might get a cold.

The filly turned around and before she disappeared at a corner she waved at him. Ember let out a short sigh and looked at Cheerilee:

• Sugar Heart misses her parents really bad even if she probably is not showing it.

• Yes I am aware of it. She is still very young: actually she is one of the youngest in her class. Do not worry though once she will be among her friends she will forget it for a while.

• Please take good care of her Cheerilee.

• I might change some plans and allow the children to do some paintings, maybe even play some games.

• Thank you. – He bowed down and turned around. – Regardless of the weather have a pleasant day.

• You too Ember.

The guardian thought about flying around but the unleashed winds in the sky were very strong: he did not intend to struggle against the nature, which is why he decided to walk on solid ground. The streets of Ponyville were empty; the rain was creating small rivers that were running down the streets into the canalization. While he was walking alone he thought about several things that were bothering his mind since the encounter with the Miasma. First of all: What happened after the Elements of Harmony unleashed their pure energy on him? Or what did the crystals do to him once they entered his body? He was not sure what to think about it, yet he remembered that he felt some kind of emptiness in his body, after he saw his double on the ground.

A new life that has been given to him, allowed the poor creature to let go of many questions that were bothering him. Ember accepted the fact that he did not really know who he was or what he was. Once he became the so called Guardian of Harmony he was constantly on the watch, especially in the region of Ponyville that was close to the Everfree Forest. Soon he left the city behind him and moved on to his grove where he intended to talk to the Grandmother. Once he entered the small forest he looked for the old tree till he finally found it: sometimes it was difficult for him to find her because he simply could not see the difference between the other trees. Ember sat down on the soaked ground and touched the rough bark of the tree. The guardian started to focus, connected with the tree and waited till he heard her voice in his mind:

• Ah! It is nice to see you again Ember my dear boy.

• The pleasure is on my side Grandmother.

• What brings you to me on this rainy day?

• Do I need a reason to meet a friend once in a while?

The Grandmother laughed hearty about it, way too loud if somebody would ask him.

• Even if I believe in your words I do sense that something is bothering you. Speak out boy!

• As I probably said it so many times… it is about the creature that dwells in me.

• Did new nightmares haunt you in the night?

• Yes… and with each new day they somehow become clearer and far more realistic. I am afraid that the dreams might try to tell me something or the creature itself does it.

• We both do not know what it is or from where it comes from. But I do sense a small trail left by that creature… The darkness that is surrounding it makes me shiver inside.

• It is a very powerful being Grandmother. It was merely luck that I somehow escaped it.

• I would not call it luck Ember. I assume that you are stronger than you probably think; otherwise I cannot explain how you have been not devoured by it already. With the crystals gone the creature had an opportunity to escape his prison, but it did not do it for whatever reason. I think that there is still one thing that makes you stronger than that fiend, at least in my own eyes.

• And that would be?

• You protect those you started to love Guardian of Harmony. A man that protects his home and family is far more dangerous than a mercenary that only cares for money. Your feelings for your new friends grow stronger as does your own strength.

• I would rather die than let my friends suffer because of that fiend that lurks in me…

• That is the difference between you and him my dear boy. Yet I see that you try to understand his existence, but let me tell you that there are things in this world, that better remain unexplainable for us.

• I agree on that and I suggest that we leave this unpleasant topic. How have you been?

The tense atmosphere has been washed away by the rain and the winds that took it with a mighty blow. Both of them enjoyed the conversation with each other, according to the Grandmother many trees have lost their gift of speech and remained in a never ending state she simply called dream. She always look forward to those meetings because she loved to talk, regardless if it was about the squirrels that were annoying her or the ants, that started to gnaw on her roots.

• I am blessed with a very good listener.

The wise old tree always mentioned that to him, for she knew that her memory was slowly fainting away and many times she repeated her stories without noticing it. Many might have found it really annoying but Ember loved to listen to her voice, which always had a very relaxing effect on him: nearly made him feel like he was her grandson. The time passed and Ember knew that soon he had to go back to Sugar Heart but before that, he would have to fly his routine rounds at the very borders of the Everfree Forest: you can never be sure enough!

Ember noticed that she started to slowly fall asleep as she always did after a longer conversation; once she was gone he cut the connection and moved on to his grove. His wings appeared out of his back and soon he was fighting against the wind that was far more than a worthy opponent. The rain made it not an easy task to watch over the borders of the Everfree Forest that seemed to be even darker than usual. The winds power became stronger and made flying around far too dangerous even for him, he flew back to the nearby forest and continued his small journey to Ponyville. The street here was not paved what made the moving forward rather unpleasant, because his dragon like feet went deep into the mud. Gladly he reached one of the main streets leading into Ponyville; actually it was the place where he has first encountered the citizens of Ponyville.

In the nearby puddle he washed off the filthy mud and moved on. Even if he was a bit angry by the fact that the ponies were manipulating the weather in this world, what was very unnatural for him and for the Grandmother, but within time he accepted it. With each rainfall the air was always so fresh; it filled his lungs and made him forget that topic:

• At least they know what they are doing.

Finally he has entered the city of Ponyville and moved towards the school that started to jut out of the rain. He entered the building and waited in the main corridor. A door nearby has been open and Cheerilee appeared in it:

• Ah it is good to see you again. Why don’t you go inside? The kids always like to see you again.

• I am all wet Cheerilee. I would only make an unnecessary mess. – He looked out through the window. – The rain did not lose its intensity during the last hours. I will help the kids go back home.

• That is very kind of you. I actually prepared small capes for the fillies: together with your wings they will arrive home nearly untouched by the rain.

• How about you? I can go back once I am done with the fillies.

• Really? Oh you are my savior… The Pegasus Ponies warning about the upcoming rain was rather late and I did not take my umbrella with me.

• So be it then.

• You know. – She looked out of the window and sighted. – I think I will skip this lesson and let the pupils go back home.Their parents are surely worried about their way back home.

• Sound good to me, probably even better for the fillies.

Cheerilee giggled and with a smile she responded:

• Even if some of them do not like school that much, they will miss it in few years.

She went back to the room and announced that Ember would help them go back and with it she ended the school for today: the happy cheering of the kids filled the air and soon the sound of their tiny hooves echoed all over the place. Cheerilee started to put the blue cloaks on her pupils that have gathered in a far more numbers than he expected. It seemed like he would have to go out three times till he was ready, but to be honest he was glad that he could at least do that small thing. Once the fillies were dressed Ember made small groups, which would accomplish him back to their homes. It was a very difficult task because the fillies were constantly arguing about who shall go back home first. Among them Ember recognized the Cutie Mark Crusaders that were the loudest among their class mates.

The Apple family and especially Rarity were very thankful for bringing their small fillies back home. After he finally managed to deliver the first group he came back for the second group, only to start the same problem again. In his mind he actually enjoyed it, regardless if a kid was annoying or not it always managed to make the adults smile. Gladly the second group consisted mostly female ponies that quickly came to an agreement. The parents of the fillies were very thankful for his assistance; to be honest the sight of the family reunion was payment enough for him. The last group was waiting for him, many of the hitting the ground angrily with their hoof. Sugar Heart was one of the calmer fillies that waited for him, he took his position outside the entrance with the already prepared wings: the fillies went under his wings and said good bye to Cheerilee. This was the smallest group with the smallest fillies; Ember had to be extra slow for them because one step for him were three steps for them. Once they arrived at the main street of Ponyville Ember started to feel that something was not right.

• Wait.

The fillies stopped and looked at him rather confused. He looked around, listened to the sound of the rain that was being interrupted by a strange sound he could not recognize. It sounded like something would be breathing not far from them. Then another sound followed, a splash went through the air in the nearby puddle like something has just ran through it but he could not spot anything. The small fillies seemed to have noticed it too and they started to ask what was going on: with a move of his hand he silenced them. Another splash just in a different location cut through the sound of the rain, the unidentified sound became louder and louder. Ember was sure even if he could not see it, it was still there and it was alive. A growl was the last thing he heard before something pounce him.

He could feel its fur, the claws that ripped into his flesh and the teeth of whatever it was in his shoulder. He lost his balance due the unexpected weight that bumped into him; with a loud crash he landed on the paved ground and roared out of pain. His natural guardian instincts made him act swiftly, blindly he performed a strike after the invisible enemy and hit it somewhere, what surprisingly freed him of its bite. The fillies that did not understand what was going on remained motionless, till they heard the painful cry of the unseen beast.

• Run children!

Was the only thing he yelled at the children, he grabbed the thing that was attacking him and performed a weird looking back roll. The roles have changed and now he was the one that started to attack, to be sure that he would be able to see where it was Ember simply scratched it, leaving behind bloody lines that seemed to be wounds inflicted to the air. The smell of rotten flesh made him cough what have been abused by the invisible one. A claw ripped his skin above the eye and went down nearly to the chin, leaving a scar on the right side of his face. Blood took his sight of his right eye; he felt that the creature pushed him away with the back legs. Both of them stood up, even if he still could not see how it really looked like the wounds he has inflicted to it allowed him to see where it was right now. Whatever creature might be hidden behind the strange camouflage it was not a small one, but it was sure that it could not be a humanoid because it was moving on four legs. Finally even its aura was noticeable what would make the upcoming fight easier. Thinking could wait after he was done.

• Ember what is going on?

His heart stopped to beat after he heard Sugar Heart; both creatures looked to the right and saw that the filly was standing not far away from them. The invisible creature made a strange sound that reminded him of laughter and right away it ran towards her. It was impressive how fast it reached her while she was looking at Ember: without any choice he focused and grabbed the creature, which was already in the air with his magic and threw it back at its old place. The guardian did not wait for its recovery. He roared, jumped at the place where he has thrown his enemy and grabbed it with his claws. The muscles on his entire body became tense, Ember started to whirl around and in the right moment he released the creature that crashed right into a muddy puddle.

As he expected the following performance for filled two things he was hoping for: The ponies of the city surely heard his roar and would be alerted, besides that he finally saw how his opponent really looked like. The mud shrouded the invisible creature showing its true form to the world. It was a very big creature; it seemed to have the size of a full grown cow, perfectly shaped muscles could be spotted at every part of its body. Sharp claws went straight of the paws, one claw was very long and had the longest reach: Ember was sure that it was this natural weapon that has left the scar on his face. This one big killing machine reminded him of an overgrown wolf that right now was growling in anger. While he was still holding it with his claws the guardian let some energy float into the body of the beast: the spell was already in motion because it was protecting the mud from being washed away.

• Ember!

Right away he recognized the voice of Twilight Sparkle. The sound of hooves, opening doors and windows went through this place: the wolf growled and looked at the ponies that started to gather behind the guardian. He hoped that the animal instincts would force it to run away, but the wolf acted even more savagely; afraid that it might attack the ponies Ember immobilized it with an energy field. Slowly he moved towards the beast and once he was behind his enemy, he grabbed the wolf by its fur and with big effort he flew up with it into the sky. Still immobilized the wolf could only whine because of the sudden flight. That thing was incredibly heavy, which is why he has been forced to land after several swings, but gladly he managed to leave the city behind them.

He did not intend to gently put it down; the guardian simply released the wolf that crashed on the muddy ground. Bad luck for him superb luck for the animal, because the mud saved it from any dangerous damage, but the pain was still there that was sure. Suddenly the wolf got up and attacked Ember that was about to land, the muddy creature jumped high bit him in his left horn literally breaking it with the fierce power of his jaws: the physics ended the rest and the horn has been ripped out totally. Both of them crashed on the ground but it was Ember who got up first. With a shaking hand he touched the place where his horn was seconds ago: his eyes turned into the deep red color and started to blazed with immense furry. With his magic he pulled his horn into his hand and like a berserker the guardian hit the wolf with it.

First the right cheek then the left one, Ember grabbed his horn with both hands and with a mighty swing the horn hit the lower jaw of the beast. While the enemy was falling down the creature of the underground performed a pirouette, and with the tip of his former horn he stabbed the wolf right into the skull. The marvelous beast died right away and has been spared from any pain: Ember looked up into the sky and let the rain cool him down and wash the blood from his body. A long sigh went out of him; again he touched the place where he missed his horn but he had no time to mourn for his loss. The wolf was still moving and with a big surprise he started to talk to him telepathically:

• Detestable creature… You shall share my pain…

The skin of the creature started to melt as did his muscles and veins, blood and a strange black liquid thing started to spread around the skeleton that was the only thing that remained of the wolf. Ember caught heavily and stepped away from the remains, the grass around it withered shaping a dark circle. The air was filled with the stain of the Miasma! Not sure if the remains were dangerous the guardian decided that he would have to remove them, once more he concentrated and open his eyes widely. The skeleton and everything in the dark circle has been shrouded by a purple fire and has been burned to ashes.

• Rest in peace.

Once the adrenalin was gone he felt pain in his shoulder and face, he started to focus energy in his hand that started to glow with the light green color. The eyes changed their shape and as usual the color to what was showing that right now he performed a healing process. Ember started to heal his shoulder first for it was the most burdensome injury, a very unpleasant pain went through his entire body while the healing energy closed the wound. Like he would have a fever he started to shiver heavily, paying his fee for healing himself. The scar on his face has to wait, for an act like that was even more dangerous to perform while he was injured or simply weaken. Ember cursed in his dead language and looked at a nearby puddle where he could see his reflection.

• I look ridicules… - Thought the guardian and touched the place where he was missing his horn. The remaining one was a burden because it was outbalancing his head. He sighted and grabbed his last horn with both hands.

The sudden attack of the strange creature was indeed a shocking experience for the citizens of Ponyville. If it would not be Ember that has encountered it the creature would have probably killed the fillies and probably more citizens if it would taste the blood of the ponies. Once the fillies returned to their homes and families Twilight Sparkle together with Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie and Spike on her back left the city:

• Did anypony see in which direction Ember headed?

• To the east out into the open field. – said Rainbow Dash and pointed where they had to go. All of them were totally soaked by the rain but none of them were thinking about it now.

• That beast was very big and heavy. I doubt it that Ember could have gone far with it. – It was Spike that pointed out the only logical conclusion. The small dragon was right. After a rather short time they saw Embers shape appearing in the horizon, it was not really possible for them to see more because of the rain that seemed to not have an end.

• Twilight I don’t see the wolf. – Said Pinkie with a concerned voice. – What if it is still around?

• If it would be still around we would see them fight now Pinkie.

After they finally reached him the ponies noticed a burned circle nearby, the guardian was sitting on the muddy ground with a rather tense posture: what actually looked like he was meditating.

• Ember is the wolf still around? – asked Rainbow Dash with a louder tone.

His ears went up and moved a bit like they would catch some signals.

• The beast is no more…

• Ember is everything alright? – asked Pinkie that intended to hop closer to him but suddenly Ember let out a barely noticeable growl:

• Don’t look at me.

The ponies ignored his demand, walked around his body and stepped in front of him. With a loud gasps on their lips the ponies and the baby dragon noticed the scar on his face.

• By Celestia!

• Will you be able to heal yourself?

• Don’t worry it does not look bad.

Ember looked at them and sighed.

• I know… I look ridicules.

• I am sure you will be able to heal that scar Ember. – said Twilight. – If not time will do it eventually.

• What? I am not talking about the scar.

All of them looked at the guardian with a confused look on their faces.

• What is bothering you then? – asked Spike that tried to take a better look at him but the rain prevented it.

• Look at my horns!

Finally they noticed that something was different about his head, of course besides the scar that distorted his face. His horns looked different: the once solid horns had a different shape and size.

• That darn thing ripped out one of my horns during our struggle… I removed the last remaining one and let new horns grow out with my magic… but at this point it stopped! Look how small they are…

His new horns had the shape of the horns of a bison but the difference was the way how they went out of his temple: exactly in the same way as his old horns did. Personally she actually liked his new appearance, because he did not look so scary and demonic: what would surely improve the reputation with the ponies. Ember seemed to be deeply disappointed by his new horns though, his eyes that had the color of the midnight sky proved it.

• Oh Ember it does not look that bad. I actually think they look better than your old horns.

• But I really liked my horns the way they were before the attack.

• Look at the bright side Ember. – said Pinkie that was trying not to hop in the place. – The old horns were always a burden while you tried to enter the train or smaller doors.

• I will be straight with you they look far cooler than your old horns.

The color of his eyes changed rapidly back to their normal state, his hand run on the surface of his horn like it would run through hair.

• You really think so? – Ember got up opened his wings and gave the refugee from the rain. – I have to admit that my old horns were very heavy. – He cleared his throat. – I can adore my new horns later… there are things that have to be mentioned to the Princesses. Let’s go back to Ponyville.

After few hours of waiting his six friends, Princess Celestia and even the sleepy Princess Luna gathered together in Sugar Heart’s home. The poor filly was very concerned about him while he was gone, once she saw him without hesitation she jumped into his arms and cried for a very long time while he was constantly asking for forgiveness. He was still holding the small fur ball in his arms. Gladly she calmed down thanks to the girls that were in the room. Ember would have never leaved her alone if he would have a choice: his heart was still bleeding because of the fact that she nearly died in front of him. While he left Ponyville behind Cheerilee watched over her small pupil and waited for his return in her home: where she still remained because of his bidding.

Ember stood up and went up to Sugar Heart’s room; the small filly was sleeping due his spell he casted on her. Right now she needed rest from all that excitement. Once she was in her bed Cheerilee remained at her side: he was deeply thankful for her support. Back in the living room Ember took his place close to the chimney, a fire has been prepared already and started to spread a cozy atmosphere. His face started to hurt him again; he touched the scar and growled without noticing it. The sound of hooves on the wooden floor echoed in his sensitive ears, he turned away from the fire and saw that it was Luna that approached him. A small box was floating next to her slightly glowing horn:

• Let me help you.

• This flesh wound is not worth to be treated with that salve Luna.

• I will be the one who will decide if it worth or not. Now swallow your male pride and hold still.

Ember chuckled and nodded at Luna that put the box on the ground. Rarity brought a bowl that was filled with hot water: the fragrance of different herbs filled the air. With her telekinetic spell Luna soaked a piece of cloth in it:

• I will clean it first. The herbal mix will disinfect your wound and support the healing process but I have to warn you that it might sting a little.

Even if it was nothing new to him it was always a very interesting thing to look at the performance of telekinetic magic. Once the cloth touched the scar Ember groaned a bit but he endured worse thing back in the time of darkness and loneliness.

• Did any of you recognize that hideous beast? – asked Ember and groaned once more after the cloth touched the lower part of the scar.

• According to your description it had to be a Dire wolf. – answered Fluttershy what was not a big surprise to anypony in the room. – But I simply can’t believe that it reached such big size.

Luna stopped to wash his wound. She opened the small box and like with the cloth she lifted the salve, which was glowing with a slight shine of the moon, and started to put it on the scar and the flesh around it. The effect came nearly rapidly. The nice cold feeling on the skin was a big relief for him and for his swollen skin.

• Thank you.

• You’re welcome. – Luna started to check his body for any other wounds he might have hidden from the others, but her search was fruitless because he already has aided himself.

• I assume that the Dire wolves inhabit the Everfree Forest?

• Yes they do. – It was Applejack that started to talk now. – From time to time we can hear them howlin’ in the night. But they never went out of the forest nor did they ever enter the city.

• And none of them could camouflage like the one that attacked you. – Said Fluttershy with a concerned voice. – Dire wolves live in big packs which they barely leave, because of their rather small posture a single one would not survive alone in the wilds.

• Since we all are here now I will tell you what happened after I flew away.

Ember told the gathered ponies everything that occurred after he left Ponyville, trying to do it as straight as possible.

• Once I pierced it with my own horn I thought that it died right away… but suddenly it spoke to me in my mind.

• A Dire Wolf spoke to you telepathically? – asked Celestia that remained silent since she arrived. Her eyes were like open books for him; he could see how bothered she was about the attack on her subjects.

• Yes it did. It called me a detestable creature and that I shall share its pain… after this words the flesh started to melt. You saw that dark circle girls: where its blood touched the ground ever plant withered and died. – Ember took a deep breath and sighed loudly. – I felt the presence of the Miasma within the body.

The ponies were awfully silent; the sound of the fire was the only thing that could have been noticed in the living room. The guardian expected to be overthrow with questions but nothing like that happened.

• What does it mean? – Luna broke the silence with her voice while she watched the flames dance on the wood.

• I am not sure about it. The dire wolf has not been possessed by the Miasma in the ordinary way… I am afraid that something in the Everfree Forest might have been tainted by it.

• Tainted? But how could the miasma taint the entire forest? – asked Twilight and looked at him with big concern.

• A single Miasma is not able to taint a huge area like the Everfree Forest Twilight. If it would be the case the forest would be filled with rotting trees.

• How can a thing like the Miasma taint something in the first place? – Celestia seemed not to ask him a question it was rather loud thinking.

• Usually the very presence of the Miasma could taint something only after a very long time. But we can leave that option behind, because the Miasma I was fighting left the forest right away after it has been called.

• But something has tainted the wolf…

• Maybe the Miasma killed an animal and the wolf ate its flesh… but I think that it is possible that a pound or maybe a smaller lake has been tainted.

• If that is true than everything that will drink the tainted water will end up like the wolf? – Asked Fluttershy silently.

• I am afraid that it might be the case. The corruption is a very slow process it does not affect you right away.

Ember got up and stretched his body but this time without any crack of the bones: it was funny to see the relieved faces of his friends that were expecting them.

• I will enter the Everfree Forest and look for the source.

• We will accomplish you! – said Rainbow Dash and flew up a little bit.

• No you will not.

• What? Of course we will go with you!

And it started again. As usual the ponies started a chaotic wave of statements, he tried to calm them down but once they saw his hand go up they became even louder. He casted a spell of the six ponies and locked their mouths.

• Silence is music. Did you already forget it?

Ember waited for a while hoping that they would calm down; he clapped two times and removed the spell from them.

• That spell is really useful. – Said Luna and giggled lovely. – You have to teach me that one.

• Don’t you even think about it Luna. – said Celestia with a grin on her face.

• Party pooper…

-What do you expect from us Ember? – Rarity started to talk with an annoying royal sound. – That we will let you enter that horrible place on your own? It is dark and very dirty but I will not allow you to go there alone.

• Rarity is right! I will not let you go alone either. -  said Rainbow and landed on the ground. – This place is dangerous some back up will be useful.

• I never entered the Everfree Forest before. Right now the circumstances demand it that I will take some action.

• But you don’t have to do it on your own. – said Fluttershy and surprisingly she hit the wooden ground with her hoof: of course in the Fluttershy way.

• If I will enter this place alone I will not have to worry about your safety. Let’s assume that the taint might have been the work of another Miasma that did not leave the forest. If it would take control of me once more you are the only ponies that might stop me.

• But…

• Enough. – Said Celestia and stood up. – Last time our interference only caused trouble girls. I do not like this idea either but we have to trust him and his abilities. – She looked at the guardian with the same concern he saw in the other ponies.

• Are you sure about it? Do you really want to do it on your own?

• The Harmony of the Everfree Forest is threatened. It already caused a wolf enter the city during the day! Tia this situation might become worse if it will not be stopped.

• It hurt my heart to send you into this dark place Ember but it must be done. We all have our duties.

• You know all that serious talking about the Everfree Forest made me think of Zecora. – said Pinkie Pie. She was surprisingly calm and silent today what was truly rare. – We should check on her girls.

• Ah how could I have forgotten the Zhevra… - said Ember and turned back to the fire. – So be it then… you might go with me but only to her hut. Once you will find her you will leave the forest and wait for my return.

• Sounds good to me. – said Twilight. – We better hurry… Zecora might be in danger!

• I agree… but who shall stay with Sugar Heart? I can’t simply let Cheerilee stay here for who knows how long…

• I will stay here and watch over the filly. – said Celestia what deeply surprised him.

• You would really do it? I can’t let you do that Tia… you have already enough problems with your royal tasks.

• Oh don’t worry too much about it Ember. During my absent the High Council will take care of my duties. I can actually call it a short vacation! Besides that I shall remain in Ponyville as a matter of security: we do not know if there might be another attack.

• Thank you. – He bowed before the rulers of Equestria and his friends that were in the room. – Thank you for everything. Let’s move out.

Once the group entered the Everfree Forest the atmosphere became dark, a slight milky fog hid the ground and the vicious roots of the trees. Their paths started to separate soon but before they would go their own ways one thing had to be done:

• Because of the wild growth of this place connections with our minds will be nearly impossible. As we have discussed it you will leave the forest after you find Zecora. For goodness sake do not go deeper into the forest.

• Of course… - said Twilight and let her ears go down. – Don’t worry about us.

• I would be a bad guardian if I would not be worried about you. – He kneeled down and spoke with a happy sounding voice. – You are like a family for me. I would not bear it if something would happen to you. Now go, go with my blessing and leave this place as fast as possible.

He stood up and right away he moved into the growing darkness of this place: the ponies wished him good luck and waited till he has been swollen by the forest.

• Okay girls ya heard what Ember said. – Applejack looked around nervously. – Let’s get Zecora and leave this place.

• Oh I hope she is alright… - said Fluttershy that was hiding behind the ponies.

• You know I did not think about till now, but if something would be wrong with the forest, Zecora would have warned us right? – asked Rarity that was trying to keep her perfect mane and fur clean.

• I did not see her for quite a while. – said Pinkie. – Did any of you see her?

• Apple Bloom mentioned that she meet her two weeks ago. – answered AJ and shivered slightly. – She always likes to help her gather the herbs in the woods.

• Talking won’t help us now! – Rainbow Dash hit the ground with her hoof. – Lets make haste and go to her hut.

• Rainbow is right let’s go girls.

The ponies moved out and followed the known path to Zecora’s hut. The fog was unnaturally thick today what forced them to stay very close to each other: gladly soon they arrived at the hut. Like Twilight’s home this *hut* was a living tree that was well hidden in the Everfree Forest. Twilight knocked on the door:

• Zecora! Are you here?

No respond. Twilight knocked again and repeated her question clearly louder than the first time. Again no respond.

• Is the door open? – asked Rarity and pulled the handle of the door that went open right away.

• I don’t like it… - said Fluttershy that was shaking in fear since the fog became thicker. – I really don’t like it.

• Let’s go inside.

The small group entered the hut and once the last pony passed the threshold the door closed with a loud smash: scaring the girls to the death. It was Zecora that closed the door. The shock faded away and the ponies were about to yell in anger but once they saw the scared look on her face they calmed down.

• Oh Zecora I am so happy that you are…

• Quiet…

The zebra interrupted Twilight and poured some green powder on the ground next to the door. Soon the ponies started to hear that something was moving outside, sniffing around, scratching the ground even the door. A growl filled the air that let a cold shiver run down their spines, whatever was outside it seemed to know that the hut was not empty but something was stopping it from a direct attack against the door. A big reptile eye appeared in the window and watched the ponies that were shaking in fear: after a while the creature gave up and left the hut with an angry hiss.

Ember continued his lonely journey through the dark forest, that seemed to completely swollen the known world with its dark trees. Somehow it reminded him of his countless travels through the never ending darkness of the Underground: he made a depressed sound and continued his journey. So far he did not feel any kind of activity that could lead him on the trail of the Miasma affection: a good and a bad thing in the same time. An unpleasant feeling of being watched followed him since he separated with the ponies, he was sure that he was being watched because he could see many auras around that place: most of them belonged to creatures that were afraid of him. Ember did not notice a root and nearly fell down on the ground because of it: he cursed in his dead language and moved on.

He did not venture far because he heard a sound behind him, the sound of wings if he was not wrong but the fog that became thicker with time and right now it stole him his sight. The sound became louder and soon he noticed that a shape started to jut out of the milky fog. It was Luna that cut through the fog and flew directly towards him: it was too late to slow down and with a damped shout she flew directly into him.

Her head hurt badly from the sudden impact with Ember that was standing still like nothing have happened. She looked up and saw that the color of his eyes has changed into the deep red: the fog was so thick that it was hard to see his shape but the light of his eyes was easy to spot. Right away she thought of the creature that has taken control of his body, her body automatically moved a bit away from him. Ember sighed and the well known fiery blaze came back. He moved towards her helped her to get back on her hooves. Then he grabbed her shoulder and asked with a bitter sounding tone:

• What are you doing here?

• I came to help you isn’t that obvious? – She freed herself of his grip. Even if he acted roughly she could hear the concern in his voice.

• I said that I would go alone into this forest. Why did you not listen to me?

• You have no authority over me Guardian of Harmony. Did you really expect me to sit idle in a safe house while you would risk your life?

• I expected that you would honor my bidding. If you really want to be useful check on the others if they are safe. But please do not follow me deeper into the forest.

• You always care for the others Ember and I deeply respect you for that. But you should start to care for yourself too. You only focus on one side of the medal, you never think if others are concerned about you!

• This is how I am Luna. It might change with time but a half year is simply not enough for that…

• Please Ember let me help you and stand at your side. It is my duty to keep those lands and its inhabitants safe.

The guardian remained silent while his eyes were inspecting her own, somehow she felt like he was looking into her very soul.

• Tia will kill me for this… - He turned around. – Stay close to me.

• Don’t worry about Tia I will take care of her – She came very close to him and yet even know it was not easy to spot him.

• Keep an open eye… the roots of the trees are not our allies. – He sniffed few times. – Something is wrong with that fog.

• Allow me.

Luna closed her eyes and focused. Her horn started to glow with its natural blue shine, the princess opened her eyes, released the energy out of her horn and the fog has been removed.

• That should do it!

Ember did not say anything. His body was very tense; his ears went up and moved nearly in all directions.

• Is something wrong?

• Don’t you hear it?

Once he spoke these words Luna tried to find out what caught his attention and once she started to listen more carefully she heard a strange sound. Not sure what it could be she tried to focus even more: the sound reminded her of breaking wood or something similar. Suddenly Luna felt that something grabbed her leg and pulled her away from him. Ember reacted right away: he jumped over her with his arm ready to strike. He hit something with his claws and freed her leg.

• What was that? – asked Luna still a bit scarred and turned around. Before she could fully turn around the world has been flipped upside down. Something grabbed her limbs and held her in the air, with wide open eyes she saw that she was being held by dark roots! Automatically she started to fight for her freedom but more roots snared around her body till she was not able to move. In desperation she nearly started to cast a spell but then she heard Embers voice:

• No Luna wait! Remain calm do not use magic! You hear me?! No magic!

• Get those things off me!

Luna heard that Ember cleared his throat and suddenly he started to talk to the trees that were holding her violently.

• May your roots grow deep and strong.

A strange sound went through the air a sound that she could not identify but it sounded terrible in her ears.

• Please hear me oh you old ones! We came here in peace and offer aid. We know that something corrupts this land but we don’t know where it is. Oh you old ones I beg you please release my friend.

The sound thundered through the air and the grip around her back and belly became stronger. She moaned because the pressure was nearly bone breaking.

• Oh you old ones please listen to what I have to say! She is not responsible for the corruption that haunts this place and its inhabitants! Please let her go!

A sound that reminded a hiss came out of the nearby trees and Luna has been released of the grab. She would have fallen on the ground but Ember caught her and put her gently on the ground.

• Oh you old ones! The very souls of this forest do you know where the source of the corruption is hidden?

The trees started to hit the ground with their roots dangerously close to them but the guardian remained cold blooded and motioned her to stay at the place: not that he had to say it because she would not dare to move now anyway.

• I understand your anger but please calm down! Tell me where the source is and I will end its existence!

The trees relaxed, the roots came back on their former places and hid under the earth. The trees that were surrounding them were *talking* in the same time and with the same voice. Suddenly one tree somehow bowed down and touched Ember with his branch directly on his head. His eyes changed their shape and the color turned into the color of fog; the guardian remained in that state only for a short time. The tree put his branch away and took back its old position; Ember scratched his head where he has been touched by it.

• I thank you old ones! I will try to do my best to end this threat for good! – He bowed down before them. Luna followed his example and showed her respect to the so called old ones. The trees spoke again in a tone that was softer and kinder for the ears. Ember nodded and said:

• The old ones apologize for their behavior. Your magical performance woke them up and blinded by anger they thought you were the cause of the corruption.

• Oh you old ones! There is nothing to apologize for. I will aid my friend and together we shall end the madness that has befallen this place. – She still could not believe that she openly spoke with trees but since she meet Ember things like that were not that surprising.

• Lets go Luna.

One last time the trees spoke to them and then they have fallen into their dream state.

His head was still hurting from the sudden connection with the tree. The cause of the headache was the fact, that the tree that has connected with him established a connection nearly with every tree that was not asleep. The overwhelming pictures and memories of the forest showed him nearly every path that leaded directly into the cause of the problems. In the beginning they had problems with moving forwards but the Everfree Forest started to cooperate with them: the trees stood up and made place for them. Luna and the guardian would never forget what have occurred this day for it was something worth remembering.

• What did the trees show you?

• Old memories of a place that once was very beautiful, from a time when the Everfree Forest was not a dark place like it is now. It might sound strange, but the trees communicate with each other using sounds and colors, that can be spotted only by them. A unique symphony has been corrupted by a dark oily tone, and since then the corruption remained within the forest.

• What are we going to do once we find the source?

• It might take some time to remove the corruption, but it is far easier to do than to kill an actual Miasma.

A sudden crack under his feet caught their attention; he lifted his dragon like feet and sighed loudly. A crushed skull of a wolf decorated the ground, as did the rest of its remains that have been separated from each other. More skeletons followed the first one, marks of teeth and claws were noticeable at every bone that has been not crushed: it was like they have found an ancient battlefield.

• All this could have been avoided… - said Ember and continued his journey trying to not to stomp on the bones, what was a very difficult task. The stain of rotten flesh was nearly everywhere, crows and other carrion eaters visited the place, and ate the remains that have been not removed by time or animal. Luna barely held out the stain, with tear eyes she followed the guardian that was silently fighting against his sensitive senses.

• How long do we have to travel through that vast place? – asked Luna and cough heavily.

• I am not sure. The memories were old, none of them mentioned this place… but right now I am concerned with something else.

• And that would be?

• It is quiet. Awfully quiet… besides that we did not encounter anything on our way here.

• Actually do you sense that strange thing in the air? – asked Luna and looked up to the crowns of the trees. – I don’t know what it is but I am sure that it is not natural.

• The thing you sense is the trail of the corruption. Something is strange about it… it feels so weak, usually the presence of a Miasma corruption is overwhelming.

• Maybe it slowly starts to die out on its own?

• Let’s hope that you are right. It will be easier to remove the taint once it is in a weak state like that.

The skeletons seemed to not find an end. With each new step skeletons of other species started to jut out of the ground and bushes: the way their jaws were open, the way they were *watching* would freeze the blood in our veins. Even in death some of them looked like they have been captured in a never ending struggle, trying to rip the life of their opponents.

• Actually what are the symptoms on the corruption?

• First of all a very strong fever, with it pus start to flow out with the sweat. Once the fever is gone the affected creature becomes very violent, it avoids water and any kind of liquids if it is possible. For few days it stops only to come back in the form of throwing of blood and strange dark liquid, which has been produced within the host by the Miasma bacteria. The body structure changes and in the end the result is an intelligent husk… that is being hold on a short chain.

• Where did you learn so many things about it?

Ember touched his left side of the chest that started to glow with a slight purple shine, and answered with a sad voice.

• I got my knowledge from the crystals.

Once he mentioned the crystals the color of the midnight sky appeared for a moment, but the fiery blaze took it place with a rather big intensity.

• None of these things would have ever happened if I would remain under the earth.

• Do not blame yourself for that. We both know that you would have never allowed things like that happen in the first place.

• I blame the creature in me for all this. But it was me who brought it…

He interrupted his sentance and started to look around; he could smell it and he could feel it with his body. At one point the track became clearly noticeable, like somebody would have left a rope on the ground Ember started to follow it.

• That trail… it feels so dark and empty. – said Luna that was glad that they left the skeletons behind them. – It fills me heart with grief and sadness.

• The source has revealed its position with this track. I still don’t like the silence that is surrounding us, stay sharp and be prepared for everything.

• What in the hay was that thing!? – asked Applejack that finally stopped to shake in fear.

• That thing has many names. – Said Zecora that sighed relived after the monster went away. – All of them would freeze the blood in our veins.

• Zecora what is going on? Today a Dire Wolf attacked Ember in the middle of the city! – said Twilight and came closer to the zebra.

• A shadow has poisoned this land, something so powerful even the strongest creature could not withstand.

• Ember thinks that the Miasma was the reason for the corruption in this forest. He went deeper into it to find its source.

• It is not wise to venture deeper into its core, this forest is not only feared by it fearsome lore. The creatures that dwell within will rip off his skin as a revenge for their dead kin.

• I am sure that he will be alright. Right now we should be concerned about our own skin.

• We better use that chance and get out of the forest. – said Rarity that was watching the masks that were apparently greeting them with a hearty hello. – That creature will come back eventually.

• I agree… - said Fluttershy and looked out of the window. – At least the fog is gone.

• Lets go back to Ponyville ladies. Princess Celestia must be very concerned about our fate.

Zecora nodded and open the door of her hut. The sight of the running ponies was indeed an interesting thing to watch: behind the trees a hiss went through the air and a big shape started to venture deep into the Everfree Forest.

Luna watched Ember approach a pound that seemed to crystal clear, but once he touched its surface a black cloak shrouded the entire pound. Right away the strange presence became very tense in the air, which had a very strangulating effect on her: she was sure that regardless the kind anypony would have felt the presence.

• It is far worse than I thought. – said Ember and touched the surface again. – The corruption was surely cased by the Miasma that appeared out of this pound, but the true source that was maintaining it was not the Miasma itself.

• What do you have in mind? – Luna came close to the pond and looked into it. The dark water did not reveal any kind of reflection of her or the guardian.

• Do you remember the tale of the Zhevra about the shadow creature?

• Yes I do… why do you ask?

• The dark creatures, that attacked the Zhevra tribes, came out of a place that is known to your kind as the vale. The Miasma came out of the pound, using it as a bridge between the dimensions.

• This pound is an actual gate to the vale?

• Yes it is. But it is not fully open, only a small gap separates this world from the vale… - Ember closed his eyes and started to focus. The Alicorn felt magic in the air surrounding her friend, but she did not see anything with her eyes. Once he opened his eyes the guardian coughed several times.

– Step back.

Luna followed his bidding and once she was on a safe distance, which has been double checked by Ember, the creature of the Underground opened his arms widely. White light started to shoot out of his claw like hands; he started to point out the edges of the pound. The light surrounded the edges with its pure energy, creating an interesting pattern that ended in the middle of the dark pound. The water started to boil with big intensity. Out of the places, which have been separated by the light, stick like hands that had even thinner claws went out of the water and started to hit against the pattern. Ember groaned and started to push his wide open arms towards each other. The energy started to swallow the dark cloak that was surrounding the pond with an immense power, the stick like arms stopped to attack the pattern and started to hold on it.

The entire act looked like several creatures would drown in front of them, disgusted she looked away only to see that they were watched by the dead. The skeletons move towards them, opening their jaws and letting out a silent roar: the sound of their bones filled the air and soon they were surrounded by the undead creatures.

• Ember watch out!

• Remain calm Luna. The dead came to see the end of the corruption; they will not harm you if you won’t stand in their way.

Each muscle in his body were strained to the limits, his arms slowly came closer to each other while the light became stronger and stronger. The skeletons passed her like she would have been made out of air, and gathered around the pound: shaking their heads in a strange rhythm. Their sudden groans created an unholy chorus that was not meant to be heard by mortal ears: it seemed like that those unholy sounds somehow affected the pound. The arms started to hide in the water, Embers roar filled the air, somehow matching the groans of the dead and with his remaining power he touched his arms together. The light exploded in his hands, the pattern closed itself and swallowed the shadow that was lurking in the pound.

The dead roared in the most terrifying way they could perform, and with this last act the bones fell down on the ground: the poor souls have found peace in their damnation. She saw that Ember was trembling and right away he followed the dead and fell on the ground: with one swing of her wings she landed near him and checked if he was alright. The guardian was breathing heavily but his eyes were open even if the intensity was very weak:

• It is done. The gate is closed for good…

• Don’t talk too much you need rest now.

• The corruption will no longer affect this land and the creatures in it… but it will not save those that are already affected…

• We should leave this dreadful place and let the dead rest in peace.

Luna started to focus magic in her horn but a sudden quake of the ground interrupted her. Something big was moving through the walls of dark trees, and soon it jut out of the darkness of this place. A very strange bipedal crocodile-like creature: it had a crooked posture and very, very long arms that touched the ground. His tail left a strange trail behind him while his crocodile head revealed hundreds sharp teeth. Slowly it moved towards them greeting them with a hiss that vibrated in their ears. Luna got up and took a defensive position ready to defend him with her life; her horn started to glow and was ready for the battle. Only few steps separated them from each other, it sniffed in the air and looked around examining the skeletons, which were now all over the place.

• The cursssssse isssss lifted ssssssss. My brothersssss and sisssstersss, friendssss and foessss may finally resssst sssssss.

It made a strange sound that none of them could recognize, and then it hit its mighty chest with a closed claw. The sound reminded them of a thunderstrike.

• You the one who cariesssss the ssssstain of the Black Death sssssss. You ended the madnesssss that hasssss befallen thissss foresssst sssssss. Why did you do it sssss?

• Whoever you are… you should know, that we all have been victims of the same darkness that corrupted this forest.

• I sssssee… I thank you for your aid ssssss. We ssssshall not forget what you have done for usssss on thisss day sssss. And we thank you too Princessss of the Night sssss. If you will ever require our aid sssss we sssshall come and pay with our livesssss if we have to sssss.

• In the name of Equestria and its inhabitants I thank you for your kind offer…

• We are Kadessssh.

• Kadesh once again I thank you for your offer. May the trees of the Everfree Forest grow strong and grand protection for your people. If you will require aid do not hesitate and come to us! We will try to help as good as possible.

• Mileniassss have passssed sssssince the lasssst time our kindssss hassss sssspoken to each other ssss. I alsssssso thank you for your offer sssss. – Kadesh looked on Ember that seemed to have fallen asleep.

• Even if you are our firendsssss now thissss place issss still not ssssafe sssss. I will carry your friend to the borderssss of my home sssss.

• Your kindness shall not be forgotten Kadesh.

The big creature grabbed Ember with his mighty claws and held it like a baby in its arms. Before he turned around the strange creature once more looked at the pound: Luna could have swear that she saw him shed a tear.

• A day of happinesssss and grief…. Sssss. – Kadesh turned around and looked at her with his big reptile eyes that seemed to be dead. – I sssscared your friendssss at that sssstrange hut sssss. Pleassse tell them that it wasssss not my intention to do ssssso ssssss.

A very long time has passed since Ember and the ponies entered the Everfree Forest. The six ponies together with Celestia, Sugar Heart and several Royal Guards have gathered not far away from the entrance to the forest.

• The waiting is killing me! – Yelled Rainbow Dash all of the sudden. – What if they require our help?

• We would not help them if we would enter the forest now my dear. – The princess tried to calm the nervous Pegasi down. – We do not know where they might be… we would only get lost if we would follow them now after all those hours.

• Is there really nothin’ we can do Princess? – asked Applejack and took off her hat.

• We can only pray that they are fine.

• Oh oh! Look! Something comes out of the forest!

Pinkie started to hop up and down impressively high. Everypony looked into the direction the pink pony has pointed at. Something huge went out of the forest and all of them gasped at the sight of the big crocodile-like creature that greeted them with a loud hiss. The Royal Guards surrounded their Princess and took defensive positions. The creature was holding something, and the ponies recognized it as Ember that seemed to sleep in its arms. Behind the enormous shape Luna appeared and flew up in the sky. The ponies cheered and ran towards the strange group, but they still keep a safe distance from the big creature that was looking at them with those big reptile eyes they have seen in Zecora’s hut. Gently the creature put Ember down on the soft grass.

• Again thank you for your help Kadesh.

• Thissss ssssmall act issss nothing compared to the thing, he did for usssss sssss.

The ponies watched the big creature with open mouths while Celestia and Zecora inspected him with big curiosity. The creature called Kadesh turned around and was about to enter his home but Ember opened his eyes and said with a damped tone:

• We only part to meet again… may the shadows always grant you protection friend.

• Sssss may the road to your friendssss never be long ssss. Take care of yoursssself Ssssshadowbane ssss.

Ember chuckled and fell asleep under the clear sky of Equestria; the sky that has been shrouded by the dark trees of the Everfree Forest.

Not far away from them somepony was hiding between the trees. The unknown pony levitated a bottle that was filled with the dark water from the cleansed pound.

• Interesting... very interesting.