Rain pattered upon the ground in a torrential flow. All around, the shadows were illuminated by the lightning. The muddy ground was laced with blood, flowing from the broken corpses. There a young filly lay, tears streaming down her face as she let out her sadness. The sound of thunder made her flinch, but her eyes never straying from the dead mare in front of her.

“Mama.” The filly sobbed. Ahead of them, lay another body, this one belonging to a stallion. “Papa.” Choked the filly.

Then her gaze cast around towards the assembled villagers, their bodies lifeless bloody lumps. “Everyone's gone.”

The lightning flashed again, and in that light, she could make out a figure. It was tall, very un pony like, standing on two legs. The lightning only showed it's features ever so slightly, for the lightning was very brief. But in that briefness, the filly could make out movement. It was moving towards her. Her mind told her to run away, but her legs wouldn't work. She didn't want to leave her parents behind. Dead or not. The thing soon loomed over her. She didn't shrink, didn't shiver. Her fear was too great. The thing merely looked down at her, while the filly looked up.

“Please.” She pleaded. “Please don't kill me.”

And then Firefly woke up.

* * *

Firefly let out a little gasp as she awoke. She breathed heavily for a few seconds, before she gathered her wits and looked around her surroundings. She was still here. The same old woods, same old camp, same old companions. The only person who wasn't asleep was Gusty.

“You're up.” The griffon noticed.

Firefly took a few moments to gather herself before she answered. “Yeah. Just woke up.”

“Have a bad dream?” Gusty asked.

The pegasus was still hesitant at first. She didn't really know the griffon from the back of her hoof, but it wouldn't be polite to ignore her.

“Yeah.” But then she picked up on something. “What are you doing up? Can't sleep?”

Gusty adjusted her position. “Insomniac. Besides, one of us has to stay alert. Never can know what could come out at us.”

Firefly looked around at that last statement. The woods still remained silent in the darkness. Suddenly, a whimper alerted her to Dodger. The diamond dog was huddled in a curled ball, tail sticking to his body. His legs broke free and kicked as he tried to run from an invisible enemy.

“Looks like he's having a real whopper.” Gusty chuckled.

Firefly then noticed the dog lick his lips. Obviously he was dreaming about food.

“Or stuffing his gob.” Firefly said with a hint of disgust.

Gusty looked at the pegasus. “Not a real fan of diamond dogs are ya?”

Firefly looked away for a moment, “They don't have the best reputation. Heck the guy was a thief that we sprung from jail.”

“Well it's not like ponies say anything nicer about griffons.” Gusty said. “Then again, you ponies do tend to be an arrogant lot.”

“What's that supposed to mean?” Firefly asked, a hunt of offense creeping into her voice.

Gusty sighed. “Think about it, you ponies control the sun and the moon, history has shown you using friendship as a way to convert other races to your way thinking, the griffons and dragons being prime examples. Why if you wanted to, you could probably take control of the entire world.”

“That doesn't mean all ponies are like that!” Firefly defended.

“So I guess that applies to diamond dogs?”

Firefly was at a loss for words. She realized she was being a bit unfair to Dodger based on his race. For the moment it made her think of Tempest's words. Looking to her friend, she could see he was still asleep.

“Yeah well I guess.” Firefly muttered.

Gusty shook her head. “There you go, looks like there is some hope for the pony race after all.” the griffon kept her gaze on towards Firefly. “So what's the deal with you and unicorn boy? He your boyfriend or something?”

Firefly's face turned bright red and she shook her head furiously. “What?! No! He-He-He-He's just my best friend!”

Gusty chuckled again. “Ah to be young. I remember love so well.”

“I'm not in love!” Firefly defended.

“Getting awfully defensive aren't you?”

The pegasus tried to keep down her emotions. But another laugh from the griffon halted her.

“Relax, I'm just messing with you.” Gusty reassured.

Firefly snorted and returned to her original position. “Look, Tempest and I have just been friends since we were kids. Nothing more.” She said in a matter of defense.

Gusty was about to comment on that again, but she figured it wouldn't do well to mess with the pegasus again. Overkill was overkill after all.

“Still, I'd watch it if I were you. Sometimes we say we feel about someone one way, but we really feel about them another way.”

“I'm taking you know from experience?” Firefly asked.

“Let's just say I've been down this road before. You know somegriffon for a long time. You're friends, but deep down there's something more. And by the time you get the courage to tell them how you really feel, it's too late.” Gusty remarked with sadness. “You should get some sleep, it's going to be a-” Gusty halted her speech. Tensely she stared forward, eyes darting from side to side.

“What is it?” Firefly asked.

Gusty slowly reached for her weapon, takin it out and extending it. “We're not alone.” She warned. “Quickly, wake everyone else up.”

Firefly shook Tempest. “Tempest! Wake up!” She urged.

With a final jolt, the unicorn awoke. “What? Huh? Firefly? What is it?”

“Something's here.” Firefly warned.

Running over to Dodger, she too shook him awake.

“Meat? Huh? Oh Firefly pony?” The canine remarked confusingly.

“Come on get up. We have to move.” Firefly rushed.

The diamond dog got to his feet, groggily shaking himself awake. Tempest did the same, shaking off the vestiges of sleep.

“What is it?” The unicorn asked.

Gusty looked around, standing erect as she brandished her weapon.

“I don't see anything.” Dodger remarked.

“Trust me, something's here.” Gusty assured.

The darkness of the world still kept a brisk silence. No one knew where the danger was coming from, so that made things extra hard to keep alert. But keeping their wits about them was crucial. They couldn't let fear get the best of them. Whatever was coming, they would face it bravely. Then, out of the tiniest fraction of their ears, they picked up something. It was a sliding sound, with a hint of a rustle.

And then, something struck.

Out of the trees something extended. They were long and like vines. They thrashed about, hoping to grab anything they could find. And sure enough, they did.

“Hey! Let go!” Firefly cried. But the vines tightened around her. She slid into the forest and out of sight.

“Firefly!” Tempest cried after. But it was too late. Firefly was gone. Immediately, Tempest looked to Gusty. “What were those!?”

“Plunder Seeds.” Gusty answered.

“Plunder Seeds?” Tempest repeated.

The griffon nodded. “Back when the lord of chaos ruled over Equestria, he planted these seeds all around the Everfree Forest. The seeds grew and would certainly have caused the forest to sprout all around Equestria, but luckily they were held at bay. Yet when the Rending happened, the chaos mist caused a mutation within them, granting sentience.” Gusty explained.

Dodger let out a tiny whimper. “So the plants think?”

“More or less.” Gusty answered.

That didn't seem to make the diamond dog feel better, only causing him to whimper all the more.

“Well we have to go rescue her!” Tempest declared.

“Rescue!?” Dodger exclaimed. “That's crazy! You saw them just grab her! We can't fight anything like that!”

“We have to try! I'm not leaving Firefly behind!” Tempest kept his magic upon his sword, ready to draw it.

Gusty couldn't help but grin at the loyalty the unicorn was displaying towards his friend. “I've seen where they nest, I'll lead the way.”

The griffon indeed led the way while Tempest followed after, but he noticed one person wasn't following them. “Hey are you coming?” He asked to Dodger.

Dodger hesitantly looked to his side, and then back, before he slumped his shoulders down. “Fine pony, I'll go.” And the diamond dog joined them.

The trio went through the trees, and past the foliage as they worked their way onward. And as they did, Tempest's thoughts never strayed from Firefly.

“Hold on Firefly, I'm coming.” Tempest told himself, keeping up the pace as far as they went.

The party continued to run, going past the foliage and the trees. Both Dodger and Tempest kept a close look on Gusty, letting the griffon lead the way. They ran at a hasty pace, not even needing a haste spell to keep up. Their run lasted all the way to a small cave opening.

“We're here.” Gusty announced.

Dodger peering inside, “In there?” He gulped.

“Look this is where the pegasus is. You want to save her or not?” Gusty replied.

“Yes of course!” Tempest declared, drawing out his blade and unfolding it.

Dodger still had reservations about this, but knew he owed the two ponies and withdrew his daggers.

Gusty flashed a grin, “Now that's more like it. Let's go!”

The trio entered the cave, going deep and further in. It was dark, but there were still some traces of light, namely from the holes in the ceiling allowing the moonlight to seep through. As they walked further inside, they noticed something peculiar about the walls: they were covered in vines.

“I think we have the place.” Tempest noted.

“Yeah, these vines grow throughout the complex, we just have to follow them.” Gusty explained.

Dodger let out a whimper as he followed along.

“Look don't get scared, between the three of us we should be able to handle some overgrown vegetables.” Gusty reassured.

“Yeah, vegetables that can probably eat us.” Dodger whimpered again.

“Just leave all the heavy hitting to us.” Tempest reassured. Though he was partly trying to calm down the dog, he did find his excessive fear grating.

The trio continued to walk until at last they heard something far off.

“Hey! I said let me go!” A voice called.

Tempest shot straight up as he recognized it. “That's Firefly!”

Without thinking, Tempest charged straight ahead.

“Wait!” Gusty called following after him.

Seeing no other choice, Dodger joined her.

They didn't have to run far as the path led them to a strange opening in the wall. They looked down and noticed there was a sliding incline. One could slide down if they wished it. But that wasn't what was most noticeable about room below. There smack dab in the center was a large plant. It was large enough, with vines protruding out of its pod. Several smaller pods skittered about, using their vines to move themselves about. But what caught everyone's eyes was the guest wrapped in said vines.

“All right this is your last warning! Let me go!” The pegasus demanded.

The pods paid her no heed. They moved about, situating themselves all around the base plant. Tempest watched it all intently. He couldn't sit back and simply watch though.

“Hold on Firefly! I'm coming!” And without warning, Tempest slid down.

“What the!? Damn idiot pony!” Gusty cursed. She followed after Tempest, only soaring down instead.

Dodger put away his daggers and hesitantly put a foot down, patting at the incline when all of a sudden, he fell down rolling down the hill. All three landed, two landing perfectly, and the last not so perfectly.

“Tempest!?” Firefly called, noticing her friend.

“Don't worry Firefly, we're here to rescue you!” Tempest assured.

“Easier said than done.” Gusty said drawing her spear.

Dodger brought out his daggers, fearfully looking about the plants. Though they didn't have eyes, he knew they were looking at him.

Tempest was the first to act, charging forward and prepping a fire spell in his sword. As soon as one plant neared, he slashed with his sword. The fire burned against the plant's flesh and he did the same with another. Gusty could see several pods closing in on them.

“You!” She said to Dodger.

“Me?” Dodger responded.

“Go rescue the pegasus, I'll hold them off!” Gusty said as she rushed in there spear drawn.

Dodger was taken aback by the order, but still, he had to do something. So he charged forward, daggers drawn and nearing the vines holding Firefly. As soon as he neared, he jumped up and slashed at said vines, causing them to fall to the ground lifelessly.

“You alright pony?” Dodger asked.

Firefly was rather surprised that the diamond dog saved her. “Yeah.”

The obligatory “thank you” was put on hold as more vines slid from the plant base. The pod began to shake and split open. It turned around, opening up to reveal a hoard of teeth and even more vines, dripping with slime.

“Yikes! Let's go!” Dodger proclaimed ushering Firefly away.

“No way! I'm not letting this giant veggie get away with grabbing me!” She boldly declared.

The plunder seed turned it's attention to Firefly and Dodger. It flailed its vines around as it lumbered it's way towards them. Firefly was quick and zipped past it using her hoof guards to attack it. Dodger was hesitant in his footing, but he too joined in slashing at it with his daggers.

“Hey dog! Can't you do that time stealing thing you did before?” Firefly called.

“Well, I'm not sure if it will work on it. Some creatures are immune.” Dodger explained.

“Worth a shot!” Firefly said

Jumping up, Dodger did his little motion. In that instance, the pod began to slow.

“It worked!” Dodger remarked in surprise.

“All right doggy!” Firefly cheered and went back to work zipping about. In short time, the pod fell from exhaustion.

Meanwhile, Tempest and Gusty were wailing away on their own pods, using fire and force in order to beat them.

“Man they just keep coming.” Tempest said amidst fire laced swings.

Gusty could see them gathering around them, and that gave her the opening she needed. Leaping into the air, she dove down right into the throng. The impact sent them flying in different directions, Tempest look on with impressed light.

“Wow. That's effective.” He remarked.

“Now that their out of the way, we should concentrate on the main plant.” Gusty said to everyone. Firefly and Dodger heard her and quickly gathered with the unicorn and griffon.

“Okay, everyone attack it!” Tempest ordered.

“You got it!” Firefly zipped ahead, goof guards out. “Now about a power break!” She charged up another break and ignited it against the body.

With a quick swipe of the vine, she was sent to the ground, just like swatting a fly. Dodger jumped up, hoping to steal some of it's time. Dodger did the motions, but with another quick swipe of it's vines, Dodger was sent flying down. The technique did not work.

Tempest charged up another fire blade and charged forward. Using it, he was able to slash at against the vines. They fell off without a problem, and Tempest turned his attention to the main plant. He slashed against it furiously, but before he knew it, three more vines popped out, swatted him and then the third quickly grabbed him.

“Tempest!” Firefly called.

Tempest's sword dropped from his grip as his magic released it. He could feel the plant squeezing him, hoping to crush the life out of him.

“It's going to kill him! I'm going in!” Firefly readied herself to cage right in there.

“Wait!” Gusty suddenly halted.

“What are you doing? I have to save Tempest!” Firefly urgently explained.

Gusty shook her head. “It's no good, you wouldn't be able to do much.” Right on cue, the remaining pods came to and surrounded the party.

“Now what are we supposed to do?” Dodger fearfully whimpered.

The pods were all around them, Tempest was in danger. They didn't have many options present.

“I have an idea.” Gusty suddenly announced.

“An idea?” Both Firefly and Dodger exclaimed.

A sudden yell from Tempest only ignited their feelings towards the situation.

“Yeah. I think it can save us.” Gusty explained.

“Well hurry up! We don't know how long Tempest has!” Firefly urged.

Gusty took a few steps forward. She put her spear in it's holder, and placed a claw to her chest. “Shiva. Come forth!” She beckoned.

Suddenly, there grew a chill in the air. Small crystals hung in front of everyone, shattering into crystalline dust. Then, removing her claw from her chest, something sprung forth from her being. The thing that appeared before them was female in shape, based on old manuscripts from Twilight Sparkle, it held a human shape. The humanoid shape began to clear, giving form and feature. The colors white and blue were prominent, white skin with blue hair that hung down in a flowing motion. Pink silk hung from her arms, flowing as much as the hair, and a strapless bikini, blue in color, hung upon her breasts. The creature was at last in full form, and the very chill hung in the air.

“Shiva! Diamond Dust!” Gusty ordered.

The creature turned around, showing off it's blue eyes. She nodded and waved her arms. All at once, a coldness hit the air. Before any of the pods could act, a great breeze of cold air blue around them. Instantly, they were frozen in an icy blanket. The ice itself coated the completely, keeping them from moving. The chill spread to the main plant, freezing everything except for Tempest and his sword. The vine began to splinter and broke. Upon hitting the ground, it shattered, freeing Tempest. Right away he grabbed his sword and watched as the icy splendor flowed about. Every inch of the plant was frozen, and at it's apex. Shiva snapped her fingers, and instantaneously everything shattered. The plants broke apart. Everything fell silent.

Gusty looked up at the creature, and smiled. “Thanks Shiva. Go rest now.”

Shiva nodded and in a cold breeze, she vanished into nothing.

It took everyone a moment to process what had just happened. But Firefly was the first to speak.

“That...was...so...AWESOME!” Firefly cheered, flapping into the air. “I mean what was that?!”

“That was an esper, my esper.”

“Esper?” Firefly repeated.

“Esper?” Tempest likewise repeated, this time more in repulsion.

“What's an esper?” Dodger asked.

Gusty dusted herself off, shaking some ice crystals from her wings. “Espers are magical creatures. They are hidden around the world, trapped in stones. When you find one, you can forge a pact with it in order to summon them.”

“Really? You mean you can summon one of those things to help you?” Firefly asked with excitement. “That's so totally awesome! I got an ester too.”

“You don't say?” Gusty said.

“Yeah. Some fire demon or something.” Firefly elaborated.

Gusty nodded. “Ifrit the fire bringer. Amazing, from what I hear Ifrit is very temperamental. You must have impressed him.”

“Tempest has one too.” Firefly pointed to her friend.

Gusty and Dodger looked to him, both surprised at this piece of info.

“So you can summon one of those monsters too?” Dodger asked.

Tempest looked away, his face dark and firm. “Why does it matter, I wouldn't summon one of those monsters anyway!”

Dodger could pick up right away at Tempest's revulsion. “I was just asking.”

“Espers aren't monsters, they're living creatures.” Gusty defended.

“Not monsters? Because of an esper, our village was destroyed!” Tempest reminded. “So tell me, how can that not be a monster?”

Gusty walked towards the unicorn, her face firm and serious. Tempest looked up, a little tense at the griffons' firm display. “Look, I understand if you've faced a loss, but putting the blame on something won't do you well in the long run.” Said Gusty. “Besides, I find it hard to believe that an esper would just randomly attack a village, especially if it formed a pact with you. If I had to guess, it's power just went out of control. I suppose there was chaos mist involved in your village's downfall?” Tempest nodded. “That could explain it. Chaos mist, it has a strange effect on all creatures.”

Tempest looked away, still unbelieving or unwilling to shift the blame. “Maybe.”

The moment was over, but Firefly had to say something. “Can we get out of here, with all the dead plants, this place is creeping me out.”

Gusty fanned out her wings, shaking herself off. “We should head back to camp. Get some rest, and move out.”

Tempest turned back to her, mind turning away from his previous angry thoughts. “Yeah, that sounds like a good idea.” He concurred.

Dodger then gave out a yawn. “Well I can tell you this dog is bushed.”

But before anyone could say anything, something occurred. In that very instant, they were gone, vanished without a trace.

XXX

Luna stood silently in her realm. She had intervened only slightly, but it was the crystal's will.

“Now is the time.” She said. Fanning her wings out, Luna looked solemnly ahead. “I just hope you and your companions can take it Tempest.” She said. “May your fortune find you, my dear sweet Tempest.”

XXX

The party found their senses tested, as their surroundings were changed in an instant. “What the?” Gusty was the first to exclaim.

Everyone else present were feeling the same. They were confused at how they had switched places. No longer were they in the plant room, but instead the long road of a cave before them.

“Okay? How did we go from one place to another?” Firefly asked.

Dodger looked about, but strangely, he felt no fear. “I feel something calming up ahead.”

Everyone looked ahead to see a long road extending before them. “Maybe we should head down there and see what it is. I feel something too.” Said Tempest.

Nodding, the group walked ahead, going down the road, following the pleasant feeling that absorbed into their bodies. Sure enough, they did feel something, and they followed their very hearts. It wasn't a metaphorical statement, it literally felt like their hearts were guiding them. The road wasn't as long as they had thought, and they soon found themselves at a large opening. There was nothing to note, save for the large tree in the middle.

“Look there!” Tempest called.

Everyone ran towards it, surprised at how a tree could be in a place like this. But when they arrived, to their dismay, the tree was dead. It's branches were limp, and it's bark looked lifeless.

“Hey, what's that inscribed?” Firefly asked.

Inscribed in the tree itself, were a symbol of a sun and a moon.

“Thou has come.”

“Woah, did anyone else hear that?” Firefly asked.

Dodger, who still felt no fear, perked up his ears. “It was in my head.”

“Yeah, mine too.” Tempest concurred.

“Thou has found the Tree of Harmony. The once proud holder of the elements.”

“Elements?” Tempest repeated.

“The elements of harmony.” Gusty reiterated.

Both Tempest and Firefly stood at attention. “The elements of harmony?” They both said in unison.

Dodger scratched his head in confusion. “What are the elements of harmony?”

Firefly looked at the dog like he was crazy. “Every pony knows about the elements.

“Well I'm not a pony.” Dodger corrected.

“The elements of harmony are the most powerful form of Equestrian magic.” Gusty explained.

Suddenly, there came a glow from the tree. Despite it's dead appearance, it shone brilliantly. And from that shine, came six shining lights. They floated into the air, iridescent in color. Suddenly, one light shot up disappearing into the ceiling.

“Honesty.”

Suddenly, another light joined it.

“Laughter.”

As those two lights disappeared, another one joined it, but instead of vanishing into the roof, it entered Dodger. The dog let out a whimper, feeling his chest for any deformities.

“Generosity.”

Another light shot, this time into Gusty.

“Kindness.”

Then another into Firefly.

“Loyalty.”

And then lastly, into Tempest.

“Magic.”

The lights were all gone now, gone into their respective holders.

“Seek out the two others, seek out the lost elements, and bring them together.” The voice commanded.

Suddenly, everyone's heads were cast with a barrage. It was a headache of sorts, brief but enough to leave an impact.

When it ended, their vision was beset by a flash. And when that flash ended, they found themselves outside.

XXX

Luna stood by the great crystal, watching the scene unfold.

“So they have been chosen now.” Luna stated.

It had been a long time since the elements of Harmony bore hosts. Luna recalled that feeling, the feeling of bearing such great power. Though it had been different for her and Celestia. She and her sister had bore three elements each, while the second time around six separate others had bore them. The reason was based purely on power. Being alicorns, they were able to hold a larger amount of magic. While the lesser races of pony were able to hold only so much. Now history was repeating itself, only this time, it wasn't just ponies who were chosen. A diamond dog and a griffon. Never had such a thing been heard of in Equestria. But times were desperate. There was no need to be choosy.

“They must succeed. The fate of Equestria hangs in the balance.” Luna stated firmly.

And so it would begin. ”.

Author's Note

Well my little hiatus for this fic is over. I have to say, I probably could have fleshed this chapter out better, but writing out battles is hard for me. Anyway, I've added some insight to the characters, and I hope it provided some explanation. To be honest, Gusty's little tirade about ponies kind of reflects my feelings on them. I mean they do control the world pretty much, and if given enough incentive, they could conquer it. It kind of helps that in my story they are the only race who seems to have flourished underneath the Rending. Although, we don't know how the rest of the world will feature. There is still Tirek and Scorpan's homeland, and the movie revealed there is a sea pony and a cat kingdom. Note, those won't be covered in the story. And also, I am aware that there is a character in the movie named Tempest, and that she has a similar name to Tempest Noctis. Note, I came up with Tempest's character before I saw the movie trailer. And also remember I have a character named Midnight Shimmer despite there being a character named Sunset Shimmer in the series canon.

It's really good to get back to this, and maybe somewhere down the line, I will write a sequel to this.